Today, as Andy and I were enjoying a sweet summer Sunday dinner of BBQ chicken pizza, Andy accused me of being ditzy. Somehow, the accusation is not new and did not come across as a surprise, but I of course made a big deal about it, metaphorically stomping my feet demanding to know why while laughing because I actually know of many instances that support his claim of my "D" ness.
My defense: I am positive. Energetic. Animated. Overly dramatic. Sometimes full of gestures. Somewhat of a speedy talker. And.. I just might speak faster than my brain can think. It is just like sound which travels faster than light, right?!
I suggested to Andy that what he perceived as "ditzy" was simply an attempt to mask my true intelligence in order to help others feel more at ease with my superior brilliance. I mean, let's face it, it's pretty hard to surpass mediocrity when you're around me. Andy laughed even harder when I offered this explanation.
Of course when I asked him for an example, he could only note the ONE time I refereed a game night and added 10 + 17 to get 37 points and crowned the losing team the winners, and asking outloud how that could be since they had done so bad throughout the night. I was truly perplexed. Meanwhile, the true winning team laughed hysterically at my obvious error and pointed out my mistake - through their muffled stomach griping laughter, I realized a big oopsie but, to add insult to injury, yours truly is a California certified public accountant. Guess the National Board of Accountancy just lost some of its credibility. Hope they don't take my license away!
On second thought - whatever! That's what calculators are for, not accountants.
Come on folks...we all have ditzy moments. You'd be lying if you claimed otherwise!
In fact, I remember one instance when a friend of mine was having computer trouble for a long time and thought it was broken. She couldn't figure it out so she finally begged our computer savvy friend to come and help her out. He came over, armed with all his computer fixing armor, only to point out that her computer was simply out of battery and needed to be plugged in. Funny thing is, after it happened, she just played it off as a blonde moment (no, my "friend" is not me!).
Unlike her, I refuse to perpetuate untrue stereotypes which is actually why I made that huge mathematical blunder! Yeah... that's exactly what happened.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Another Lesson From My Audit Days
Back when I used to be an auditor.... (seems so long ago now), our hardest time was always busy season, a wreckless 3-4 weeks of endless detail testing, project management, team lunch and dinner, gaining the audit 20 (cuz we ordered appetizers, main entrees and dessert for lunch and dinner...), audit methodology, ridiculous digressions not about work, office gossiping, facebook updates during breaks (and even myspace back then), team update meetings, sleepless nights and nightmares of the audit area you hadn't yet finished. When I was lucky enough to be the senior, also known as the person that the crap rolls downhill to, I always reminded my team not to be a Debbie downer or a negative Nancy. In some instances, I was guilty as charged - but the reminder always emerged among the sorrow and pain we felt as we fought our way through the audit areas, lackluster client responses and support and hard to read managers and in exchange we had memorable times and hey, I'm still alive and have not had my CPA taken away (yet). But the lesson learned was that the spirit of being positive always shined through even our most gloomy of days of no end in sight. The innocuous determination to persevere with high morale always challenged us but we never gave up because it was far better to work with a happy team.
It's something I've thought much about lately - especially with my new role as a mom. As much as I love it (see prior blog entry), I can't deny that it is challenging, an emotional rollercoaster at times and draining, even for me who has too much energy more often than not (who am I kidding, all the time really!). I know I freak out, I know I don't filter information enough and I know I try to do too much without always focusing on the most important (like why am I blogging instead of using the time to shower...? cuz showers are overrated!) But I choose to remember not to be a Debbie downer Negative Nancy poopy Patty because even though misery loves company, the first person in that company is Satan who just wants us to be miserable like unto himself.
Meaning, as much as I can detail the hardships of motherhood, I choose to celebrate in the upside because happiness loves company just as much as misery, but is so much more delightful. It does not me I'm unrealistic and do not see the difficulties of motherhood, it means I do not choose to magnify it, only reminding myself and dragging myself deeper into the abyss of unhappiness. I managed my expectations correctly when I got pregnant - I knew life would change, but I also knew it wouldn't. I knew things would get harder, but I also knew they would get easier. And I knew with proper planning, team and project management, plus a lot of good food, I would get through it - just like I got through every single horrific audit (including one said toy company who will remain nameless that was oh so NOT fun).
As much as audit tortured and aged me (still blame my eye wrinkles on a job in Pasadena that had us working through Christmas break...again shall remain nameless), I would never trade my audit days for anything. I learned a lot from it and some of my closest friends were gained through those experiences. Audit helped me grow and molded me into the person I am today. Thank you audit.. yet another lesson has been learned and applied to motherhood. Who would have thought. Plus, I can let the other bloggers vent and just read and laugh at their experiences that I can empathize with. HA!
It's something I've thought much about lately - especially with my new role as a mom. As much as I love it (see prior blog entry), I can't deny that it is challenging, an emotional rollercoaster at times and draining, even for me who has too much energy more often than not (who am I kidding, all the time really!). I know I freak out, I know I don't filter information enough and I know I try to do too much without always focusing on the most important (like why am I blogging instead of using the time to shower...? cuz showers are overrated!) But I choose to remember not to be a Debbie downer Negative Nancy poopy Patty because even though misery loves company, the first person in that company is Satan who just wants us to be miserable like unto himself.
Meaning, as much as I can detail the hardships of motherhood, I choose to celebrate in the upside because happiness loves company just as much as misery, but is so much more delightful. It does not me I'm unrealistic and do not see the difficulties of motherhood, it means I do not choose to magnify it, only reminding myself and dragging myself deeper into the abyss of unhappiness. I managed my expectations correctly when I got pregnant - I knew life would change, but I also knew it wouldn't. I knew things would get harder, but I also knew they would get easier. And I knew with proper planning, team and project management, plus a lot of good food, I would get through it - just like I got through every single horrific audit (including one said toy company who will remain nameless that was oh so NOT fun).
As much as audit tortured and aged me (still blame my eye wrinkles on a job in Pasadena that had us working through Christmas break...again shall remain nameless), I would never trade my audit days for anything. I learned a lot from it and some of my closest friends were gained through those experiences. Audit helped me grow and molded me into the person I am today. Thank you audit.. yet another lesson has been learned and applied to motherhood. Who would have thought. Plus, I can let the other bloggers vent and just read and laugh at their experiences that I can empathize with. HA!
Friday, July 8, 2011
LOVE Being a Mom
When you were growing up, did you ever think - this game I'm playing called "house" and this padded pillow inside my stomach I am calling "baby" and the stuffed animal I'm pretending is my actual "baby" will one day be real? Or, did you ever think, this rearranging of the furniture* that uplifts me so much will one day be whenever I darn please? I don't think I ever thought about it.. but guess what? I'm living it.
My day starts with some play time with Jordan interspersed with getting ready with my morning bathroom rituals. I then proceed to some list checking and making (I look at my list from the prior day and then go from there). There are some things that are on the list everyday such as making the bed, doing the dishes, etc. and some that are on there often like laundry (I count washing, drying and cleaning as one but we all know they are three separate lofty tasks). Among the normal are scripture study, lunch, snacking on whatever + fruits, calls to my mom and/or Grace, blog stalking, facebook status checking and of most recent - pinterest. I also like to consult for Grace with her new business and spend some time on linked in, expanding my network (hey, you never know!). Jordan sleeps, gets up to eat, poops, likes to go in the swing to sleep, and listens to a story... then repeats it. We sometimes go for walks though phone calls have gotten in the way lately. We also go out once a day for some errand - grocery store, mall, etc. but today, Andy came home eahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifrly and I got distracted and we never made it out. Plus, with the heat it's not really worth it if we don't have to. I usually get dinner started late afternoon and I'm lucky to actually eat dinner with my husband without the stress or burden of getting home in time to have time to make it! Maternity leave is awesome.
I wish I could explain in words how freaky obsessive I am with Jordan because no matter what he does, I think it's cute and revel with joy.
He farts - I gawk. He poops - I giggle. He burps - I laugh. He stares at me - I sigh. He smiles - I squeal. He opens his eyes wider - I clap my hands.
I guess I'm a simple person and instead of playing house, I'm living it - and loving it.
*Refer to this post for my furniture moving obsession. And yes, on Wednesday, I rearranged Jordan's room cuz I can. It was fun!
My day starts with some play time with Jordan interspersed with getting ready with my morning bathroom rituals. I then proceed to some list checking and making (I look at my list from the prior day and then go from there). There are some things that are on the list everyday such as making the bed, doing the dishes, etc. and some that are on there often like laundry (I count washing, drying and cleaning as one but we all know they are three separate lofty tasks). Among the normal are scripture study, lunch, snacking on whatever + fruits, calls to my mom and/or Grace, blog stalking, facebook status checking and of most recent - pinterest. I also like to consult for Grace with her new business and spend some time on linked in, expanding my network (hey, you never know!). Jordan sleeps, gets up to eat, poops, likes to go in the swing to sleep, and listens to a story... then repeats it. We sometimes go for walks though phone calls have gotten in the way lately. We also go out once a day for some errand - grocery store, mall, etc. but today, Andy came home eahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifrly and I got distracted and we never made it out. Plus, with the heat it's not really worth it if we don't have to. I usually get dinner started late afternoon and I'm lucky to actually eat dinner with my husband without the stress or burden of getting home in time to have time to make it! Maternity leave is awesome.
I wish I could explain in words how freaky obsessive I am with Jordan because no matter what he does, I think it's cute and revel with joy.
He farts - I gawk. He poops - I giggle. He burps - I laugh. He stares at me - I sigh. He smiles - I squeal. He opens his eyes wider - I clap my hands.
I guess I'm a simple person and instead of playing house, I'm living it - and loving it.
*Refer to this post for my furniture moving obsession. And yes, on Wednesday, I rearranged Jordan's room cuz I can. It was fun!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Is My Skin Sweet?
They say nothing is free in life. I should have recalled that cliche when we scored sweet seats to the free fireworks show Monday night at a small park behind the high school where admission was $7/person.
We brought a small bamboo mat to sit on, a blanket for Jordan and that was about it. No flashlight, no cover up (it was still pretty hot at 8:30 PM), nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zero. But none of that mattered since the weather was nice. The firework show was fun and great minus the lower ones we missed due to the large building obstructing our view.
What is perplexing is... Andy was wearing shorts and my capris went BEYOND my knee... he had on a polo, I had on a tee. So was my skin sweeter? I had avoided my normal lotion and body oil due to the immense heat... but apparently my natural skin is bug-a-licious!
We brought a small bamboo mat to sit on, a blanket for Jordan and that was about it. No flashlight, no cover up (it was still pretty hot at 8:30 PM), nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zero. But none of that mattered since the weather was nice. The firework show was fun and great minus the lower ones we missed due to the large building obstructing our view.
But when we came home, I discovered not one, not two, not even three bug bites.. but twenty (I lose count after 17....). My skin is crawling with itchiness, I cannot help but scratch every single spot close to the actual bug bite, and on occasion, have accidentally scratched the bite itself resulting in a yelp of pain. We finally got some medication (Andy has about ten bites) to soothe the itchiness, but instead, the clear substance just creates a funky peel reminding me of my childhood (you know when you use Elmer's Glue just so you can peel it off afterwards?!).
What is perplexing is... Andy was wearing shorts and my capris went BEYOND my knee... he had on a polo, I had on a tee. So was my skin sweeter? I had avoided my normal lotion and body oil due to the immense heat... but apparently my natural skin is bug-a-licious!
STOP SCRATCHING!
Luckily, Baby Jordan didn't get ANY bites - I'm sure the towel and smell of spit up helped repel the bugs. Although, if I were a bug and I saw this face... I'd pick that over Andy or me.
Now, the commercial for the clip on bug repellant is very appealing!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
My Much Needed Workspace
I've been labeled as a neat freak, type A and even anal but but I'd like to think I am just a fan of organization. I like symmetry, right angles, pushboards, checklists and putting things inside of boxes, inside of boxes, inside yet more boxes. I like open desk space and I like alphabetizing or categorizing books, CDs and DVDs. I like knowing how much money we bring in and spend each month, and I like to know the trends of our monthly spending and the average amount we pay for gas, groceries, dining out and entertainment over the course of a year.
Andy must have known this was bugging me because yesterday, I received the best gift ever. He cleared up our guest room so that the extra desk which we have stored under the bed and to the side, is now my workspace (his too if he so chooses!). I am elated with joy! I LOVEEE my workspace. I have already put up my Korean Blue Bear corkboard and I plan on transporting my old college one to the wall above the desk as soon as I get it from my parents' home! I have neatly organized piles of "bills to pay," "letters to go through," and "coupons to review" and even my box of pens and fake Prada pen bag and stapler. All I need are some assorted binder clips, paper clips, scotch tape and stapler remover but I prefer a nice clear case for all of that.
For the past few months, our dining table has become our working table. Both Andy and I have decided that is where our computers will reside and along with our computers, magazines, bills, mail, to do lists, and pens have accumulated. This does not make Daisy happy. But there is no other space in our apartment and the last thing we need is another piece of furniture to add to the collection of items we will have to move in a year when we depart for residency (wherever that may be). How I long for a normal workspace. How I long for a table to work on. How I long for a dining table that does not need major clearing and reshuffling of items before eating on.
Andy must have known this was bugging me because yesterday, I received the best gift ever. He cleared up our guest room so that the extra desk which we have stored under the bed and to the side, is now my workspace (his too if he so chooses!). I am elated with joy! I LOVEEE my workspace. I have already put up my Korean Blue Bear corkboard and I plan on transporting my old college one to the wall above the desk as soon as I get it from my parents' home! I have neatly organized piles of "bills to pay," "letters to go through," and "coupons to review" and even my box of pens and fake Prada pen bag and stapler. All I need are some assorted binder clips, paper clips, scotch tape and stapler remover but I prefer a nice clear case for all of that.
It's amazing how a little workspace can excite me so. I get really giddy just looking at the newfound space. It's like I have a new room to go work in! I am so thankful to Andy for making the time and space for this. He is so good to me and our little house with lots of stuff.
You're A Grand Ol' Flag!
You're a high flying flag and forever in peace may you wave.....
You're the emblem of... the land I love... the home of the free and brave!
Every HEART BEATS TRUE for the RED, WHITE and BLUE where there's never a boast or fear....
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, keep your eye on the grand old flag!
I'm not sure WHY but growing up, this was my FAVORITE patriotic song. Yankee Doodle had nothing on this song because it was so fun, especially to sing it as fast as you possibly can and to bang your heart as hard as you could on all the "HEART BEATS TRUE" (three beats please) part. How I love this country and that I'm America in American (said with a Texas slang). How I love the freedoms that we enjoy. I don't think we stop to think about them long enough nor do we recognize how amazing it is to have these freedoms. It is this freedom that allowed the gospel to be restored, this freedom that led my parents here to seek a better future for their future family, and this freedom that allowed me, an ABC (American born Chinese) to get an education, go on to work, find the gospel, get baptized, get married, have a baby, and blog right now as I wish! That is insane if you truly think about the many places that are still fighting for a simple freedom such as religion.
I love love LOVE the Fourth of July. And for someone who absolutely LOVES this holiday that celebrates our country and the many freedoms we have, you'd expect some more festive planning on my part (think red white and blue desserts, matching outfits for the family, etc.). Instead, pragmatic and cheap ol' me made lemonade (pretty American, no?), banana pudding (more Southern), cut up tons of fruit (more from my Asian momma), and made a ton of sorta salsa (my mother in law's recipe that is easy, delicious and delightful!). So sadly, my Fourth of July did not consist of much cuteness but there is always next year! Instead, it did consist of some good ol' family fun with BBQ-ing, pooltime, miserable eastside LA heat and lots of sun!
For the record, it was absolutely scorching. There was just no escaping the rays of sunshine shining down on my pockets, keeping them full but hey, there's been worse situations. Unfortunately, my rainbow flip flop tan has only worsened but some whitening face masks ought to do the trick of my face getting darker (it's a Chinese thing for me, I just hate getting dark in the face). The only disappointment besides getting darker than I wanted was not taking the spontaneous adventure up north to see the McKissicks. It's always hard to plan with Andy's med school schedule and we found out Tuesday before the weekend, that he was getting the Fourth of July off and subsequently, that he would also get the Friday before the weekend off. That's a four day weekend for us with him! But for once, we had plans (for the ENTIRE weekend.. we're such social butterflies sometimes...) and even with the lure of them sponsoring our trip with paid gas, food and even tickets to the A's game and fireworks show, we had to regretfully decline the generous offer.
Here in la-la land, we did enjoy hanging out with Andy's med school buddies, watching all three parts of the trilogy Infernal Affairs (which is what The Departed was based- sorry, ripped off of), discovering Jordan absolutely adores nature and will do tummy time forever if he can look at the trees, watching Andy play in a softball game (he had some awesome plays we missed but we caught the last catch of the game!) BBQing, and as I mentioned above, soaking in the rays (I got a pocket got a pocket full of sunshine.....) and one of my favorite moments - watching the South Pasadena High School firework show for free from a park nearby that Andy recalled with Jordan sleeping through his first ever firework show (way to go son.. hahaha).
Next year, I'll aim for more red, white and blue food and a flag or star theme, matching outfits for the family and maybe Jordan will stay awake for the firework show and we can have some patriotic song singing too! - first on the list, You're a Grand Ol' Flag! I am so terribly thankful for my freedoms. I hope you are too. Happy Fourth of July!
You're the emblem of... the land I love... the home of the free and brave!
Every HEART BEATS TRUE for the RED, WHITE and BLUE where there's never a boast or fear....
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, keep your eye on the grand old flag!
I'm not sure WHY but growing up, this was my FAVORITE patriotic song. Yankee Doodle had nothing on this song because it was so fun, especially to sing it as fast as you possibly can and to bang your heart as hard as you could on all the "HEART BEATS TRUE" (three beats please) part. How I love this country and that I'm America in American (said with a Texas slang). How I love the freedoms that we enjoy. I don't think we stop to think about them long enough nor do we recognize how amazing it is to have these freedoms. It is this freedom that allowed the gospel to be restored, this freedom that led my parents here to seek a better future for their future family, and this freedom that allowed me, an ABC (American born Chinese) to get an education, go on to work, find the gospel, get baptized, get married, have a baby, and blog right now as I wish! That is insane if you truly think about the many places that are still fighting for a simple freedom such as religion.
I love love LOVE the Fourth of July. And for someone who absolutely LOVES this holiday that celebrates our country and the many freedoms we have, you'd expect some more festive planning on my part (think red white and blue desserts, matching outfits for the family, etc.). Instead, pragmatic and cheap ol' me made lemonade (pretty American, no?), banana pudding (more Southern), cut up tons of fruit (more from my Asian momma), and made a ton of sorta salsa (my mother in law's recipe that is easy, delicious and delightful!). So sadly, my Fourth of July did not consist of much cuteness but there is always next year! Instead, it did consist of some good ol' family fun with BBQ-ing, pooltime, miserable eastside LA heat and lots of sun!
For the record, it was absolutely scorching. There was just no escaping the rays of sunshine shining down on my pockets, keeping them full but hey, there's been worse situations. Unfortunately, my rainbow flip flop tan has only worsened but some whitening face masks ought to do the trick of my face getting darker (it's a Chinese thing for me, I just hate getting dark in the face). The only disappointment besides getting darker than I wanted was not taking the spontaneous adventure up north to see the McKissicks. It's always hard to plan with Andy's med school schedule and we found out Tuesday before the weekend, that he was getting the Fourth of July off and subsequently, that he would also get the Friday before the weekend off. That's a four day weekend for us with him! But for once, we had plans (for the ENTIRE weekend.. we're such social butterflies sometimes...) and even with the lure of them sponsoring our trip with paid gas, food and even tickets to the A's game and fireworks show, we had to regretfully decline the generous offer.
Here in la-la land, we did enjoy hanging out with Andy's med school buddies, watching all three parts of the trilogy Infernal Affairs (which is what The Departed was based- sorry, ripped off of), discovering Jordan absolutely adores nature and will do tummy time forever if he can look at the trees, watching Andy play in a softball game (he had some awesome plays we missed but we caught the last catch of the game!) BBQing, and as I mentioned above, soaking in the rays (I got a pocket got a pocket full of sunshine.....) and one of my favorite moments - watching the South Pasadena High School firework show for free from a park nearby that Andy recalled with Jordan sleeping through his first ever firework show (way to go son.. hahaha).
Next year, I'll aim for more red, white and blue food and a flag or star theme, matching outfits for the family and maybe Jordan will stay awake for the firework show and we can have some patriotic song singing too! - first on the list, You're a Grand Ol' Flag! I am so terribly thankful for my freedoms. I hope you are too. Happy Fourth of July!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Watch TV Criminal Law Television Much?
Ever watch a CSI marathon or consecutive episodes of rerun Law & Order episodes because you can? I distinctively remember carbon monoxide poisoning episodes .... scary stuff! Well, on the news today, I saw that all new buildings are now REQUIRED to have carbon monoxide alarms in addition to smoke alarms! Old buildings will not have any way of being held to this new law but as a law abiding citizens, we should all make a trip to Home Depot or Amazon.com and get one for our home now! For those who have never seen a criminal law sitcom or episode concerning carbon monoxide, it is odorless, colorless, flammable (but who has a ton of candles always lit around the house?!) and toxic!! Deadly! Dangerous!!! Granted I am definitely more paranoid than normal, I think it's a smart buy and addition to your home!
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