I'm a little bit enamored of the idea of Queens, NY. I've never been there except for riding to and from JFK and LaGuardia, which doesn't count. But I've heard there is a large population of Mandarin speakers in Flushing, Queens, and I really, really wanna hang out in Mandarin-speaking Chinatown for a day or two. Historically, the majority of Chinese who immigrated to the U.S. were Cantonese speakers; hence Szechuan food instead of Sichuan food. (I'm gonna call it: Sichuan wins. But actually they speak Sichuan dialect, not Mandarin, in Sichuan province. China is kinda complicated.) But some of that is changing and Flushing is one of those areas. I supposed not many people dream of a vacation in Queens, but I've rescheduled my Boston trip for St. Patrick's Day/Evacuation Day next March and I'm trying to work out swinging by NYC a few days prior. If so, I'm definitely going to Flushing. I need to eat some delicious foods and buy sketchy Chinese produ...
Comments
The lady that I am working with has challenged me with this homework for the next week, I pass the challenge on to you as well. Each day, in that journal I sent you I want to you take 5-10 minutes and write down all the positives from your day. We tend to focus on the negatives, by forcing ourselves to view the positives and acknowledge them we are also altering our thinking patterns. Soon we will focus on positives more than negatives.
I know you are up to the challenge.
We'll compare notes next week!!!
You are going to be so very proud of yourself at the end of this experience. You will look back and say WOW I DID IT!!!! Don't rob yourself of that moment my friend.
(((((((((hugs)))))))))))
Hi Puff! Stay away from Chinaman! When will you be home? We miss you honey. We got your postcard but we can't read your return address. Email your address to Rhonda or Rod so we will have it.
We Love and miss you Hurry Home!!
Grandma & Grandpa
The following is from Rhonda:
Hi Reb. Thanks for the postcard. Sorry I haven't written, life is busy with children and grandchildren. Kenzie surprised me with a plane ticket to CA this month and I enjoyed 4 days with them and little Kieran. Jeremy and Catherine think they will be in DC next year but they don't know yet. How's your Chinese language coming? Love, Aunt Rhonda
-Damien
I'm keeping you in my prayers. I can't even imagine the difficulties you're dealing with. Remember that even if you feel like you're not making a difference overall, to one or two people, you are changing their lives. That's awesome and amazing.
Love you,
Sarah
You've gotten lots of sage advice so I shall just say "listen to them but listen to your heart too".
Life is too short for regrets of any kind.