squirrels

I was out running this morning and the squirrels were everywhere. They were usually in pairs too. One chasing another. As acorns drop, the squirrels are preparing for winter by collecting them and hiding them. I always marvel at their ability to remember where they hide their acorns.

草蜢 失樂園

Haven't been listening to this song (草蜢 失樂園) a lot lately.

To give and forgive

We lie. It is a human nature to lie. We lie to cover up things. We lie more to cover up lies. Being in a relationship is more than being physically together, but also the union of the mind and soul. Lies and dishonesty stand between this union, as if they are knives, ready to rip this union apart and shed it to pieces. A relationship is fragile--it doesn't take much to ruin it. All it takes is a small lie.

To rebuild a relationship takes probably ten times more effort than to ruin it.

The lie, however, is not the root of the problem. Most of the time, a lie is used to disguise one's intention and motive. The ill intention or motive is the real problem. And if that underlying problem is not resolved, the relationship will go sour eventually. In trying to resolve the problem, there is no equality--one side has to take the initiative and do more than the other. In fact, the one who's being lied to is often the one who has do more and also take the initiative, because that means forgiveness from the side who is hurt and relationship can only be rebuilt based on this forgiveness.

All things happen for a reason. A trial can only make a relationship grow and get stronger if both sides are willing to give and forgive.

trust

Trust is paramount in any relationship, especially so in a love relationship.

When I was once young and reckless (ok, I am not so young anymore but maybe still reckless sometimes), I had put this paramount trust in jeopardy a few times, and I learned my lessons.

All it takes is a little misstep. No matter how small that misstep is, once the boundary is crossed, the trust between two individuals is breached.

Have a forgiving heart. Give the one next you a chance to make it right.

Shark Fin Gwa Update

Well the "gwa" plant's flower finally opened up yesterday morning. Big showy flower. And I looked up on the internet and learned that this plant belongs to the gourd family (Cucurbitacea) under the same family with cucumber and squash. They have male and female flowers. So... the flower in the picture above is female. Only the female blossom can turn into fruit. Ha... one thing odd is that none of the male flowers were in bloom yet. Anyway... the flower only opened up for one morning. In the afternoon it was closed off. This morning it's still closed. I guess the flower only last for one day? oh well.

cuckoo clock

Spent all day up in Frankfort, IL. There's this fall festival... with over 300 arts and craft booths. Passed by this German cuckoo clock booth. Mom was really excited. So we ended up getting this small "1-day" cuckoo clock for $200. Hand-crafted, all mechanical. Got 2 quarrels on two sides of the clock and a peacock up top. Then of course the cuckoo, which comes out every half hour. I know it is expensive. But as jasper said the following...

cuckoo clock, hand crafted, made in Germany - $200
for something mom wants - priceless

Indeed, priceless. Ha.. the cuckoo just did "cuckoo" 9 times. Nine o'clock!

After the festival (and parade), we went for a party hosted by the other barbershop chapter. Lots of food and beer. We had this quartet contest, and I was in 3 quartets. I (with two of the quartets) ended up winning the both first and second place! There were a total of 13 or 14 quartets. Got a can of peanuts for the prize. Nice to be out in the sun all day. The weather was just absolutely beautiful!