Y’all know I’m not Chinese, but I like Chinese people, Americanized Chinese Food, Feng Shui, bento, Buddha, rice, the color red, bamboo, paper lanterns, dragons, watercolor, inari maki and lettering.

My 1/2 bath on the main floor is decorated with Asian flare: the walls & ceiling are painted a dark chocolate brown, a golden wooden Buddha sits in the corner on the floor, a small ornate stool waits under the sink for the vertically challenged, smooth stones rest in the bowl of the sink with handmade soaps settled within, matchstick blinds are attached along the 1/2 bottom of the walls running up and down, a hundred year old handmade apron from China (thanks Sandra) hangs above the toilet, 6 votive candles rest patiently upon the shelf next to a miniature Chinese plate (thanks Steph) and brown textured candles. A giant painted fan from San Fransisco in muted colors of green, beige and gray spreads along the largest wall (Buddist friends of mine told me the writing on the fan means prosperity, good luck and peace).

According to Wikipedia, my Chinese Zodiac animal is the Boar (good thing, because I like pork). I knew that from the first time I met my bio-dad, Gary, and his wife, Jo, 10 years ago. We went to a museum in Portland that had Asian artifacts on display. They bought me a small card that identified my Zodiac according to my birthdate. A couple years ago when vacationing on the Oregon coast (I love it there), I came across a solitary urban-style necklace with my Zodiac on it that now hangs in my bathroom when I’m not wearing it. Think I’ll have to put it on today.

According to customary superstition, the Pig type is usually an honest, straightforward and patient person (I don’t know about ‘patient’ but the rest is certainly true). They are a modest, shy character (not so much) who prefers to work quietly behind the scenes (believe it or not, I do). When others despair, they are often there to offer support (mm-hm). This type of person is reserved with those they do not know too well (wish that were true), but as time passes and they gain confidence, those around them may discover a lively and warm-hearted person (and more tender-hearted than anyone realizes) behind that mask of aloofness. Despite those born in the year of pig having a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, they have few close friends who understand them and share their inner thoughts and feelings (this is COMPLETELY true, came to that conclusion just recently). It is easy to put trust in pig type; they won’t let you down and will never even attempt to do so (true dat). Such people simply want to do everything right according to social norms (‘want’ being the active word).

Also according to customary superstition, that these people are not vengeful creatures (I don’t like to spread bad kharma because it’ll just bounce right back atcha). If someone tries to take advantage of them, the pig type tend to withdraw to reflect on the problem and protect themselves (because nobody else can do it for me). All they need in such situations is a little time (since I don’t often use a filter; gotta work on that) to find a constructive way to respond (I can come up with something clever). The people of the pig type are conservative creatures of habit. They dislike being made to travel too far from familiar surroundings (I like precise directions and don’t like getting lost; I like traveling by air to visit friends), unless it is a trip to the countryside (wouldn’t it be lovely to have a place in the English countryside?). They love nature and are never happier than when they are out somewhere, far from the city (sans TV, cell phones, computers but I MUST have my camera; I [heart] the sound of nature… wind through the trees, birds chirping, small animals scattering through the forest floor and water flowing and bubbly).

There is a tolerant (sometimes TOO much) and peaceful side to the character of Pig types. Such people are never afraid to allow others their freedom of expression (who am I to tell people how to behave?); they do not want to cause arguments and if there is any way to avoid arguing, they will probably take this option (no matter which ‘side’ I’m on, I do enjoy playing devils advocate so that both sides are represented fairly – many times both sides are right in their own way). They are not weak, however, and if the situation forces them to fight these people will rise to the occasion, whether it is to defend themselves or those close to them (I probably defend others more than myself; I can take the heat because I am confident but don’t like seeing others put down). People of the Boar type are the most admired by others (‘admired’?).

Red Packets (I like this custom)
Traditionally, red packets are passed out during the Chinese New Year’s celebrations, from married couples or the elderly to unmarried juniors. It is common for adults to give red packets to children. Red packets are also known as 压岁钱 (Ya Sui Qian, literally, age suppressing money) during this period.

The red envelopes always contain money, usually varying from a couple of dollars to several hundred. The amount of money in the red packets should be of even numbers, as odd numbers are associated with cash given during funerals (白金 : Bai Jin). Since the number 4 is considered bad luck, money in the red envelopes never adds up to $4. However, the number 6 is considered lucky, and $6 is commonly found in the red envelopes.

Click here for more information on the Chinese New Year.

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Monday was my first day back from my trip and I was pretty bummed leaving behind all those great people. Figured I’d try to feed my sorrows because a full belly has made me feel better in the past. For lunch I had leftover stuffed crust cheese pizza, Ruffles and dip. Didn’t fulfill me. So I suggested One Man Band (Piper calls it Ban Ban) for dinner that night and got my regular chicken fried steak, gravy, baked potato and scone with honey butter (and a few swipes of my fork on Jack’s pancakes and Piper’s sausage). Nope. Still didn’t feel better. Made me feel wasteful of all that food and money that paid for it. After that meal I had a light bulb moment: I do NOT feel better just because I eat something. Food is not the answer. Food does NOT make me happy. I LIKE to eat (everyone who knows me knows that; especially Erin wink wink) but this week I don’t.

Monday: stuffed crust pizza, chips, dip, chicken fried steak, baked potato, scone & scraps.
Tuesday: Slimfast-style drink, Slimfast-style drink and a handful of mini-baby carrots.
Wednesday: Slimfast-style drink and 6″ turkey sub.
Thursday: Slimfast-style drink, about 15 grapes and handful of almonds.
Friday: Slimfast-style drink that I just finished with ibuprofen (threw out my back on Tuesday)

I’m just NOT hungry. Plus, my back is in so much pain that I don’t feel like getting up to prepare anything. Luckily the kids are either at school or Linda’s playing (thank goodness for Linda – love YOU). So it’s not like I’m white-trash mom laying on the couch ignoring my children :o)

Then last night I took a nap at 6:45 (tired of all the pain). Woke about 10:30pm, watched School for Scoundrels (wouldn’t recommend it but Billy Bob Thornton really does it for me) then jumped into the guest bed to go back to sleep because Piper was in mine and I couldn’t move her.

What in the world is going on with me?

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A – Available or Single: Neither, I’m happily married (9yr anniversary this year) to Ben.

B – Best Friend: My Lisa, 10 yrs this year; but I have numerous “besties” (you know who you are).

C – Cake or Pie: Pumpkin pie (anytime of year) or cheesecake (our wedding cake my mom fabulously made; 5 tiers and all handmade). Brownies.

D – Drink of Choice: Lemonade, preferably pink. Raspberry Italian Soda with Cream. Hot chocolate with Postum (lots) or Pero (teaspoon) and hazelnut flavoring.

E – Essential Item You Use Everyday: Computer. On it throughout the day, usually. I should be using my camera everyday (getting my new one on MONDAY – I’m so excited).

F – Favorite Color: To wear, pink and/or brown. To look at, red and/or black.

G – Gummy Bears or Worms: Pronounced “goo-me” (Gumi) in Germany and soft, squishy bears all the way (although I could do without the green ones).

H – Hometown: Don’t have one but some I say are Clovis (6), Spokane (6) and Seattle/Redmond (5); I say I’m from Redmond, WA (born in San Diego).

I – Indulgence: Éclairs; I prefer them naked (without the chocolate on top unless it’s REALLY good chocolate but the grocery stores usually just pile icing on top – barf).

J – January or February: February because it’s closer to getting winter over with. Ben and I celebrate VD either before or after the actual day (14th) but not on Friday or Saturday.

K – Kids and Names: Jack is 7 tomorrow and he’s named after my grandpa who didn’t sire children of his own and Piper who’s a kick in my pants. I hope that there are 2 more out there (but I’m not physically birthing them); a boy that was born in ’01 and his sister who was born in ’02 and they are mentally, emotionally and physically sound (within reason, of course); orphans?

L – Life is Incomplete Without: Faith in Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven. Or Pringles. Or forgiveness. Or Chapstick.

M – Marriage Date: March 28, 1998 (I picked March because it begins with M and the 28th because that’s my birth date in May (write that down because I like gifts if they’re EXACTLY what I ask for or VERY sentimental or thoughtful) – so all Ben needs to do is remember the 28th in any Month that starts with M).

N – Number of Siblings: One younger brother (by 7 yrs), Jason, who was almost Matthew. We’re not uber close but I love him and glad he’s a good guy. Then there are Ben’s siblings: Bridgette & Mark, Britanny & Jake, Brett, Bryant and Brad.

O – Oranges or Apples: Tangerines; sweet & sassy. Love the smell.

P – Phobias or Fears: I don’t do well with heights. My fear is my children getting hurt, maimed or killed (especially in the street).

Q – Fave Quote: You’re unique; just like everyone else. –and- You don’t make time. Time is always there. You just decide what to do with it. – Yours truly

R – Reason to Smile: My children who are the funniest kids I know. Or when my husband makes me laugh (he can really make me bust a gut even though he’s not a comedian).

S – Season: Fall for the crisp air, turning leaves, sweaters, bundling up on the couch, cider, Hot Pumpkin Surprise Cake with fresh whipped cream, sunsets and fireplaces.

T – Tag 3 or 4 People: b., cjane, elpasorepresentyo, formerly phread.

U – Unknown Fact About Me: Not much that people don’t know about me because I’m too honest. I had breast reduction surgery in 1994 and hope to again now that I’m done having kids.

V – Vegetable You Don’t Like: Green peppers; abhor them but wish I liked them.

W – Worst Habit: Chewing my finger skin (not my nails). Buying things on sale BECAUSE they’re on sale (thinking that I’ll have use for them someday).

X – X-rays You’ve Had: As a baby with broken femur, right middle finger (basketball) and back.

Y – Your Fave Food: Anything with a white sauce (preferably Alfredo), medium-rare filet mignon, peanut butter cookies, Tom Kah Gai, Bags of Gold, chocolate & Wendy’s fries (but not all in the same meal).

Z – Zodiac Sign: Gemini but I don’t put much stock in the Zodiac. I do, however, have a fun time with the Chinese New Year. This (2007) is MY year (the Boar) beginning February 18th when it officially begins.

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