I grew up eating this kind of food, thanks, in part, to my Ma and my Ba, both, of whom, are wonderful cooks.  I don't cook myself, but I appreciate good authentic Chinese cooking, especially if it's done right.

My name is Mia.  I am 11 years old and I am Chinese American: born here in America, in Boston, Massachusetts, where I live with my parents and three younger brothers.  My parents were both born in China: both came here 12 years ago, one year before I was born.  My brothers are ages 9, 6, and 3 and their names are Lee, Chang, and Won.  

My second youngest brother, Chang, is disabled.  He was born with a rare disease called mitrochondrial encephalopathy, which is, basically, a disease that prevents the body from converting food and oxygen into energy; it causes increasing disability and it is fatal).  It's sad to see him suffering so needlessly, but Ma and Ba take excellent care of him and I help out too; he's such a good little kid who doesn't cause me any trouble.  

It's sad that my brother is dying, but he's already lived longer than most people who have this disease, so maybe there's a little hope somewhere.  I like to think that there is.  Every day I pray to God to keep Chang from getting sicker and not end up in the hospital again.  So far I think God's been listening because Chang has remained quite healthy, which is an answer to my prayers.

Anyway, back to my story.  I like to do many things: read, write stories or poems, go to TAG school (Gifted and Talented; I'm a member of MENSA because my IQ is over 160 points, which certifies me as a bona fide genius), go to the college on Saturdays where I take Latin and Journalism classes, hang out with my friends, go to Chinese opera performances or see some of my favorite performers in concert (I like Lady Gaga and Celine Dion the best; I've seen both several times), collect rocks, stamps, and shells from all over the world,  travel, and educate others on living with a brother that has special needs, so people can get to understand him better and see why he is the way he is.

When I grow up I want to be a philanthropist and help people who are in need or be a professional writer.  I would like to write children's books about living with a brother who has disabilities or about being Chinese in America and why it is so important for me to embrace my heritage.

We are getting ready for Chinese New Year, which is in February.  We don't really celebrate Christmas, but it is nice to see all the pretty decorations and the lights.  Chinese New Year is our big holiday and we go all out for it.  I love it because I can see all the relatives when they pile into our house for a visit, but for a few days beforehand, we clean the house, from top to bottom because we feel that a clean house will bring good fortune to our family.

Maybe that is one reason why Chang has been enjoying good health because our house is always squeaky clean! :)

Well, I am getting ready to go to bed.  School starts back up again; we were off for Thanksgiving break.  We had a nice Thanksgiving; we had turkey and all the trimmings, plus Chinese fare like egg drop soup and moo goo gai pan.  Yumm!!  I will write in here another time; until later, this is Mia Ming saying so long!  Take care and God bless!

~Mia.