4 Foot 9 Perspective

View from down there

The Power of a Smile

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December 31st, 2011 Posted 12:20 pm

We learned in August that my nephew David was diagnosed with leukemia. It was devastating. We never realize that when a family member is sick, not only is the person sick affected, but all surrounding sibling as well.  Few months passed and though still in treatments, my nephew is getting better.

Few weeks ago, while still at the hospital, David received a special visit: The Montreal Canadians hockey players – a magical moment that I was lucky to witness.

Upon the arrival of the players, there were no words to explain how their presence had such a positive effect. For one hour, the Montreal Canadians allowed children and parents alike to forget about their reality. For one hour, Carey Price’s presence provided comfort. For one hour, Pacioretti’s smile gave strength and hope that David needed to go through leukemia. For one hour, Brian Gionta’ encouragements replace all the pain and fear with bright shining eyes. Seeing my nephew, sister and other families smiling made me happy – a priceless memory that I will always cherish.

While the Montreal Canadians are currently struggling for their season, David and many other children are fighting for their lives. May everyone win its respective battle…

For David: I truly believe in you because you are a strong and you can fight leukemia – one day at a time.

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A Trip to France

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November 27th, 2011 Posted 10:36 pm

Traveling by plane is probably one of the best advantages for a 4’foot 9”. Enough legroom to stretch, I can stand any flight no matter how long it is. My last five-year flying 16-hour, back and forth from Montreal to Shanghai, was an annual routine; thus, a 7-hour flight to Paris was certainly a piece of cake!

Paris resonates with honeymoon. When my boyfriend Oliver and his mother had to go for family matters, Oliver convinced me to tag alone and to see it as a “promotional video of France.” While Paris is known to be the most romantic destination, it reminded me of Shanghai. From Carrefour, President or Paul Bakery (which is now closed in Shanghai), these French brands had been associated with five years of my life and arose deep nostalgia. With only seven days available, there was no time to reminisce.

Although I saw little, I gained so much (not only those 2kg)! I discovered a country rich in history and in flavours! The foodie in me was in heaven! With a diet composed of fresh morning croissants, cheese, baguettes, sausages, wine, chocolate, and champagne; no wonder why I gained weight!

Visiting France was short but memorable.  Past memories surfaced but new ones were created.

Looking forward to my next trip so do my taste buds!

For 3P Philippe: Bubbly one day, bubbly every day!

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Welcome to the 4 foot 9 world!

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November 2nd, 2011 Posted 10:08 am

One of my former boyfriends once told me: “With your 4 foot 9, you need to wake up earlier, because short people need to walk faster.” Being a 4 foot 9 has its inconveniences but also its advantages. The worst one is probably hanging out with crowds, especially when it comes to outdoor shows. I’m always too short to see anything! On the bright side, I can always squeeze in front of few people because I surely won’t hide anyone!

Being a 4 foot 9 has yet its benefits and I guess that it all depends on how you look at your glass: half-full or empty. Mine is usually half-full often with some wine in it! Pink for light days, white to cool down and ruby red for intense flavour. I like to make some mixes but the aftermath is sometimes devastating. However, add a pinch of craziness, a dash of impulsivity topped with a big smile and you get spicy and bold. To dare is to be adventurous. To be adventurous is to be myself.

At this point of my life, looking a fool does not kill me anymore!

After a five-year self-expatriation in beautiful China, I’m inviting you throughout these posts to embrace my world: the 4 foot 9 world!

Enjoy the reading!

For Lee Ting: You can’t never have enough of happy “happy hours”!

 

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