Growing Up Different
Today I have an essay up at The Hapa Mag about growing up bi-racial in the 70s and 80s. Being half Chinese and half white in our whitewashed Orange County, California neighborhood wasn’t easy. I wish I could have embraced my Chinese heritage more but I didn’t. However, I’m rectifying that now. My dad and I are closer than ever and I’m so grateful for that. I’ve been spending more time in Taiwan and meeting family members I didn’t even know I had. I want to make up for lost time and am blessed my dad seems to feel the same way. I’m proud of my background and being mixed…
What Should You Expect During a Reiki Session?
Have you ever wondered what a Reiki session is like? Perhaps you’re curious if it’s something for you but are unsure how to find out more information. Or perhaps you’re afraid of how your body might respond. Here are a few pointers: Do Your Research Be sure the Reiki practitioner is certified and has experience. Try to find someone with a website and testimonials. Get referrals from your local yoga teacher or acupuncturist. Donation Clinics These are a great way to test out Reiki without spending a lot of money. Most Reiki sessions can cost anywhere from $50 – $90 / hour. Donation clinics only ask that you donate what…
The All-Natural Miracle Migraine Manager
I know it seems like a gimmick and when I first read about it, I was skeptical. But this acupressure pillow has changed my life. I’ve been able to keep my migraines at bay without any drugs or prescriptions as long as I catch the migraine in time. It’s all by accessing acupressure points in my neck and the base of my head. I first heard about it on Migraine.com. If you have migraines and you don’t check out Migraine.com on a regular basis, you’re missing out. I am not affiliated with them whatsoever. I’ve found their site and community to be immensely helpful. There are stories and chat forums…
Eating my Way Through Taichung
When I went from a fun three-day trip in Taipei to Taichung, the second largest city in Taiwan, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was excited to see my dad but I figured there was nothing to do. It wasn’t as cosmopolitan or vibrant as Taipei. I was proven wrong. The food alone is worth the trip. I fell in love with Taichung and can’t wait to go back. And did I mention the food? I write about my entire culinary journey today at Writers on the Run. Warning: it will leave you feeling hungry!
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My Yearlong Journey on Aimovig
In October 2018, I signed up for the Bridge to Commercial Coverage program for Aimovig. It offered twelve free doses until my insurance carrier approved. My neurologist started me off with one 70mg dose. The program even offered a nurse to come to my home to help me with the injection. Even though I’m a wimp when it comes to shots, it wasn’t that bad. I also continued with yoga, acupuncture, and meditation, something that had already been reducing my migraines from 15 a month to 6. That first month, I didn’t notice much difference. But by the second dose in November, my migraines reduced from 6 to 2. My last…
Grief and Loss of a Pet
My essay “I Hated Cooking and Then I Had to Cook For My Dog” is up today at The Ascent on Medium. It’s a tribute to Hana, my brat terrier, who I had to put down on May 28, 2019. It was the worst day of my life. This essay helped me work through my grief and connect with her. I felt her with me as I wrote it. I attribute my joy for cooking to her and that’s what this essay is about. How a non-chef like me was forced to learn to cook when Hana suddenly couldn’t digest commercial dog food. How my own health required a gluten-free,…
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Nature Trips in Taiwan
So you’re going to Taiwan and of course, it’s all about the food. But what if you want to relax and spend some time outdoors? Here are the best places I found during my recent visit to Taiwan: TAIPEI Chiang Kai-Shek’s Shilin Residence This was the official residence of President Chiang Kai-Shek and Soong Mei-ling, his third wife. Now it’s a historical site and museum open for tours which I highly recommend. But it’s the gardens and grounds that I spent the most time enjoying. Walk around the lily-pad covered lake and rose garden and you’ll be sure to see plenty of butterflies, birds, insects, and even turtles! Amusing topiary…
How Reiki Worked for Me But Not as I Expected
My post is up today at P.S. I Love You! My first publication with them and I’m so thrilled! It’s about how my Reiki class brought me closer to my father. I was always a worrywart ever since I can remember. Over time, it brought on debilitating migraines, chronic inflammation, and hives. I needed to relieve my anxiety and stress but I never knew how. So I signed up for a Reiki class. What it did for me was beyond what I could imagine. Not only did I learn how to relax and bring down my anxiety, but it allowed me to be more open and vulnerable. If you want…
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Best Hidden Gem for Breakfast in Taichung
I just returned from a trip to Taichung, Taiwan to visit my dad. It had been 5 years since I’d last been to the island and I had only stayed a few days then. This time I stayed for 2 weeks. I think it’s the longest time I’ve ever stayed in Taiwan! I stayed in the West District at The Splendor Hotel Taichung and it was the perfect location. It’s right in the hub of the commercial district and you don’t need to drive anywhere for amazing food, entertainment, and culture. Where is the Best Breakfast EVER? Typical Taiwanese breakfast items are congee, soy milk, pork buns, scallion pancakes with…
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Writer retreats
We talked about it for years but it finally came together last month. Our first writer retreat! It was one of the best experiences and I can’t wait to do it again. Whether you’re thinking of hosting a writer retreat or participating in one, here are 5 takeaways I learned from ours: HAVE AN AGENDA Before we met up for the retreat, we discussed what we wanted to accomplish. Did we want to write and then share our work? I belong to a writer group with two other writers and they were also going to be at the retreat so we already had an established rhythm. Our host was glad…
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