June
June has been a long, but short month for me. We have been
living with boxes everywhere and the living quality hasn’t been great {still these
days}; in the short terms, quiet some last minute of errands to run, phone
calls to make, and things to pack {still doing that}. I sounded quiet complaining,
but I am not perhaps overwhelmed!
During this June month, I have gotten up in early morning
hours; 5a.m.; I quickly brush myself off then go down to the kitchen; likely set
the kettle on the stovetop then turn to medium-high heat then grain the coffee
beans. These days, I only made 1.5 cups of the coffee for the whole day and
likely it is gone before we left the house for morning exercises. While waiting
the kettle whistles, I sit down in the kitchen counter and take a good look through
the planner of the day. Last few days, I have started thinking about food in
the fall season. I have been thinking making Apple pies {topping a scoop of ice
cream}, apple crisps {lots caramel drizzle on top}, and a big pot of broccoli
cheddar soup {creamy}, homemade chicken broth {all deboned chicken and
vegetable scraps} and homemade bread. I know they are not really sounded
delicious in the summer days, but I am quiet ready for the fall to com. It is
my favorite season and I have firmly believed because I was born in the fall, so
I love the season so much!
Summer days are great, there are more people out and about, fresh
fruits {berries, peaches, watermelons, pineapples…}, fresh green ingredients
and more outdoor activities, but somehow, I am ready for sweaters and cozy time
at home. I have promised myself not to flip the planner pages and try not to
get all autumn dishes into the planner these days. It would be nice to rest for
a little and enjoy the summer from now!
One of our errands is going up to the Twin City for the
violin 6 months check-up after the initial purchase. Everything turns out
great; nothing needs to be repair, strings are still in great condition. The
violin has started to have its own tune; I like to think it is the S tune! The
new violin that we purchased is handcrafted by the last name Johnson in
California. I should look up the invoice for the correct name; it is such a beautiful
instrument to play and listen to. Prior we made our trip; we decided to
purchase a better quality bow. S tried out a few bows and picked one in our
budget range. {Oh, remember the last bow that was snapped? We were able to
exchange to a new one, but the exchanged bow’s hair keeps coming off and I
decided not to bother for the second exchange}. The new bow has been rosin well
in the shop and it sounded beautifully together with the violin. The newest piece S has been playing is
Veracini Gigue. It is such cheerful piece. I love how when she adds the vibrato
on the phrases and it gives nice vibration sound to that.
On our way back from the Twin City, we took a detour route
on MN-52. It takes us to Southeast part of Minnesota; Rochester. The drive was
beautiful and the new crops have filled both side of the farmland. Although
part of the MN-52 was under construction, but it really helped to car speed to slow
down and able appreciate the nature a bit more. After a little over one hour
and 45 minutes drive, we arrived Kim’s house {S’ piano teacher in Grand Forks,
ND) and met her new twin girls. It has been another two years since we see each
other. Oh, Kim looks so great! She always has a big smile on her and my S is as
tall as Kim now. Over last two years, we have sent each other cards in the
mail, text from time to time, and of course we have promised to come see her
two years ago, but timing has not perfect each time when we try to reach out. S
played Frozen on violin for Elise and Lucy, Kim’s bigger girls and of course S
was a little shy to play piano for Kim. I had to show Kim all S’ spring recital
videos from the phone. Indeed, I deeply think that’s how most of mamas do! Not
showing off, but feeling proud.
We had a great visit while the twins were napping; by the
way, it was the first time I held a baby after 12 years. I totally don’t
remember how to held babies anymore {laugh}!
We had almost 3.5 hours remain to drive home from Rochester; we had
carryout sandwiches and started our way home. S napped after the first hour on
the road and I keep myself strong for the remaining hours!
All the good intentions started with i can do this! The
night before our container left the driveway this week I ended up packing the
remaining items in plastic bags finished most of packing around 11p.m.. Everything will fall apart for the last bit of what
I packed. I was laughing at myself the container picking up morning because I
was washing the vacuum cleaner filter at 5a.m. I though after so many moves
that I have done these years, I should be good for another move, but the
reality is that I am not the same me 2 years or 4 years ago! I am a little
slower, both arms’ strength is not quiet up for lifting heavy boxes, and the
mind is functioning slightly off to other things that need to be ready. This
time, I had to do most of the move by myself. Staci was here and helped me
moved the two large bookcases into the container, but I couldn’t ask her for
more since it was 95 degree out there. But I made it!
The planner noted call utility companies and ask for
disclosure and final readings on the closing day. After made all the phone calls, it felt so great
knowing that is being taking care of! Then the next day, I realized the wifi
company disconnected the system! I was frustrated on the phone that Tuesday
afternoon. It sounded it is impossible for them to reconnected the system back
up right away, so I let them know don’t mind it and leave it as is. It has been
awkward not being able to call ma and update her on this move. I believe she
has been praying for us all these time. Hope soon, I will be able to give her a
ring, so she is being updated.
I wrote each customer a little note and hand written their
addresses. It was probably the first time that I was able take time and pay
attention to their locations. {Thank
you} for the last bit of loves of quarter inch mark patchwork handmade (my
works)! I also like to thank the Postal
lady who took time with me, so I could note the proper tracking number for each
order! The great heart felt gratitude
has been keep coming to me lately; friends called, emailed, stopped by in and
sent their well wishes to us on this big move.
It has been so encouraging and positive!
{Thank you}!
It has been a difficult move for S this time. {I decided not
to get in details}. It was the very first time; I have felt vulnerable as a
mother. It was hard to reach out to her the first time. Even school is out of
session, I still wake her up at 7a.m. and made her go to exercise with me. I
have been asking her to make breakfast now {likely wash some fruits, and two
pieces of toasted toasts for each} and keeping her busy during the daytime. I
keep reminding her that she still needs to do her duties at home even it fails and
keeps study her music even it is summer.
It is a hard pulling phrase for her and me, but I think it is
working slowly day by day! We have been talking about summer reading and made
extra trips to the library since summer starts. S has got three new books that
she enjoys and each of them is 1.5 inch thick. I got four books and each book
is 0.5 inch thick. Of course, hers is all words that will take her up to the
imagination world and I on the other hand found some new cook books {Southern
dishes} and a few sewing books. This will be a long summer for us with the big
change ahead. I will keep spending time
with her and keep talking just like every mama does! Balance! Balance!
Midwesterner
Time take me back to late August in 1997. I took three
flights and arrived America with two pink eyes and little English. I have no
intention to live in America after my study, but life, it takes you on the
journey. The last flight landed in Sioux
City, Iowa. It is such a small airport. In this day, I still vivid remember a
lady with short gray hair approached me. She quickly introduced herself- Mary,
the international advisor for the university that I will be attending that
time. The way from the airport to school seemed so far away and the arrival
time to school seems so late. It was almost 10p.m., but the sky still was so bright. After I was settled into the dormitory room I
called ma and I sniffled, tear out, and told her I will come home after this
year’s study and ma said that would be fine, but try your best! But the truth
is I stayed and felt in love with the Midwest culture and even raising my own
child in this part of the country land.
Last few weeks, as I was packing, I have looked into photo albums
from the college years, S’ toddler years, and time that I spent here in
Midwest. So many flash back moments and memories of this place and people. I
can’t quiet tell you what is this about the Midwest, but I have been given the
helps when I needed them, continually extended friendships over the years,
great support from friends that we somewhat became families in someway. The
hostility of this land and the cares that people have given to us. I could not ask for more!
As a young immigrant, I have been like an insider, but yet an
outsider of this country. Somewhat I fitted everywhere, but nowhere as well. It
has taken me last ten years to find my comfort zone and to feel a fitted corner
of this country. I know I will never become
a true American because deep inside of me have a strong belief that holds on what
ma and pa and where I grew up taught me, but I true am Midwesterner after
nearly 20 years living here. I am thankful the humbleness, thoughtfulness, and
kindness that this place has taught S and me. We’ll keep these Midwest
hostility in us!
In a few days, we will leave our West Des Moines home;
handing the keys to the new owner and farewell to our first home that have us
settled and contended in last two years. We will be heading our way to
Northwest Iowa for a few days and spent some time with our closed friends and visit
S’ childhood friends before we head out.
Carol sent me an email this morning and letting me know that our beds
are made and ready for us! That brought warmth and big smile to me this
morning! We’ll drive through more corn and bean fields. Measuring the height of
corn stalks, as they say by Fourth of July the corn will be in knee height.
We’ll try to get few 1” thick Iowa pork chops on grill before we head out and
soaking up all the bit of Iowa air and greens!
Oh, it will be great time, I assure!
We will be driving through lands of Illinoi, Indiana, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, New Jersey then arrive our new state New York! It will be a long
driving ahead of us! I wondered what are
on the fields of these states that we’ll be driving through? We’ve got our
camera set and map planned! Just need
some good rest before we started!
It will take me awhile to return here! So, let’s not plan on
when to meet again. It will be a big leap for us to move back to New York
again, but we will keep our family heart together and try to settle in quick! I
will still be sewing from time to time, not much! I have been thinking about
unpack what I have just packed. It will be a big job ahead of me {us}.
Maybe when the apple pie season arrives, I will return, but
don’t count me in for that. Maybe when I make the first batch of caramel corn,
or perhaps a little sooner. Let’s just play by ear from now! If I don’t come back here before the jungle
season, I like to make sure to tell you, Merry Christmas and have a great time
with families and friends. I will be
making some favorite cookies that time and probably sewing by then, crossed my
fingers for the sewing moments.
Let’s not say good-bye, but ciao from now!
With Love,
Chase
West Des Moines, Iowa