So yesterday I joined my Mom to go to Flushing to finish the last part (as my Mom refers to it) of my Grandma's process in the Buddhist temple. From 10am-4:47pm about of a process of Monks reading from the book (super fast as I tried to follow), lots of praying, incents, and a heck of a lot of kneeling. I didn't stay for about an hour because I went to do more shopping for Christmas w/ Opheria it was nice, and I totally spoiled my lil cousins I ended up buying her a singing bird...she was really fascinated I didn't think she wanted it~ my cousins attacked me with hugs as I left and they really didn't want me to leave,lol. PLUS...my long hair has has been hacked offthere goes 2 years of growing my hair and in the process of an hour...all has been lost~

Anyways, I realized yesterday as I went to bond more with the family (well whoever was able to make it). I was fascinated that I saw about 5 girl monks before (and I have never knew girls could be that until this year mind you) and from how that was their lifestyle(guys and girls) and they are so used to it.For some reason, my knees really started to hurt and we were on cushions the entire time! But I didn't want to think of the pain because it was for my Grandma's benefit and I don't like to feel like the selfish one. Plus I have so much to learn what goes on in a temple because I was absolutely clueless, and that was the part that sucked the most. But I feel as if this year tradition is really hitting me the most. And its weird that something so tragic has to hit me to think this way and make me realize it the most

I still miss her and its hard to make my Mom feel better sometimes.I continue to try and be there for her and say the "right" things hopefuly and not get into a fight if that works out~

Happy Holidays all if I don't update and until nexttime

R.I.P always and forever~

Grandma 11-1-2006, Derrick's Grandma 11-7-2006 ( I can't believe you passed away so soon and dicklick never expected you to be gone and I had to find out on my b-day), Amir 12-14-2006 (I will miss buying cards at your store and its a tragedy how you passed so soon and your kids were just growing up)