God, it's like reality's completely shifted on me. I used to think I was standing on such solid ground. If I wanted something badly enough, I just worked like hell for it. Now I can't decide what to do, which move to make. All the things I counted on aren't there for me anymore.

The Christmas tree, twinkling with lights, had a mountain of gifts piled up beneath it, like offerings to the great god of excess.

Only with maturity did I come to appreciate my own Chinese roots: not just the food and the ancient history, but also the philosophy of child-rearing and the respect for education and knowledge.

The best heroes in the world are the reluctant ones. Courage isn't fearlessness - it's acting in the face of fear.

Ha! Kids! You have no idea what you put your parents through, either. Wait till you have your own, you'll see. That's when you'll know what it really feels like." .. "What what feels like?"..."Love," said Angela.

We dream our dreams, and sometimes they take us to places we never anticipate. But they are our dreams, and we go where they lead.

Motherhood didn't make you stronger; it made you vulnerable and afraid of what death could steal from you.