我和妈妈的生日歌

曾经我写过这么一个文章：

我和妈妈的生日歌

今天看了刘墉的《母亲的伤痕》， 感触良多。 我又再次想起妈妈。 里头有一句话：儿的生日，娘的难日， 让我深深领悟到在庆祝自己的生日同时，我们也该感恩母亲的伟大。 记得小时候每一次的生日，妈妈不管有多忙，都会为我买蛋糕，炒一盘我爱吃的米粉或老鼠粉，然后握着我的手，和我一起唱她那首改版过的生日歌：今天我最快乐，今天我最快乐，你们大家来祝贺，祝我生日快乐！虽然没有昂贵的礼物，也没有华丽的生日派对，但是那是我曾有过最温馨的生日。

记得六年级那年，我认识了一位漂亮姐姐，她提议要为我举办生日派对，妈妈和姐姐也义不容辞为我准备食物，同时也请了很多朋友。同样地，当每个人为我唱生日歌的时候，妈妈习惯性地握着我的手一起唱我们的生日歌。那时候的我感觉好像个小公主，幸福得不得了！

上了高中后，我依然还是有妈妈的陪伴，一起唱我们的生日歌。那个时候的我常骄傲地说：我生日有两个蛋糕吃，一是家人买的，二是朋友送的！好幸福哦！

大学一年级，妈妈生病了，仅管如此，她还是为我唱生日歌。那是我的二十一岁生日， 多数人认为那是很重大的日子，因为它象征长大成年的年龄，也是父母亲交还孩子钥匙的年龄。虽然我没有生日派对，但我真的是心存感激还有妈妈的生日歌和家人的生日蛋糕。妈妈问我说：“你想要什么生日礼物？要不要我买条项链给你？”我摇了摇头说：“不必了，我不需要。”但其实我后悔没说出心里头想要说的话：只要你把病养好，那就是我的生日礼物！那一年生日后，我再也听不见妈妈的生日歌。。。

感恩妈妈二十一年来不曾忘记为我唱生日歌，也感恩伟大的她生下我，不辛劳苦地把我们养大成人。遗憾的是我来不及告诉她这一切。。。请记得生日时，向你妈妈说声谢谢，也别忘了说我爱您。

今年的生日也不例外，我想说：妈，谢谢您！我爱您！

三十

三十不代表什么，那只是一个数字；

三十不代表什么，那只是另一个人生必经过的阶段；

三十不代表什么，那只是我来到这世界的第三个世纪；

三十没什么大不了！！！

December 2010

I love December because it is the month that is full of happening events and most importantly, it is my birthday month!

This year December has been a busy month for me but I enjoyed every moments. It started with our department's Secret Santa game. Everyday from 6th till 10th, I received a small gift from my secret santa not knowing who he/she is. I like the game that motivated me to go to work everyday for that period of time! I anticipated to receive surprise each day and I enjoyed being secret santa of others too!!!

Left top: A bottle of wine from my supervisor; middle left: A bottle of champagne from James; bottom left and the rest: from my secret Santa, Nikki!

We had potluck for holiday party too!

After the party, I started my 8 day vacation in Washington, D.C and New York City! I would say this is one of my favorite trips in USA. It was not the place that impressed me but the food and the company! For me, NYC is all about food!

It was also my first time to experience snowing and ice-skating in winter!

This is the best dessert I've ever tried in NY!!! It was heavenly yummy! I am happy that Vida got to eat the nice dessert on her birthday!

What's next? Point Reyes. That is the place that my "son" promised to bring me to for sunset and he made it. Though we didn't get to see the sunset in the end, I really felt thankful to him.

Lastly, christmas and my Bday!!! We had a small party at home and we had friends coming from Vacaville and Oceanside. I enjoyed every moments starting from decorating the house, preparing the food till end of the party!
We had fun in the gift exchange!
It was a surprise birthday. Thinking about it, now I realised why was everyone asking for nail clipper that night!!! Thank you buddies! I really had a great time on my day because of all of you!

This year I received two super-duper big cards. One from my best friend, Fang Jie from Brunei. Another one from my STRAT buddies. I think I'm the lucky one to have all these friends!!!! Love you all!

Time flies. Year 2010 is drawing near to an end soon and I am looking forward to welcoming year 2011! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

冬至快乐

每到冬至，我都会想起老家，想起妈妈。。。

以往的今天，妈妈都会准备不同颜色的汤圆，红蓝白都有，而我却负责搓汤圆。我享受搓汤圆的过程，因为看着一粒粒五颜六色的汤圆，我的心会有种说不出的喜悦及成就感。

冬至的来源我不清楚，但我依然记得妈妈常会带着调皮的笑脸对我说，“每吃一粒汤圆就会老一岁，少吃几粒你就不会老得那么快，知道吗？”话说如此，她总是还是给我最大的那一碗=）

如今冬至已不如往昔，人工汤圆已被超市包装得精致的汤圆取代。不必等到冬至的到来，今昔的汤圆已成了普遍的糖水。各种口味的汤圆样样都有，花生，芝麻，红豆等等任你选。而我最爱的就是芝麻与花生！

今年的冬至，虽然少了在家乡的那份温暖及气氛，我感激还有室友陪我一同吃汤圆，至少我不是一个人。但是像这样的佳节，我总是会更想家。。。。

冬至快乐！

Self-indulgence

Yesterday morning, I woke up with a smile on face when I thought about my new camera that was arriving on this day. First thing I did when I arrived in office --- tracking my delivery on UPS! Yesh, it was here!!!

I have been longing for a good camera since long time ago (well, not that my current Fujifilm is lousy, comparing with my friend's camera, it is considered uncompetitive^^). Since my birthday is drawing near, this is persuasive enough in getting a present for myself (even though I am broke in current situation)! Ha! Whatever you call, I know...self-indulgence!

My friend said I got the good deal with goodies given. Nah....just a few minutes ago, I noticed the price has dropped to $399 on Amazon (comparison to my $414). Holy crap!!!!

I got to know about this brand of camera from a friend of mine who owns a Lumix LX3. It captures high-quality photos with sharp images. That was the first thing that attracts my attention to this camera. Slowly, I heard a lot of good comments about it. In the end, I decided to get Lumix LX5! Oh my beloved camera =)

Good camera needs a good photographer. Next step I should do is improving my photo-taking skill. It is still a big room for improvement, I know and I will....

小人物的心声

昨天沿着海岸跑步的我，突然脑海闪过这一首歌，不禁让我释怀了。前天的不愉快就这样一笔勾消吧！为了一个不起眼的角落，我何必那么在乎呢？为了别人的眼光，我何必跟自己过不去呢？现在这样休闲的我，不是很好吗？眼前的美景，晴朗不过的天气，有多少人能在这个时候拥有呢？换了个不同的工作时间，现在的我却竟然发现，其实这样也不错。放工之余，我享受跑在寥寥无几的海岸边，一边欣赏美景，一边听着MP3；我享受回家的路途上，满脑子想着晚餐的菜单；我享受在多余的傍晚时间，为自己准备丰富晚餐。。。

这首歌写得很贴切，尤其是这一段：

我从来都不在乎，自己不是一个大人物；
因为平凡也是一种幸福；
看到名人总是忙忙碌碌，
我的时间由我控制，
平凡日子一样会充实

人生何其多，何必为了有的没的，想太多呢？我想通了，你呢？

Goodbye EQC

I am going to miss EQC dearly. It's the best department that I really enjoyed working at. Nice, friendly, helpful colleagues. What I like the most is their team work spirit! I love all of them. They're awesome!

Yesterday in the meeting, James said he is going to miss me. I suddenly felt so touched and I was trying hard to control my tears. I wanted to say, I don't want to go anymore. I am going to miss all of them too =(



Today is my last day in EQC. My colleagues organised a potluck as my farewell. And again, I stucked at my words. I didn't say much but thank you to all of them. I know I am not good in expressing myself at times, especially in public, but deep in heart, I appreciate everyone of them for being such a good trainer and colleague. I think I am the lucky one to be in EQC!

Goodbye EQC. You are the best!

暖暖

一壶清甜养颜糖水，
让我甜在心窝；

一碗爱心肉骨茶，
让我感觉温暖；

悄悄地为我们收集银币的你，
让我想说，其实你很好；

从不厌倦成为我们的司机的你，
让我有种熟悉的安全感；

你对我的好，我都知道
谢谢一直在我身边陪伴着我`支持我的朋友们！

Happy Mooncake Festival

Today when I was driving home from work, I saw the moon just right far in front of me, giving its fullest and roundest appearance. Yeah, it is Moon of the Night. Time flies, here comes another mooncake festival.

It is one of my favorite festivals other than Chinese New Year because it brings the meaning of reunion with family and relatives. On this occasion, my family and relatives will usually gather at my aunt's house, enjoying different variety of mooncakes while sipping a cup of tea. Pamelos is also one of the indispensable fruit on the table. Of course, most exciting moment for the kids would be carrying the lantern and taking a walk around the neighbourhood.

This year, far across another side of the planet, though I can't celebrate the festival with family, we are admiring the same beautiful moon regardless where we are. However, the feeling of homesickness gets stronger on this day. I miss them dearly.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to celebrating this meaningful festival with my friends here on Friday though the moon is no longer rounder and brighter.

Happy Mooncake Festival!

家

我想家了，
尤其是在夜深人静的时候；

我想家了，
尤其是在佳节即将来临的时候；

我想家了，
尤其是在胸口感觉郁闷的时候；

我想家了，
尤其是在无人可倾诉的时候；

我想家了，
尤其是在别人眼中自己是那么渺小的时候；

家，永远是我的避风港，
但它现在是那么的遥远。。。

我真的好想家。。。。

口说好话，有那么难吗？

好听的话能让气氛融洽，
好听的话能让人感觉舒服，
好听的话能让话题聊得开心，
那为什么有些人就那么难以开口说好话呢？

我，是不是也如此呢？

短发

终于，我把它“干了”！
挣扎了许久，今天我不再犹豫，
一声“咔嚓”，它就这样不见了，
啊~我的长发。。。。

突然好想唱梁咏琪的《短发》，

我已剪短我的发，剪断了牵挂，

剪一地不被爱的分岔，

长长短短，短短长长，

一寸一寸在挣扎；

我已剪短我的发，剪断了惩罚，

剪一地伤透我的尴尬，

反反复复，清清楚楚，

一刀两断，你的情话，你的谎话

现在的我感觉焕然一新，

浑身一头轻，

其实，短发也不错！

短发万岁！！

My working place

Talking so much about travelling, I think I should also update a bit on my working lifestyle here. I can't imagine that I have been working in Genentech for six months already! How time flies. Overall, I would say, I enjoy working with the people here. First day at work, I was so amazed that everywhere you go, people greet to you or smile to you! I felt good! Slowly, I learn to say " Hello, how're you?", "Thank you, (follow by name behind)", "Have a good weekend!" etc... even to someone that I don't know. May be you think this is normal but don't you think this is hardly practiced by our people in Singapore or M'sia or may be Asia countries?

Secondly, they emphasize on ERGONOMICS! The science of designing the job, equipment and workplace to fit workers in a comfortable way. How often do we hear this in our country? Barely. Whatever equipments or devices used here come with ergonomic purposes.

My cubicle. Small but I am contented since most of the time, I am not at my desk. My friends said," It's miracle when you pick up the phone." Yes, I am mostly working hard in the lab!

My first steel-toed safety boots. Heavy but it is important to protect my toes as I am always splashed by hot water while sampling water.

Some scary "decorations" in my cubicle. Well, they're not mine. May be they were the "leftover" from previous halloween party or whatever creative competition, I guess. Anyway, I find it quite useful waking me up in the morning at times.

Thirdly, teamwork in my department that makes me so proud to be one of them! I like my colleagues. They are definitely fun, certainly friendly, amazingly helpful and absolutely good trainers!!!! I really enjoy working with them. I like my supervisor though his first impression to me wasn't "impressive" other than his well-maintained moustache =p Undoubtedly, he has very strong sense of responsibility and he is very disciplined too. One-on-one meeting with him every fornight is not boring to me at all, instead, it is a very good opportunity for me to ask anything about job as if he is my work encyclopedia.

First dinner with colleagues and supervisor (last one at the back with moustache and short hair) at a nice and classic steak restaurant.

Happy hour with colleagues at a bar nearby company.

Party on the cruise during the period of plant shut down. We had lotsa fun!

First time went for Baseball game though not really watched with colleagues but managed to take photo with them.

Fourth, I like the way they hold the meeting because......they provide lunch (Just kidding, it's not just about food though I do love free food =D). Yes, for big meeting, they usually hold it during lunch time and we eat while people is presenting in front. Usually first thing in the meeting is about safety. Whatever safety issues irregardless job related or not. It is a good way to alert people at work about things happening around and promote a safe place at work. Besides, it is open to everyone to give presentation if you have something to share or announce related to job. End of the meeting, we have recognisation session where contribution by someone is recognised at work. This is really encouraging! I like!

Fifth, about our working attire here. It's casual and basically no restrictions so long it is not too exaggerating. I wear jeans and T-shirts everyday to work. However, when comes to working in lab, wearing labcoat and safety glasses is strictly a must before entering lab.

My labcoat with my name on it.

I guess I'm going to miss the working lifestyle here after training. I would definitely miss having donuts with colleagues in the cubicle while sipping a cup of coffee in the morning. I would definitely miss Ho-Ho (kind of gathering for employees on Friday where tidbits and beers are provided). I would definitely miss the coffee here (I am not a coffee person but all kind of coffee in the pantry here totally gets me into coffee addiction). Oh my....I am going to miss so many things here!

One more thing, I am surely going to miss working at bay area with nice views where I used to enjoy the scenery while walking to the car park. At times, I like sitting there, looking far across the sea and taking a deep breath to get rid all my unhappiness of the day if I have.

Let bygones be bygones

I suddenly found this song on youtube that brings back some memories. Nice song and I like the lyrics. It has been a while I have not listened to sentimental song like this. My taste of music has slowly expanded from slow, sentimental or jazz to those rock and roll type that I didn't really like in the past. Thanks to my STRATS gang here to make my life happier and more cheerful.

Friendship

The hot tears just uncontrolly welled up in my eyes when I saw this nicely put on my table this evening after work.....

I was very very touched. I saw what a true frienship is. They give me their hand when I am in need. They try to make me happy when I am sad. They feel angry too when I am bullied. They are just there for me when I need them. Besides saying a big "THANK YOU", I really wanna shout out loud to them, "I LOVE YOU!!!!!" I am grateful and I am blessed to have you girls by my side when I mentally need your support.

Thank you so much, Suyee and Vida. Thanks for being so sweet and patient to me. You blow away the dark cloud and shine my day again...

"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out. A friend is one who walks in when others walk out"
-Walter Winchell

哭

Updates 2

When everything seemed to be more settled down, we started throwing out a lot of programmes, eg movie parties, housewarming, snowboarding, sight seeings, shoppings and whatsoever that we would die die want to do here....



First thing, housewarming.
Curry was our main theme. Well, it just happened unexpectedly on the night right after I got my car. A friend of mine suddenly thought of cooking curry and we called up all the friends for dinner. That was it....our housewarming!
Menu: Chicken curry, minced meat bitter gout, spinach and wonton soup.
Drinks: Beer, Laichee dessert, and Jeremy's homemade brewed coffee....and yes, we drank them all....crazy huh?

Next, snowboarding @ Tahoe, my very first experience with snow!

My friend said I'm talented....yes, you got it right! Talented in falling down....but that's how we learn to stand, don't we? Falling down wasn't a big deal for me, but the most tiring part was taking in and out of snowboard and carrying it up the hill with the heavy skiing shoes! Afterall, I like the feeling of sliding down the hill with the sense of freedom!

Whatelse? Shopping, of course! Levis, Nike and Timberland are what I've got so far! More to come....when I have enough money (hopefully in few months later)!

Good food is always irresistible! My size right now says it all but trying all kind of food here is one of the enjoyable things to do. Top left: Medium done prime steak@ Broadway Prime Restaurant; top right: Santa Ramen @ San Mateo; middle left: (can't remember the name) chicken @ The Cheese Factory, downtown SF; middle right: chocolate cheese cake @ The Cheese Factory, SF; bottom left: roasted duck @ Porridge King, Daly City; bottom right: Chicken Jamalaya @ Elephant Bar, Burlingame. These are just the selected nice food.

We won't let go any weekends spending nothing at home and of course, if not going far away from home, we would choose to do some sightseeings nearby.

As Genentech employee, we have discount to Wax Museum, so why not?!

However, it was quite disappointing because I didn't manage to shake hand with Obama!!! He was fenced up and so as all the waxen statues. No fun!

Next, Lombard street. It is often billed as the crookedest street in SF. It was designed to reduce the hill's natural 27% grade, which was too steep for most vehicles to climb. An idea place to test your driving skills instead....

Koit Tower where we enjoyed the sunset view of the city.



Sunset......the moment when my stomach started growling noisily.....to say, "IT'S DINNER TIME"! Oppss...okay, I know it supposed to be a romantic caption but I just can't think of one =P

Guess what? Oh yeah, we went for NBA live!!!!

Golden Gate Warrior VS Utah Jazz.

I am neither good in basketball nor a fans of NBA but I love the lively atmosphere and I enjoyed admiring the basketball players =P They're cool man!!!!


Especially when they do the slam dunk!! Awwww.......my hero!

And yup, that's it for the time being. Needless to say, I enjoy life here and I hope more to come to share with you =)

Updates 1

I am back! Tonnes and tonnes of updates to do here...but just too little time to finish all at one go...

I had been busy with house moving and car hunting last 2 months. Yes, I finally moved into an apartment which is about 15-20 minutes drive via freeway to work. Nice place that is just walking distance to a big shopping mall and restaurants.

Ikea furnitures is all about DIY.

Bed frame was the headache. 64 knots x 2 beds! We were so stressed up to make it done before the day went dark. Still, we made it! So proud of us, my housemate and me! Excellent teamwork!

The whole process was tiring. We had been going to and forth Ikea as well as Target many times, repeating the same thing (loading and unloading) and finally the house was at least equipped with the basic furniture though the living room is still left totally empty.

I like the apartment, small but homey enough as our nest.

Next, car hunting! This was really a nightmare experience for me. That whole week, day and night, I was totally stressed up looking for car online and making appointments for car viewing after work before the rental car was returned. It was difficult to get a decent car within my budget which was around 3k-4k. I just know the whole week, my mind was only occupied with all kind of Japanese CARS (even in my dream)!!! Toyota Camry, Toyota Corrola, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Honda Prelude etc. From year 1996 to year 2000. I gained more and more experience in judging a car. However, disappointment sank in everytime after a car viewing or after making a call (good car is always sold off fast). It was either car's condition was not as good as I expected or the price was over my budget or surpass the value it should be according to KBB (Kelly Blue Book, a website that we can check how much the car is worth for). Until one Saturday (2 days before the return date of the rental car), I saw this 2000 Honda Civic online.

When I first saw it, I was actually quite disappointed. The interior was kinda dirty and smelly but when I test-drove it, I could tell the engine and brake were in good condition. In the end, I decided to take it. FINALLY!!!

My Jade Wonder =)