Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Lunar New Year

Thursday was the Lunar New Year and Friday, Monday, and Tuesday we had parties, celebrations, and performances at Hong Fook. Everyone has made me feel so welcome: even down to including me on the dance team!

This is the Vietnamese fan dance, performed by Hong Fook Harrison nurses and social workers. They brought me a traditional dress: I'll post pictures once I get them!





The Hong Fook Center dance team

Miss Kim on the left is our Korean nurse. Michelle on the right is the activities coordinator (chief fun instigator and dance choreographer)


The Lion Dance musicians



I especially like how colorful everything is!


We give the lion red envelope "lucky money" to bring fortune in the next year.

It is good luck to touch the lion. The dancers made sure to visit every client.





Watching over 


Laurie, one of the PTs, has been instrumental in my cultural education

Lettuce is hung to feed the lions, who in turn spit it back out as wealth and fortune. 

Fighting over the stick


The black lion is offering a peach, a symbol of longevity for the new year because peaches last a long time.


Being tamed


Eating the lettuce


"Happy New Year!" 

I love all of the beautiful silk!

Loi, our nursenliason 

Aimee, our dietician and the reason I have any clue about the symbolism involved in New Year 


Jan, the Hong Fook Harrison PT, and Jenny, the Program Director. Jenny is an incredible, kind boss who has welcomed me and does everything she can to include me and make sure I'm part of the Hong Fook family. 
How blessed am I?!? .

Kim, my primary translator and great buddy, on the Hong Fook Harrison side.

 I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Hong Fook family and am looking forward to the next year with them! Xoxo 


Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Vacation!

I get to go to Maui in April! I've let my excitement take over and made a map so that I can plan out the trip. Horray!!!

Xoxo

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Long hike!

I went hiking from Stinson Beach to Mill Valley on Saturday with two new friends. What might have been 14 miles turned into 19! We had a blast and avoided most of the rain, which was great!

The last mile marker on the Dipsea Trail.
Everything is so green!
That way!!!
Looking down on Muir Woods
Really? I get to live here?
Bridge selfie
Pretending to be tired


Start and end at the beach....perfect!xoxo

My office assistant

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Hiking

I biked to Berkeley for a hike I've done before: the Strawberry Canyon/Panoramic Hill Loop. The hill earns it's name for the sweeping bay views after a monster climb! I love that I can hike in January here!
Xoxo

Lake Tahoe beach

Sunday we walked around Tahoe City, visiting shops and beaches. It was a great weekend away!
Xoxo

Lake Tahoe

I went to Lake Tahoe a few weekends ago with friends. It is shockingly blue! The lack of snow is sad from a global warming perspective, but made hiking and climbing much more pleasant.
Xoxo