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Sorry Toronto, You Were Sick On The Day of Santa Claus Parade

November 22, 2010 By 14 Comments

A Mom who protects her child was being called name for the first time in her whole life has the right to say the following

People are taking shortcut

We all know we have to get there early, we all know there are reasons we can’t get there early, we all know this parade is more for our children than for ourselves, people will understand that. What I don’t know and don’t understand is that; some people think they can come in 5 minutes, or even 1 minute before it starts and just drop in front of the first row. Yeah, you heard it right, in front of the “first row”, which literally means, on the road and not the curb seats. Not only is this unfair to people who had been there hours waiting, THIS also sends the message to the child/ren you are saying that, “look, you can get whatever you want without much efforts.”

There was this guy, who came in the last minute and dumped his kid right in front of everybody, and he stood there just like that! Seconds later I guess his kid couldn’t really see from the spot, he put him on his shoulder!! People started talking to him and some pull his shirt to get him out of the way, cause the first float was coming in any minute; he wouldn’t listen, he gave dirty look and shouted back to the crowds, even the police on site had to talked to him few times because he finally left angrily, and swore of course.

People are being selfish and lazy

We were at the third row of this fire hydrant, right across from 33 Yonge Street. I know people jaywalk there, because I had done it too if I am late for meetings/appointments, so I’m guilty myself. I have no problem if you risk your own safety being selfish and lazy, you make the call you take the consequences; however it is completely different when you are being selfish and lazy, for risking others, especially children’s safety. Maybe the fire hydrant is easier to access and pass on regular days but certainly not on the day of parade, the biggest, famous Santa Claus Parade in Toronto.

So people cut through us despite the traffic light is just 30 seconds walk down the street, with their fully loaded briefcase/backpack, or skateboard, or with their child in arms; regardless whether they say “Excuse me” or not, didn’t matter my girls were squeezed/squished and hit by their belongings, couple times they almost fell from the chairs. People passed anyway.

People are verbally bullying

As a mother with kids at the Parade, I will let you pass, or let you squeezed in if there’s room; heck I’ll even let one parent in for the kid’s safety. However I have this woman, came 10 minutes after the Parade stared and asked if her little girl can stand between my girls, and wouldn’t listen when I told her it was really tight there. She pushed her girl in between my husband and my 6 year-old who was 1 inch behind the fire hydrant. Only did I noticed couple times after she turned and look at me in pain (I am such a bad mother) that she was being pushed against the fire hydrant, so I said to this mother “Excuse me, your daughter is leaning on my daughter and there is a fire hydrant in front of her, could you please…” Without letting me finish, this mom yelled at me “You are such a selfish b**ch, how can my tiny girl lean on your daughter, you are just an a**hole!” and she went on for ONE MINUTE. I was completely shocked, not only my girls have never heard of these words, I could also see they were frightened; to protect my children I repeatedly said to this women, “You have a good day and bye bye now”…Why would I bring myself down to her level?

I was really upset I had to comfort my girls and also myself, for things we had not done wrong for, why did I get called name when I try to protect them? Aren’t we parents supposed to model in front of our children? Why can’t we have a bit more of understanding, courtesy or at least some respects to people around us?

It’s such a shame we experience this at the 106th Toronto Santa Claus Parade, I think we’ll stick to our Mississauga Santa Claus Parade, or Brampton or Oakville from now. Were you at the Toronto Santa Claus Parade too? Can you let me know your spot if you have different experience so I know next time if we ever decide to go again?

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It Is Perfectly OK to Let Go

October 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Being a Chinese, I know “perfectly” what 10-10-10 means (which, by the way, didn’t happen at all this past Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, because my internet was down the whole time) — perfect act at perfect time in perfect place.  That, can really wear you down.  I, for one, was caught up in that “being perfect manifesto”.

Not too long ago, I slightly (meaning without realizing it) dislocated my shoulder, and it ended up developing into tendinitis but I still thought I could keep things together, because you know, there are so much to do and I need to keep going, and be perfect.  That’s right.  Then, over the long weekend, everything sort of collapsed; I can’t perform daily functions as woman, wife or mom because my left arm simply dropped, has killer pain caused by sudden movement.

I am learning to let go.  Trust me , this is not a easy task at all, for CFO, a.k.a. Control Freak Officer, like me.  And here is what I’ve learned;

All women Are Beautiful

As woman, we put on skin/hair/beauty care products,  we try to stay in fashion, stay with trends, the dress the tops the skirts, and the shoes the boots the flats.  With my arm operates at 23% of capacity, I decided as long as I am clean, I am likable.  Assuming every woman is beautiful, I just want to be a good woman, a woman.

All Wives Are Amazing

As (not desperate) wife, we clean the rooms, we mop the floor,  we wipe the counter top and  we vacuum the whole house. We run errands, shop groceries, empty dishwasher and fold laundry.  With my arm operates at 23% of capacity, I decided as long as my house is clean, it is livable.  Assuming every wife is amazing, I just want to be a good wife, a wife.

All Moms Are Super

As mom, we make breakfast, we pack lunch, we tend their homework and we follow the daily routines cause we have to stick together.  We go on the field trips, we participate the teacher-parent interviews, we sit in the school concerts, we even help with their school projects if you know what I mean.  With my arm operates at 23% of capacity, I decided as long as my kids are clean, they are lovable.  Assuming every mom is super, I just want to be a good mom, a mom.

Sometimes, well, o.k. most of time if you let go, you are actually doing yourself a favour, and doing people around you a (huge) favour.  And the beauty of it is, once you let go there is NO let down.  I am going to practice this every day now, how about you?

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A Happy And Proud Mama

May 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

This post should have been published shortly after I came back from Taiwan, but life always has something unexpected in it.  No, I am not procrastinating because this is not chores, it’s just that clients started calling and works started piling, then the computer broke down and I realized I haven’t backed up my trip photos…,

until my 6-year-old utter out the other day,

So, during my trip back home I witnessed what everything my mom and mother-in-law did for me and my family, suddenly realized that I am doing the same for my girls if not more even though I was often in disagreement with my mom and MIL.  Being a daughter and being a mom are really interrelated and is just amazing how I rediscover myself this way.

Well, a small reflection (maybe 1%) of my 8 years parenting gripes before the trip were more like this;

How can I not be tired when

  • my 5 year old who should be sleeping through the night keeps calling and I can’t get 3-hour straight sleep;
  • I just want to have a quiet moment when my 8 year old and 6 year old drama queens are singing and dancing High School Musical or Hanna Montana in the background, for the 12th time of last hour and there’s no earplug in the house;

How can I not be frustrated when

  • I only ask a simple yes/no question (i.e. Are you done your homework yet?) and got 15 minutes of show down of ” you know what happened at recess? Rena and Jess got into fight then carried into the classroom, so the whole class was discussing how to respect friends and so the teacher asked everyone to write a short paragraph about it and I have lots of  great ideas about it and I just need a need paper and sharp pencil and…”
  • My 5 year old still forgot to flush the toilet when she finishes, after I’ve deliberately told her 2,190 times (three times a day for 2 years) ?

How can I not be worried when

  • My super hyper sensitive 7 year old  comes home the first day of school and told me that, she has been called names and no one wants to play with her ?
  • My 6 year old had general anesthesia for her dental surgery and was in the operating room for over two hours as opposed to the original 45 minutes?

It’s when I snap this picture that a light bulb went on…

How can I not be happy when

They insist kisses, hugs and say “I love you” every night before sleep no matter what had just happened 2 minutes ago,

How can I not be proud of when

Knowing that they are healthy, growing happily and soon they’ll be greater than “The Great Wall of China”.

I decided to reward myself on this year’s Mother’s Day, and these are my best gifts. :)

What about you? What are you proud of being a mama? What will be your Mother’s Day gift this year?

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A Job I Didn’t Apply For

April 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

You may have seen this, someone sent it to me as I told her I needed to pick up the girls from school when she wanted a good chat, this is just too funny.

Would you still want the job if you knew all about this?  For those of you who know me, I definitely would !!  Shocking ?? I know !!!

PARENT – Job Description

This is hysterical. If it had been presented this way,
I don’t know if any of us would have done it!!!!

POSITION :
Mum, Mummy, Mama, Ma, Mom
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Long term, team players needed, for challenging,
permanent work in an
often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication
and organizational skills and be willing to work
variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends
and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.
Some overnight travel required, including trips to
primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!
Travel expenses not reimbursed.
Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily,
until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a
pack mule
and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat
in case, this time, the screams from
the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges,
such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets
and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and
coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings
for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be a willing to be indispensable one minute,
an embarrassment the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a
half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for
the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and
janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :

None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,
so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :

Get this!   You pay them!
Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because
of the assumption that college will help them
become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left.
The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that
you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :

While no health or dental insurance, no pension,
no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and
no stock options are offered;
this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love,
and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.


** AND A FOOTNOTE ‘THERE IS NO RETIREMENT  –  EVER!!!
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Group Hugs #FollowFriday

February 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

I am doing my #FollowFriday differently this week.  My friend, @UnMarketing set out this #UnRule on Twitter that gives people reasons to follow good tweeps.  Here it goes.

Intelligent

10 months ago when I first join Twitter, like most of us I didn’t know what to do or who to follow, so I reached out to  people in my profession; they are Information Professionals specialized in competitive insights or business intelligence; they welcomed me into this big family and made me feel warm to stay, they provide guidance when I was confused and answer stupid questions I asked, I so appreciate their big hearts.

They are @InfoSourcer @EllenNaylor @ArikJohnson @8of12 @PGiblett @CharleneBurke

Informative

Last summer, few acquaintances came to me and asked if I could help with their recruitment research needs.  As newbie in this field I am fortunate to discover these amazing kind and selfishless talents out there,  teaching me the drills and skills for what I was seeking, and they are not getting paid to do it !  Thank you @ResearchGoddess @DorothyBeach @BooleanBlackBlt @RadicalRecruit @Animal

Interactive

Without a doubt, these special individuals are social media maven demonstrate what is this really all about: responsive and engaging.  I have the pleasure to meet funny and crazy @DannyBrown @RandyMatheson @UnMarketing, elegant @AmberCadabra and @CherylMcKinnon are next on the list :)

Incredible

Three months ago, I jumped on the fun-filled wagon with some fantastic moms.  I am fortunate there was time when I’m in need, I have extra ears to listen to, petit shoulders to lean on, someone to laugh with.   I feel more and more blessed everyday that I have little persons to tend, to worry, to cheer and to love; I can share the ups and downs, sweetness and bitterness with these moms and really no explanation required. XOXO to @YummyMummyClub @YMCBuzz @SharonDV @WonderMoms @optimom @KathyBuckworth @MississaugaKids @JoanneWallace @nummiesbras

So, this is me, a social media addicted Information Specialist, trying to find a career opportunity that balances the life of being a busy mom.  I thank you all for spending time engaging me at this fun filled cocktail party in Twitterville so far, let’s rock and roll !

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