My parents

If my dad and mom are away from each other (i.e. one is in Shanghai and the other is in San Jose), one of them will call the other at 3-4pm Pacific time (7-8AM Shanghai time) for updates, small talk and general happenings.

Sometimes one will call the other a few hours later to rant or remark on something interesting.

Just now, my dad called the skype while it was just me on the computer:

"Hey Amber," my dad says in Chinese, "are you going back on Monday?"

"Yes," I reply, "my friend is taking me back."

"Oh okay. Hey get mom over here quick!"

"Uhhh..ok," I yell for my mom to get in the computer room because Dad wants to talk to her.

"Hey!" my dad exclaims really excitedly, "the jam i just opened is moldy!"


Seriously, Dad? You went out of your way to skype mom about moldy Jam?

Funniest/randomnest moment I was a part of all day.

Flipping out

Guess what? My body is flipping out. I got a fever yesterday, probably due to an inflammatory response to the trauma of surgery. Some special website describes it as this:

Fever has several common causes, including an inflammatory response to the trauma of an operation; a high metabolic rate that occurs with the stress of an operation, which causes the body to burn more calories and generate more heat; and infections, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and infections at the operative site. Pneumonia may be prevented by periodically breathing forcefully in and out of a hand-held device (incentive spirometry) and coughing as needed.

I was totally freaking out. All of the sudden I felt semi-delirious and my heartbeat wasn't normal. In my semi-frazzled state I thought I was going to die. I ended up just sleeping for like 12 hours and I think most of the fever is gone My ankle doesnt' even hurt that much anymore!! Hah Amber > Vicodin. I don't need YOU. RAWRWARAWRWAR


Oh, I'm also losing about 1% muscle mass a day from being sofa-ridden for most of the day.

I hope I am neither infected or that my wound is doing funky things.


gahh.

Why I like "Up"

The latest Pixar film "Up" may just have earned its place up there (no pun intended) with my other favorites, the "Toy Story"series and "Finding Nemo." Don't get me wrong, I enjoy ALL Pixar creations. Their magical and clever storylines never cease to amaze me. But this one really touched and stood out to me.

Besides the breathtaking visuals and quarky characters, the storyline and themes were very profound to me. As with other Pixar films, it was a story of friendship and adventure. But what made "Up" so beautiful was how it portrayed the conflict of what to do with your dreams and aspirations when life throws you for a loop and causes you to take a detour. It was such a touching story that highlighted the sponteneity of real life and that these detours, though frustrating and tempting to resist, can lead to wonderful and amazing experiences if one is just willing to try and see.

And, okay I have to admit. I really appreciate the main child character being an Asian kid. Very hip, Pixar, I approve.

Both children and older folk alike can be taught a lesson about the stubbornness of the human will, but also the resilience of the human heart. "Up" was definitely an adventure for the spirit and left me inspired and quite enchanted.

Amber