Nothing To Write For Sunday

Image by Nicky from Pixabay I have nothing to write for today. I thought I would come up with something during the course of the day, but nothing comes up. Now it is almost midnight and I think I should still write something even if I have nothing to write. I went to two Asian … Continue reading Nothing To Write For Sunday

How To Make It More Interesting?

Image by Tiểu Bảo from Pixabay It has come to the point that I feel so bored with learning Spanish that I just can't watch another video or listen to a minute of podcast. I guess every language learner experiences this moment of crisis at one point or another when reading or listening is still … Continue reading How To Make It More Interesting?

Quote Of The Day: Walk Through A Wall

Image by photosforyou from Pixabay Quote Of The Day #71 "There comes a time in a man’s life when to get where he has to go, if there are no doors or windows, he walks through a wall." --Bernard Malamud I am not sure about a man's ability to walk through a wall when he … Continue reading Quote Of The Day: Walk Through A Wall

Pets And Cultural Differences

Image by huoadg5888 from Pixabay We have all witnessed this on videos or in real life that Americans talk with their pets. I mean they really treat their pets as chatty friends. They would stare into their eyes, touch their pet "shoulders" (sometimes even asking for permission first as if their pets would file harassment … Continue reading Pets And Cultural Differences

The Meaning Of Life

Image by Deborah Hudson from Pixabay I don't have anything to write today since during the day, I wrote thousands of words of correspondence to give opinions about a resume, a powerpoint, a self portrayal, a portfolio, a letter, together with a list of my suggestions. All the time, I was afraid that I was … Continue reading The Meaning Of Life

I Just Can’t Stop It

Image by Larisa Koshkina from Pixabay Have you ever had such an experience that a temporary decision (or a small project or an insignificant passing comment) ends up becoming something more permanent? You don't know how it has become this way and you feel like you've never wanted it to be this way, but it … Continue reading I Just Can’t Stop It

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

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 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)

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

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

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

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

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)

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

A Real Life Romance (Part 3)

Image by yamabon from Pixabay Serial Fiction Part 3. The first part of this story is here and the second part of this story is here. I want to say something here before I proceed with the main story. I wrote about my grandpa Zili from my mother's side who blamed my father for my … Continue reading A Real Life Romance (Part 3)

More Vegan Food For The Holiday

Image by congerdesign from Pixabay Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I was thinking of getting more vegan food this year. I went to Trader Joe's today to see if they have their "Turkey-less Stuffed Roast" for sale. It's supposed to be delicious--so I heard. However just like last year, I couldn't find it. … Continue reading More Vegan Food For The Holiday

The One Thousandth

Image by Manfred Richter from Pixabay This is my 1000th post and I thought I would do something more interesting than my other posts, only to realize that the pressure of producing something better is a little too much to bear. At first I prepared two stories, one is "My Crazy Son-In-Law" and the other … Continue reading The One Thousandth

A Real Life Romance (Part 2)

Image by yamabon from Pixabay Serial Fiction Part 2. The first part of this story is here. While my father was engaging in a correspondence with his future second wife living in a faraway big city, he also attracted the attention of several single women who lived locally. After all, my father earned a good … Continue reading A Real Life Romance (Part 2)

The Gossiping Dream

Image by Gerhard from Pixabay I had a very strange dream this morning right before waking up and running to the bathroom. Actually it was so strange that one hour after that, I was still thinking of it while drinking soy milk for breakfast. I dreamed that I was with two friends and we were … Continue reading The Gossiping Dream

Cultural Differences In Cooking

Image by Monika from Pixabay I am not talking about the differences in ingredients, spices, flavors, textures of food from different cultures, but rather I am talking about a different kind of cultural differences--human behavior. Many Asians, especially Asian women, are shocked to discover that American women can choose between cooking or not cooking--some women … Continue reading Cultural Differences In Cooking

Stories I Want To Tell But…

Image by alba1970 from Pixabay I really want to write about my growing up stories at the southern border of Mongolian Steppe, and I have attempted several times, but only to "tear them up" afterwards. Of course I didn't really tear up anything since there was no paper involved. Rather I just tucked them away … Continue reading Stories I Want To Tell But…

Alexa Goes Wild (Flash Fiction)

Image by Michael Pointner from Pixabay Flash Fiction #141 "Hi, Alexa, tell me how to say 'I hate laundry' in Spanish." She asks the little ball like gadget she got from Amazon at a promotional price. "I don't know." The little machine answers. "What? What do you mean you don't know? You are supposed to … Continue reading Alexa Goes Wild (Flash Fiction)

Hidden In Plain Sight

Image by Jörg Peter from Pixabay As a self proclaimed amateur sleuth specializing in narcissism, I have observed and secretly "diagnosed" many of my friends, acquaintances, and relatives. Today, as I was preparing to do the weekly laundry as a dutiful and custom-abiding person, I suddenly thought about those narcissism hidden in plain sight in … Continue reading Hidden In Plain Sight

Suggestions May Not Work Out

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay Why can't I just keep my big mouth shut? Why can't I? I mean I should have just left things as they were in their imperfect and unsatisfactory state. It is a little less appealing, but at least everybody was accepting the imperfection, which was something to be satisfied … Continue reading Suggestions May Not Work Out

Four Colleagues (Flash Fiction)

Image by OyeHaHa from Pixabay Flash Fiction #138 "Jama's always like 'I can do it', 'I can do it' even if she really can't. Ivy, our boss, tends to talk about looking into the future, expanding our customer base, tap into new projects. That's just routine. She's the boss and she has to talk that … Continue reading Four Colleagues (Flash Fiction)

I Used To Drink Like That

Image by Pexels from Pixabay It is said Chiapas, Mexico is the capital of Coca-Cola--not that they produce the fizzy beverage, but rather they drink it more than any other places in the world. In certain towns in this state, people drink on average 2 liters of it per day per person. That's more than … Continue reading I Used To Drink Like That

New Word: Health

Image by Couleur from Pixabay New Word #120 well-being: being healthy and happy indisposed: unwell in one's health. wholesome: conducive to or suggestive of good health and physical well-being. healthy vs. hearty vs. healthful: These three words all mean being healthy, but I particularly like the last word, for the simple reason that it sounds … Continue reading New Word: Health

Real Life Ghost Stories

Image by Enrique from Pixabay A Haunted House This is a real story, which was told to me by my friend H. She lives in Queens, New York, in an area with more and more people of diverse ethnicity moving in since about 15 years ago. And most of the original residents have moved out … Continue reading Real Life Ghost Stories

The Village Psychic (Flash Fiction Part 2)

Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay Arton always speaks with his daughter in a tone that is a mixture of politeness, humor, and whining. Yilan has always enjoyed conversing with her father, basically following her father's train of thoughts and agreeing to his ideas. However recently Yilan has started to see a psychiatrist and has … Continue reading The Village Psychic (Flash Fiction Part 2)

The Village Psychic (Flash Fiction Part 1)

Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay Flash Fiction #136 When Yilan's father Arton and her mother Mi were about to get married, it's the local tradition that they should go to a local psychic, who would examine their family background, temperament, and other aspects of their life, from which their fortune would be told. So … Continue reading The Village Psychic (Flash Fiction Part 1)

The Lingering Cultural Shock

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay I wouldn't say it is a cultural shock, although the phrase appears on the title. It is only there to attract attentions, but in reality it is not really about cultural shock but rather cultural titillation to be exact. I am trying to say that there are somethings that … Continue reading The Lingering Cultural Shock

The Truth Teller (Flash Fiction)

Image by Hamsterfreund from Pixabay Flash Fiction #135 "Can you persuade her? You are such a good girl, Venven, but your cousin Arlai is the exact opposite. Remember she went to Thailand for vacation and came back expressing her desire to be a Buddhist nun? Remember that? Then she tried to set up an animal … Continue reading The Truth Teller (Flash Fiction)

Quote Of The Day: Saving Or Spending

from my phone Quote Of The Day #60 "History never repeats itself; man always does" "People do some crazy things about money, but no one is crazy. People from different generation, raised by different parents, who held different values, in different parts of the world, experience different economy learn very different lessons (about money)." "The … Continue reading Quote Of The Day: Saving Or Spending

Lisha’s Outburst (Flash Fiction Continued)

Image by Prettysleepy Art from Pixabay Flash Fiction #134 "Oh, Lisha. Please stop." Mali groans. "Well, I think you should be the last person to care about real or unreal, given your record of..." Lisha says. "What are you talking about?" Mali is surprised. "I don't want to spell it out. You know what I … Continue reading Lisha’s Outburst (Flash Fiction Continued)

Lisha’s Outburst (Flash Fiction)

Image by Prettysleepy Art from Pixabay Flash Fiction #134 Lisha has reached the awkward middle age when she still has the desire to meet new people and to socialize, but she no longer has the youthful good nature to just enjoy a gathering without telling herself how hopelessly boring it is. However her daughter always … Continue reading Lisha’s Outburst (Flash Fiction)

Quote Of The Day: Slang And Satire

Image by Capucine from Pixabay Quote Of The Day #59 I think I must have missed half of the jokes or parody or satires in this book since there are so many historical contexts and allusions to events that I have no knowledge of. However with my limited understanding, the book is still very funny. … Continue reading Quote Of The Day: Slang And Satire

I Met Such A Girl

Image by Stefan Keller from Pixabay I met such a girl and I want to write about her. Well, I really want to say that I don't know how to write about her and I want to practice writing about her. She and her brother were born in a very conservative immigrant family, which means … Continue reading I Met Such A Girl

Caught In The Middle

Photo by Nikolay Shulga from Pexels.com I am not going to talk about all my mishaps in life being caught in the middle, for example my humiliating experience as a mediator. Wait a second, actually the mediation was a success, and the two battling parties eventually made peace and even managed to be socially friendly. … Continue reading Caught In The Middle

The Embarrassing Incidents

Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels.com Missing The Cue Have you ever had such an experience that one day you suddenly realize that you missed a verbal cue two years, three years or even ten years ago? I mean it could be a deliberate hint, a veiled interest, a tentative sharing, a statement disguised as … Continue reading The Embarrassing Incidents

Quote Of The Day: Lively Debate

Quote Of The Day # 58 "...Recite a text and then the young monks have the job of memorizing them. Simply absorb the teaching while memorizing in the classic Indian sense associated with the oral tradition of teaching throughout the Indian world. And then they have to go out to debate it. That's where the … Continue reading Quote Of The Day: Lively Debate

Cultural Differences And Small Businesses

Image by Coffee Bean from Pixabay Actually it is not really about cultural differences, but rather it is about small business owners, who have some difficulties navigating laws and regulations. The problem is when one opens a small business, one doesn't have a handbook of laws and regulations in hand. One only comes across laws … Continue reading Cultural Differences And Small Businesses

It’s An Interesting Phase Everybody Goes Through (Flash Fiction)

Image by Quang Nguyen vinh from Pixabay Flash Fiction #134 "It's an interesting phase everybody goes through." Armei, Lulan look at their friend Pammy and reach a consensus. If somebody asks them what "an interesting phase" really means and why everybody has to go through it, neither of them can give a satisfactory answer. But … Continue reading It’s An Interesting Phase Everybody Goes Through (Flash Fiction)

What Can I Say To Her? (Flash Fiction)

Image by StartupStockPhotos from Pixabay Flash Fiction #133 "Look, Ivy, nobody wants to tutor Susu. We are here to tell you that we don't want Susu." Lulan says. Ivy looks at Lulan, Tin, Cindy, and then the new employee San. They all look back at her while nodding their head to agree with what Lulan … Continue reading What Can I Say To Her? (Flash Fiction)

The Labor Day Weekend

Image by Jeremy Kyejo from Pixabay The Labor Day weekend is coming up and New Jersey is having a ten day tax-free holiday for items like computers and school supplies. I have been thinking of replacing my laptop, but due to the lackluster economy and the lukewarm business, I have been postponing it indefinitely. I … Continue reading The Labor Day Weekend

Quote Of The Day: The Feeling Of Belonging To Nowhere

Image by Tiểu Bảo Trương from Pixabay Quote Of The Day #57 Irena moved to Paris after Prague Spring. She and her husband struggled to raise their two daughters. About 20 years later, her husband died, her daughters grew up, the Berlin Wall came down. Then Irena met Gustaf, and the two started a relationship. … Continue reading Quote Of The Day: The Feeling Of Belonging To Nowhere