I am happy that my parents-in-law commended that I am smart and work hard in school. It is such a big encouragement for me to work harder. My parents never commend me like that. They never told me "Good job" or something similar. But they always told me how bad I did in class, or how lazy I was back then. I guess it is because, for Chinese, especially in Hong Kong, being smart and getting good results in school are always expected by the parents. (plus I never did well in school in HK). It is our duty to work hard and get the highest grade in the class. There were lots of pressure given by the parents. It is funny that now they don't give me any, but I give a lot to myself.
Anyway, Andrew's father thinks that Andrew is lucky that he found me. I want to tell him that I think I am the lucky one who have been found. And I am fortunate that Andrew's parents or family are so nice and easy to get along with. After Andrew and I got married, we have been helped by them in all ways. I am glad that they don't mind I am Asian, which have a very different culture. I remember when we got married, I told Andrew that I wanted to do some chinese ceremonies, which I wanted his parents or family to cooperate, like the Tea ceremony and the "Hair Combing Ceremony". They did all that just because I am Chinese. If their son had married an American girl, they would never have to go through those troubles.
Also, they are very patient. My english is not good, so that when they talk to me, they wold speak slower or make sure I understand what they say. I found that not too many people are able to do that. I can tell that because in school, people would not talk to me because it is annoying for them to keep repeating what they say. I am glad that Andrew and his family don't mind about my bad english(or maybe they do...). Sometimes I feel bad that when Andrew and I watch a movie at home, we have to pause it so many times because he has to explain to me some words in the movie. So if the movie is 2 hours long, may be we have to spend 3 hours to finish it.
After all, I think I am the lucky one who has found Andrew. :)
By the way, I have finished one of the scaves that I am knitting. It is the simplest scarf ever. One time I was shopping for yarn in a craft store. A lady saw me looking confused, so she asked me if I needed help. I told her that a) I am beginner and b) I liked this yarn, but I don't know what to do with it. So, she told me this easiest pattern for the scarf. Yay, I finished it in couple days or several hours... looks nice?
Yesterday is my favorite sister's, Yim Lam's birthday. Happy Birthday Yim Lam. For Chinese, the cousins with the same last name, we also call each other sisters and brothers. She and I were very close when we grew up. We told each other everything. I see her as one of my best friends. I wanted to post her picture here, but I know may be she doesn't want me to. Hey Lam, if it's ok to post our picture here, let me know.
And Today in my niece's, Lindy's birthday. Happy Birthday Lindy. Uncle Andrew and Aunt Phoebe give you the best wishes.
I feel horrible this morning. I am having running nose and sore throat. I guess, due to the weather changing and lack of sleep, I finally got sick. I hope it won't get worse.
On sunday night, I put my knitting project in a paper bag, and left the bag in the living room. And then when I came home after class on monday, I saw this...
Sticky has destoryed my yarn :( and now he is sleeping with a ball of yarn every night.
Saturday, Andrew went home to his parents' house and came back with a "I love Andrew" key chain from his mom. Apparently, she doesn't think I love him enough :) anyway, I love it, because it glows in the dark, I love everything glows in the dark, so cool!! Thanks Mom.
Since Mom H asked me about the conversations while I was knitting, here is one.
We were talking about how to call our parents-in-law. As I know, some of the americans would call their in-laws by first name, but for Chinese, it is very rude. So, after I got married, I always call them Mom and Dad. (even before getting married, calling first names is also rude, so I called them Mr. & Mrs. Hitchcock). One girl in the knitting group told me that she has gotten married for a couple of years, but it seems like her husband never addresses her parents... what?? I agree that it is very hard to call someone dad, because you wouldn't have 2 dads... On the other hand, how would the in-laws address themselves when they talk to us? At the beginning of my marriage, when Andrew's Dad called to our house, he would say "Hi, Phoebe, it's Tom, how are you?". To be honest, I felt uncomfortable. It was because I was calling him "Dad", and he was calling himself "Tom". My dad never calls himself by his first name. It felt "distance" when Andrew's Dad did that. Now, It is funny that everytime my parents-in-law called, I would really pay attendion to how they call themselves. Mom always calls herself Mom. And I am glad that when Dad calls us, he says "Hi, Phoebe, it's Dad, how are you?" now. yeah!!
I finally got my hat done. It is the first hat that I have ever knitted, and there is a pretty good chance that it could be the last also. But I do like how it looks and I am happy with it. There is a scarf which matches it, hopefully I will get that done soon too.
