East to the Best Coast Adventures (March
2014 Edition)
Dearest
friends and family,
I am writing
you by moonlight from the Metropolitan Water District’s Gene Village, which
sits along the Colorado River Aqueduct, sandwiched south of Lake Havasu and north
of Parker, AZ. The stars are brightly
dancing amidst the pitch black sky, wind breezing at a hefty 15 knots, and
power generators humming in the distance.
Suffice it to say, a lot has happened in the six seven months
since I wrote you last.
In honor of
celebrating last year and ringing in the year of the horse, I’ll share with you
my
13 Most Memorable Moments
of 2013
Digest
Ditty:
13.
Rounding out summer with a final push to clear out Hu home clutter
12.
Starting a new job with Advancing Justice – Los Angeles (formerly APALC)
11.
Leaping head first into the Coro Fellowship
10.
Returning to the pool
9.
Healing from a fairly serious dog bite
8.
Spraining my left ankle…four times
7.
Fixing my ‘lil car Virgil (again!) and tending to whiplash after getting
hit on the 710 freeway
6.
Recuperating from retinal puncture, which required an emergency
procedure to fix mine eye
5.
Plugging into a vibrant community group with Pacific Crossroads Church
4.
Enjoying the company of Patrick and his trusty wonder dog Homer
3.
Helping mom, who’s living it up now that her previously fractured ankle
healed
2.
Worshipping with Papa Hu for the first time
1.
Relishing in the simple moments
Down
& Dirty Details:
13. Rounding
out summer with a final push to clear out Hu home clutter - How do I begin
to explain how much, um, history my family has accumulated over the years? I almost can’t, except maybe to say that nearly
2/3 of my parent’s home was covered in, over, under decades of treasure. Some of my favorite finds: taser posing as
cell phone that ignited upon my opening the box (no worries, I don’t think I
got zapped too severely), DMV records for the first car my parents owned (the one
I remember driving around in as a child!), red glittered and ruffly black
velour prom dress withering away in the back of a closet. Let’s say this. I am whittling away the belongings I have
held on to personally and so thankful that my parents’ home is clearer,
walkable, and ready for guests!
12. Starting
a new job with Advancing Justice – Los Angeles (formerly known as the Asian
Pacific American Legal Center (APALC)) - After summer, I started on as the health
program manager at Advancing Justice – LA, the nation’s largest legal and civil
rights organization for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders
(AANHPI). Our team assists with Affordable
Care Act (yes, Obamacare!) implementation, helping community based
organizations execute outreach, education, and enrollment campaigns to ensure AANHPI
and underserved communities through California gain access to affordable health
coverage. The pace of work has been grueling (I regularly pull all-nighters),
but entirely worthwhile to know that hundreds of thousands of lives are
changing because of our work.
11. Leaping
head first into the Coro Fellowship - I decided to pursue the executive
fellowship with Coro, a public affairs, professional development program that
brings together professionals from around the southland from various industries
and fields. We are learning tools,
strengthening skills, and identifying ways diverse stakeholders solve complex
policy problems. We’ve built our
leadership and followership skills through an edgy ropes course, tested
different communication styles while undertaking logic studies of low income LA
neighborhoods, and gathered data on California’s water crisis, which leads me
to explain why I was visiting the Colorado River Aqueduct. (Yes, was.
Started this note last month…better late than never, right!?)
10. Returning
to the pool - After a two-year hiatus, I’m baaaack…in the pool and swimming
along. I’ve been so fortunate to befriend
a few fish from my church fellowship who flock to the pool roughly three times
a week. Waves lapping past me as I pant
through short sprint sets, this is one of the few times during the week that I
can relish in peace and quiet; no cell phones, computers, calls, or
distractions. It’s my favorite time to
think and pray, truth be told, and I frequently wonder how to squeeze in more
time to do so. Now that our swimming crew
has grown from two to four and maybe even six, I’ll have more friends to play
in the pool (I mean) work out with!
9. Healing
from a fairly serious dog bite - Did I mention that I was bit on the hand
by a dog in November? I was walking down
a narrow sidewalk after breakfast with a friend and we passed this [seemingly]
docile border collie mix. Yes, yes. I said hello to the dog. I put my hand out to let him sniff my palm
(like all cautious dog petters do) and when I slowly turned my hand over (while
its tail was wagging), CHOMP! In shock,
I saw my skin torn, muscles and nerves exposed, and thought, “Hmm…ok… time to
find out if this dog is caught up on his shots.” Thankfully the answer was yes. After a quick conversation with the owner
(who knew her dog’s tendency to lunge
at strangers and still leashed him to
a tree on a busy sidewalk) and a trip to the ER, I have healed without
complication…except experiencing a little PTSD when anxious or hyper dogs
approach me on the sidewalk. Such a
bummer, really, because I never used to hesitate greeting my furry friends
(perhaps that’s the lesson here). And I
was banned from the pool for over two weeks while my wounds healed.
8. Spraining
my left ankle…four times - In an effort to off-set the lost swimming time,
I took to walking in the neighborhood.
So, while walking on a crisp autumn evening in the full moonlight down the
mean streets of San Marino (think Asian Beverly Hills), I somehow sprained my
ankle. No idea what happened. There wasn’t a dog chasing me. Or even a squirrel for that matter. I was literally waiting for a light to turn
green and, whomp, my ankle turned on itself.
My friend blames me for wearing toy shoes from Old Navy (in a moment of
hasty desperation, I ran to the Old Navy before going to my Coro ropes course
because I didn’t have any athletic-ish shoes on hand to grab kicks for the
occasion). Then, after the ankle started
to heal, I twisted it again (twice in one morning) while stomping through piles
of super crunchy leaves that apparently covered hidden branches ripe for ankle
rolling, and again last month when I tripped on a new feature of my parent’s
remodeled floors. Doh! It was a stark reminder to slow down and
watch my footing; perhaps a lesson that could be employed in many areas of my
life. Rest assured, however, my ankle
regained nearly all its strength and is carting me around town fairly
expediently.
7. Fixing
my ‘lil car Virgil (again!) and tending to whiplash after getting hit on the
710 freeway - I was driving to a work-related meeting during busy rush hour
traffic the morning of December 2nd when I saw a car screeching to a
halt in the fast lane. I slowed down and
continued to drive in the 2nd lane when a car pulled out from the
fast lane and clipped my left rear tire.
The impact sent me fishtailing down the 710 freeway for two hundred
yards at 45-50 miles in 8am traffic.
Thankfully and prayerfully, I didn’t hit anyone and nobody else hit me,
and I didn’t sustain any serious injuries.
One woman in the seven car fast lane pile up broke her leg literally in
the same spot mine broke in 2012 (go figure!).
However, now three months later, my neck left shoulder is tense, left arm
tingly and numb, and the pain doesn’t seem to subside. At this point I’m starting to wonder, “What’s
going on here, Big Guy!? Can’t a sister
get a break!?!” After a trip to urgent
care, physical therapy treatments, and handful of massages, I’m on the mend,
but wow oh wow I definitely don’t wish this sort of discomfort on anyone.
6. Recuperating
from a retinal puncture, which required an emergency procedure to fix mine eye
- I was convinced by friends and family that Lasik will change my life, so I
set an appointment for mid-December. And
guess what?! This routine, pre-surgery eye
exam revealed a puncture in my left retina that appeared to have healed on its
own a while back. Referred to the Kaiser
ophthalmology department to get a second opinion, the soonest appointment was
over a month away. Thankfully, one my
brother’s closest friends from medical school also happens to be an
ophthalmologist, so I trekked out to his clinic and got a very thorough exam,
which revealed that I actually had a recent puncture in my right eye. Unlike my left eye, the right puncture hadn’t
healed and was leaking vitriolic fluid (think eye jelly and aka no bueno
land). If left untreated or if I
suffered another trauma (who knows, I’d already been bitten by a dog and hit by
a car the month prior), I could have potentially lost my eyesight permanently,
so another “Praise the Lord!” for catching this leak before something else
crazy happened! Two emergency laser and
cryo treatments later, I’ve been cleared for LASIK at the end of May. Stay tuned!
5. Plugging
into a vibrant community group with Pacific Crossroads Church - After
overcoming dog bites, car accidents, and throbbing laser/cryo eye treatments,
reconnecting with old friends and making new friends through the USC and Ross
fellowships has been incredibly fun and fulfilling. But even more life-changing is the fellowship
and friendships I’ve been able to develop since visiting Pacific Crossroads
Church this summer. The Lord has brought
astounding clarity in this area of my life, developing deep friendships and
fondness among people who are singing, praising, praying, crying, and even
swimming alongside me every day. I’ve
even been blessed to call one, Judy, my new roomie in Alhambra! Friends swing by regularly to enjoy impromptu
dinners, vibrant story time and spirited prayer sessions.
Seriously, it’s like a slumber party every day!
4. Enjoying
the company of Patrick and his trusty wonder dog Homer - Patrick, although
busy in his last year of residency as chief, has made a point to visit with the
‘rents and me monthly. We’ve bonded over
the craze of house clearing and parsing through the maze of caring for our
parents. I’ve also admired how he’s
seized professional growth opportunities by working in Lyon France this
month. Homer brings levity and laughter
to our family as he bounds up and down the staircase upon entry to Mama Papa
Hu’s or when Patrick readies to take him from the “ranch house” to his
apartment in Orange County (The OC).
Homer’s earnest stares, face cocked at a 25 degree angle, clearly
display his yearning for snuggles, treats, and play time. I truly love them so and thank God we’ve been
able to spend more time together.
3. Helping
mom, who’s living it up now that her previously fractured ankle healed - Since
summer, mom’s been out of her boot/cast thing and mirroring the same
strengthening exercises in my post-broken leg repertoire. In fact, Mama Hu’s currently on a two week
cruise taking her from Rio to Buenos Aires.
In her absence, I’ve been helping dad run errands (though sometimes I
feel like a drug pusher as sausage mcmuffins, chips, and diet pepsi frequent the
top of his shopping list), sort through family bills (mom runs a tight,
well-oiled, and calendared machine), and chauffeuring pops to his doctor
appointments (praying he doesn’t explode during our neurology appointment on
Thursday). I’m glad to be of service and
lighten mom’s load a bit. I think she’s
long overdue for a break (of the R&R variety, that is), even if she is still shaking off the bug she got upon
arrival in Rio!
2. Worshipping
with Papa Hu for the first time - After friends and family have been
praying for Papa Hu for decades, Mama Hu tells me that he accepted Christ on October
1 (same day as Covered California’s first open enrollment period! Ok ok, I digress). Thank you dearests! I know
that dad still carries more than his share of frustration and anger at numerous
circumstances in the world and sometimes scoffs at the idea of who Jesus is to
him, but I was tremendously encouraged by a visit from Mama Papa Hu last
month. They joined me at Pacific
Crossroads. Instead of napping in the
car, dad came in for the sermon and even stood with me during the last song of
the evening. I’ve never worshipped like
that alongside pops; there’s a first for everything, right?!
1. Relishing
in the simple moments – Last but definitely not least, are the cherished,
simple stolen moments; dad’s crooked dentured-laden smile, mom’s psychedelic
spandex leggings as she jaunts off to ballroom dancing class, Homer’s pitter
patter as he sprints across the room to snuggle with me on the couch, and Patrick’s
googleglass article in the local paper: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/glass-595753-medical-garson.html.
I’m relishing in the fact that I’ve been
able to amass these new memories since living across the country for 14 years.
So, dear
lovelies, thank you for reading through this journal entry. In special appreciation to those who’ve
finished (or at least scrolled through) the note, anyone who emails me with
zippididoodah and your preferred address will receive a hand written note! =)
Xoxox,
Janelle
East to the Best Coast Adventures (July 2013 Edition)
Hi there. Long time no
see/hear/talk/etc,
I can’t believe that it’s already been four
months since I moved from DC to CA. Time has literally flashed with a
blink of an eye.
Hu Family Honeymoon
After the whirlwind, cross country trip from
DC to CA, I decided to move in temporarily with the ‘rents in Diamond
Bar. When I arrived, Mama Hu had just gotten out of her cast, which
resulted in a slow and steady rehab. She diligently took to her physical
therapy, spelling out the alphabet with her feet (why not strengthen both legs
while she’s at it!?) and complied with her requisite stretching routine.
This month she started up dancing at the senior center a few hours a
week. Papa Hu continues on with his regular schedule of watching Chinese
movies and sneaking into the garage to eat ice-cream while thinking we’re not
paying attention. (Of course we notice, pops.)
Springtime Excursions to the Land
of Jamón
I spent the first month back assisting with
mom’s health and business matters as well as networking in SoCal and pounding
the job searching pavement. By mid-May, I was ready for my long-awaited
break to Europe for a trip through Italy, Spain, and Portgual (legions of
photos on FB, but if you want to see others, lemme know).
The trip was amazing, of course. The
towns we visited in Italy were so different. I slurped up delicious Roman
beer, climbed through the colosseo (phenomenal to think they made such an
architectural feat two thousand years ago), and admired the Sistine Chapel
amidst the whispering tourists (since the chapel is still observed as a
reverent venue where voices are kept to a minimal decibel level). In
Cinque Terra, we enjoyed breathtaking hikes (literally, I had bronchitis and
stopped to catch my breath every 1/3 mile or so!) with vistas full of crops
climbing up mountains. Of course, we lapped up gelato every chance we
could get. Last but certainly not the least of Italy, Florence. I
fell in love with Florence, gazing for nearly an hour at the terracotta
rooftops and winding roads from atop the Duomo, pined for a bicicleta to tour
the town, but mostly enjoyed a fun evening with locals. We drowned
ourselves in a scrumptious home-cooked meal and the talent of local musicians
who, ironically (or not) played a near-complete set of American
chart-toppers. Even the cab drivers in Rome were singing the latest from
Taylor Swift (omg!) and JT (fo’ real!).
The best of the best, was our stop in
Spain. The culture is rich, people gorgeous, and food incredible.
Barcelona was most luxurious, where we enjoyed a royal suite at Hotel Neri,
which was tucked away in the back alley near the Cathedral. I could have
literally spent my whole trip there on the rooftop patio, lounging in the
hammock while listening to the children one building over squealing in their
play yard. My favorite meal was at Bar Pinotxo en La Boqueria, though
there were a number of close seconds. I’ll have to say that ham will
never be the same, even prosciutto, b/c Spain’s jamon iberico is just
divine. At one spot in Madrid, we saw a little, pet piglet prancing in
front a shoe store. Smiling at us with a hot pink bow tied around her
neck, I cooed and ensured her that her cousins were all feeding the masses with
their savory, scrumptious bliss. What can I say, I’d do well on a cave
person’s diet!
USC Real Estate Program (eek, yes
I might be a quasi-Trojan, now!)
In June, I attended University of Southern
California’s Ross Minority Program in Real Estate, where I was able to gain a
high-level perspective about the ins and outs of real estate development.
The certificate program was a great way to reintroduce me to Los Angeles
neighborhoods, the surrounding development expected in southern California, and
meet talented and experienced professionals in the field. Classes lasted
from 8am-8:30pm for four weeks, where we strengthened
excel skills, learned how to draft pro formas, and prepared development
proposals for a distressed property near the LA River. Beyond providing a
crash course on the A to Zs of the housing and real estate process, the Ross
program introduced me to dozens of real estate experts who I have had the
opportunity to speak and network with.
Virgil My Ever Trusty, But
Horribly High Maintenance, Wonder Car
While I made it back to southern CA without a
major hitch, poor little Virgil started flashing his engine light in TX.
I was relieved to learn that he would make it back to CA, but when we finally made
it home, it was apparent Virgil was really sick. Like $2,000 sick.
Then he fell ill, again. I thought it might have been the cross country
drive, my numerous trips up to San Francisco (e.g., in June I even drove up and
back twice in one week), or the long commute from Diamond Bar to various parts
of the southland, but apparently he’s just getting old and crotchety.
Last month he needed to be sent in for a $400 repair and last week my airbag
light came on. Thankfully, he doesn’t appear to need an immediate repair,
but please, dear God please, say that’s enough for now. Can a sister get
a break (not a broken car), please?!?!
Real World, Diamond Bar: Chaos
Ensues
But the car woes haven’t been the worst of my
challenges. Mom and dad continue to battle out the world war Hu of
stubbornness. I “grounded” myself in July to help focus on clearing out
the house of clutter, and it has been a tremendous whirlwind. Dad’s still
reluctant to give up his electronics (if you count type-writing word processors
and ten year old karaoke machines) and all his “paperwork” (from the drama of
home life, getting plugged in to a church.
Aaand…Back to Life (and the Chinese phone books from 1990 onward).
Once we attempt to help him, he becomes bombastic and territorial. No
help wanted. No assistance accepted. Even to the point of asserting
that he’d rather have all his things than me in his life. Suffice it to
say, it’s been a horrible struggle, but I do have hope. I realized
quickly that I needed to spend more time doing things for myself, taking a
break Job Search
I still feel tremendously blessed to be here
and know for certain that this is where I’m supposed to be. Of course,
some of you have gotten my wayward, rambling phone calls when I’ve doubted
myself and this decision to return home, but whether you believe in the Lord or
not, your encouraging and supportive words have pointed me back to Him and my
faith. For that I’m eternally grateful. I can’t thank you enough
for your prayers, positive thoughts, and phone calls. I’m thankful to
wake up each day, bask in the CA sunshine, and pound the pavement. I’m
still interviewing, connecting with folks, and started to consult on small
projects here and there. It’s been a journey, to say the least, but I
know the jobs that I’ve turned down – and been turned down from – have not been
the right fit. The search continues as I’m meeting with a few lawyers
from the CA DOJ office tomorrow and am excited about
this second round interview with a nonprofit downtown.
I’ll keep you posted. Please do the
same. I’d love to hear how things are going with you.
Talk to you soon,
Janelle
East to the Best Coast Adventures
(April 2013 Edition)
Dear friends
and family,
Greetings
from sunny CA!
I made it to
LA last week, after which point I rested and decompressed for a few days. Yes, days.
Admittedly, I didn’t realize how much I’d been chug, chug, chugging
along for months through this transition, so the rest and recuperation were overdue…things
that my body rightfully took from me.
That said,
I’m so glad that I was able to make my way through the last portion of my trip
from NM to AZ then CA. This
cross-country drive taught me, and confirmed, a few things:
1)
Bring a friend.
Traveling cross-country (and everywhere else, for that matter) with
friends (and family) is totally fun and THE way to go! Many excursions, feasts, hikes, and visits
with amazing people later, I’m incredibly thankful that T and C were each able
and willing to take a week out of their busy DC schedules to hang out and trek
across the country with me. Weee! Their companionship was especially critical
on the loooonger drives and when I wasn’t at my best (see below).
2)
Take time to wander.
I’m typically a planner, but I decided to cut across my usual grain and
leave some details to work out on the fly.
I enjoyed a few , last minute excursions because of it. Like driving through the astonishing painted
desert and petrified forest. Or enjoying
a relaxing day at the Hyatt in Scottsdale, where I lounged poolside as the warm,
AZ sun set. Or hiking at high noon in
Tucson’s Sabino Canyon to reach the waterfalls.
I must remember not to pack my days soooo full that I can’t veer off to
an unexpected venue here and there.
3)
Don’t be afraid to say something…especially when you get food
poisoning, as I did in Knoxville. Do
yourself (and the restaurant a favor) by letting them know. If the restaurant is not following proper
food handling and storing procedures, things should be corrected so someone
else doesn’t get sick. Ugh. Gut wrenchingly sick. When you do call, don’t expect to be greeted
with the open arms, but be prepared to inform them about your circumstances
and, if you’re feeling bold, ask for your money back. That’s right.
Why should I pay someone to make me sick? Oh so many punchlines with this question, but
I’m walking away. From the joke and Trio
Café at Market Square. (Thanks for
taking care of me in the aftermath, T.)
4)
Hydrate…especially after being
sick…and definitely before going on a hike at high noon in Tucson.
OK. So I was forewarned by A that
we would need sufficient water to hike and in her infinite generosity, she
bought C and me two huge bottles each of Smart Water. Sabino Canyon was amazing, full of cacti
admiring, creek forging, boulder scrambling, and Smart Water drinking. But what I didn’t expect (hmmm, maybe I
should rethink the “play it by ear” advice) was that the hike was eight
miles. Oops. Didn’t do the math (thought the hike was only
two miles) and didn’t realize that I was still so dehydrated from the bout of
food poisoning. Thus, for future road
trips, I’ll risk numerous bathroom stops
in order to fend off the possibility of heat exhaustion. (Thanks, A and C, for forcing me to drink
copious amounts of G2, water, and sit with ice on my neck so my blood wouldn’t
boil.)
5)
Keep looking forward.
As much as I loved the past thirteen years in DC, and as much as I
recognize plenty of loved ones remain on the East Coast that I’ll visit soon
enough, I’m glad that I’ve made the trek Westward to spend more time with Mama
and Papa Hu. In the week that I’ve been here,
I’ve been able to chat with pops more, spend quality time with mom, and lunch
with Patrick. This week I’ll be
accompanying mom to her doctor appointments, which I look forward to because
she was informed by her orthopedist last week that her bone has healed. She’s starting to walk without her boot and
drive here and there, which I know she appreciates since she’s such an
independent woman.
Well, that’s
it for now. I’ll be lunging toward the adventure
ahead. Applying for great job
opportunities, meeting with friends old and new, finding a church, and attending
a one month certificate program at USC in June to learn more about real estate
finance and economic development (a trajectory I was pursuing before ending up
in election law).
I hope you
and yours are well and look forward to seeing and talking with you soon.
Xoxox,
J
East to the Best Coast Adventures
(March 2013 Edition)
Hello dear
friends and fam. Long time no see for some.
In case we
haven’t chatted within the last few months, I’m moving back to CA to be closer
to family and seek out new job opportunities. I decided to enjoy a cross
country driving journey, something I’ve always aspired to accomplish, and am
70% of the way there, thanks to the help of two incredible friends! One
came to help with the bulk of front end trekking from DC to ABQ (Thanks,
T. Glad you got back safely.), and another will arrive Monday for the last
portion (where Chanthizzy and will hike through AZ then drive on to SD and
LA).
T and I left
DC on Sunday evening, when we drove four hours through the eye of a nasty
snowstorm to Roanoke (thanks for your hospitality, John!). We marched on
through VA to TN, where we made a pit stop in Knoxville. The Knoxville
Visitor Center features a live performance of blue grass/country bands every
day at noon, and thankfully we caught the tail end of The Judy Chops.
After their gig, we grabbed a quick lunch, much to my demise. I caught
nasty food poisoning, which did not sit well with me. At all.
Thankfully,
we made it safely to Nashville, where I was able to rest (when I wasn’t
wrestling with stomach pains). Though we planned to hang in Nashville for
a few days, I didn’t expect to ride the food poisoning tour.
Nevertheless, we were able to fly by the Opry, Fisk, and downtown Nashville,
where we enjoyed lively honkey tonk music at Robert’s Western World on
Broadway.
On
Wednesday, we made our way to Memphis, where we toured Graceland (a must, since
Elvis is one of Papa Hu’s faves) and Lorraine Motel (RIP Dr. King)/National
Civil Rights Museum. We then raced to Little Rock, where we were given a
VIP tour of the President Clinton’s Library (thanks, Vida!) and dropped by
Central High School (first integrated HS after the Brown v. Board of
Education SCOTUS ruling). We were on a roll, so we jammed over to Hot
Springs, the town where Billy Clinton grew up. The sleepy town was
certainly ready for two wearied travelers.
Early
Thursday morning, we strolled by the actual hot springs and hiked up the Dead
Chief’s (super steep) trail to the observation tower, where we soaked up the
breathtaking 360 degree view of town. I definitely didn’t know that
gangsters, celebrities, politicos, and society all vacationed there
regularly. On our way out of the town, we stopped by the National Baptist
Sanitarium (HS’ segregated bath house). T drove us the entire 5.5 hours
to Ovilla, just south of Dallas, where we paid a visit to his family.
Nice pit stop, just in time for delicious bbq and a viewing of Scandal (what a
show!).
Friday’s
eleven hour quest northwest, through TONS of flat TX country and NM desert, was
slow but steady. We landed at Kim and Peter’s in Albuquerque, just in
time for a family feast and introduction to The Beckett Lokke. Such a
cutie pie at ten weeks old! After an evening of R&R, T and I drove up
to Sandia Crest before sending him back to DC. Then Kim and I caught up,
lounged a bit, and hung out with Mama Dee.
Tomorrow (He
is risen!) I head back out onto the open road for my (only) solo stint to
Phoenix. I’ll pass through the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert, which I
can’t wait to see! I’m posting photos regularly on FB, so be on the
lookout for a few more in the evening.
Thanks for
thinking about, praying for, and journeying with me. Talk to (and see
many of) you soon.
Xoxox,
J