This and That 1. My boss, who underwent an operation a few months ago, received a large bunch of lilies from a friend. Saying that the fragrance was too strong, she divided the chunk and gave parts of

Mandy

This and That 1. My boss, who underwent an operation a few months ago, received a large bunch of lilies from a friend. Saying that the fragrance was too strong, she divided the chunk and gave parts of it to me and some other colleagues, which struck me a lot: at a vulnerable point of life as a patient, instead of asking for more, she was giving as always; instead of drowning herself in sorrow, she chose to share the beauty of life. 2. I remember talking to a middle-aged guest about the giving of Hongbao to newlyweds. Hongbao are red envelopes with money inside that guests give to the newlywed as a token of congratulation at a wedding. I told him about how my mum painstakingly weighed the amount of money to be wrapped even though she knew that the couple wouldn't take it anyway but would just tear off a corner of the envelope according to the tradition in some parts of the province, and about how stupid I thought my mother was. Expecting nothing but sure agreement, I was surprised by his reply: “The amount of money offered speaks of the degree of love and congratulation. Even though the new couple doesn’t actually take the money, it is still necessary to prepare the gift as if it would be accepted. It’s a matter of sincerity.”

Jul 1, 2014 2:00 PM

Corrections · 5

This and That

1. My boss, who underwent an operation a few months ago, received a large bunch of lilies from a friend. Saying that the fragrance was too strong, she divided the chunk it into several smaller bunches and gave parts of it them to me and some several other colleagues, which (the which is somewhat ambiguous) This act struck me greatly a lot: at a vulnerable point of life, as a patient, instead of asking for more, she was giving as always; instead of drowning herself in sorrow, she chose to share the beauty of life.

2. I remember talking to a middle-aged guest about the giving of Hongbao to newlyweds. Hongbao are red envelopes, with money inside, that guests at a wedding (just connect this clause to its object because the sentence has quite a few clauses) give to the newlywed as a token of congratulation at a wedding. I told him about how my mum painstakingly weighed the amount of money to be wrapped - even though she knew that the couple wouldn't take it anyway but would just tear off a corner of the envelope according to the tradition in some parts of the province - and about how stupid I thought my mother was. (the many clauses can hide the real meaning of the sentence so use parentheses or dashes to show what is the core of the sentence) Expecting nothing but sure agreement, I was surprised by his reply: “The amount of money offered speaks of the degree of love and congratulation. Even though the new couple doesn’t actually take the money, it is still necessary to prepare the gift as if it would be accepted. It’s a matter of sincerity.”

In my experience the money is accepted.

July 10, 2014

This and That

1. My boss, who underwent an operation a few months ago, received a large bunch of lilies from a friend. Saying that the fragrance was too strong, she divided the chunk 1* and gave parts of it to me and some other colleagues, which struck me a lot2*: at a vulnerable point of life as a patient, instead of asking for more, she was giving as always; instead of drowning herself in sorrow, she chose to share the beauty of life.

2. I remember talking to a middle-aged guest about the giving of Hongbao to newlyweds. Hongbao are red envelopes with money inside that guests give to the newlyweds as a token of congratulation at a wedding. I told him about how my mum painstakingly weighed the amount of money to be wrapped even though she knew that the couple wouldn't take it anyway but would just tear off a corner of the envelope according to the tradition in some parts of the province, and about how stupid I thought my mother was. Expecting nothing but sure complete agreement, I was surprised by his reply: “The amount of money offered speaks of the degree of love and congratulation. Even though the new couple doesn’t actually take the money, it is still necessary to prepare the gift as if it would be accepted. It’s a matter of sincerity.”

1* I don't think chunk is a good word for flowers. I would use it for something heavy and solid- a chunk of metal, stone, maybe cheese. Maybe an alternative -as you have already used 'bunch'- would be bouquet- although I realise it doesn't give the same meaning of group.

2* I'm not sure if there is an error but the use of 'struck' sounds strange. which really struck me -would be a more usual collocation. Also this meaning of 'struck' (and not to hit a ball) is usually followed by 'as' - eg Which struck me as an usual thing to do.

July 10, 2014

Thank you for your kind explanation.

July 2, 2014

To shou: Hong Kong people receive hongbao to make up for their expenses on the wedding. The amount of money expected to give depends on where the wedding is held. If it is held in an ordinary restaurant, it is ok to give 500 HK dollars. But if it is held in a luxurious hotel, guests are supposed to give much more. So the pay-for-the-banquet thing is very obvious. But in mainland China, the notion is not as strong, and many poor families would spend most of their lifetime's earning on the wedding.

July 2, 2014

Your essay is always unique and meaningful. (relating to first part) This essay reminds me a novel "The Giver"-just the title of the book. (relating to second part) You mentioned that the newlyweds do not receive the money in the Hongbao at some places in China. I think this is very curious custom, and wonder how they pay the fee of their wedding ceremony without any assistance from the people around.

July 2, 2014

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