On spending money

I still remember when $20 in my pocket covered for three-week expenses, and that was when I was in college. Back then, life was simple and comfortable. I had no "real" income, so I had no need for big expenses - A peace of mind.

When I started working after college, I would buy anything. Clothing, accessories, food and stuff, whatever fits my fancy at the spur of the moment. I was, for lack of a better phrase, a little spending machine. I seemed to be always one pair of new shoes away from happiness. Over a few years, home is cluttered with piles of things, unused makeups, dresses that still have tags on.

Now, I am more picky on things I use and food that I eat. I tend to spend my money on things I really like and enjoy, even though they may be expensive, instead of spending money on some random things just for kicks.

Growing up is a strange thing, because once a while when you look back you could see a clear path from then to now, and there is a reason why you become who you are.

Dishes we made well

Hummus - Jack
Thai green curry paste and homemade green curry - Jack and Ying
Thanksgiving meal - Jack

• Roast turkey, gravy
  
• Wild rice casserole
• Garlic mashed potato
• Noodle casserole
• Upside-down cake
• Sour cream cheese cake
  
• Homemade ice cream
  
• Homemade salsa
  

Stir-fried anything - Ying
Indian curry with lentils - Ying
Aloo Gobi - Ying
Japanese curry with store-bought Japanese curry paste - Jack and Ying
Kung Pao chicken - Ying
Sichuan big bowl beef - Ying
Sichuan cold noodle - Jack

Ying's list: The Best Stuff and Best Treat On Earth

Walkers Pure Butter Shortbread from Scotland.

• Very buttery but not too sweet. Only 3 grams of sugar.
  
• Delicious!

Facial given by Shana at Bamboo Hair and Body.

• I had a warm stone exfoliating facial with Shana last night. After the 1 hour session, I felt that an invisible layer of fatigue was taken off my face. All my facial muscles were so relaxed and my face was so soft.
• My face feels so soft 4-5 days after the facial. I have good reason to believe I will feel good even 1 week later.
• That, I realize, is a worthy facial.
  

Zumba class taught by Sunita.

• Zumba is an amazing aerobic exercise that is super fun and easy to learn. It provides an opportunity for a rigid Chinese girl - moi - to explore and experience the passion of Latin dance.
• Sunita was my Zumba instructor at the athletic club. She was a good dancer and awesome teacher. I love her class. I took her class for 1 year and I felt that my core was stronger, more flexible and toned.
• Unfortunately, she left the club. But now I'm also a certified Zumba instructor! That's how much I like it.

Dim Sum at Hong Kong Flower Lounge in Millbrae - it's up there.

• Yesterday Jack and I waited for 45 minutes to get a table at the corner of the restaurant, in front of the closet. But no complaints, we were still served well and got all the delicious dim sum we wanted.
• Our dim sum favorites?
  

Lightly steamed clam (my mom introduced us to this dish and we love it);
steamed bean curd wrap;
shrimp dumpling;
pork dumpling;
turnip cake;
stuffed mushroom with black bean sauce
... a lot more depending on our mood and appetite ...

• Good food will speak to you and tell you when to go back to have more. It's like magic.

Massage given by Kristen

• Kristen is also a yoga instructor and she is a great masseuse.
• Since she works at the athletic club, there is no fancy spa atmosphere, but she is a nice person.
  
• She played some natural sounds in the room, and during the whole session, I just let my body and mind go. My mind was drifting off. Now and then I thought I was on vacation in Hawaii.
  
• Kristen found a big knot on my left shoulder, and to my amazement, she rub it down good. She is probably the second masseuse who can do that.
• Go to seat in the hot tub and steam room right afterward, and it is truly the best treat on earth.
  

Viyiasa Yoga with Jean

• Jean is a singer and voice artist.
• She is also a very experienced Yogi.
• I love her singing before the practice start. Though I don't know what she is singing about. I think it's in Hindi.
• Jean integrates philosophy into the Yoga practices. She teach us to focus on ourselves, and plant happiness and joy to our body and soul.
• After a sequence, she let us stand on Mountain Pose with eyes closed, and feel the change in the body. It really works, because I can feel my body being less and less rigid as the class progresses.
• The Thursday night Yoga class is the best gift I give to myself in a week.

Bread and cheeses in France