We Saw Crazy Rich Asians

Yesterday noon, my brother-in-law drove us (Paul, my sister and I) in his shining black BMW X5 to see Crazy Rich Asians in Cortlandt Town Center. After securing our tickets, and about an hour and half's time to spare, we were treated to a King Buffet lunch.

Courtesy of Cosmopolitan

According to the ticket boy, the movie was no longer quite as hot as its first weekend. Nonetheless, we found Theater 6 quite full at 1:30 pm when commercials started. The audience consisted chiefly of the curious elderly and young generations for Crazy Rich Asians, book 1 in Kevin Kwan's Rich novels series.

I was prepared to see an updated edition of The Joy Luck Club, or a modern version of a dragon lady. To a great extent, the show does not disappoint me: there is a mahjong game, and there are several dragon ladies, Nick's mother Eleanor in particular. She is an Oxford-educated modern woman, but because of traditional values, she has totally given up her academic ambitions by taking care of family affairs, husband and a pair of children. But she is always the number two choice, due to her humble family background. Seeing almost a carbon copy, or worse, of herself in Rachel Chu, she cannot help but discourage the young woman from becoming her daughter-in-law.

What Eleanor fails to anticipate is that today's Cinderellas are stronger than ever before. If Megan Markell can celebrate her first 100 married days with Prince Harry in Britain, Rachel can be proposed to by Nick Young of Singapore. A woman's humble origin is no longer a roadblock, but a badge of honor, as long as they have beauty or intellect. Those young millennials, real or fictitious, are entering royal palaces, and super-rich families. It is a brave new world!

Eventful Autumn (多事之秋）

Usually autumn or fall is eventful, but even more so for year 2018. January saw the departure of Lew, while March witnessed the passing of Bob. On the morning of August 17th, they were joined by our grand-nephew Calloway. The eventfulness has not stopped with the departure of dear friends and relatives, but is extended to frequent family trips due to illness and accident.

In the face of challenging events, every family member has rallied and contributed their utmost to help each other by bringing food, calling, visiting, expressing sympathies and support. More importantly, everybody has displayed their amazing flexibility and perseverance. To a certain degree, it is comforting to know that the little grand-nephew is in good company!

Back to Elliot Way and Fireflies Soon

In a week, we are returning to Elliot Way and fireflies.

It has been a stormy month since we came back at the beginning of July. A few weeks ago, my sister suffered from a bicycle accident with internal head bleeding, left shoulder dislocating and wrist injury. Weeks later she is still waiting for the final OK from her surgeon to perform her wrist surgery. Her being out of commission has rallied a big team of family members and friends to take care of Mother's evening feeding. We are all speechless by the generosity and friendship after a calamity.

At home front, events have occurred with equally fierce force. Three cars were all serviced at Monterey Bay Automotive in July. As if one visit was not enough, RAV4 broke down on August 1st. To avoid a car-less inconvenience, Paul drove himself to Costco to replace a new battery. In the midst of storm, family and friends did not forget my birthday: I had dinner out three days in a row!

Next Thursday after changing shift with Sarah after her vacation back, we will be on our way east. Sensitive Chippy has already sniffed the change in the air, following and looking at us with her helpless resignation. I feel really bad but at the same time longing for the newly renovated Elliot Way and those fireflies, if they still hang out in the dusk.