Guardians of the Galaxy (Movie, 2014)

This movie had an extremely rare combination of action, adventure, comedy, CGI, drama, makeup, and creativity that you almost never see come out of Hollywood. Chris Pratt was a pleasant surprise, but not enough to carry the movie. 

Half day at the Knott's Berry Farm

We only came here to see the crowds. No rides, shows, shopping, even foods. Strolled, strolled and strolled in the park for 1.5 hours and left. Eventually, we had a nice dim-sum lunch at 利苑 in Monterey Park.

You don't have to have too many sets of practices, no matter how brilliant and how positive they sound. They are just like when we eat food - we can eat only one mouthful at a time, no more than that. So we have to practice one mindfully at a time. 

By doing this constantly at a good rate, just like maintaining a good diet, it becomes meaningful and beneficial, it helps to reduce anxieties, stress - and finally we are able to live a very exciting 21st century life.

Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje

My Year in Photos, generated by Google+

https://plus.google.com/photos/105315051989778304257/yearinphotos2014?authkey=CIj2kvSU5IboJQ

Maleficent (2014, Movie)

Although I'm not a big Angelina fan, I think she did a fantastic job with this role. The story begins with a young Maleficent who is NOT the villain. She is betrayed in such a horrific way (and this scene is gut-wrenching) that she hardens her heart. Watch out the twist on the original story though.

Whenever you feel a little bit confused and lost, always go back to the teachings, always go back to the practice. It also helps to go back to the life stories of great Bodhisattvas, to revisit these great beings, for they are great examples. 

-- Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje

Bodhigaya, the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, is also where all the Bodhisattvas meet to participate in the Grand Auspicious Kagyu Monlam 2014 , praying for world peace and auspiciousness for all sentient beings . This also include prayers for the swift rebirth of our precious guru Shamarpa.

Even Buddhas require teachers. There is no Buddha without a teacher. 
-- Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje

(His Holiness Karmapa Thaye Dorje in Taiwan)

LAPD Xmas party

Wu Liang won the reward of "Employee of the year 2014" in their division. I too share the honor and got invited to their Xmas party, free of charge. On top of it, I even won a raffle gift of "snack basket".

The atmosphere of the Ice House has a rustic vintage feel to it. The food there is not great, not mentioning the poor service. Stage 2, where we had lunch, feels more intimate. Due to its function of being a comedy house, the room is so stuffed and not designed to house 100+ restaurant guests. However, the comedians' performances are good.

My new bidet

Everyone needs one in their home and it's a joy to use! Fit and finish are very good and we hope it will last a long time, since it is a big expense.

Holiday gathering luncheon at Anthenaeum, Cal. Tech. Pasadena

The Athenaeum in Pasadena is modeled after the one in London. Yes, even Albert Einstein has dined here. The actual architecture and venue itself is gorgeous and very elegant. This place is simply phenomenal especially during the holiday season; however, this is for members only, not open to public.” We also learned that they change their menu items so it may not be the same every week. 

We had a wonderful time enjoying the lite lunch and the ambience while mingling with all the volunteers and/or family/friends. all of us got the express lunch buffet ($14), plus the famous liquor ice cream dessert. 

May you see the wonder of the season

As the holiday season approaches, we want to thank everyone for his/her loyalty. It's a bliss to connect us to the people that matter most and to the wonder of the holiday season. It's also the season for giving and good cheer.

Please enjoy this greeting, along with our best wishes for you and your loved ones.

Happy holidays from us. 

An Old-Fashioned Holiday at the Queen Anne Cottage at Arboretum

Waited a long line for the tours and it's well worth it. Strolled down memory land and viewed treasures and furnishings normally seen only through the windows of the charming Victorian-era cottage. The dwelling, decorated in its’ Christmas finery, has become a Southland tradition for holiday visitors. I did learn about the history of the Queen Anne Cottage.

What is Laksa

Laksa is a popular spicy noodle soup in the Peranakan cuisine, which is a combination of Chinese and Malay cuisine. It can be found in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

Here are the samples of the authentic Laksa noodle soup we enjoyed at Yuing Yuen's house. Yummy!

My turning point: Leaving Lightning Tai-Chi (雷霆門太極)

12/11/2014
邢老師,

經過六年的薰陶, 對於太極拳有了基本認知; 加上老師及助教們傾力教導, 打下一丁點基礎. 目前外務煩雜, 疏於練習, 漸漸怠惰, 更由於心理感到彈性疲乏, 告訴自己: 該休整一番, 再重新出發, 來面對挑戰.

感謝老師數年來誨人不倦, 因材施教. 學生暫時離開雷霆門, 給自己一個全新的開始，只要信心在，勇氣就在；努力在，成功就在。

佳節快樂!

12/12/2014

Carol:
謝謝妳這些年幾乎從不間斷的支持雷霆門，也暸解妳遇到瓶頸的心情。
每當一個好學生要離開，身為太極拳導師的我，就必須要再一次面對太極那陰的一面。
寬心的去調適自己的生活吧！
只要妳身體健康，就不要為(暫時)這兩個字，留下負擔。
祝福                                      老師

Holiday spirit at home

Anemone day at Huntington Library