Inspired by Alice

The Mad Hatter stops midway in making hats for the Red Queen and asks Alice Kingsley in horror: "Have I gone mad?

Alice pretends to check his temperature. "I'm afraid so. You're entirely bonkers."

"But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are," she adds.

The Mad Hatter smiles.

Alice in Wonderland was running on ABC Family and Mr. Jang was commenting how boring the story was. But I've always found the storyline intriguing, even inspirational.

I've gone bonkers too... because I've told Mr. Jang that I'm training to become Nikita. Other than picking up jogging again, I'm doing daily stretches, crunches, push-ups and muscle toning exercies.

Too far a target?

Alice expressed horror at the enemy's monstrous champion: "This is impossible."

The Mad Hatter replied: "Only if you believe it is."

Too bad the only ass I got to 'kick' is Mr. Jang's. Haha.

Home after a 5-km run.

My best kick ass pose.

A separate blog for life in USA

I am still awake at 3.30am because I have just finished setting up a new blog on our life in USA. Mr. Jang thought it will be interesting to have one that focuses on our adventures here.

Am so not abandoning findingracehere.blogspot.com because this is still where I'll be, as an individual!

If you are interested in knowing the other blog's add, let me know.

First Christmas in US

We had planned to drive four hours up to Humboldt Redwood State Park and stay one night at Eureka over the Christmas weekend... but alas, the cold stormy weather kept us trapped inside the house and we only had one miraculous day of sunshine on Christmas eve. We took advantage of that and made an impromptu trip to Pigeon Point Lighthouse after lunch, which is about an hour's drive away.

The drive was longer than it seemed, perhaps because we were on highway 92 towards Half Moon Bay and it was a rather narrow, winding road especially when we hit the mountains. Despite that, as we neared the small town, we were greeted with sights of cute farm houses selling real Christmas trees and pumpkins (probably leftovers from Halloween). It's really new to us because Singapore almost never sell real Christmas trees... nor pumpkins that big.

Once we hit Highway 1 (Cabrillo Highway), it's a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast all the way till we reach the lighthouse. Would have loved to stop over at some of the scenic points along the way if not for the fact that we were in a race against daylight. We hoped to take photos of the lighthouse before it turns dark. We did manage that... and also walked around the place for a while before we overheard the guards saying that they were closing for the day. I'd love to come back for more photos... perhaps in the summer. The place is beautiful.

We then headed towards Mountain View to visit the Google headquarters. Mr. Jang really wanted to see the Android Jelly Bean ever since WL mentioned it to him. We got a little lost searching for the exact location but were helped by friendly Google staff on brightly-coloured bicycles. The mascots were really cute... the only turn-off was the muddy field. It was raining so consistently heavy the past few days that the soil was all soft and yucky.

Our last stop was at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church (of cos we need to attend church service!) We THOUGHT we were early but lo and behold! There was already a queue forming outside the church. The first service was apparently full to the brim and we had to wait till the next available one (it's typical on Christmas eve, an attendant told us). It was cold and windy while waiting but the church was very thoughtful in providing heat packs, warm ciders and brownie/cinnamon bites, brought to us by volunteers on trolleys. It's great experiencing the Christmas atmosphere here. It also made us more appreciative and grateful for the fact that we have a proper place to worship God...

And then on Christmas day, it was back to rainy skies again. It's been so ever since so we stayed at home for two full days, with Mr. Jang working from home on Boxing Day instead of going to the empty office. I hope the sun comes out soon (it did so briefly today!) so that we can continue seeking out new places to enjoy!

你要的爱 ukulele

I love musical instruments although I have zero intentions of mastering one; I just like the fact that I can self-entertain with one.

Here's 你要的爱 by 戴佩妮 - with ukulele.

Crediting www.ijita.com for the chords. It's by far the most useful website for Mandarin pop song chords. Check it out!

A quiet weekend

Have been watching the news on and off about the shooting and tearing every time I see survivors or families sharing their stories. The most heart-wretching one was of the principal's family. Her husband said he no longer feel angry at her for putting her life in danger. She had asked her staff to hide while she went out to confront the gunman - she was shot dead. When the reporter asked the daughter what would she say to her mom if she were here, she paused and wept: "Come back... come back..."

The pain is so real.

In between the news updates, Mr. Jang streamed Saturday Night Live on his Mac (we still haven't bought a proper TV). Definitely a good relief from all the sad news that's going around this country. We could all use a laugh or two in these solemn times. Ha.

This morning's sermon spoke about the kind of gift we could give God this Christmas. Afterall he gave us his son more than two thousand years ago. God loves justice. We could give him justice, not in terms of being judgemental and taking revenge in our own hands, but by being agents of change at home and in society to ensure that everyone (children, adult, elderly) are being treated fairly and given a fair chance at life.

A fair chance at life indeed... Sincerely hope that individually and collectively, the people of this nation can put a stop to all these senseless violence and give the young (and the old) a safe environment to grow and live.

Connecticut

This year's birthday celebration was a tad more special in that:

1) I celebrated it in US instead of SG;
2) Because of the time zone difference, it felt like a 2-day celebration because I have loads of friends and family wishing me 'happy birthday' a day in advance;
3) Compared to previous years where I met up with old friends for dinner, I actually made new friends this birthday (had brunch with Mr. Jang's colleague and her fiance, and also met up with a couple from SG whom I knew through another friend and have briefly spoken to on FB.)

I really had fun, but at the back of my mind, I'm haunted by the tragedy that happened at the elementary school at Connecticut.

It's not the first time such shooting incidents have happened in US. I'm not sure why I am particularly bothered this time - perhaps it's because I'm on this side of the world, or perhaps it's because I've been a sunday school teacher to primary school kids - I try not to imagine what went through the minds of the teachers... terrified, need to do something, what to do, how much time, protect my students...

I read the news on the timeline of the massacre and saw the list of names of the victims which was just released by the Police. I am truly overwhelmed with sadness when I thought of the children, especially how they would never have a chance to realise the dreams they have in adulthood. The young victims (most of them were reportedly first-graders) were just starting to enjoy school and friends... and they were robbed of their lives so early. Not only those who were slain, those who survived... the police officers had to ask them to close their eyes as they passed through the corridor on the way out to safety, because the scene along the way was just too horrible for anyone to see. As I write, I heard on the news that some of the six-years-olds are still trying to process what happened and if their friends and teacher will come back.

I don't want to debate about the right to own guns, although I really want to punch the stupid interviewee on TV who said that everyone should own one so that we can protect ourselves (what stupid logic is that). I want to pray for God's healing for the families, for the country, for the world. A lot of people would ask where God is in the midst of all these tragedies, how He can let such atrocities be committed against the innocent. We don't have an answer, but we know that God's love endures even through the most difficult times.

Mr. Jang said one thing which I really agree with. Christmas is coming, and often we think of how we can use this day as an opportunity to go on a holiday or party with friends. But this Christmas, may we truly be reminded that Jesus is the reason for the season, and take time to pray for His intervention in this world of irrationalism and violence.

May God bless the victims and comfort their families in the long painful journey of recovery.

A proper trip to San Francisco city (finally)!

Spent much of last week with friends starting with Jo and Victor, who were here on a week-long recce trip. They will be relocating to Redwood City/San Mateo next February, so hurray for me for I'll have more people to hang out with!

Last Thursday they've very kindly allowed me to tag along on their day-trip to San Francisco City. We spent a couple of hours at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market where we had yummy hotdogs and burgers for lunch from the street side stalls. I had expected it to be windy but the weather was superb. It was great strolling along the pier and taking in the sights of people reading, chatting and eating against the magnificent backdrop of the Bay Bridge under clear blue skies.

Shortly after lunch we headed towards Pier 39 - Fisherman's Wharf. It was funny as we were hit by fishy smells as soon as we got near the pier. And then we saw it. Basking in the warm afternoon sun was a small colony of sea lions! They weren't barking, like what you'd see on NatGeoTV, just.... sleeping, rolling and lazing around (strangely reminding me of women sunbathing on a French beach). If we need a demonstration of how one should blissfully soak up the California sun without a care in the world, this is it.

The bad thing about winter is that daylight is extremely short and we had to head back home before 4pm to beat the traffic. So after the warm cup of coffee at the sidewalk (and trying to fend off pigeons which were surrounding us in hope of food), we started our journey back to the small town.

Even though it was a rather short trip to town, for the first time I stepped foot on USA, I felt like a happy tourist. Much thanks to Jo and Victor for the fun day out. I suspect they just wanted to let me see the place and have a little bit of fun because they've both been to the Ferry Building and the Fisherman's Wharf before. Needless to say I really appreciated their company... and look forward to more trips together next year!

Stalls of all sorts lined the front of the Ferry Building. The Farmers Market is only available on Tue, Thu and Sat.

With pretty Jo!

Chilli Cheese hotdog... spiced up my taste buds.

The Bay Bridge. I need to get better lens for my camera. My NEX-5 is currently quite limited in terms of zooming range.

Arriving at Pier 39. Jo joked that one of Victor's talents is to get the most number of people in those stretch-arm-and-shoot! photos.

Can you smell... I mean, see them?

These two got my vote for the cutest sea lions of the lot.

Honeymoon no more!

It's officially the first day of work for Mr. Jang and that means I am officially on my own today. My adventure starts now!

Am somewhat familiar with the Bay area now, having driven all over the place to look for the right house in our first week. It was such a headache trying to weigh each house on the scales of accessibility, safety, rental cost and amenities (some don't come with an in-house washing and drying machine!)but it was all worth the effort. We finally settled on a cosy, comfortable unit complete with high ceilings, carpets and an open kitchen! The furniture arrived on the second day so we now have a proper bed, a sofa bed (for guests) and a dining table for four.

And it's such a blessing to have Yvonne and Boon Hui with us the past two weeks. I now know how to get the best deals out of Target, Safeway, Marshalls and Walmart. I also know my way to the nearest outlets - how useful is that for a girl! The walk-in closet is already filled with new bags and clothes from Kate Spade, Coach, CK, A&F, Aeropostale etc. I better paste a note somewhere to remind myself that I need to curb my spending.

Of course, ahem, I have been researching on more meaningful ways to spend my time while Mr. Jang is away at work. This evening I will be meeting a few people from a French speaking club - hope it will be a fun way to practice my french! Have also jotted down a few volunteering opportunities to contribute to the local community while I am here. The ideal thing to do is certainly to study. Stanford, one of the top schools in the world, is barely half an hour away. I'd love to study masters of comms there but it's extremely difficult to get in (they only take in the best!) not to mention the astronomical course fees... company sponsorships are probably the only way to go.

So this is where I'm at now... Thus far it's been a good break because I had Mr. Jang with me. Today is the official 'housewife' day where I will clean the house a bit and also get out of the house to explore on my own, though the order is somewhat reversed since I'm at the library all morning.

Will be uploading some photos soon!