It was March 1978 when my mom had me. My brother had already been kicking around for 21 months before I made my debut. My parents were hard working immigrants struggling in a new life so that my brother and I could have a better one. For Mother’s Day I would like to share a little story that my mom told me:
My mom was pregnant with my brother and still working at Bank of Montreal. It took a couple of busses to get to work (and yes in 15 inches of snow). She worked on “the floor” among all the chatter of the other tellers. She always kept out of unproductive conversations and said nothing when gossip was thick in the air. My mom’s English was basic at best but she didn’t need to know the language well to understand what hard work and professionalism was worth. Her numbers were always balanced, she was fast, efficient and of course always first to complete her workload. Needless to say, her colleagues were not as impressed as her supervisor.
Shortly thereafter, my mom was promoted to Head Cash. Although getting to work was challenging and her colleagues were not friendly, my mom worked hard for us. After I came along my mom decided that it was best to stay home for a couple of years to take care of my brother and I. Not surprisingly, by then she had made many friends and was sorely missed at the bank.
Still to this day she tells me her manager said “Lai Ling you have such a clear mind” and that she got ahead in life because she didn’t waste her time and energy with things as silly as gossip.”
Today I celebrate my mom, the most intelligent, loving and selfless woman I know.
Happy Mothers Day, I love you.
Xoxo
P.
P.S. Summer-Reid and I stomping around the city in our Adidas Superstars and matching jean dresses. We spent yesterday shopping, eating and laughing in style. I hope when she is my age she will remember some of the stories that I tell her.
Categories: Baby and Me, Home
THIRTEENTH LOOK 
Dear P,
After 15 posts, three videos, and a bit of creeping via other social media platforms, I’ve finally decided to take the leap and leave a comment. I know it’s a great feeling connecting with your readers, especially discovering how they came across you as a person or your presence online.
Today was my first day stepping into a classroom as a supply teacher. I happened to come across a staff photo and you immediately stood out. From the photo, it was your bright blue one piece, booties, and straight, black hair, that spoke to me. My first thought was, wow, she looks incredible, but moreover, I felt I could identify with you. I was so impressed by the way you carried your personal style that I decided to look you up. A Google search led me to your photo from a post by TransformEd and later, to your blog.
I couldn’t help but read post after post.The reasons were simple, your photos are captivating and your content (both the way you carry yourself and your reflections) was inspiring for a new teacher who has yet to do the many things you’ve accomplished. For some reason as I read on, you became increasingly more relatable–I am definitely no match in style, but your purpose in sharing your passions through blogging resonates with me. I am inspired by the identifies you portray through your blog–writer, artist, educator, happy wife, proud mom, and one that you didn’t explicitly highlight, your Chinese-Canadian background. I hope that doesn’t come off as racial profiling and by no means disrespect, but through totoro-carved jack-o-lanterns, Chinese-style tea ceremony (at your wedding), your recent addiction to K-drama, and now, an anecdote from your mother’s past… your posts have definitely pulled a heartstring and after all the serendipity, I just had to leave a comment.
I want to thank you for being who you are and doing what you do. You had a passion and brand you embodied (even through a work photo), and it’s inspiring. Please continue to share what you love with readers, both local and beyond.
Sincerely,
J
LikeLike
Hello J,
Thank you so much for your extraordinarily sweet message. Totally re-inspired me to write.
Thank you!
PJL
LikeLike