2012

I know 2012 has been playing for quite a while now but for many reasons P and I never got a chance to go until last night (after our wonderful Toshi meal =p ). We thought they would still be playing at the Scotiabank theatre downtown; the place was busy enough but 2012 was no longer showing there. Instead, it was playing at Cinema 7 on Granville. Yes, that run-down heritage look-alike building on Granville. But we were determined to see the movie and for a Tuesday deal of $5.99 per ticket, we were not turning back. Heck, we even managed to fit in some late night shopping at Adidas across the street before the movie! Everything was 50% off there! Anyway, I will get back to the movie.

When we entered the theatre, we were the only ones there 15 mins prior to showing; I was actually scared and made P promise he would wait for me directly in front of the door within close proximity while I went to the washroom. Fortunately, a few more joined us...I'd say we had about 20 viewers.

The movie did not disappoint. It was literally action-packed...almost every minute of the 150 minutes. P usually sleeps at the theatre but he didn't at all during this one. It was almost too eventful the whole time that I had a headache afterwards. Other than some parts of obvious exaggeration of impossibility, I did enjoy the occasionally humourous and advanturous movie. Of course, for such an action movie, the effect is much better watching at a theatre but if you somehow missed it like us, waiting for the blue-ray dvd to be played with your own quality stereo system is not a bad idea either.

Toshi

Ever since 2 years ago, I've been meaning to visit this tiny little sushi restaurant on 16th and Main. I used to pass by there at 5ish on Monday nights on my way to my aerobics class when I see this long line up in front of a tiny corner unit. It really caught my eye since I was thinking it must be some good food if people are lining up for it on a cold Monday during the winter.

However, a few months ago, I read a food blog written by my friend about this same restaurant and he had specifically said that though the food was good, it was not worth the hype and long line up. As a result, I didn't push P to go try this place with me.

Yesterday, we finally had the chance to go try Toshi since we were nearby around 4:30. Yes, the line up already started at this time on a Tuesday evening. Yet, P and I thought that since there were only 4 people in line and we didn't want to eat the cold for 30 minutes...we took a walk around the block then came back...wow...what a difference. By 4:45pm, there were already 32 people in the line. Trust me, I know the exact number because the restaurant can only hold 30 seats and 2 people were ahead of us plus many after us that had to wait an extra 35 minutes or so for the 2nd seating.

Though I've read both good and bad reviews about this place, I have to say that this was one of my best Japanese food experience in Vancouver for the price. Perhaps those who didn't enjoy it as much didn't order the right food? maybe service is inconsistent at times? I'm not sure but I would definitely go back to this place. Some great eats we tried last night plus ones we heard were good include the black cod, fried? eggplant, chopped scallop cone (never had such fresh scallop), agedashi tofu, uni, bbq eel sushi, etc. These choices may sound ordinary but each of these tasted much better than what I've had at other restaurants.

Santa's Delivery

Although teaching would never be a profession one would enter to get rich, as cliche as it sounds, it is a rewarding profession. Especially in elementary school, the students and the various activities we do together help one stay young at heart and spirit...for me anyway.

Besides mental and spiritual fulfillment, of course, sometimes there are physical rewards too! Around Christmas time, my students are like Santa and his elves, who shower me with wonderful gifts. This year is no different. In fact, I had so many gifts my coworker had to help me carry a box of them. I truly hope that this actually means both the parents and the students appreciate my existence and teaching in the class. And this does not mean they all felt they had to give me something to show their appreciation; I like them nonetheless.

Amongst the many gifts, I think P liked the hockey tickets the best. I thought the individual shoe ornaments, the shoe spreader set and my 2010 shoe calendar were the most thoughtful since my students noticed how I liked shoes and the numerous pairs I have! I even received shoe-shaped chocolates! Who needs to go shopping when Santa already made his delivery?!?

December in Our Town

Every few years, our wonderful music teacher at school puts on a big school performance for the parents and students together with another equally musically talented teacher. This year's was a musical called "December in Our Town." Of course, with any big production, it becomes quite stressful; as a result, various teachers volunteered to supervise student rehearsals and help out with individual dances and scenes in the play. I was very honoured to take part in this year's play, helping out with the Innkeeper scene of Mary and Joesph looking for a place to stay with the unborn child. As well, I also helped out backstage during the dress rehearsals and 1 of the 2 nights of performance. As predicted, the concert turned out fabulous: the actors, dancers, and choir did not disappoint.

I was also fortunate enough to be able to help the school take photos (click Student Life @ left margin) of this event as well as update our school website, so needless to say, I did that right away. All the beautiful dances beyond acting were touching and wonderful, including The Season of Hope, Kwanza Celebration, Bollywood Celebration, etc. I was especially impressed with all the choreography, the Bollywood costumes, sound effects of our backstage crew as well as our students playing the African drums for the Kwanza celebration song. If you have time, also check out the other event photos at our school!

The 70 tradition

My dad's birthday passed by recently and it was after the fact that I realized from some of our elderly that it's supposedly Chinese tradition to have the children treat parents to a "big meal deal" when they turn 70?!? Anyway, we did not follow the tradition but had a great night nonetheless.

As much as I value some Chinese traditions and try my best to give respect to my elderly, I truly believe that not all traditions must be followed as long as we respect the people we love and show that in our own ways. So if the main character was happy in the end, then that's all that matters.

Kitchen works

P and I cook 3-4 times a week despite our laziness of all the preparations and clean-up. I've noticed that we've both had subtle and gradual improvements in our everyday cooking. The following are some of my recent quick dishes:

This is eggplant stir-fried with chicken, mushroom and don't know what the black strips are called in English...

Left dish: Vegetarian meat stir-fried with tomato and fish tofu.
Right dish: steamed egg

Chicken curry with onions, carrots and mushroom