Something for me to remember .

This is not going to be a long or detailed Post this time . I only want to mention two things today .
First ; This is of course my eight Post of August . How important is this ? Well to me it is anyways , I could not look at the August total and only see seven Post for the month . So this is one reason , "Eight" is after all more lucky.
Second; Today Qing drives herself to School for the first time .. without me next to her or in tow . Am I worried ? Of course , but also proud of her .. knowing she is doing real well on her own . It also give her a sense of not being so helpless and needing somebody with her all the time . I know too , that she is very happy .. that when I come Home .. there is no need for me to run her to School anymore and I can just stay Home and relax . Take a Shower and eat something she has prepared for me before she leaves for School .
As other's look at .. a Baby's first steps , this is in a way somewhat equal to that for Qing . A new Country , a Car and now being able to check out and do stuff on her own here in America . It has not been easy for my Sweetheart , here now over ten month's and finally starting out to explore the area where she lives on her own .
I love her and I just want her to be safe .

To Complement .. when and where ?

One of the things I have noticed , while married to a Chinese Wife is .. when is it right to Complement her on a daily bases ?
This sounds easy of course , as we are used to do this with a western Woman and never worry if it's appropriate or not . I and many other's know this as a fact . A western Woman , will always like a Complement of any kind . But as this Post will tell you .. it's NOT this way at all with my LaoPo .

Just the other day , brought me to think about this very carefully and why that is ? I'm no expert on this , but I speak through my own experience .. living now just short of one year with my beautiful Qing ( Qizi ) . As a Gentleman and a romantic Guy , one does notice the little things a Wife does to look good/great for her LaoGong and towards other People too . That reminds me of a time back , when we hadn't seen each other Face to Face yet and I told Qing .. that she is always dressed so nice on the Photo's she sends me . She answered that with .. not with .. oh this is because "I" want to look good , but with .. it's out of respect to other's ( that will see her during the day ) . I will/could never forget that answer of an unselfish Woman , so not like what I'm seeing or have seen in the western World so far . Talk about little things that can make you love a Person sooo much more . For the Person she is .. not what she looks like . This brings me back , to why I'm writing this today . In my Eyes , my Sweetheart is beautiful " ALL " the time . Not only when .. Face is on and dressed up to the Teeth as going to the Oscar's . So for me to Complement and tell her , you look so beautiful for .. well NO reason other then .. just being my Wife is a good enough reason for me to tell her .
Now , as I gain more and more experience of the Chinese Culture .. this is not the case from my LaoPo's view . What is her view of this ?

Her look on this is .. when I'm not with make-up and looking sharply dressed up .. I can not be " Beautiful " . This does of course a 180 degree of my thinking . So it took .. let's say more than a Hour of explaining from my part .. why is that ? It's simple for me , all I need is a look into her Eyes and all I see is " Beautiful " all over . Oh yes , I think beauty starts from the inside anyway and then .. reflex's to the outside . I have always thought of my Sweetheart as a Flower .. right ? So here we have it , a Flower will NOT bloom and look pretty .. if the Flower does not feel happy/loved on the inside . I know , in China .. it's a thing .. Chinese Men don't tell/talk on a daily bases how they love their Spouse and when she looks like a million Bucks .. the proper words stay silent . Let me also say , I don't say this is all Chinese Men .. especially as China and it's People are changing and getting more and more westernized or are becoming more accustomed to our western way's .

Anyway , when I'm with my Wife and I see it fit to say .. honey your " Beautiful " whenever .. I'll will definitely say so . Why would I .. NOT ? After all , I love all of her and 100% that is .

My latest un-edited Poem .

Something different .. then a Story or update on how it all goes . Hope you like/enjoy it and don't laugh too loud ( I can hear you ) .
A Man's Poem

What drives a loving Man
looking into his wife's eyes
trying to do all he can
keeping romance true and nice

Inside he's full of love
willing to share it all
doing not always the right thing
well you know that could be tough
also take an unexpected fall

This will happen when trying too hard
to always wanting to please
but running out of idea's
loosing fate in himself
leading to lessen his love

To keep it fresh and honest
the Man must now look back
why he fell in love one past day
he will see what made him special

Look again to his wife's eyes
let her know she's still the one
and i will always be pleased
to keep the romance true and nice

A Man's Poem .. his friend
and most of all .. peace .

Yesterday was a "Special" day .. oh yes !

Here in America maybe not so special . But for us that been to China and have or are about to have a Chinese Wife will know this of course . I hope so for their own good .
So what was it ? It was ..." Chinese Valentine's Day " !
This day , in China is pretty much nowadays celebrated by mostly the elderly .. as the younger generation now celebrate the western version of it .. which is of course Feburary 14th as we know it .
The Chinese story as my wife recalls , is of two lover's .. where their Families did not agree for them to be together much less marry . But they agreed to let them see each other but ones a year . This of course became a special day for the lover's and so became to be Valentine's Day in China . I know there is more to that story I'm sure , but I'm not a Chinese history teacher .. far from it .
Now , what I have done first is send my Sweetheart a E-Mail to her Yahoo Mail with much Love and Honey from the Shanghai MiFeng . Which I thought , she'd have read by the time I get home . No such luck though . I did stop at the Market and picked up some wonderful Roses/Iris's in a Vase and a Card for my second surprise , showing my LaoPo .. that I know of this date and of course show her how much I love her with these two offerings of my appreciation for having such a wonderful loving/caring Wife .
Was she surprised ? You can bet on that ! We are not suppose to know Chinese calendar or culture .. at least not that much of it . All I can say , it was very much appreciated from her end and makes all studying .. may it be just a little of her culture .. well worth it .

Qing : So I do have two Valentine Day's in one year ?
Me: You deserve it Sweetheart !

The Beatles .. still doing their thing !

In a way I think they will live forever .. their Music that is . Everybody that is a Fan or knows about them , especially from the 60's to their break-up in the early 70's .. will never forget "THEM" or their "MUSIC" . They also know that only two do remain as of today ( Paul & Ringo ) . It is great to see , like the Band/Group that we had the pleasure to watch last weekend as the last Concert in our Park for this year . That Group , known as the BeatleMajestic .. they not only sound like the Fab Four .. but also look like them down to the Hair and Clothes . The one thing I've noticed , that was NOT right .. is Paul is left-handed on his Guitar and the one playing him did not . Of course , as I remember .. I can only think of Jimmy Hendrix playing it that way . Anyway , in front of a packed house again and one could see many Folks my Age that grew up in the fifties and sixties .. by singing along and knowing all the words to the Songs . The same goes for me , as I have the Book with all the Beatles songs and in notes for Guitar .. that I ones try to learn .. but gave up after only six month's time . I did manage to play most of them by notes , not by cord's . That was the major reason for giving it up , my finger's were not made out of rubber . haha
Qing just watched and listened to my singing along , as I was taken back into the past of my favourite Band . The only disappointment I had , was they did not sing "Lady Madonna" or "Hey Jude" two of my all time favourite's . It was a great Evening with a Band that has traveled around the World ( even been to China to play ) doing what they do best and even did Broadway shows in New York and Las Vegas . So , this is another reason , through People like this .. that the memory of this Band will live on for who knows how long .. as many other's come and go .
Sunday was a relaxing day , as I had slightly twisted my back lifting a large box of items we had bought from Costco earlier in the day . I tell you , that is no fun .. when just trying to put on Sock's or Shoe's becomes a major task for you . The good wife Qing is .. can I give you a Massage LaoGong ? That sounded great really , but I just wanted to lay down flat .. as that seemed to help ease the Pain the most . Ohhh .. getting older is no fun , even though my Sweetheart is keeping me feeling younger otherwise .
Hahaha .. at least my fingers feel okay , so I can still write to my Blog .

Survived the Air attack .

I truly can say , we both survived the Air attack at Point Mugu Naval Base yesterday .
But first , I like to add a few words about Saturday's Concert . As I mentioned before , I've heard of the En Vogue quartet .. but I don't really listen to any of their Music . It turned out , the House ( or Park ) was packed to the max with People for the Show . I would say 75% were black People , due to this Group consisting of four black Ladies .. singing of course tune's to their liking . Qing and I had wonderful , uninstructed seat's with a great view of the Stage at all times . The best part , from my view point out .. was the more oldies which included Tina Turner songs . I love Tina Turner , always have . She is the Man's singing Star , what Michael Jackson was to the Women . Hence , Qing did not know any and never heard of them .. she was a good sport though . Even , when at time it bordered near Rap Music and pretty loud to boot . So for the Park's cash draw , this was of course a great success evening .. with one more to go next weekend .

Now to the Air Show .
As the Gates opened at 10:00 am , we needed to get up early on Sunday . This Show was about some 80 miles from our House . I had figured , have Breakfast at about 8 :00 am and fill the Gas Tank and get going towards the Beach area of Ventura County .. Oxnard to be exact . But , as all Men know .. getting the Woman/Wife ready to go when planned .. is .. well you have an Idea . So it was more like close to 10:00 am , before we headed west towards the Beach . Only one hour late I thought . We did great time , due to my great driving and sometimes a little too fast in the NO Cop zone's . Hahaha
We arrived at the Base about or close to Noon , which did give us about four Hours enjoying ourselves . Three hours before the final act at 3:00 pm of the famous Thunderbird's . After we had parked the Car , Qing ask if we should take our folding Chair 's with us . I thought , well .. if we are to check out Planes from the inside .. I don't want to have to carry them all over the place . So I decided not to take them . As it happens quite often , things/thought change . We had found a nice place with still some room to make us comfortable , but it was only 1:00 pm . I felt guilty now , not having brought the Chairs . I just had to ask Qing , if she still wanted them and if she liked to stay right here . After all , it was right near the fence and the Thunderbird Plane's were right in front of us ( maybe 30 Meter's ) . Thinking of the good shape I'm in , I'll be back in about twenty minutes .. I told Qing . Mind you , this was a good mile to walk to the Car and back . Not only through fields upon fields ( some only dirt ) and the little problem of about 80,000 to 90,000 People getting in your way . It was easier going back with the Chairs , because it was going WITH and not AGAINST the flow . I did manage to make it in 19 minutes flat . Not bad for an old Man .
Calling this space ours for some three hours , wasn't the easiest either . Ones it came time for anything happening , everybody was on their feet . So much for sitting and enjoying the Show . A couple of things that were outstanding , I like to mention . First , there was the War-Hog . A funny looking Plane really , with two Jet engine's above the Fuselage . This Plane simulated a ground attack with a wall of Fire . When those Bombs hit the Ground , we could feel the Earth shaking a quarter mile away . Scary for those not paying attention at that instant . Second , with was a first that I ever even heard of . Also this was to be the ONLY Helicopter in the World , doing Stunts in the Air and I mean Stunts . Something I thought , was not even possible . This Pilot spend a year and a half perfecting the aerodymatic's of this Helicopter to actually do loops/figure-eight's and go straight up and straight down while spinning/rolling . My Jaw dropped to my Chest and so did many other 's . Now , this Man .. is in the work's of also being the first one ever .. to hover a Copter upside down . Talk about skill ? I think , it really takes a crazy Man to even think of something like this .. much less doing it . After this , the Thunderbird's better do their best to top this for the Crowd . I know they would though . I have seen them as a young Boy back in Germany and many more times , I forgot how many times .. at least 10 times if I remember well . The awaited hour arrived and one after the other rolled off to the Runway for take-off .. six in all at this Air Show . I have seen them as many as Ten at one time , back in the day's at Ramstein ( Germany ) . The time , when they actually flew right over People's Head's . What was to follow , was definitely what I was used to seeing from these great Airmen . Excellent finish , with single Jet fly-over the Crowd even . Talk about noise ? They did warn us ahead of time to wear earplugs , but we are all soooo Manly (even the Women ) ahhhhh .. no need for that . I'm one to enjoy those fly-overs , because I grew up with this . Qing says , that she really loved it . Well , it was after all the first time for her and that is one to remember for sure .
To top off the Anniversary Day , we decided to go eat at an French Restaurant for Dinner . So back along the Coast to Malibu and to the San Fernando Valley to the best French little place I know off . Beautiful Dinner , including Champagne and also a first for Qing again Escargot .. which I was familiar with already . Over all , a memorable day for both of us .. with no doubt .

Another weekend with my LaoPo .

This weekend in August is special in some way . First , I dropped Qing off at the Hair Saloon to get her Hair cut . Afterwards , it was my turn for a trim . I could have it done at the same place as Qing's Saloon , but I would have felt guilty . You see , I'm a loyal Man and this is no exception to the rule . I would not cheat even my own special Guy that does my Hair now for some two years straight . So after Qing was finished , she drove both of us ( like I've mentioned before , she does most of the driving on the weekend for practise ) to the other side of Town to my Barber Shop . Of course this took a much shorter time , as I'm not picky and just want my Hair shorter all across and even . A number three suits me just fine for Summer .
Now that we are ready ( look wise ) it's getting ready for tonight's Concert in the Park and tomorrow , which is a special day for both of us . It's the 8th of August , that is our second Wedding ( Cele-bration ) anniversary . As a surprise for Qing , I'll take her to Oxnard ..Naval Base Ventura County Air Show . Which , instead of the Blue Angel's this time .. will feature the US. Air Force's Thunderbirds flying Team . I like them better anyway and always have . Qing has never been to an Air Show of this kind back in China . So it will be special I hope for her . For me , of course it's always special .. hence I love flying / planes and everything that goes along with it . Hope to get some great weather and some great Photo's for me to add later .
But near the Beach , one never knows what the weather will be like at any given hour of the day . We can only hope .

An exciting Weekend !

It started all on Thursday , as I had left Work and headed home early that day . On the way home , as I was listening to the news on the Radio .. I got some news that worried me somewhat . I drive home on the Highway 14 , ( to Palmdale ) which is pretty heavy loaded with traffic most of the time . I could see , not just one Fire in the Mountain's .. but two at the same time . One north and the other south of the Freeway . They both produced quite a lot of smoke for Fires that started not long ago . I was worried like I have mentioned before , mostly because .. knowing they might close the Freeway before I get passed them . Did make it through and arrived home without any burn marks on the Car . haha
All was well , that's what I had thought . But after Qing and I had dinner and cleaned up the Kitchen , the Phone rang . It was my Neighbor's Girlfriend calling . I was ask'd , if I knew about how close the Fire was at this time . I told her NO , that we just finished eating and was not aware of the Fire situation at this time . Well , it turns out by going onto my front Porch .. it was only about a mile away and coming down the Hills near the closest major street by our house . Now seeing this ( was already nightfall ) coming sooo close where one could feel the heat from those red flames .. sometimes up to over 50 feet by my guess . By now it was after 10pm , checking out the news report of what was going on .. now this made both of us very nervous . To the point , I could not sleep .. so into the Car we went and got to the point of where the Fire Dept. closed off the road for everyone . There we sat and keeping the Car running with the Air Conditioner on and windows closed , as we watched the Flames doing there thing . Ash was coming down like it was snowing and the smoke cloud was moving right over our area towards our neighboring City of Lancaster . We watched Helicopter's doing water drop's at night , which is not always done .. as it is very dangerous at night . But this was a must , as it was going to come close to many Homes near the Hills . The one good thing we had to our favor , was the California Aqueduct was between the Fire and the Homes . This is what actually stopped this Fire from reaching any further to the Homes that People had already left for safety reasons . At that point we decided to go back Home feeling much safer now .
By morning , going to Work ( if possible ) I was looking to see .. where it had moved to and if it had grown or the Firefighters had a much more handle on it . To my surprise , heading down the 14 Freeway .. I could not even see any smoke rising to the Sky . They must of put it out , I thought . Well , later I found out .. it was still burning . But in another place and the wind had changed directions , so thus .. no smoke in sight .

So this was some start to the weekend for sure .
Now , Saturday was going to be Concert night at the Park , also a mile from our house . With the Fire - Smoke - Ash , we of course thought , this Concert will be canceled for sure . Like magic , Saturday morning there was blue sky all around the Antelope Valley and the Concert was on for that night . I especially was looking forward to seeing " The Guess Who " perform at our big Stage . As Qing and I took a pair of Chairs and a Blanket for her , as it was windy and the Temperature had taken a downward dive that day . I have hear'd of them many times throughout my younger years of course , but did not know until now .. that Band was Canadian . I always thought of them being British . Anyway , this Performance was one of the best that I've been to .
One Song stood out the most , " American Woman " that is .
I'm married to a Chinese Lady and this Song could not describe my feeling towards western/American Women any better ..than this Song does . Not that I dislike all American Women now , but I have a strong feeling .. where I would never see myself married to one in my Lifetime .. ever . This was enough to stand up and start shaking your Hips with all the other People doing it . A super Band and a super evening for both of us . I look forward to the next Concert coming up this weekend . The " En Vogue " will be there . Don't know much about them ( four Women ) , but still looking forward seeing them too .
On a side note , Qing's driving test is tomorrow afternoon . All fingers are crossed that she will do good this time around .