GO QAP GO !!!!!!

 I got my copy of Runner's World November 2012 Issue and have been telling everyone in St. Louis that I know Qaptain Qwerty, the World Famous Runner from Brooklyn, New York.  If you have not gotten your copy, you might be out of luck because the issue might be sold out!  Congratulations, Go Qap Go .......  

It was a cold morning today, only in the 40 when I was on the way to the doctor for an annual physical check-up.  I am pleased to report that all is well.  I got the same reminders from Doc - slim down, exercise more and don't read too much into any latest medical news (something is good for you today might become bad tomorrow).  After the exam, I spent almost an hour waiting to a blood test done.  Nothing serious, Doc just wanted to keep an eye on the cholesterol and as preventative measures.  The afternoon was warm in the high 50 but felt much warmer when standing in the sun.  Whether you got a day off or have to work today, Happy Columbus Day! 

NEW YORK IS IN MY TUMMY - WELL, NOT EXACTLY ...

Most of you probably already knew that Joey Chestnut won the 2011 Nathan Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest took place in Coney Island on Monday, July 4th. In the female category was Sonya Thomas, winning the first ever Women's Championship. Chestnut claimed his 5th straight championship. Go to www.nathanfamous.com for more details about this American tradition. The next contest will be on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. So start practicing chowing down as many hot dogs as you could in 10 minutes if you wish to be a contestant :)

I took these photos last Thanksgiving (2010) when my husband insisted that we must have a Nathan's Famous dog for lunch. Well, CP had the dog and I could only have a cheese fries. I don't know what happened but I could no longer consume hot dogs. It started about 10+ years that I would have stomach ache, vomitting and spending time in the bathroom after eating a hot dog. I thought it was just that one time but after the third time getting so sick, I decided it would be best to "pass the dog" to others.

While we were standing in line waiting to place our order, a man in his late 50s, walked thru the door and stood behind us. His light blue shirt had a few stains, his white pants seemed to be on its last wash and his shoes were covered with all kind of industrial paints. He wore a faded Yankees hat that was hard to tell what the original color was. I pulled my purse closer to my body and gave my husband a "be careful, watch out for this guy" look.

The line moved quickly with three employees taking orders. Then we heard someone said, "Here, you could have this." The man I tried to guard my purse against offered us the coupon for $2 off. We thanked him for the coupon. The man placed his order to go and waited while we sat down at a table in the corner. I watched the "nice" man walked out into the busy streets of Coney Island with his lunch. My husband gave me the "Be careful - Don't judge the book by its cover" look.

HAPPY BELATED 2ND BIRTHDAY TO BENJAMIN!

Benjamin's 2nd birthday was on Friday, May 6th. So this would be a belated Happy Birthday post. I just realized that the post about Benjamin 1st birthday last year was also late. What a terrible mother I am!
It is the same excuses - watching NHL playoffs games, getting depressed after my beloved Red Wings were eliminated (again by the Sharks) and side-tracked by other activities.

I am pleased to report that Benjamin has grown up happy and strong. He still has all seven yellow strings on top. These photos show Benjamin in a flying pose just like the Man of Steel.

Though the tag reads, Made in China, Benjamin has always been proud to be an American and ready to defend the United States against all foreign and domestic enemies.

Based on genealogy records, Benjamin Saturday was born in Bensonhurst (thus the name Benjamin) and was presented to me by my nephew JL on Saturday, May 6, 2009. Qaptain Qwerty corrected me that his area actually is Bath Beach but I am not sure if the name Beth or Becky would fit, therefore the name Benjamin is much better.

So please join me in wishing Benjamin a belated Happy Birthday and many more years in a peaceful and happy world.

BENJAMIN BACK IN THE HOOD

You probably wonder what’s up with Benjamin. Of course, we would not be visiting NYC without bringing Benjamin. On Thursday, we brought Benjamin along to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and that was a bad idea! After about five minutes, he said that he was hungry. We tried to find a street vendor among the millions of people at the parade. After finishing eating a hotdog and a pretzel, Benjamin complained that it was too crowded and that he could not move freely. Another five minutes and he was already bored to tears! We finally were able to find a coffee shop with WiFi connection and Benjamin was happy staying there playing games on the iPad.

The next few days, Benjamin decided that while we visited my godparents and went around City, that he would just hang out with his buddies from the hood in Bath Beach/Bensonhurst.

On Monday, November 29th, Benjamin came along when we went to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree. Seeing the ice skating rink reminded Benjamin of the time when he and his girlfriend, Ophelia, used to spend many hours there. Sadly, the relationship came to an end when Benjamin moved to St. Louis. Ophelia did not wish to leave her employment with the New York Rangers. We heard she was seen going to dinner with Henrik Lundqvist even though she thought Martin Biron as a goalie with the most beautiful eyes!

Benjamin wanted to go to the Museum of Natural History but we did not have enough time. There was so much to see in NYC. It is a place to be if you have money, free time and a youthful body to enjoy everything the City has to offer!

TUESDAY TWO - 2 + 2 = 4

If you come to NYC during Thanksgiving/Christmas, you would see the above display. I don't remember exactly what street. If you walked around Radio City/Rockefeller Center, you would not miss it.

I was trying to take photos of Manhattan skyline when my friend, MG, drove us back to Brooklyn after our dinner in Flushing. I did not see what the sign was so I was not happy when it got in the way. As I sorted thru all the images, I was glad to see that it was the "Exit 2" sign. It is perfect for one of my Tuesday Two weekly theme. I will try to remember that when facing something unpleasant, it might turn out to be something good or a nice surprise awaiting.

I did not walk around to find out if there were numbers 1 and 3. I will try to remember to look for them, on the display, the next time I am in NYC during the holidays.

WHERE IS BENJAMIN (AT THE PARK)?

We went to the park last week. After all the rains, thunderstorms and the constant threat of tornadoes, we were so happy to be outside on a sunny day. I was chatting with another parent about the NHL playoffs but when it was time to go home for lunch, I could not find Benjamin anywhere. Would you help me find Benjamin?

BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BENJAMIN SATURDAY

I am back! It has been more than two weeks since my last entry, did you miss reading all the intelligent discussions, profound ideas, and deep thoughts, from my writing? Ok, you could stop laughing now and help me celebrate Benjamin's belated birthday. Since moving to St. Louis, Benjamin has been active in the community, attending council meetings, serving on the Board of Adjustment and participating in discussions on how to improve various aspects in the neighborhood. Photo above shows a representative from the Mayor of City of St. Louis presented the key to the City and a jewelry box to Benjamin, for his contributions to the community.
Since I am not sure when Benjamin was "born" (the tag only reads Made in China, is there anything made in America anymore?), so I based his birthday on the day my nephew gave Benjamin to me, May 6, 2009. I drafted this post in April to make sure I would not forget to timely celebrate Benjamin's First Birthday on May 6th. Then I got sidetracked with NHL playoffs and was so depressed after the Red Wings were eliminated. It was painful watching my beloved hockey team down 0-3 in Round 2, came back strong in game 4 (7-1) but it was not good enough to make a comeback and the Wings were eliminated (1-2) in game 5. There I go again, talking about hockey while writing a belated birthday post! If there was a category for the worst mother, I would be in my own league. Benjamin told me he still has nightmare about being dropped in the middle of the 4-lane busy road. He still felt the tires running over his back with his face mashed down onto the asphalt while trying to keep all eight of the yellow strings intact to his little head.
Sorry, I did not bake a cake (did I ever bake anything?) and it is too late to buy a cake, so let's just wish Benjamin a Belated Happy Birthday and may his future be as bright as his ever smiling face!

DID YOU SEE WHAT I THOUGHT I SAW?

I took these photos while visiting the Brooklyn Botanical Garden when I was in New York last May. I was trying to be creative capturing images of statues and all the petals covering the ground, scattering on the tree branches. Only recently while looking for a few nice photos of the cherry blossoms, that I took a close look at these photos and for the first time, seeing a different "interpretation" of the photos, more than just the petals on the "body" of the tree or where the spraying water seems to come from the statue (in the first photo)! I could not elaborate further because I don't want to be accused of having a dirty mind. I invite you to tell me, based on your "imagination", what you see in these photos!

PALM SUNDAY AT ST. MARY MOTHER OF JESUS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

These photos were taken last year when I was in New York on Palm Sunday. Actually I came in on Wednesday, April 1st, the day before my Mom was scheduled for an operation. The surgery went well and I spent the next few days at the hospital, sitting by Mom's bedside. I was committed to make the trip because I would never forgive myself if the operation did not go well and I was not there with my family. Last year, Palm Sunday was on April 5th. My husband laughed when I told him that I attended 8:15 a.m. Mass. He almost did not believe me because he knew I did not like to get up early. I explained that I had to since Mom was scheduled to be discharged that morning. I flew back to St. Louis the following Tuesday after we were able to secure a nurse and a homecare aid to provide medical follow up and assistance with chores.

NEW YORK IS ON MY MIND - CHERRY BLOSSOM AT BROOKLYN BOTANICAL GARDEN

New York is always on my mind and in my heart. When I heard on the news about the Cherry Blossom in Washington D.C., I immediately thought of my sister, CH and our time together at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden last May. According to the website http://www.gonyc.about.com/, "Cherry Blossom Season at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden lasts from April 3 - May 2, 2010. Hanami is the Japanese name for cherry-blossom viewing, and the Japanese have long-established customs surrounding this tradition, including picnicking under the boughs of cherry trees and trapping fallen petals in cups of sake. Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s peerless collection of cherry trees—-the largest and most diverse outside Japan—-creates a canopy of blossoms in the spring worthy of celebration."
These photos were taken the day after a heavy rain came thru so there were more petals on the ground than on the trees. Also, it was the end of the festival so there was not a lot of people there. I was glad that neither CH nor I fell while walking around on the wet ground. The pathway looked pretty but it was muddy and slippery under all the pretty pink petals. We asked other visitors to take photos of us together and it sure was a nice day to be with my sister.

NEW YORK IS ON MY MIND - A FEW NICE PHOTOS OF CENTRAL PARK

I called my Mom yesterday afternoon to see how everyone was doing. Mom told me that there was no school for my nephew and my brother was able to work from home. There would be no reason for being outside except to clean up the snow on the sidewalk. I am sure my sister, CH is so glad that she is so far from New York City. CH left on Monday to spend two weeks in the Carribean. I told Mom we have had nice weather here in St. Louis, sunny and the temperature in the 40s.

Here are a few nice photos I took from our trip to NYC in 2007. I never really explored Central Park during the years I was there. I had fond memories of being a volunteer for a few years helping out the runners at the end of the Marathon. The name Central Park seems to be a good name because I know three other parks that also named Central Park. Do you have a Central Park in your town?

30TH ANNIVERSARY COMING TO AMERICA

(Above photo of Ms. Green M. Liberty was taken in December 2007 at the Hershey Store in Times Square, NYC.)
Today marks the 30th Anniversary of my family coming to America. It is a family tradition that I will call my Mom, sister and brothers to say "Happy Anniversary". My husband and I are trying to shed a few pounds, so there will be no fancy dinner to celebrate the occassion, instead we went to our favorite restaurant, the Mandarin House on Page Avenue and I-170, for Dim Sum (a southeastern Cantonese dialect, meaning "dot your heart"). Dim sum is collective dishes of beef, shrimp, chicken, pork, in assorted small portion, steamed, fried, broiled, and served as appetizers, snacks and sweet pastries, from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the weekends. (In NYC or other big cities, dim sum is served everyday.)

I have been thinking about what I would write for this post about our 30th Anniversary. One of the blogs I enjoy reading is from David Michael Bruno, http://www.guynameddave.com/, and he wrote, "these days when a person achieves something like the American Dream (let's just say that's moving solidly into the upper-middle class), his lifestyle changes. He becomes a cigar aficionado and also starts collecting fine wines. He starts driving a sports car or a luxury car, perhaps both. He buys a larger, flatter TV and pays for access to sports cable networks."

Well, I have not become a cigar aficionado or collecting fine wines (I don't consume alcohol) and though I love hockey and football, I would not pay extra for sports cable networks. We drive a sport car (well, the T-bird belongs to my husband) and recently purchase a 48" HD lcd tv with blue ray dvd player. With the current economy and the unknown future, I don't think we would ever move into the upper-middle class but I know we have achieved the American Dream.

Here is what I wrote on January 10, 2008, "28 years later, did we achieve the American Dream? Compared to some people, we did. We have achieved the level of comfortable living, earned college education, being homeowners, professional employment, and most of all, watching my nephew growing up in a country with plenty of opportunities to achieve more and become better than previous generations. Compared to others, we are not millionaires, nor owners of international companies, not well-known politicians or leaders, not movie stars or even contestant on American Idols!
We have achieved the American Dream in our own way. There are still other levels we could try to reach. I am thankful for all the people who have provided assistance, extended friendship and helping hands. I know my Dad is smiling and saying, "Good work", as our family celebrate our 28th Anniversary coming to America. To my Dad, the foundation and the guiding light, Happy Anniversary. I sure hope there is plenty of chocolate ice cream in heaven for you to enjoy, Dad."

I left Viet Nam when I was 18.5 years old, so I have actually lived in America longer. I am always proud to be an American and I appreciate all the blessings we have received living in America. Earlier this year, my sister and I planned to visit Viet Nam but it did not work out. It just occurred to me that it would not be so terrible or a disappointment if I never go back to visit my birthplace. I had many wonderful memories growing up but there were also many unpleasant incidents that I would not care to remember.

Yes, I believe we are living the American Dream, by our own definitions of hard work, paying taxes, owning our homes, taking care of our families, being active in our community, performing civic duties, making contributions for the good of society and never take freedom and liberty for granted.

(PS: My anniversary celebration was dampened when my Patriots failed badly to the Baltimore Ravens, final score 33-14 Ravens. On the good side, yesterday the NY Jets advanced beating the Bengals 24-14 and the Cowboys eliminated the Eagles 34-14. What is with all the losing teams only getting 14 points? Next game is the Packers v. Cardinals this evening. Whichever team wins is fine with me as I like both Rodgers and Warner.)

RARE OFFERING

I could not help but wonder what made this building, not much to look at and all the grafitti, at the corner of Utrecht Avenue & 48th Street, being such a "Rare Offering" as advertised. I wish whoever decides to open a business there will find success, thus proving that the American entrepreneurship is still alive and well in the good USA!

TASTE OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

May 6, 2009 - After spending time at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, my sister CH and I visited The Brooklyn Pizza Factory to get something to eat as we were hungry but it was late afternoon and we had a dinner reservation at 7:00 p.m.

We were greeted by Vacchello who was the owner of this cute pizza place. I ordered a slice with mushroom and pepperroni and CH selected sausage and extra cheese. We both decided on the orange soda and drank straight from the cold bottles! We sat down at a table near a large poster of the Beattles. It was Wednesday afternoon and Vachello was not busy so he decided to stay and talk with us when he brought us the food. He asked where we were from and told us about his new business. We complimented his good food and the place was inviting for neighborhood gathering. We wish Vachello all the best and CH promised to come back soon since she lives around the corner. I told Vachello maybe someday he would expand his business nationwide be sure to include St. Louis!

The next day, after we ate breakfast at The Usual, (where Mike the owner gave me the Canadiens hat), we were walking along on Sterling Place, we heard someone said, "Hi Girls, where are you going?" It was Vachello. We said, "Hello. It was good seeing you again so soon.". We wished each other, "Have a good day". It was a wonderful day in Park Slope, Brooklyn. We met two nice people that providing services and sustaining the neighborhood, the kind of small businesses that keep the charm and connection within the people living in the community. The best part was I got a Montreal Canadiens hat from a real hockey fan - it sure was a beautiful day in the neighborhood!

I did not go into this Brooklyn Gourmet Market Place (on 86th Street) but it looks very nice and there were people in the place waiting in line when I walked by. Below is Pho Tay Ho, a Vietnamese restaurant, also on 86th Street in Bath Beach (not Bensonhurst, or somewhere in Brooklyn). The restaurant, Pho = beef noodle soup; Tay = West; Ho = Lake; is one of my family's favorite restaurant, a regular customer for delivery at least once or twice a month. Each time I visited Qaptain Qwerty, I enjoyed listening to my mother placing the order and then went on to tell the person at Tay Ho about "my older daughter and her American husband are visiting from St. Louis". One time when I met the delivery person at the door to pay for the food, he smiled and greeted me warmly, "Chi ve tham gia dinh vui ve = I hope you have a nice visit with the family." It made me feel as if I could move back and live in New York again with very little adjustments!

GRAND ARMY PLAZA - PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN

Before we left New York, Benjamin wanted to take a few photos so he could show his new friends in St. Louis special landmarks that regular tourists don't get to see when visiting the Big Apple. Park Slope, Brooklyn, is where my sister CH has been living for more than 10 years. Her condominium is only a block from #2 & #3 subway line. A few blocks away are the Brooklyn Library, the Brooklyn Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. CH said that purchasing the condo has been the best decision in her life. Park Slope has much to offer to young people, single or married with children, and it is only a few subway stops from Manhattan where real estate is so much higher.

Above is The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch at Grand Army Plaza. According to Wikipedia, "Originally known as Prospect Park Plaza, but renamed in 1926,[2] it is perhaps best known for the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch, Brooklyn’s version of the Arc de Triomphe. It is also the site of the Bailey Fountain and a monument to John F. Kennedy, as well as statues of Civil War generals Gouverneur Kemble Warren and Henry Warner Slocum, along with busts of notable Brooklyn citizens Alexander J.C. Skene and Henry W. Maxwell.[3]

The Quadriga - Columbia in her chariot (below). "The Quadriga resides at the top and depicts the lady Columbia, an allegorical representation of the United States, riding in a chariot drawn by two horses. Two winged Victory figures, each leading a horse, trumpet Columbia's arrival. The lower pedestals facing the park hold the Spirit of the Army group and the Spirit of the Navy group. Installation of the groups began four years later, starting with the Quadriga on December 4, 1898, and finishing with the Navy group on April 13, 1901. The work took nearly seven years to complete, about twice as long as the construction of the arch itself. The arch is 80 feet high (23 m) and 80 feet wide with an interior arch height of 50 feet (15 m).", according to Wikipedia.

THE USUAL IN PARK SLOPE

During my visit to NYC last May, my sister treated me to a great breakfast at The Usual Restaurant on Vanderbilt Avenue (Park & Prospect) in Park Slope. Like me, CH does not cook, especially just for herself. She told me that she enjoys breakfast and it is a treat when she has someone to share the meal with. The day before (May 6th) we spent a wonderful afternoon at Brooklyn Botanical Garden and in the evening we went into the City for a nice dinner at a BBQ place near Union Square.

As we walked into The Usual, with all the posters and decorations on the wall, the first and only thing that caught my eyes was the plaque below "The Canadiens Club". I asked the person who greeted us , "Who is the Habs fan here?". The next hour, while enjoying my two eggs over easy, harsh brown, ham and toast, I had one of the most exciting discussions about hockey with Mike, the owner of The Usual, while my sister being so understanding, sat quietly eating her breakfast. He is originally from Montreal, of course, and a few years ago purchased this restaurant with his brothers. I told Mike about my goals of seeing all the Original Six home games, about my trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and about my sports blog called Short-handed Goal. We felt so connected when Mike told the story about his father made all the kids promise that they would never let go of the Montreal Canadiens season tickets priviledge. I treasure this encounter and was glad to meet a truly hockey fan from Montreal.

When we were ready to leave, Mike told us to wait. He went to his office and came back with a Canadiens cap as a gift to me. That was so sweet and thoughtful. Mike, if you happen to read this, "I am wearing the hat, but only when the Habs are not playing against my Red Wings" haa haa !!!