I just learned the word pyrrhic, an adjective, meaning "won at too great a cost to have been worthwhile for the victor". It is pronounced "pirik". People always tell me that I pronounce "i" as if it is "ee", a typical non-native speaker's mistake. I have always wanted to improve my pronunciation, but I've never … Continue reading Easy Or Pyrrhic?
Tag: Asian
Being Thankful 2023
A holiday cleanup reveals a book under the sofa-- the worn out pages curvy and dusty, presenting a story half read, long forgotten. The movable tents called "ger", the exotic boots called "gutal", in the frozen world of northwestern Mongolia, where Tuvans, who are Mongolians, and Kazaks lived side by side. The riverbed is a … Continue reading Being Thankful 2023
Cultural Differences On Beauty (Continued)
canva stock image This is the second half of the post. The first half is here. Two Different Systems Many people have two different aesthetic systems in their mind. For me and many other Asians who speak and utilize English as a second language, we have two distinct aesthetic systems, one connected with English and … Continue reading Cultural Differences On Beauty (Continued)
Cultural Differences On Beauty
canva stock image A food-and-travel video blogger on YouTube, whom I watch regularly, is putting up a video about his wife going for cosmetic surgery in Thailand. As you know, Thailand and South Korea are the places to go to become more "beautiful" for people living in the vicinity. I really feel…. Well, judging from … Continue reading Cultural Differences On Beauty
The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction #15)
Image by kiquebg from Pixaba This is the 15th part of the story. The previous parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. Koi's second wife Malia was a graduate student of the same department and an Eastern European immigrant. As a professor, Koi has never … Continue reading The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction #15)
The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction #14)
Image by kiquebg from Pixaba This is the 14th part of the story. The previous parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. Thanks to Fifi's amazing organizing skills, the dinner party goes on smoothly. Fifi arranges the dinner menu, prints out recipes for the cooking machine, … Continue reading The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction #14)
How To Convince People?
Canva Stock Image Two days ago I did something that was very satisfying. I think I was a little nerdy and insistent; I might have talked more than I should; I could have just given the hint and sent the video link. Basically in a very imperfect way, I expressed myself and caught other people's … Continue reading How To Convince People?
Love Makes Us Blind Or Perceptive? (Flash Fiction Continued)
This is the 2nd half of the story. The 1st half is here. "What? What are you talking about? What got us together?" Jong asks. "It's an epiphany today. Thank you for enlightening me. I can't believe I didn't realize it before. It's hiding in plain sight but I just can't see it for what … Continue reading Love Makes Us Blind Or Perceptive? (Flash Fiction Continued)
Love Makes Us Blind Or Perceptive? (Flash Fiction)
Flash Fiction #169 "Love makes one blind or perceptive?" Shia says to her boyfriend Jong. "Probably blind." Jong answers absentmindedly. They are sitting in Bamboo Palace, finishing their dinner. Shia's animated expressions and eager communication are in direct contrast to Jong's nonchalant politeness. Their relationship has always been like this--Shia is anxious while Jong is … Continue reading Love Makes Us Blind Or Perceptive? (Flash Fiction)
The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 13)
This is the 13th part of the story. The previous parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. "It suddenly dawns on me what this is. This is a charade, for which you are indirectly involved, Pammy. No wonder you switch from Team Chrysanthemum to Team Lau. No … Continue reading The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 13)
The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 12)
This is the 12th part of the story. The previous parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. It's another weekend. Pammy, Dodo, and I are sitting at the Paris Baguette for its delicious rice donuts and coconut croissant. Our conversation lingers on its new store opening in New … Continue reading The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 12)
The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 11)
This is the 11th part of the story. The previous parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. The news of Lau's heart attack spread among the restaurant patrons and throughout the Asian community, inevitably provoking a debate between Team Lau and Team Chrysanthemum--should the money from the Korean businessman … Continue reading The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 11)
The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 10)
This is the 10th part of the story. The previous parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. That night, Lau and Chrysanthemum have their biggest fight over it. "He gave the money to me, for the sole purpose of fighting bad wives like you. He deliberately said that it was … Continue reading The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 10)
The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 9)
This is the 9th part of the story. The previous parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Everybody has her defining event (or moment) in her life. For Chrysanthemum, this defining event didn't come until she ran away with Chow. Before this, she was a good girl, a silent partner who … Continue reading The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 9)
Education In A Form Of Madness (Part 5)
This is the 5th part of the post. The previous parts are here: 1, 2, 3,4. Family Life I've known several families, which have the good luck of sending their kids to top colleges. They all live in this area. I have to say the aspiration of getting their kids into better colleges takes a … Continue reading Education In A Form Of Madness (Part 5)
The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 13)
Image by kiquebg from Pixaba This is the 13th part of the story. The previous parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. "Can you believe it? Last week Tram bought this all-in-one multi-layer electric cooking machine, that can make dough, bake bread, churn ice cream, grill meat, … Continue reading The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 13)
Education In A Form Of Madness (Part 4)
This is the 4rd part of the post. The previous parts are here: 1, 2, 3. Choices and More Choices I just watched an online video of a young Asian guy coming to the evening news of two weeks ago to defend his conservative Asian organization and its lawsuit, which precipitated the termination of affirmative … Continue reading Education In A Form Of Madness (Part 4)
The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 12)
Image by kiquebg from Pixaba This is the 12th part of the story. The previous 11 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. The annual office dinner is usually held at a mid-town restaurant with white table cloths, liquor license, and spotless counters, which is very different from … Continue reading The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 12)
The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 8)
This is the 8th part of the story. The previous parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. "If Chrysanthemum had rejected Chow's proposed runaway many times before, why did she accept the one to go to the West Coast for a marijuana farm? Why this proposal? Why this time? I mean her … Continue reading The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 8)
Education In A Form Of Madness (Part 3)
This is the 3rd part of the post. The 1st and 2nd part are here and here. Insecurity And Not Belonging For most of the Asian immigrant families, insecurity and not belonging is an overwhelming feeling. The parents of the families, usually the first generation immigrants, live in the enclave of their own communities and … Continue reading Education In A Form Of Madness (Part 3)
Education In A Form Of Madness (Continued)
This is the 2nd part of the post. The 1st part is here. In the 1st part of the post, I wrote a little about the recent termination of affirmative action in college admission. It is regrettable to see that Asians have played a central part in this event. I am not surprised since the … Continue reading Education In A Form Of Madness (Continued)
The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 7)
This is the 7th part of the story. The previous parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. I wrote the last part of the story really badly, but I hope this part is better than the last one. Anyway, Chrysanthemums and Chow disappeared, together with two stashes of cash in two safety deposit … Continue reading The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 7)
The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 6)
This is the 6th part of the story. The previous parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Babutai pauses and looks around, enjoying the astonishment of his audience. "Chef Chow's cleaver is very sharp. He sharpens it every day." "What happened next? Did Chef Chow hurt anybody?" We ask and urge Babutai to continue. … Continue reading The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 6)
The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 11)
Image by kiquebg from Pixaba This is the 11th part of the story. The previous 10 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Ayun is cooking while thinking of a way to broach the topic of communication with her husband Tram. She is throwing packages of pre-seasoned veggie and … Continue reading The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 11)
Risks And Thrills
Image by goonerua on Freepik I have nothing to write about today. Life is so repetitive and uneventful, which is probably why some people want to take risks to feel the thrills. And I have to say I did take some risks before, but none of the risks I took gave me any thrills at … Continue reading Risks And Thrills
The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 5)
This is the 5th part of the story. The previous parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4. One of the employees of the coffee shop comes to the table to ask Babutai and the three strangers standing behind me if they want to order something. Babutai becomes strategically silent and looks at his admires with … Continue reading The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 5)
The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 10)
Image by kiquebg from Pixaba This is the 10th part of the story. The previous 9 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. "Well, my husband is very different from other men. You know I'm an anthropologist. An unemployed anthropologist is still an anthropologist. If he had agreed to accompany … Continue reading The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 10)
The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 9)
Image by kiquebg from Pixabay This is the 9th part of the story. The previous 8 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. "Your husband Tram is the best. You told me so and I think so too, although I have only met him several times when he came to pick … Continue reading The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 9)
The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 8)
Image by kiquebg from Pixaba This is the 8th part of the story. The previous 5 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. "Oh, well, Fifi was gone. The idiotic robot couldn't translate well. My boss couldn't stand it and put it away to collect dust. Finally, it's about time." Ayun says … Continue reading The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 8)
The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 4)
This is the 4th part of the story. The previous parts are here: 1, 2, 3. Now Babutai has got every woman's attention, he is not in a rush to reveal what he knows. To enhance the sense of suspense and drama, he asks questions instead, "So you don't know what happened yesterday. However do … Continue reading The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 4)
The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 3)
This is the 3rd part of the story. The previous parts are here: 1, 2. "Can you believe what he did to me a week ago? He tried to force me to do takeout while I wanted to eat in the restaurant." I tell Pammy, Jen, and Dodo. Four of us are sitting at the … Continue reading The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 3)
The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 7)
Image by kiquebg from Pixaba This is the 7th part of the story. The previous 6 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Making Fifi reveal its weakness for smaller cases will not convince her boss Ku to give up on the robot. Ayun thinks. Smaller cases don't have much impact on Ku's … Continue reading The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 7)
Quote Of The Day: A Lighthouse
Image by callmetak on Freepik Quote Of The Day #79 I was trying to publish this post last night, but I realized that I didn't feel like doing it after all. If one has been reading for the night, one often feels disinclined towards writing, as if the two activities are mutually exclusive somehow. Anyway, … Continue reading Quote Of The Day: A Lighthouse
The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 6)
Image by kiquebg from Pixaba This is the 6th part of the story. The previous 5 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Ayun ponders on her strategy--how to get rid of Fifi? Her husband Tram has already declined her request for help, but she could press him to do what he doesn't want … Continue reading The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 6)
The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 2)
This is the 2nd part of the story. The 1st part is here. Anyway, it is a Saturday, but I work the whole day to finish an urgent document. When I finally finish everything, it is 8:30PM already. Driving home, I pass Bamboo Palace, thinking that I should reward myself with a nice dinner. Everybody … Continue reading The Dim Sum Drama (Flash Fiction Part 2)
The Friendship Puzzle
Image by Ingo Jakubke from Pixabay I've had various friendship mishaps over the years, mostly due to me being a "grey rock", who pretends to be sweet, docile, obliging, passive and pacifying. I have a hidden fear that if other people know my true self--a person being a little bitter, harboring misgivings, growing up among … Continue reading The Friendship Puzzle
The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 5)
Image by kiquebg from Pixaba This is the 5th part of the story. The previous 4 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4. Ayun arrives at the office early today. Upon arrival, she immediately goes to Fifi, unplugs her cord, and dislodges her battery. As she is pondering what more damage she could do, she … Continue reading The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 5)
The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 4)
Image by kiquebg from Pixaba This is the 4th part of the story. The previous 3 parts are here: 1, 2, 3. If Tram doesn't want to help her, she will do it herself. She has always been a resourceful girl even though she has never had much resources in her command. She is an … Continue reading The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 4)
The Real Diversity
Image by xiSerge from Pixabay The concept of nuclear family is very much like the English language--they both came from one specific area and one specific group (or several specific groups) of people, and for the last two hundred years or so they have spread to every corner of the world and dominated our life … Continue reading The Real Diversity
The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 1)
Image by kiquebg from Pixaba I've never been able to imagine a story before, and most of my stories, except a handle of them, have been real. I want to change that. So here I am imagining a robot translator, who is going to replace Ayun, a legal assistant in a law office. The robot … Continue reading The Robot Translator (Flash Fiction Part 1)
Being In A Wrong Place
Image by Frauke Riether from Pixabay I have nothing to write about today or yesterday, but I just talked with one of my friends over the phone, who told me to be careful and to avoid going to the wrong places. Everybody is armed with guns nowadays (except me) and being in a wrong place … Continue reading Being In A Wrong Place
How To Improve The Efficiency? (Flash Fiction)
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay Flash Fiction #166 "Computer modeling can calculate the success rate of a pharmaceutical experiment before the lab work is done. My work has just improved the efficiency of identifying transporter protein by 10 fold." Arlong says to his friends. It is Arlong's 40th birthday and his wife Jasmine throws … Continue reading How To Improve The Efficiency? (Flash Fiction)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (The End Part 2)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 22th part. The previous 21 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21. I don't have an ending for this story because all the narcissists in my family, except … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (The End Part 2)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (The End Part 1)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 21th part. The previous 20 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. I have been thinking of several endings for this story, but none is satisfactory. Although the story … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (The End Part 1)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 20)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 20th part. The previous 19 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19. Cousin Arjin, Right Now After Fanfan came back, we've had relative peace so far, but it is never … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 20)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 19)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 19th part. The previous 18 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. Nalan, Right Now I am not surprised that Uncle Big is a popular guy in the Lakeview retirement community, … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 19)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 18)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 18th part. The previous 17 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. Cousin Arjin, Right Now After leaving Nalan's apartment, I immediately go to see my father, who's living in a retirement … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 18)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 17)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 17th part. The previous 16 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. Nalan, Right Now "Just tell me what you know about my mother. I won't believe you, but I am curious." Arjin … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 17)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 16)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 16th part. The previous 15 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. Cousin Arjin, Right Now "It was not a swimming accident." Nalan says. "Really? How did you know? That was 19 years ago." … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 16)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 15)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 15th part. The previous 14 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. Nalan, Right Now Arjin says to me, "I don't believe a word you are saying. What I know is whenever I meet you, … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 15)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 14)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 14th part. The previous 13 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13. Cousin Arjin, Right Now Nalan says to me, "I don't know about you, but I am starving. My blood sugar is getting low since … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 14)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 13)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 13th part. The previous 12 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12. Cousin Arjin, Right Now After grandma's funeral, I had a business trip out of town for a few days. When I came back, my wife … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 13)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 12)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 12th part. The previous 11 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11. Nalan, Present Day After a socially appropriate period of mourning, my father married again. I was a little shocked to see how sad an appearance my … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 12)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 11)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 11th part. The previous 10 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10. Nalan, Present Day Well, that was 25 years ago. Time flies whether one has a good time or not. For this reason, one probably should enjoy as … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 11)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 10)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 10th part. The previous 9 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9. With rumors swirling around, my mother was in full damage control mode. Whenever my parents found their common enemy, they would work together against the external threat, real … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 10)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 9)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 9th part. The previous 8 parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Nalan , Twenty Five Years Ago I was ten at the time, on the brink of becoming a troublesome teenager. My parents were scared that I would bring … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 9)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 8)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 8th part. The previous six parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Cousin Arjin, Twenty Five Years Ago A week later, Nalan came back, carrying a bag of deep fried crispy pretzels with her. She grew taller and had a smile … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 8)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 7)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 7th part. The previous six parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. The next day, I came back home. Nalan was still nowhere to be found. "Arjin, I hope you have told everything to the police. Don't you cover for somebody else. … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 7)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 6)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 6th part. The previous five parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Cousin Arjin, Twenty Five Years Ago Nalan didn't come home that night. When my aunt and uncle asked me, I just told them that I didn't know where she was. "Where … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 6)
A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 5)
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay Flash Fiction #163 This is the 5th part. The previous four parts are here: 1, 2, 3, 4. I didn't know what to do. So I asked my friend Big Head and Iron Ball, who sympathized with me. Big Head suggested that I talked with Altan, who sometimes played soccer … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Cousins (Flash Fiction Part 5)
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)
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
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
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
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
