A Broad Reference

年年有餘，
nián nián yǒu yú,
every year have abundance/left overs (sounds like "fish")
歲歲平安。
suì suì píng ān。
a year of health/without mishap(?)
恭喜發財，
gōng xǐ fā cái，
best wishes to get rich
(congratulations and best wishes for a prosperous year)
紅包拿來。
hóng bāo ná lái。
lucky money brings/comes(?)
祝大家牛年行大運！
zhù dà jiā niú nián xìng dà yùn!
hope everyone's year of the Ox is successful!

My friend Kat posted the above salutation on her Facebook profile. I translated it as an exercise to try and keep my Chinese up. As you can see it's not quite right yet, but it's starting to make sense. Let me know if you think I mistook a meaning somewhere.

As always I check my horoscope to see where I'm at. Not that it changes so much, but every year it's fun looking at it and trying to see how it really could apply to me... Read thru and see if you agree that this describes me?
(Compiled from Wikipedia)
Yang Metal Dog- Monkey/Virgo month, Dragon hour
* The West（西）
* Autumn（秋）
* White Tiger（白虎）
* The Planet Venus（金星）
* The Colour White（白）
* Respiratory system & Lungs（肺）
* Honest, intelligent, straightforward, Loyal, sense of justice and fair play, attractive, Amicable, unpretentious, sociable, open-minded, caring, respectful, Determined, Self-reliant, Unyielding, Strong, Forceful, practical, affectionate, dogged
* Reserved, Needs Personal Space, Sophisticated, seeks pleasure, idealistic, moralistic. Can be cynical, lazy, cold, judgmental, pessimistic, worrier, stubborn, quarrelsome.

The Third Trine

The third trine consists of the Tiger, Horse, and Dog. These three signs seek a true lover, and are like-minded in their pursuit of humanitarian causes. Each is a gifted orator and excels at verbal communication. Relationships and personal contact are of highest priority and each one seeks their intimate soul mate. Idealistic and impulsive, the Tiger, Horse and Dog follow the beat of their own drummer. Defiant against injustice, these three signs wilt without large amounts of physical affection and loyal support for causes. They are productive, enthusiastic, independent, engaging, dynamic and honourable. They can also be rash, rebellious, quarrelsome, hot-headed, reckless, anxious, moody, disagreeable, and stubborn. Although these three signs are loyal, they can be very protective when lied to. The three signs do not enjoy being told what to do, but will listen when it is a person they love or trust whole-heartedly.

Posted by Misty at 01:44 PM | Permalink

These past couple of years I've been embroiled in the process of becoming a citizen. The forms were extensive and unclear. Each step required standing in line and waiting interminably, followed by notices that read "Your paperwork has been received. Your blah blah appointment will take place within the next 270 days." My level of frustration had risen to the point that I hired an immigration lawyer to help with the various bureaucratic exigencies. At fingerprinting they take electronic impressions of one's fingers- interestingly my prints were all only partials~ around 50% identity. I prepared for the interview/test with extreme anxiety on my part. Did I study enough? What kind of questions would I get? Finally the day arrived, after a week of sleeplessness, I met my lawyer at the court. Standing before the judge I was so nervous I nearly hyperventilated. But she was very kind and allowed me to catch my breath. I knew all the answers to the first questions, after all I had filled those out myself on the form. She ended with US history & government questions, which I aced. It was sort of anticlimactic, the judge approved my application and told me to expect a notice about my swearing in ceremony in a couple of months. Rats, I missed the election by just a couple of days.

I was very affected emotionally and mentally by the whole process; Even though my fears were groundless, I never quite believed that I would make it through. All the way up to the swearing in ceremony, I was worried that I would be deported. But finally after all these years of waiting, paperwork and standing in lines- the ceremony itself was kind of a relief and uber patriotic at the same time. There was a huge auditorium of people, 1559 from 87 countries. First you surrender your green card and forms to the officials. We were seated semi-alphabetically, by section and chronologically in order of arrival within one's section. While we were waiting, some people were removed quietly, never to be seen again... The white moderator spoke (without cue cards or prompting) in English, Spanish, Chinese(Cantonese), Hindi, Russian & Tagalog, which represented the languages of the majority of people being sworn. It was very impressive, he cracked jokes and made sure that everyone understood what was going on. It was mostly long drawn out instructions on how to register to vote, sign up for social security, submit paperwork for passports and then we had to watch some very nationalistic videos including an address from George W. (One more month and it would have been Obama!) Finally we swore our commitment to the USA, pledged allegiance to the flag and sang the star spangled banner. Then we received our certificates of naturalization, and immediately submitted an application for a passport. So mostly standing in lines and paperwork. I'm very glad it's over.

But bureaucratic bullshit aside, I struggled with the idea of becoming American for a long time. Growing up in a developing island, outside of the United States of America, gives one the perspective of a very large, immensely rich country. I came to the USA because of the tremendous opportunities for education and vocation. America is truly a land where you can succeed if only you try. Thoughtful and committed people have devoted time and energy to creating a country where each person has the same rights. I embrace the statements set forth in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all are created equal, that they are endowed with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." and "rights of freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of petition."

But for the last 8 years, the US government has run roughshod over the wishes of concerned citizens, has treated people abominably both domestically and internationally. Where jingoistic economic and political decisions were made with no apparent thought of common good or accountability. Yet at the same time, I feel this is one of the few places in the world where I am accepted completely for who I am, as a woman, culturally, racially. Ultimately I realized that if I became a citizen, my vote could represent my point of view and choices- hopefully enough to change the course. I know a lot of people are talking about smoking the KoolAid. Is it idealistic think we can improve the current situation by each making the choice for the greater good? We can do it!

Posted by Misty at 07:56 AM | Permalink

I bought a Honda Civic Hybrid (45+mpg) in 2002/3 with the idea that it would reduce my carbon footprint and save me money over the years. Initially it was a tough decision, because gas prices were still low ~$1.50/gallon. I calculated that at the higher sticker value of the car $19k (vs $15k non-hybrid) it would take me at least 4 years just to cover the extra cost of the car. But there was a dealer incentive $2k rebate (hybrids weren't moving off the lots fast enough), and a government tax deduction $2k (2 years in a row). So with the extra cost covered by other means, and the being greener incentive, the only other concern was the technology-too new or not ready?
I guess I was more accepting than most of America to embrace a new technology; my uncle had an electric car that kept running out of juice in weird places, so this seemed like the perfect compromise- a gas powered car with an electric motor run off a battery charged by kinetic energy (braking/flywheel etc). To sweeten the deal, California had High Occupancy Vehicle stickers that would allow a qualifying hybrid car in the Carpool lane.

So I plunked down cash and bought the hybrid. Unlike the Prius, the Honda Civic Hybrid looks like a regular car. No space age console and blind spots, just a little indicator that tells you mpg and battery charge levels. That little indicator really helped me learn to be a more fuel efficient driver, (not as crazy as the "hyper-milers") but enough so that there's a noticeable difference in consumption when Gwynie drives the car. It's so quiet running, that at traffic lights passengers always comment on the silence. Within 2 months of buying the car, gas jumped from $1.50 to $2.50 and I was telling myself to start commuting by BART to work. Fast forward through to the most recent high of $5.00/gallon, and I'm congratulating myself on that fateful decision. I should point out that most of my miles are freeway, and I think other people I've talked to get considerably lower mileage around town. I'm just about to take the car in for it's 90k mile service. So you can see that it's been through it's paces several times over. I guess I'm at the point now where I'm examining the choice, weighing the pros and cons.

Here are my initial calculations
total miles driven on my car 90k miles
my average mileage (45mpg)->90k miles/45 mpg=2000 gallons
have calculated cumulative gas costs using
original price of gas $1.50/gallon-> 2000 gallons x $1.50/gallon=$3000
vs most recent high $5.00/gallon-> 2000 gallons x $5.00/gallon=$10,000
Clearly the actual cost lies somewhere in between those 2 values,
assume an average of $3.25/gallon-> 2000 gallons x $3.25/gallon=$6,500

Compared against the (t)rusty 4Runner (now retired to the scrap heap)
average mileage (16 mpg)->90k miles/45 mpg=5625 gallons
cumulative gas costs using
original price of gas $1.50/gallon-> 5625 gallons x $1.50/gallon=$8,437.50
vs most recent high $5.00/gallon-> 5625 gallons x $5.00/gallon=$28,125
assume an average of $3.25/gallon-> 5625 gallons x $3.25/gallon=$18,281.25

Difference in driving costs (not including insurance and registration)
original price of gas $1.50/gallon->$8,437.50-$3,000=$5437.5
vs most recent high $5.00/gallon->$28,125- $10,000=$18,125
assume an average of $3.25/gallon-> $18,281.25-$6,500=$11,781.25

In retrospect I'm happy with my decision, I've reduced my carbon footprint and saved at least $6k and prolly almost $12k given the jump in gas prices. The carpool lane stickers allow me to drive into the city in about 15 minutes vs the 30 minute parking lot that most other people experience. Would I buy another hybrid? I'm holding out for an improvement in technology. I'd like to see a hybrid bio-diesel 4WD station wagon with a freezing tolerant battery (and of course another round of carpool stickers).

Posted by Misty at 08:08 AM | Permalink

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 16 random things, facts, habits or goals about you. Choose 16 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you. (I'm generally a sink not a source when it comes to spam. So I considered long and hard about propagating this one. But the upside of finding out neat and interesting things about all my friends was too tempting)

1. I eat cheese as a staple. In Taiwan my nails developed weak spots due to lack of calcium.

2. I play squash as much as my knees will allow- up to 4 hour stretches 4 days a week

3. I am working on a graphic novel.

4. I took 5 years to finish off my last list of New Year's resolutions. I'm not sure whether that's an achievement or a failure...

5. I have the chi of soup. This means you will love any soup I make for you.

6. I am allergic to most preservatives and dyes. In Japan I had to take 4x doses of my anti-histamine, and was still miserable by the end of 3 weeks.

7. I bought a Honda Civic Hybrid (45+mpg) in 2002/3 and have saved $KK's of money over the years.

8. I have lucid dreams, and can control what I dream about.

9. I have traveled to 29 countries and lived in six.

10. I can fall asleep anywhere including while driving the car.

11. My four favorite foods are soy-cooked pork knuckles, quesadillas, ice cream and Brussels sprouts.

12. I planted an edible garden- in the event of a catastrophe, I will have food.

13. My twin sister and I have identical teeth, down to patterns in the enamel/dentin, wisdom teeth and cavities.

14. I'm a big fan of Buffy, Heroes, BstarG, ReGenesis and Spooks.

15. I use a pseudonym online so that my professional and personal lives don't collide.

16. My dream job would be travel writer and/or food writer.

Posted by Misty at 09:31 AM | Permalink

An old friend- Kiki from JA, summarized her 2008 year of culinary moments and then tagged me in Facebook. I love her writing, and I agree completely with her world view of food- the way it catalyzes the creation of best and memorable moments, in the company of dear friends and family. Food can challenge, surprise, comfort and sustain. It's a common denominator and a universal language. In Taiwan, the concern that you have eaten recently and well, is the norm. My family uses food to express love and connectedness. I feel that interactions are heightened and intensified by food. I definitely used food as a study aid- initially as an incentive to practice my burgeoning language skills and then as a positive reinforcement reward for getting it correct. This shout out is a tribute to the cooks and eaters who rock my world. Thank you for all the fun and good times we shared this year!!! (Wildy- note well the exclamation points)

As many of my most memorable experiences this year were Asian, I plan on recreating some of these exotic dishes and new memories back home. For all of my friends and family, I wish love and laughter and good health in fabulous company, over tremendous meals, be they however humble or extraordinary! I look forward to continuing this grand odyssey we call life in 2009!!!

1. Atyal Aborigine restaurant in WuLai, Taiwan.

Always an adventure, Angie hiked me (and another friend Katy) up to a small hot spring village where Atyal aborigines served up an exotic meal of betel nut flower salad, rice cooked in bamboo- the flavors were delicately nutty with a smoky hint of charcoal, green stir-fried fern tips, clay pot mountain chicken with wedges and chunks of garlic/ginger in caramelized soy basil sauce, grilled boar with preserved garlic in vinegar. All the flavors were so deep and intensely amazing. Each dish had a unique taste with no repeats.

2. Tasty hand pulled noodles @ Home Town Dumplings, Central, Hong Kong.

Scott and Steven took me up the Mid-Level escalators in Central. They have the foodie enthusiasm of sharing "finds" and this one was truly a gem. The noodles were delicious with that perfect texture- tender yet firm and juicy mouthfuls! We also had succulent lamb dumplings in soup so piquantly spicy with vinegar & hot sauce, and crispy fried pot stickers that were so tasty yummerlicious that I almost burst. We talked real estate and finances as one does in Hong Kong, just such an interesting afternoon.

3. Hakka style farm food w/ Chih Fang and her family in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

My friend CF invited me south for the start of Chinese New Year. They have a farm out in Meinung (an area about 45 minutes outside of the city). I was welcomed as a member of the family and it was such an honour to be included in their celebrations and religious observances.

4. Taiwanese street food is what got me out talking to people. My weekly favorites included
-Jun Jiu Bai Xian Guo Lu Cha-Tapioca pearls in Green Tea with passion fruit juice (I had this almost every day!)
-Chou doufu- Stinky Tofu Such a binary selection food. Crisp deep fried tofu squares, creamy interior with pungent smell reminiscent of blue cheese and old sneakers- served with crunchy sour cabbage slaw. A real challenge but delicious Taiwanese soul food. When I professed my love of this tasty treat, Taiwanren would exclaim in amazement and delite.
-Wild Boar sausage wrapped in a rice dog/on a stick served spicy at your own risk. So gamy and densely meaty. How I lost weight eating these is still a mystery.
-"nutritious sandwich" (deep fried yummy goodness but hardly healthy),
Sabina hiked me up and down those hills. So I think I earned this calorie bomb.
-roasted sweet potatoes The kindly laoban who every day tried to give me more potatoes than I bought and let me practice my Chinese on her even when all I could do was point and say " Wo yao mai". She was one of the few people who fully realized the extent of my improvement, with all the credit going to her.
-Pink Guava w/ plum dust in Danshui Nitemarket
Wow just such a reminder of my childhood in JA, with an asian twist thrown in to improve the flavor.
-"Frogs' eggs" delicious tapioca pearls stewed in brown sugar, with milk and ice. So decadent that I only had it 5 times during my stay. That works out to about 1 per month.

5. Hong Kong Healthy Dessert Mango and Coconut with tapioca pearls

Found originally in 2006, I revisited ground zero for this concoction every time I made it to HK.
Over the holidays (much to Gwynie's amazement) I was able to navigate to this little snack bar within 30 minutes of arriving at our hotel! Just a fun time exploring HK with Gwynie.

6. Tea @ Muzha plantation w/ Gwynie.

An eyeopener for how great tea can really be, as well as keeping us up into the wee hours of the morning from all the caffeine. This was truly a special jaunt. So beautifully tranquil and heartwarming.

7. Xiao Long Bao@ Din Tai Feng followed by Mango dessert @IceMonster

Every tourist who visits Taiwan comes here for the double whammy. I was no exception, and brought all my friends here too.

9. Quesadillas & SuperTacos w/ Wilda on Sundays after squash

Settling back into a routine, playing squash with Wilda and Gwynie every Sunday, followed by our favorite hole-in-the-wall taqueria. Thanks for all the tacos and good conversation!

10. Dinner @ French Laundry
An amazing experience, made only more perfect by Obama winning that nite. I have such hopes for this country, such a feeling of optimism.

Posted by Misty at 12:37 PM | Permalink