Every year since we immigrated to Vancouver in 2004, we keep the tradition to get together with a few other families. One of the highlights this evening is to take two photographs sequentially. The first one usually, traditionally and well posted. The second one, is a free style and funny posting.
Then, now after 6 years, it's great to watch all these photographs in one go.
It's a pity that our family can't join this evening, but I shall keep the copy of the photographs just to make sure that the family tradition is well kept.
Then to continue our previous discussion. Today is the last day of 2010,while tomorrow will be the first day of next year 2011. Everyday is a new day! Everyday is a special day!
31 December, 2010
29 December, 2010
It's Okay My Friend! It's Okay To Cry!
It's okay my friend.
It's okay to cry.
Let the tears run down your face,
Moist your eyes and make them shine
... Like diamonds and they glitter when you blink ...
They are so beautiful,
... The love, the care, the warm heart,
The three treasure of human being all in one
Crystallized in the form of tears,
My friend, let your tears run slowly down,
... Slowly down, slowly down,
... I enjoy watching them, the love, the care and the warm heart.
Not sure why you apologized to me,
It was me who is going to leave you early,
If any fault is to be found,
... It's all mine! None yours!
Though I have no plan to apologize to you,
As you know, I did nothing to leave to you early,
Right the reverse, I tried my best not to.
Yes, I want to stay and outlive you,
So it will me to see you leaving,
It will be me who cry and let you say,
It's okay my friend, it's okay to cry!
You know when I saw you cry, I wanted to cry with you.
I swallowed my tears as you often understand them as sufferings and pain,
No time for dispute of this misunderstanding,
A smiling face I wore, with no intent to exhibit my courage and strong mind
Rather to prepare myself to deliver this simple message,
It's okay my friend, it's okay to cry!
It's okay my friend, it's okay to cry!
It's okay to cry.
Let the tears run down your face,
Moist your eyes and make them shine
... Like diamonds and they glitter when you blink ...
They are so beautiful,
... The love, the care, the warm heart,
The three treasure of human being all in one
Crystallized in the form of tears,
My friend, let your tears run slowly down,
... Slowly down, slowly down,
... I enjoy watching them, the love, the care and the warm heart.
Not sure why you apologized to me,
It was me who is going to leave you early,
If any fault is to be found,
... It's all mine! None yours!
Though I have no plan to apologize to you,
As you know, I did nothing to leave to you early,
Right the reverse, I tried my best not to.
Yes, I want to stay and outlive you,
So it will me to see you leaving,
It will be me who cry and let you say,
It's okay my friend, it's okay to cry!
You know when I saw you cry, I wanted to cry with you.
I swallowed my tears as you often understand them as sufferings and pain,
No time for dispute of this misunderstanding,
A smiling face I wore, with no intent to exhibit my courage and strong mind
Rather to prepare myself to deliver this simple message,
It's okay my friend, it's okay to cry!
It's okay my friend, it's okay to cry!
24 December, 2010
Silent Night and Merry Christmas!
Esther and Olivia returned after mid-night yesterday (or very early this morning) after spending 6 days with two other families in Los Angeles. As you may notice from the news, Southern California was storm-raining in the past week and 6 counties were declared in emergency state. One of them, the Orange County, i.e. the location of the Disneyland where they spent 3 days walking around under the heavy rain. The good news is there are not many long queues and one can proudly remember this trip some tenth of years later claiming it's a once in a life time opportunity to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse in their home during such heavy rain period. One of the photos showed that they were eating lunch outside, and the soup they were trying to drink keep filling up. With their raincoats on and sitting in the sides of the road, it also reminded people of our fellow citizens in East Hasting of Vancouver. All smiling and laughing happily! Environmental conditions aside, it's really up to what inside of you to define what your emotion at that specific moment. One thing for sure, rain storm doesn't last forever, same as sunshine, or cloudy sky. They come and they go, only memories stay! And after a while, even bitter memory becomes not so bitter and later on become sweet memory.
This evening is the Silent Night and tomorrow will be the Merry Christmas. It's a season for everyone to enjoy, for friends and families to gather, to share memories of the year (both good and bad). Life-O-Life, it can't be better!
This evening is the Silent Night and tomorrow will be the Merry Christmas. It's a season for everyone to enjoy, for friends and families to gather, to share memories of the year (both good and bad). Life-O-Life, it can't be better!
Having a soup in a rain is a wonderful experience. Try it and you would know!
It is NOT me who is in the middle of Esther and Olivia, though we look alike!
20 December, 2010
Aftershock 2010
It has been sometime that I did not watch a movie. Oh I love movies, but it's just difficult to set aside 2 hours time to watch a complete movie. Indeed when I watch movie, I hate to be interrupted every now and then. Or should I say, if I know I would be interrupted and cannot watch the movie from beginning to end peacefully and un-interrupted, I prefer NOT to watch.
A few friends told me that Aftershock 2010 directed by Feng Xiaogang is a very good movie, or at least it's the top selling movie in 2010. Like directors Akira Kurosawa and Steven Spielberg, Feng Xiaogang is one of my favorite directors and I watched almost every movie he directed.
The movie, Aftershock, used the Tangshan earthquake as background. The Tangshan earthquake took place more than 34 years ago. It was one of the largest natural disasters of the 20th century, a 7.8 earthquake with an epicenter in a city of 1.6 million people, followed by an aftershock that also reached 7.8 less than a day later. The official death toll is over 240,000, though many estimates have it as high as 700,000.
Though I was still a child that time, I remembered that when my father returned from one of his sea voyage (he was an assistant pilot for cargo vessel who traveled far), I was taken to his vessel and met with one of his colleague, whose hometown was from Tangshan. The man looked very sad and he did not really talked much. When my father and I was going to leave the vessel, he stood up and thanked my father of supporting him all these days. Only later I learned that his wife and his teenage boy were both killed in the earthquake, luckily, his parents, who lived outside of the city center, survived. At that age, I didn't really feel the pain of this man, but years come and go, whenever people mentioned Tangshan, I remembered this man, or more precisely, I remembered his sad face. Now that I have encountered death and now that I experienced the love and care by others, I start to feel the sadness of this man. It's 34 years later that I learned and knew the feeling of this man.
I probably won't say much to the man, even if I knew what to say then (34 years ago). I think I would just sit quietly with the man, possibly hold his hands, give him a hug, or even cried with him. A drop of tear is heavier than a thousand words and I prefer to stay silent, or you can call it peaceful!
A few friends told me that Aftershock 2010 directed by Feng Xiaogang is a very good movie, or at least it's the top selling movie in 2010. Like directors Akira Kurosawa and Steven Spielberg, Feng Xiaogang is one of my favorite directors and I watched almost every movie he directed.
The movie, Aftershock, used the Tangshan earthquake as background. The Tangshan earthquake took place more than 34 years ago. It was one of the largest natural disasters of the 20th century, a 7.8 earthquake with an epicenter in a city of 1.6 million people, followed by an aftershock that also reached 7.8 less than a day later. The official death toll is over 240,000, though many estimates have it as high as 700,000.
Though I was still a child that time, I remembered that when my father returned from one of his sea voyage (he was an assistant pilot for cargo vessel who traveled far), I was taken to his vessel and met with one of his colleague, whose hometown was from Tangshan. The man looked very sad and he did not really talked much. When my father and I was going to leave the vessel, he stood up and thanked my father of supporting him all these days. Only later I learned that his wife and his teenage boy were both killed in the earthquake, luckily, his parents, who lived outside of the city center, survived. At that age, I didn't really feel the pain of this man, but years come and go, whenever people mentioned Tangshan, I remembered this man, or more precisely, I remembered his sad face. Now that I have encountered death and now that I experienced the love and care by others, I start to feel the sadness of this man. It's 34 years later that I learned and knew the feeling of this man.
I probably won't say much to the man, even if I knew what to say then (34 years ago). I think I would just sit quietly with the man, possibly hold his hands, give him a hug, or even cried with him. A drop of tear is heavier than a thousand words and I prefer to stay silent, or you can call it peaceful!
17 December, 2010
I-Ching No.55 of the 64 Hexagrams
Back in Hong Kong, and since my primary and secondary education years, I am gifted to know, brought up with and are still very closely related with a group of individuals. The friendship among us is very different than those traditionally perceived. Imagine that it has been almost 40 years that we know each other, and we have spent (in accumulation) a lot of time together. Although we still disagree on a lot of issues, we always treasure the "intellectual interaction" that we have whenever we sit down together (over a dinner table or a cup of coffee). Though I must admit, since my immigration to Canada, the chance of meeting up becomes scarce opportunity. After said this, thanks to the latest internet technology, we are still able to maintain some kind of "intellectual interaction" from time to time. Below is one of the example.
When George learned about Mr Cancer has returned last week, like last time, he consulted I-Ching, probably the oldest book in fortune telling. The hexagram he drawn was No.55, and for ease of reference, here below is the original text. You would notice that there is a "General Meaning" which elaborated the meaning of the text based on it's historical background. Meanwhile, there is an "Academic Meaning" which explained the symbolic meaning of the hexagram. Accordingly, this is a "positive/good" hexagram. Then, people usually would then imply the understanding of this hexagram and apply in his own case, and therefore, in my case, it's about my Cancer returned.
Here is the interpretation: Making good progress and development. I have reached a point that there is no fear or anxious, and nothing to worry about. Let it be as the "sun at noon". Let it shine as bright as possible.... Yes, let it shine as bright as possible!
George, after studying I-Ching for all these years, openly (and in great humbleness) admitted that he does not understand the text, but as the hexagram ended with a "good" word, the overall meaning should be good. This prompted me to read this hexagram in more details, and as you may observed from the "academic meaning" listed below, it actually composes of both good fortune and evil, and he also broke his arm, etc. The important message here, I gathered, if I stand undivided and firmly stayed the path, "good fortune" will come! If you think again, no matter what difficulty you are facing, as long as you stand undivided (faith unshaken) and firmly stayed the path with good confidence in yourself, especially maintain a positive attitude, "good fortune" has already come. It has indeed arrived and no need to wait for tomorrow! Thank you George!
+++++ +++++ +++++
Hexagram Number 55
Keyword(s): Greatness
Symbolic of: greatness
THE FĂNG HEXAGRAM
The General Meaning
Făng intimates progress and development. When a king has reached the point (which the name denotes) there is no occasion to be anxious (through fear of a change). Let him be as the sun at noon.
Explanation of the separate lines
1. The first NINE, undivided, shows its subject meeting with his mate. Though they are both of the same character, there will be no error. Advance will call forth approval.
2. The second SIX, divided, shows its subject surrounded by screens so large and thick that at midday he can see from them the constellation of the Bushel. If he go (and try to enlighten his ruler who is thus of emblem), he will make himself to be viewed with suspicion and dislike. Let him cherish his feeling of sincere devotion that he may thereby move (his ruler's mind), and there will be good fortune.
3. The third NINE, undivided, shows its subject with an (additional) screen of a large and thick banner, through which at midday he can see (the small) Mei star. (In the darkness) he breaks his right arm; but there will be no error.
4. T he fourth NINE, undivided, shows its subject in a tent so large and thick that at midday he can see from it the constellation of the Bushel. But he meets with the subject of the (first) line, undivided like himself. There will be good fortune.
5. The fifth SIX, divided, shows its subject bringing around him the men of brilliant ability. There will be occasion for congratulation and praise. There will be good fortune.
6. The topmost SIX, divided, shows its subject with his house made large, but only serving as a screen to his household. When he looks at his door, it is still, and there is nobody about it. For three years no one is to be seen. There will be evil.
When George learned about Mr Cancer has returned last week, like last time, he consulted I-Ching, probably the oldest book in fortune telling. The hexagram he drawn was No.55, and for ease of reference, here below is the original text. You would notice that there is a "General Meaning" which elaborated the meaning of the text based on it's historical background. Meanwhile, there is an "Academic Meaning" which explained the symbolic meaning of the hexagram. Accordingly, this is a "positive/good" hexagram. Then, people usually would then imply the understanding of this hexagram and apply in his own case, and therefore, in my case, it's about my Cancer returned.
Here is the interpretation: Making good progress and development. I have reached a point that there is no fear or anxious, and nothing to worry about. Let it be as the "sun at noon". Let it shine as bright as possible.... Yes, let it shine as bright as possible!
George, after studying I-Ching for all these years, openly (and in great humbleness) admitted that he does not understand the text, but as the hexagram ended with a "good" word, the overall meaning should be good. This prompted me to read this hexagram in more details, and as you may observed from the "academic meaning" listed below, it actually composes of both good fortune and evil, and he also broke his arm, etc. The important message here, I gathered, if I stand undivided and firmly stayed the path, "good fortune" will come! If you think again, no matter what difficulty you are facing, as long as you stand undivided (faith unshaken) and firmly stayed the path with good confidence in yourself, especially maintain a positive attitude, "good fortune" has already come. It has indeed arrived and no need to wait for tomorrow! Thank you George!
+++++ +++++ +++++
Hexagram Number 55
Keyword(s): Greatness
Symbolic of: greatness
THE FĂNG HEXAGRAM
The General Meaning
Făng intimates progress and development. When a king has reached the point (which the name denotes) there is no occasion to be anxious (through fear of a change). Let him be as the sun at noon.
Explanation of the separate lines
1. The first NINE, undivided, shows its subject meeting with his mate. Though they are both of the same character, there will be no error. Advance will call forth approval.
2. The second SIX, divided, shows its subject surrounded by screens so large and thick that at midday he can see from them the constellation of the Bushel. If he go (and try to enlighten his ruler who is thus of emblem), he will make himself to be viewed with suspicion and dislike. Let him cherish his feeling of sincere devotion that he may thereby move (his ruler's mind), and there will be good fortune.
3. The third NINE, undivided, shows its subject with an (additional) screen of a large and thick banner, through which at midday he can see (the small) Mei star. (In the darkness) he breaks his right arm; but there will be no error.
4. T he fourth NINE, undivided, shows its subject in a tent so large and thick that at midday he can see from it the constellation of the Bushel. But he meets with the subject of the (first) line, undivided like himself. There will be good fortune.
5. The fifth SIX, divided, shows its subject bringing around him the men of brilliant ability. There will be occasion for congratulation and praise. There will be good fortune.
6. The topmost SIX, divided, shows its subject with his house made large, but only serving as a screen to his household. When he looks at his door, it is still, and there is nobody about it. For three years no one is to be seen. There will be evil.
16 December, 2010
Superficial Treatment ... Actually!
On 13th December, 2010 (Monday), consultation was arranged to meet with the radiologists in BCCA. They checked on my chest pain (on the right side) as well as other complaints that I had in recent weeks. They immediately ordered one round of radiotherapy for me. Keep in mind that my appointment started only at 2:45pm and the whole process completed by 4:00pm. I considered this very efficient and again I was treated like VIP.
A new term I learned this time is "superficial". Radiation therapy aims to maximize the number of cancer cells destroyed, while minimizing the damage to nearby normal cells. As low energy x-rays do not penetrate very deep into the body and transmit most of their energy into the skin. These low energy x-rays are often called superficial or orthovoltage x-rays. In my case, using superficial rays can kill cancer cells inside my ribs (near the surface) and would not harm my organs underneath. I am sure you know what "superficial" means traditionally and generally. When I heard the radiologists said "we are going to use the superficial treatment on you", I asked "Superficial?" He replied positively and affirmatively. (Hahahah!)
Now 4 days after the superficial treatment, I am feeling better and stronger. Compare with the last radiotherapy (also my first) back on 18th March, 2010, rather than a square shape with a few crosses for aiming accuracy. This time, as you can see in picture below, is a 18 x 10 rectangular shape and a dotted line at the bottom. After setting the machine and the body at the proper position, the radiation process itself took ONLY 2 minutes and I was done for this time. Unlike last time, which I need to return every day for the week!
The whole treatment left me with an impression ... well ... quite superficial! But I certainly hope Mr Cancer - My Friend is being treated well this time. The chemotherapy will start next week and I will be using a different drug. Stay tuned and I will share with you more new terms that I learn in the process!
A new term I learned this time is "superficial". Radiation therapy aims to maximize the number of cancer cells destroyed, while minimizing the damage to nearby normal cells. As low energy x-rays do not penetrate very deep into the body and transmit most of their energy into the skin. These low energy x-rays are often called superficial or orthovoltage x-rays. In my case, using superficial rays can kill cancer cells inside my ribs (near the surface) and would not harm my organs underneath. I am sure you know what "superficial" means traditionally and generally. When I heard the radiologists said "we are going to use the superficial treatment on you", I asked "Superficial?" He replied positively and affirmatively. (Hahahah!)
Now 4 days after the superficial treatment, I am feeling better and stronger. Compare with the last radiotherapy (also my first) back on 18th March, 2010, rather than a square shape with a few crosses for aiming accuracy. This time, as you can see in picture below, is a 18 x 10 rectangular shape and a dotted line at the bottom. After setting the machine and the body at the proper position, the radiation process itself took ONLY 2 minutes and I was done for this time. Unlike last time, which I need to return every day for the week!
The whole treatment left me with an impression ... well ... quite superficial! But I certainly hope Mr Cancer - My Friend is being treated well this time. The chemotherapy will start next week and I will be using a different drug. Stay tuned and I will share with you more new terms that I learn in the process!
10 December, 2010
Thank You And Keep Smiling Please!
Despite my health situation, I still firmly believe that I am gifted and surrounded by wonderful people, friends and relatives. I am being cared for deeply and overwhelmed by the love and warmth exercised by all these wonderful people. Keep in mind that I have been lazy in writing this blogger for few months and as soon as I posted "My Friend (Cancer) Is Back!", my email inbox immediately filled with your positively energized messages. Some of them make me laugh (together it comes my chest pain) and some give me tears ... tears of happiness derived from your true love and care!
It was 8th December, 1980 when John Lennon's physical life ended. Like many other legends, he out-lived his physical life and continue to live on and influence people. Most of you know well that I am a retard in music, but this fact never stop me from listening to music that my ears enjoyed. Some of these songs, in additional to the music, the lyrics are so beautifully written. They are simply poems in their own right.
Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
This picture was taken by Esther in front of the Apple store inside FashionShow, i.e. the big shopping mall in Las Vegas right opposite to Wynn Hotel, where we stayed.
It was 8th December, 1980 when John Lennon's physical life ended. Like many other legends, he out-lived his physical life and continue to live on and influence people. Most of you know well that I am a retard in music, but this fact never stop me from listening to music that my ears enjoyed. Some of these songs, in additional to the music, the lyrics are so beautifully written. They are simply poems in their own right.
Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
This picture was taken by Esther in front of the Apple store inside FashionShow, i.e. the big shopping mall in Las Vegas right opposite to Wynn Hotel, where we stayed.
09 December, 2010
My Friend (Cancer) Is Back!
Thank you to Joey (my brother) and his friends, who organized and invited Esther and I to join them for a 4 days trip to Las Vegas over last weekend. The weather was just perfect as it's not hot nor cold. It's purely coincident that on 5th December, 2010 (Sunday), starting 6:30am was the Las Vegas Marathon, and as we were staying in Wynn, and facing the Las Vegas Strip where the runners were running up and down, we had the best view of the 28,000 people running the marathon. It's really spectacular and makes you feel like running with them, or at least you can pretend to do so.
Then, on Monday 6th December, 2010, Esther and I went to see one of the 7 world natural wonders. Yes, you guessed right, the Grand Canyon. If you picked up any version of "100 places you must visit before you die", Grand Canyon is always in the list. Indeed, it's so so beautiful and immediately acquire the feeling of how small (and insignificant) we are.
Lately, two sides of my hip and my right chest are feeling some pain from time to time. Even though I am under pain management, the pain can be acute for the time and hit me hard. Like someone plunge a knife into you. Various tests and scans confirmed today that Cancer My Friend is now back, this time more on the liver and the chest bones. Like last time, I am going to treat my friend well. Of course, the result is not me to control, but you know what, the process I can at least choose to enjoy, rather than suffering from it. There are always two sides of a coin, and at least two sides of everything. We must learn, and re-learn, how to live peacefully with both sides of all things. No matter what cards we have in our hands, our job is to get the best out of them. If you look again, life is always good ... if you choose to see more the bright side of it and stay positively.
Then, on Monday 6th December, 2010, Esther and I went to see one of the 7 world natural wonders. Yes, you guessed right, the Grand Canyon. If you picked up any version of "100 places you must visit before you die", Grand Canyon is always in the list. Indeed, it's so so beautiful and immediately acquire the feeling of how small (and insignificant) we are.
Lately, two sides of my hip and my right chest are feeling some pain from time to time. Even though I am under pain management, the pain can be acute for the time and hit me hard. Like someone plunge a knife into you. Various tests and scans confirmed today that Cancer My Friend is now back, this time more on the liver and the chest bones. Like last time, I am going to treat my friend well. Of course, the result is not me to control, but you know what, the process I can at least choose to enjoy, rather than suffering from it. There are always two sides of a coin, and at least two sides of everything. We must learn, and re-learn, how to live peacefully with both sides of all things. No matter what cards we have in our hands, our job is to get the best out of them. If you look again, life is always good ... if you choose to see more the bright side of it and stay positively.
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