trip to the new SF academy of science

During January, 2009, I went to this new SF Academy of Science 3 times with my 3 scientists---Logan, Kristina, and Brittany, separately.  This picture is showing the poison dart frogs in the rainforest dome.  There are tons of other rainforest creatures to look at.

These cute eels are displayed in the aquarium section.  I like the way they poke out to look around.

This is the biggest coral reef display in the U.S., I think.  Most of the fish come from the Philippine Coral Reef.  It is so pretty.  When Logan and I sat in front of it for 30 minutes, we were able to spot 15-17 different species.

Brittany loves the rainforest dome.  She took lots of butterfly pictures.  The butterflies just fly freely in the dome.  The dome contains representations of the 4 layers of the rainforest: the emergent layer, the canopy, the understory, and the forest floor.  Sometimes the butterflies land on top your head or shoulders.  Isn't that cool? :)

Anyway, it is really fun place to visit and there is a lot to learn for all ages.  My 3 scientists were happy with the whole academy.  I suppose it is good proof that the trip was worthwhile.

When Kristina came back for her fall break, she was desperate to eat at "Sushi Sam's". Her favorite dishes are Salmon Sashimi, Chef's special sushi, and their dessert. Kristina and Brittany had a good sisterhood chat and we were just happy to see her for the 1st time since she went to college.




This was her dessert.

Kristina and Brittany updating their lives .









Her yummy Salmon Sashimi.









She is grown and looks great.

sibling

During the month of September, both my brothers visited me with their family members. Every time they visited me, it made me miss my parents tremendously. Many times I asked myself, "Why did two great people deserve to die in such a horrifying disaster?" At the same time, there is still no closure about how the fire started. I feel pain every time I think about the incident that happened 7 years ago. Luckily, I have 2 brothers to share.
We try to live the way our parents had taught us to. I remember very well that they were helping all kinds of people who had certain needs. I asked my mom once why she never asked those people to repay her. She replied, "You decide to help them because you want to help, not because you want something in return." I remember clearly that she took me and my brothers to the orphanage often when I was young. She bought each child some winter clothes and cooked them food. She wanted to help and she wanted us to know that we are fortunate and should appreciate what we have. My brothers and I try to live up to that. The other lesson I have learned from them helped me more: I learned that I should never judge others by their race, gender, choice of religion or politics, etc. until I at least shake his/her hand and talk with him/her for 20 minutes. I love you, mom & dad!

Kristina, the college girl

Aug. 24th was the day we took Kristina to her college, Pomona College in Claremont, California. Logan and I debated with her for days and months about this school, and of course she insisted on her choice. I can see why. She was like this little fish and found the right pond to swim in. She looked right at home with the people, room, and the whole thing.

This is Kristina in front of her dorm building.


This is the dorm building again. Being a 24/7 mother, many people thought that I would cry when we had to say good-bye.
Hey, people out there! I didn't cry at all. How could I? It was very hard to feel sad especially when I saw her so happy and when she couldn't wait to wave goodbye to us with her signature smile.
I'm sure she will have 4 wonderful years ahead of her.




This is inside of the building and right in front of her room. This room was built especially for handicapped people, so it includes a big bathroom. Kristina shares this room with a roommate from NY. Where is Kristina? She went off to socialize with her new friends, of course. That's her!





That day was so boiling hot! (98 F) . Logan got so tired of sweating, so he decided to rest in the car which was luckily parked under the shade. There are tons of big trees in Pomona, and that is a good thing.





Brittany likes her big sister's school, too. Logan was like "ummm....... very expensive, dear." I was like "work as hard as your sister!" and of course Brittany's reaction is :( .

Logan B-day 1

On Aug. 11, Logan's 60th birthday, we went to Half Moon Bay under his request for a relaxing day on the beach. Here is the birthday boy.






The girls love the beach as much as their dad. Kristina really followed the instruction---relax. Brittany was watching the waves and some playful dogs on the beach. Don't let the bright sun fool you, it actually was a little cold. Kristina and Brittany just liked to get some sun tan.




After the beach, we ate at this "Sam's" for dinner. The beets salad was incredibly good. And I love the seafood stew. And the view of beach and ocean was impeccable. I'd love to come back and try their lobster sandwich which is famous there.





This sign is close by the restaurant. We thought it was a funny sign. It really adds some humor to the message. Hope no one wants to kiss raw fish in the middle of the ocean. We actually found many people taking photo of this sign.

Logan B-day 2

After the big yummy dinner, we had to walk off the food by climbing and hopping on the tough rock trail.







Occasionally we paused a little bit to check out the scene.












We "stop & go" on the rock for quite a long time until we got the chance to watch the beautiful summer sunset. It gave a nice finale of this fun and relaxing day.

different is different

The white hamster is named after the movie "Enchanted" character, Gisel. She doesn't like to run on the wheel even she has the bigger wheel. This funny hamster likes to do monkey bar instead. She also likes to stare at the human beings when we are close to her cage. If Gisel gets thirsty, she can drink 1&1/2 minute straight. When Brittany gives her a paper towel tube, Gisel loves to shred through the tube and make a lot of air-conditioned holes. Gisel can't live with Ro and Bo since they are different specie and not getting along well. They are all cute, and Brittany shows unconditional love for them. Brittany is almost a pro when it comes to hamster.