I would have to state that my pantry was stocked with the most exotic items in my neighborhood. It's not like Hong Kong I could just go down the stair to the wet market to obtain anything I might need for cooking dinner tonight, every drive away to gather these chinese specialty items are 25 minutes one way drive; 50 minutes round trip. I have all sorts of stuffs from dried herb to preserved vegetable or salted fish or dried shrimp paste, I have it all in my pantry. There is no such thing that I could buy 2 block of Fu Yu (blocks of fermented tofu). I would have to buy a whole jug here. As time goes by, I stocked the pantry.
However, after a few years I realize my diet has changed. I still love the super spicy food or extremely salty bite that goes into traditional cantonese style of cooking. But I decrease a big volume of processed food which I ate all the time in hong kong, now I might eat those a few times a month. Instead of cooking with peanut oil, I cook with olive oil; instead of frying the food, I bake or stir-fry most of the food; instead of cooking the vegetable, I make a salad with different dressings. Nowadays, I could not live without an oven.
I still make my own stuffs, like I would make dumpling planning different fillings; I made my own XO sauce and the whole house smell like shit, as Victor would say. ^_^ The only one ultimate weapon to chase him out of the house is to heat up the wok, with hot boiling oil then dump a piece of salted fish in there, wow that smell would drive him away for a few hours!
Well I have not try opening up a fresh "Durian" yet, perhaps that smell would get a stronger effect on Victor's nose.
Never thought of changing my diet but it happens naturally base on what's available here, I cook a bit more healthy now than before. I was never a big fan of flavor enhancer such as chicken-powder or MSG, my mom always told me those chemical is very bad for you, so I used ton of herbs or spices and work on the balance of flavor. Right now we are leaning more toward a Mediterranean diet mix with Chinese, I cook a lot of fish, shellfishes, poultry, twice a month I make steak so it's red meat, not that healthy but a good source of iron. Seafood is very fresh here and I love stone-crab, when Denise visited I had her try it and she loves it too, she could not believe the idea of harvesting stone-crab was a sustainable fishing style --- the fisherman caught the crab in bulk, take off one claw each crab then throw the crab back into the sea, in 6 months a new claw would grow back, hey we get to eat and we did not kill the crab.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Draw a line
“According to the rumor mill, the iPhone 5 is going to become your portable social network. The phone analyses your habits, tastes, lifestyle, aptitudes, travels and the like and finds people who share the same bandwidth. And then it tells you if a potential friend is in the vicinity. Conversely it allows you to be found and befriended by other iPhone 5 users.”
The above report stated that Apple has create a new type of social network system, competing with Facebook and Twitter, this new system allows you to make new friends near-by or meet someone who you don't really know but may like the same music or drink the same cocktails.
My parent had passed away, but I can assure you they would be very surprised by what an i-phone can do. In an old fortune-telling book of ancient Chinese, (Push-Back-Graphic) written about 2000 yrs ago, stated that in the future, (you know, from 2000 yrs ago's prospective) everyone would hold a 'brick' in their hand, can see each other and talk to each other.
When I was little, always wonder how could this happen?! I personally do not have an i-phone yet, but I will get one when the dual-band i-phone 5 arrives. The main reason for it is the translation app I've dreamed of is available now. That is with this app on an i-phone, I can point my phone to a Spanish menu and it translates to English instantly so I could order in a timely manner. Or I speak to the phone in English and the phone translate what I said in Spanish back to the waiter who is taking my order. How cool is that?! My mom would passed out if she gets to use this feature.
As conservative as I am, it is just wonderful to have all these technologies in our hands but we must draw the line. I personally prefer to meet friends whom I already known or I don't mind to meet friends from another friend, but meeting strangers base on what the phone tells me it's a bit off-the-line.
As convenient as this future phone could be, I wouldn't trade an hour of air time with social networking to an hour of playing with my child in a park, or walking hand-in-hand with my lover on the beach. Somewhere along the line, you have to draw a line.
The above report stated that Apple has create a new type of social network system, competing with Facebook and Twitter, this new system allows you to make new friends near-by or meet someone who you don't really know but may like the same music or drink the same cocktails.
My parent had passed away, but I can assure you they would be very surprised by what an i-phone can do. In an old fortune-telling book of ancient Chinese, (Push-Back-Graphic) written about 2000 yrs ago, stated that in the future, (you know, from 2000 yrs ago's prospective) everyone would hold a 'brick' in their hand, can see each other and talk to each other.
When I was little, always wonder how could this happen?! I personally do not have an i-phone yet, but I will get one when the dual-band i-phone 5 arrives. The main reason for it is the translation app I've dreamed of is available now. That is with this app on an i-phone, I can point my phone to a Spanish menu and it translates to English instantly so I could order in a timely manner. Or I speak to the phone in English and the phone translate what I said in Spanish back to the waiter who is taking my order. How cool is that?! My mom would passed out if she gets to use this feature.
As conservative as I am, it is just wonderful to have all these technologies in our hands but we must draw the line. I personally prefer to meet friends whom I already known or I don't mind to meet friends from another friend, but meeting strangers base on what the phone tells me it's a bit off-the-line.
As convenient as this future phone could be, I wouldn't trade an hour of air time with social networking to an hour of playing with my child in a park, or walking hand-in-hand with my lover on the beach. Somewhere along the line, you have to draw a line.
Monday, June 6, 2011
My dream house - a green house
If one day I get really lucky, to get a chance to plan and build my own house without worrying about the HOA and POA or resale value later on, this is what I wish for:
- I wish a house being built on 2 are of land, being in tropical warmer climate, on a higher elevated land where I don't have to worry about flooding, being close to a lake or the sea where I can fish for my dinner tonight
- I wish to install solar panel on my roof to replace ceramic roof tile, to obtain energy from the sun to fuel the electricity for the house usage, such as hot-water-heater or air-conditioning system
- I wish to install a gigantic compost system which I can recycle the organic material (carrot peel, left-over food, coffee, rotten fruit...etc.) to fertilizer for my plant
- I wish to separate two parcel of the land, one side to grow vegetable and the other side to plant fruit trees such as mango tree, lychee tree, avocado tree, lemon tree, blue berry bush, banana tree, coconut tree, apple tree.....etc. So I could grow my own fruit and veggie and have extras to give to my neighbours. I'll buy meat at the supermarket because it's too much work to keep the cattle..... and slaughter them if I have to prepare dinner....~_~"
- I wish to keep about 30 hens in a fenced in yard, make their nest so they can lay eggs for my omelet in the morning, meanwhile still have room to make some babies for future generation, the hens are allow to run free as a free-range growth inside the fenced yard
- I wish to install gutter around the roof of the house and channel the water collection area in my 2 are of land, to save rain-water in a tank for irrigation around the property or daily usage.
- I wish to install sky-light by drilling hole through my ceiling and roof to allow sun light to come through the house, without using any electricity for lighting during the daytime
- I wish to install a water filtration system where water I use inside the house to wash things could be recycle to water the plant and vegetation outdoor
- I wish to install a satellite TV & Internet service on my roof, so I can log on to face book to chitchat with my friends and yell at the politics on television like I am used to!
- I wish a house being built on 2 are of land, being in tropical warmer climate, on a higher elevated land where I don't have to worry about flooding, being close to a lake or the sea where I can fish for my dinner tonight
- I wish to install solar panel on my roof to replace ceramic roof tile, to obtain energy from the sun to fuel the electricity for the house usage, such as hot-water-heater or air-conditioning system
- I wish to install a gigantic compost system which I can recycle the organic material (carrot peel, left-over food, coffee, rotten fruit...etc.) to fertilizer for my plant
- I wish to separate two parcel of the land, one side to grow vegetable and the other side to plant fruit trees such as mango tree, lychee tree, avocado tree, lemon tree, blue berry bush, banana tree, coconut tree, apple tree.....etc. So I could grow my own fruit and veggie and have extras to give to my neighbours. I'll buy meat at the supermarket because it's too much work to keep the cattle..... and slaughter them if I have to prepare dinner....~_~"
- I wish to keep about 30 hens in a fenced in yard, make their nest so they can lay eggs for my omelet in the morning, meanwhile still have room to make some babies for future generation, the hens are allow to run free as a free-range growth inside the fenced yard
- I wish to install gutter around the roof of the house and channel the water collection area in my 2 are of land, to save rain-water in a tank for irrigation around the property or daily usage.
- I wish to install sky-light by drilling hole through my ceiling and roof to allow sun light to come through the house, without using any electricity for lighting during the daytime
- I wish to install a water filtration system where water I use inside the house to wash things could be recycle to water the plant and vegetation outdoor
- I wish to install a satellite TV & Internet service on my roof, so I can log on to face book to chitchat with my friends and yell at the politics on television like I am used to!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
How are the odds?!
I know I wasn't dreaming at 7:30am in the morning, walking Samson along the street and just listening to the bird's singing, something striked me when I cleaned up his poop --- drops of blood!
Calling a vet who was referred by another friend, who's dog has digestive system problem, got an appointment in the afternoon, it was worth the 50 minute drive one way to get Samson checked out by a G.I. Specialist. (Notice: FOR DOG)
Samson was pretty calm throughout the check-up, I was waiting outside while Samson was having a rectum examination, turns out what I saw was no-day-dreaming, trace of fresh blood was lingering in his colon. The Vet told me Samson growls at her while she was examination him, I said that's normal, I'd growl too if someone suddenly stick a finger ....... >_<"
Samson was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis with food intolerance, that means his colon is bleeding a little bit from the irritation of the food he ate and he could well be allergic to something I didn't aware of (maybe beef / corn / wheat/ shellfishes). How are the odds that I adopted a dog from a shelter who has the same symptoms as my husband?
Perhaps God think I am good in taking care of people (now one dog too) who is fuzzy about food and allergic to a million items on the supermarket shelve. God think I should handle two instead of one, using the same resources to take care of the diet 24/7. Or I shall write a book named: "cooking for the fuzzy eaters, man and dog".
Calling a vet who was referred by another friend, who's dog has digestive system problem, got an appointment in the afternoon, it was worth the 50 minute drive one way to get Samson checked out by a G.I. Specialist. (Notice: FOR DOG)
Samson was pretty calm throughout the check-up, I was waiting outside while Samson was having a rectum examination, turns out what I saw was no-day-dreaming, trace of fresh blood was lingering in his colon. The Vet told me Samson growls at her while she was examination him, I said that's normal, I'd growl too if someone suddenly stick a finger ....... >_<"
Samson was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis with food intolerance, that means his colon is bleeding a little bit from the irritation of the food he ate and he could well be allergic to something I didn't aware of (maybe beef / corn / wheat/ shellfishes). How are the odds that I adopted a dog from a shelter who has the same symptoms as my husband?
Perhaps God think I am good in taking care of people (now one dog too) who is fuzzy about food and allergic to a million items on the supermarket shelve. God think I should handle two instead of one, using the same resources to take care of the diet 24/7. Or I shall write a book named: "cooking for the fuzzy eaters, man and dog".
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Recent dog report
After a few months of constant training, I have come to a conclusion that 'old dogs don't do new trick' is absolutely wrong. Samson understands virtually all the command I teach except some he chose not to comply, I leave some room for him to make decision for himself, so a general idea is I would tell him what I want him to do, such as 'finish your plate', if he decides he eats all the chicken and rice but not the regular dog food, I leave him alone.
He gets a lot more comfortable now, he gets a hang of our routine everyday is basically the same. He will get a morning 'get some fresh air' walk for 20 minutes, then expect a brunch, then he would hang around with us or lying down by the window to watch the birds fly by. Dog does not wear a watch, but he would give one loud bark if dinner was not served at 5pm sharp. I wonder how he knows the time?!
We normally have dinner at 6pm, after our dinner, Victor would ask Samson: "Do you want to go for a WALK?" then he jumps up and down as he would almost nod to say "yes", along with spinning himself in front of our legs. Ok we got it, you want to take a hike.
Using a leash to walk the dog is the law here in South Florida, as free-spirit as we are, we do not obey the law all the time. ^_^ We would start out from our backyard where joined with the 6th hole green, walk to the water & ice station of the golf course at the 7th hole tee, then we take off Samson's leash, let him run free on the fairway, he gets to chase squirrel, smell other animals' footprint, do his tracking, flush the bird along the edge of a lake. By the time we reach the 8th hole's fairway, we put a leash around him again because there is a road where cars drive by next to the fairway, then we let him run free again at the 2nd hole till we get home by the 6th hole.
There is only one condition Samson has to comply during this freedom walk, he must come back when call. Victor whistles very loudly, all of a sudden we'd see Samson run out from the bushes somewhere, usually I would give him a piece of cookie or water, in order to let him know: coming back when called is a good thing, you get cookie! Samson comes to expect this freedom walk everyday, when we finished dinner, he would pace himself at the door to wait for our call, he knows he is getting this adventure time.
Sometime Victor would talk to him like a human, surprisingly Samson would react as if he understands English. Yesterday Samson was holding (using his mouth of course) his toy before our freedom walk, Victor said: "Samson, drop it, we can't bring your toy to walk with us. Drop it."
Samson dropped his toy then shoot straight out the door!
There is a gesture Samson does when he asks something from me, he knows I taught him a 'Down' position and like him doing it. When I am eating a piece of cheese, he would come over to my feet, nudge my leg with his nose then slowly lowering his body to a 'Down' position. He is asking me to share this piece of cheese with him, usually I do after this asking gesture.
A lot of trainer discourage this kind of behavior stating that the dog would get pushy, we human should be the one who decides all the terms and when the food should be given. My personal opinion is in order to strengthen the bond between your animal and you, you must endorse a request when your animal ask for it if it's reasonable, you must let your animal knows he/she has a choice too but I would prefer the choice I provided, the animal should have the right to decide. How can I communicate with my dog if I only ask him listen and comply to my command but I forsake his?
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Simplified
Sometime I get a feeling that I hate to throw things away, afraid that one day I might need it and I won't find it. However this mentality could easily fall into hoarding unnecessary items all around me, my closet and my garage. I have clothing which stated a size 4 when I am currently wearing a size 8, I thought perhaps one day I would lose some weight and be able to wear this dress again. After awhile I accumulated more clothing or things which I do not use. Then I set a rule to govern myself that if I have to buy 3 pieces of new clothing, I would have to donate or discard 3 old pieces of clothing. This strategy seems working alright as far as the closet was concerned.
When I take a close look at the things surround us, the more we need the greedier we get; need a bigger house, need a faster car, need a better face (could be a face-lift later for me), need a vacation, need a luxury watch, need a lot of things..... The list goes on and on, it never ends. In Zen teaching, there was a saying of "where is the dust gather when there is nothing to hold onto?!"
What it means is we gather the things for the dust to hold onto, then we complaint about the dust. The solution for not having the dust is to simplified your life. The dust here in this Zen teaching does not mean the actual dust, it represents un-wanted behaviour or un-wanted desire or a bitter feeling after getting something or not getting something. It sounds very deep, isn't it?!
It is a challenge to teach myself I don't need a lot of things, or to tell myself I am happy at something. Don't get me wrong that I don't like good stuffs, I love good stuffs but I do not want to let having the good stuffs or not having the good stuffs bother my living emotion, I want to be able to enjoy everything. If I travel, I want to enjoy the trip as much as I could whether I get to stay at the Four Season or short of budget to stay at Motel 8. Instead of spending time moaning that I don't get this or I don't get that. It's kind of a waste of time or I shall say a waste of my 'brain juice'.
We have to be the one to make sure the dust got nothing to hold onto, is to live a simplified life. Don't complaint about the dust, it is "we let something" for the dust to be accumulated, as simple as that.
When I take a close look at the things surround us, the more we need the greedier we get; need a bigger house, need a faster car, need a better face (could be a face-lift later for me), need a vacation, need a luxury watch, need a lot of things..... The list goes on and on, it never ends. In Zen teaching, there was a saying of "where is the dust gather when there is nothing to hold onto?!"
What it means is we gather the things for the dust to hold onto, then we complaint about the dust. The solution for not having the dust is to simplified your life. The dust here in this Zen teaching does not mean the actual dust, it represents un-wanted behaviour or un-wanted desire or a bitter feeling after getting something or not getting something. It sounds very deep, isn't it?!
It is a challenge to teach myself I don't need a lot of things, or to tell myself I am happy at something. Don't get me wrong that I don't like good stuffs, I love good stuffs but I do not want to let having the good stuffs or not having the good stuffs bother my living emotion, I want to be able to enjoy everything. If I travel, I want to enjoy the trip as much as I could whether I get to stay at the Four Season or short of budget to stay at Motel 8. Instead of spending time moaning that I don't get this or I don't get that. It's kind of a waste of time or I shall say a waste of my 'brain juice'.
We have to be the one to make sure the dust got nothing to hold onto, is to live a simplified life. Don't complaint about the dust, it is "we let something" for the dust to be accumulated, as simple as that.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Living in my memory
Today is mother's day, wish my mom was here to go have dimsum with me. It has been 6 years as I mark my calender, you left in a sudden leaving me with shock and tears. I did not want to believe the fact that you were gone, I did not shed a tear in your funeral though I did a lot before and after, I was in a total shock, could not believe you went to sleep and just did not wake up to see us again, to put your hard-working rough hand through my hair, I refused to believe it.
As time goes by, I feel I am just living overseas and you were home, instead of calling you, I just close my eyes and send telegraph to heaven in order to tell you I am alright. I have understand a lot more about the wisdom you shared with me as I grow older, I was not mature enough to understand when you taught me, now I do.
When I run too fast and fall, you helped me up and brush my knees where it breeds, told me to stop crying, just clean it up and shake it off, it'd be fine.
When I studied overnight for an upcoming exam, you boiled some crazy herbal soup to boost up my energy level, one time it was so strong that my nose bleed.
When I get tired to play in the park, later I pretend to fall asleep on the lawn so that you would hold me in your arms to bring me home 20 minutes away. It felt so warm and tender, I was 5 but I still remember til this day. It was your warmth that brought me to live, I would always be thankful for, for you, mom.
As time goes by, I feel I am just living overseas and you were home, instead of calling you, I just close my eyes and send telegraph to heaven in order to tell you I am alright. I have understand a lot more about the wisdom you shared with me as I grow older, I was not mature enough to understand when you taught me, now I do.
When I run too fast and fall, you helped me up and brush my knees where it breeds, told me to stop crying, just clean it up and shake it off, it'd be fine.
When I studied overnight for an upcoming exam, you boiled some crazy herbal soup to boost up my energy level, one time it was so strong that my nose bleed.
When I get tired to play in the park, later I pretend to fall asleep on the lawn so that you would hold me in your arms to bring me home 20 minutes away. It felt so warm and tender, I was 5 but I still remember til this day. It was your warmth that brought me to live, I would always be thankful for, for you, mom.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Mango tree
Last year was the first year my mango tree started to bear fruit, too bad I was not home for over a month and did not get to eat much of it during its harvest time. This year I am getting smarter, starting to pick them when the size is ready, let them ripe on the kitchen counter-top. I am sure 3 of my gardeners are just as smart as I am, started the picking without notifying me.
I went to the garage to bring out my 10 foot ladder, carefully set it up under the tree, as the sun was baking the sweat off my head, I gave thanks to God and start picking the mangoes. I am thankful for the fruits on the tree, I am thankful for whoever get to enjoy them including my gardeners and wild animal who roam around at night, I am thankful for the gift form nature that he had prepared for us.
Alphonso is the name of this mango species, it is among the best I have ever tasted, I would rate it even higher than the Philippine's mango. It delivers a very mild sweet flavor without all the fiber around the pit, it is very sweet but got a minty finish. Originated from India, I read. And I planted it at the back of my house 5 years ago when it was a baby about 4 feet tall, now it reaches 16 feet tall.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
a letter to my dog - samson
dear samson,
time flies, as I look back to count the time, it reaches a half a year mark since I took you in from an animal shelter. remember you were a stubborn, good-looking little shit back then? now you have transformed to a well-behaved, still good-looking -- a new member of my family.
we could not get past the fact that you understand many single word, at time when we do not speak, your big puffy eye shows us clearly you want the potato chip in my hand by simply looking at me and looking at what's in my hand simultaneously. sure, I could give you a piece of my potato chip.
perhaps it was very scary for you to live in a new environment, with new people, you could not help yourself but bit Victor 3 times, showed aggression over a toy or a bone toward me. we understand and we forgive you, so we could leave our past behind to look forward to a brighter future. you have a home now, you do not have to be locked in a cage all day, you have someone care for you and a plus, you get to eat good food from my cooking.
sometime I wonder what are you thinking in your tiny little head. people often say animal is animal, they do not have emotion but I think that is the biggest fault. I see sadness in your eyes when we left home; I see excitement in your eyes when I take you out for a hike; I see joy in your eyes when you get to run on an open fairway to flush the bird; I see inquisitive in your eyes when we are fixing something mechanically; I see through the window of your soul and we bonded.
you may not process some fine features of a designer's dog, to a certain extend you are like a rough guy eating dinner without knowing table manner but we love you just the way you are. we are happy for you just the way you are.
you are our new member of the family, Samson.
Monday, May 2, 2011
took 10 years
as I slept my way through the night, something dramatic was happening on the other side of the globe --- Osama Bin Laden was killed in Pakistan.
report said that his hide out was carefully built to his protection, could imagine only the finest in navy seal counter terrorism team can get the job done. The president was actually playing golf in that afternoon while communicating back and forth with the operation, the president had to end his round early to attend a meeting of planning the action. He must be very upset that he did not get to finish 18 hole.
celebration was held voluntarily on the street in New York and Washington D.C., I could not help myself but think why did we celebrate someone's death?! Didn't it put us into a position no different than those who danced on the street in Middle East while 9/11 happened?
It took 10 years to track him down and execute, justice was served but another outbreak of revenge would come shortly after this, I am sure.
Confucius said: Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.
report said that his hide out was carefully built to his protection, could imagine only the finest in navy seal counter terrorism team can get the job done. The president was actually playing golf in that afternoon while communicating back and forth with the operation, the president had to end his round early to attend a meeting of planning the action. He must be very upset that he did not get to finish 18 hole.
celebration was held voluntarily on the street in New York and Washington D.C., I could not help myself but think why did we celebrate someone's death?! Didn't it put us into a position no different than those who danced on the street in Middle East while 9/11 happened?
It took 10 years to track him down and execute, justice was served but another outbreak of revenge would come shortly after this, I am sure.
Confucius said: Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Royal Wedding
Waking up early, before 6am in the morning, Victor and I watched the Royal Wedding on TV and I was amazed how big a show that is. There was a very faint memory in my mind seeing Diana and Charles' wedding when I was a child, if Diana was alive, she would be 50 yrs old, I am sure she would be proud for her son.
"Yellow! Yellow! The Queen is wearing yellow, I couldn't believe it, I bet on her dress color is in light blue!" Victor screamed.
"Look at all these crazy hats, Joey, you gotta look at these, I could not imagine people could wear these on their heads." He couldn't help himself but commentating everything.
Duke of Cambridge and Princess Catherine look absolutely stunning, against all odds, at least they look happy to be together. Unlike Diana, who was chosen to marry Charles; this pair worked out their relationship on their own, they lived together to try things out before tieing the knot, she was very poised and elegant, immediately gain popularity of the people of Britain already.
With all the blessings of the people, we wish them happiness.
"Yellow! Yellow! The Queen is wearing yellow, I couldn't believe it, I bet on her dress color is in light blue!" Victor screamed.
"Look at all these crazy hats, Joey, you gotta look at these, I could not imagine people could wear these on their heads." He couldn't help himself but commentating everything.
Duke of Cambridge and Princess Catherine look absolutely stunning, against all odds, at least they look happy to be together. Unlike Diana, who was chosen to marry Charles; this pair worked out their relationship on their own, they lived together to try things out before tieing the knot, she was very poised and elegant, immediately gain popularity of the people of Britain already.
With all the blessings of the people, we wish them happiness.
Monday, April 25, 2011
big bone
due to the current shoulder injury, I am having treatment from a Chiropractor a few times a week.
He asked me today: "Are you lifting weight?"
"No, not exactly, perhaps a 10 lb dumbbell here and there." I replied.
"You have good muscle tone considered as a lady's frame." He said.
"My mom used to say I am not fat, I was born with big bone." I laughed thinking about my mom before she passed away 5 years ago.
"It's not big bone, you have big muscle lining up your back, that's why I thought you are in training of lifting weight." He explained.
"Oh yes, now that you remind me, I actually move water." I replied.
"What do you mean you move water?"
"I have a small outdoor pond with goldfish in it, every week I have to change 25% of water, instead of just using a hose, I use a bucket and move the water around the garden, that is a 100 gallon pond. I don't know how much water weight." I said.
"1 gallon of water equals 8 lbs." He said.
"I move 5 gallon 5 times to take the water out, and 5 gallon 5 times to put the water in once a week." I said.
"Well, you have been lifting 40 lb a set 10 set every week! No wonder you got muscles lining up your back!" He was surprised.
"Luckily I don't even know I was training my muscle in the last 4 years, I bet I could not do it intentionally in a gym!"
You know the conversation reminded me the movie of "Kung Fu Kid", when the kid has to learn to take his jacket off and on and going on and on, before he knows it, he gets good at the basic hand-motion of Wing-Chung. Maybe I will get good at moving water later!
He asked me today: "Are you lifting weight?"
"No, not exactly, perhaps a 10 lb dumbbell here and there." I replied.
"You have good muscle tone considered as a lady's frame." He said.
"My mom used to say I am not fat, I was born with big bone." I laughed thinking about my mom before she passed away 5 years ago.
"It's not big bone, you have big muscle lining up your back, that's why I thought you are in training of lifting weight." He explained.
"Oh yes, now that you remind me, I actually move water." I replied.
"What do you mean you move water?"
"I have a small outdoor pond with goldfish in it, every week I have to change 25% of water, instead of just using a hose, I use a bucket and move the water around the garden, that is a 100 gallon pond. I don't know how much water weight." I said.
"1 gallon of water equals 8 lbs." He said.
"I move 5 gallon 5 times to take the water out, and 5 gallon 5 times to put the water in once a week." I said.
"Well, you have been lifting 40 lb a set 10 set every week! No wonder you got muscles lining up your back!" He was surprised.
"Luckily I don't even know I was training my muscle in the last 4 years, I bet I could not do it intentionally in a gym!"
You know the conversation reminded me the movie of "Kung Fu Kid", when the kid has to learn to take his jacket off and on and going on and on, before he knows it, he gets good at the basic hand-motion of Wing-Chung. Maybe I will get good at moving water later!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
blog's back!
I experienced some technical difficulties from the blog site, which my blog disappeared after I changed the server and password, luckily it was found couple months later.
during this Easter Sunday, I resurrect the blog, how do you like that?!
so blog's back, stay tuned. I would write a few times a week, in general, about nothing to everything. thanks for dropping by!
joey
during this Easter Sunday, I resurrect the blog, how do you like that?!
so blog's back, stay tuned. I would write a few times a week, in general, about nothing to everything. thanks for dropping by!
joey
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Common Sense on dog food
I have come to a conclusion that Samson (the dog) does not like to eat dry dog food. Years ago I did not have a dog yet but one of my good friend in Hong Kong told me, she was feeding her dog the best dry dog food's available, I asked her what's that great in its dog food, she told me apart from all the best nutrients, that dog food produce a firm and nice poop! So that she can pick it up easily.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" I asked. "You are feeding your dog something give you the greatest convenience, not the best food you could offer to your beloved dog."
Lately I have been reading a lot from the Palm Beach Gardens Public Library, a book called "Smarter than you think" really confirmed my belief that how bad can human food for dog? If the by-product goes into making dog food, and I have bowls after bowls of left-over, why shouldn't I feed my beloved dog human food? Which I don't eat much fried food, no heavy sauce on my food and not much seasoning other than salt and pepper.
The book mentioned this experienced trainer who trains dogs for commercial shooting and film-making, once fulfilled a request from a dog-food-mfr for an advertisement, found a very good-looking old age dog (from his family) for the shooting job. The shooting went well, everything looks great, then the advertising agency wants to promote the idea of this dog eats their brand of dry dog food to live such a healthy long life. (old english sheep dog 18 yrs old at the time of that advertisement)
Of course the trainer refused to lie, as a matter of fact that brand wasn't around when this old english sheep dog was growing up. This dog eats what the family eat, without sauce or much seasoning; but if dad is having chicken, the dog is eating chicken too, if the family dinner was beef, the dog is eating beef too, along with reasonable portion of veggie and starch.
I strongly believe if I am not feeding my dog bacon everyday, he should be fine. Samson eats table scrap, my sister was annoyed I fed the dog table scarp before I told her what the actual table scrap was in his plate. Tonight Samson eats the new york strip steak we left over from yesterday, along with steamed asparagus chopped in small pieces, roasted red bell pepper and mashed potato without seasoning. Samson gets 5 oz of human left-over food for dinner, 50% protein 25% veggie 25% carbon hydrates.
His coat got very shinny after about 7 days of feeding consistent human food, he does not have bad breath, well I have to brush his teeth once in a while though.
I believe in Common Sense, not the brain-washing advertisement those dog food mfr puts up; it's easy to do something everybody is doing, you just follow; it's hard to do your own thing and believe it's the best while the rest of the world aren't. Very simple, common sense.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" I asked. "You are feeding your dog something give you the greatest convenience, not the best food you could offer to your beloved dog."
Lately I have been reading a lot from the Palm Beach Gardens Public Library, a book called "Smarter than you think" really confirmed my belief that how bad can human food for dog? If the by-product goes into making dog food, and I have bowls after bowls of left-over, why shouldn't I feed my beloved dog human food? Which I don't eat much fried food, no heavy sauce on my food and not much seasoning other than salt and pepper.
The book mentioned this experienced trainer who trains dogs for commercial shooting and film-making, once fulfilled a request from a dog-food-mfr for an advertisement, found a very good-looking old age dog (from his family) for the shooting job. The shooting went well, everything looks great, then the advertising agency wants to promote the idea of this dog eats their brand of dry dog food to live such a healthy long life. (old english sheep dog 18 yrs old at the time of that advertisement)
Of course the trainer refused to lie, as a matter of fact that brand wasn't around when this old english sheep dog was growing up. This dog eats what the family eat, without sauce or much seasoning; but if dad is having chicken, the dog is eating chicken too, if the family dinner was beef, the dog is eating beef too, along with reasonable portion of veggie and starch.
I strongly believe if I am not feeding my dog bacon everyday, he should be fine. Samson eats table scrap, my sister was annoyed I fed the dog table scarp before I told her what the actual table scrap was in his plate. Tonight Samson eats the new york strip steak we left over from yesterday, along with steamed asparagus chopped in small pieces, roasted red bell pepper and mashed potato without seasoning. Samson gets 5 oz of human left-over food for dinner, 50% protein 25% veggie 25% carbon hydrates.
His coat got very shinny after about 7 days of feeding consistent human food, he does not have bad breath, well I have to brush his teeth once in a while though.
I believe in Common Sense, not the brain-washing advertisement those dog food mfr puts up; it's easy to do something everybody is doing, you just follow; it's hard to do your own thing and believe it's the best while the rest of the world aren't. Very simple, common sense.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Beach day
I was never a big beach person, I like to go to the beach but I don't swim in the ocean because I am afraid of the current, I got drown once when I was 8 years old, since then I swim in swimming pool only. Don't get me wrong that I do not know how to swim, I actually learnt and good at free style, breast stroke, butterfly at age 21then Victor taught me back stroke which I like to use most of the time now, consume the least amount of energy to swim the same distance.
Since living here in South Florida from 2003, we visit the beach perhaps 3 times a year. Not until we got a dog, then we go to the beach every weekend. I personally do not think Samson (the dog) was brought to the beach in its 4 years of life before we adopted him. The first beach we took Samson was the quiet beach on Jupiter Island, there weren't many people, only a few fishermen around us, we saw other people with their dogs at a distance about 500 yards away. Samson was jumpy, barking at people who walk pass the shore way ahead of us, of course I kept him on the leash at all time, did not want any trouble if Samson was not calm and relax.
It's either the ocean's effect or Samson's learning ability, he started to become very calm when we take him to the beach, the second time we took him to a beach that openly allow dogs unleashed, where is one beach north of Juno Beach. Samson was allowed to walk around freely without a leash, he greeted people and dogs who walked down the stairs onto the beach.
He pees a few drop at a time in a 50 yards circle where we are sitting, which I think it's an action of marking his territory, so Victor and I were protected. ^_^ I noticed his posture when Samson meet and greet with other dogs, he held his head way up high, arch his back and never back down to any dogs regardless of their sizes. He was able to show that "Hey I am small, but I am confident and strong!" message to a chiwahwah or a great dane.
Occasionally Samson sees a dog he wants to play with, usually small dog looks similar to him such as a toy poodle or another cockapoo, then he would run around and play a little bit, but most of the time he just spend his time sniffing and thinking and peeing. He is social if he wants to, he prefers to do his own thing if he wishes.
We are going into the 10 weeks of having Samson, he is definitely improving and starting to trust us, he sleeps more and deeper versus than being alert or insecure that something is going to happen to him at any minutes. Last night was the first night Victor walks Samson by himself after the biting event happened at the beginning of January, Victor said it was a very pleasant walk, they walked at a faster pace than I do, about 40 minutes round trip to the next neighborhood.
Victor does not understand why he got bit by Samson before while he sees Samson now is such a nice mellow dog, I told him you really can't push an animal, it does not react to your agenda of time. Victor is naturally a pushy person, I told him he was asking too much from this dog in a very small amount of time given, and it was also my fault that I did not take the sole responsibility to train the dog well first, then introduce you into the pack. I kind of let things happen naturally which was not correct. Now I understand we have to give time --- time.
Since living here in South Florida from 2003, we visit the beach perhaps 3 times a year. Not until we got a dog, then we go to the beach every weekend. I personally do not think Samson (the dog) was brought to the beach in its 4 years of life before we adopted him. The first beach we took Samson was the quiet beach on Jupiter Island, there weren't many people, only a few fishermen around us, we saw other people with their dogs at a distance about 500 yards away. Samson was jumpy, barking at people who walk pass the shore way ahead of us, of course I kept him on the leash at all time, did not want any trouble if Samson was not calm and relax.
It's either the ocean's effect or Samson's learning ability, he started to become very calm when we take him to the beach, the second time we took him to a beach that openly allow dogs unleashed, where is one beach north of Juno Beach. Samson was allowed to walk around freely without a leash, he greeted people and dogs who walked down the stairs onto the beach.
He pees a few drop at a time in a 50 yards circle where we are sitting, which I think it's an action of marking his territory, so Victor and I were protected. ^_^ I noticed his posture when Samson meet and greet with other dogs, he held his head way up high, arch his back and never back down to any dogs regardless of their sizes. He was able to show that "Hey I am small, but I am confident and strong!" message to a chiwahwah or a great dane.
Occasionally Samson sees a dog he wants to play with, usually small dog looks similar to him such as a toy poodle or another cockapoo, then he would run around and play a little bit, but most of the time he just spend his time sniffing and thinking and peeing. He is social if he wants to, he prefers to do his own thing if he wishes.
We are going into the 10 weeks of having Samson, he is definitely improving and starting to trust us, he sleeps more and deeper versus than being alert or insecure that something is going to happen to him at any minutes. Last night was the first night Victor walks Samson by himself after the biting event happened at the beginning of January, Victor said it was a very pleasant walk, they walked at a faster pace than I do, about 40 minutes round trip to the next neighborhood.
Victor does not understand why he got bit by Samson before while he sees Samson now is such a nice mellow dog, I told him you really can't push an animal, it does not react to your agenda of time. Victor is naturally a pushy person, I told him he was asking too much from this dog in a very small amount of time given, and it was also my fault that I did not take the sole responsibility to train the dog well first, then introduce you into the pack. I kind of let things happen naturally which was not correct. Now I understand we have to give time --- time.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Dispute over pee
Victor was just saying we live at the neighborhood in peace for the last 7 years, all of a sudden we get a dog, we had argument with our neighbor.
I walk Samson everyday up and down my street, one lawn down the block is Samson's favourite because the owner of that house got 2 dogs, what happened was another neighbor located on the opposite side of this favourite house saw Samson pee and poop on that lawn. (Note: I always pick up after Samson, well I can't pick up pee.) Last week, he pretended he was going to get his mail, waited until I walked pass his side walk, sure enough Samson drops a few drizzle of pee on his bushes around the mailbox. Immediately he yelled at me: "Get your dog off my property! Walk your dog in your own property! Don't bring it here!"
"Sir, I am walking on the side walk here, this is not your property." I replied calmly.
"You are wrong! I take care of this lawn too! You can't bring your animal and pee over the neighborhood!" He is still screaming in a very annoying tone.
I started to have fire burning inside my stomach: "As long as I walk my dog with a leash and I pick up after my dog, I can walk anywhere I pleased." As I walked away, I told Samson, good boy, keep peeing!
Since this incident last week, I started to bring a cellphone with me when I walk Samson, this morning, when I walked the same route, this guy came running at me from the other end of the block while Samson pee on his mailbox pole! He was yelling: "Hey! Hey! Hey! Stop that!!!"
Immediately I called the security, reported I have been assaulted by my neighbor when I am walking my dog on the side walk, ask them to come help me at once.
I called Victor at home and he drove over to speak to this guy. Meanwhile I just waited patiently with Samson a few houses down on the street. Samson was lunging at that guy I am sure it senses the un-friendly energy towards me, I said to myself I must have to calm Samson down, the last thing I want the security people to see is my dog barking and lunging at people on our street. So I kept feeding small pieces of treat to Samson in his sit down position, he was then able to stay very calm when 2 dispatch security cars came, along with Victor's car and 3 neighbors rubber-necking.
He then declare to everybody he is an attorney, I have no rights to walk my dog on his property. I told him I did not walk on his property, I walk on the side walk and the dog sniff anywhere 4 feet from the side walk and pee as it pleases, I always pick up after my dog. Samson did go on the opposite neighbor's lawn because they have 2 dogs, my dog pick up their scent and go up to their lawn to do his business, that is not your lawn though.
The security spent a good 20 minutes to explain to this crazy guy that I can walk my dog on the side walk, my dog is allowed to pee and I did nothing wrong but he just wanted me to not let my dog pee on this bushes next to his mailbox. I said no, because that is the community's side, not his property side. Victor then tried to persuade me just skip his house and everything would be fine. I said no, this is not about his house, this is about my right. And I will stand up for it whatever it takes.
I walk Samson everyday up and down my street, one lawn down the block is Samson's favourite because the owner of that house got 2 dogs, what happened was another neighbor located on the opposite side of this favourite house saw Samson pee and poop on that lawn. (Note: I always pick up after Samson, well I can't pick up pee.) Last week, he pretended he was going to get his mail, waited until I walked pass his side walk, sure enough Samson drops a few drizzle of pee on his bushes around the mailbox. Immediately he yelled at me: "Get your dog off my property! Walk your dog in your own property! Don't bring it here!"
"Sir, I am walking on the side walk here, this is not your property." I replied calmly.
"You are wrong! I take care of this lawn too! You can't bring your animal and pee over the neighborhood!" He is still screaming in a very annoying tone.
I started to have fire burning inside my stomach: "As long as I walk my dog with a leash and I pick up after my dog, I can walk anywhere I pleased." As I walked away, I told Samson, good boy, keep peeing!
Since this incident last week, I started to bring a cellphone with me when I walk Samson, this morning, when I walked the same route, this guy came running at me from the other end of the block while Samson pee on his mailbox pole! He was yelling: "Hey! Hey! Hey! Stop that!!!"
Immediately I called the security, reported I have been assaulted by my neighbor when I am walking my dog on the side walk, ask them to come help me at once.
I called Victor at home and he drove over to speak to this guy. Meanwhile I just waited patiently with Samson a few houses down on the street. Samson was lunging at that guy I am sure it senses the un-friendly energy towards me, I said to myself I must have to calm Samson down, the last thing I want the security people to see is my dog barking and lunging at people on our street. So I kept feeding small pieces of treat to Samson in his sit down position, he was then able to stay very calm when 2 dispatch security cars came, along with Victor's car and 3 neighbors rubber-necking.
He then declare to everybody he is an attorney, I have no rights to walk my dog on his property. I told him I did not walk on his property, I walk on the side walk and the dog sniff anywhere 4 feet from the side walk and pee as it pleases, I always pick up after my dog. Samson did go on the opposite neighbor's lawn because they have 2 dogs, my dog pick up their scent and go up to their lawn to do his business, that is not your lawn though.
The security spent a good 20 minutes to explain to this crazy guy that I can walk my dog on the side walk, my dog is allowed to pee and I did nothing wrong but he just wanted me to not let my dog pee on this bushes next to his mailbox. I said no, because that is the community's side, not his property side. Victor then tried to persuade me just skip his house and everything would be fine. I said no, this is not about his house, this is about my right. And I will stand up for it whatever it takes.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
China president's arrival
The Chinese president Hu JinTao just arrived to Washington today, it is a nice gesture after President Obama visited China a few months ago in his Asian trip, on the other hand, would there be any worries about the loan that China lends to USA? President Hu openly claimed that he wishes USA keep the credit he expected to an international newspaper last year.
It is a funny thought that how the system may work related to inflation, if the inflation rate gets higher and higher, the actual value of dollar would drop then US can meet the payment easier. Well there was record that US did it to Russia, it could be done to China too, I don't see why not?! It's like hey I borrowed 10 bucks from you, if I have to pay you back 3 months later, at that time if my 10 bucks face value is 10 bucks but actual value drops to $7.5 (inflation rate), I am paying you 10 but it costs me $7.5
if this happens, it will cost American people's life, especially the poor in the country.
Anyway, Victor watches Glenn Beck all the time, sometime I think this guy is a little crazy, not that I hate what he says, I am sure what he says persuade a lot of viewers otherwise no body is watching his show, especially the far right. He was talking about how China is going so strong but our nation USA is still ahead because we have creation, innovation and a great system.... bla bla bla. Meanwhile Glenn Beck was complaining how bad the Chinese factory owners are treating their workers, they only get $300 / month... sleep with 10 people a room... work 10 hours a day...
Listen, you are a factory worker, you don't stay at an ocean view apartment with double-oven kitchen, it's like a US military soldier at the bottom level shares his room with 12 other brothers, no difference.
People always ask my point of view of this, I said it very honest to them. "If you don't go; you don't know. You think you know because someone on TV reported this to you, but the guy on TV did not know much neither, he was never there!"
Not just that many friends of mine own factories in China from garment to lighting fixture to plush toys, they hire 700 workers to 2000+ workers in China, provide housing and food in the canteen. The salary a worker gets basically go to his/her own saving so they can help out their family in the farmland somewhere or go to their own entertainment such as movie, karaoke or their choices of purchase such as a cell phone or a lipstick.
A lb of bell pepper costs US$ 2.5 in Publix supermarket, the same lb of bell pepper costs US$0.10 /lb at a vegetable stand in China;
A lb of beef for stir-fried cost US$ 5.99 in Joseph's classic market, the same cut of beef costs US$ 1.0 /lb in a butcher stand in China.
The living expenses is lower, the living standard is lower for a worker in China.
(Note: I am not talking about an expat like Victor can live on that standard, nor any management positions, they require and do earn much more $ in China. Also imported and luxury products actually cost more in China because of TAX. Once Victor's cousin who owns a bicycle factory at that time asked me to bring him some cheese from Hong Kong, I bought him a few lbs of it and it costs a fortune, almost US$50 /lb and he still wanted it, regardless of the price, because of import goods was implied heavy tax due to demand from foreigners, hey chinese eats Tofu, not cheese!)
Factory owners have to deal with currency fluctuation, competitive price quoting and maintaining a quality level of the delivered products to client. The cruel fact is if USA doesn't buy, Europe does, Australia does, the Middle East does. When I traveled to trade show years ago, buyers are from all over. That's why I don't watch much TV here in the US because the view is very narrow, you don't see or hear much from a global point of view but WE THE AMERICAN think ......... this this and that.
I am an American now, I am also a Chinese, Chinese is in my blood and American is my choice, I wish both nations well and be friendly forever and ever! Now let's hope US pays back China its debt without pumping up the inflation rate!
It is a funny thought that how the system may work related to inflation, if the inflation rate gets higher and higher, the actual value of dollar would drop then US can meet the payment easier. Well there was record that US did it to Russia, it could be done to China too, I don't see why not?! It's like hey I borrowed 10 bucks from you, if I have to pay you back 3 months later, at that time if my 10 bucks face value is 10 bucks but actual value drops to $7.5 (inflation rate), I am paying you 10 but it costs me $7.5
if this happens, it will cost American people's life, especially the poor in the country.
Anyway, Victor watches Glenn Beck all the time, sometime I think this guy is a little crazy, not that I hate what he says, I am sure what he says persuade a lot of viewers otherwise no body is watching his show, especially the far right. He was talking about how China is going so strong but our nation USA is still ahead because we have creation, innovation and a great system.... bla bla bla. Meanwhile Glenn Beck was complaining how bad the Chinese factory owners are treating their workers, they only get $300 / month... sleep with 10 people a room... work 10 hours a day...
Listen, you are a factory worker, you don't stay at an ocean view apartment with double-oven kitchen, it's like a US military soldier at the bottom level shares his room with 12 other brothers, no difference.
People always ask my point of view of this, I said it very honest to them. "If you don't go; you don't know. You think you know because someone on TV reported this to you, but the guy on TV did not know much neither, he was never there!"
Not just that many friends of mine own factories in China from garment to lighting fixture to plush toys, they hire 700 workers to 2000+ workers in China, provide housing and food in the canteen. The salary a worker gets basically go to his/her own saving so they can help out their family in the farmland somewhere or go to their own entertainment such as movie, karaoke or their choices of purchase such as a cell phone or a lipstick.
A lb of bell pepper costs US$ 2.5 in Publix supermarket, the same lb of bell pepper costs US$0.10 /lb at a vegetable stand in China;
A lb of beef for stir-fried cost US$ 5.99 in Joseph's classic market, the same cut of beef costs US$ 1.0 /lb in a butcher stand in China.
The living expenses is lower, the living standard is lower for a worker in China.
(Note: I am not talking about an expat like Victor can live on that standard, nor any management positions, they require and do earn much more $ in China. Also imported and luxury products actually cost more in China because of TAX. Once Victor's cousin who owns a bicycle factory at that time asked me to bring him some cheese from Hong Kong, I bought him a few lbs of it and it costs a fortune, almost US$50 /lb and he still wanted it, regardless of the price, because of import goods was implied heavy tax due to demand from foreigners, hey chinese eats Tofu, not cheese!)
Factory owners have to deal with currency fluctuation, competitive price quoting and maintaining a quality level of the delivered products to client. The cruel fact is if USA doesn't buy, Europe does, Australia does, the Middle East does. When I traveled to trade show years ago, buyers are from all over. That's why I don't watch much TV here in the US because the view is very narrow, you don't see or hear much from a global point of view but WE THE AMERICAN think ......... this this and that.
I am an American now, I am also a Chinese, Chinese is in my blood and American is my choice, I wish both nations well and be friendly forever and ever! Now let's hope US pays back China its debt without pumping up the inflation rate!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Learning from a dog's view
We adopted Samson for 2 full months already, during this period of time, Victor got bit 3 times and I lost patient dozens of time, eventually we've come to a better understanding among us, we bonded.
Since we cook home at least 4 nights a week, our fridge is always stocked with fresh food. As little trust as I have for commercial dog food manufacturer, I feed Samson regular human food without seasoning at night, mixed with 1/4 cup of dog food. In the morning, Samson eats dry commercial dog food. I could have taken commercial food totally out of this diet but I do not want to, I don't want Samson to get too fuzzy about food, if I have to go somewhere and send him to a boarding facility, he would be fed dry food everyday.
2 days ago, when I fed him dry food in the morning, he spitted it out. I am serious, he tasted it, rolled it around his tongue then spit it out and this action happened 3times. The end of the story, of course discipline was enforced, he eventually ate his dry dog food before he could get a hold onto any other food 8 hours later. But the moral of the story has taught me spiritually.
How many time we insist to do things our way, even our parent told us we could choose something else? Or a spiritual guardian gave us a 'head's up' in our heart that we should do something else but we insist to do it our own way?
During this training process of Samson, I have learnt and understand 2 little sentence from Proverb 3: 5-6:
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
This is a very stubborn dog with high intelligence, I see his personality is very similar to mine. How many time I think I was right and march to the direction or decision I make without truly consult my spiritual guardian? Many many times.
Just the same as Samson would run to whichever direction he pleases while we were out, without knowing the route I choose for him is the best, no cars would run him over or potential danger awaits.
We are way too often to lean on our own understanding, thinking we are so clever that we do not need to be humbled and pray, we can take care of everything. We think we know how the universe works, how money shows up in our bank account, how my body would perform when I grow older... We actually understand very little.
Don't forget we found out about DNA just merely 65 years ago and we still not 100% understand how it works. In recent study, scientists take sea-cucumber to extract their DNA and manipulate the growth of its heart chamber, it shows that DNA tells the cell how to grow and what to become, and in this case, the scientists are taking care of the DNA sequencing.
When I was little, about 7 years old, I did not understand the below scripture of how can God knows me before I was born? How can he see my unformed body?
???? This was written a few thousand years ago, we just found out about DNA a few decades ago!
Psalm 139: 13-16
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained from me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Since we cook home at least 4 nights a week, our fridge is always stocked with fresh food. As little trust as I have for commercial dog food manufacturer, I feed Samson regular human food without seasoning at night, mixed with 1/4 cup of dog food. In the morning, Samson eats dry commercial dog food. I could have taken commercial food totally out of this diet but I do not want to, I don't want Samson to get too fuzzy about food, if I have to go somewhere and send him to a boarding facility, he would be fed dry food everyday.
2 days ago, when I fed him dry food in the morning, he spitted it out. I am serious, he tasted it, rolled it around his tongue then spit it out and this action happened 3times. The end of the story, of course discipline was enforced, he eventually ate his dry dog food before he could get a hold onto any other food 8 hours later. But the moral of the story has taught me spiritually.
How many time we insist to do things our way, even our parent told us we could choose something else? Or a spiritual guardian gave us a 'head's up' in our heart that we should do something else but we insist to do it our own way?
During this training process of Samson, I have learnt and understand 2 little sentence from Proverb 3: 5-6:
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
This is a very stubborn dog with high intelligence, I see his personality is very similar to mine. How many time I think I was right and march to the direction or decision I make without truly consult my spiritual guardian? Many many times.
Just the same as Samson would run to whichever direction he pleases while we were out, without knowing the route I choose for him is the best, no cars would run him over or potential danger awaits.
We are way too often to lean on our own understanding, thinking we are so clever that we do not need to be humbled and pray, we can take care of everything. We think we know how the universe works, how money shows up in our bank account, how my body would perform when I grow older... We actually understand very little.
Don't forget we found out about DNA just merely 65 years ago and we still not 100% understand how it works. In recent study, scientists take sea-cucumber to extract their DNA and manipulate the growth of its heart chamber, it shows that DNA tells the cell how to grow and what to become, and in this case, the scientists are taking care of the DNA sequencing.
When I was little, about 7 years old, I did not understand the below scripture of how can God knows me before I was born? How can he see my unformed body?
???? This was written a few thousand years ago, we just found out about DNA a few decades ago!
Psalm 139: 13-16
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained from me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Dealing with Dominance Aggression
Dealing with Dominance Aggression:
Even Victor's closest friends who had dogs all their lives from childhood to their 60's now, do not know how to handle dominance aggression in dogs. I guess they are just lucky that no matter how vicious the dog breeds are, they always got a submissive mellow one from the litters, from Rotweiler to German Shepard to Pit Bull.
Human is sucker for a cute-looking face with big emotional eyes, I fell for it too. Samson looks just too cute to be a dog with dominance aggression, even he might be abused, he might had bad memories about men kicking him whatsoever, it was the past tense, this is NOW and animal lives in the moment, Samson has to fully understand the pack order in my household, I am in charge of everything around the house, Victor is the second pack leader, the last is Samson. The reason why he bit Victor because he does not see Victor as the second leader, he attempted to challenge his pack ranking.
By not having Samson sleeps in our bedroom, immediately he understands his pack ranking is below us. After confinement, it makes him so much calmer when he was allowed to roam free in the house when we are home. Even Victor noticed a big difference in 4 days.
Samson is as bad as a 4 years old, would test your limit. 2 days after the strict training started, he jumped on my favourite green recliner when I was by the computer, I saw something white and fluffy up there from my view. Instantly I went over to give him a hand-signal and say "off", he looked at me in a sad requesting look and remain still on the chair, I had to step one step forward to tell him off again, then he jumped off and never get up on that chair again. To deal with a dog has dominance issue, keeping the dog on ground level is very important, make sure the dog knows only the pack leader gets the best seat in the house, which is my green recliner chair!
I released his bone a day later after the first strict training day, thinking at least he can chew on his bone to get his frustration out. But soon I found he is guarding his bone when I walk near him and growls when Victor walks by, that means his possessiveness of the bone is there, that means I have to take away the bone from him. However, I can not do it in the dark, I must let him know it is me who takes away his favourite bone so I did it in front of his face, while I was taking the bone to the garage, I spoke to him firmly to explain the reason why he can't have the bone.
Animal understands, I mean not literally our language but when we speak, our tone, our emotion on the face, our energy emitting during the speech.... animal understands.
Samson happens to be a very smart dog, I figured he understands + react + response to about 30 human words, Samson understands:
his own name
sit
stay
wait
ok
yes
no
shake hand
slow
behind me / back
quiet
down
off
drop it
no mouth
come
good boy
well done
go
Shh...Shh...
go potty
go to bathroom
go to your bed
say hello
excuse me
no jumping
it would be truly a bad thing if I don't rehab Samson, just send him back to the Shelter, because he is such a smart, stubborn little bastar*. I would love to see him pass my training and test, to get to stay.
Even Victor's closest friends who had dogs all their lives from childhood to their 60's now, do not know how to handle dominance aggression in dogs. I guess they are just lucky that no matter how vicious the dog breeds are, they always got a submissive mellow one from the litters, from Rotweiler to German Shepard to Pit Bull.
Human is sucker for a cute-looking face with big emotional eyes, I fell for it too. Samson looks just too cute to be a dog with dominance aggression, even he might be abused, he might had bad memories about men kicking him whatsoever, it was the past tense, this is NOW and animal lives in the moment, Samson has to fully understand the pack order in my household, I am in charge of everything around the house, Victor is the second pack leader, the last is Samson. The reason why he bit Victor because he does not see Victor as the second leader, he attempted to challenge his pack ranking.
By not having Samson sleeps in our bedroom, immediately he understands his pack ranking is below us. After confinement, it makes him so much calmer when he was allowed to roam free in the house when we are home. Even Victor noticed a big difference in 4 days.
Samson is as bad as a 4 years old, would test your limit. 2 days after the strict training started, he jumped on my favourite green recliner when I was by the computer, I saw something white and fluffy up there from my view. Instantly I went over to give him a hand-signal and say "off", he looked at me in a sad requesting look and remain still on the chair, I had to step one step forward to tell him off again, then he jumped off and never get up on that chair again. To deal with a dog has dominance issue, keeping the dog on ground level is very important, make sure the dog knows only the pack leader gets the best seat in the house, which is my green recliner chair!
I released his bone a day later after the first strict training day, thinking at least he can chew on his bone to get his frustration out. But soon I found he is guarding his bone when I walk near him and growls when Victor walks by, that means his possessiveness of the bone is there, that means I have to take away the bone from him. However, I can not do it in the dark, I must let him know it is me who takes away his favourite bone so I did it in front of his face, while I was taking the bone to the garage, I spoke to him firmly to explain the reason why he can't have the bone.
Animal understands, I mean not literally our language but when we speak, our tone, our emotion on the face, our energy emitting during the speech.... animal understands.
Samson happens to be a very smart dog, I figured he understands + react + response to about 30 human words, Samson understands:
his own name
sit
stay
wait
ok
yes
no
shake hand
slow
behind me / back
quiet
down
off
drop it
no mouth
come
good boy
well done
go
Shh...Shh...
go potty
go to bathroom
go to your bed
say hello
excuse me
no jumping
it would be truly a bad thing if I don't rehab Samson, just send him back to the Shelter, because he is such a smart, stubborn little bastar*. I would love to see him pass my training and test, to get to stay.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Guilt
Most of the time these trainings fail because people have guilt in their mind to the dog, I am not an exception. Prompt the minute I 'timed out' Samson after he bit Victor, I worried if the dog is alright in a small room by himself, would he gets separation anxiety....bla bla bla. I then have to hit my head myself to clearly look at the big picture, the animal bites anybody is a fault, and has to be corrected immediately, I am the care-taker of this animal and I should take full responsibility to either help the dog to rehabilitation or take care of the situation. It is always easier to run away than sticking by to solve a problem, it is far more easier for me to just send Samson back to the Shelter and get another dog who is mellow. But this doesn't help the dog at all, it would be another major let-down from the human-2-legs dog to Samson the 4-legs dog. So I have to make sure 'Guilt' doesn't exist in my system, what I am doing is totally for the good of Samson.
As I read the book "Be The Pack Leader" from Cesar Millan, at the beginning it states:
---I've got news for you. Every time you humanize your dog and expect him to fulfill the position of an absent child, lover, friend, or parent in your life, you are putting unrealistic expectations on him. You are taking away his dignity, the dignity of being a dog. And a dog is part of Mother Nature, which means he is naturally wired to expect order in his life, to expect that he must work for food and must follow the rules and guidelines of an orderly social system, under the watch of a trusted pack leader.
If your dog was adopted from a rescue organization, you create a story, that he had such a traumatic experience in his past placements that he will never be able to forget the terrible abuse he suffered during those dark, lonely years before he met you. So of course, he will never be stable, and you should not complain, but instead, remain tolerant and feel really sorry for him when he pees all over your sofa whenever you turn the television on. How could you criticize him when he bites anyone who comes near his toy, knowing what he's been through in his short but traumatic life? You decide you have to pay the price to live with an unstable dog, because of everything that happened to him before. You owe it to him.
The truth about dog is, they don't feel bad about the past. They don't dwell on their bad memories. Dogs live in the moment. If they feel safe and secure in the moment, then any past conditioned behavior can be re-conditioned, provided we give our time, our patience, and our consistency.---
Structure, Rules, Boundaries, Discipline and Respect, these are the 5 major goal throughout the Rehab Program I decided for Samson. If he successfully get through this, he will earn his honor to be part of the pack.
As I read the book "Be The Pack Leader" from Cesar Millan, at the beginning it states:
---I've got news for you. Every time you humanize your dog and expect him to fulfill the position of an absent child, lover, friend, or parent in your life, you are putting unrealistic expectations on him. You are taking away his dignity, the dignity of being a dog. And a dog is part of Mother Nature, which means he is naturally wired to expect order in his life, to expect that he must work for food and must follow the rules and guidelines of an orderly social system, under the watch of a trusted pack leader.
If your dog was adopted from a rescue organization, you create a story, that he had such a traumatic experience in his past placements that he will never be able to forget the terrible abuse he suffered during those dark, lonely years before he met you. So of course, he will never be stable, and you should not complain, but instead, remain tolerant and feel really sorry for him when he pees all over your sofa whenever you turn the television on. How could you criticize him when he bites anyone who comes near his toy, knowing what he's been through in his short but traumatic life? You decide you have to pay the price to live with an unstable dog, because of everything that happened to him before. You owe it to him.
The truth about dog is, they don't feel bad about the past. They don't dwell on their bad memories. Dogs live in the moment. If they feel safe and secure in the moment, then any past conditioned behavior can be re-conditioned, provided we give our time, our patience, and our consistency.---
Structure, Rules, Boundaries, Discipline and Respect, these are the 5 major goal throughout the Rehab Program I decided for Samson. If he successfully get through this, he will earn his honor to be part of the pack.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Ambitous plan
Belows are the dominance sign Samson shows, I have to educate him with proper training: Ambitous plan of mine ~~~
Growls when being approached while chewing his bone or playing his toy ==> all toys were confiscated for 3 days, will be released one at a time if Samson shows good manner, to educate the dog these toys come from me, I own it, I let him play with it and I can take it away anytime I want to. The dog has no right to growl at me or any members of the family.
Bite Victor ==> Victor agrees to retreat and let me solely handle the training, I am relieved, because I can train the dog, I can't train Victor.
Under any circumstances, a dog should never lay a tooth on a family member's skin.
I love Samson and we bonded, but it is unfair to Victor if I bring an animal into the house who does not like to be petted at where or what schedule of the day, the last resort would be letting him go. I emailed the shelter and let them know what happened so they have a record. Samson's privilege of sitting on my recliner / sleeping in the bedroom / playing all his toys were stripped, he has to understand who owns everything around and who gives him a roof to sleep in, be grateful.
Pulling on a leash, cutting me across the pathway during our walk ==> instead of enjoying the freedom of using a retractable leash, Samson is back on a choked training leash only 5 foot long in order to keep the dog close to my side during walk, whenever Samson attempts to walk ahead of me, he will be gently tucked on the choked leash to tell him to stay behind me and walk by my side. I am the leader, not him. Same rules go to walk in to a door / entrance / staircase.
Enjoying a good life like everybody does, why do I have to listen to these 2 legs dogs?! ==> Strictly implement "Nothing in Life is Free" program, the dog has to sit or obey a command before he can get a treat or go for a walk. He has to know who is in charge and listen, he does not have to like it but just comply. Samson is no longer allow on my recliner chair with plush pillow and throw, I told him to get off this morning and we had a stand off for about 30 seconds, then he jumped off and never get back on the chair again.
He has to be kept on ground level, not elevated like he thinks he enjoys equal level of luxury like the 2 legs dogs around here.
Sleeping with the pack ==> This privilege will be taken away, Samson will now sleep on his bed in the laundry room by himself, water will be available 24/7 but no 'walk around wherever you want to' freedom unless the 2 legs dogs are present. In short, Samson will be confined. So he understands freedom is at a cost if only he behaves.
Sitting in the middle of the walkway or entrance to the room ==> "Excuse Me" program, is not to avoid the dog but directly walk by the dog to force the dog to move out of my way. This way the dog has to move when I walk by, not me moving away when the dog is there. The dog has to know, he has to watch where I am; I don't have to watch where he is lying down.
Begging for food at dinner table ==> He will get food at his bowl or kitchen only, we make an invisible border line outside the dining room, whenever he comes close to that line, will be directed outside the dining room in a 'sit' position.
The two things would not be changed are food and exercise, Samson will receive the same level of good food and one hour of walk everyday.
Samson will only be petted or offered with special treats while he execute good behavior.
Growls when being approached while chewing his bone or playing his toy ==> all toys were confiscated for 3 days, will be released one at a time if Samson shows good manner, to educate the dog these toys come from me, I own it, I let him play with it and I can take it away anytime I want to. The dog has no right to growl at me or any members of the family.
Bite Victor ==> Victor agrees to retreat and let me solely handle the training, I am relieved, because I can train the dog, I can't train Victor.
Under any circumstances, a dog should never lay a tooth on a family member's skin.
I love Samson and we bonded, but it is unfair to Victor if I bring an animal into the house who does not like to be petted at where or what schedule of the day, the last resort would be letting him go. I emailed the shelter and let them know what happened so they have a record. Samson's privilege of sitting on my recliner / sleeping in the bedroom / playing all his toys were stripped, he has to understand who owns everything around and who gives him a roof to sleep in, be grateful.
Pulling on a leash, cutting me across the pathway during our walk ==> instead of enjoying the freedom of using a retractable leash, Samson is back on a choked training leash only 5 foot long in order to keep the dog close to my side during walk, whenever Samson attempts to walk ahead of me, he will be gently tucked on the choked leash to tell him to stay behind me and walk by my side. I am the leader, not him. Same rules go to walk in to a door / entrance / staircase.
Enjoying a good life like everybody does, why do I have to listen to these 2 legs dogs?! ==> Strictly implement "Nothing in Life is Free" program, the dog has to sit or obey a command before he can get a treat or go for a walk. He has to know who is in charge and listen, he does not have to like it but just comply. Samson is no longer allow on my recliner chair with plush pillow and throw, I told him to get off this morning and we had a stand off for about 30 seconds, then he jumped off and never get back on the chair again.
He has to be kept on ground level, not elevated like he thinks he enjoys equal level of luxury like the 2 legs dogs around here.
Sleeping with the pack ==> This privilege will be taken away, Samson will now sleep on his bed in the laundry room by himself, water will be available 24/7 but no 'walk around wherever you want to' freedom unless the 2 legs dogs are present. In short, Samson will be confined. So he understands freedom is at a cost if only he behaves.
Sitting in the middle of the walkway or entrance to the room ==> "Excuse Me" program, is not to avoid the dog but directly walk by the dog to force the dog to move out of my way. This way the dog has to move when I walk by, not me moving away when the dog is there. The dog has to know, he has to watch where I am; I don't have to watch where he is lying down.
Begging for food at dinner table ==> He will get food at his bowl or kitchen only, we make an invisible border line outside the dining room, whenever he comes close to that line, will be directed outside the dining room in a 'sit' position.
The two things would not be changed are food and exercise, Samson will receive the same level of good food and one hour of walk everyday.
Samson will only be petted or offered with special treats while he execute good behavior.
Back to square one - Samson
Samson bit Victor again last night, this was the first time when I was present, but I wasn't looking I was cooking at the stove in the kitchen. Victor was watching the show "Dog's whisperer" from Caser Millan, he then try to show what he can do to the dog in front of his two friends from Connecticut, while the dog was minding his own business in a DOWN position chewing his bone, Victor walked upon him with a pushing hand signal and approach to pet his chin, the dog did not give warning growl and bit Victor at the thumb area.
Immediately I yelled at Samson and confined him in the laundry room with his crate door opened. It's the dog's fault that he bites, however, it is also Victor's fault that he did not give Samson the space. That's what I said to him afterward:
"You have 2 friends over for dinner at the house, instead of talking to your friends, have a glass of wine, enjoy a TV show together; you had to brag about how you tamed the dog, I wasn't there watching but I was listening as I was cooking, for over 20 minutes you were bugging the dog with sort of your 'tame the animal energy' and try to imitate what Caser Millan did to the dogs, but let's not forget Caser went to help dog owners who own the dog for years, this dog has been here for 6 weeks only!!! "
This is the third time it happened, last time when I was playing golf with friends, Samson bit Victor when I was not home, I could not discipline Samson after so many hours, I have to do it right at that second after it happens.
I have a thought in my mind to bring Samson back to the shelter, but again I still think he can be trained, and we bonded. The problem is I can't train Victor.
Samson has to go back to square one as far as training is concerned, he has to understand who is in charge in this household, the next page is a list would be implemented momentarily:
Immediately I yelled at Samson and confined him in the laundry room with his crate door opened. It's the dog's fault that he bites, however, it is also Victor's fault that he did not give Samson the space. That's what I said to him afterward:
"You have 2 friends over for dinner at the house, instead of talking to your friends, have a glass of wine, enjoy a TV show together; you had to brag about how you tamed the dog, I wasn't there watching but I was listening as I was cooking, for over 20 minutes you were bugging the dog with sort of your 'tame the animal energy' and try to imitate what Caser Millan did to the dogs, but let's not forget Caser went to help dog owners who own the dog for years, this dog has been here for 6 weeks only!!! "
This is the third time it happened, last time when I was playing golf with friends, Samson bit Victor when I was not home, I could not discipline Samson after so many hours, I have to do it right at that second after it happens.
I have a thought in my mind to bring Samson back to the shelter, but again I still think he can be trained, and we bonded. The problem is I can't train Victor.
Samson has to go back to square one as far as training is concerned, he has to understand who is in charge in this household, the next page is a list would be implemented momentarily:
Saturday, January 1, 2011
ADHD
First of all, wish everyone a happy and healthy new year of 2011. A friend from Hong Kong just emailed me a photo we took together with 4 girlfriends together, wow I looked so young and that was 13 years ago, time flies, enjoy the moment now!
It has been 6 weeks since I took Samson the white cockapoo dog from the shelter, he has been doing good, there were a few accident but everything is under control now. He bit Victor twice and now they made up let's hope for the best, that they can live under one roof together. I gave Samson a serious talk that if he raise his tooth one more time, he is out of here, so that was the ultimatum for him, I guess he knows when I said that. I believe dog can read your mind, I mean not so much of reading your mind what sentence you just said to yourself, but they feel your emotion if you are tense or if you are mad or if you are disappointed....etc. They have the sixth sense.
I must have read over 20 books from the library related to dog behaviour, dog training or general communication with animal. Don't dare to say I know a lot but I certainly have learnt a lot more than I was 2 months ago. I can see a piece of joy at the depth of Samson's eye now, he actually look happy! I mean he looks much happier than I first met him.
If I would have to rate this dog again, he is a terrific dog with ADHD, has his own mind and selective hearing but very smart and loyal if he finds the leader he admires, it seems to me that I have become his pack leader, Victor tightly followed as the second. Right now we are trying to help Samson deal with anxiety over fast-moving golf cart or fast-moving bicycle while we are walking him, so he can stay calm all the way.
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