Netting for Fish in China

I've been back for a little over a week. Good old Hong Kong; persistent sticky weather never ceases to exist. We've been trying to reorganize our dad's already over-stuffed apartment. Mom's petrified about our shipment from Canada, which is actually coming today. It's going to be feat like no other trying to squeeze our life in Canada into our dinky home in Hong Kong.

Anyways, nothing overwhelmingly exciting to talk about. Hong Kong can be so dull. I did tag along on a fishing trip with my dad in China. Wasn't quite what I was expecting but a worthwhile experience nonetheless. I actually thought we were going to kick it old school with rods and live bait. Well, wasn't I in for a surprise.

So we didn't actually do any fishing on our fishing trip. Wow, that was the last thing I'd expect to not do. Well, what actually happened was we rented a large fishing boat and simply spectated while two fishermen operated a fish netting run. To sum it down to one sentence, they basically lowered a net and cruised around the ocean scooping up fishes on the way. Just imagine a little kid running around with a butterfly net; it's no different. Anyway, here's our haul.

The second picture is from some other boat's catch. Somehow, we managed to set a record for the smallest catch they've ever seen. Stupid thing is, there wasn't anything I could do or not do to have altered the outcome, which makes setting such a record feel even more unsettling.

Anyways, nothing I write seems to flow today. I'll stop here.

I'll miss you, Vancouver.

That was fast.

Well, that's life. Just when you wish time would stay stagnate, it goes whipping by like thunderous waterfall. Can't always get what you want, and even more, expect the unexpected. That's just the "thrills" of life. I guess that's what makes life interesting and worth living. Being able to predict everything and be in complete control of your own life can become quite monotonous. Having "curveballs" thrown at you and stepping onto puddles as you exit your parked car are just part of life. I think what I'm trying to say is, I'm glad that unexpected things do happen. Even though some of them maybe more than I bargained for, the few unexpected surprises that bring a smile to my face makes it all worthwhile.

Leaving Vancouver this time has left a big hole in me. I remember the last time I left for Hong Kong, I was excited and ready to leave everything behind. I've always been the sentimental type; I hate throwing away things even if I haven't used it in years. I guess it's that side of me that's kicking in this time around. There are things I want to hold onto in Vancouver, and even though I know I won't be in Hong Kong forever, I can't help but miss it. Not so much the place itself, but the people there that make it a home.

This is definitely the first "touchy feely" post that I've wrote. It's just something that I needed to get off my chest. I have a bad habit of bottling up my feelings. I don't like bothering or involving people with my own issues; I feel like everyone has enough problems of their own. I know my way of thinking isn't healthy, but it's what I've grown accustomed to. I guess this blog did come in handy. It's kind of therapeutic to type out your feelings and let it run free.

Anyhow, enough of that. Back in Vancouver, there definitely was no shortage of photography in my life. Went to several scenic hotspots with Lawrence and Uncle Sam; I forgot how much fun it was to shoot with a group of people so close to you. I finally took my first steps into portraiture photography; stepping out of my comfort circle and interacting with human subjects. I realized how much there is to learn, and how small I really am in the world of photography. It's not discouraging though. To realize my inadequacies, I know that I'm constantly improving and learning. It's important to stay humble and accept criticism as hard or as nice as they come.

The last two weeks in Vancouver was so much fun. Plenty of moving trips and packing to be done. Okay, that's not fun, but going out for pictures and hanging out was. I wasn't even expecting to do any pumpkin carving this year; I was planning to end my streak this year. Luckily, Chris brought it up and Sandra gave us a place to make a mess in. I'm such a kid, but I love carving pumpkins. Thanks guys, for making my last week or two so fun-filled. I haven't laughed so much in a long time.

Okay, i'll end it here for now. Thanks to those that made it through this extremely self-centered post.

Lose a Little Wisdom; Gain a Little Immaturity

I don't enjoy taking Western medication. Okay, that's a very poor statement. Let me rephrase myself. I don't enjoy taking Western medication for the common flu, cough, or cold. I'd opt for any Chinese medicine/herbal tea or whatnot before I grab a bottle of cough syrup or a packet of tylenols. Better yet, I'd rather fight it off myself, but I'm usually too useless to do that. Anyways, I don't have any grudges with Western medicine. I praise it, commend it; whatever you want to call it. It's advancement is obviously one of the major contributing factors towards increase human life span. Simply put, it's good stuff and we'd be miserable without it.

Of course, much of Western medicine in synthesized in labs ie. it's not very natural. Not to mention, side effects and immunity are a continuing issue. For those reasons alone, I'd much rather take Chinese medication and save up my "quota", if you will, for the times when I do really need Western medicine. Using myself as an example, I've been experiencing a stubborn cough and a persevering cold. Of course, ran off to the Chinese medicine practitioners for a couple cups of herbal medicine, but to no avail. So, now I'm on Buckley's and it's working; albeit at it's own steady pace. It actually doesn't taste that bad, mmmhmm.

In short, I just wanted to bring to your attention that maybe taking W.M. every single time you're sick may not be the best thing. Of course, use your own discretion. If you're bleeding from your ears or your butt is glued to the toilet seat, going to a doctor is a gimme. Otherwise, try out Chinese medicine. I usually does the trick for the common flu or cold. More importantly, you're protecting your body from unhealthy chemicals.

Anyways, I'm having a wisdom tooth extraction tomorrow, hence the bottle of penicillin. Luckily, I've only got one and it's an easy one to get at. Woohoo, yogurt for the whole day? Too bad it's FAT-FREE Activia (it was on sale; how could refuse?) Oh well, losers can't be choo choo chooosers.

Been going around taking pictures lately. Did a day trip around North Vancouver a couple days ago; just savoring the last crumb of summer. Oh, I also shot some engagement pictures for my dear Uncle Sam's daughter. I have to thank him for letting me do it; it was oodles of fun!

Anyone want to model for me? Preferably a girl? I'm not sexist, but girls are much more interesting :D--- (that's not droool!)

Alright, bedtime! Get some good rest before getting drugged up tomorrow. I hate anesthetics.

Something to relax your eyes after reading all the nonsense :)

Running with Nakashima Mika

Haha, what a misleading title! It's more like "Running with Nakashima Mika singing to my ears". Anyways, I thought I'd share with you, whether you like it or not, Mika's new single "Candy Girl". Woo, doesn't she look sassy in that picture? What an excellent album though; definitely not what you would expect from an avid Mika listener. If you're into Japanese music, definitely check this album out! There's two sides to this single "a and b", and the b-side sports a bonus track "Smiley". Give it a listen below. I love this song and it's currently my Nike+ "PowerSong".

Anyways, I'm sick again. I don't know if it's me, or Vancouver, but I've been back for less than 2 months and sick twice. Persistent, stubborn coughing and cold. Hacking while coughing is not cool. I hope I'm all cleared up before the 10km Human Race. Hopefully I can hit my target time of 50 mins or under whilst in good health!

Oh, our car's been sold! No point leaving it here to turn into a rust bucket. Cars depreciate like mad anyways. It'll be worthless when we actually come back.

Okay, time to cook lunch. Apologies for the deathly boring post. I'll promise to write something more interesting next time.

Start your Morning off with a BANG!

I don't understand how people can skip breakfast and still function for the first part of their day. I, for one, was breakfast- eating raised. Without it, I'm pretty much miserable and bad tempered all the way until lunch time. Anyways, breakfast needn't be an obstacle between you being on time for your job or school. There's plenty of easy to prepare foods. Even if you're really strap for time, why not grab a muffin or banana before you storm out the door. I'm sure you've heard that breakfast is the most essential meal of the day. Why not do your own body a little favor and give it some fuel to burn. You can't expect your car to run empty, so why are you asking your body to do the same? Anyways, I love scrambled eggs. It's easy to prepare, inexpensive, and full of nutrients! I always see people messing them up, however. They just keep stirring their spatulas or wooden spoons to the point where.......it looks like half chewed fresh steaming vomit. No joke. If you're one of those people, then please accept my condolences and read below.

If you do make beautiful scrambled eggs, then please take this with a grain of salt! Otherwise, strap on a pair of eggs because we're going to make some great tasting scrambled eggs. You'll need the following:

• 2 large eggs (preferably organic)
• 2 table spoon of milk
• Some cheese for those chessey people :P
• Dash of salt
• Tablespoon of butter or enough oil to lightly coat the non-stick pan (for obvious reasons)

1) Crack those badboys and beat them with a fork, whisk, or do it Asian-style with chopsticks. Beat for about 1 min.

2) Add in the milk and continue to beat for an addition 1 min.

3) Toss in a dash of salt and enough cheese to please and quickly mix.

4) Heat the pan up and oil or butter up that pan.

5) Pour in your beautiful concoction. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, go around the edges, slowly moving the edges toward the center. As you do this, uncooked eggs will spill to the edge and become cooked. Keep doing this until no more eggs will cook and it becomes all bunched up in the center of the pan. Being quick and confidence, flip the eggs so the top can cook. Let it sit for about 10-20 seconds and turn off the stove.

6) Tadaaaah, that wasn't so hard! Garnish with your favorite herbs and spices or just rock it old school with salt & pepper. You should find your scrambled eggs to be fluffy and airy.

Do not ever crack eggs directly onto the pan directly or I'll crack a bottle over your head. Crappy scrambled eggs are the result of lazy people who won't take 3 minutes to beat their eggs. You spend 10 minutes beating up your little brother, but you won't give a moment of your time to make great tasting eggs. Imbecile.

Anyways, that turned out way longer than expected. All I'm saying is, take care of yourself and eat properly. I know it's a busy world out there, and time is precious. However, if you're not willing to look after yourself and partake in a healthy lifestyle, the only time you'll have is at the hospital or in bed sick. As busy as people are these days, health always comes first. If it sounds condescending coming from me, then a least listen to Mr Darwin:

Survival of the Fittest.

Don't over think it you geek! Just take it and apply it to everyday life.

Thanks for reading!

Making a Good Jam Sandwich

Oh no, it's Jam Sandwich madness! I've been eating these non-stop lately; breakfast, lunch dinner. Partly because I'm lazy, but mostly because they taste so good! It's my new ultimate midnight snack. After a loaf of Wonder Bread and Jar of Smuckers, I've stumbled on the secret for making a fantabulous Jam Sandwich. It was no easy feat by any stretch, but I've done it and am here to share it with you. As you can see, I'm using Smuckers Jam and Wonder Bread, but I'm sure any other brand and combination will yield similar results if you follow my golden rule. Try out different kinds of jam; Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Lemon Marmalade, or even Orange! Just a word of advice: prepare to be sucked in by the yummy goodness of something so simple, and, prepare to grow some chubs. So, what's the secret?

As you can see, the above picture clearly illustrates what must be done. The rule is, you must put way more jam on the sandwich than you really think you need. Just slap that jelly on and forget about your own belly. You need to put so much that the jam literally ECLIPSES the bread. Yeap, that's all there is to it! So be on your way to making those beautiful jam sandwiches! Remember, less is not more in this case.

Going for my 7km run soon. Had to massage heat rub on my calves yesterday because they were so sore. Hope they'll be okay for my run today. It's gonna be coooooold!

Anyways, thanks for reading! Goodnight!

Dragon Fruit to the Rescue!

Behold, all you vegetable haters! I present to you your solution and eventual partner in crime behind closed washroom doors. Yes, what IS that weird looking reddish yellowy monstrosity of a thing? Fear not young'uns! It's a dragon fruit, also known as a pitaya that grows from several species of cacti. For the Asian folks, 火龍果, literally "fire dragon fruit" may be no stranger to you. Even then, many people don't eat it, and it can be found in most non-asian supermarkets. Maybe due to it's atypical appearance, people assume that they'll have no idea how to prepare it when they get home. People, people...don't underestimate your intellectual minds! I'm sure a monkey had a little problem peeling his/her first banana. Then, you shall rightfully have a little problem (and fun) peeling your first dragon fruit! Seriously though, it peels like a banana.

Why all this fuss though over just a fruit. Why spend time typing some useless bologna crap about this oddity of thing. Simple, because it's insanely, amazingly good for you...and inexpensive! Let's list some of the goodies these bad boys are will to give you!

• Very high in Vitamin C
• Excellent laxative properties for a good time on the seat
• Full of antioxidants to protect from harmful radicals = cancer :( FML
• Good for your skin
• Reduces high cholesterol levels
• Increase metabolism and appetite

Good things come in fancy packages. This is one of them! You'll find them in most asian supermarkets, but even then, they won't have them in large quantities.

"But Chrisssssss, I'm really, like, reaalllly picky about what I eat...and likeeee, ummmm, does it like taste goooood? Like seriously?

I love the taste personally. It's sweet, but in a very delicate sort of way. Great for thirst quenching and makes your throat feel refreshed and comfortable. There's lots of seeds too, so make sure you check in the mirror afterwards to make sure you don't look like an idiot.

So go eat them! My mom and I share one everyday and it's done wonders ;)

Yes, I took the time to take a picture of the actual moon on the day of Mid-Autumn Festival. This ain't no impostor. Real deal!

Wishing everyone a very happy Mid-Autumn Festival! Hope you're all celebrating with your loved ones with smiles all around. Don't forget to have your fair share of mooncakes! As for me, I'll be here alone eating noodles.

Thanks for reading!