I ran my first half marathon back in 2008. I had just come back from traveling to Africa, was buff from backpacking all over Europe, and realized I only had a month and some to train. The thing is I never really considered myself an athlete of any sort, more like a curious person who just wanted to try stuff and see what I can do. My parents were like "whaaaa... you can't do that! you're so unathletic..." I trained, I stumbled, I doubted myself, and then I made it in a decent time for a first timer. And my parents and some of friends were there with me at the finish line. They surprised me actually. My mom was really sick at the time and I didn't think she'd be able to make it out to see me. One of the best moments ever is to do things people don't think you can do (and yourself even). I hope it inspired my mom too, as she was going through chemotherapy at the time and training for her own type of marathon. 

I've been thinking about getting back into running lately. There are just so many gorgeous analogies to life with running marathons. Learning to build good habits/practice, keeping a steady pace, learning how to slow down, rest and ramp up as needed, pushing through mental boundaries and physical pain, allowing yourself to see the scenery just knowing that you'll get there eventually, just try your best, etc etc.

Couldn't sleep well last night. Instead of tossing and turning, I got up and drank some herbal tea and meditated a lil bit. This always warms me up and helps me settle in. And somewhere in between these sleepy non sleep states, thought of you and your favorite song. Perhaps a sign? It was the score for one of your favorite Chinese tv programs. I was curious about the song, and as I couldn't go to sleep anyways, decided to look it up as I never really did understand it before. My Chinese, although proficient, only allows me to understand modern colloquial Chinese. 

I laugh at myself sometimes when you speak to me these days, often at the oddest of hours. Spent next couple of hours translating from classic Chinese to English. Messaged received Mom. I know. <3

Love from Afar

The bonds of this world are bitter and short; the path of man is long
Words cannot capture the immenseness in these fine thoughts
Such as a Dream this bustling instant
The world will have its series of empty busyness

Spring leaves and autumn will come, oh the vicissitudes of things
You can always count on the successes or failures of life
Boarding from afar the landscape is vast and uncertain
Love shines through the heavens a path without restraint

A series of rain, storms and maddening wind
In the blink of an eye the hair on your temples has become the color of frost
Leaving forth all that you Love, leaving forth all that is your Truth
Leaving forth a Dream that endures to accompany the Moon and the Stars

A series of rain, storms and maddening wind
In the blink of an eye the hair on your temples has become the color of frost
Leaving forth all that you Love, leaving forth all that is your Truth
Leaving forth a Dream that endures to accompany the Sun and the Moon
Leaving forth all that you Love, leaving forth all that is your Truth
Leaving forth a Dream that endures to accompany the Moon and the Stars

Love you too mum. <3

Uhm it would appear that we are alike. Except that I like to think that I started the trend as this is a photo of me in Namibia in 2008 and Dad just a few of months ago. Hehe.

Part of why I've always traveled was to inspire my parents to really see the world. I think it was really hard for them to enjoy themselves because they were always in such a survival immigrant parent control freak mode. So glad to be able to share them this as they have gotten older. They still drive me insane, but mostly in good ways now. Had a bit of tension with my dad recently over family business stuff. Same old same old... Part of my inherent frustrations with him is knowing how much we are so alike in many respects.

It's interesting to see your parents grow as people. When you are a kid, you think you're parents know everything. Then you get older and realize they are just human beings and growing just as you are too. What a gift to be able to help them on their journeys in this experience. And a blessing to know that you can be a teacher and guide too. 

Here's a short video someone produced of dad's recent SUV adventure along the Silk Road. Got to spend a part of it with him. Totally gives me joy. And yes my Dad is BADASS.