Boston Working Mom

Fried Broad Beans / Fava Beans

2011-06-28T09:52:00.000-04:00

I don't know what this is called in English, by searching the web, I found some people call this "Fava Beans", some call this "Broad Bean". Whatever it is called, Chinese is "蚕豆", as we all know :)

Some people like to fry with skins, I just don't like that way.

1. Soaked half pound of Fava Beans in water overnight

2. Peel off skins
3. Boil about 1.5 minutes in boiling water (be careful not to over cooked, otherwise too soft and smashed)
4. pick up and let cool
5. cool pan, put oil and cooked beans into the pan, make sure oil over beans
6. turn on fire, let it fry :) until you hear "pi li pa la" :)
7. A little stirring, until you can feel the beans are hard, crisp sound with collision
8. oil filter, on the plate, let cool and sprinkle salt

DIY: IR5 Immigration Visa for Parents

2011-02-01T17:26:00.000-05:00

05/13/2010: 移民申请正式开始. 发出I-130申请.

05/21/2010: 收到I-797, 所谓的NOA1, 优先期为5/13(IR5不用排期, 所以这日子不重要)

(其间国内办好所有需要公证, 美国这边准备好税单,雇主信等)

10/27/2010: 漫长的5个月等待, I-130批准, 再收到I-797, 就是所谓的NOA2

11/02/2010: 案件到达NVC

10/25/2010: 打电话查到GUZ号码, 并告知NVC申请人,收益人的email

(其间扫描所有材料)

11/03/2010: 收到NVC的email, 有3032(地址确认信), 收据号

11/03/2010: 马上OPTIN申请电子化, 3032发到NVCElectronic

11/03/2010: 马上登陆收费站, 付88刀

11/12/2010: 404刀一直not invoiced, 打电话给NVC问为什么, 被告知NVCInquiry在等3032

11/12/2010: 马上发3032到NVCInquiry

11/13/2010: 交404刀

11/16/2010: 404显示PAID

11/20/2010: 收到NVC发来的P3 email

11/22/2010: 用GUZ登陆不了收费站

11/26/2010: 等超过三天了, 打电话问到GZO号, 下午也收到GZO号的email.

11/26/2010:发出经济担保＋DS230所有材料

12/10/2010: Case Complete, 等面试通知(P4)

12/19/2010: 收到面试通知(P4), 面试日期1/20

1/20交材料: 收材料的不是VO, 是讲广东话的中方工作人员. 我父亲75岁, 高血压, 老人痴呆, 担心交材料等待时间长, 所以坐轮椅出席. 收材料的时候, 那个女的, 说话阴声细气的工作人员真TMD的讨厌, 充满歧视.

她说(指着我父亲):他这么老了还去美国干什么?

我妈:要和女儿团聚啊.

她再说:你在国内没其他孩子了吗?

我妈: 有啊, 但是还是想和女儿团聚.

她又说(开始有点鄙视): 谁照顾他啊?

我妈: 我可以照顾他

她接着说: 你们有副担保吗?

我妈: 没有, 女儿说不需要.

她还不死心(TBD她不就是个收材料嘛):他这样子批了都坐不了飞机去美国啊

我妈(脾气够好的了): 女儿打算买商务舱机飘.

她还说(我听到这都要出离愤怒了): 他看上去比你年纪大很多啊

我妈: 是的. (TMD要我在的话就把她揪出来, 告她侵犯私隐, 再告她歧视)

1/21面签

因为是老人, 所以被加急处理, 第二个被叫号的(第一个被叫的是个男的带着两个小小孩). VO是个人38,39岁的男白人.

问: 谁申请你们去

我妈: 女儿

问: 女儿干什么的?

我妈: (她不会说, 就递我的business card)

(VO把材料一页一页的翻, 每翻一页好象就签个什么记号)

问: 有照片吗?

我妈: 有(递进去)

(VO翻到体检结果的时候, 显然不太明白还是有点犹疑, 就叫了个翻译, 这个翻译工作人员比昨天收材料的好多了, 和VO小声说了一些话)

翻译: 这位阿爸身体状况到底怎么样

我妈: 他年纪大了, 有点迟钝, 脑动脉硬化

翻译: 就是老人痴呆了?

我妈: 是的

(翻译和VO有商量了一下)

翻译: 你怎么保证你女儿会照顾他?

我妈: 女儿会尽孝的.

(翻译又和VO商量, VO再叫上另一个VO又讨论了一下, 然后低头狂注释些什么. 最后抽出粉红单. 我一直和我妈说红单是通过, 其实是粉红单, 所以我妈不知道那就是通过. 那个善良的翻译轻轻的告诉我妈: 恭喜你, 他(VO)批准你们的签证了)

VO: 你们通过了.

我妈: Thank you!

(大家高高兴兴地结束了面试)

我家公公也同一日签, 但不同号. 我先生担保公公婆婆(可惜婆婆要验痰, 面签要改期, 不能一起签), 我担保我父母, 可能是这原因, 所以算分开的案例.

小结: 红单关键无非是--材料齐全, 前后一致, 关系真实, 担保充足.

Fried Chicken Wings

2010-12-28T18:55:00.000-05:00

Fried Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

1/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons mustard

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1. teaspoon garlic powder

3/4 cup all purpose flour

1. In a small bowl, combine milk and mustard with a whisk

2. In a mixing bowl, stir together salt, papper, garlic powder and flour

3. Wrap chicken wings in a paper towel and squeeze out the extra water.

4. Dip each piece of the chicken into the milk mixture. Roll chicken in the flour mixture until covered

5. Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown

Simplest wool neck warmer

2010-12-26T19:05:00.000-05:00

Everyone can make: size 10 circular needle, K4, P4 until desired length. It is that simple :)

Knit a simple bag

2010-12-24T21:04:00.000-05:00

Started with knitting a sweater for my daughter, apparently it took longer, much longer than I thought :) So seeing the right height, descreased with K2T and SSK, then close with Kitchener Closure.

Dangle Hoop Earrings

2010-10-11T22:40:00.000-04:00

Chinese steamed rice noodle rolls (Cheung Fun) Dim Sum

2010-10-11T08:29:00.001-04:00

1. Use Rice Flour:Singharanut (Waterchestnut) starch:Corn starch = 5:1:1 (粘米粉:菱粉:玉米粉), add water to watery texture.

2. brush oil on container surface; Add one scoop of #1 to cover surface of container

3. Steam for 3 minutes

4. Roll it up and place to plate

5. Repeat #2, #3, #4

How to eat tortillas, in a Chinese way

2010-09-07T22:07:00.000-04:00

Got a stop & shop coupon for tortillas for free! Never eat this before, I think it is Mexican food. It does look like Chinese pancake though... I googled "how to make tortillas", it is not any rocket science, it is made from flour :) geez... let me fry it in chinese way: heat pan, add oil, lay a piece of tortillas, sprinkle salt, until golden brown, flip, repeat.

The 3 weeks long vacation is over

2010-09-06T09:38:00.000-04:00

Kids summer camp ended on 8/13. School starts tomorrow. So I spent the luxury relaxing vacation with them -- 3 weeks! We had a lot of FUN! Everyday is full of activities.

Projects...

Food...

Field trips

From tomorrow, all halted routines will resume. Everyone is back to school or back to work. Wishing a productive last quarter of the year!

Teacher's Appreciation

2010-07-30T13:08:00.001-04:00

My daughter loves making necklace at school with all those fancy beads. Today she brought home a necklace she made.. I offered to do a project with her to make a pair of earrings for her teachers with the cute alphabet beads. This is what we made. She is very excited today to take this to school to her teacher.

Saute French Bread

2010-07-17T12:38:00.001-04:00

My son can eat the whole plate... crunch outside, soft inside...

Never-fail Potato Latkes

2010-07-10T19:42:00.000-04:00

Ingredients:

2 medium potatoes
2 tablespoon flour
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt

1) Peel and rinse the potatoes. Grate them into a bowl
2) Add the flour, eggs, salt to the mixture. Mix well.
3) Heat the oil in a frying pan at medium heat until it sizzles
4) Drop in heaping tablespoons of the potato mixture
5) Using the back of a spoon, flatten the latkes. Carefully fry both sides until they're golden brown.

Homemade crunchy french fries

2010-07-04T12:01:00.002-04:00

Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie

2010-07-04T11:28:00.001-04:00

What you need:

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter

6 tbsp sugar

6 tbsp brown suger

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/8 cups AP flours

1 egg

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chip

1 tsp vallina extract

2010-07-03T12:59:00.000-04:00

Learnt from the following great video.

Maomao Mom's Chiffon Cake @ Yahoo! Video

And mine is here:

Party Food

2010-06-26T10:24:00.000-04:00

hot summer, cool popsicle

2010-06-25T16:50:00.000-04:00

Suddenly feel missing the ice pop in old days... at a pulse, went to Michaels to buy the popsicle molds (found in the dollar section, a dollor each)

3/4 cup mung bead

1 fistful of rice

7 cups water

low pressure for 40 minutes

Handmade Blue Chandelier Earrings

2010-06-24T14:45:00.001-04:00

First time experience: making Zong Zi

2010-06-23T18:27:00.000-04:00

It is my 11th Dragon Boat Festival in the US. The tradition is to eat zongzi for this festival. Needless to say, without making a trip to Chinatown, you just can't find zongzi in US stores/resaturants. The more I think about this, the more I miss it, the more I feel homesick.

After doing enough research, yes, I said research, that's googling how to make zongzi, watching hundreds of youtube vedios. I decided to DIY.

Preparation:

Soak baboom leaves overnight (you can buy from Chinese stores, 2.89 a bag, over 100 pieces)
Soak sweet rice (long grain sticky rice) overnight
Soak dried mushroom overnight
Soak mung bean overnight
Soak peanut overnight
Cut pork in cube or any size of your choice, I put all seasonings I have and keep fridge overnight :)
(Optional) some people use salty egg yolk (I don't have that)

First time to make, I don't know how much of each ingredient is enough, purely copmletely based on my 6th sense.

Next day:

Start wrapping everying into baboon leaves. There are many many approaches to wrap a zongzi, vedios can be found on youtube. Just pick one you feel most comfortable. For me, this one seems simple. Just use 2 pieces of leaves for one zong zi, and shape looks professional :P There are 4 angles.

Take a closer look:

See bunch of them:

After all the wrapping, boil them thoroughly. I've heard they need 3-4 hours of boiling. Because I use high pressure cooker, I set it to one hour low pressure. And they came out perfectly. Make sure all zongzi are under water.

Another perfect loaf

2010-06-23T00:00:00.002-04:00

Same recipe I have been using. Just baking strategy changed a bit. Now I just use the bread machine to make dough, and let it rise in pan. Then bake at 375F degree for 20-25 minutes.

How to Take Off Those Last 10 Pounds

2010-06-11T09:28:00.000-04:00

This is exactly what I want!!!!!!!!!! 130 is my resistant line... 10 lbs away from my goal... the exercise level I had before helped me lose the first 25+ lbs, but not enough to help me lose this last 10 lbs.... going to do a 5 mile walk today....

From LOSING IT! With Jillian Michaels

Friday, June 11, 2010

How to Take Off Those Last 10 Pounds

You know what I like to call those last 10 or 15 pounds that won't come off no matter what you do? Vanity pounds.

The term describes our desire to lose weight that, as far as our bodies are concerned, actually feels healthy. Today's society pressures us to want to look a certain way, so for aesthetic reasons we try to be thinner than our bodies want us to be. Personally, I have gained and lost the same 8 vanity pounds more times than I care to admit.

Losing your first 50 pounds might have been tough, but believe me, dropping those final few stubborn pounds is a whole different challenge. The body struggles to hold on to that last bit of fat for survival purposes.

Now, don't get me wrong — you can lose the weight if you want to, but it will require you to muster a tremendous amount of restraint and willpower. If you're really up for it, do the following for 30 days:

Cut your sodium to 1,000 mg a day.

Drink at least 80 ounces of water daily.

Cut out processed foods.

Abstain from alcohol.

Train at 85 percent of your MHR (maximum heart rate) for 1 hour 5 times a week.

You can do a lot in 30 days — in fact, I can pretty much guarantee you will lose at least 5 pounds. And you'll feel like a rock star!

Green Beauty (Chandelier Earrings & Bracelet)

2010-05-30T08:22:00.006-04:00

Just learned how to make Chandelier Earrings and gave it a try, super!

And found it matches my green stone bracelet.

Marine Week Boston 2010

2010-05-08T08:39:00.026-04:00

Boston's Spring and Summer is just beautiful and full of fun. 5/3-5/9 is the Marine Week 2010 @Boston. Fun fun fun...

Mini dangle hoop earrings

2010-05-04T13:53:00.002-04:00

Was thinking about the "any kind of day" for this appreciation week. Maybe I can make each teacher a pair of lovely earrings? But not all the teachers wear earrings, hmm...

Teacher Appreciation Week

2010-05-04T12:59:00.004-04:00

Got a lot of mails/notice from daycare that May 3rd is the beginning of Teach Appreciation Week. School says they need our help in letting these import professionals know how much we value and "appreciate" the work they do. It has been decided to theme each day accordingling...

Monday 5/3 -- Sweet day

Tuesday 5/4 -- Flower day

Wednesday 5/5 -- Note day

Thursday 5/6 - Pampering day

Friday, 5/7 -- Any kind of day!

(wow, not mentioning the high tuition we pay, that must go to the middlemen, and teachers are not paid well enough :p)

Anyway, teachers do need appreciation, and they are all worthy being appreciated -- at least my girl comes home everyday happily! And here is what I did for day one (with kids help decorating each one), though I am not promising to be creative with each day :P Because my girl has SIX teachers!

@Michaels - Make it and Take it

2010-05-01T18:34:00.007-04:00

Saw the ad, for the incoming Mother's day, Michaels is inviting kids to make earrings and bracelet for mothers, it is free! Make it and take it!

My son picked this design:
My daughter picked this:

Then they each made a bracelet:

I learnt some new techniques in making earrings. All happy!

3D wood puzzle

2010-04-25T12:32:00.008-04:00

It says for age 6+, it is somehow challenging to me. :P Took me 2 hours to build. It is a very good game.

Orange Meltaway Cookie

2010-04-04T12:56:00.003-04:00

1.5 stick unsalted butter
1/3 cup sugar
Orange zest
1 tbsp vallina extract
2 tbsp orange juice
1 3/4 cups AP flour
2 tbsp corn starch
1/4 tsp salt
wrap dough with plastic wrap into long stick
fridge dough for an hour

cut dough into thin pieces (~5mm thick)

350F degree, 12-15 minutes, or until edge slightly brown.

Back on blogging

2010-03-29T13:45:00.002-04:00

Being away from the blog for 2 months, I feel something is missing. So many things have happened recently - a lot of good stuffs, of course. There are only 6 of 2 months a year, really should keep the good stuffs in memory and enjoy life everyday. Blogging is part of making this happen...

Where have I been?

2010-03-26T14:06:00.001-04:00

Busy. :)

For work, for kids, for friend.... then got sick...

Happy valentine's Day

2010-02-13T22:47:00.002-05:00

Kids' favorite sugar cookies:

the Perfect Loaf

2010-02-13T12:56:00.004-05:00

Same old recipe, but now I start to use breadmaker to make the dough, let it rise for 45 minutes, then bake for 30 minutes at 375F. Better shape then bake in the breakmaker and no whole at the bottom. This is Perfect!

Craving for sweet: Chocolate Chip Cookie

2010-02-13T12:52:00.003-05:00

1 cup margrin
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1-2 tsp flexseed oid
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chip
1 cup nuts

Weight Loss Diary #38: New Progress -- 127.5

2010-01-27T16:09:00.001-05:00

This morning's weigh in is: 127.5 lbs.

Excellent!

Another Simple Health Dish -- Carrot

2010-01-17T19:44:00.002-05:00

Weight Loss Diary #37: Horray! Progressing...

2010-01-14T22:43:00.002-05:00

2 weeks into 2010, I finally can post a proud weight loss update -- breaking 130! This morning's weigh in is 129.5. Though this was expected earlier, but hey, at least I am making progress, shrinking slowly :D

Under my influence, by my positive weight loss results, my colleagues at work started a biggest loser competition. Two of them have recruited me to be their trainer.. hehe... I feel like being JM Jr. now.. talking about metabolism, eat healthy, no junk food... well.. hope all this help me to lose the last 9.5 lbs soon... :)

Dim Sum: velvet crisp wrap

2010-01-10T11:45:00.005-05:00

It is hard to put an English version of recipe here :) This is a traditional Chinese dim sum.

For the wrap, need to make two types of dough: water dough, oil dough then mix together, roll it into small round wrap (of course, this can be simplied by using pie crust). for the filling, you can use anything you like.

Egg Tarts

2010-01-04T22:33:00.005-05:00

Many of my friends have asked about the recipe for this egg tarts. :)

Making the crust might be a little complicated (it was my first time to do, and a little too thick), that can be replaced by pie crust.

The egg filling is:
3 eggs
1 3/4 cups milks
1 tsp Valina extract
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp corn starch

375F degree, 30-40 minutes or until the egg filling is firm.

My Son's First Book

2010-01-03T14:55:00.013-05:00

My son is turning 6 next month. He wrote a book with pictures for his sister to color -- How sweet! It is called "Butterfly Book" and it is a coloring book for the little sister. Enjoy..

Some Holiday Baking

2010-01-03T10:24:00.005-05:00

French Bread:

Pound Cake:

Egg Tart:

Steamed Eggplant using Pressure Cooker

2010-01-03T10:15:00.002-05:00

Super easy -- Low pressure for 10 minutes. Chop Scallion and ginger, add hot oil and soy source.

Weight Loss Diary #36: Healthy Happy 2010 - Get Back on the Wagon

2010-01-01T11:54:00.003-05:00

"Start this new year off with a fresh, clean slate. The past does not define you, the present does. You have unlimited health and wealth waiting for you to claim it. Get busy this year — no excuses!" -- JM

I think this happened to most poeple: over-indulged over the holidays, missed a few workouts. Now we have to face the setback and get back on the wagon. And after all, there are no mistakes, just learning experiences. Weight loss is a process — it takes time. You will encounter small failures — everyone does. And if you miss a workout, it's not the end of the world! Get to the gym the next day and continue to focus on your short-term goals. Just because you made bad choices today doesn't mean you can't start over tomorrow. New day? New beginning.

Okay, following JM's daily tips makes me feel better. My 2010 first weigh in is 131 -- that's the starting state. Here comes my opportunity to show my determination and persistency again -- Melt 11 lbs, reach the most healthy BMI 20.0 this year -- NO EXCUSES!

Weight Loss Diary #35: size 4 on me...

2009-12-29T22:10:00.003-05:00

Stabilized on 130-132 since early October. Guess I missed half pound to reach my year end goal of breaking 130. Sad.... feeling gulity...

However, in the holiday seasons (eating season for me and my family :P), maybe that's what I'm supposed to be :) At least I tried working out everyday... treadmill or JM DVDs.

And more importantly, today, I comfortably fit in a size 4 skinny jean!!!!!

Looking ahead, new year resolution is to lose the last 10 pounds in year of 2010. Be healthy, be happy!

About Santa...

2009-12-25T13:17:00.003-05:00

It is Christmas, the big holiday for kids in the US. Even though it is not our holiday in our culture, kids going to school here and they believe in Santa. One day, my son came home and told me about Santa giving presents on Christmas Eve. I had mixed feeling, not sure if I should just tell him Santa is not real, or even tell him I have no plan to buy him presents. On the other hands, that's the biggest topic in school among all his classmates: What presents you want to get, what you will be gettting and how many, etc etc.... overtime, I realize I just couldn't impose the Chinese culture upon American born kids: we had to earn presents or pocket money by doing well in school or doing good deeds.

Anyway, my kids are nice, they are not terribly naughty ones. So I decided to buy them Christmas gifts. In the last several weeks, I asked them what they like to have IF Santa really gives them presents. So I had some ideas what they like. On Wednesday, I headed out to Target... I still tried to limit "toys" to them, but instead, puchase things that are practically useful or around education, if possible.

On Christmas Eve, my son asked me: how will Santa come into our house?
Me: Must be from the chimney.
Son: Then you will have to turn off the heater and take it away (we put a electrical heater in the fireplace)
Me: Ok (still having my mixed feeling, because I am lying to kids)
In the evening
Me: Ok, you both have to go to bed early so that Santa can come and deliver the presents. I am putting a empty big bag next to the fireplace, tomorrow morning, you might find the bag full of presents.
Son: Oh, mommy, How will Santa know what I want?
Me: Well, why didn't you write a letter to Santa to tell him? Now it is too late, he may just give you whatever he has with him
Son: I want to write a letter now, can you help me?
Okay. Here is what he wrote:
Dear Santa, I want a start wars toy and a bakugan. And Jennifer wants a princess toy. Thank you. Love, Charles and Jennifer

So, for the very first time, at 8:30, they both went up to the bedroom and laying in bed quietly. After 5 minutes, son got up and asked me: mommy, can I go down to tell daddy something? I will be right back. Without surprise, he went to tell daddy to remember turn off the heater so that Santa can come. Just like this, by 9PM, they both sound and asleep.

This morning. Son got up at 7:00AM, first thing he did, of course, telling his sister: I saw a big red bag, come on, wake up, let's unwrap the presents.. Santa gave us all those!!!

First thing he saw was the Star Wars comforter, he was sooooooooo excited, screaming, repeating: Star wars, star wars, star wars..... the joyful moment would be ALL parents like to see and would do everything for it... What poor parents we are....

one by one, they unwrapped everything, when he saw a cube red Bakugan, that was another exciting moment...... Because he is getting a TOY, finally, Jennifer of course also wants one... I gave her the Barbie 2002 Collection Edition, which was one of my collections, that I got from my best friend and have kept for years... Kids are spoiled... just like this...

And, they believe everything in the big red bag were all from Santa.....

Fried Rice

2009-12-22T14:31:00.004-05:00

Fried rice is quite simple.

Heat the pan, saute two eggs, add ham, add rice (I always use leftovers), and frozen green pea. Add small amount of water (one teaspoon each time). Grasp the ideal of: Fried to the rice savory but not rotten stick, from a small rice crust. Finally add a little soy sauce for salty taste and nice color(remember the ham was relatively salty)

This year's first snow

2009-12-06T10:40:00.005-05:00

Weight Loss Diary #34: Home Gym Grand Openning - Phase II Plan Started

2009-11-25T09:30:00.002-05:00

It's been almost 6 months since I started my weight loss journey -- yeah, time flies!

What a experience for the first 6 months. Majority of the weight loss came in first 3 months (May, June, July). From September, it progressed on a snail pace. I guess that's the stabilization/adjustment phrase. Good news is that October and November didn't show obvious weight gain though exercise load was reduced significantly, plus the one week get-away to Las Vegas with tremendous food temptation. And during this period, we now call it phase ONE, I did a lot of research and study on healthy weight loss and nutrition, and I have experimented and validated the theory. All this, gives me a high level of confidency and foundation to start the phase TWO -- carrying out the weight loss plan once more time to lose the last 10 pounds to reach my ideal weight goal -- 120 pounds!

Phase TWO Plan:
1. Period: Now -- 3/31, that's not an agressive plan at all, about 1 pounds every 2 weeks.
2. Workout: Make good use of the new treadmill at home, squeeze at least 1 hour per day.
3. Diet/Nutrition: Continue to be concious about food intake.
4. Research/Study: Finish Jillian Michaels book - Master Your Metabolism
5. Logistic: Resume the daily recording and monitoring of weight in.

All supports from my blog readers and dear friends are highly appreciated. Will keep you all posted on my progress.

Weight Loss Diary #33: Expecting treadmill...

2009-11-23T13:31:00.005-05:00

What I have been doing last week or so?

hehehe... tracking where is my new treadmill...
This is the price I pay for for free shipping -- ground transportation for the 200 lbs giant package to be shipped out from Utah! Finally it will be delivered tomorrow afternoon! :)

Anyway, my plan can soon go live. With the treadmill at home, I can do morning walking without going outside in the cold and in the dark; I can do evening exercise as well and anytime during the day without worry about the snow in the Winter. What a super plan :)

Work has been keeping me quite busy and somewhat stressful -- just another release! But I am seeing end of tunnel now, it soon will come to an end and I can have a break. So, breaking 130 is still the year end goal. 5 more weeks to go!

Weight Loss Diary #32: Treadmill...

2009-11-13T22:32:00.006-05:00

Finally, ordered the reebok folding treadmill... researched a lot of reviews, this is a decent and high quality one, at least I hope. It says will take 2-3 weeks for delivery...

Also today I cleaned up the vacant bedroom, put away the crib and moved the guest bed to the corner of the room -- This is going to be my gym room :)

Weight Loss Diary #31: Resume weight loss plan

2009-11-07T08:33:00.003-05:00

After one week very nice get-away and one week adjustment back to normal schedule, current weight is 132 lbs.

The encouraging facts are that I can now fit in several pre-pregnance pants; the new appearance after losing 20+ lbs is well praised/complemented by friends and colleagues.

However, winter is approaching, that's the biggest challenge. It is certainly harder to keep up on the exercise plan. I may reward myself a treadmill. Still debating....

Another thing I have learnt is to set realistic goal, so for the remaining 7 weeks of year 2009. My goal is to break 130.

Dear friends, please give me your support and wish me achieve my last 2009 weight loss goal. :)

Las Vegas Strip Photos

2009-10-31T20:05:00.037-04:00

Hello Las Vegas -- Arriving

2009-10-25T07:36:00.002-04:00

After 6 hours long fight, arrived Vegas 9PM local time.

Checked in to Mandalay Bay, got a strip view room at high floor. Very nice.

Becaues of the jet-lag, I woke up 4AM

Pics coming soon...

Casual Dinner

2009-10-20T09:14:00.002-04:00

CVS experience.. afterthoughts

2009-10-19T22:04:00.002-04:00

I used software to edit a photo, saved it in USB and brough to local CVS to print. 4x6 photo is 25cents. I selected the photo from my USB and submitted the order, printed out an order slip says .25. Waited for 10 minutes or so, the photo was printed. The staff picked up the photo, she was about to put it into a regular photo envelop, then she saw my photo and changed to an envelop for passport and charged me 7.99.

Me: I printed 4x6 photo, and this order slip says 0.25. Why do you charge me 7.99?
Stupid: You printed a passport photo.
Me: I printed 4x6 photo. I didn't select passport photo or use your machine for passport photo.
Stupid: Those are passport photo.
Me: What I used the photo for is not your business.
Stupid: They are passport photo, you have to pay 7.99
Me: It is photo from my own USB, it is 4x6 photo.
Stupid: You can't print 4x6 passport photo.
Me: I would only pay the price for my order, and this slip says my order is 0.25. What's in my photo and what I use it for is not your business.
Stupid went into the office for a minute or so and came out: You have to pay 7.99.

This is one of the most stupid things I ever come across... Okay, I walked out... Called the store manager, complained to her, she asked me if I still have for the order slip. I said yes, then she said I could come back and will honor the order in the price the slip says. She apologized to me and said she would talk to her staff. She called the stupid staff in the office and let another staff do the print for me. He was a lot nicer and gave me the photo for free even though the manager asked him just to charge 0.25. It took about 5 minutes to print the photo again, when it was done, I saw the stupid staff walked out of the store and got into her car and left. Oh???

Afterthoughts:
1. Did stupid talk to the manager when she went into the office?
2. Did the manager protect her staff or punish the staff?

3. I was grumpy at work today, would I have done differently if I had good mood?
4. Should I handle this differently in an elegant way? -- biggest rule of thumb I have is that as a consumer, I hold ultimate power, and that is the ability to show elsewhere

Simple Pound Cake

2009-10-17T21:38:00.003-04:00

Recipe:
1 3/4 cups (230 grams) all purpose flour, sifted
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup (226 grams) (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup (200 grams) superfine or castor sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Zest of a lemon or orange (optional)

350 degree, bake for 50-60 minutes.

I pured batter into muffin mold, rest baked into a loaf.

Each kids ate two "pound cake muffins" + 2 slices from the loaf, then skipped dinner.

Weight Loss Diary #30: One pound melted away

2009-10-17T09:07:00.002-04:00

I have stopped daily recording my weight in, simply because the loss rate is steadily slow. The new habbit is to record only the weight goes down. So here I am: 131 lbs for today's weight in!

The slow progress can be well explained. Colder weather, busier work and parenting, less work out, toward last 10 pounds (the most difficult pounds).... too many execuses :)

So for the outlook, hope to reach 130 before my Vegas trip next weekend; hope NOT to gain weight during the trip; set end of year goal to be 125!

Morning Conversation

2009-10-13T07:45:00.002-04:00

Dad: Why did you wake up in the middle of the night?
Son: I couldn't sleep. I stayed up all night long.
Dad: Why?
Son: I was thinking the changes of my whole entire life.
Dad: What?
Son: Actually I was thinking why I change my favorite toys. From Thomas, to trains, to transformers, to Bakugan, now Dinasours.
Dad: Oh...

Pressure Cooker Recipe: Healthy Porridge

2009-10-10T10:16:00.003-04:00

Simple Recipe:

mung bean 1/2 cup

peanut 1/2 cut

1 fistful of rice

Add water to 8 cups

Use "High Pressure" for 30 minutes, natually release pressure after program finishes.

Add brown sugar for sweet taste -- I used 4 teaspoons for whole pot

Steamed Lobak (Radish) Kuih

2009-10-06T10:38:00.002-04:00

This radish cake (lobak kuih) is one of they yummy dim sum I always miss...

Finally I learnt how to make it myself. And it is indeed very easy.

Ingredients：
1. White radish 1 (1.5 - 2 lbs, shredded)
2. Dried mushroom 5, soaked, and chopped into fine cubes
3. Bacon 2, cut into small stripes
4. Rice flour half bag
5. Corn starch 2 tablespoons
6. White pepper powder 1/2 teaspoon
7. Salt 1 teaspoon
8. Suger 1 teaspoon

Simple process:
a. Heat wok with oil and saute #2, #3
b. Add 1 and boil to transparent, add #6,7,8 for taste
c. Mix #4, #5 with 400ml water, stir until consistent and form a batter
d. Pour the batter in the radish mixed, keep stirring till the batter become sticky and started to leave the pan. switch off the fire
e. Now in a container, brush a thin layer of oil, pour in all the batter, and use a wrapping film cover the top, and use palm slowly press down the paste till it is smooth on the top.
f. Steam it for 50 minutes to 1 hour.

once done, cool it, slice it, saute it until like below:

Weight Loss Diary #29: Before & Now, After coming soon

2009-10-04T11:55:00.005-04:00

Same size 8 skirt.

144 lbs:

132 lbs:12 lbs to go...

下决心减肥算起, 刚开始的时候觉得诱惑特别大, 好在刚开始嘛, 总是雄心壮志的, 挺过来了. 渐渐的开始初见成效, 尝到了抵抗住诱惑的好处; 加上对"减肥理论"的进一步了解, 无非就是"Calories In, Calories Out", 对食物的卡量和运动的耗量有了个概念, 选择上也理智了不少. 比如一碗方便面450大卡, 我锻炼要40分钟才能耗这450卡, 潜意识上就不想吃了, 觉得不值得. 慢慢的, 就成了习惯了. 有人说减肥不在减重, 在于转变到健康的生活方式. 我觉得很有道理也很正确.

我不怎么吃西餐的东西. 在中餐上, 其实还是基本上什么都吃, 包括往往是用五花肉做的红烧肉, 猪脚, 各种肉类(猪肉, 牛肉, 鸡肉, 等等), 鱼虾蟹各种海鲜, 鸡蛋什么的, 通通都吃. 和减肥前不一样的是, 份量上有节制多了. 基本上警惕自己不要吃到过饱, 把肚子撑着. 但是每天的三顿主餐千万不能skip(包括早餐), 因为如果skip了, 往往会觉得更饿而吃的更多(这点上我是尝到过教训的). 还有的是晚上8点之后不再进食.

烹饪上也有意识的往健康改变. 比如白糖的用量比以前大大的减少, 能用brown sugar代替的就不用白糖; 要用butter的就用Margarine (大家可知道1 teaspoon butter就400卡?). 所以一般情况下对自己做的吃得放心很多.

还有一个挑战就是饭局. 有时是工作上的饭局, 有时是一家子出门, 在外就餐在所难免. 尤其公司的免费餐更难以拒绝(customer events的就更更诱人了, 咔). 我给自己定的规矩就是不要对自己太苛刻, 偶尔一次放纵没关系. 当然放纵也得是清醒的放纵了, 有几种东西我是怎么样也觉得不值得塞进肚子的(至少在达到目标之前): soda; ice cream; deserts (cake, cookie... I can make much healthier, and yummy deserts myself); BBQ food (bbq sauce 是很坏的, 200卡/teaspoon)...

就先说这么多, 不是专家, 也不算经验之谈, 仅是个人一点点体会.

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival

2009-10-03T18:04:00.003-04:00

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

It was a rainy day. We still went out to some holiday grocery -- Chinese traditions are most food/eat oriented. :) I bought a whole fresh duck; fish; veggies, dried mushroom and more. The all get onto the dinner table today! Duck is the yummiest.

Everyday Favorite: Pinky Blockies

2009-10-03T12:20:00.004-04:00

6 glass beads produce this lovely cute earings. (click pic can see big pic)

Weight Loss Diary 28: oz by oz

2009-10-01T10:32:00.004-04:00

Finally this morning weight in was 132.0!!!

It gets harder in several aspects:
a. I am at the last <15 pounds goal now, the closer to the goal, the harder.
b. My son started school, everyday I have to drop him off to school at 8:20. So my morning workout is deprived, sadly.
c. Being busier at work, a lot of things to handle toward end of the year. Just busy, time to workout at work is not guaranteed.
d. Winter is coming, it gets dark early, after dinner walk is no longer appealing.
e. Evening time now all goes to kids as they are learning!

So, happy enough for the progress in oz. Can't ask for more. Keep doing my best, goal is in sight!

Apple Picking - Honey Pot Hill

2009-09-26T17:16:00.022-04:00

Another beautiful weekend -- time for family tradition -- Apple Picking.

Filled the first bag quickly with apples -- didn't take a picture of the full bag.

Then came to the farm. 3 little pigs -- my girl's favorite story.

The second bag was planned for pears. But this time the blue berries open up for picking.

Saw a bird nest. It is amazing how the birds built it, it is quite solid and strong.

Pear trees.

The trip ended with a hay ride, kids were all excited.

Both of them will have field trip organized by their schools to this very same farm for apple picking. Only difference is the to-be-picked apple by them will be a lot more expensive as field trip fee is 18 dollars each, and they used to bring home 3-5 apples most from the trip :)

Weight Loss Diary 27: Hooray! Back on Track.

2009-09-21T13:30:00.003-04:00

Hooray!!! On 133 lbs for last 2 consecutive days!

The two 5-miles walk last week really helped.

Easy Omelet

2009-09-20T02:33:00.004-04:00

Omelet is not new to me, or in chinese cusine. But I happened to watch the Today's show the other day, in Today's Kitchen, it showed making an easy omelet, that's really an American way, as it uses Cheese, and Ham. So I gave it a try, my girl really loves it. And yes, it is easy and quick, hopefully healthy too.

Kindergartener's drawings

2009-09-18T15:00:00.005-04:00

Which one would you vote for the best one?

I am indeed very proud of my son, for I think his is best!

Weight Loss Diary 26: My 5-miles Walk

2009-09-16T21:27:00.024-04:00

The city library is 2.5 miles from my home, a round trip makes 5 miles. It was a very nice day yesterday, I got to enjoy the rare beautiful weather as Fall/Cool is approaching, and before the long winter comes.

The route goes through some wealthy areas, see a lot of million houses and beautfiul churches on the way, which always makes my walking more enjoyable.

Rotisserie Chicken: Crispy outside, juicy inside

2009-09-15T15:29:00.002-04:00

Bought two whole chicken from Costco. I didn't research or reference any recipe or direction. Just do it my way, haha..

1. Wash and cut off fat (around the bottom area)
2. Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, salt, white pepper powder -- that's all I have in my cabinate that I imagine to be right seasonings for making Rotisserie Chicken :P
3. Turn on Oven 375 F degree
(note: the package said 350F degree, bake 20-25 minutes per pound)
4. The chicken is about 4 pounds, so I think it should take 90 minutes or so to cook
5. Bake 60 minutes, take out and brush honey
6. Bake 15 minutes, until skin golden brown
7. Take out, turn around, brush honey
8. Bake 15 minutes or until skin golden brown
9. Done.

Weight Loss Diary 25: 5.5 miles walk

2009-09-12T11:02:00.004-04:00

It was WFH day yesterday. In the afternoon, everything seemed quiet, so I headed out and walked 5.5 miles -- From home to Library. The whole trip took 1 hour 45 minutes, including 10 minutes stay in the library and 10 minutes watching my son playing in the playground when I passed his school.

That must has burned a lot of calories, I fell asleep at 9ish in the evening and woke up 8AM in the morning! And the scale showed 135!

Hmm... maybe I should do this walk every WFH Friday :)

Park

2009-09-11T11:42:00.005-04:00

Enjoying the beautiful weather before Summer officially ends and the cold weather moving in.

Happened to be the Brazilian independent celebration in the park.

Trip to Story Land

2009-09-07T13:12:00.038-04:00

That was a 3.5 hours drive to Story Land in NH, though the weather was beautiful and perfect.

It is a fun place for kids, young kids really love and could have a lot of fun, while parents' fun would result from seeing their kids happy, more than enjoying the rides there. And parents would be tired and exghausted after the trip much more than the kids.

Weight Loss Diary 24: Back on Track, Slowly

2009-09-06T11:14:00.003-04:00

The 2+ weeks vacation with kids at home is short -- having a lot of fun with kids everyday, playing, cooking, eating :) I stayed at 136 between 8/22 - 9/4 - 2 FULL weeks. Finally, yesterday and today both "stable" at 135.5. Though it is not as much as my 1 pound a week goal, glad to get back to the losing trend. 1 pound a week goal could be agressive, espcially for the last 15 lbs. Stepping back, even half pound a week, that's still 26 pounds a year :) So, I am happy. Most important is to do my best, be happy.

Still have a few size 4 clothes can be quite comfortably fit in. But I keep them out of the closet already. I hope to be able to fit in them by my end of Oct Vegas trip. Say bye to 130 in 7 weeks from now?

Funny video

2009-09-06T08:22:00.002-04:00

lawfully --> waffles

Missing hometown rice noodle

2009-09-04T16:56:00.004-04:00

How much I missed the hometown rice noodle, a typical breakfast you can buy 5.00 per bowl in the neighborhood restaurant.

I made my own version. :) Feeling homesick again...

My new pressure cooker

2009-09-02T18:32:00.004-04:00

Finally replaced the old pressure cooker and bought this from costco. Couldn't wait to try it out.

First dish I tried is "home-made" chicken legs.

DUMP whatever ingredients I have into cooker (black pepper, cooking wine, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, white pepper powder), set to high pressure for 10 minutes. SUPER! Thumb up! I like this pressure cooker :)

Lovely back yard

2009-09-02T16:32:00.002-04:00

Weight Loss Diary 23: 3 months summary

2009-09-01T07:38:00.006-04:00

Time flies. It's been 3 months since I started my weight loss journey. In the 3 months, I lost 19 lbs, waistline reduced 17 cm. Losing weight to look better is one aspect of the weight loss benefits, I also realized and agree many people said, the more important aspect is that I started a much more healthier life style.

I've maintained at 136 in the last two weeks. I could tell it is because I exercise less (0 gym/treadmill time, much less outdoor walking time) with the kids at home. However, I've been doing workout DVD at home, though no more weight loss, I feel muscles are more toned. Meanwhile, I was warned by many people that, only steady weight loss can be maintained, fast weight loss is not good. So I took these two weeks as a nice break, reward myself for making satisfatory progress for the first 2.5 months. I'm happy enough that my weight didn't bounce back up.

Today's the start of September, the 4th month of my weight loss journey. Here comes my determination again -- get back on track to target one pound a week.

(Now: this is a size 4 jean)

(Before: that was a size 10 pant)

From the Garden: Sun Flower

2009-08-30T23:05:00.003-04:00

Boston Frog Pond

2009-08-27T16:10:00.017-04:00

It is a really nice summer weather. Today's "At-home-summer-camp" field trip is "Day out to Boston Frog Pond".

The trip started with an exciting bus tour :) Younger sister hadn't had a lot of chances to ride on a bus yet :D

After 2 buses and 1 train (subway), we got there before 11AM, the pond wasn't opened yet. So we picked a shaded place to settle down, where we would have our picnic.

When the pond opened, we were among the first to get into the pond.

Boston Frog Pond located in the famous beautiful Boston Common.

What a beautiful park.

It is in the city. Just like central park in NYC, but of course, in a much smaller scale.

The better part was to have a picnic in the park, facing the pond.. then the best part was kids found some new fun -- feeding the birds.

Weight Loss Diary 22: Healthy Weight Loss Tips

2009-08-26T00:17:00.002-04:00

Came across this good video. Keeping a checklist for myself:

Eat as much organic food as possible
Eat breakfast
Eat high fiber food, it will keep you full longer
Drink water, need you drink half body weight ounces
Pay attention to what portion size you eat
Eat between 5-6 meals a day
Don't eat after 8PM, the point is don't eat late
Limit your sweet to 1-2 times a week
Avoid soft drinks, even diet drinks
Keep unhealthy junk food as far as possible
Keep emergency food (dry fruit is good choice) available, so you don't make bad decision when you feel hungry

Weight Loss Diary 21: hanging on

2009-08-25T15:39:00.003-04:00

Been on 136 lbs for the last 4-5 days already...

Because this week and next week I am home with kids, I may not be able to do outdoor jogging much or go to gym, so the minimal goal is to maintain this weight... reason for setting this goal is that kids demand for yummy snack and sweet and I am making a lot for them, have to stay on my ground :p

11th Anniversary -- Landing US

2009-08-23T23:21:00.007-04:00

11 years ago today. I came to the US, starting the pursue of my dream. I went through most foreign students did, following the path of many typical immigrant. Finished degree->Got a job->Got Married->Bought a house->Have kids->Became PR(got green card)->....

Looking back the past 11 years, full of exciting and valuable experience such that I would never regret the decision of leaving the home country though I also lost a lot without family/friends around me in the foreign country.

1998 -- My first time to leave my parents, leaving the city in which I grew up, and this time, I also left my home country. My first time to take a airplane, it was a really long one trip... the moment I entered the gate, too rush to say good-bye to my parents, I realized I wouldn't see them in years, my tear poured out through the long trip. I still sob while recalling the touching moment.

1999 -- I finished my Master's Degree; Met my boyfriend, now husband; Got my first job, still the current job.

2000 -- Got married.

2001 -- Decided to pursue a MBA degree part-time. Got admission from Bentley College.

2002 -- Bought a house, feeling settled in the US.

2003 -- Decided to grow the family, feeling the increasing responsibility to be a MOM.

2004 -- Welcomed our son. First home visit, seeing my aging parents after 5 years.

2005 -- Became permenant resident of US (got green card). Completed MBA program.

2006 -- Welcomed our daughter.

2007 -- 2nd home visit.

2008 -- My career advanced, promoted to a management position

2009 -- Started blog, determined to lose weight and stay healthy...

No school for kids 8/24 - 9/7

2009-08-23T22:48:00.002-04:00

So I take vacation too. Changes to me during vacation would be:
- I may have less time to sit in front of computer to blog.
- I may have to change my exercise routine

Weight Loss Diary 20: JM's No More Trouble Zones

2009-08-21T22:40:00.004-04:00

I have reserved it from the library, after trying JM's 30 Days Shred and doing quite a few research on JM, really like her a lot! With all the positive reviews on amazon, I really couldn't resist. Finally I ordered it -- can't wait to get it from library.

I received it on Wednesday, along with my Air Max Nike shoes. I did one full session on Thursday night -- loving it. Today, I did the 2nd time today while working from home -- love it more :) It really worths the money! Just 10 bulks you can get JM in your home... I would highly recommend JM's workout DVDs to whoever want to lose weight.

Now I am 100% confident I can get to my goal weight (120lbs), I know it is just a matter of time and I have been on the right track -- combining exercise and diet. I also try to control myself to be less paranoid about the daily weight measurement, and I did. In the past week, I still recorded the morning weight, but I wouldn't do EVERYTHING to get a lowest measurement (as I did before, such as weight several times to get the lowest, get the absolute lowest by getting nacked weight :p How silly I was). So today's morning weight reached 136. That's my end of month goal. There could be up and downs... so I will do my best to at least keep/maintain this, of course, break lower would be even better.

Riding without training wheels

2009-08-17T19:55:00.003-04:00

This is just an important milestone for my son that I couldn't miss blogging it -- At age of 5 years 6 months, he learnt riding a bike without trianing wheels.

I made an attempt to teach him earlier this year, I took the training wheels and ran with him, bening my body and holding on the seat. But after like less than 100 meters, I was out of breath. Then we both gave up and I put back his training wheels.

After 2.5 months work out, I feel I could run longer. I was right, I held on the bike seat, ran with my son for about 30 minutes -- I could tell he almost can balance himself, but not completely yet. It was 90 degree yesterday, hot and humid. I sweat, but motivated by burning calories and losing weight, I was quite enjoying it :D

My neightbor passed by, riding a bike with his daughter. He suggested us going to the playground, where has soft grass and kids don't worry to fall or get hurt. We went there, I gave him a big push -- That's it, off he went!

I am happy, I am pround, for both of my son and myself.

Weight Loss Diary 19: Back on track

2009-08-15T10:08:00.003-04:00

Okay. I may be over paranoid about the daily measurement. After the two days hike, today back to 137 lbs :) After the morning work out, it reached 136.5 :) So I may blame my Hot and Sour Soup wrong -- it is just liquid, but it may just stayed in my body a little longer than I expected.

Weight Loss Diary 18: Hot and sour soup -- biggest culprit

2009-08-14T11:39:00.003-04:00

Party too early. I just reported reaching 137 lbs last Sunday, sadly to say, that was the lowest measure since then, in the last 5 days.

Monday - 138
Tuesday - 138
Wednesday - 137.5
Thursday - 139 (crying!!!)
Friday - 138.5

I certainly know the culprit for the 1.5 hike -- because I was craving for hot and sour soup and made a delicious big bowl of it. [keep crying...] I thought they are soup, just liquid. I AM WRONG!! Well, I learnt a lesson, an important one -- DO NOT DRINK YOUR CALORIES.

This is the culprit -- why yummy food always end up on bad list? :(

Now I am paying the price for being craving for hot and sour. It wiped out my 3lbs loss joy of last week, resetting my end of month goal to be: 136 lbs.

Weight Loss Diary 17: 137 lbs -- Fitting in old clothes

2009-08-09T18:51:00.001-04:00

Even though I am mentally prepared for the fact that weight loss may slow down, I still wish I can reach my goal weight before next year -- I must be greedy :) I had a great week with wonderful results -- lost 3 lbs! 137 on the scale this morning.

The couple exercise routine changes must made the difference, I am not sure which one is the major one, but I guess I will stick with the new routine for a while:
a) Started Julian Michaels' 30 Days Shred -- I did 5 days level 1 until muscles not sore then moved to level 2
b) I changed the brisk walk to half jog, half walk -- the route I walk half is slop (jog), half incline (walk).

I feel the change, then I get the old clothes out again, some fit already! Like this one, though it was very loose before I had kids at that time... hehehe.. joy!

Weight Loss Diary 16 -- Well broke 140

2009-08-08T08:01:00.004-04:00

I remember when I was at 140 for 4-5 days and up and down around 140 -- then I thought 140 is my resistant line and probably my weight loss ended there. I couldn't accept that's the fact -- doing my best to break it. 138 this morning -- well broke 140, not a scale variation!

I started Julian Michaels 30 Days Shred. As the 1300+ reviews on amazon, JM is awesome. I was on level 1 for 5 days, now started level 2, muscle is not as sore as at the beginning, and I do feel I am stronger and more tuned. I will stick with it to see what's the result at the end of 30 days.

I really enjoy the healthy way to lose weight now. By doing more exercise, not only I am moving toward my goal weight, but also have a bunch of good benefits:
1. I feel I am very healthy -- thus so more confident and proud
2. I feel happier for making good progress
3. I sleep better
4. I feel more energentic
5. I am setting an good example to my kids -- being persistent, all hard goals can be achieved

Good things never come alone, I have another happy news. I am getting a Nike Air Max Moto+ 6 running sneaker as a gift from my old best friend Irene (ex-classmate of high school and college). She knows sneakers very well, and she recommended Air Max. So I picked the Moto+ 6.

Valentine Box

2009-08-05T14:38:00.007-04:00

My 3.5 years old daughter is very "girlish", she loves pink and purple color, heart shape toys, princess stuffs... she was begging me to make her a pink heart the other day. I did, and she watched me through and helped. And it is put into her treasure bucket now along with all her favorite toys. :)

Crafting Tip: Gift box

2009-08-04T13:56:00.007-04:00

The gift box I posted before is so well received, and someone has asked: how to make the cover and base *fit* together. I promised to take some picture to illustrate, sorry for being addictive to my weight loss and this belated tip :)

There are two options to make the cover a bit bigger than the base so that it can cover well:

1) use a bigger paper for the cover, smaller paper for the base. I don't like this option as measure is tedious

2) do the following as the pictures show:

For base - folder to center:

Cover -- leave some room:

Done -- perfectly fit:

From the Beach

2009-08-03T11:24:00.004-04:00

Still haven't decided what to do with these potential seafood :) Any suggestions are welcome.

Weight Loss Diary 15: 8th wk, steadily melting

2009-08-03T11:14:00.004-04:00

At 140 today. Lowest in the past week was 139.5 (yesterday morning).

One colleage was on vacation for the past 3 weeks, this morning when I saw him, he said to me: wow, you look great, you look so skinny now! -- That's happiness, it makes my day. :)

Crane Beach

2009-08-01T21:34:00.030-04:00

(That's the only pic of me! If I reach my weigh loss goal, I would wear bikini and show off! :p )

Finally a very nice weekend, 90+, not humid or muggy. So the whole family set off to Crane Beach in Ipswich, 1 hour drive north to Boston. (Crane beach is one of the decent beaches in Mass, without going to the cape. Last time I went there was moons ago before we had kids) This would be the first time for the kids to go to a real beach -- they have been excited and got so ready for the trip!

On the way to the beach, we saw a very beautiful park (PATTON MEMORIAL PARK) and stopped by.

When we were 2 miles away from the beach, we saw a sign "crane beach FULL", and police officers directed traffic to the opposite direction to the beach!!! The kind police office told us we can go to Ipswich downtown and at the train station there would be shuttle bus to the beach. Huh? Okay, then we drive down the road, it is a small town, it is easy enough to tell the main street, leading to the downtown (not at all close to the boston downtown, it is just a few more stores). There were enough sign led us to the train station, as we parked the car, we saw a bus waiting there already. We boarded the bus (btw, kids enjoyed this much more than grown up), the bus were full, and we didn't get a seat. But it was ok, the ride wasn't too long.

When we arrived the beach, there were really a lot of cars and people -- a 100% beach day! Water temprature is 70 -- kind of cool. We could see more people enjoy the sunshine than the water :)

Weight Loss Diary 14: New Gym

2009-07-28T16:21:00.007-04:00

The new gym at work opened after July 4th, and it is just 20 seconds walk from my office! I like to hang around to lift some weights in between meetings, hehe..

Equiptments is a bit old, but so far so good, they are functional.

There is a aerobic room, nice and new

Can't help taking a picture of myself in the shining new mirrors! That's me 141 lbs. 20 more to lose.

Some good weight loss videos

2009-07-27T23:25:00.002-04:00

Project Time, again!

2009-07-27T14:22:00.005-04:00

Haven't done "project" for a while, kids requested for "project time". And they all know all my projects are about making necklace, earings, beading, and gift wraps.

Son: Let's make a gift, project time, mama!
Me: Who do we make a gift for?
Son: How about Krystina? (our neighbour)
Me: Mama has made her gift before, and I haven't bought new beads to make new design yet.
Son: How about Megan? (his friend, actually, his "girl friend")
Me: Megan is too young to have those gift.
Son: How about Emily's mom? (his classmate's mom, and my friend too)
Me: Why do you want to give her a gift?
Son: Because Emily is my friend.
Me: Umm.... (I had wanted to make some earings for her anyway) good idea. Let's do it.
Son: Yay! project time! And I will bring to school tomorrow and give it to Emily to tell her give it to her mom.

See those little hands? They like the gift better than I do :)

Kids picked the paper wrap.

Done.

Weight Loss Diary 13: 7th Week, on target!

2009-07-27T08:24:00.002-04:00

141 lbs -- that's 1.5 lbs less than last week.

I can see the losing rate is slowing down, but still meetng my goal of at least 1 lb a week.

Homemade Healthy Yogurt

2009-07-25T22:42:00.006-04:00

I love my Yogurt Maker. Homemade yogurt is healthy and simple -- you can control what kind of milk and how much sugar to make your delicious yogurt!

Simple to make:
1. Heat 42 oz 1% milk to boiling (I used to use whole milk before I started weight loss plan)
2. Add 2 teaspoon sugar (used to add more sugar :p)
3. Cool milk to room temp
4. Mix one cup of yogurt (bought from super market) and one cup of milk from step 3 to smooth
5. Pour mixed yogurt in step 4 to rest of milk and mix
6. Pour into 7 jars of the yogurt maker
7. Turn on yogurt maker, after 5-7 hours, DONE!