On Sunday, whilst getting dressed for our friend’s wedding, Sophia was quite entertaining. Here
are some of her quips:
-Asked Phil if she was pretty at least ten times in one hour
-Stared at herself in the mirror
whilst talking to us
-Announced rather loudly she had to brush her hair ten times
-Twirled in her poofy dress
-Asked
me if she can put lipstick on (to her, it would be wearing Blistex or Carmex) and I replied no. Shouted "YES" and
ran out of the room before I could say anything else
-Dissatisfied with her choice of hairclips, she changed it three times
It
was really a hoot watching and listening to her. Where did she inherit this vanity? Ask Phil. I could only
imagine what would happen when she goes out on a date. Or her prom. Or her own wedding (Bridezilla will definitely
take on a new meaning).
***
Sophia’s favorite line these days is to say, “Oh, I loooooooove <fill in the blanks>” or “Mui
looooooves <fill in the blanks>”. And she exaggerates the word “love.”
***
I forgot to mention on my birthday, she sang Happy Birthday whilst strumming on her guitar she won
at Seaside Heights. I need to stress the fact that she was singing in front of a mirror (her audience). Quite
scary.
***
A couple of nights ago, we attended a family birthday dinner at Todai (all you can eat buffet!). Phil and I haven't been there in years since they renamed it and switched owners.
And I'm generally not a fan of buffet (people touching, sneezing, breathing on the food etc.). But since someone else
was paying for it, I'll gladly go (with a tiny bit of hesitation).
Of course, Olivia was not interested in sitting down and eating (it was already late and she was
super cranky). Her Uncle Kenny was sitting across from us. So I told her if she doesn't behave, Uncle Kenny is
going to hit her. She literally froze. Did not move. Not even blink her eyes. Just stared straight
at Uncle Kenny for one minute. I didn't think she would react that way. It was the funniest shit ever.
Six years later, I haven't forgotten you, Ted. There are times when I think about your children and how much they
have grown. If only you are able to guide them in life. You would be a great source of knowledge on everything,
especially on music trivia. I still remember the times when you would pop your head out of the office to chat about
your childhood. And I still remember that time when you suggested, "Linda, it would be more effective if you were to
say..." You never failed to help others.
Hope you're jamming to some tunes wherever you are now.
I was preparing my own birthday dinner this evening and had one dish left to cook. I gave the job to Phil
since it was foolproof (all he had to do was to cook the
bulgogi). Sophia comes into the kitchen and says, "So who's gonna watch the kids if Daddy cooks?"
That comment had me and Phil rolling.
***
So a little update of what goes on with the lives of S+O:
They fight quite often. S does not like to share with O. And when O really wants it, she literally screams
from the top of her lungs like a banshee. And if by then S does not succumb to her demands (which often happens), O
ends up crying hysterically. When she wants it, SHE WANTS IT NOW. Quite difficult to get things done around the
house when it's just one parent around.
There are good days and bad days. The good days is when S feeds O food. Or when S tries to help O put
her shoes on. Or washes her little sister's hands. Or when they give each other hugs. Or better yet, warns
me that O is up to no good (again, which often happens). She certainly does try to be a good big sister. BUT...
There are days when S just loves to antagonize O. It usually ends up with O in a rage of fury and surround sound
screaming. S thinks it's hysterically funny and O ends up hitting S (which I find pretty funny that the little one has
big balls to do so). S hardly ever defends herself in those situations. O prefers to play by herself (but must
be in a company of other people around her). S though, LOVES to boss O around (gee, I wonder where S got that 'tude
from?). And O won't stand for that crap. I have to say, O is full of character and charisma, unlike her older
sister who can be reserved and cautious yet mischievous and sly. These two products of Phil and me are like night and
day. How is that remotely possible???
***
For those of you who live in an apartment building- you know how it is when you hear drips of water from your neighbor's
air conditioner? Well, this is the only one thing that freaks O out. The minute she hears it (usually in our bedroom
or in her bedroom), she automatically stare in the direction of the A/C, say in Chinese that she's scared and pat her chest.
I wonder how does that make her spooked out.
***
After returning from our trip from the Jersey shore, we realized we need to put O in swimming classes. She is so
unafraid of the waves. Infact, she finds it thrilling everytime a wave wipes her out (generally this happens when I
have my back to the waves cuz I'm watching her instead of standing behind her). Or when Phil takes O out into the ocean
and they ride with the waves. She absolutely loves it to death. S on the other hand, grips Phil for dear life
(like me). We had great fun at the Jersey shore, so much that I forgot our ninth anniversary (and Phil reminded me!).
***
I've been offered a new job. This is an assistant to the editor in-chief. Do I really want to go back
to that level? Right now I may be the department's assistant (but this department is less than ten of us!), but at least
I have a variety of responsibilities and answer no one's lines. I enjoy doing what I do. I am even supposed
to fly out to Seattle at the end of the month to do another book signing, but if I take this job, I don't think I will be
allowed to go. I don't know how much it pays or what kind of benefits this includes. I am feeling a bit hesitant
about taking it only because I don't want to be someone's beck and call, exclusively.
Do I want to go this route???
