CN Tower Climb - April 17, 2010

A few weeks ago, I did my first CN Tower climb in support of the WWF! Like many things in my life, if I've never done it, I can develop a frantic uneasiness about it. Although I can say that I also genuinely look forward to journeying onto new frontiers and exploring new waters, I think that in the back of my head, I'm always wondering, what if I can't???

I think that despite practically playing sports my whole life and trying to be fit by pursuing athletic endeavors, I still feel that nervous panic that seems to grip my psychological sense and confidence of attempting to achieve a new physical feat!

The day of the CN Tower was Saturday, April 17. I had risen out of bed that day at 4:30 am! Growing anticipation was burning in my bones as NK & I registered, checked in our bags, jackets, & went through security. I must say that I was also a bit anxious because this marked the very first time I was going to attempt this challenge. Before the climb, I had set a very humble goal of achieving a time under 1/2 hr. up the 1,778 steps. Then, my competitive side kicked in and I said to myself, I'll aim for under 20 mins.! When Nisha and I began the climb, she said, "feel free to pass me." That was the last thing we said to each other until we reached the top in exhaustion!

The first 10 flights or so were probably the most psychologically challenging! I was trying to stay right behind Nisha but since she just zipped right on ahead, I soon realized that I was losing control of my breathing and there was no consistent rhythm. This out of control breathing alarmed me. I quickly decided to take a little off my strut and began to settle into a more comfortable pace. As a result, my breathing became more stable and controlled which brought me great relief. I maintained this consistent pace. Going around and around with people passing me and me passing others was a tad dizzy! With the sweat dripping off my brow and me checking my watch I knew that I needed to push onwards. With every other level having a paramedic smiling at me, playing his video games, reading his book or newspaper, I said to myself, "I sure could use that oxygen!" that was at the ready should anyone require it's revitalizing powers. HA!. After I passed the 100th level, I knew that I was coming to the home stretch. People had stopped ahead of me to catch their breath, stretch out or just take a break. I was going solo trying to maintain that same rhythm although at that particular point, my lungs were crying out in pain and I was seriously feeling it! Despite the physical rigor, I knew that I couldn't and wouldn't stop and that I could not give up! I was also very encouraged by the children's drawings that were posted on the wall as I made a final push up those last final flights of stairs. They somehow seemed to encourage me along as I kept climbing with heavy legs and burning lungs. As I approached the 140+ level, I could hear voices above me along with people cheering on the finishers. My steps were much more laboured and each step took great conscious effort. I knew that the end was near and that I was almost there. FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT..when I was at level 143, I could hear someone saying, "one more", "one more"...I mustered all the juice I had left and made a final sprint like finish up those final steps! I didn't have the strength to go around people that were in my way or I would have probably shaved a few seconds off my time. FINISH TIME: 18 mins.05 secs.

The CN Tower Climb was a memorable and challenging experience. Another test of a physical feat that can be accomplished when we push our bodies to the max. I exceeded my goal of under 20 and I was so ecstatic in accomplishing that! WooHOO!

When a Mom ♥ Her Daughter...

Everyone says that their mom is the BEST mom on the planet. I'll go further than that & venture to say with certainty, that my mom is the best mom in the whole entire universe!

In my family, there are 4 Yee kids...Sue, Jeff, and Yvo. When we were young and growing up, there must have been some Book of Yee Lore (oh yeah, Sue's memory!) that was created to chronicle those especially crucial '80s that saw us learn, grow and play! Things such as "hand-me downs" & sermons preached repeatedly about, "when I was young, I used to walk for miles with my own two feet before I got to school and you want a bike???", being annoyed about who would be in the bathroom at the exact moment that another needed it, the girls of the house complaining about the only boy who "thought" he was king!, being assigned chores, weekly Mandarin classes and delivering the FAT Saturday Star newspaper at a neighbouring seniors home!

Yes, I went through all these emotions and even often felt absolute injustice at how the way my parents dealt with us girls compared to our brother. However, one thing that I'm reminded about regularly is despite my perceptions and thoughts, my mom loved each of her children tremendously. I can't begin to explain just how much because it cannot be measured and I'm learning to be more & more thankful for the blessing of her. She is such an incredible gift...one that I much too often take for granted.
It was tough for my mom to raise 3 of us at first and then came Lil' Yvo...we were quite the handful...Some pranks, funny things, including my brother and I pulling the building alarm - [funny, how he's a firefighter now!], a lot of bickering n' arguing, some TKOing & WWF DDTs [thanks Jeff!], we all turned out okay!

As I was growing up and even now, I sometimes question many of the things that my mom says or does just as she questions her # 3 (Haha). However, there's one thing that I know with truth and without a shadow of a doubt is that I'm certain of my mom's love for me and for my sisters and brother.

Things that I remember very, very fondly...

• When my mom used to work the 3-12 shift @ the cookie factory, she used to make dinner before she left and set aside a plate of food for my dad and each of my siblings!

• She would sometimes pack me a lunch that she prepared just before she left for work and sometimes, I would get a lovely little note on it that said, Sophia, your lunch

• Beef such as steaks would often be in the house because my mom thought about us and not about herself because she doesn't eat beef

• She would lug and carry heavy groceries - food that was for us and not necessarily her and I would be a little upset or feel a bit inconvenienced to have to go down to the car to get it (I'm ashamed!)

• When I was away in Taiwan in 2005-2006, she sent me clothes etc. half way around the world because I was her girl and she always thought about my needs

Growing up, I was always called the "Little Mom" because I loved to take care of everyone, organize and clean things up, as well as cook food when my parents were out. I owe my love for food to my mom as she always, always modeled delectable delights in our household while we were growing up - the colours/presentation, taste, texture, etc.... I appreciated her example because I've grown up to not only love food but to also to enjoy cooking. I would also always be my mom's sidekick , grocery shopping with her and helping to hold the bags [*NB. I also asked for some treats knowing that as her helper, she would get me something from the store! Smart girl, Sophia!]

Because they're 4 of us kids, I've always desired for my parents not to have to worry about me and give them the comfort of knowing that I could take care of myself and that I'd be okay. However, when I was in Taiwan, I asked my mom if she still worried about me and her response was, "of course I do, how could I not?". That's a typical loving response from my dear mom!

For these great memories and for the many small and not-so small ways in which my mom loves me, I love her! . I'm often overwhelmed by her goodness towards me because her actions are always grounded in her loving thoughts and kindness for her kids.

When I think of my mom, I think of how good God has blessed me in life to have her. I'm touched and reminded of God's love that he gave me the gift of her.

My mom is the best cook in the world (just look at me!) and even though I'm out of the family nest, I still have little treats, told about weekly grocery sales about eggs (haha!), or nagged to come home to take the rest of my stuff!

My mom is the best because she always thinks of others beyond herself and she loves her family unconditionally! I see how she cares for each of my siblings and I'm touched each time I witness her love in action or in thought!

My mom has taught me so much - to care and love others, to be generous and considerate, to respect and value others...I love her because although I don't deserve her amazing love, she loves me still because I'm her #3!


HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! I LOVE YOU MAMADUKES!


♥ Your Sooya 8)

Rays of Sunshine & Drizzles of Delight

The past little while has been immensely joyful. In fact, I've been overjoyed primarily in witnessing some powerful movements that my students have made in their overall performance at school, be it academics or behaviour. To any teacher, I think it's safe to say that when you see children begin to transform, heading down the right path, making those steps towards improvement and reaching higher planes towards discovering their potential, one cannot help but to be overwhelmed with indescribable JOY. Of late, my heart has been overwhelmed with this gleeful feeling and I'm thankful for the encouragement because it motivates me to push and encourage my students even more. Actually, the best word would be I hope to instill inspiration, motivation and aspiration in the lives of these young people. I have passion for teaching and I was affirmed of that greatly today as I shared my feelings with my grade 5 students. I told them how proud I was of each of them, to see them be able to make a purposeful decision to give of their best in all that they do. If there was an inkling of inspiration or even a fragment of motivation in my speech, I would have done my job. Sometimes, I feel that these children need to have a fire lit from underneath them before they get rolling...sometimes it takes awhile and at other times, it takes a shorter period of time. Some children work faster and progress and develop faster than others. With so many variables to consider, I still firmly believe that hope needs to be extended to children and certainly opportunities for them to find success need to be provided. As I was sharing with them this afternoon and affirming there good work and encouraging them to push even more, I got the sense that some were emotionally moved and maybe a few were getting teary-eyed! One thing that they know about their Ms. Yee is that I'll never mix mash my words with my students and the truth will always reign supreme.

Another reason for my giddy joy is in recognizing the many simple gifts in life: family, friendship,the joy of food and cooking, smiles and laughter. I give thanks because each is like a breath of fresh air that pulsates the daily rhythm of my life. I'm learning to count my blessings & to acknowledge every good gift that comes from the Father. If I don't practise this habit routinely, I can get lost in an environment of negativity & hopelessness can often suck me right in where I can become a part of grimness and darkness and not of the light.

I believe firmly that teaching is my passionate calling in life. And, this past week, I was affirmed with great JOY, an overwhelming satisfaction & the gratifying feeling a teacher can have when there's change, no matter how big or small. The smiles on my boys and girls, their jokes and innocence (okay, okay, maybe even sometimes their not-so-innocent selves), as well as their laughter, can completely drive me nuts but make me realize how thankful I am to be so privileged to be a part of their education and lives.

Until next time I'm gripped to write the next episode of my journey in teaching...Thanks for reading!
~S.

In defense of imperfection: Tiger Woods

In Defense of Imperfection

There is no doubt that with popularity and fame comes responsibility. However, there are ramifications and great sacrifices that are inherent when one is tossed into the public eye and limelight. The pressure is insane and cannot be fathomed. Privacy is non-existent and the media and paparazzi are ready to pounce for a photo at a second's notice or write up some gossip nonsense. There are many out there in the media who lack class, scruple and integrity. They seem to wait patiently, eagerly conniving to pounce on famous people who've made mistakes, seemingly minute or grand!

The recent hoopla and controversy surrounding Tiger Woods and his bout of infidelity has brought the world's attention to the world class superstar. The impact that this naturally gifted athlete has had on the game of golf is phenomenal and despite my non-credentials in the sport, I can tell you this much:
He has brought such a spotlight to the game of golf and helped to skyrocket its popularity worldwide. The power this individual has had over the years in golf cannot be adequately explained. When all the smoke clears from this most recent hoopla & "blown-out-of-proportion" scandal which happens to be a mistake that a human being committed, he will return to golf and for those sponsors that dropped him because of the lucrative image that companies always have to uphold and maintain, you’ll be pounding your head against the wall wishing that for one moment, just one moment, you remembered that he was human and that as a human being, we all commit mistakes of the smallest or gravest kind and no one has the right to judge him, regardless of your occupation, stature or prestige in life.

As the public, we scrutinize and scrutinize and we are so full of “righteous” judgment that we find it utterly despicable that individuals we hold on a pedestal could fall from “glory”. Being a superstar athlete is a high profile career that many of us can only see in our wildest imaginations. We don’t see how their private lives are invaded and how smack is written about them 24/7. We don’t see the pressure that amounts to being who they are because of their fame. Famous stars are like our punching bags and personal voodoo dolls where we choose to do as we please and we choose to control how certain individual's are perceived.

He will/has to account for his actions (he publicly apologized recently) and for the repercussions of his actions, both to his family and to himself. I am not condoning what Tiger Woods did in his bout of infidelity however, it bitterly disgusts me that people (the media) would take opportunities such as seeing people struggle from their mistakes, struggle even more by jumping on the bandwagon and rubbing salt into the wound so-to-say. Media can be responsible and certainly media can report respectfully, with dignity and integrity. I have ZERO respect for those who take moments of vulnerability of others to make a buck. It’s utterly disgusting to me. When things like this happen, it tells me that the world has lost its level of class.

Let He Who Has Not Sinned Cast the First Stone
"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7

Responding to a Need...

If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered." Proverbs 21:13

Recently at church, our pastor had been preaching about what it means to be a neighbour.

Today I was given the opportunity to practice being a good neighbour and looking out for those in need & this is how it went:

As I was heading home from my Chiro. appt., I got off at Vic Park and started walking home with the intention of grabbing a coffee at Timmy's. As I was walking to the lights to cross the street, I noticed a homeless man standing in the middle median holding a placard with the word, "HUNGRY" and asking for money. At this point, I decreased the size of my paces and thought that I should go and ask the man if he wanted something warm to drink or something to eat. Since there were so many cars passing by, I said to myself, forget it. Then as I crossed the street, I thought to myself that there's a person in need, I ought to tend to him. Again, I saw so many cars that I felt that it would take more time just to cross and ask the man so I hesitated yet again. In my stream of consciousness, I was wrestling with the idea of whether or not I should ask him. Being apprehensive caused me to walk back and forth a couple of times. Then, I thought to myself, it's awfully cold outside and I should go and ask if he's hungry because after all, that's what the sign says! So, I finally crossed to the middle median and walked towards him. I told the man that I was going to Tim Hortons and asked if he wanted a coffee or something to eat...a donut? He hesitantly said, "no thanks"...but then as I turned he said, "o-okay then." "A medium coffee with cream and three sugars." I told him no problem and that I'd be right back. Off I zipped and I was back in a hurry with exactly what he had ordered: A medium coffee with three sugars! When I handed him the coffee, I said, "keep warm and God bless." He said the same thing along with many thank yous, which extended even as I crossed the street. He was very grateful. As I was walking home, I said a quick prayer for him.

My reflection upon the whole thing today was this: Today I was given the opportunity to be a good neighbour and I took it! There were a few moments there where I was tempted to be like many others...many people would just look beyond the homeless/poor people asking for money (I've done that myself before) but I realized in those few moments of hesitation, I remembered that I'm not like everyone else! I am who I am and I'm different ~ I belong to God! Today, I responded in love and I was able to joyfully serve a person in need and I'm really grateful for that moment.

Responding to Haiti

Haiti has recently suffered a great devastation with the shocking earthquake that ravaged the island.
Society & civilization can only truly flourish if we mobilize & join one another in unity.
With thousands feared dead, countless missing & trapped beneath the rubble, & many having lost their homes, the initial stages of recovery is critical. The world needs to hear the cries of the victims, the lost, the suffering, the crushed in spirit, the sick & the wounded. The world needs to respond out of love, compassion & mercy.

In an ideal world, I would love to transport myself and take my heart and body, use my hands & my mind to volunteer my time to help the Haitian people but because this is not my reality, I still need to help my neighbour...my Haitian brothers and sisters who have suffered great loss & who are in dire desperation for the basic needs of life. I can help by giving monetarily and through prayer.

Below are some reputable organizations that have staff personnel on the ground & in the field in Haiti working closely to help assist and work with those being directly affected by the earthquake.

World Vision Canada
Doctors Without Borders
Mennonite Central Committee
Red Cross
Oxfam Canada
Humanitarian Coalition (CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Free the Children Canada)

Until February 12, 2010, the Canadian government will match individual donations made to Haiti relief efforts.

Hold Me
Like The River Jordan
And I Will Then Say To Thee
You Are My Friend
Carry Me
Like You Are My Brother
Love Me Like A Mother
Will You Be There?
Weary
Tell Me Will You Hold Me
Lyrics from Michael Jackson's Will You Be There

May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 33:22

Dear: Heavenly Father,
Please keep watch over the Haitian people. Help the many volunteers & workers to mobilize and get the urgent medicines, food, and shelter to those most affected by the earthquake. Clothe the survivors with your comfort and grace. Grant them peace and hope despite unspeakable circumstances. Allow your love to transcend even the most dire of situations and keep them. Be with the people and have mercy over them. In Jesus name, amen.

Serving on Christmas Night

A Humbling Evening...

"We are not called by God to do extraordinary things, but to do ordinary things with extraordinary love. "

Jean Vanier

This Christmas night marked the first time that I would not be celebrating the occasion with a big family feast. Instead, I decided to go with a few of my church mates to the Out of the Cold program down at a church on the Danforth and serve dinner to the homeless.

I hadn't been to the Out of the Cold program for ages. Basically, anyone who wishes to, may drop into the church, enjoy a nice hot dinner (squash soup, turkey, mashed potatoes & carrots with ice cream & holiday cookies!) & if they'd like, they could stay the night.

My friend, May and I were assigned to serve table #6. We got the evening meal and served our guests. They were very thankful and polite when receiving the food. For no reason that I can adequately express, I know that I felt deep joy in those moments of helping and serving...there's something very humbling about serving another...

A kind woman who I was conversing with [and hooking her up with the leftover uneaten dessert treats ~ I wrapped them nicely & put them in her plastic bag!] shared with me that "it really makes a difference with you all helping out." I couldn't help it but that brought a smile to my face.

I noticed that every guest that came into the church had either a backpack or two, or a plastic bag. The backpacks & the contents inside were probably ALL of their very possessions... everything that they own. They kept those packs near them & later set it down to secure a spot for their sleeping mat. Those of us who were volunteering would eventually finish up our work and head home to our warm homes. These people only had what was in their bags to live on...

Throughout the night, as I was watching and working, a whole bunch of thoughts were racing through my mind. [what's new?] I wondered in my head whether these guests had loved ones, any children, a partner, what were some of their stories, joys, hurts, hopes, wishes, & dreams? Unfortunately, due to the nature of the evening & the work that I was doing, I wasn't able to sit down to really engage in conversation with anyone too closely. In the end, despite each individual's life circumstance, our guests required food and shelter like we all do & they knew that they could go to Eastminister United Church and find the comforts of food, company & people, as well as shelter.

This exercise in service to others reminded me that it doesn't just have to be done during a special time of year but that serving food & the practice of hospitality can be done everyday. I pray that my eyes & heart would be more conscious & open to those opportunities. I think I'll consider going to serve in the OOTC more often.

After I finished serving, cleaning-up & handing out mats for the guest to sleep on, we all left...my friends went out for dinner @ Congee Queen & I had a date w/ Sherlock Holmes! Despite our lives moving on after a couple of hours of service & the guests satisfying their fatigue (probably walking around all day) resting in the warmth of the basement, I walked away profoundly touched and filled with compassion to serve others who are in need. I walked away feeling that I had contributed, if only a small fraction in helping to satisfy another's hunger, to serve food to another, & in a very real & meaningful way, connect with people just like you and me.

For more information, please visit:
Out of the Cold Program at Eastminister United Church

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."
Matthew 25:34-36