Celebrating the Year of the Snake

Chinese New Year Dinner at the Mandarin Buffet Restaurant

The Lunar New Year! A time for families to get together and millions around the world to celebrate this weekend! Our family is no exception as we all got together and celebrated the Lunar New Year with all the members of the extended families as well.

New Year - A Time for Family Get Together

Mom treated everyone to the Lnuar New Year dinner at the Mandarin Restaurant on Steeles and Woodbine Ave. in Richmond Hill. We all decided on the Mandarin as our families are multicultural with different races and diverse eaters such as vegetarians and vegans. We wanted everyone's dietary needs be accommodated.  With its buffet style and wide variety of food choices, why not?

We were told that there would be two seatings. One at 5:30pm and the other at 8:00pm. We chose the 5:30pm seating since there were a few little ones attending. Though expensive, the restaurant was busy! Many families were there for their Chinese New Year Eve dinner too.

 This yearly family reunion dinner is an important Chinese tradition. It was reported on BBC news that China has the largest migration in the past week as 200 million Chinese were trying to get back home for the family New Year Eve dinner.

Married Relatives Getting Ready to Give Out the Red Pockets

There are many interesting Chinese New Year traditions such as cleaning one's house really well before the New Year, buying and wearing new clothes on the day, decorating the house with flowers and seasonal writings and every kid's favorite - the giving of the Red Pocket to children and the unmarried people.

On Christmas Day in North America, families receive and open presents whereas on Chinese New Year's Day, Chinese kids and unmarried people will receive Red Pocket from their parents and married relatives.

Receiving the Red Pockets from Married Relatives

Red Pockets are envelopes with money in them. According to tradition, only married people can give them out. The contents of these red pockets could be from 25 cents to $10, $20 or any amount, depending on the giver's generosity and his/her affordability. It is important that the receiver does not open the red pocket in front of the giver as not to embarrass the giver if the amount is small.)

In our family, we don't let the people receive the red pocket without making an effort for it. Each receiver needs to go up to wish the giving relative with a new year greeting in Chinese!

Sally\s First Red Pocket!

It could be a challenging task if one does not know the language. Each kid and adult knows to practice a few sayings before heading to the New Year Dinner.

Kids are usually all dressed up in red or in their new year clothes for the Chinese New Year Dinner and are excited and look forward to receiving these red pockets!

Look at all the Red Pockets I got!

Look at my grandniece's take from just one dinner!

As for me,I always love family dinners. I am also glad that I have a second chance to make my New Year resolutions!

I might have broken the resolutions made on January 1, but each year, I can have another opportunity to make them again during the Lunar New Year. I just pray that I would be able to keep them and achieve my goals!

R.T. Toronto

A New Canadian Citizen is Born!

Saif - Celebrating with Tim Horton's

Feb.4, 2013

"I am now a Canadian!" with two boxes of Tim Horton donuts in his hands, Saif said excitedly as he entered the company's lunch room this afternoon.

Saif, a young man in his twenty's, one of our colleagues at the company where I now work part time, was away this morning. I was wondering if he was sick or away on a business trip for the company.

He came bouncing in, full of energy, excitement and happiness. I have worked with Saif for the past couple of years and I haven't seen him this excited! He is also about to get married so this might explain why he was in such high spirit this afternoon.

Saif Showing off his Maple Leaf Pin

" I went to the Canadian Citizenship Ceremony this morning.  I got sworn in before a judge with many other new Canadians. My family was there to see me and they took pictures. The judge gave me my citizen certificate, shook my hands and congratulated me afterwards." Saif shared his joyful experience of becoming a Canadian as he showed off his brand new Canadian maple leaf pin to us.

It is exciting for new immigrants to take part in the Citizen Ceremony and become a Canadian. Being a citizen of Canada - is something we are very proud of. Canada, a country of freedom, opportunities and equality. With so many parts of the world in turmoil politically and economically, Canada is viewed as the heaven and refuge for many around the world. Yes, as Canadians,  we enjoy many benefits of what this great country has to offer, namely freedom, democracy, high standard of living and free universal health care. But Canadians also have our responsibilities to live up to - paying taxes, which, many are not happy about.

I am upset whenever I go shopping and hear some shoppers bargain with shopkeepers saying, " Give it to me cheaper, I don't want to pay any taxes." Recently, we had some annual maintenance work performed on our home heating system. Upon completing his work, this employee asked me to pay him cash so that I could save on paying taxes to the government. I recognized this employee because he was here doing the same service call and he asked me the same question last year. I was speechless !!! How could a proper Canadian company blatantly asked and encouraged its customers not to pay taxes!!!

I was visibly shocked by his questions and the intent to evade taxes which pay to support the many services and benefits Canadians enjoy. I took out my cheque book and told him that I would pay taxes because I support Canada and believe in our tax system. I was upset enough that I called this company and complained to the management about this. I have not heard back from the management yet. But I intend to follow up on this issue.

Being Canadians have many benefits and resposibilites. I enjoy this great country and I intend to honour my responsibilities!

R.T. Toronto

In the Midst of a Serious Snow Storm in Toronto

My Car Stuck on the Driveway today

It has been snowing really heavily since last night! We have over 23 cm of snow in a day. I did not go anywhere today. I am still in my nice warm housecoat since this morning. Why bother changing into regular clothes as I would not be going anywhere today?

My car is stuck in our drive way. The snow is so high that I would not be able to drive it out on the road. So I decided to just stay in our house today instead of going out.

Glad I was Inside today instead of driving in the snow storm!

I made myself some coffee and warm toasts. Sitting in front of the living room window and looking out, I saw a beautiful winter wonderland picture:

Everything is covered in clean white snow including the bird houses, tree stumps in my garden to trees, branches and benches to the few cars moving slowly on the street, while snow flakes dancing around and winds whirling. I love it!

Our Bird Houses Blanketed with Snow

With a cup of hot coffee warming my hands, a beautiful winter scenery outside, and my laptop computer, I am enjoying the quietness and beauty of a Canadian winter in the middle of February!

While I am singing and enjoying this beautiful scenery, I thought to myself that I sure am glad that I am not the one driving on the roads or traveling anywhere by plane because it has been messy on the roads, traffic congestion everywhere with some major exits blocked on the highway.

A Picture of Calm and Tranquility - from My Perspective

It has been more than five years since southern Ontario has seen so much snow. Many school buses cancelled and go buses delayed. Some schools have been closed and there have been flight and bus cancellations.

Ontario, along with other places in the U.S.: New York, New Jersey and Maine are in the path of this snow blizzard. It has been a travesty walking or driving on the roads. The temperature currently is - 11degree, with winter snow storm warning and very low visibility.

Enjoying the Winter Wonderland Scene from Our Living Room Window

This tranquil snow scenery I am admiring from my living room window contrasts sharply with the road conditions elsewhere which makes me realize one thing: We all have different perspectives on what happens in life from where we are. What I see is a beautiful winter wonderland picture from the warmth and comfort of my home is a nightmare for travelers, drivers and passengers out on the roads. I thank God for reminding me that next time when I hear people complaining about certain things which I don't agree with, I need to take time and see things from their perspectives  because what I think is wonderful could be really ugly and miserable for others.

R.T. Toronto, Canada
In the middle of a severe snow storm

Persian Palace, Richmond Hill, Ontario

Persian Palace, Richmond Hill, Ontario

The best part of living in Toronto, a metropolitan city in Ontario, Canada, is the diversity if cultures and foods one can experience.

I have made many good friends with Canadians from the four corners of the world. My husband and I were invited to a Serbian wedding in Serbia last August and we loved the experience.

Last week we were invited to a Persian restaurant where we were treated to food, music, and entertainment from a very different part of the world.

The Persian Palace is a restaurant located on Yonge Street in Richmond Hill, a recently opened restaurant.We got there at e8:30 p.m  knowing that there would be music and entertainment starting at 10 p.m.

It was great meeting our friends, and catching up with each other of what we have done in the past little while.

The Persian Palace is a beautiful restaurant/ banquet hall decorated with many statues and sculptures from the country of Iran.

 After a little rest, our friends from Iran took us for a tour of the restaurant and explained to us the meaning of the many statues and shared a little bit history of their country with us.

It was interesting indeed as if we had our own personal tour guides from Iran!

 We have an English saying that " The way to reach a man's heart is through his stomach."

I think the more appropriate saying should be " The way to reach anyone's heart is through his/her stomach."

 The Persian Palace has a menu with dishes catering to different tastes. It has kebobs, stews, steaks and seafood. Since we have had kebobs many times before, we decided on something which we never tried before - Persian meat stews.

Our Hosts - Introducing us to new food & cultures!

Morteza and Mitra ordered us an appetizer plate with various dips, pickles and bean sauces, as well as salad and different kinds of kebobs.

That was our first Persian dinner and our taste buds were introduced to a variety of flavours and delicious food that evening!

Great Music & Entertainment at the Persian Palace

Around 9:30p.am, a couple of musicians came on the stage and entertained us with their beautiful Persain songs.
Though we did not understand what they were singing, we enjoyed the melodic music. One by one, restaurant patrons were up and dancing on their feet in no time.  We did a little dancing ourselves too!

Unlike regular restaurants where most tables and booths are set up for parties of four people, there were many long and large tables set up for large groups and family gatherings from ten to twenty people.

Stan and I were surprised to see kids joining their families in these late night dinners, dancing on the dance floor and having a great time with adult family members as well. What a pretty picture of a family getting together, having fun and celebrating!

A Graceful Dancer on the Dance Floor

 Of the many people dancing there that evening, one gentleman really stood out among the crowds. He was about late fifties, slender built, dancing away on his own, moving his body according to the beats of the song, raising his hands above his head  and clearly enjoying himself.

 Everyone in the restaurant was awed and mesmerized by his graceful moves. We just sat there and enjoyed his dances.  Deep down, we were wishing that  we could have the confidence, courage and grace to dance in public just like him. Bravo!

Tasty Persian Dessert!

  It was a fantastic evening! It was really interesting not just learning about another culture but actually experiencing it right here in Toronto, without traveling anywhere. This is what we love about Canada, a country where people from cultures and countries around the world come and live harmoniously together, all respecting others' differences and customs.

We are fortunate that we have made friends beyond our own cultural group and our Persian friends took the trouble and  introduced us to a whole new culture, food, music and entertainments.  Canada is a great country where its citizens can celebrate and embrace diversity of people, cultures and religions freely and share them with others.

For this, we are grateful for friends from different countries. We are grateful for being Canadians!

R.T. Richmond Hill, Ontario

Second Post on An Affordable Christian International School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

I was surprised that when I googled the article which I blogged and posted about an affordable international school in Phnom Penh, Cambodia last November, the search took me to the site but then it said this article did not exist anymore. I complained about it to Blogger and Google a few times but I heard nothing from them. So here is the article again and hope that when people want to find an affordable school in Phnom Phen, Cambodia, they will find this article.


An Affordable Christian International School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

One of the main purposes of my visit to Cambodia is to assist the staff and support the Christian International School in Phnom Penh. This is a non profit kindergarten and elementary school operated by a Christian church in Cambodia and supported by a number of Christians and churches in Canada.

Some School Staff and I did a community Outreach to Inform Parents.

School Open House Flyer in Khmer Language

The school staff and I have been working diligently since my arrival here last Thursday. We made a number of changes, re-assigned some classrooms, had great discussions at our teacher training workshops, planned programs together and got many things accomplished.







The school has been preparing for its opening and we are hosting an Open House next Saturday to inform parents in the community about our kindergarten programs.  




There is an urgent need in Cambodia for schools to deliver quality education to its children. Though there are public schools that are free for children, many parents prefer to send their children to schools  where they could  receive a bilingual  ( English, Khmer) and sometimes even trilingual education ( Khmer, English, Chinese).





  However, the cost at these school is often prohibitive. Currently, there are over one hundred and forty private schools in Phnom Penh but most are beyond the reach of ordinary Cambodians.

Kindergarten Playroom at the Christian International School

The School's Kindergarten Classrooms

The Christian International School has been planning its opening for the past two years and they are now ready to receive students. The teachers did a community visit last Saturday afternoon. Armed with  school flyers written in three languages: Khmer, English, Chinese, we formed three groups and went visiting residents in the immediate community.





While most international schools in Phnom Penh charge a hefty sum of between US$ 180.00 - $ 250.00 a month for student tuition fees, Christian International School is a non-profit Canadian International School that follows Canadian curriculum and standards.

The school is committed to offer Cambodian and expatriate students a high quality yet affordable trilingual education. All our teachers are university graduates, certified with teaching training and experiences.









It is our mission to level the playing field for children in Cambodia so that Cambodian parents who wish to send their children to receive an excellent education will be able to do so without sacrificing their livelihood.

We also believe strongly that when our students graduate from our school in the future, they will be fluent in two out of three languages of their choice, English, Khmer, or Chinese as to enable them to enrol at universities or higher education institutions at home in Cambodia, go overseas to continue their studies in English speaking or Chinese language countries.









 
We are delighted that our dedicated teachers and staff will be able to help prepare and equip the next generation of Cambodia leaders.







Information regarding the school's Open House is as follows:

                                                  Christian International School
                                       
                                                              Open House

                                                Saturday, November 17, 2012
                                                     4:00p.m. - 6:00p.m.

                                               #99, Street 294, Boeng Keng Korng
                                                     Chamkamorn, Phnom Penh
                                                                 Cambodia
           
                                               



R.T.  Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Nov. 16, 2012

Age Appropriate Placement of Students in Canadian Schools

Since I worked over thirty years in Ontario schools, I have been asked by many parents regarding their child's grade level placement in Ontario schools.

It is an ideal situation when a school can divide all its children into groups of same age and teach them in the same classroom.  Placing students in the same classroom and learning with peers of similar   age group is the philosophy behind the policies of the Ontario Education. Therefore,  Ontarian schools have adopted the Age Appropriate Placement -  placing students in a grade level based on their age.  

For example, when a child is four years old, he/ she starts school in Ontario as a junior kindergarten student.

 There are two years of kindergarten in Ontario schools:

 Junior kindergarten  – 4 years old

Senior Kindergarten – 5 years old

When a student reaches six years old, this student will be placed in Grade one, and so on. 

Grade 1 – 6 years old

Grade 2 – 7 years old

Grade  3 – 8 years old

Grade  4 – 9 years old

Grade  5 – 10 years old

Grade  6 – 11 years old

Grade  7 – 12 years old

Grade  8 – 13 years old

By the time, a student finishes his/ her elementary school education, the student will be 14 years old. From them on, they will start secondary school education.

However, very often when an immigrant student first lands in Canada and arrives at an elementary school,  parents would request that a student be kept back at a lower grade because of the child’s lack of English skills. Ontario schools do not hold back students because of their language or academic skills, we believe in placing students according to their age because of social developmental reasons.

 We believe that students can learn from each other, and from interactions with their peers. Ontario schools believe that education for students is for the development of the whole being, not just academic achievement, therefore, a student’s  social development is equally important. 

Some parents are concerned that their children who have not done well academically, therefore feel strongly that they should be kept back. But  imagine when a child aged twelve years old  placed with children who are nine or ten years old? The two/ three years difference is not obvious when we are adults, but when you are a child, even one year can make a big difference in physical size. Placing a physically much bigger child with children who are a couple of years junior can be a problem. The older/ bigger child can be a bully or can become a target of taunting depending on the child's personality. 

The age appropriate placement practise could be workable if the weaker students can be supported and provided with extra support by the school. I have seen students becoming successful in school after resources have been offered and the school and parents work together to come up with an IEP - individual learning plan for the student.

R.T. Toronto

My PR and Most Favourite Exercise - Barbell Back Squat

I was put through exercises such as this for my assessment

I have been with my personal trainer since April, 2012. Today was the last day of my personal training sessions for 2012 program.

Joyce,  my personal training did a thorough assessment for me and we spent an hour doing various exercises to find out what was my PR - personal record for both my upper and lower body strengths as well as figuring the total number of inches and amount of body fat I have lost since I started my fitness program.

Back Squat - One of my Most Favorite Wt. Exercise

I was happy to find out that I have shed 7lbs of body fat and reduced many inches on various parts of my body. I could have told Joyce the inches I have lost without her measuring me at all.

My clothes fit me so much better than before. We went to a party last weekend and I was able to wear a beautiful party top which I was not able to wear for the past 5-6 years because it was just too tight. I wore it to the party and I looked great last Saturday!

I found out that my PR for lower body strength was 110 lbs when I did the barbell back squat. However, my upper body strength is only about 40% of my body weight and needs a lot of work.

I love working with weight and particularly locking out and lifting it. I feel so empowered when I could lift weight and this weight exercises have helped me to regain my strength and enable me to do many things which I had problems doing before in everyday living.

Make Sure You Learn the Proper Form As to Avoid Injury

I heard before that as we age, " We must make daily exercise a part of our life. Exercise is not an option but a must. " I did not know the meaning and how true this is before.

Now I have learned and experienced the truth. I will keep going and spend my time and resources on exercise program so that I would be able to lead a healthy, happy and independent life.

R.T. Toronto