Image by Kati from Pixabay Quote Of The Day #69 I am glad that I paid so little attention to good advice; had I abided by it I might have been saved from some of my most valuable mistakes. I am most faithless when I most am true. After all's said after all's done, what … Continue reading Quote Of The Day: Love And Romance
Author: haoyando
Quote Of The Day: Knowing Yourself
Image by John Hain from Pixabay Quote Of The Day #68 “Narcissistic and toxic relationships tend to hijack our brains, leaving our bodies to do the heavy lifting. Over the years, I have had myriad clients who spent decades contriving complex rationalizations and excuses and downright amnesia for a narcissistic or toxic person’s behavior. And … Continue reading Quote Of The Day: Knowing Yourself
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 4)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 4th part of the story. The three previous parts are here: part 1, part 2, part 3. Nalan, Twenty Five Years Ago When September came, Arjin was getting upset that he couldn't go home. He had to stay here with us, at least for … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 4)
My Breakthrough Vegan Dish
Image by Chris Hilbert from Pixabay Last week I found one great vegan item from the grocery store called Aldi, which is said to be the fastest growing discount store here. I bought the "Meatless Breakfast Patties" and it is delicious, even better than its counterpart from Trader Joe's. Most of the vegan items are … Continue reading My Breakthrough Vegan Dish
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 3)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 3rd part of the story. The 1st part is here and the 2nd part is here. Now reflecting on it, I wonder why my parents even bothered to pretend they had a great marriage since my father would find every chance to go on … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 3)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 2)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 2nd part of the story. The 1st part is here. I didn't want to go, but my father insisted and my mother agreed with him. My mother always agreed with my father. They told me that Aunt Hoi and Uncle Dao were knowledgeable people--Hoi … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 2)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 1)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 Nalan and Arjin are cousins, and they described, each from a different perspective, a tragic incident happened 25 years ago that tore the family apart, after which the story proceeds to right now when the mystery is analyzed, and the cause and effect are revealed. This is … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 1)
The Art Of Getting It All Wrong
Image by congerdesign from Pixabay I am very happy today since when I went to the market this morning, I saw a drop on the price of turnip, eggplant, and watercress. Almost every veggie is getting half way back to its price a year ago. Finally, I am seeing the light at the end of … Continue reading The Art Of Getting It All Wrong
Cultural Differences In News (Continued)
Image by Leonhard Niederwimmer from Pixabay This is the 2nd half of the post. The 1st half is here. Myth and History American news is never reported in a way that mixes myths and news. Even if when it is a piece of news about a myth, for example, "Groundhog Day", which fell on Feb … Continue reading Cultural Differences In News (Continued)
Cultural Differences In News
Image by Leonhard Niederwimmer from Pixabay Since I watch both American news and Asian news, I have to say not noticing the cultural differences is impossible. However most of the differences are quite mundane. And I don't have enough skills to describe them in an interesting way. That has been one of the biggest problems … Continue reading Cultural Differences In News
Numbed With Thrills
Image by Enrique Meseguer from Pixabay After two months, I am thrilled to exhaustion. Now no matter how many bodies there are, how bloody the scene is, how thrilling the plot is, I don't feel anything anymore. Two months ago, when I first read Freida McFadden's "The Housemaid", I was quite excited. Then I discovered … Continue reading Numbed With Thrills
I Wish I Didn’t Say That (Continued)
Image by Andreas Hoja from Pixabay This is the 2nd half of the story. The 1st half is here. Basically in the 1st half, I talked about my conversation with my friend L, in which I said something negative about C's son, who couldn't even get into Rutgers University. Then I realized, after our conversation, … Continue reading I Wish I Didn’t Say That (Continued)
The Love Stories Around Me
Image by Couleur from Pixabay Valentine's Day is already gone as I am writing this. Timing has never been my strength; delaying is often the consequence. Last year, I talked about Valentine's vocabulary, and the year prior, I talked about Valentine's day traditions in different countries, especially in Japan where women would usually give chocolate … Continue reading The Love Stories Around Me
The Flexibility Of Gender
Image by Capucine from Pixabay "I pulled a seat for her. She thanked me, but she used 'krap' instead of 'ka' to end her sentence. I was shocked since I thought only men use 'krap'. Women are supposed to use 'ka'." That's a message online from a young man who traveled to Thailand for holidays. … Continue reading The Flexibility Of Gender
I Wish I Didn’t Say That
Image by Andreas Hoja from Pixabay I spent most of the day doing laundry, and shopping for grocery, and cooking. When I finally sat down, my friend L sent me a message. We ended up chatting for an hour, but after I hung up, I realized that I said something wrong and my friend L … Continue reading I Wish I Didn’t Say That
A Real Life Love Triangle (Flash Fiction Part 3)
Image by Erik Karits from Pixabay Flash Fiction #162 This is the 3rd and last part of the story. The 1st part is here and the 2nd part is here. "I've never seen a scoundrel like Adu. Can you believe what he did? Weni's family is furious and her old relative was sent to the … Continue reading A Real Life Love Triangle (Flash Fiction Part 3)
A Real Life Love Triangle (Flash Fiction Part 2)
Image by Erik Karits from Pixabay Flash Fiction #162 This is the 2nd part of the story. The 1st part is here. At the time, Shasha was a student in the same university, and she was not really an innocent victim as people would like to categorize her later on when the whole love triangle … Continue reading A Real Life Love Triangle (Flash Fiction Part 2)
A Real Life Love Triangle (Flash Fiction Part 1)
Image by Erik Karits from Pixabay Flash Fiction #162 We all watched movies like "Runaway Bride" or read stories with a similar theme, which is someone, having cold feet before the wedding, fleeing the scene and leaving the intended partner at the altar. Well, in real life, I only witnessed it once. It happened in … Continue reading A Real Life Love Triangle (Flash Fiction Part 1)
They Can Fix Anything Except A Broken Heart (Flash Fiction Continued)
This is the 2nd half of the story. The first half is here. When Patel first took over from Mahaul, it was quite a difficult situation. Mahaul is a wonderful engineer and I can't help admiring his unbelievable skills. Not only that, he likes to teach people about cars and he's a great teacher. However, … Continue reading They Can Fix Anything Except A Broken Heart (Flash Fiction Continued)
They Can Fix Anything Except A Broken Heart (Flash Fiction)
Image by Ingo Jakubke from Pixabay Flash Fiction #161 "Can you fix it? Are you sure? Just tell me honestly. Well, if you can't fix it, I can always go to Mario's or The German Car Shop not far from here." The customer says to Patel, the new owner of Mahaul Auto, which has changed … Continue reading They Can Fix Anything Except A Broken Heart (Flash Fiction)
It’s So Cold
Image by Hans from Pixabay The light is pale and cold-- the sun is indisposed. Trees are still, road is frozen-- nothing moves after the arctic blast. Except time-- its untiring motion. marching day and night, already taking one month away. I can make frozen tofu by opening the window. I can find excuse for … Continue reading It’s So Cold
The Love Stories Of Two Sisters (Flash Fiction Part 4)
Image by Jess Foami from Pixabay Flash Fiction #160 This is the 4th and last part of the story. The first three parts of the story is here: #1, #2, #3. From then on, Cia had always been trying to work Arji into any conversation we had in the dorm. When we were having a … Continue reading The Love Stories Of Two Sisters (Flash Fiction Part 4)
The Love Stories Of Two Sisters (Flash Fiction Part 3)
Image by Jess Foami from Pixabay Flash Fiction #160 This is the 3rd part of the story. The 1st part is here and the 2nd part is here. Shermei went out with Thon, her college classmate, who is a loving and a capable guy. However Thon was not good enough for his narcissistic future mother-in-law. … Continue reading The Love Stories Of Two Sisters (Flash Fiction Part 3)
The Love Stories Of Two Sisters (Flash Fiction Part 2)
Image by Jess Foami from Pixabay Flash Fiction #160 This is the 2nd part of the story. The 1st part is here. From the first day we met, Cia was always the one who wanted us to be more intimate. In a girl's dorm, such friendly girl "couples" are everywhere. However I balked at the … Continue reading The Love Stories Of Two Sisters (Flash Fiction Part 2)
The Love Stories Of Two Sisters (Flash Fiction Part 1)
Image by Jess Foami from Pixabay Flash Fiction #160 Cia and I were college roommates, and I can still remember looking into her eyes when I was chewing instant noodles as my midnight snack. She looks so young, fresh faced. Now looking back, I realize that she was perpetually searching for love and acceptance in … Continue reading The Love Stories Of Two Sisters (Flash Fiction Part 1)
The Orientation (Flash Fiction)
Image by Anna Lysenko from Pixabay Flash Fiction #159 Lisa doesn't really need extra tutoring, but that didn't prevent her parents from sending her to Ivy Training Center (ITC) since she got a "B" in the first quiz of the semester on pre-calculus, an important high school course. In her family, an "A-" is a … Continue reading The Orientation (Flash Fiction)
Quote Of The Day: Moon Is Not Cost Efficient
Quote Of The Day #67 it was a waste to have a moon here,a moon is not cost efficient Inalienable nomads, global citizensunfettered limbswe are heartsick for the true world I can buy books which I do not readand cannot afford and make plans for them tocarry me through my depression, winter solsticeI attempt various … Continue reading Quote Of The Day: Moon Is Not Cost Efficient
Girl Fight (Flash Fiction)
Image by Victoria_Watercolor from Pixabay Flash Fiction #158 Alia: "Lulan? I always consider Ivy Training Center (ITC) a place for my daughter's tutoring. I've never considered it a place to help me. Can you believe it that they just lay me off like that? I've been working there for 10 years. Ten long years. One … Continue reading Girl Fight (Flash Fiction)
New Word: A Little Bird
Image by homecare119 from Pixabay New Word #131 There are many misconceptions about birds. If one wants to describe a person who eats very little, one would say, "eat like a bird." However birds eat a lot since it has to eat enough to provide energy for its wing flapping flights. There's another saying, "one … Continue reading New Word: A Little Bird
The Talented Rabbit
Image by Silvo Bilinski from Pixabay One of my friends just told me that this year is not only a year of rabbit, but also a year of black rabbit, which symbolizes creativity, talent and authenticity. I really didn't know about it--it is said that every sixty years, the black rabbit will descend on earth … Continue reading The Talented Rabbit
An Old Story Retold (Flash Fiction Continued)
Image by Gosia K. from Pixabay (This is the second half of the story. The first half can be found here.) I have been reflecting on Uncle D's life for the purpose of explaining what have been puzzled me for so many years. Why is fate so unkind to Uncle D? Why do people always … Continue reading An Old Story Retold (Flash Fiction Continued)
An Old Story Retold (Flash Fiction)
Image by Gosia K. from Pixabay Flash Fiction #157 He is handsome, competent, diligent, polite, and educated. He has a good life, working for a big corporation for a decade. Then his boss leaves the company and finds greener pasture elsewhere. He thinks he should be promoted to the position that is vacated by his … Continue reading An Old Story Retold (Flash Fiction)
Shall We Dance?
Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay Whether you believe it or not, dancing is quite popular in Asian communities here, as popular as playing mahjong or watching K drama, especially among the middle aged and older individuals. I've been observing this for quite a while and it is quite surprising, considering the fact that dancing is … Continue reading Shall We Dance?
New Word: Rabbit & Calendar
Image by Anrita from Pixabay New Word #130 Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year, that's observed in many East and Southeast Asian countries. And this year is the year of rabbit. This particular zodiac has a twelve-year cycle, each year being represented by one animal. In the ancient time, one's age … Continue reading New Word: Rabbit & Calendar
The Brothers (Flash Fiction)
Image by Владимир Харитонов from Pixabay Flash Fiction #156 "Well, we've been waiting for ten to fifteen minutes. They still haven't shown up. Well, it's just a social media call, but still we had to postpone our dinner for this. Also I wear more makeup than usual just to hide my ever increasing spots and … Continue reading The Brothers (Flash Fiction)
The Reciprocation Confusion (Flash Fiction)
Image by Pexels from Pixabay Flash Fiction #155 I wonder if you have experienced this, but I certainly have. There's this acquaintance, with whom you haven't had much interaction. She (or he) showed up in a party or a meeting you both attended. Then you met in grocery stores, hair salons etc. After a while, … Continue reading The Reciprocation Confusion (Flash Fiction)
Husband And Wife At Atlantic City (Flash Fiction)
Image by David from Pixabay Flash Fiction #154 "Do you know that most lunar calendars are actually lunisolar calendars since only the months follow the lunar cycle while the years are still largely in their solar cycle." Pan says to his wife as they drive down to Atlantic City to celebrate the Lunar New Year. … Continue reading Husband And Wife At Atlantic City (Flash Fiction)
Psychic And Digital Psychic
Image by Enrique Meseguer from Pixabay I don't believe in psychics because my narcissistic family on my mother's side believes in psychic power very much. They often speak of their belief in certain psychic readings, or this or that child being predestined for greatness or villainy, or certain inexplicable sign bearing omens for future events. … Continue reading Psychic And Digital Psychic
Quote Of The Day: The Perfect Performance
Image by hoahoa111 from Pixabay Quote Of The Day #66 I have become a bore, I have been asked to forfeit my independent young feminist card. I don't care. I balance his checkbook, I trim his hair. I've gotten so retro, at one point I will probably use the word pocketbook, shuffling out the door … Continue reading Quote Of The Day: The Perfect Performance
New Word: Gambling
Image by PIRO from Pixabay New Word #129 I can't help making a lottery post when the mega million jackpot approached a historical high number yesterday. I used to buy one or two lottery tickets once a week when I was young, naive, and dreamy of impossible things. Fortunately time and experiences, though not bringing … Continue reading New Word: Gambling
Shoot The Messenger (Flash Fiction Continued)
Image by Samuel F. Johanns from Pixabay Flash Fiction #153 (This is the 2nd half of the story. The first half is here.) The conversation happened two years ago. And Lulan hasn't thought about it until now. Just several days ago, Ajun came back from a trip to Southeast Asia. He should have taken a … Continue reading Shoot The Messenger (Flash Fiction Continued)
Shoot The Messenger (Flash Fiction)
Image by Samuel F. Johanns from Pixabay Flash Fiction #153 "This is really... a case of... a case of ... shooting the messenger." Lulan manages to say, almost out of breath. But what can she do but to accept the reality? She has been regarded with disfavor by somebody whom everyone admires. She admires him … Continue reading Shoot The Messenger (Flash Fiction)
Quote Of The Day: Too Tender To Be told
Image by ADD from Pixabay Quote Of The Day #65 A perfect, paralyzing blissContented as despair I took my power in my handand went against the worldIt was not much as David had,But I was twice as bold. Glow plain and foreignOn my homesick eye That blame is just as dear as praiseAnd praise as … Continue reading Quote Of The Day: Too Tender To Be told
The Dream Plot
Image by ImaArtist from Pixabay I've read several thrillers during the Christmas break--well, not really reading, but rather skimming and skipping, as most people do with books like that. Wait, wait. I should not say that. When I was learning English as a non-native speaker, I read two Agatha Christi books carefully, step by step, … Continue reading The Dream Plot
New Word: Pairs, Pairs
Image by ElinaElena from Pixabay New Word #128 I've heard of phrases like "good things come in pairs" or "bad things come in pairs", which are probably wise old idioms or song titles or advertising buzz words. However what I have encountered more frequently are confusions coming in pairs. I've had posts about confusing pairs … Continue reading New Word: Pairs, Pairs
The New Year Resolution
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay I'm not going to have any new year resolutions, knowing that I am not resolute enough to carry out any of them, such as regular exercise, positive mentality, time management etc. However I am going to propose some new year directions, towards which I can try to make an … Continue reading The New Year Resolution
The Sacred Myth (Flash Fiction)
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay Flash Fiction #152 Lea and I have been acquaintances for years, and then about two years ago, I started to talk with her about narcissism. At first she laughed and brushed my idea aside, but then she started to tell me about her mother-in-law Sandi who's a super sized narcissist … Continue reading The Sacred Myth (Flash Fiction)
The First Breakfast 2023 (Flash Fiction)
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay Flash Fiction #151 Pammy, her husband Pan, and their son Sam, who's a sophomore in high school, are having their first breakfast of the new year. Sam: This homemade soy milk is a little ... Pan: You are right, Sam. It is diluted. I've told your mom several times. Pammy: … Continue reading The First Breakfast 2023 (Flash Fiction)
New Word: For Drinks
Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pixabay New Word # 127 I haven't come up with a word list for a while. Then last night as I was drinking for the New Year, I thought of making a post for containers of drinks. Talking about drinks, I can't help remembering the days when I was little, … Continue reading New Word: For Drinks
A Love Story With A Twist (Flash Fiction Part 3)
Image by Annie Le from Pixabay This is the 3rd and last part of the story. The 1st part is here, and the 2nd part is here. Daughter: OK, you can tell me. So you had an affair and I am not Dad's daughter then. That's OK. I can take that. I guess Dad doesn't … Continue reading A Love Story With A Twist (Flash Fiction Part 3)
The Beautiful Mountain (Flash Fiction)
Image by Reimund Bertrams from Pixabay Flash Fiction #150 Aila and Nali have been long time friends since their high school days. Nali and her family just come back from a trip to California where they visited places in LA, and drove along the coastal Highway 1 up north until they reached San Francisco. "Oh, … Continue reading The Beautiful Mountain (Flash Fiction)
The Christmas Thrillers
Image by Dean Lewis from Pixabay I haven't read thrillers or detective stories for a long time. I think the last thriller I read was "Pirate Latitude" in 2009. That was 13 years ago. I have to say "Pirate Latitude" is quite an interesting book, which prompted me to buy another book from the author, … Continue reading The Christmas Thrillers
Christmas Eve
Image by Else Siegel from Pixabay We are really lucky that we haven't got much snow at all. The wind was fierce earlier today, but now it finally calms down; the temperature plunges to 13F (-13C) after dark, but it's not as bad as yesterday. I finished two loads of laundry; boiled a pot of … Continue reading Christmas Eve
A Love Story With A Twist (Flash Fiction Part 2)
Image by Annie Le from Pixabay This is the second part of the story. The first part is here. Mother: You are right. It is not allowed. The beautiful nurse was transferred to a nursing school. Rumor had it that she didn't really finish her nursing school overseas. And the assistant professor helped her get … Continue reading A Love Story With A Twist (Flash Fiction Part 2)
I Just Microwave It
Image by Chris Hilbert from Pixabay It's only Wednesday but the grocery stores are filled with busy shoppers. Tomorrow and the day after tomorrow would be rainy and then freezing, which makes today the best day for weekend shopping. Usually in HMart, we only see Asians. I rarely see non-Asians there. Wait, I can't say … Continue reading I Just Microwave It
A Love Story With A Twist (Flash Fiction Part 1)
Image by Annie Le from Pixabay Flash Fiction #149 Mother: It's the story of my life, but I've never told you about it for fear that you were too young to understand. Now I think you are old enough to digest the information... It all happened in America twenty years ago. Daughter: Is it a … Continue reading A Love Story With A Twist (Flash Fiction Part 1)
An Interesting Stretch Of Reality
Image by Capucine from Pixabay I read Pooja's review of "The Housemaid" by Freida Mcfadden and bought the book to read for myself. It's an easy and fun read, which is about a maid Millie who is hired by the Winchester family as a nanny. Soon, Millie finds that things are weird in this Long … Continue reading An Interesting Stretch Of Reality
Be Thankful 2022
Image by S. Hermann / F. Richter from Pixabay Pick Up Signals I feel that I have been much better at picking up signals now. Probably because I'm getting older and wiser--I wish. I know that I tend to self congratulate on some partial understanding and superficial knowledge. Knowing that I have such a tendency, … Continue reading Be Thankful 2022
Why Don’t You?
Image by alba1970 from Pixabay Today at the store, I suddenly remembered an old joke about a medical doctor freshly graduating from a medical school. He examines his first patient and doesn't know what exactly is wrong with this patient, whose illness doesn't conform to any of the case studies the doctor has learned in … Continue reading Why Don’t You?
Who’s Coming To The Party? (Flash Fiction Continued)
Image by Annette Meyer from Pixabay This is the second half of the story. The first half is here. "Brother Kai and his wife Big Sister Kai are such nice people. I hope you are not picking on them. I mean they are so polite and they always dress so well. I look up to … Continue reading Who’s Coming To The Party? (Flash Fiction Continued)
Who’s Coming To The Party? (Flash Fiction)
Image by Annette Meyer from Pixabay Flash Fiction # 148 "Hi, Lulan, how many narcissists do you think I am going to meet this holiday season?" Mali says jokingly to Lulan. The four women are sitting in Pammy's living room to plan their year end party together. It's going to be held in Pammy's place … Continue reading Who’s Coming To The Party? (Flash Fiction)
2022 Surprises
Image by Manfred Richter from Pixabay 2022 is almost gone and 2023 will be here soon. And I will be one year older, but not any wiser. And life is largely the same old same old forever. When I was young and impressionable, I often indulged myself in the thinking that some exciting surprises would … Continue reading 2022 Surprises
King Lee (Flash Fiction)
Image by James from Pixabay Flash Fiction #147 I have known King Lee for more than ten years. I've always wanted to write about him, but have never come around to do it. It is not that I don't want to write about it, but rather that I've always felt that I'm not ready. The … Continue reading King Lee (Flash Fiction)
Of Mice And Men
Image by Prawny from Pixabay For two or three weeks, an ad and an accompanying article have appeared on the local Asian newspaper about a position called Director Of Rodent Mitigation in New York City. It is not just a regular pest control position that offers a low salary, which is insufficient to pay for … Continue reading Of Mice And Men
For The Right Or Wrong Reason
Image by Marjon Besteman from Pixabay The FIFA World Cup is coming to its most exciting final stretch, but not before Brazil was knocked off the quarterfinals. And people love the Brazil team and hate to see their unceremonious exit. So I heard. And even in America where soccer is not really popular, many of … Continue reading For The Right Or Wrong Reason
I Think I Got Omicron
Image by Anrita from Pixabay It all started last Sunday afternoon with a little bit of pain at the back of my throat. I immediately suspected that I might have either a cold or the Omicron. Regrets immediately poured into my mind: I should have gone to our local Walmart to get the Omicron booster … Continue reading I Think I Got Omicron
Quote Of The Day: Husband And Wife
Image by Annette Meyer from Pixabay Quote Of The Day #64 Joe Castleman is flying from New York to Helsinki with his wife Joan to receive the Helsinki Award for literature (imaginary. No such award exists). Joan was an aspiring writer once, and attended Smith College, but she quit and ran away with her professor … Continue reading Quote Of The Day: Husband And Wife
The Christmas Gift (Flash Fiction)
Image by Yvette Fang from Pixabay Flash Fiction #146 This is a conversation between a mother and her ten-year-old boy about the upcoming events this month and gifts for Christmas. Child: "I wonder what I am going to get for Christmas." Mom: "Well, Santa has a bit of arthritis and osteoporosis, and he probably can't … Continue reading The Christmas Gift (Flash Fiction)
The History Of Narcissism (Continued)
Image by S. Hermann / F. Richter from Pixabay This is the second half of the story. The first half is here. My father grew up in a Mongolian family of a half Mongolian village not far away from the Steppe. They would have preferred Mongolian style ranching if they had choices, but as time … Continue reading The History Of Narcissism (Continued)
The History Of Narcissism
Image by S. Hermann / F. Richter from Pixabay I have done a lot of thinking and reflection on the history of narcissism in my family. Since I am too much a coward to broach this topic with my relatives, I can only rely on recollections, stories I heard, my own logical deduction, and certain … Continue reading The History Of Narcissism
Quote Of The Day: Love And Dating
Image by Neil Dodhia from Pixabay Quote Of The Day # 63 It has become so necessary to maintain power structures to benefit a selected few that it has become woven into our idea of reality. You don't need to be in love to count as a human. When women do not have a partner, … Continue reading Quote Of The Day: Love And Dating
The Crazy Son-In-Law (Flash Fiction Continued)
Image by alba1970 from Pixabay This is the second half of the story. The first half of this story is here. Ajin is sitting in the living room, leafing through a pile of mathematical papers and murmuring something to himself when everybody comes out of the car and into the house. "Ajin, are you OK?" … Continue reading The Crazy Son-In-Law (Flash Fiction Continued)
The Crazy Son-In-Law (Flash Fiction)
Image by alba1970 from Pixabay Flash Fiction #145 “I’ve told you a thousand times that I didn’t slap my crazy son-in-law. It's just a little pat on his head. Several people saw it and the rumor just started. It eventually evolves into something very untrue, which says I was so angry with him that I … Continue reading The Crazy Son-In-Law (Flash Fiction)
Love Stories (Flash Fiction)
Image by Larisa Koshkina from Pixabay Flash Fiction #144 "My first love was a total disaster." Lola said. "I really liked this guy in my class for no reason in high school. Then I was silly enough to tell him that. I was in general very shy, and I didn't know what came over me. … Continue reading Love Stories (Flash Fiction)
It Is Interesting (Flash Fiction)
Image by Alexa from Pixabay Flash Fiction #143 Two colleagues come into the little lunch room in their office at noon one day. Non-Native Speaker: "Look, I brought you one pound of sticky rice cake here." Native Speaker: "Oh, thanks, but why? What's the occasion?" Non-Native Speaker: "Last time when I showed you what I … Continue reading It Is Interesting (Flash Fiction)
Holiday Food Reinterpreted
Image by Joseph Levesque from Pixabay Many Asian immigrants interpret English words different, especially during holidays, when we have to pick and choose which mainstream customs we want to adopt, which customs we want to adopt but can't, which customs we want to admire from a distance, which customs we think we understand but we … Continue reading Holiday Food Reinterpreted
New Word: Holiday Celebrations
Image by timokefoto from Pixabay New Word #126 I was trying to compile a holiday word list, for which immigrants have alternative interpretations. Then I realized that it's a list that requires more thoughts and it wouldn't be completed today. For example, turkey is a mischievous reminder that one can never be Americanized enough to … Continue reading New Word: Holiday Celebrations