Stretch Safely

You may have heard that it's good to stretch before and after your workouts, but do you know why it's so important? Stretching helps prime your muscles for action, keeping them supple and preventing injuries! However, it is possible to stretch yourself the wrong way, say the experts at Montana State University. To avoid this, they advise the following:

Make sure you aren't stretching cold muscles. Get ready for the challenge with a gentle five-minute walk or jog, or even a warm bath.
Think slow and smooth! Aim for what is called a static stretch. Reach until you feel tension but not pain, and hold that position for 20 seconds to one minute. Be sure to never bounce while stretching!
Remember to breathe deeply and naturally throughout each move. Don't hold your breath! Ease into stretching, rather than trying to touch your nose to the floor the first time around. It will take time for your body to gain maximum flexibility — so don't rush it!

Be happy

Stop and think about your wonderful family, your lovely home, your fantastic friends. Don't think about the future; just appreciate all that you have right now!

Be happy

Stop and think about your wonderful family, your lovely home, your fantastic friends. Don't think about the future; just appreciate all that you have right now!

薑

薑湯做法：
1.約十公克的薑磨成糊狀。
2.把薑糊放入玻璃杯裡。
3.注入滾燙的熱開水。
4.加入一匙蜂蜜，拌勻後飲用。
5.男女老少都適合飲用。

老薑切片或拍碎煮黑糖，功效一樣！
連續喝兩個月（每天早晨入 , 浴前各喝一次）

書本記載：
1.身體變溫暖，手腳冰冷的『怕冷症』體質明顯改善。
2.體重可減輕約 十公斤 。
3.皮膚變得細嫩。
4.去掉多餘贅肉，腰圍變細。

 
 
 
 

Beauty

Beauty is feeling good about yourself, and you can't buy it — you've got to earn it!

Smile

Whatever you do, do it with a smile! Even if you don't feel happy to start, keeping that grin going will improve your mood, and your health!

Laugh hard

Laugh hard! It's the best medicine, and it tightens the tummy!

Becoming A Student Of Life

One of the habits that has served me well throughout my life is keeping the mind-set of a student. I've always had an insatiable curiosity about a wide variety of topics, and I'm usually reading several books during the same time period. I've read about some really fascinating things, like quantum physics, and some really cheesy things, like romance novels. Truth be told, I've enjoyed them all!

It occurred to me the other day that it doesn't matter what I'm learning about, as long as I'm consistently learning. I'm like a sponge that gets dry and shriveled if I don't absorb something on a regular basis. My life then becomes boring and stagnant, and I feel sluggish and uninspired.

If this describes your life right now, you can turn it around pretty easily. Adopt the attitude of a student, and watch how it infuses you with joy, excitement, and motivation.

Being a student of life isn't just about reading books and learning as much as you can on various subjects. That can certainly be part of it, but it's more about the way you see the world around you and the way you handle your daily experiences.

Here are five tips to help you become a student of life:

1) Develop Awareness. - Most of us spend our days rushing blindly from one activity to another without ever noticing our surroundings. If we can instead slow down a little bit and just look around us, we'd SEE so much more in life. Take time to notice that beautiful sunset on the drive home. Step outside during the day and feel the sunshine on your face, and indulge in some deep, cleansing breaths. Become aware of your own spiritual self, and your connection to all living things. Give yourself the gift of just being, noticing, and breathing.

2) Keep an Open Mind. - Rather than assuming you know all about something already, approach each situation with an attitude of curiosity. Question everything. Explore new ideas, thoughts, and subjects you've always wanted to learn about. This goes for the people around you too. Don't assume you know what they're all about based on their appearance or some preconceived notion. Ask questions, get to know them better. Be willing to release any judgments you may have, and instead seek truth.

3) Keep an Open Heart. - Express deep gratitude for your life, and all of the experiences you have - even the not so pleasant ones. Be willing to be vulnerable in your connections with others, and allow yourself to feel. Too often we are afraid of our emotions and try to numb them or run away from them. Instead, let your emotions be your teachers. Listen to them, and honor them. They will teach you a lot about yourself.

4) Look for the Lesson. - In every experience, ask yourself, "What can I learn from this?" Sometimes the lesson is obvious, and sometimes you'll have to search for it. With every lesson, allow it to become a part of you and make you a better, stronger, happier person. Though we all make mistakes and stumble, the goal is to make new mistakes, rather than repeating the same ones over and over again. As long as we are making progress, we're doing great! Use your own awareness to overcome challenges and keep moving forward.

5) Enjoy the Journey. - Most of us take life so seriously! Yes, it does have its serious moments. But overall this is supposed to be a pleasant experience, and we can make it that way by simply choosing to. Don't worry so much about whether you're making as much progress as you should, and don't get frustrated when things don't always work out as planned. Instead take a lighter attitude and understand that it's all just a journey and the point is to relax and enjoy.

Imagine that you're a beautiful white sponge, and you come across these brilliant pools of colored liquid. There's a red pool of passion, a pink pool of love, a yellow pool of knowledge, a green pool of gratitude, and a purple pool of fun. Go ahead and dip your sponge toe into each of these pools, and your color will begin to change. Rather than being a plain white sponge, you are now a beautiful, multi-colored sponge, filled with passion, love, knowledge, gratitude, and fun.

Unfortunately, there are also a few pools of black, brackish stuff like negative self-talk, fear, regrets, etc. If you accidentally absorb some of this and it begins to taint your colors, don't worry about it too much. Just focus on revisiting the pretty, colorful pools and absorbing more good stuff. It will dilute the negative stuff, and eventually get rid of it all together. :-)

Coppied from MM.

Gratitude: 10 Practical Steps

Do you get up in the morning determined to have a good day and before you know it, you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and that you can't wait for the day to be over so you can rest? Do you feel like you are existing from day to day rather than living a life of joy? Do you ever ask yourself, "Is this all there is, and if it is, do I want it?" If so, you are not alone.

Thousands of people just like you are asking these same questions. These are the people who thought that if they just did it right everything would be okay. Right meant - getting married, having children, buying the starter house, moving to the larger house and two car garage, and so on including getting a good education so you could make lots of bucks. You keep running to keep up with this picture of success and yet you feel so empty. The emptiness feels like isolation, loneliness, and exhaustion. I call this emptiness 'existential despair.'

Existential Despair
Existentialism is a philosophy centred upon the analysis of existence and stressing the freedom, responsibility, and usually the isolation of the individual. Despair means utter loss of hope or a cause of hopelessness. 'Existential despair' then means the painful discrepancy between what is, and what should be, between one's perceptions, and one's suppositions.

This sense of loss or the absence of meaning in one's life is the common denominator of all forms of emotional distress and has been identified as the 'modern day illness.' Pain, disease, disappointment, loss, failure, alienation, or merely boredom - all lead to this feeling that life is meaningless. 'Existential despair' exists when we buy the myth that having the external goodies creates success and happiness. We do and buy everything we can to fill the 'hole in our soul' except the one thing that really matters - going within and making peace with ourselves.

Making Peace with Ourselves
Making peace with ourselves involves changing the way we habitually focus our energy. What this means is that WHAT YOU FOCUS YOUR ATTENTION ON EXPANDS. Scientists are discovering that energy never dies; rather, it changes form as attention is focused on it. Thoughts are energy. A belief is a thought with expectations attached. Everything starts with a thought and reality is created by expectant thoughts.

One of the universal laws is the Law of Increase. This law ensures that whatever you concentrate on will increase in your life. In other words, whatever you think about expands and therefore you will receive even more. In an empowering (positive) way, expressing gratitude for all the many blessings you have received accelerates this process. In a limiting (negative) way, the same principle applies.

What is Gratitude?
Gratitude is the state of being grateful: thankfulness. What does this mean in terms of our lives? Essentially this means that when we look at life as an opportunity to grow in love, and learn about opening our hearts with love, we see the world from a place of healing and peace. When we look at the world as a place of pain and suffering that is also what we see. Pain and suffering actually constricts our hearts and affects our physical health.

Gratitude as a Way of Life
How many of us live our lives being grateful for the many blessings we have? How many times a day do we say 'thank you'? When was the last time you said 'thank you' to yourself for creating this wondrous being that you are?

What would your day look like if you lived your life as if everything was a gift to you? How would you start the day if the first thing you did was to be thankful for the gift of life? One of the quotes I especially like is by Jim Evans. It is, "If you don't think everyday is a great day, try going without one." Black Elk (Native American visionary) spoke of his habit of greeting each morning by stepping outside, letting his bare feet touch the wet grass literally reconnecting with the earth, and singing a prayer of gratitude for the day's arrival.

Practical Steps to Practicing Gratitude

1. Start a gratitude journal. Depending on which author you read, suggestions range from 5 - 80 things a day. What works for me is saying 'thank you' to everything I encounter each day, for example a sunrise/sunset, hoar frost on the trees (especially when the sun is shining), food, shelter, warm homes and offices, clothing, colleagues, work/jobs, lessons about living peace, etc.

2. Remember: Meister Eckhart's saying, "The most important prayer in the world is just two words: THANK YOU."

3. Do a gratitude alphabet exercise. In your notebook, write the letters from A - Z. As fast as you can, write down I am grateful for ___________ starting with the letter A and going through the alphabet. For example: I am grateful for apples, I am grateful for bananas, I am grateful for carrots, and so until you finish all the letters.

4. Start your day by being thankful for all the blessings you have.

5. Practice an 'Act of Kindness' everyday.

6. Look for ways you can genuinely praise your partner, your child, your colleague, your employees, the person who serves you - such as a waitress, mail carrier, paper delivery person, police officers, etc.

7. Thank the earth for sustaining your life by providing food, air, and water.

8. Write a letter to the Universe expressing gratitude for all your blessings.

9. Thank your parents for giving you life.

10. Thank the Universe for all the lessons you have received.

Gratitude - Top Ten Reasons to Adopt the LAW of GRATITUDE

What would your day be like if you started and ended it by simply noticing all that you have in your life? If you count all your assets, you always show a profit. Gratitude is a natural high.

When you live in tandem with your spirit, appreciating all of life and what you have, you discover more joy and kindness in the world. Miracles happen everywhere all the time, but only those with an ?Attitude of Gratitude? seem to notice them. This circle of peace grows and you return to your natural state of joy, love and peace, knowing you are whole and complete just as you are.

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others." ~ Cicero

The following is a list of the top ten reasons to adopt the Law of Gratitude in your life:

One. Being in Gratitude Only Has Positive Side Effects.

Positive emotions make you feel good and offer a sense of comfort. When we take a few moments to express our appreciation inwardly or to another, immediately we begin to feel happier, more relaxed, more optimistic.

Two. Feelings of Gratitude Provide Short-Cuts to Miracles.

Negative thoughts and feelings create an interruption in the natural flow of life. When you are feeling positive and grateful you accelerate what it is that you desire. Consciously appreciating what you already have is the short-cut to manifestation and the secret to personal fulfillment.

Three. Thoughts of Gratitude Flood Your Body with Immune-Boosting Endorphins.

Studies also provide evidence that a positive, appreciative attitude enhances the body?s healing system and general health. When you hold feelings of thankfulness for at least 15 to 20 seconds, beneficial physiological changes take place in your body. Levels of the stress hormones cortisol and norepinephrine decrease, producing a cascade of beneficial metabolic changes. Coronary arteries relax, thus increasing the blood supply to your heart. And your breathing becomes deeper, raising the oxygen level of your tissues.

Four. Feeling Grateful Puts you Back into the ?Flow of Life? at the Speed of Thought.

Thoughts create things. If you are feeling and thinking positive thoughts, you create positive situations. You draw positive people to you. Like attracts like.

Five. Gratitude Unlocks the Fullness of Life.

Feelings of gratitude turn what you have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast or a house into a home. Gratitude makes sense of your past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.

Six. Feelings of Gratitude Give You a ?Natural High?.

Grateful people tend to be more optimistic, a characteristic that researchers say boosts the immune system. Studies indicate that daily gratitude exercises result in higher reported levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism and energy. Grateful people experience less depression and stress, are more likely to help others, exercise regularly and tend to make more progress toward personal goals. People who feel grateful are also more likely to feel loved

--Copied from Manner Media

按摩穴位轻松治疗颈、腰、椎病的妙法

颈椎、腰椎有病，揉后溪穴百用百灵

　　过去，颈椎病是40岁之后人的专利，但现在20～30岁的颈椎病患者到处都是，甚至还有得颈椎病的小学生！原因很简单：伏案久了，压力大了，自己又不懂得怎么调理，所以颈椎病提前光临了。

　　阳气不足，人就会未老先衰，这是当今生活中多数人面临的一个特别严重的问题。

　　当长期保持同一姿势伏案工作或学习的时候，上体前倾，颈椎紧张了，首先压抑了督脉，督脉总督一身的阳气，压抑了督脉也就是压抑了全身的阳气，于是，久而久之，整个脊柱就容易变弯，人的精神也差了。

　　人的精神，不是被脑力劳动所消耗掉的，而是被错误的姿势消耗掉的。

　　这一系列问题，都出于同一原因。现在，通过一个穴，也就可以全部解决，这个穴就是后溪穴。后溪是小肠经上的一个穴，把手握成拳，掌指关节后横纹的尽头就是该穴。这个穴是奇经八脉的交会穴，通督脉，能泻心火、壮阳气、调颈椎、利眼目、正脊柱。临床上，颈椎出问题了，腰椎出问题了，眼睛出问题了，都要用到这个穴，效果非常明显。它可以调整长期伏案或在电脑前学习和工作对身体带来的不利影响，只要坚持，百用百灵。

　　用这个穴位非常简单，而且容易坚持。我们坐在桌子旁，把双手后溪穴的这个部位放在桌子沿上，用腕关节带动双手，轻松地来回滚动，即可达到刺激的效果。

　　当我们坐在电脑旁阅读文件的时候，手是怎么放的？肯定是一手不离鼠标，一手仍在键盘上吧，保持这个姿势不动，人都变僵了。这时，不妨灵活一点，把手解放出来，让双手的后溪穴抵在桌沿或键盘上，来回滚动，揉一揉，每次刺激3～5分钟，每个小时刺激一次就足够了。这是毫不耽误时间的，因为这时候，眼睛该看什么还可以看什么。

　　大家可以试一下，坚持一天这样做下来，肯定到了下班的时候腰不会酸、脖子不会累，眼睛在很大程度上能得到缓解。每天坚持这么做下去，首先是腰椎、颈椎轻松挺直，同时，你会发现眼睛也比以前好使了。如果因为忙，总是忘记怎么办呢？我建议，甚至可以定个闹钟，每隔一个小时提醒我们揉动一下后溪穴。不管忙到什么程度，我想这么一点时间还是能抽出来的。因为，这是能真正拯救我们健康的好方法。

　　要养成揉后溪的习惯，随时随地，有空就揉一揉。比如，开车的时候，如果碰见路上堵车，或是红灯亮了，把后溪放在方向盘上来回滚揉几次，特别舒服。这时候，别人在着急上火，而你却在通督脉、泻心火、壮阳气、调颈椎、正脊柱、利眼目，受用无穷；一不起急，二不发火，精神振奋，这么一来，有时候居然觉得堵车也堵得很值！

　　注：后溪穴在手侧面小拇指下两三厘米处，见上、下附图 - Copied from Here.

　　
　

纵贯北美东部， 阅尽美景无数 - From a friend

纵贯北美东部， 阅尽美景无数

盛夏之时，处处炎热，身在夏威夷，哪里是最佳旅游去处？今夏与老公Bob(以
下称老B) 从佛罗里达出发，纵贯北美东部，行程四千多英里，穿越十个州，用时两
周，到达加拿大尼亚加大瀑布。一路风光无限，阅尽美景无数。

老B酷爱开车，总觉得夏威夷似弹丸之地，开车没有纵横驰骋的感觉，于
是在佛罗里达购买一处小屋。小屋刚刚建成，新植花树草坪。屋后一人工小湖。湖
面有鱼儿游跃，激起层层涟漪，不时有飞鸟掠过湖面，窗前远眺，如梦如幻。与老
B去海湾钓螃蟹，找到几个窝点，钓到的螃蟹吃不完，可惜没有更多朋友一起分享。
享受过新屋的感觉之后，告别新交的邻居朋友，与老B驱车启程远游。

有人说过“如果你只呆在夏威夷，你就没有到过真正的美国”。此番旅游
之后，我觉得此言不错。美国地域辽阔，交通发达，有很多没有开垦的处女地。和
在中国旅游不同的是没有拥挤喧闹，吃喝拉撒都方便至极。75号公路纵贯南北，从
福罗里达一直到纽约州到加拿大，避开交通拥挤的城市，只寻山光水色之处。老B这
回过足了开车瘾，在宽阔平坦的公路上疾行，车窗外有整齐的农田，草地，美丽的
农舍；还有从未开垦的原始森林。中国地域广阔，还需围海造田，开山垦荒，见不
到一处闲置的荒地。美国人口少是一个原因，我觉得美国人懒，不喜欢耕作，农作
物大多都是靠进口。所以浪费了很多土地。窗外的景色拉扯着我的思绪。出国近20年，
如今与一个老外丈夫在美国的大地上行驶，简直似做梦一般。为解除旅途的单调，
我用缺两个音的嗓子大声喊歌。差不多将我所有会的歌都喊过。老B说我喊的京剧像
哭。

老B自己就是GPS,只要看一眼地图就可以直奔目的地。到Georgia 州的 Lookout
Mountain,这里遍地奇石异草，两座山石之间只能容一人通过，抬头望见一线蓝天，
低头可见另一处山崖下潺潺流水和游人。斗胆跨过一个晃晃悠悠的吊桥，登上一处
突出于绝壁的山崖，放眼望见 Virginia`North Carolina 等七个州，，山峦迭障，
绿野茫茫，让人产生一种壮怀激烈的感觉。 傍晚 在近尼亚加大瀑布的水牛城Watertown
住宿。大瀑布源头，即落差开始处在美国境内；瀑布跌人处属加拿大。游人有时要
在美国看完瀑布起始处再去加拿大看瀑布落处。因为瀑布落处更壮观，我们决定先
去加拿大。次日清晨驱车过桥，加拿大边防只是看一下护照即放行。首先进入眼帘
的是大瀑布公园，公园对面就是瀑布。只见百米多的一片汪洋突然跌进万丈悬崖，
水跌落处像万马奔腾，似雷霆滚滚，激起水花扑面，迷雾茫茫。我终于领略了世界
第一大瀑布的壮观，惊叹造物主的鬼斧神功。遥望彼岸，觉得这里已经足够美丽壮
观，于是放弃了去美国境内看瀑布的计划，驶往另一处大自然的杰作----千岛湖。


千岛湖距大瀑布有200 英里，同样部分属加拿大，部分属美国。名日千岛
湖，其实有大小一千八百多岛屿似宝石一样散落在碧波粼粼的湖水里。我们登上山
姆大叔号游轮，驶入湖水岛屿之间。眼前的景色让我心荡神怡。游船在水平如镜的
水面上穿行在一个又一个岛屿之间。这些岛屿基本都属于私人所有。每个岛屿都有
一个独特的景色。大的岛屿绿荫笼罩着一座城堡，数艘游艇。有的还可以看到小鹿
和猿猴。有的小岛却只有一棵树或一个灯塔。每一个岛屿都似一个精致的盆景或一
付美丽的油画。岛上的建筑风格各异，有绿影婆娑中映照着一座红色的小屋，有巍
峨的山石旁依傍着一栋豪华建筑，还有耸立在古道旁的城堡和围绕在鲜花中的教堂。
最有意思的是在两个美丽的小岛之间有一座只有十几米的小桥。这两个小岛一个属
于美国，一个属于加拿大。据说这个小桥是世界上最小的国际桥梁。美丽的景色让
我目不瑕给，一会儿拿起照相机，一会儿又操起摄像机，不想错过每一处景色。最
后我们登上一座可供游人参观的古堡 Boldt Castle。城堡所在的岛屿 建筑古朴高
雅，美伦美焕。有小桥流水，花榭长廊，岛中有岛，堡外有堡。一个发生在岛屿上
凄美的故事，使这里美丽的景色更增加了一种圣洁和神秘。1900年，一个美国富豪
斥巨资为他的爱妻 在岛上兴建城堡，主城堡有120个房间，可以在不同的房间观赏
不同的景色。四年以后没待城堡建完，妻子却不幸离世。悲伤的富豪没有心情继续
修建下去，后将岛屿全部捐给政府，条件是永远保持原貌。我们现在看到的就是内
部没建完的城堡。在底层我们仍然看到了主人奢华的家具和装饰。还有那个不幸和
幸运女人美丽的照片。参观了一些房间，登上古堡顶层，凭窗远眺，窗外的景色美
丽得让人窒息。当我们走出城堡。手里拿着冰淇淋，坐上返航的游轮时，感觉好似
刚刚从天堂返回人间。千岛湖是我所见到的最美丽和最值得一看的地方。很奇怪这
样的旅游圣地我和我的很多朋友过去却没有听说过。美国人真是太没有经济意识，
如果在中国早就呼悠得全世界的人都知道了。

离开千岛湖，驶往返程的方向。顺道到老B妹妹家。他妹夫退休前是飞机驾驶
员，收入不菲，豪宅背靠森林，不时有小鹿松鼠出没，内外都很漂亮。期间游览一
个小镇，买了一种味道怪怪的杜松子酒。选择在周末去拜访住在近华盛顿的朋友颖。
我和颖在中国时是邻居。当年我们一起去沈阳办赴美签证，几乎同时来美。经过十
数年打拼，拥有了豪宅和不错的工作，进入了美国上层社会，最幸运的是她有一个
夫唱妇随恩爱非常的老公。与颖老友相见，分外高兴，老B和颖的老公F也相谈甚欢。
我们一起包饺子，做烧烤，返老还童地在客厅里跳舞。次日我们又去了百看不厌、
全美最大的Luray Caverns 溶洞。溶洞内的钟乳石千姿百态，美妙神奇。最后一天
我们开车逛Blue Ridge 山，在一处公园野餐，吃F做的专业水平的墨西哥薄饼卷东
北炒菜。在小山坡旁采了很多蓝梅和红果。之后又去参观一个古镇Harpers Ferry
West Virginia。古镇建筑基本保持二百年前风貌，有兵器工厂，造酒作坊，，，小
店里卖的东西也是仿古旧物。卖东西的小姑娘穿着旧时衣裙。走在小镇石子路上，
可以望见远处的古战场。时光仿佛倒回二百多年前。

告别了颖和F，驶往返程的方向。很享受此次旅行的经历。乘飞机或参加
旅行团享受不到这样放松和随意的感觉。转头看专心开车的老B,如果没有这个爱开
车的美国丈夫老B,不用说我的美国地理知识，就凭我这个百分百的路盲，也决不会
有此享受。以往因为文化背景和某些观念差异与老B曾有过的不快此时都烟消云散。
心想傻老B还是不错嘀。

A letter to Aifang Wang

Aifang,

I am sorry about the bad news. I wish I can do something to help.

Try to do something new that you never think you can do it.

The bad thing happened without your preparation. So that was out of your control. If you have options then choose the one you like, but if not. Forget it and move on. If you can pull him back we will help do whatever we can.

It is important to take care of yourself; you cannot afford to lose anyone again in your life, you have older parents to take care, you have young girls to support, you have lovely husband to tender. So you are the important one to be taking care of, you are the main role for this situation. Have good attitude to life. Face whatever it comes to you. We have long way to go in our life, have lot of thing we don’t want to face in our future life.

Don’t tell me you cannot, yes, you can, you are the smartest and strongest women. So I have the following suggestions.

Go to YMCA and sign up the membership. Take swimming lesson, learn zumba dance, and take Yoga class. Over there you have so many things you can do, appreciate every progress you made for your body, your mind, focus on the small successful on each step.

And hike with us, I believe, this can at least help a little.

We are on your side, I think, you can and will conquer the difficulty time.

Banana Nice Cream

Fast & Fresh
This recipe packs an energizing punch with just three ingredients: unsweetened soymilk, frozen bananas and smooth almond butter. You can also customize this frosty treat with your favorite fruits, nut or seed butters, non-dairy beverages and spices…or even unsweetened cocoa powder for the chocolate lover. Yum!
Copied from whole foods Market

Table Manner

Copied from 13 Basic Table Manners for Kids. It is good for adults too.

For informal dining situations, it's okay to rest an elbow on the table if you're not actually eating. But, if you're eating, then only rest the forearm or wrist on the edge of the table. One doesn't want to be hunched over their food. At formal functions, no elbows on the dining table.

Table manners are more than about proper eating; it's about being kind and considerate of others.

Other people will judge them on how they appear. Having proper table manners is one way people judge others, and they wouldn't want people to think that they're yahoo's, do they?

Whether in a restaurant or in a home, here are some basic table manners to teach kids:

1. Eat with a fork unless the food is meant to be eaten with fingers. Only babies eat with fingers.

2. Sit up and do not hunch over your plate; wrists or forearms can rest on the table, or hands on lap. You don't want to look like a Neanderthal.

3. Don't stuff your mouth full of food, it looks gross, and you could choke.

4. Chew with your mouth closed. No one wants to be grossed out seeing food being chewed up or hearing it being chomped on. This includes no talking with your mouth full.

5. Don't make any rude comments about any food being served. It will hurt someone's feelings.

6. Always say thank you when served something. Shows appreciation.

7. If the meal is not buffet style, then wait until everyone is served before eating. It shows consideration.

8. Eat slowly and don't gobble up the food. Someone took a long time to prepare the food, enjoy it slowly. Slowly means to wait about 5 seconds after swallowing before getting another forkful.

9. When eating rolls, tear off a piece of bread before buttering. Eating a whole piece of bread looks tacky.

10. Don't reach over someone's plate for something. Politely ask that the item to be passed to you. Shows consideration.

11. Do not pick anything out of your teeth, it's gross. If it bothers you that bad, excuse yourself and go to the restroom to pick.

12. Always use a napkin to dab your mouth, which should be on your lap when not in use. Remember, dab your mouth only. Do not wipe your face or blow your nose with a napkin, both are gross. Excuse yourself from the table and go the restroom to do those things.

13. When eating at someone's home or a guest of someone at a restaurant, always thank the host and tell them how much you enjoyed it. At least say that you liked the dinner or mention a specific item that was particularly tasty, i.e. the dessert was great. Again, someone took time, energy, and expense to prepare the food, so show your appreciation.

Articles of the Day

This article is very good, even for adult. I copied from MannerMedia@touchebyter.com.


Teach your Child to Give Respect and They'll Gain Respect in Return

One of the most important things you can teach your child is respect and the best way to teach respect is to show respect. When a child experiences respect, they know what it feels like and begin to understand how important it is.

Keep in mind the saying "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Respect is an attitude. Being respectful helps a child succeed in life. If children don't have respect for peers, authority, or themselves, it's almost impossible for them to succeed. A respectful child takes care of belongings and responsibilities, and a respectful child gets along with peers.

Schools teach children about respect, but parents have the most influence on how respectful children become. Until children show respect at home, it's unlikely they will show it anywhere else.

How can you show respect to your child? If you do something wrong, admit it and apologize. Don't embarrass, insult or make fun of your child. Compliment them and let your child make choices and take responsibility. Listen to your child's side of the story before making a decision on an issue or problem. Be polite and use "please" and "thank you" when asking them to do things. Knock before entering your child's room. Keep promises. Show your child that you mean what you say. And give your child your full attention.

And most important, teach your children that respect is earned. Make sure that you are leading by example and modeling respectful behavior. Be a law-abiding citizen. Show concern for your environment, animals and other people. Openly and honestly discuss exampled of witnessed disrespect.

In addition, teach your child to respect themselves. Self-respect is one of the most important forms of respect. Once we respect ourselves, it is easier to respect others. Help them set and achieve goals. Encourage honesty and teach them that people make mistakes, and that they are the best way to learn.

Most importantly, praise your child often for good deeds, behaviors or traits, and tell them you love them at least several times each day. You're sure to raise a child capable of giving and gaining respect.

Chores Can Help your Child Learn about Teamwork and a Strong Work Ethic

Chores can help develop a sense of responsibility and self worth in your child. It should be understood by all family members they are expected and necessary to a household running successfully and efficiently. They can help create a sense of unity and family and is a great place for your child to learn about teamwork. Parents should take special care to handle the delegation of chores to children so they don't become a source of frustration or create arguments. Allow your child to have an active say in the delegation of chores. Give them choices. We all have household chores that we don't like to do, but if it's a chore the child enjoys doing then there's less likelihood it will create a battle in the end. The child will most likely appreciate having the chance to be heard and having a choice.

It's imperative that you set parameters early on for the successful completion of a chore. They may not perform up to snuff when they first start performing the chore, but show them where improvement is needed and praise them for a strong effort. Also make sure the child understands there will be repercussions if they only put forth a minimal effort. Ensure the child understands the need for the chore's effective and efficient completion. Set consequences for substandard completion as a team. Make sure they see that if they don't perform their chores, it affects the other members of the team. Spouses must work together and be a strong example for their children by completing their own chores each day. And don't allow a child to undermine your authority by battling with you over a designated chore. Stand your ground and don't give in, and emphasize the consequence and negative effect an uncompleted chore has on the family.
Make Quality Time with your Child Count

In today's busy world, work, household chores and social activities all put a strain on your time with your child. But as you well know, it's imperative that you spend quality time together. It helps strengthen the bond between parent and child, and lets your child know you can be trusted and counted on. Children who spend quality time with their parents often do better in school, and excel in extracurricular activities, hobbies or sports. And though it can be 'scheduled' to a degree, it's something that happens when you least expect it. Therefore it's important that you do spend as much time as possible with your child in a relaxed atmosphere and do things together that you both enjoy.

But you're asking yourself, "Where am I going to find the time? My schedule's crazy enough as it is!" Well, for something as important as your child, you need to start digging around in that crazy schedule and find the time. Prioritizing is the key.

Here's some helpful suggestions on how to make the most of your time and find quality time where you least expect it.

Look at your household chore list and decide which ones can be left undone or be done imperfectly in order to make more family time. You might also want to consider leaving certain things until after your child has gone to bed to make the most of your time together.

Turn some of your everyday routines together count. Sing some favorite silly songs on the way to daycare, or make that drive to and from school a great opportunity to discuss what's happening in your child's life.

If you have more than one child, realize that each of them needs your individual attention. You may really have to juggle things around to make this happen, but try to be flexible and creative when spending time with each of your kids. And no matter what, don't skip those individual times with each child. By doing so you show them they're lower down on the priority list than the dry cleaning or the grocery shopping.

Children thrive on stability and routines, so plan your quality times so that they can take place regularly. Maybe you can walk the dog together on weekend morning, take a shopping excursion together, have a scheduled night each week for a sit-down dinner together, or make a trip to the park.

The Keys to Effective Discipline

Disciplining a child is one of the most important, yet difficult, roles of being a parent. Effective discipline teaches a child to be self-disciplined later in life. It helps your child grow up to be happy and well-adjusted. Effective and positive discipline teaches and guides children, and helps them to feel safe, secure, and valued.

Discipline should be based on a child's age, development and temperament. A parent's goals by disciplining their child is to protect them from danger, to help them learn self-control and self-discipline and to develop a sense of responsibility.

Children should be respectful of their parent's authority. If they're disciplined harshly or unfairly, especially if it includes shouting or humiliating, will make it difficult if not impossible for a child to respect and trust their parent.

Parents must be consistent in their discipline. Discipline that's not consistent is confusing to children, no matter how old they are. If parents are inconsistent in the way they discipline their children, children may find it hard to respect them. It can also indirectly encourage misbehaving and result in confusion and frustration for the child.

Discipline must also be fair. Parents must make sure that the punishment fits the crime and doesn't punish too severely or is too lax. The consequences of their actions should be related to their behavior.

In order to discourage bad behavior, give your child choices about what to do. He will appreciate the chance to make decisions. Make sure rules that protect the safety, health and well-being of your child are given top priority. If your child is irritable, tired or upset, be understanding and try to help calm them. It's important to keep in mind that bad behavior can sometimes be circumstantial. Encourage positive behavior in your child by spending quality time alone with your child each day. Give your child hugs, cuddles or a gentle pat on the back, and give praise when praise is due. If your child is angry or sad, try to understand why. Teach your child good behavior by setting a good example and behaving properly and appropriately yourself.

Kefir

Kefir is drinkable yogurt. It has long history and lot of benefit for your system.
Check here for more info.
This picture is kefir grain, I bought from internet. If you are interested, I'll give some to you, just let me know.
To make kefir:
Put one table spoon kefir grain (more or less) to a glass jar. Add a cup of milk in room temperature for 12 hour or so. Then drain the kefir (thick milk) to a bowl, it is ready to drink. The kefir grain is for next batch.

Each day the kefir grain grows. You can give it to friends whoever is interested. And you can do something with it (search the web).
You can use more or less milk depends on how much you will consume each day. I usually let it stay in room temperature for 24 hours. I drink the kefir in the morning, and then I rinse the kefir grain and make another cup for next day. Don’t use metal for the process (I don’t know why).

When you drink the kefir, it is sour; you can add some fresh fruit, resins, cranberry, nut or honey for taste. Be creative, add whatever you feel like.

If you want to take a break from making kefir, just add some milk to kefir grain then put the jar to refrigerator. It can keep long time. I did it for several months

Sushi

Sushi is fun, delicious, healthy food.

Yogurt

I make my own yogurt, it is cheap, high quality and don’t add any colors, preservatives, sugar. When you consume them, you can add any fresh fruits, resins, dry or fresh cranberries, nuts, honey for sweet taste.
It is easy too: Just google ‘How to Make Yogurt’ then you will get thousands of results.

Vietnamese spring rolls

Delicious, easy, beautiful and fun to make apetizer for all occations.

Ingredients for rolls:
Wrappers
Cucumber
Carrots
Cilantro
Basil
Scallions
Letters
Clear noodles
Whatever you like

INGREDIENTS for source
1/2 cup natural-style creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 small garlic clove, mashed to a paste
1 teaspoon chili-garlic paste
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
Juice of 1 lime
1/4 cup water

INSTRUCTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Stir until well combined, adding more water to thin the sauce if necessary.

Note: We like to use natural peanut butter for this recipe. If you use the conventional kind, add less sugar to the sauce.

Scarves

These Scarves have nothing special.
Just for fun. Maybe we can use them this coming winter.

Hope weather get cold this year.

香椿芽

Last weekend, we visited friends; they came from 山东省, China. We had very tasty dumplings, but the best thing was I had some 椿芽 with eggs. The taste is special that I never had. So I searched internet and find the interested information.

制作食谱

椿芽拌豆腐 　　
主料：
香椿(100克)
豆腐(南)(250克) 　　

调料：
大葱(15克)
香油(10克)
盐(2克)
味精(1克) 　　

制作工艺 　　
1. 椿芽择洗干净，放进开水锅中焯一下，捞出，切末； 　　
2. 葱洗净，切末； 　　
3. 精盐、味精加少量水调匀，同豆腐、香油、葱末拌匀，放进盘中，撒上椿芽即可。 　　
菜品口感：椿香浓郁，富含营养。
　　
===========
拌嫩香椿芽 　　
主料：
香椿(500克) 　　

调料：
姜(10克)
盐(5克)
醋(10克)
味精(1克)
香油(50克)
酱油(10克) 　　

制作工艺 　　
1. 椿芽摘去老蔸根，大个一切两半洗净，用盆装上;　
2. 姜切成米； 　　
3. 食用时，将椿芽倒入开水内汤熟(烫的时间不宜太长，否则走掉香味)，捞出后挤干水分，放入上列调料和姜米拌匀，装盘即成。 　　
菜品口感：香嫩，味鲜，爽口。 　　

==============
椿芽炖鳝丝 　　
主料：
鳝鱼(400克)
香椿(100克) 　　

调料：
姜(10克)
味精(5克)
淀粉(玉米)(5克)
料酒(8克)
盐(5克)
酱油(8克)
香油(10克)
猪油（炼制）(15克)
胡椒粉(5克)
菜籽油(20克) 　　

制作工艺 　　
1. 将鳝鱼去骨，切成粗丝； 　　
2. 香椿芽去尾老茎，切成细末； 　　
3. 将锅置于旺火上，放入菜油，烧至六成热，泡沫散尽后，放进鳝鱼丝、姜丝、料酒4克爆炒； 　　
4. 倒入高汤（200克），加入猪油、胡椒粉、精盐、酱油、料酒； 　　
5. 用中火慢炖，烧至汁浓油亮时，改用旺火； 　　
6. 放入香椿芽末翻炒半分钟，用湿淀粉勾芡，淋上香油、味精即可。 　　

==============
椿芽煎蛋 　　
主料：
鸡蛋(200克)
香椿(50克) 　　

调料：
淀粉(玉米)(10克)
猪油（炼制）(150克) 盐(2克) 　　

制作工艺 　　
1. 香椿芽入热水锅中焯一下，捞出控去水分，切碎末； 　　
2. 将鸡蛋打入碗内搅匀，倒入淀粉，再加入烫过的椿芽和适量精盐继续搅匀； 　　
3. 将炒锅入油，中火烧热后改至小火； 　　
4. 锅内倒入蛋液，把猪油淋在蛋液中间，加盖后以小火烤约6分钟，翻面再供烤3分钟，盛入盘内即成。 　　

=========
香椿芽粥 　　
主料：
粳米(100克)
香椿(100克) 　　

调料：
盐(2克) 　　

制作工艺 　　
1. 将香椿芽择洗干净，放入开水中略烫后捞出； 　　
2. 粳米淘洗干净，用冷水浸泡半小时，捞出，沥干水分； 　　
3. 锅中加入约1000毫升冷水，将粳米放入； 　　
4. 先用旺火烧沸，再改用小火熬至八成熟； 　　
5. 加入香椿芽，再续煮至粥成； 　　
6. 下入盐拌匀，再稍焖片刻，即可盛起食用。

For more information click 椿芽 .

Whole wheat bread

Ingredients:
1 cup warm water (110-115 degrees F)
1 tablespoon milk
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (see additional notes for a 100% whole wheat version)
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons instant active dry yeast (active dry yeast will work also; get more info on active vs. instant active dry yeast here!)

Instructions:
1. *Combine first 6 ingredients in a large mixing bowl; stir.
2. Add flours and yeast, and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 10-15 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover with a clean towel and let rise until doubled, about 40 minutes.
3. Punch dough down; knead for a few minutes until smooth and then form into a loaf. Place in greased loaf pan and cover. [more info on loaf pan sizes] Let rise in a warm place until almost doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. If loaf starts browning too soon, lightly lay a piece of foil on top of the loaf to prevent too much darkening.
5. Remove bread from oven and allow to rest in pan for a few minutes. Remove to a wire rack and cover with a cloth. Slice and enjoy while still warm! (Easier-slicing tips here!) Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight bag or frozen until needed.

Our garden

Our garden, the deer visit our garden all the time, enjoy what we have in the spring, summer, fall in our garden. Occasionally, when the weather is nice, they have plenty of food around the forest, our neighbors, so it kind of taking little bit long time for our turn. That is why I have chance to take picture of the beautiful flower in our front yard.

It is sham, we can't compete with wild deer, they have more time roaming around for food, they like any plant which we glow in our back yard, so we give up this year. We are looser. But we enjoy seeing them come and go freely, morning and evening.

Lunch with Andrea

Today I had lunch with Andrea at Han Gong(Rosslyn), she is ‘Chinese’ and likes Chinese food a lot. We had great time, we talk about everything we could think, personal, and work, family, friends, coworkers and ext. we talk about everything from Obama to girl friend, boy friend. I mean everything.

It has been long time we have not met and talk like this since she found a position from Siemens. Since I got this position in 2005, we become friends, we took walk after lunch, we talk, we laugh, we tried exercise, we stretches, we joked a lot, teasing each other and we enjoyed the time together.
We won’t wait too long to see each other next time.

I am glad she is doing well and has happy relationship with Steve. Wish them the best.

Easy way to be happy - give

Last weekend we had visitors come from Florida. We are long time friends Bob (husband will turn 70 years old) and Haixiang (wife is 60 years old).

We went a trip to Harpers Ferry. When we reached to the gate to show our tickets (annual national park pass) I noticed a sign said one dollar bill is appreciated, so Bob took a dollar bill from his wallet then gave it to park ranger, the park ranger told him I do not take donation here if you want you can go to in side of the park there is a place you can make donations.
Then we got inside the park to visitor center, he still did not forget his one dollar bill. He gave the one dollar bill to the staff who worked there. I can tell the work stuff don't want to take the dollar bill but don't want to hurt his feelings. Later I figured it out that the one dollar bill is appreciated mean if you purchase ticket, we need one dollar bills to make changes.
But the bottom line is he is so happy by make a dollar donation.

Then we took the bus to the historical site. The day was hot and the bus was full. Few people were standing. He stranded up from his seat and gave his seat to a lady who much younger than him (half his age).
I saw in every bus, there is statement in the front seat said senior or disabled people.
So, the conclusion is his mind is a lot younger then his biological age. He bought happiness with a dollar - inexpensive - good deal.

In real world how many smart people missed this kind deal.

We had great time.

Easy dress

It is easy to make, and fun to wear.

vegetables - Aragula

芝麻菜别名芸芥、火箭生莱，各地又有不同的称谓，如香油罐（黑龙江） 臭菜（辽宁） 臭芥（内蒙古） 芸芥（西北） 臭萝卜、金堂葶苈（四川），英文名Salad Rocket、Arugula、Roquette，学名Eruca sativa，为十字花科瓢儿菜属蔬菜，原产于欧洲，在中国西北、华北及四川、甘肃、新疆等地有栽培。

Stand up tall

Want to know a secret about how you can look better instantly? It's simple: Straighten up your posture! Proper posture truly does affect the way you look and feel. Unfortunately, many of us walk with less-than-upright posture, and it's even worse when we sit. Ever find yourself hunched over your computer at work? Yep, most of us do! It's a matter of training your body to sit or stand up nice and tall.

First, assess your current posture; then make improvements. Imagine balancing your head squarely over your shoulders; realign your shoulders so they are neither in front of your chest nor behind it. By perking up your posture, you'll dramatically improve your appearance and look pounds lighter — and you'll feel more confident too. Focus on how amazing your body feels, and try to make your body memorize the position.

After a few weeks, your new posture will become a habit. All it takes is a few seconds, so try it now! You'll feel self-assured and look your slimmest — one step closer to being the best YOU you can be!

-- Denise Austin --

Sprouted Bread

Sprouted Bread.
Taste good, but take long time to prepare.

Scallops Noodles

Ingredients:
8 ounces noodles or whole-wheat spaghetti or any spaghetti
1 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 pound dry sea scallops (see Ingredient notes), tough muscle removed
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup sliced scallions
Salt to taste
Any kind of green vegetable

Directions
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook noodles, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 6 to 8 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.

2. Heat canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ginger and garlic, then add the scallops and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Add green vegetables and stir another 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Add scallions and toss to coat. Top with scallops and serve immediately.

3. Add scallions, sesame oil, and vinegar to noodle. Top with scallops and serve immediately.

Here is the link from friend's blog http://blog.sina.com.cn/maytian66.

Third Project - top

This is third one. I used pattern first time.
Keep doing.......

Second Project - top

This is my second project - Top.
Made without pattern. take some time. Not too bad.

First Project - Skirt

This is my first project. Easy and fun.