Lunar New Year

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” ― Oprah Winfrey

Me on Feb 18, 2024  

Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou!  That means, "Happy New Year" in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.  

I am of three cultures, Ilocano, French-Canadian, and Korean.  I was raised with two New Year's celebrations.  Mom always called it the Korean New Year, but as I got older I learned other Asians celebrated it and have other names for it.  Most people I knew, called it Chinese New Year or Tet.  I just call it Lunar New Year to be more inclusive to all people who celebrate.  

This time of year, people usually put money in a red envelope as a gift.  The Chinese have a phonetic saying, "Gung hey fat choy," which does not mean "Happy New Year," but more along the lines of "have more money."  How cool is that?  

It's like Christmas all over again.  Gift-giving and well-wishes.  I was able to give to a woman I befriended when I lived in Oregon.  She lost her teenaged son to gun violence a few months back (article).  And then someone stole her clothes off her clothesline, so her younger children had no winter coats and she lost all her scrubs for work.  I wish people would take into consideration that some people are really struggling in life and financially, and that taking from others is damaging them more.  According to her surveillance camera footage, it was a teenager who stole the clothes.  

I hope that my little bit of money, which was basically money earned from a gratuity, can be used for warm coats.  I hope everyone does better this year.  If January 1st wasn't the beginning of a New Year, at least we have February to start again.

새해 복 많이 받으세요 (Happy New Year in Korean)

Christmas 2023

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!” ― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

2023 is a bittersweet Christmas and is probably my mother's last Christmas with us.  That's our reality.  Every day could be her last, in this End-Stage Alzheimer's.  There's just no way to know as she gets more forgetful (not just in memory, but in how to physically function).  She also has become weaker by the day.  We are also both sick as well.

To me, it was very important that her family be there for Christmas, even though I have flu-like symptoms.  It isn't about me.  Time is all my mom has left.  I wish people would put their differences aside and think about my mom, instead of whatever it is they are mad about.  Shamefully, not everyone came over.  It was expected, but still hoped for something different.  It is what it is.  We still had fun.

We bought lots of food, and spent hours cooking.  But, we made the best of our Christmas.  This Christmas included my mom, my sister Jeri, her boyfriend Geoffrey, my children's father Mike, my two sons Kalib and Christopher, my husband Trevor, and myself.  Small and intimate.  

Our endeared neighbors Shawn and Katie also came over for a short time.  They had their family to visit.  They gave us an extremely soft and beautiful, fuzzy, faux fur blanket.  We gave them wine.  

My mom has been lying down a lot.  She doesn't have much of an appetite these days.  She can barely have a conversation.  I made her sit up for Christmas.  She was happy to have us around her.  She was showered with gifts.  I only wanted to share a handful of the many photos we took.  I'm glad I took photos and video (which I won't share).  

Geoffrey got his Cowboy's football for future autographs from me and Trevor.

Mike got a special hoodie made with recycled bottles from me and Trevor.

Three Generations photo with my sons and their grandmother and me.  We've never taken a Christmas picture with her before.

Trevor giving my sister the bird finger for this idea of wrapping each sock individually and tying them together tightly with ribbon.

My mom and her Christmas socks.  She's always cold.  It's a symptom of her Alzheimer's progression.

A Moai glass vase my sister got me for my plants.

Money from me and Trevor, so Jeri could get her nails done after her cast comes off.

Surprisingly, my daughter sent us a gift.  A projector. 

A cookbook on Edibles for Trevor the cannabis enthusiast.

Christopher's pajamas from me and Trevor.

Almond cookies from Santa (of course it was me).  Santa Claus used to give all my children cookies every year.  I haven't forgotten.

A teeshirt for Christopher from Trevor and me.

Breakfast

My brother Tommy came over for an early 4th of July mini-vacation.  He got Trevor a propane grill for Christmas of 2022.

Trevor finally put it to use and breakfast was delicious.  We had an abundance of bacon and eggs.

My Gift Arrived

My son Christopher got me a Christmas gift for the first time as an adult.  I have not received a gift from my children since childhood when they would come home from school with crafts wrapped up in festive tissue paper.  After my separation from their father, I lost everything, including all the little ornaments they made me at school.  I'll forever be saddened by that.

I was always very sentimental about their things, including their baby teeth and little handprints.  

On a lighter note, it was so cool to receive gifts from my boys this past Christmas.  Christopher gave me a gift card to Amazon and this is what I chose.  I needed a new pair of slides.

I needed "sandals" that I could wear socks with, because I like being able to slide my feet into shoes really quickly if I need to go outside, but it's been so cold, that I need socks on.  

These were perfect and I love the colors.

New Ornaments

“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” ― Bob Hope

My mother-in-law, Jodie, is the best.  She always sends us a Mele Kalikimaka or an Island Heritage ornament every year.  This year, she's been in Washington but still lives in Hawaii.  She went back to Hawaii and picked us up two cute ornaments.  One is the Lucky Cat and the other is Santa and Mrs. Claus.  I actually had the exact Santa and Mrs. Claus ornament on my Amazon Wishlist, so I went ahead and deleted it.  I'm so excited.  This year, we will be living in a new place and hope to be able to use my Christmas ornaments if we can get unpacked soon enough.

Christmas Eve and Christmas 2021

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ” ― Norman Vincent Peale

 So, we first went up to Washington to visit with our friend Pedro on Christmas Eve.  We met Pedro through the internet, and he's got a bunch of wonderful children.  He said he was invited back to the north part of Oregon to a friend's home for Christmas.  The friend's name is Izzy.  Izzy's home was very eccentric.  

We sang on the Karaoke machine, ate a wonderful dinner, and then headed back to Washington.  Because it was late and cold, we slept at Pedro's home.  Pedro served us a nice breakfast made with duck eggs and chorizo for Christmas breakfast. Then we stopped by my nephew Daniel's home in Gladstone, Oregon. My nephew Daniel's girlfriend Pam and my niece Anya made Christmas sugar cookies. Pam gave us cookies for our trip home. They are too cute to eat.

Gifts from Tenants

“Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind. ” ― Mary Ellen Chase

I am so grateful for the tenants I've met that appreciate us in the office here in Salem, Oregon.  Here are a couple things that were brought to the office.  It makes up for not being around my family during the holidays...a teensy bit.  

One made a bunch of cookies and the other gave me a mug and socks.

Christmas Gift 2021

“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” ― Charles M. Schulz

I work at an RV Park in Salem, Oregon and eventually got to know some of the tenants.  I had a very sweet tenant named Crystal.  She gave me a gift.  It was a pretty purple and white crocheted afghan. She also gave me christmas socks.  

How thoughtful.  

Gift for Trevor

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” ― Calvin Coolidge

Trevor saw this teeshirt on a Facebook ad and thought it was funny.  He reshared the advertisement and said, "Want."  I didn't think anything of it.  

Well, our friend, Daniel, came by our apartment and bought two, one for him and one for Trevor.  

Of course, Trevor had to put it on to be twinsies with Daniel.

Gifts from a Tenant

“A lovely thing about Christmas is that it's compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together.” ― Garrison Keillor, Leaving Home

Today, one of my RV tenants, stopped by to give me my late Christmas gift.  It was an ornament of a trailer and a pair of men's socks.  I will regift the socks to Trevor as they will fit him better.  I don't know how I got so lucky in meeting such wonderful people.  I haven't been around such warm-hearted people in all my life.

More gifts from Tenants

“Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.” ― Eric Severeid

 

When I got back to my job at the RV Park, I noticed I had more gifts.  One of the tenants got it to me after I had already left for work.  So, I had a couple new gifts waiting.  Gosh, I really do like my tenants.  These came from Gail.

Gift from Hawaii

“Santa Claus has nothing to do with it," the latke said. "Christmas and Hanukah are completely different things." "But different things can often blend together," said the pine tree. "Let me tell you a funny story about pagan rituals.” ― Lemony Snicket, The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming: A Christmas Story

 

Trevor's daughters' mother Maile sent us a gift for Christmas from Hawaii.  I put a bow on it and put it under the tree. Meanwhile, Reeses and Kikiks the mother-daughter dog duo were excited to see what I brought in from outside. 

Christmas Candy

“It was the beginning of the greatest Christmas ever. Little food. No presents. But there was a snowman in their basement.” ― Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

 It's my first year at the RV Park, and one of the tenants, Donna, gave me these treats to take home.  How kind!  It really makes me feel blessed for working with such an awesome team and grateful tenants.

Tropical Tree Skirt

“Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends.” ― Margaret Thatcher

I had this tropical tree skirt on my Amazon Wishlist.  My sister, Jeri, ordered it for me for my birthday, and it came in time for Christmas.  Our roommate, Biany, already has a tree and tree skirt up.  Oh well, next year.

I'm determined to do a tropical tree, reminiscent of Hawaii, where my wonderful fiance is from.  

We have begun our Mele Kalikimaka and Island Traditions ornament collection to add to our future Christmases.  

Oh, how I love the season!

Green Bay Packers Ornament

“I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world.” ― Norman Vincent Peale

I ordered these Green Bay Packers NFL ornaments in Trevor's tradition of a new ornament every year.  I received them tonight.  

I know when he comes back to Oregon, he will appreciate our first Packers ornament.  It's our team.  I wish I could use them, but I won't till he comes back.

I can't wait to see his reaction.

Christmas 2019

“Were I a philosopher, I should write a philosophy of toys, showing that nothing else in life need to be taken seriously, and that Christmas Day in the company of children is one of the few occasions on which men become entirely alive.” ― Robert Lynd

 

My nephew Daniel, knowing how depressed I have been, decided to pick me up from Salem and take me to his place in Portland for Christmas.  They had a gift under their tree for me and I had a gift for them.  They gave me a Bath and Bodyworks Winter Apple trio (and it smells so good).  I got Daniel a Green Bay Packer's throw blanket and Pam some European chocolates.  I was just happy to be around family, even if just one family member.  In Trevor's tradition, I got us a Green Bay Packer's ornament for a future Christmas tree.

Christopher's Christmas Jacket

“I manage a toast to the Christmas tree
and one to the sweet absurdity
in the miracle of the verb to be.
Lucky you, lucky me.”
― Miller Williams

While in Oregon, I ordered some gifts for my children in California.  My son, Christopher, gave me the wrong size.  So, when he opened his gift for Christmas 2018, his jacket was too small.  My sister, Jeri, exchanged the jacket to one that fit him better.  

Here is my handsome son with his jacket in January of 2019, when it finally got to him.  He looks cozy.  California winters are not nearly as freezing as Oregon winters.  

I'd rather be in Hawaii for a tropical Christmas under a palm tree.

Christmas in California

“Christmas is a bridge. We need bridges as the river of time flows past. Today's Christmas should mean creating happy hours for tomorrow and reliving those of yesterday.” ― Gladys Bagg Taber

 My sister, Jeri, decorates and feeds the family every year for the year-end holidays.  Here are a couple pictures she sent me while I was in Oregon.

Late Christmas

“It comes every year and will go on forever. And along with Christmas belong the keepsakes and the customs. Those humble, everyday things a mother clings to, and ponders, like Mary in the secret spaces of her heart.” ― Marjorie Holmes

My sister, Jeri, sent me an Amazon gift card for Christmas while I was living in Makaha Valley, Hawaii.  I moved to Kalihi in January 2017.  Our home didn't have some essentials which were our mugs, cooking knives, and a cutting board.  It was a gift card well spent.  

Mele Kalikimaka

“I stood for almost an hour in a line of shuffling, bitter-eyed late mailers (Christmas is such a carefree, low - pressure time - that's one of the things I love about it),...” ― Stephen King

Trevor, received a tiny, decorated bag at work from his Filipino co-workers.  The bag is kind of feminine, so he passed it on to me.

The contents were two boxes of whitening soap, by a company called Magical!  I was like, "What are you trying to tell me?"  He said, "Nothing.  I just saw two little soaps with a chick on it and thought I would give it to you."

What a sweetie pie for thinking of me.

What baffles me about this soap is the precedence of self-hate that darker completed Asians feel the need to lighten their skin.  Having grown up in beach cities of southern California, I loved a tan or "healthy glow" from having some sun light.  Lightening my skin has never been a thought that crossed my mind.

I love my freckles and beauty marks.  It makes me unique.  As the song goes..."A face without freckles is like a sky without stars."  Needless to say, that was an interesting gift.

The girls I live with had an explosive Christmas.  Their living room was so full of gift wrap when they were done, it looked like Christmas threw up all over.  I enjoyed watching the kids open their gifts.  It's the first Christmas without my children.  It warmed my heart a little to hear the squeals of grateful children on Christmas morning.  They call Trevor "Uncle Trevor" even though he's not biologically their uncle or even married into their family.  It's called "hanai" family, meaning an unofficial adoptive family member.

He got them a Mickey Mouse popcorn maker to share.  I love to see genuinely grateful children.

I didn't think I'd get a gift for Christmas, because to some, I was bad in 2016.  I just had a break-up from my kids father, and we were together for 21 years.  It will come to fruition, the blessing it was that we separated because in the end, good things will come for both of us.  We just don't know it, yet.

I live in Makaha Valley.  It's a small town on the far west side of O'ahu, Hawaii.  The neighbor girl across the street received a goat for Christmas.  It was the cutest thing I'd ever seen, yet.  

But, I did receive gifts.  I received a handmade quilt by Trevor's mom, Jodie.  Valerie gave us a personalized glass Christmas ornament.  Trevor bought me a my first Mele Kalikimaka ornament as is tradition in his family (giving an ornament every year).  He also gave me a rose, after driving an hour to come see me.  It certainly made a bittersweet Christmas a bit better.