ATOT - MY WORLD HAS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN!

My world has turned upside down in more than one way, beginning with this silly boring blog.  I got a big surprise when I logged in a few days ago and found this new look.  Did I ask for this fancy layout?  Did I accidentally click the button where the message "Click here to update your blog to a new look" was?  There might have been another message about the new look in April.  I thought if I continued to ignore it, my blog would still maintain the classic look, the one I am used to and comfortable with the last 6 years.  Well, I did not have any choice.  Someone at Blogger would not let me stay behind.  Does anyone know how to switch back to the "good old look"?  

Yes, you heard it right, my beloved Detroit Red Wings were eliminated from the playoffs by the Nashville Predators in game #5 last night.  The Wings only won the 2nd game and had been struggling since.  I could not stand the pains and had to shut off the television at five minutes left in the third period.  The television has not been turned on today and I did not even look at the NHL website.  (Normally I would check for update at least three times a day, first thing in the morning, during lunch, after I get home and before going to bed.)  My mind could not comprehend that the Wings are the first team to be eliminated.  It is terribly wrong and unnatural.  What would I be spending my time and energy on after a hard day of work?  Perhaps I could start watching the Food Channel and learn how to be a good cook - NOT!!!!!! 

HERE WE GO! (IT IS THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!)

According to my book, this is the most wonderful time of the year - the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs started on Wednesday, April 11th. There are many great match-ups such as the Blues v. Sharks or the Caps v. Bruins. No home ice advantage for my beloved Red Wings being #5 seed, currently tied the series at 1-1 against the Predators #4. (It still does not sound right for Nashville to have a strong hockey team. Isn't the town supposed to be only about country music?) Already there are surprises with the Kings #8 leading the series 2-0 against the Canucks being #1 while the Flyers #5 won the first two games against the Pens #4 - that just goes to show that sometimes home ice does not guarantee winning.

These photos were taken at the April 4th game. Traffic was not too bad so we got to the arena early enough for me to take a few photos during warm-up. The last time the Wings were in town was at the November 2011 game. It was good seeing the "boys" again. Everyone is healthy, ready for the playoffs. The Wings played at the level expected but they still weak on power plays. No scoring the first 2 periods. In the third period, the Wings got a 2-man advantage but were sloppy and allowed a short-handed goal. I love short-handed goals but not when against my beloved Red Wings. When the Blues scored the 2nd goal three minutes later, I was furious and we walked out of the arena.

Well, three minutes after we left, Franzen scored, then tied the game with his 2nd goal of the night. Bertuzzi scored the winning goal at shootout. (My sincere apology to the "boys" for walking out on them and for not having faith that they would come back and win the game. My husband kept saying to me, "Oh ye lil faith!". We thought the Blues would win the President's Trophy for having the most points in the league. I even tried to get tickets for the last home game since it is Fans Appreciation Day and there would be many giveaways that included round trip airline tickets and iPad. We did not get the tickets because the game was scheduled on April 6th - Good Friday. When it comes to faith v. hockey, I know my priority!

FRIDAY SKY - FLAMING GORGE BRIDGE

I have not kept up with posting regularly, especially the weekly themes such as Tuesday Two and Friday Sky posts. Actually this post was originally dated March 2nd but it was never published.

For someone who knows "less than zero" about engineering of building bridges, terrible at math an science, very technical-challenge, I have always been fascinated with bridges. I enjoy watching documentary on History Channel and my favorite program is Modern Marvels. After we came back from our Westward trip in 2010, I could not stop talking/writing about Hoover Dam. I would watch the same documentary about the construction of Mackinaw Bridge every time it is on television. When we used to go camping in Michigan during Labor Day Weekend, we would walk across the Mackinaw Bridge on Monday morning. The bridge would be partially closed to traffic and the Governor would lead the way with 20,000+ "Michiganders" crossing the bridge.

I don't know the reasons for my fascination with bridges. Could it be because my Dad's birthplace in Viet Nam was Cau Ngang (QQ, does it mean crossing the bridge?). Or because bridges represent man's determination to overcome obstacles, to achieve what might be impossible and to make it easier for future generations. Just imagine what our world would be like without all the bridges you cross everyday.

This bridge reminds me of the Marsh Rainbow Bridge in Baxter Springs on Route 66 in Kansas. All these photos were taken of the same bridge, just from different angels.

Let's give this silly-ramblings-boring blog of mine a little educational posting with a listing of a few expressions or America's popular sayings that include the word "bridge". For example, your response to your kids "If your friends jump off the bridge, will you jump off the bridge too?" when they tell you that their friends are allowed to stay out until 2 in the morning. I never understood the following expressions, "There is no sense in crossing that bridge before you come to it", how do you cross the bridge before you actuall there? Or "You can cross that bridge when you come to it" what if I don't want to cross that bridge and decide to turn around instead? When someone says, "That's water under the bridge", do you really believe that they would no longer hold grudges against you? I know "you should never burn bridges" but the recent "situation" I was forced into, I did not burn the bridge, I was thrown off the bridge. When I asked for a lifesaver, most of the people were cowardly walked on by. My favorite expression would have to be "He would try to sell you the Brooklyn Bridge", I am sure you met a few of these dishonest characters. My personal motto is the phrase, "Always try to build bridges before you need to cross or because you never know when you need to cross the river." What is your favorite expression?

THURSDAY RAMBLINGS - UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL AT THE ORCHID SHOW

"I submitted my resignation to the Board of Directors last night", Becky informed me when we met for lunch a few months ago.  "I could not take it anymore", she continued.  I responded, "Congratulations" and we both laughed.  To understand my congratulatory when someone just sort-of becoming unemployed, you would have to know the "stuff" Becky had put up with the last 10+ years.  Her official title is Executive Director at an association.  But there was no support staff and Becky wore all the hats.

Becky worked from a home office which was the only great thing about the job.  The official mailing address for correspondence went to a post office mailbox.  The office phone was set up only to receive messages and then being forwarded to Becky's cell phone.  However, frequent callers would call Becky directly, day and night as well as weekend, on her mobile number.  The Board set a tight budget so Becky could not get temporary help or outsource even when she needed to get the work done since there would be no "extra" money to pay for the service.  Very often, Becky would be stuffing envelopes, running the postage and dropping off the mailing at the post office.

As "executive director" Becky would be required to be present at all the membership events (who else would be there since there was no other staff).  The functions were in the evenings from 6:30 to 10 and required long distance driving.  Being a salary employee, Becky would not receive overtime pay.  Her compensation had been the same the last 2 years because of the "freeze" in the budget.

Last week, when we met again for lunch, I noticed Becky's hands no longer shaking.  The dark circles under her eyes have gotten lighter.  When she smiles, there was light in her eyes, as if the spirits in her soul have returned.  I listened as Becky excitedly telling me about all the things she has been able to do with her son, Aaron.  They would go to the park after she helped him with his homework.  Physically, her health has improved and the sharp pains no longer there after each meal.

Update - Becky called yesterday to tell me that she has gotten a job near her house.  "Just a 30+ hours part time receptionist, office work job", Becky explained, "the pay is good and the best part is I still able to pick up Aaron after school and helping him with his homework".  I offered my congratulatory and best wishes to Becky.  My wishes were more than just for the job, it was for the health, the happiness, the sanity and most of all, her peaceful soul.

THE FLORA OF CHINA (2012 ORCHID SHOW)

These photos were taken when we went to the Missouri Botanical Garden last month.  Actually we took a friend who recently lost her husband and we thought it would be nice to treat her to the Orchid Show and a dinner afterward for her birthday.  I don't know much about gardening, so I will just type whatever is printed in the brochure about the show.

The above is called the Moon Gate and the layout was infused with Chinese-theme accents.  The Garden celebrates its 25th year of work on the Flora of China project, featuring an architecturally inspired Chinese landscape.

Here are a few fun facts about orchids:  There are approximately 30,000 to 35,000 species of orchids; they come in all sizes, from pinhead to football; Antarctica is the only place on earth that orchids could not grow (how about in greenhouses?).

There are two things that suprised me about orchids - (1) there are many different shapes and colors and (2) vanilla came from an orchid.  Have you been to a botanical garden in your town lately?    

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED (WHAT MISSION?)

This post is way long overdue. One month late to be exact! Originally this post was dated February 29th because I felt that I would not be able to proudly claim "Mission Accomplished" if I did not publish all 29 posts during the month of February in the year of 2012. I promise that this would be the last time I set this silly goal posting each day during the month of February.

At first the goal of posting everyday was fun and helpful, keeping me motivated when I don't feel like blogging or have no interesting story to share. But then it became such a chore and the goal was meaningless. I cheated by creating a new post everyday but then trying to catch up a few days or even a week later. Who am I kidding?

Then I could not move on to more posting in March. It was as if I was stuck in 2nd gear. (Well, playing Scrabble was part of the reason.) I read somewhere about how social media has created a kind of "zombie" state of mind in modern society. Words are instantly transmitted and people write, blog or text without thinking, whatever happens to be on their mind and often without any consideration for others. My Dad often reminded me to be careful because once the words were spoken, you could not ask the other person to forget what was said. "Communicate only 1/3 of what is on your mind.", he wrote in the Guest Book when he visited us in 1996. How I wish I was able to follow Dad's advise each time I open my big mouth!

You probably want to know why these photos from Flaming Gorge Dam and Reservoir in Utah. No particularly reason. Just because I was so impressed with the structure, especially the sort-of rainbow/archway bridge, just like the time when I could not stop talking/writing about the Hoover Dam. If you are in the neighborhood, be sure to visit "George".

THURSDAY RAMBLINGS - "EIEIO"

I have seen the above plate around town before and I finally was able to safely take a photo of it when I saw it at a parking lot. I don't try to take photo while driving unless I am the passenger or I am stuck behind the vehicle when we have to stop at a traffic light. We don't need one more distraction while driving (music, cell phone, eating, putting on make-up are just a few things people do while they are supposed to focus on driving). "EIEIO" is perfect for this "Ramblings" post since I have no particular thing to write about (even though I have a lot to share but due to circumstances, I will have to wait for the right time to tell you, my faithful readers, about my recent "stormy" journey!). I plan to ask the owner of this vanity plate whether he/she has a farm and if his/her last name was McDonald!

Here is an update on my husband Winter Project (what winter?). You could see the progress when all the pieces were put together (above photo), then pieces of red glasses around the eagle (below photo). CP already picked out a nice frame for it. However, the eagle project is currently on hold as he is working on fixing (straightening) the retaining wall in front of the house. After that, my handy-man will be installing a sprinkler system. (That is right, he is doing it all by himself.) Next month, our neighbor who has a landscaping business, will be putting new sodding on our front lawn. We did not want to be known as the "poor" house with brown grass!

I will be back with an update after the eagle is framed and also the before-and-after of our front lawn.

THURSDAY RAMBLINGS - CHELSEA, IOWA LIBRARY

I did not understand why it was so important to Qaptain Qwerty and why it made him happy when he found free WiFi at a coffee shop or at a library wherever he happens to be while travelling. Now I do. Since we have wireless internet connection at home, there would be no need to sign up for data service for "Bo" except when we are on our road trips. All of the library branches in St. Louis have free WiFi and most of the restaurants/coffee shop, even supermarkets now offer this service. I think it is a smart business decision. Last week when I met a friend for lunch at a restaurant that has free WiFi, I brought along the iPad and we were able to do research on the topics we discussed. I like taking pictures of library or post office when driving thru small towns. The town of Chelsea, Iowa has only one building to house both its City Hall and Library. I am sure the good people of Chelsea are proud of their town because any town that has a library, no matter how small the collection is, would get my respect.

When I mentioned to my husband that I got a few really good books from the library, he said, "I never knew you ever gotten a book that you did not like or think it was a good book." Reading has always been one of my favorite activities besides watching hockey/football. One of the books I recently read was about I.M. Pei, the world renown architect, and I found so many interesting things about his life. I always thought Mr. Pei only designs museum like the Louvre Pyramid in Paris and the Guggenheim in New York. I learned that he works included John Fitzgerald Kenney Library in Boston, MA; Four Seasons Hotel in NYC; Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio; Mile High Center in Denver, Colorado and so many others. If you did not already know a lot about I.M. Pei, please accept my humble suggestion to read about this giant of modern architecture. From his acceptance speech for one of the many awards he earned, I.M. Pei "Let us all be attentive to new ideas, to advancing means, to dawning needs, to impetuses of change so that we may achieve, beyond architectural originality, a harmony of spirit in the service of man." Would you like to share something interesting you read recently?

TUESDAY TWO - "BO" aka iPad2

I have mentioned many times that I am "a day late and a dollar short" and that has been the story of my life. By now the whole world already knew about "the new iPad" or iPadHD or iPad3. Just last month, I finally purchased the iPad2 Wi-Fi + 3G 32GB White. We have been talking about it for a few years (we were impressed when QQ let us use his iPad when we were in NYC 2010 Thanksgiving) and thought we would get the iPad at Christmas time but never did. More than a year later, February 2012, we were at the Apple store and after the nice young man named "Bo" showed us all the wonderful stuff that we could do, I asked my husband for his wallet, took out CP credit card and say to Bo, "Sold - one iPad for my 51st birthday"!

Thus, it is only fitting that I name the iPad "Bo" after the young man who patiently answered all the questions us geezers asked. (It would have been much nicer if he would also mentioned that we should wait a few more months and get the latest model, the iPad3 instead.) It is also fitting that I write about the iPad2 for this week Tuesday Two post, just in time for the announcement of the new iPad. Of course, there are accessories to go along with the iPad. So far, I have purchased the cover with built-in wireless Bluetooth keyboard, a stylus pen so smudges from our fingers won't be all over the screen and just to be on the safe side, the handy microfiber screen cleaning cloths. I still need a camera connection kit so I could easily see my photos taken during our roadtrips and would not have to wait until after we got home to start orgazining the 10,000+ photos.

When we first brought Bo home, he had a hard time connecting to the wireless network. Bo would be connected then disconnected the next time we used it. After consulting with QQ and search the web to find out what the problems were, we decided that it was time for a new router. And everything worked fine after we installed the new router. We have been enjoying Bo since (QQ thought we returned Bo because we did not say much after calling him for help with the wireless connection.) We already downloaded a few apps, (how about my beloved Red Wings logo as screensaver, pretty cool eh?) especially those that would be helpful to our upcoming roadtrips. The only problem is I have become an addict to playing Scrabble almost everyday. I have gotten pretty good at the game. My highest score is 475 and I enjoy the challenge of not only not leaving any letters on the rack but also getting higher score. Thank you, Steve, for the wonderful things and the joy the iPad has brought to us.

TO QAPTAIN QWERTY - FROM JOLIET WITH LOVE

Happy March everyone! How are your New Year resolutions? I hope you are not "stuck in the toilet in Joliet" like Qaptain Qwerty - haa haa

These photos were taken in June 2010 when we drove from St. Louis to The Begin of Route 66 in Chicago, Illinois. Travelling Eastbound, we followed Hwy 53 north from Wilimington, thru Elwood, and past I-80 into Joliet. We heard about a very nice Route 66 Welcome Center and Gift Shop inside the Joliet Museum at 214 N. Ottawa but we never went inside because the building closed both times when we were passing thru! Hey Qap, I have a suggestion - the next time you happen to be either in Chicago or St. Louis, let's plan on driving on Route 66, then we could stop by Joliet for a potty break!

TUESDAY TWO - EVERY "2ND" COUNTS

When I saw the above plate, I thought of an "oldies but goodies" childhood memory. Qaptain Qwerty was about six years old and that particularly day he was under the weather. As we were eating dinner, Mother warned QQ not to eat a full meal. But who could refuse all the delicious cha gio, bun men nuong and che ba mau? When QQ started to throw up, Mother asked sarcastically, "An nua thoi?", do you wish to eat some more? QQ promptly responded, "An nua, nhung an mot chut thoi", Yes, but only a little more! (I don't remember what prompted the subject, but Mother was telling that story last week during my weekly phone call.)

I explained to the owner of the above vehicle that I simply enjoy finding interesting personalized plates. He was flattered and did not mind that I took a photo. He was kind enough to share that he is an owner of two dental laboratories, thus "2TH-LAB". He promised to give me a discount. I just hope I don't need that dentures anytime soon!

There was no one around for me to ask about the above plate. If I have to take an educated guess, I would say the owner could be (a) a determologist; (b) a taxidermist; and (c) someone who is in the leather business. What do you think "2ND SKN" mean?

CRACKING THE COCONUT CODE

I thought the photos of the stainless steel coconut trees from the Home & Garden Show would go nicely with the book, "Cracking the Coconut Code" by Mary Jo McCabe. I saw on the cover that this book provides "7 Insights to Transform Your Life" and the author was "a respected and sought-after-intuitive interpreter. She developed a unique ability to communicate with individual souls, both living and deceased." (Is it sort-of like psychic, palm readers or fortune teller?) Well, I am not really interested in communicate with dead people and after the reading the book, I did not really learn anything that would transform my life. Perhaps it is my limited ability to understand; therefore, you could read the book and decide for yourself.

Below are a few interesting questions and interpretations based on which answer you give, "Which tool do you reach for, a hammer, a saw, a wrench or a screwdrive, to reach goals in your life or to fix problems you are experiencing?" You have to read the book for the interpretations.

Visualize a tree filled with apples. Where do you see yourself in relation to the tree, hugging the trunk of the tree, sitting on one of the branches reaching for an apple or sitting at top of the tree enjoying an apple? Again, you could borrow the book from your local library and find out the insights that might provide understanding of yourself based on which action you choose.

On your mental screen, visualize a backyard and pick what you would rather do, play in the sandbox, sitting on the swing set, or riding the biycle around the block? (I wish there was a question like, which would you choose, going to a Stanley Cup Finals game and meeting your favorite player or a Superbowl game sitting in the first row at the 50-yard seats?).

Please note that I do not receive any commission nor promote this particular book or the field of psychic medium, I am simply sharing with you an interesting book I found at the library. (PS: I am not saying that I read everything in the book either!) Any interesting book you have read lately?