Judge a Book by Its Cover

A photo of a toilet might seem a bit odd at first 🤔 — but there’s a reason behind it! As I am taking part in the “Judge a Book by Its Cover” activity in Vancouver Public Library’s Adult Summer Challenge. The idea is to choose a book and take a photograph in a setting that matches its vibes.

So, I picked my humble work from years ago, 暢便 (“Easing Constipation”), and posed it with the toilet at home. It’s truly the perfect setting for this book — the environment, and even the scent, are right on theme! 🙂

The library’s summer challenge runs until the end of August. If you’re interested, feel free to join in too!

For more details, visit the Vancouver Public Library website: https://www.vpl.ca/program/adult-summer-challenge

突然出現一張廁所相片好像很奇怪🤔，皆因醫師準備參加溫哥華圖書館Adult Summer Challenge 的「Judge a book by its cover」活動，這個活動就是要選一本書放在合適的氛圍拍照上載。

故此，醫師就找了我多年前的拙作《暢便》與我家馬桶拍個照，相信這本書跟這地方合照，除了環境氛圍是絕配，連氣味都很對味。：）

這個圖書館活動舉辦至8月底，大家如果有興趣也可以參與呢～

有關詳情請參閱溫哥華圖書館網站：https://www.vpl.ca/program/adult-summer-challenge

望天打掛

作中醫最好可以多認識天文地理，這樣才能兼顧天、地、人，並給病人擬出最合適的方案。

最近聽完KO阿佬節目，介紹這本老農年鑒（The old farmer’s almanac)，是有關加拿大農民看天氣和種植的寶典，類似加拿大版的通勝。

不是迷信，以計算星體間距離和引力影響地球上的能量，而對天氣產生不同變化，再引申人應作甚麼的調節和活動。這件事其實十分科學，亦正合中醫所謂 「虛邪賊風，避之有時」。

碰巧今天逛Safeway 竟然見到有得賣，就買來看看有幾堅～

As a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner, it's best to have a good understanding of astronomy and geography. This way, one can consider the relationships between heaven, earth, and people to create the most suitable treatment plans for patients.

Recently, after listening to KO Ah Lo’s program, I learned about The Old Farmer’s Almanac, which is a classic guide for Canadian farmers on weather patterns and planting—essentially a Canadian version of the Tong Sheng (a traditional Chinese almanac).

It’s not about superstition; rather, it involves calculating the distances between celestial bodies and their gravitational influences on the Earth's energy, which in turn affects weather patterns. This leads to insights on how people should adjust their activities accordingly. This concept is actually quite scientific and aligns with the TCM principle of "xu xie zei feng, bi zhi you shi" (avoiding harmful external influences at the right time).

By coincidence, while browsing at Safeway today, I spotted a copy for sale—so I bought one to see how solid it really is!

The Best Place

《The Best Place》是Danya Fast以研究人類學為前題下觀察並追縱溫哥華一班藥物成癮青年人的集結。

溫哥華的藥物成癮問題肯定是大家移居後十分關注的，新移居者的觀點與本地很多人的想法之間明顯存在不少的分歧。

Danya的描述中看到成癮者背後有不少是原住民背景，他們從小被迫與至親分離，也遭受不少的肉體上和心靈上的暴力，藥物成為他們逃避現實方法、安撫他們的焦慮不安，甚或至後來是他們認為要依賴各種不同的藥物才能使生活可以運行。當中有的青少年從起初對未來存在美麗的幻想，希望生活可以改善，到發覺現實不如預期的沮喪感到力不從心、原地踏步。溫巿的減害措拖（Harm Reduction Approach）也讓一些青年人覺得他們在不斷的循環中未能找到踏實的里程碑和前行的方向，既沒有讓他們的生活走向積極健康，卻只是讓他們留在困境中等待死亡。

未能讓一些曾經戒癮的人從新生活，從此脫離毒品，部分是因為戒癮者本身沒有另外找到遠離毒品的圈子，缺乏物質上和心靈上的支援，此外這是也公共政策上的一些空隙。很多本地人認為減害措施減少歧視、讓有需要的人更願意尋求協助，及避免他們藥物使用過量。可是，要怎樣才是真正可以幫助到他們呢？單是減害肯定是不夠的。他們想要看到希望、找到改變的動力，讓他們可以逐步站穩在社會上。除了讓他們認識神之外，這裡還有沒有其他機構可以幫忙呢？

想起以往針灸戒毒的病人，不知他們有沒有徹徹底底離開黑暗，生活是否安好？

海外小孩學中文

孩子上中文班開始會在課文上自己寫點英文筆記或拼音幫助自己記憶，有點像我們小時候學英文時會寫上中文筆記，蠻好笑的。

看著不得不讚賞孩子開始長大了。

不論這是否最好的方法，但見他有用心去學習，還有主動去動腦筋解決自己的疑難，作為媽媽已心感安慰。相信有會主動解難的能力，在其他學習範疇也會慢慢進步的。

在外國堅持學習中文不易，現階段孩子還是有點半推半就的學，看看能學多少就多少。

盼望孩子往後能找到學習的興趣和動力，這樣才能走得更遠。

--------------------------

My child has started writing English translations and notes to help himself remember words during Chinese class. These notes are similar to the ones we created while learning English as kids, which I find quite amusing.

I must praise my child for starting to grow up. While it may not be the best solution, seeing him take the initiative to learn and solve his own problems is comforting as a mother. I believe that if he can take the initiative in this area, his overall learning will gradually improve as well.

Learning Chinese in a foreign country is not easy. At this stage, my child is a bit reluctant and sometimes needs encouragement from us. I hope he will find interest and motivation in his studies so that his journey of learning Chinese can continue further.

Google Review

 

謝謝Lihua在Google留言讚賞。💖

病人能緩解病痛讓醫師最滿足和喜樂。😊

當然要加倍努力！💪

---------------

Thank you, Lihua, for the kind review on Google. 💖

It brings the greatest satisfaction and joy to a doctor when a patient can find relief from their suffering. 😊 I would definitely work even harder! 💪

C'est la vie

從多倫多回來溫哥華的機程，機長突然宣布叫大家望向右邊窗口可以看到極光！還邀請大家上前去控制室前窗觀看。活潑的團隊確為這趟旅途添加了不少生趣。

雖然寄艙行李現時未有消息，但還有很多可以遇上的好人好事。

C’est la vie.

------------

On the flight back to Vancouver from Toronto, the captain suddenly announced that everyone should look out the right-side window to see the Northern Lights! He even invited passengers to come up to the front near the cockpit for a better view. The lively crew really added a lot of fun to this journey.

Although my checked luggage is still missing, there are always good people and nice surprises to come across. 

C'est la vie.

極光

20年一遇，

安在家中可以看到極光！

讚嘆！

我觀看你指頭所造的天，

並你所陳設的月亮星宿，

便說：「人算什麼，你竟顧念他？

世人算什麼，你竟眷顧他？」

詩篇8:3-4

----------

Once in 20 years,

I could see the Northern Lights from home!
Amazing!

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
(Psalm 8:3-4)

異鄉港孩

最近在溫哥華圖書館尋到寶，這本《異鄉港孩》出版還不到一年，這兒的圖書館已經可以借閱，內裡記載著30個家庭的移民故事還有他們的教養理念，亦從各人的故事中找到不少共鳴。

古有孟母三遷，很多移民家庭離開原生地也是希望為孩子締造一個更合適的成長環境。只是轉變來得突然又劇烈，要適應的自然不少，當中大人和小朋友的成長，除了因為是在新環境的衝擊，還有家庭互動的變更和價值觀的更新與重整。

誠然在每一個地方，都有各地的優缺點。而人又不是全知，只能在我們的有限之中，選取當下最合適的選項。取捨過後的得失，很難一一算清，始終我們無法窺看在平行時空中選了不同選擇的我們。最好還是為自己的決定負責，繼續好好的走我們的路。到目前為止，我也確信我們的選擇是對的。

若說單單為著孩子而作決定，對孩子來說未免太沉重。尤其是那時孩子還是矇懂無知的幼兒，他們還沒有辦法改變大人的意思，只有跟隨的份兒。我會認為是自己在原居地住得膩了而任性出走，是我們大人以個人的價值觀選擇，而這個選擇自然而然地影響到孩子往後的人生。

所以，非常感謝孩子在一路上對我們的信任和跟隨。

感恩我們家這兩年的適應是出人意外地順利，再來便是書中對每位受訪者關於身份認同的問題。「我是香港人？」這問題既遠又近。當然人家問起，也會自然地答我來自香港，不過離開得越久，便越是疏離，上年聖誕節返港身心也有點點不適應，感覺更像過客。而在這邊又還是很新，還未有生根，需要更多時間心機去經營。大抵「我心安處是吾家」，相信無論身在何處，人生都只是客旅，最後盼望的不過是返天家。

------------------

Recently, I stumbled upon a gem at the Vancouver Public Library. This book, Exiled Hong Kong Children, was published less than a year ago, and the library already has it available for borrowing. It documents the immigration stories and parenting philosophies of 30 families. I found much resonance in their stories.

In ancient times, Mencius's mother moved houses three times for his education. Similarly, many immigrant families leave their homelands in hopes of creating a better environment for their children to grow up in. However, the transitions are often abrupt and intense, requiring significant adaptation. Both adults and children undergo growth, not only because of the challenges of a new environment but also due to changes in family dynamics and the reevaluation and reshaping of values.

Indeed, every place has its pros and cons. As humans, we are not omniscient; we can only make the best choice within our limitations. The gains and losses after these decisions are difficult to quantify. After all, we can’t peer into an alternate reality where we chose differently. The best we can do is take responsibility for our choices and continue to walk our path with conviction. So far, I firmly believe we made the right decision.

To say that the decision was made solely for our children would be too heavy a burden for them. Especially since, at the time, they were young and innocent, unable to influence the adults' decisions and left with no choice but to follow. I tend to think that it was my restlessness and desire for change that prompted this move. It was a decision based on our personal values as adults, and naturally, this choice has shaped our children’s lives in profound ways.

I am deeply grateful for the trust and willingness our children have shown throughout this journey.

I am also thankful that our family’s adjustment over the past two years has been unexpectedly smooth. This brings me to the topic of identity raised in the book. "Am I a Hongkonger?" This question feels both distant and close. Of course, when asked, I naturally respond that I am from Hong Kong. But the longer I’ve been away, the more distant it feels. Last Christmas, when I visited Hong Kong, I felt slightly out of place, more like a passerby.

Here in Canada, though, we are still newcomers without roots, requiring more time and effort to settle in. Perhaps the saying “Home is where the heart finds peace” rings true. No matter where we are, life on earth is but a temporary journey, and in the end, our ultimate hope is to return to our heavenly home.

日全蝕

  

今日仔仔突然說要搬去Ontario ，

心裡奇怪，好端端的為什麼想要搬家？

問個究竟後，

發現原來是因為他在學校得知今天最熱的新聞，

就是Ontario 可以看到日全蝕，

而Vancouver 卻只能看到28%。

看著他拿著電筒和兩個球，

跟我們解釋日蝕如何產生，

還頭頭是道的講解日蝕的種類，

說Full eclipse是最棒、最正的，

心覺敬佩又好笑。

個人十分欣賞阿仔對追求完美的志向，

但孩子呀，我明白100%跟28%確是差距有點大，

在Vancouver 對這次日蝕確實完全無感，

不過為了看個特別自然現象就要搬家，

不是太大費周章嗎？

去個旅行不就可以了～

重點是，

這次已經錯過了，

要等20年才可以再次在北美看日全蝕哦。

（圖片來源：網絡轉載）

------------------

Today, my son suddenly expressed his desire to move to Ontario.

I was puzzled—why would he suddenly want to relocate? After asking him more about it, I learned that he had heard the hottest news at school: Ontario would be able to see a total solar eclipse, while Vancouver would only get 28% coverage.

Watching him hold a flashlight and two balls to explain how an eclipse happens, and giving a detailed rundown of the different types of eclipses, I couldn’t help but feel both amused and impressed. He emphasized that a full eclipse is the best and most exciting one to witness.

I truly admire his pursuit of perfection. However, my dear child, I understand that there is a significant difference between 100% coverage and 28%. And I agree—Vancouver didn’t feel much excitement about this eclipse. 🙈 Still, moving just to see a special natural phenomenon might be a bit excessive, don’t you think? Why not just take a trip instead?

The thing is, we already missed the opportunity this time, and it’ll be another 20 years before we can see a total eclipse in North America again. 😅

(Image source: from the web)

法文學習之路

 加拿大的法定語言為英語和法語，平日買的日用品、銀行信件大都有英法雙語，因此，打算在此定居後一直都想學學法語。

之前經楓之谷法文自學谷認識了學語文的App: Duolingo，玩票性質地斷斷續續的自學，沒有很認真的學習計劃，進度當然是龜速。

拿了PR後驚喜地發現原來給新移民的免費語言班是有法文學的！：）等了半年，終於排到了做測試。

讀寫聽講像考IELTS似的玩了兩小時，今天收到了成績單，看出了嘆慢板自學的成果。讀寫還算喜出望外，只是一聽真人講法語便不太聽得到，自然答不到問題，明顯是位法語系聾啞人士。聽講還是需要更多語境配合呢。

這次測試，除了賺了真人法語對答機會，考評員見我聽法語上的問題，還推介了另一個自學法文app：Mauril ，內裡有很多不同的生活短片，由淺入深的教法文用語。從頭去聽最簡單的法語，真的發覺自己好像甚麼也沒學似的，真人發音很難聽懂。

就在等候通知有課程之前（或許又是一個半年），再來自學一下～

P.S. 順道自介一下小妹拿來練習法文的threads:

https://www.threads.net/@tcmp_crystal

----------------

Canada’s official languages are English and French. Everyday items and bank letters typically come in both languages, so since deciding to settle here, I’ve been eager to learn French.

I discovered a language learning app called 'Duolingo' through a self-study French group named 'Maple Valley French Self-Learning'. I've been using it casually, without a serious study plan, so my progress has been at a snail's pace.

After receiving my Permanent Resident status, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there are free language classes for new immigrants that include French! :) After waiting for six months, I finally secured a spot for the assessment.

The test was two hours long, covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking—similar to the IELTS exam. I received my results today, which revealed the impact of my slow-paced self-study. My reading and writing results were surprisingly decent, but as soon as I heard real French speakers, I struggled to understand them and naturally couldn’t answer the questions. Clearly, I was somewhat lost in conversation 🙈. I definitely need more immersion to improve my listening and speaking.

Besides giving me real conversation practice, the evaluator noticed my difficulties with listening and recommended another self-study app called Mauril. It offers a variety of everyday videos that teach French from beginner level upwards. Starting from the basics, I honestly felt like I hadn’t learned much at all 😂—real spoken French is tough to grasp 🙈.

While I'm waiting for a course placement (which might take another six months 😂), I’ll keep up with my self-study! 😊

P.S. Here’s my Threads account, where I practice French: https://www.threads.net/@tcmp_crystal"

生日快樂

又大一歲。

今年隨老公公幹快閃Calgary ，可以跟姐姐聚餐慶祝

有愛護自己的家人圍繞，是最好的禮物。

尤其人在外，與家人見面的時間更是可貴。

初次美國行

小孩的Pro-D day(類似教師發展日的學校假期），又是BC長假期前夕，就試試搞搞新意思——來個美國行。

第一次過境美國，來到開車一小時左右的Bellingham，我們在來加前申請的美簽終於有用武之地了。

話說小妹未曾踏足過美國領土，大鄉里出城，大概是帶著一點獵奇的心態作客。由於不是常客，在關口被召進海關查旅遊記錄、拍照和打指模，還要每人交$6查閱費！被要求查閱旅遊記錄，費用卻要我們付，這個有點耐人尋味。

此趟旅程尚算短暫，除了在美國關口被官員問話那段時間，還有在路上的時速標示由km轉為miles ，其實未有感覺到邊界兩地有多大分別，可能要多看看不同地方感受下。

在小鎮閒逛一下，悠閑的過上一天。

確要感謝同行友人們的建議和安排。

小試牛刀，下次可以走遠一點吧～

回家

飛機上的朝陽迎接我們回加！

實在好得無比。

回港 ‧ 啟程

 移加兩周年，

現在是回鄉探親的心情。

通過路試

 是日最高興事件莫過於有返對腳！

有些少非重大錯誤。

泊好車後考官跟我講解好些要改進的地方。

例如叫我之後要好好練習一下泊車，

還問我紅燈轉右要怎處理，答完標準答案後，他說紅燈轉右一定要停定，我剛才考試時做的只是rolling stop，不是full stop。

以為衰了，但考官放人！！

遇著好人，無可否認是幸運的。

等候了10個月不能開車的日子，

終於等到香港車牌夠2年期，

可以合資格考class 5路試。

現在能夠成功合格，

可以自行開車出門，

一定要感謝抽空陪我練習的老公。

紅葉遍地🍁

 2023 Fall @Eagles Drive

團聚

暑假的尾聲，有家人從各方而來。

一家人一起去吃好西，也遊覽了好些地方。其實沒有很周詳的策劃行程，大概都是隨興所致的出發，不過目的是團聚，景點也就沒有多大所謂吧。

難得相聚，最重要是讓孩子好好認識一下大家。過往我們都不算是非常緊密的那種家庭，而且那時孩子還比較小，所以他對大家的印象都是有點模糊的。

感恩這次相見，孩子有喜歡我的家人多一點。

還要特別鳴謝外子幫忙計劃行程和當大家的司機，確是沒有你怎麼辦。謝謝你！還有辛苦了！

Bible Camp

 

這個星期替仔仔報了在新家附近的教會辦的Bible camp。

孩子由第一天出門的不情願，到那天下午已說他十分享受其中！而且每天晚上回來問他當天的學習，也有個概念，感恩他看來真是有所得著。

確要感激義工們的愛心服侍，帶孩子們學習聖經、以不同的手作和遊戲加深他們對訊息的吸收，還預備各人的午餐和點心。（還是第一次參加活動包辦午餐，作媽媽的省心不少！）

活動還有領家長認識教會的使命，除了每天提供午餐外，在Bible camp後的周日還邀請所有小朋友和家長一同來崇拜，備有會後的午餐，還以Bouncy Castle 作招徠。（我家孩子就是因為這個玩意嚷着說要來。）

到步以來一直選擇去的是廣東話華人教會，因為本身以廣東話為母語，覺得信仰上的領受需要真正明白才能入心，以母語聽道、團契也比較易吸收和建立關係。

這次有機會見識一下本地教會，牧師講道很形象化，以英文聽道都很易消化，實在是比想像中好。也很喜歡這天在崇拜時呼籲孩子一同上台唱歌、跳舞敬拜，孩子們都樂於跑上台上參與，讓台上台下很投入。

最大感動是由Bible camp 到崇拜，都見到各民各族各方同心事奉，而且小朋友都自覺是當中一分子，圖畫十分美麗，有開了眼界的感覺。

再見

 

Goodbye Acadia Park!
謝謝我們到步的第一個落腳點，
讓我們滿載美好的回憶。

我們會想念這裡充滿愛的鄰居，
經常來串門、可愛的小朋友，
這個可以讓人安心放養孩子的天堂。

清潔完交還鑰匙後，
仍是有不捨得的感覺。

由不吃人間煙火似的世外桃源搬出，
從新整理家中的擺設、再次買傢俬、砌家具，
感覺就像回到剛到步時的步調。
還要再建立新的社交圈子，
也開始要認識各種雜費和垃圾處理的新規律。

煩瑣疲累，
但踏實。

盼望新地方可以住很久很久。

自我評估

學年結束，收到孩子的成績表。

最驚喜的不是老師在成績單上寫的評核，

而是孩子給自己的自評。

這裡由Grade 1開始，小朋友便會給自己做評估，

學習自我反省一下過去一年的個人表現。

作為媽媽的，也可以從此一窺孩子對自己的看法。

這就是加拿大式的教育吧，

知識教育或許隨意，

但較著重孩子的自我追尋和反省，

也是為自己的學習負上責任。

以前醫師在NGO工作和上年在加拿大讀書時都會要做自我評估。

老實說，自己做評估時常覺得心裡作難。

有時候覺得都做得不錯，但又不會給自己一個excellent，因為怕在老闆和老師眼中並不是這麼一回事。

有時候覺得自己未夠好，又不敢寫得太差，因為怕太赤裸的交上會有後果。

總之，就總是隱藏真心交出中規中矩的報告，

其實終歸是在跟自卑感在摔跤。

只見孩子在最初的學習階段，

在還未太熟練掩飾隱藏的時候，

能以單純的心為自己評核，

在聽別人的評價前先傾聽自己內心的聲音，

也是學習把自己能看得合乎中道的過程。

即使長到老大的我，也還是在學習中。