A Mug Shot

I love searching for nice mugs at the thrift shops.  Finding one that I really love is like winning the lotto.

Somehow, using a mug I like makes the drink tastes better.  Really.

There are tons of mugs at the thrift shops.  Big, small, tall, short, ugly ones, cute ones... For some reasons, people love to get rid of mugs.  OK, I can understand the ones with logos or writings, but I can't figure out why nice ones too.

Maybe nice is subjective.  What's nice to me may not be nice to other people.  But fine quality should be universal.  Why would people throw away fine quality mugs?  Some of them are so new and no chips nor scratches too.

No complaints though.  My gain.  Over the years, I have found mugs that makes me happy.  Best of all, these mugs cost less than a cup of coffee each.  See the blue heart mug on the right?  It's a Japanese fine bone porcelain and I got it for 49 cents.  The tall tumbler in the back was either 99 cents or $1.99.  It gets me 10 cents off per cup of coffee for using my own mug.  I got my money back already.  It used to be purple.  The purple layer of film peeled off over time.  I ended up stripping it off and it's now a silver tumbler.  The Starbucks mugs cost a bundle at the stores.  Not at the thrift stores though.  They are all priced the same and wait for people to rediscover them again.

Go mug hunting next time, peeps.  You never know what you will find.

Happy 2013!!

So on January 1 2012, I set off to start my project 365.  One picture a day.  Now, how hard could that be?  Well, it was harder than anticipated.  I only had taken 208 photos for the project.  Oh, and 2012 was a leap year so there were actually 366 days.

So, I didn't do well.  I had excuses but ultimately it was my own doing.  It took determination, dedication and discipline.  I didn't own it.  Oh well, what happened happened.  I just have to make sure that I don't repeat myself going forward.

Nothing is easy even if it's the simplest task if you are not determined to keep it up.

Though an incomplete project, I've learned something.  Spotting beauty around us.  Beauty is everywhere.

No, I will not try this Project 365 thing again.  Once is enough but it was a learning experience.

Happy New Year Everyone.  Make everyday count!!

A Somber December

This year, Christmas lights are less bright.  Caroling less joyful.  Cheers are less loud.  Too many unexpected sad events have happened this December.

Jenny is gone.  Can't believe the vibrant Jenny left us abruptly.   It was supposed to be a very happy month for the Keng sisters.  They were getting together, girls only, to celebrate Jean's birthday.  Sheila arrived SF on the 7th.  We had dinner.  We talked to Jenny on the phone.  She said she was so looking forward to Sheila's visit to Santa Fe the next day and the birthday bash in Las Vegas the week after. Then, on the 8th, Jean got the call.  Jenny was gone. She left behind her husband, son, brothers and sisters.  Her passing was so sudden and everyone was left shocked and speechless.

Jenny was buried yesterday, December 19, 2012, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Grieving in Newton, CT.  A week before the Christmas weekend.  Kids and adults were getting ready for the holidays.  So much planning, so much joy, so looking forward to the celebrations. Then, on December 14, 2012, a gunman opened fire in an elementary school taking away lives of 20 innocent kids and 6 adults.  In matter of minutes, joy, hope, future and life were robbed by the most unthinkable.  So sad.  So hurt.  So senseless.

20 kid beds are now empty.  26 families will have a heartbroken Christmas.

Sadness in Oregon.  The Newton shooting dominated the news.  However, a few days before on December 11, 2012, innocent Christmas shoppers were killed by a gunman in cold blood in a Oregon mall.  They did not do anything wrong.  They were simply there at the wrong time.   These people had no idea that they would never return home again.  My heart ached for the loved ones who survived.  Now, there will be empty seats at Christmas dinner tables, and Christmas presents that will not be exchanged and opened.

世事無常.   Yes, things can happen any time any day but somehow these recent sad happenings hit me more than usual.  Perhaps it was because these people did not have a chance to say goodbyes.  They were just going about doing their business.  We are not supposed to leave this world in the middle of cooking, shopping, teaching and learning.  No.  It's not supposed to be like this especially during a month when all people look forward to is peace, joy, warm thoughts and happy plans.

Hard to say Merry Christmas to all but I guess life has to go on until the day we are gone.

Thanksgiving 2012

So Thanksgiving came and went.  Another blessed year for the Wu Family. Nothing dramatic or extraordinary has happened.  Days of our lives passed by calmly and smoothly, like a little stream of water flowing through a quiet forest.  For that, I'm thankful.

The family got together for our annual turkey fest.  Jennifer made a beautiful 24 pound turkey.  She is getting better and better with that turkey with each year's practice.  It was juicy and moist.  Caitlin is now Jennifer's efficient kitchen help.  Carli made her first appetizer for the party.  Brandon is developing a low tone voice and he is now 12.  And guess who will be joining us next Thanksgiving? Little Justin Wu will be here in March 2013.  Yes, another new family member for the Wu clan.  For that, I'm thankful.

This Thanksgiving though has been a traumatic one for few families outside my world.  Sad news after sad news over the holiday weekends.  Family being killed on a shopping trip.  Family being swept out to sea while enjoying a stroll at the beach.  What a horrible pain losing your family any time, let alone during the holidays, and especially painful right after a family Thanksgiving gathering.  I can imagine what the surviving family members must be going through right now.... my heart goes out to them and I hope that they find peace some time soon.

This just goes to show: life is unpredictable.  We must be thankful and be grateful for what we have today.  We hope to have what we have today tomorrow and everyday, but I guess no one can guarantee that will always be the case.

So, hold on tight.  Kiss it.  Treasure it.  Say Thank You every night.

The Naked Wine Try

Let's Get Naked!  I got to try out a group coupon deal couple of months ago.  A case of Naked Wines for $69.

What's Naked Wines?  I don't know why it's naked, but I see it as a support system in which customers pay forward monthly (like an investment) to help fund small wineries with their wine business.  In return, they get to buy wines at a good discount.  Naked Wines recognizes that small independent winemakers do not have the financial means to compete with wine conglomerates in marketing and distribution.  So, its goal is to provide support through collective efforts.

I wasn't too interested at first but I liked the concept and I figured that I would be doing a good thing. And heck, what's there to lose anyway?

I got the case within two days of ordering.  Wow!  Fastest delivery ever!  It came at 8am on a Saturday morning - kind of early for wine delivery (cough-cough).  It was like a mystery box because I didn't know what they sent.  When ordering this deal, you only get to choose red, white or mix.  International or US.  I chose All California and hoped for the best.

First Observation: Funky wine names and labels.  All screwed tops except a couple.  Most are from 2010 and 2011.  Hmmm.... not sure if I like this very much, but being a good sport, I shall not judge until I try.

See. Swirl. Smell and Sip.  So for the following four weeks, I did my tasting and dutifully jotted down my thoughts with each wine.  Naked Wines welcome comments on its site so I did my share.  I actually learned a lot from reading others' comments.  I also liked that the winemakers are active in the forums and they exchange dialogues with the customers enthusiastically.  Although I don't know how to express in proper wine lingo, I found my "experience" was on par with other folks'. So, does this mean my tasting skill is improving?  I sure hope so.  Hiccups!

Professional or not, cheap or not, good or not, I enjoyed my case of Naked Wines. But would I go back to order from them?  Probably not any time soon.  You see, I can pick up similar wines at the supermarket in the same price range so why should I go through ordering?  On the other hand, a part of me says I should - for equal value - because I'll do my share to support the independent winemakers.

While I ponder, here are pictures of the wines I tried.  I tried 11 out of the 12 bottles.  I'm just not into moscato so I'll leave that last bottle alone for now.

Ken Deis Napa Valley Cabernet/Merlot 2011

Interesting blend.  Nice dark ruby color and rich bouquet.  Don't think it as a cab.  It's not as dry or full bodied but well balanced.  Easy to drink on its own.

William Henry Sauvignon Blanc 2010
I like the grassy, "green" feel. I like the acidity in t his wine.  Not complicated but delightful.

Accord Santa Maria Chardonnay 2009 - I liked the rich color and the bouquet.  My only regret is that I used some to make cioppino.  Should have saved for drinking instead.

Stephen Millier Angels Reserve Shiraz 2011 - Easy to drink.  It's better on the nose than on the palate.  Perhaps it need some aging.

Credence Nectar California White NV - Fruity, structured.  Nice finish.  I knew it was going to be off-dry but still a little bit too sweet for me.

Sin Fronteras Tempranillo 2011 - Fruity.  Medium-bodied.  Beautiful color.  Drink well without food.  Best to finish it in one day.  Turned sweet on day 2.

William Henry Gewurztraminer 2011 - A little bit on the sweet side.  It had a subtle floral note and a nice pineapple finish.  It's a nice afternoon wine.  Goes well with a cobb salad or a light cheese plate.

Da Da Da Lodi Chardonnay 2011 

Crispy.  Light.  Not the chardonnay style I like. It reminds me more like a pinot grigio.  But I think this is the style that the chardonnay is trending to.

Bear & Crown Merlot Sonoma Valley 2011 

I have not had merlot in a long while so glad to give this a try.   I like it better on the palate than on the nose.  A wine to drink with something meaty.

Semilla Lake County Sauvignon Blanc 2011  - Fruity. Crisp. Balanced. Really enjoyed it.  This one I would order again.

Stephen Millier Angels Reserve Viognier 2011 

Refreshing and nice floral nose. I like the honey finish yet not overly sweet.  Better than TJ's Honey Moon in body.

Overall, the wines are young and off-dry.  I think the small wineries may not have the capacity to make more complex wines.  But, big kudos all around for passion and for having fun.