BYL And Ah Don Random Thoughts

Mother in the Eyes of Daughter

2011-11-02T15:08:00.002-04:00

OMG... it's being a long long months that I have not come to our Blog ever since FB got on me!

When I read one of the letters to Abby just now, I can't stop thinking why children find it hard to understand it was their parents' good intention when certain restrictions were imposed oon them before they grown up as Adults. Why must it has to wait till they become parents to understand then to appreciate parents' love & care ????

DEAR ABBY: I'm a 15-year-old girl who has never been in trouble, but my mom treats me like I'm a criminal. She makes me go to church every Sunday. She makes me go to Catholic school, and I have to wear an ugly uniform. She won't help with my homework. She says, "I already did 10th grade." I can't wear halter tops, short shorts, a bikini or much makeup. If I tell her it's the style, she says, "Modesty is always in style."

When I go out with my friends, she wants to know where I'm going, who I'll be with, what we'll be doing, when we'll be back and their phone numbers. If I have a date with a new boy, she makes him come into the house and tell her what school he goes to. Then she makes him show her his driver's license and car registration.

I can't keep my computer in my room. When I'm using it in the den, she looks over my shoulder and won't let me go to chat rooms. I have to set the table even if we don't have company and sit down and have dinner with her every night.

If I can't afford something, she tells me to save up or budget better. She won't let me drive until I can pay for my own insurance. It's not like my mom's poor. We go to Hawaii and Lake Tahoe, and we've been to Europe and on cruises. But she won't even pay for cable TV. She says it's an idiot box and I should read a book instead.

She also makes me do my own laundry and keep my room and bathroom clean. She makes me do unfair chores like clean the guest bathroom even though I never ever use it. She wants to teach me to sew and cook, but I have no interest in those things.

She makes me visit Dad every week, and if I complain about anything, she says (very calmly and quietly, which I hate more than if she'd yell), "You can always choose to live with your dad."

She told me as long as I live under her roof, I have to abide by her rules even if I'm over 18. And I have to go to college, and if I don't, I'll have to get a job and support myself.

I could go on and on. Have you ever heard of a mother so unreasonable? I'm afraid to run away, but I don't know how much more of this I can take-- EMOTIONALLY ABUSED IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR EMOTIONALLY ABUSED: Wow! Your letter should be posted on every refrigerator in the country. Rarely do I hear about a parent who tries as hard as your mother does to do a diligent job. One day you will look back and thank her.

PS. And if by chance this letter was written by your mother -- congratulations for a job well-done. I would like to nominate you for Mother of the Year.

6 YEARS IN USA

2011-05-19T22:15:00.002-04:00

Today marks my 6 years in America…. A country known as “American’s Dream Come True”.

It is so unbelievable that I would be here. It had never been in my dream to begin with. So, it remains a shocking experience whenever I related to people that I was here by myself 6 years ago leaving behind my daughter , family members , relatives, friends, colleagues, comrades and others . People thought I was crazy, too risky or kidding when they heard the news. I could not explain from where or how I got that courage to make such an adventurous decision 6 1/2 years ago.

When I told my family members of my decision, they were all sad to see me go. I was very touched to hear my youngest brother Alan said “I support your decision, but if you are not happy with your new place, please come back”. So I guess this might be the plan that I could fall back if my life here is undesirable or not suitable.

When I boarded the plane for that solid 24 hours alone, I knew it was the decision that I wish I do not have to turn back. I remembered my mom used to tell people that I was special in my own way. She knew that I would not jump into anything without confidence. Now, it makes me wonder if she is still around would she allow Ah Don to address her as Mom-in-law. After I graduated from high school, I wanted to pursue a nursing course in England; My Mom did not agree to it for fear that I might marry a white man and refuse to return home!! During those days, it was not a good thing to marry to “Angmokou”! It was a shame to the family! What now??

Through experience, I believe that if you choose to be happy, you will be happy. Right now, I am satisfied that my daughter is happy over there and I am blessed with happy marriage with Ah Don.

Sir, No Swimsuit, please !!!

2010-09-04T22:08:00.001-04:00

click this link below "download" ... you will know what happen !!!!!

Don't " play play " with senior... including me !!!

Download

LIFE IS SUCH

2010-08-10T13:53:00.003-04:00

I ALMOST MADE A BAD DECISION FOR MY LIFE YESTERDAY. IT IS A DECISION THAT OFFERS NO ROOM FOR NEGOTIATION!!!!

LUCKILY, AN EMAIL CAME TO MY IN-BOX FROM AN OLD FRIEND ; HE ATTACHED AN ARTICLE THAT STOPS ME FROM FIRMING THAT DECISION!!!!

"DO NOT LET OTHER'S BEHAVIOUR TO CONTROL YOU!"

SO , WHY SHOULD I BE BOTHERED BY A LITTLE MONSTER WHO HAS BEEN AROUND WITH ILL INTENTION, ILL MANNER AND BAD BEHAVIOUR ? I AM NOT HERE TO LIVE FOR THIS MONSTER. WHY SHOULD I FULFILL THIS MONSTER'S DESIRE TO RUIN MY HAPINESS?????

I ONLY HOPE THAT THE MONSTER WILL BE OUT FROM ITS BAD SITUATION SOMEDAY !!!

MY IMAGE

2010-08-08T21:04:00.003-04:00

This pic was taken a couple days ago....... I am not happy to see the image !!!

Where is my cheerful look ??? I wonder and wonder !!! Time kills me or something else ??

How could I get it back ????

I have a big decision to make here !!!

OH NO!

2010-08-08T20:49:00.003-04:00

TAKE A LOOK !
CAN YOU FIGURE OUT WHO IS OUR GUEST?

AH DON IS A RED LOBSTER

2010-08-05T14:09:00.004-04:00

Don went to the Beach with his daughter.....on Tuesday; I am working.... do not think it's fun to be at the beach under the hot sun .... also ..... ( shihhhhh...the reason that I like to keep it to myself)

He was hanging and enjoying the sun & the water....... ( which I am sure, he did !)

Few hours later........I saw him turning into a red lobster......

Thought he has the fun time to have his body tanned...........WOW !!!!

Not quite....... I have to apply lotion to his upper body to cool his burning skin .............

Then, after dinner... he has to put on a thick winter sweater & pants..........he was chilled !!!

He has the high fever....... he got sun-sick !!!!!

Seriously, I never heard about this and never imagine that the sun can be this bad !!

He checked online and learn that serious sun-sick can kill !!!

OMG... is he going to die ??? of course NOT!!! but, it's enough for him to suffering .........he could not wake up from the couch !

Today,( Thursday ) he came to work for half a day.... and he is heading to the beach again ............. because he wants to spend his time with his daughter.

Well, well, well,......... only hope that he will not be a cooked lobster when I get home this evening.

He is a GREAT Father who deserves to be respected & loved ...........

Who are they to hate me for maried to this man ???

What are in their MINDS ???

SAND GOT INTO MY EYE

2010-08-02T12:39:00.003-04:00

Life is not full of sunshine and roses !!

We went through all kinds of Ups & Downs during our lifetime.

People say " We have to take life easy !!" That's not possible when one is very sick and that the Doctor has disclosed that one's life is coming to an end sooner..

But right now.. I am not in that situation but I am very uncomfortable to have sand got into my eye. It's both hurting and frustrating!!!

I am not going to give details of what happened..Certainly it is not something that I can cool off easily as long as I can't get rid of the sand in my eye!!!

TEDDY'S NEW LOOK

2010-06-27T20:05:00.007-04:00

It's summer time !! The weather is getting hot. Since Teddy's hair is getting longer, curly and thicker, it's too warm for him to walk or play outdoors. He used to be very excited when Ah Don took him out for morning walk; Recently, when Ah Don took the his harness, he will lay around and show no interest to go out !

So, we took him to the groomer yesterday.

Teddy was such a good dog. He was well behave and disciplined; He allowed the groomer to do his nails. As the groomer told us that it would take 2 hours or so to complete the job so we left Teddy there. Surprisingly, he didn't bark or cry at all. In normal case when he saw Ah Don leaving him he will cry. He is very attach to Ah Don; because Teddy is his baby; We were so happy to see him behaved so well in the groomer's place; stood quietly on the workdeck quietly and let the groomer do the job on him !

When we returned to pick him, we could hardly recognise him. He looks so different !! I could not help myself from laughing at his new look. Suddenly, he becomes so tiny ank skinny without those puffy & curly hair!!

The followings are the pictures that I would like to keep and share:

Teddy's look before leaving for the "Hairdo" !!!

Sweet little cutie Teddy

little hairy monster !

Oh No!! This is not Teddy !! ( After the "haircut")
He has no hair now.

Teddy asked " Am I not a show dog now ? "

I believe his hair will grow back to its original look in 4 months and that's just good for the fall season.

OUR NEW BIRD - LUCKY

2010-06-06T11:52:00.007-04:00

About a month ago, I saw 2 nice bird cages on sale in Craig'list. I wrote to the advertiser if he is selling the bird that I saw in the cage. It looks like a cockatiel to me. He replied me positively if I wanted the bird but he was not such if it is a male bird. I then wrote to ask him whether the bird laid any egg so far. He replied "No" and the bird should be 2 years old. I was very thrilled to hear this answer...... because...... I am looking for a boy friend to my "Forever"

Poor "Forever" is laying eggs again.She laid 6 eggs for the first time on 12/30/2009. This time it was on 05/11/2010 that she laid 4 eggs. After laying eggs, she will stop all activities. No eating, no pooing or even making noise.

"Forever" was bought from a breeder in last June to mark our 4th Anniversary. Hence, we are looking for another cockatiel to mark our 5th Anniversary which falls on 06/18/2010.

Now get back to the seller, his name is Stephen. I replied to him that I wanted to view the bird sometime over the weekend. After that he stopped responding to me .... I was disappointed.
There are other who advertised to sell their cockatiels too, somehow, I wasn't keen to contact them at all. I was hoping that Stephen will get back to me; but he didn't.

Then two weeks have passed and suddenly I received an email from Stephen's wife, Jennifer; she told me that her husband was a busy man ; so she is helping him to handle this case . She asked if I am still interested in the bird.... I answered " SURE!" and would like to see the bird this coming Saturday.

On Saturday, I called her cell phone; there was no answer; so I left a voice message telling her that we have a long weekend ( memorial day) and would like to see the bird. in one of these holidays... Sadly, there was no reply at all this time again ! I then emailed her of my interest; again I received no response from her completely. Weekends passed again! ...... With these repeated non-responsive situation, I guess I have to give up my hope for this bird. someone could have bought the cage with the bird whereas I was only interested in the bird alone!! So I have to move on and started to look for other opportunity.

Yesterday was Saturday again.... after the morning walk.... When I gave some seeds to "Forever" then I thought above that cockatiel in the cage again. Just when I was about to look for Jennifer's contact No from her email; suddenly, the phone rang.... it was Jennifer... she asked if I am still interested to have the bird..... I replied " SURE !!!!" Not going to miss this good opportunity, I told her I would come to her place around 1 to 2 PM.

After the garage sale, we drove to her place right away and it was about 20 miles away!!!

Oh! you won't believe me .....at that very moment when I saw the bird, I have a big WOW in y heart !! it was like "Love at First Sight!"; it was such a pure and sweet bird. He has white and yellow shinning feathers. The owner told me that they had spent about $100++ on the cage alone. They told me the bird is not hand-feed and friendly to their 6 years old daughter. They got another one that the kids can play with.

hmmm guess what.... Though we don't need another cage, I have a good bargain. I have the cage and the bird at the price which is even less that the price that I paid for "Forever"!! The couple knew that I will love their bird; so the price is not an issue to them.

The name of this bird is " Sparky". On the way home, we were thinking of giving him a new name since I am not in favor of "Sparky". hahahaha we were thinking of all words ending with "ever" like whatever, wherever, whenever .. oh NO "Whatever" ??? Noway!! "Whatever" is the name for my finch darling who had passed away.; hence, this name so stay with him. Next, we want something to signify our anniversary ... finally, we decide to name this new bird as "LUCKY. When we put these 2 cockatiel together, they give us "FOREVER LUCKY" ! WaHaHa!!!!

"Lucky" can say some words that we don't understand as yet. When we put "Forever" into his cage.... oh !! he came down from the perch and started singing none stop; whistle and open his wings to welcome "Forever". Unfortunately, our "Forever" is still young and may not interested in him..... he kept singing and singing ...... what a fun to look at them !! I believe. the joy that we have from these animals is beyond words..... I guess only those people who have pets will understand us and share the same feeling with us .... 2 parakeets, 2 cockatiel, 1 cat and 1 dog !!! and 2 human beings make a Big Family here !!!!

This is our new member - Handsome "Lucky"

"Forever" & "Lucky"

Acupuncture Treatment Here ??

2010-05-31T11:01:00.012-04:00

It's Monday, we are off for the Memorial Day. Thought we could gain a bit more of sleep this morning ... but these 2 animals ( Buddy and Teddy ) wanted us up as usual !!

Surely, this is a not a good idea to have these pets resting in the same room with us. Teddy sleeps in his bed that places in his cage and Buddy prefers a small bed that places on top of the cage. They are both very discipline and will go to their bed after we off the room light. Buddy does not comes to our bed and rests at our feet any more.

We really love these 2 animals.. they are naughty, playful but lovable most of the time.. They added some much fun to this home...... happiness and laughter.

After waking up, so, me. Ah Don and Teddy went for a 1 hour long walk this morning. By the time we started off, it's already 8 o'clock. The sun was out and hot but it's good to sweat it out as well as to have the 2 limbs exercised !!

Lately, in fact I should say it was a bout a year ago that I had tight chest most of the mornings. I insisted not to see any doctors on this. Because, I believe it was the stress and depression that I have over time and job dissatisfaction. So I decided to do Tai Chi & yoga every morning. I picked up Tai Chi Chuan since 1986, I was able to do the short series, long series ( 108 styles ). Sword and stick plus the fast fist ..... unfortunately, I have forgotten most of the movement. Now, I have to connect and mix all movements that I can remember. I create my own "STYLE" hahahahahaha .. combine with some Yoga posture; I think I can name it as Gan's TCYoga.

These form of exercise made me feel better in the day. But it does not help to release my morning congestion. During one of the visit to a Flea marketing held by a church, I came to know a Mat Salleh Doctor who was there to provide free pulse reading. I went to him to have a free reading. He read my pulse and was able to detail the various complaints that I have and concern about. So he suggested me to go for acupuncture. After making some research online, Ah Don took me to visit him one week after that. This time he took a thorough reading to decide where should the needles go !!! Honestly, I heard about acupuncture before and would not allow such treatment on me !!!! But here !!! A mat Salleh is doing that on me !!!! It's hard to believe !!!

Anyway, Dr Kurt showed me the needles and assured me that they would not cause any pain since the needles are supper fine. It went well... I could not tell how many needles were poked on me because I didn't feel anything except at one point near my wrist.

The next morning, I felt so much better. The result was great!!!

I went back 4 days after that for 2nd treatment... hmmm this time the result was not good. The Doctor said the effect could be up & down.. Then I went in again for the third treatment!The result was not good for the nest day but 2 days later. On the 4th visit, the Doctor gave me some Chinese herb powder. I feel better with this medicine. Hope this will end my chest congestion and also hope that there is no hidden sign that I should be concerning about ........ because my time is approaching........ 67 is not too far away.

*****************************************

Now, let's share some happy moment of these 2 animals

2 of them liked to play and fight like kids

After that they were both exhausted and needed rest

Sometimes, they like to hug each other just like this.... very sweet !!
OH... We are both too tired now

They do not have a good sleeping pose

Teddy is like a dead dog when he sleeps

Buddy sleeps like this sometimes. When he wants attention, he will do this too!

Feeling on Mother Day

2010-05-09T13:21:00.010-04:00

Received this email in the morning of the Mother Day 2010. The title is " Her last Call Was From Cell Phone " What a sad case !!!"

" The Honda crotch rocket rider was traveling at approximately 85 mph. The VW driver was talking on a cell phone when she Pulled out from a side street, apparently not seeing the Motorcycle. The riders reaction time was not sufficient Enough to avoid this accident. The car had two passengers; And the bike rider was found INSIDE the car with them. The Volkswagen actually flipped over from the force of impact And landed 20 feet from where the collision took place. All three involved (two in the car and the bike rider) were Killed instantly. This graphic demonstration was placed at The Motorcycle Fair by the Police and Road Safety Department.. Pass this on to car drivers or soon to be New drivers, or new motorcycle owners
AND ESPECIALLY EVERYONE YOU KNOW WHO HAS A CELL PHONE!!!!!

On this Mother Day, I wish every driver will stop using, talking and text message or viewing pictures from the cell phone while driving. Please remember, your passengers' lives are in your hand. Accident like this can cause death to hell instantly..... Just imagine how sad will the parents be for the loss that could be avoided if.......... NO CELL PHONE IN USE WHILE DRIVING!

OOOOOOO==========OOOOOOOOOOO===========OOOOOOOOOOO

Talking about mother day... as usual, Don placed his gift for me on the table before I got up from bed this morning. This has been his way of giving me surprise on special occasion...

Yesterday (Saturday), after we came back from Garage Sale he told me he needed to go out for a while ... and for years , I knew he was going to buy something as present for me ... so I reminded him " Please, don't spend money to buy me any diamond ring or what!"

Having said that...... made me wonder what he would buy ! I was more anxious and curious to what is in that in a tiny Bond Jewelry box..

Wow... it is Pandora Jewelry !!!! I have not seen one or heard about this before....( May be I have stopped mall shopping for long long time and I am out of date on these kind of "In things" !) It is a nice sterling silver bracelet with all different kind of Zen beads and cubes.. it is classy and unique... and I like it a lot !!!

Thank you Ah Don.

For this kind of bracelet, one can always pick and select the choice of beads, mix and match to create own designs. Also, the designs of beads are simple, colorful, attractive and classy. Another advantage is one can begin with just a few beads & cube when the budget is tight and add more when there is extra $$$$$ in the pockets later on. It's good idea, isn't it ??

Right now,this bracelet chain is 3/4 full just so I can see the bracelet chain......... If I like to have more, it would be reserved for Ah Don to fill them up on our 5th Wedding Anniversary which is just a month away. So, Work Harder Ah Don!!!! hahahahahahaha

OUR DOG TEDDY

2010-04-25T22:53:00.013-04:00

Once a month, we take Teddy to the Arlington Park to meet his friends of Small Dogs Club. This is a newly formed club intended for small dogs / puppies to meet and play together as well as for owners to exchange information how to raise & keep small dogs happy and healthy. Oh yeah... These small animals are like kids. You will hear them calling their dogs .... sweetie, honey, darling boy, girl. For us... It's just Teddy !! :):):):)

Teddy has been with us for over 2 months. We found him a smart and sociable dog. He is full of energy and quick to learn thing.

He was a bit frustrated today at the park because other dogs were not as playful like him. They were not running and chasing with Teddy! :(:(:( In fact when we reached there one of the dogs was getting very aggresive and attacking Teddy. hmmmm as part of the rule, furious dogs are not allowed to mess around, so the owner has to take him home!!!

Yesterday when we were at one of the garage sale venues, we met one couple. The lady told us that they had a pet schnoodle before but the dog died sometime ago. She loved Teddy so much that she asked Ah Don if she could buy our dog ?? She told us that they love the personality of schnoodle. Schnoodle is very smart and lovable.... So, do you think we will sell Teddy to her ??? No way.... Teddy is Ah Don's " spoiled brat". He loves him more than anything else in this planet !! He has been playing with Teddy all the time.

Teddy is completely attach to him. Teddy knows that we will leave him for work in the morning so he will follow Ah Don everwhere. He will wait patiently outside the bathroom. Whenever he missed the sight of Ah Don, he will search through everyroom for him. We are not sure how long it takes for him to settle down after we left. He can't jump to the window like Buddy to see us off . what he can do is to scatch the door and cry. We believe after that he will go and chew the rug to express his anger and frustration .. Oh yes, we have to give him that rug to destroy as well as many toys on the floor for him to play. Luckily, he has Buddy to play with. Two of them like to sit and watch the birds.. With these two animals around, they take away the freedom of our 3 birds. I am still hoping tht they can be friendly to our birds.

When we come home from work, I have to let Teddy out to meet his Big Daddy otherwise he will get too excited and pee right away!! Buddy is my boy, when he see me home he wan tme to touch him. Buddy can be sastified easily.

There is so much fun to look at these 2 animals we are thankful to Nicole and Tiffany who allow us to adopt their pets. they are both happy that their pets are in good hand and we always update them with photos and information.

Through this new relationship and the bond that we have with our pets.... now I fully comprehend why some people would spend so much money on their pets and why did they cry and missed so much when their pets are gone.........

One of our colleagues has 4 dogs. He is single and his reason to own so many dogs .... because he needs not have to worry about the children's problem and not need to spend money on education !!!!!

Teddy Looks "handsome" sometime after brushing

Some of Teddy's friends at the Dog Park

Teddy loves to go for car drive

" Are we there yet? " Teddy asked

Ok ok....... I will sit downand be a good boy

"Is that the dog park that we are going today?"

FIGHTING LIKE DOG & CAT

2010-03-31T22:40:00.007-04:00

It has been a while I did not write about our pets. "

"Putera & Puteri" - the parakeet,

"Forever" - The Cockateil

"Buddy" - the Cat

"Teddy" - the Dog.

They are all animals that we love like our kids.

Don take care of 4 legged animals and I look after the 3 legged animal.

He has to walk the dog 2 times a day, feed them and clear their litter box. Teddy is still a puppy like to chew anything available. He is very connected with Ah Don. Teddy comes to me every morning for the yogurt. At first, I just let him and Buddy finished whatever left over from my breakfast. Later, we found that the both like eat yogurt. So we have to buy a big container of plan yogurt to fee them. I believe yogurt is fine for these 2 monsters!!!

I called them monsters because sometime they are just too playful. When we adopted Teddy, we were worried that Buddy would not like him; after less than a week, they got closer and more friendly to each other; they began to play and run over the places. Buddy likes to go up to the couch then jump down to attack Teddy; and Teddy went wild, Buddy hide behind the couch. Teddy is a smart dog but he is not smart enough to find Buddy.

Every morning, before we go to work, we have to take all Teddy's toys to the floor just so he can play by himself when Buddy hides away from him to take his afternoon nap!

Teddy likes to go for car drive. He is following us to Garage sale every Saturday. He has picked up few commands. Unfortunately, Buddy is an indoor cat. He likes to go out like Teddy but he will rush back home as soon as he saw someone passed by.

They have different characters but they are just like young kids; need a lot of attention, love and care.

Looking after them really need time and effort... but it's so warm to see how excited the dog, the cat and the the birds can be when he saw/ heard us coming home from work !!

He will chew any toy in a minute

Some of Teddy's toys

They are wondering " When can we have these birds as snack?"

Now, they rest together like brothers

Hayden's 3rd Birthday

2010-03-31T09:39:00.005-04:00

March 25th is Hayden's 3rd Birthday.

I last seen him in New Jersey was iduring the X'mas of 2008.!!! He was then still a small baby wanting his dad Chris to carry him...... but this time when we met him on his 3rd birthday in Tampa.... he is such a cute and big little boy !

Look at his pictures you will agree with me that he is going to be a handsome boy when he grows up !!!

Melisa drove him and Frank all the way from New Jersey to Tampa 24 hours on the road non-stop. Bravo !!! I will never experience this nor would I ever try to make this happen!! 24 hours on the road with 2 young kids!!!! No joke !!! It's a tough job !!!

It's nice to be invited by Melisa to her aunt's house at Tampa to celebrate Hayden's birthday together with her relatives. Her aunt was very nice to us. Ah Don was full of excitement when he saw Hayden.

Frank is Melisa's eldest kid. He has grown so tall too !!! He was a little shy kid at our wedding in 2005.

Oh time flies...... Kids are growing up and we are dragging and walking closer to somewhere that everyone has to go one day !!!

Toyotas Are Unsafe?

2010-03-15T22:52:00.000-04:00

We have a 2008 Toyota Camry. I'm sure you have all seen the newscasts about the "major" problem Toyota has had and the major recall. Why even the head of the federal Department of Transportation said people should stop driving their Toyotas.

Oh my gosh! This must be a terrible problem!

Well I received and read the pre-recall notice and laughed. I now have the official recall notice. Let me quote from the section of the notice titled "What is the Condition?"

"As we notified you earlier this past fall, the defect is the potential for an unsecured or incompatible floor mat to interfere with the accelerator pedal and cause it to get stuck in the wide open position. ..."

Soooo, it is obvious that the problem is NOT with the automobile but with idiots who don't install their floor mats properly!! Because of these idiots, Toyota has spent LOTS of dollars to compensate for their stupidity. In addition "... Toyota will install a newly designed override system in your vehicle... This system will cut engine power in case of simultaneous application of both accelerator and brake pedals at certain speeds and driving conditions..." Thank you Toyota. Maybe this addition will keep those idiots from slamming into me.

The whole Toyota recall fiasco was nothing more than a "media event". I enjoy my Camry. It is solid, comfortable and SAFE! Unlike American cars that sound like tin cans and almost have recalls per week (but of course we don't hear about those recalls).

It is a shame that such a fine auto maker has to take such a beating because U.S. auto makers can't get their heads out of their butts and make a competitive car. Top management is only interested in their big bonuses and of course they don't have to change because the government will save them.

OUR DOG & CAT

2010-03-10T23:06:00.007-05:00

When Teddy and Buddy are getting naughty and becoming destructive..... I asked Ah Don, " why are we keeping these 2 kids at this age ???? "

When Teddy and Buddy are cute and nice, then I said , " We are lucky to have adopted these 2 animals" !

So, do you actually know what I mean ??

Mainly because they are just kids full of curiosities and playful. They ask for food and like to play!! Two of them enjoy playing and chasing each other. Buddy does not like to play rough and will not play for long; he likes to have his quiet time to sit and look through the lanai like an artist admiring the scenery. Once Teddy started playing he can't stop especially when he has the mood to play!

After our effort for weeks, these 2 animals get along fine these days. Luckily, Mom was here to keep an eye on them when they were first brought together. We needed to make sure they did not kill each other when we leave 2 of them at home while we go to work. What we have to do in the morning is to gate the entry to the living room so that they will not overplay and knock down my collection of clocks and fragile items on the shelves.

They have the chance to rest together during weekend.

Not sure are they together like this when we are at work!

This is Teddy. He chewed my flip flop and he knew he has done something wrong!

When I asked "Who did this?' He would feel guilty like this !!

He won't look at what he has done !

Instead.... He asked for "forgiveness like this !"

Teddy like to eat Cat food, so we have to separate them at their mealtime!

Teddy can't jump up!! Buddy is getting fat!

So far, Ah Don is taking care of these 2 pets; he walks the dog and clean up the litter

and I take care of him & the 3 birds.

I MISS MY 1st SISTER

2010-03-08T21:48:00.007-05:00

This Picture was taken on The Mother day in 2005. It was definitely the most happy and proud moment to celebrate the mother day together with my eldest sister and her family.

It was few days before I left for New Jersey. Such sweet memory could only be recaptured in photos. This is why I like to take and keep pictures.

My eldest sis, Yee Mei & me

Suo Mein, my eldest sister Yee Mei and me

All mother were cutting the cake

This is my eldest sister's forever rest home

I just received this precious pic from my niece. It made me cried for a moment......

The prolong illness had robed away her quality life;

she is now resting in piece at this beautiful and special place..
Dearest sis, you are always remembered in my heart

Golden Coffee Bean

2010-03-01T22:13:00.000-05:00

IS THIS A BAD YEAR FOR ME ?

2010-02-23T21:02:00.010-05:00

This morning I went to work for half a day and have to come home to rest since I was still coughing hard and blowing nose. I am also concern that It's not fair to spread this cold to other staff in the office.

Now, I began to question is this a bad tiger year for me ? Or that something undesirable is going to happen sooner than I guess? Whatever it is .. I believe I am ready for anything. I always believe that fate is there just like karma. In my religion, we believe we can eradicate our karma, we can converse poison to medicine with preserve and undefeated spirit. I am not strong in this; hence, I learn to take what's come. I'll let thing happen at its own pace and sequence.

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Teddy likes to look at "Forever", this is what he normally does to stand up straight for a few second to see what's "Forever" is doing ?

Teddy can walk a few steps with this pose too

Teddy and Buddy like to play at night before bedtime. so
we have to put Teddy's bed in his crate and lock him up at night

This was the first time we took Teddy out to Dog Park to
meet some other small dogs. A group of us is going to form a
small Dog social Club soon
Never expect Teddy to be so sociable but he did great in playing
with all other dogs.
He was so outstanding and energetic running, chasing and playing

Teddy was having a little training to jump across the loop !!

OH Sure ... this is his proud Owner !
Now! Look at Teddy's dirty face after playing wildly !

At Last, we make peace for these two animals to be friendly with each other
It's our achievement!! We made it happened in less than 2 week's time !!

I A M SICK AGAIN !!!

2010-02-23T08:04:00.002-05:00

I am sick again this time ... down with bad throat, cough, running nose, congestion and cold. I didn't go to work yesterday. But, now I am pushing myself to work.... hoping that all these problems will be gone if I could get myself to focus on something more important. I was on the bed to rest, sleep for the whole day. Merely to hope that I can regain my energies to fight again the sickness.

Life is too short... just a couple of days ago one of my ex-colleague informed me that one of our old colleague collapsed during his badminton game and did not have a chance to regain his consciousness. He is gone ......how sad !

So, I must set my time straight from down on... I need to take care for myself; no other people can relieve your suffer or pain when you get sick. If I fell into the state of depression ... who will care for me ???

CHINESE NEW YEAR GIFTS FROM SUO MEIN; OUR VALENTINE'S DAY

2010-02-14T12:45:00.020-05:00

Today is the Chinese New Year Feb 14th, 2010 and it's also the Valentine's day. this is the time that I miss my family more than any other days. For the Last Chinese New Year , I was back home in Malaysia to have my good time with my daughters, and all my Gan and Fong's family.

There was lots of foods and joy together.

My niece Suo Mein sent me some Chinese Lanterns and blouses that gave me the smell and feel of the Chines New Year. I am so excited and thankful to receive such precious gift from her. So, I hung up the lanterns together with the old lanterns that she sent me 2 years ago !! They brighten the whole house!

hmmmm.. I think that's the right place to hang the lantern and garland

This is the old lantern that Suo Mein sent to me 2 years ago .(attractive forever!)

It's not a tough job..... I can do it ! Don is busy taking picture of me !

Oh! this is such a pretty and traditional Chinese blouse that Suo Mein sent to me

The blouse is hard to get here and fits me perfectly ... likes tailor made !!!hehehehe!

Then....... a little bit of closer look on the blouse... not my face eh !

This is another "sexy" blouse that I have to think of something to make me look sexy ! ok ???

I think the blouse goes well with this chili red pants !
Oooph.. I forgot to match with my red shoes !! :(:(:(

These are the roses from Ah Don.... again,
look at the flowers and not my matured face , please !!
I was doing Tai Chi with these 2 bundles and Ah Don captured me in video ...
and he released it in youtube !! OMG!! so horrible
I look so funny in motion !!hahahahahahah

Roses....... after my arrangement!!

Don also receive something from me for the Valentine's day

A pair of pants ......

A small leather billfold to keep more $$$$$$$ in Tiger Year

After..... this..... we are going for a good meal to mark these 2 occasions.... Surely no Yee Sang or Lou Sang here...... but will have some Chinese food for sure !!

Buddy and Teddy Playing

2010-02-14T11:12:00.002-05:00

Buddy likes to play with his food. He takes it out of his dish and pushes it to the floor. Teddy has learned to wait for the food to fall. Sometimes Buddy is quick and jumps down before Teddy can get the food.

BYL's Valentine's Day Dance With the Roses

2010-02-14T11:00:00.001-05:00

BYL shows us how to enjoy the roses before they are placed in a vase. :)

VALENTINE'S ; MOM AND OUR PETS

2010-02-13T23:45:00.019-05:00

It's very significant to have the Valentine's day coincides with the Chinese New Year. Hence, this is a day of Double Happiness that one should celebrate joyfully.

We were at Valentine's Ball on 12th evening to celebrate the Valentine's day in advance. I got the following Valentine T shirts simply by walking up the stage shake through the screen !!! Most of the couples were in red costumes so I guess this represents the Heart for the love one.! :):):)

One for me and one for Ah Don

Oh...... Cupid is aiming at me ... but who is he shooting next???

This is the band. Comelion performing for the event

David & Christine - the MC

Oh !! Ah Don was shaking his old bones out !!!

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Now, it's about our pets.....Buddy & Teddy are friendly with each other although sometime either one would be too aggressive. Teddy tends to be rough and Buddy is very defensive. they still need time to learn to like each other and be gentle.

Buddy is curious with all new thing found in the house. He was running and jumping in and out the box till he got tired !

This is the time when they both got exhausted and needed a good rest

Teddy likes to face and post for the camera!

These two are equally crazy and overplaying on the floor !!

Oh Ah Don loves this dog more than anything else !!

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We invited mom to visit us as well as to be away from that freezing cold weather in Indiana. But she only decided to have a short stay of 2 weeks with us here. After this ,she is going to visit Tom ( Don's elder brother) at California. Two years ago when mom was here, she wasn't in good health; she was very week with irregular high blood pressure. She could hardly walk up the stairs. One evening, that was my Chinese New Year Eve, we had to rush her to the Doctor Hospital for emergy check up. It ended that she had to have a pace maker implanted. Since then, she was a different person..... have the energy to do what she likes :):):)

See ! how sweet are they.... Mother & Son

It's me & Mom ...... I hope to have Silver hair like hers sometime!!

We are family !

Mom is now back to Indiana. She sais she has a good time with us here. We are thankful for her visit ; after she left we found that she left some thing secretly for us ..... $$$$ ???? or what ?????We hope she will come visit us again and again.

TEDDY & BUDDY

2010-02-07T16:48:00.012-05:00

Teddy and Buddy are playing and chasing after few days together. When Teddy is aggressive he likes to bark at Buddy. Buddy does not like it then they will attack each other. At first we were worried if these 2 animals could get along in the house. Thank god, so far they are doing fine . I believe they will soon be able to eat and sleep together peacefully.

Teddy is very alert of the surrounding; sometime he is just nosy ! Whenever the birds flipped their wings he would wake up from his nap to go to the cage to see what happened to them. Teddy thought he has the responsibility to take care of the house. He acts like a Watch Dog !!

Teddy is an intelligent puppy. He is able to read our expression. When I woke up this morning, I didn't see Buddy so I asked Teddy , "Where is Buddy? " He understood what I asked, looked at me for once and won't dare to look at me again, walked away from me like a guilty child with his head down. When I asked him again and louder, he went hiding at a corner and cuddled like begging for pardon!. He knew he has been naughty chasing away Buddy.; and he could not find when the Buddy being hiding!! hmmmmm ..... these 2 little creatures really give us lots of fun.

Teddy Can't catch Buddy !

This is sharing time - they both like yogurt

Teddy does not like this dog who came over from across the street to our yard.

Teddy was trying to smell the other dog

Teddy is taking a shower just now

He is such a good boy who likes to be clean !

ONE MORE NEW PET

2010-02-03T22:58:00.006-05:00

This is the new member to our home......

It's "Teddy". Teddy is a schnoodle. We adopted him this afternoon.

He is super active & cute puppy. He has little training from the previous owner so we need to spend more time to work on this.

Our Cat Buddy is not happy to see him around. So we have to separate and rotate them in and out the family room and the lanai.

Hope they will get along soon.

Teddy is a bit skinny right now.

He is looking at Buddy in the family room through the glass door

He's already a "buddy" to Ah Don

He knows he is in Camera

WE ARE IN ORLANDO AGAIN!

2010-01-30T11:28:00.002-05:00

We left from home to Orlando on Thursday evening. In the car, we have Mom who is visiting us from Indiana and our Buddy! ! Why Buddy ??? hmmmm because he has been acting very aggressive and liked to climb on top of the cage to distrub the birds. If we left him unattended, it is unfair to our birds.

This was the first time that Buddy travel with us. He was good on 2 hours journey; though he made some noise in the cage ; it wasn't a nuisance.

Soon after we reached the Vocation House in Kissimmee, that has 4 bedrooms, Jason, Marc, Brooke and Roberta also arrived from New Jersey by flight..... so this is like a small reunion for us.

Buddy took sometime to browse and smell every inche of the house; he even went upstairs to see what are there ! After feeling safe and comfortable with this new place, he started to play with Marc & Brooke.

Grandpa Ah Don bought 4 days tickets to Disney World for Marc and Brooke. This is one of the X'mas Gifts to them.

We did not see Marc & Brooke for only 7 months since last Family Reunion in 4th July 2009. They are so tall now !!!!! Brooke has her front teeth !!! And she is wearing the sneakers of my Size !!! So now you know what I meant !!!

They went to Magic Kingdom yesterday. Mom and me stayed at home. Since I am still in recovering stage and still having some chest congestion and dizziness in the morning, I might have to take extra precaution to excerpt my body and rest more. Certainly, I missed and enjoyed those rides but not this time.

This morning , they left for Epcot. It's good to visit Disney during this period as the parks are less crowded and the lines to each ride and game are shorted. waiting on a long line has been a pain during summer time under the hot sun. The weather during this time is most ideal for visiting Disney World. There might be some good offer too.

Oh .... Buddy is such a good company here....... Soon, we are planing to adopt a Schnoodle. I hope the lady I dealt with would keep her dog "Teddy" for our adoption . If the adoption go through, we will have Buddy and Teddy ...... their names seem to get along fine !!

Think about my disappointment for being rejected to keep pet in our last place in Village Walk on my 62 Birthday, I am really thrilled to be able to see our pets running or flying in our home.

I AM SICK TODAY !!!

2010-01-19T14:42:00.006-05:00

Yes!! I am sick and resting at home today.

I was not feeling comfortable for last few days. This is the first time that I have to take a sick leave to stay at home. I tell myself , this is the time that I should forget about the work and let my body have its time to do some internal adjustment or balnacing work to my body; I know, I have been defeated by virus or any other abnormal factors.

There are few reasons that my body shows sign for a good rest !

>I have been too stressful over a last couple of weeks. Have bad habit and persistantly overworked my matured bodyin the past. I have turned to a night bird which is definately is bad for my body.

>There has been a big change of weather from super hot to super cold; and there is high tendency that I could have had a chill and unnoticed!

>I have the new glasses that may cause some impact or effect on my headache.

>My daughter sent me a Garuda Dzi bracelet which is showing signs of my future sickness. My body is aching since I put it on ! Dzi is telling me that I should look after my health more seriously by now! Dzi has been known for its power to tell the wearer of what future sickness.

>Lastly...... it might be a mild warning that medical attention is needed. Since living here for close to 5 years ( by coming May) I have not seen any physicians for treatment except for a body check-up early last year.

I am definitely a tough person who likes to fight against sickness with natural healing process and home remedies.

I feel very much different to be at home on working day! I can't make myself rest completely; that's why I am sitting right in front of my pc........But I like to have this extra hours to play with my birds and cat. They are my good company.

"Forever" likes to kiss me.. she thinks I have something in my mouth to share. oh! and that naughty "Buddy" have been jumping up and down the bed this morning wanting to wake me up !!!!.

♠♠♠ WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR PLANTS?????

2010-01-16T20:13:00.013-05:00

This is the first time that I experienced cold weather in Florida. Over the last two weeks the weather was so cold that it dropped to 30 F. It was mainly due to the cold front that push its way from the Arctic. When I asked Ah Don how could it be so cold this year? He told me it was cold too last year; but I was lucky to be back in Malaysia for the Chinese New year during this period!!!!

It's not difficult to deal with cold weather here as I had gone through below freezing point while living in New Jersey for over 2 years. I have plenty of jackets and thick sweaters that I can wear to keep warm. ( since moving to this new place, they have been packed and stored; I thought they are no longer required!)

While we can keep ourselves warm, we were not aware that we have to cover our plants to prevent them from the frost that could freeze them. As reported, local farmers have bad hit of losses due to such cold weather!

This morning when we have a little big of warm sunshine we could walk out to the yard. We were sad to see that most of our plants have been damaged. I don't know how long it take to see their new leaves again ? They are the fruits of our hard labor; At one point we were so happy to see them growing successfully after being transferred from their respective pots to the yard.... now they look bad !

My Pencil Cactus turning pink

This plant were struggling hard with the new place but now......

No longer our green green grass of home !

Look like they have been cooked in bundle !!

When would I see the Green leaves agin ?

Poor Aloe !!!

All needles are dropping off !

Yeah! It's colorful, but I love them green !!!!

We were happy to see the bright color but the have faded !!!!

All leaves fall-off overnight !

It's sad to see our plants in this condition. I pray and believe they will be fully green in spring.

House Warming & BYL Birthday

2010-01-13T23:58:00.000-05:00

I'm not going to write as much as BYL. I think my fingers would fall off. Ha Ha Ha

Below is a little video I put together on the day of the house warming and BD party. Just gives you a different view of the house. Obviously we like and enjoy our home.

DO I HAVE QUESTIONS IN MY LIFE ????

2010-01-12T17:34:00.020-05:00

Officially, I turned 64 today!

When I was a little girl, living in a small town, I liked to be around my mother listening to her conversation with visiting lady friends. More often I heard them saying, " Aiyo ! we can not already lah ! It's too old to wear this and that after 40!" So in my little mind , I learned that "Women over 40 plus is TOO OLD for anything !" "Young ladies over 20 remained single are overage and hard to find a guy to marry". Then I thought I might have to look for a boy friend before I finished High School. But, that never happened to me ! I wasn't interested in any boys in our class at all !! During my teen, I was hoping to be able to live in a bigger town.

When I reached 40, it was wonderful that I did not feel that I was old!! Then I thought I might experience that Old feeling in another 10 years. When I turned 50, I did not feel that I was old either. In fact, I remarried at senior age of 59 ( Now, people are talking about retirement age at 55 !!!) So, there is only one reason for me not to feel old .......because I DO NOT AND DON'T WANT TO FEEL OLD IN MYSELF... " When you feel old, you are old!" That's it!! Okay !

Then a year after this , I reached this significant NUMBER 60, another round figure in my life! This time around, I did have some strange feeling then made me admit that age is catching up on ME !!! .... Since then, I hated to use or hear the word "OLD" to describe ME! I prefer to use and hear the word "MATURED" instead. In common sense, "Old" means outdated, useless, ineffective, nonproductive or even a burden to younger generation if you are disable whereby " matured" is just like fine wine .... the oldest is the best and right time for appreciation !!!

When I cut my birthday cake 2 days ago, I told our guests that I only have 3 more years to cut the cake ! They asked " What do you mean?" Well, this was a prediction from one Psyche who told me I would live up 67 years old; if I could skip this , I would live up to 87 . If I were to follow Chinese way of calculation ..... I really do not have much time to enjoy my life !!!! How sad !

Right now, I am going to enjoy what are there to enjoy. I am happy to be able to celebrate my 64th Birthday with Ah Don and friends. I am thankful to be able to wake up every morning to see this world, to walk around and run about freely. I can eat as much as I like to. I am both mentally and physically fit to work. May be my memory may fail me sometime but that's not a big deal. I have to use different way to register the memory !! I believe, I am doing good and fine!

Yeah, I can squad up and down without leaning for support. I can lift my leg high up ...... I can hear, I can see, I can jump, I can sing etc, ...... Do I have white hair ? Sure, I do! There are some patches by the side of my forehead. They are like permanent highlight . So what ? I am proud to have these patches.... because there are signs of "Wisdom". Some wise ladies quoted this before and I simply agree with them now that I have them on my head !

Looking back, I have been through various phases and aspects of my life.

When I was little...... I was really little in size and age in my class. I was the youngest and the shortest in the class from my primary years to High School. I had no chance to be appointed as class monitor throughout my whole schooling years... So far, this is my only regret for being too young and too small in the class. This image took away my hidden quality of leadership. ( This is my excuse of failure to be one) . I called myself a "Late Comer" because I was able to explore the quality of leadership at late 50 after I joined and involved in various political and non-political association and movements !! Certainly, I took the greatest pride in my life to see my little daughter being selected to be the class monitor on her first day to school. She was so capable to make her classmates in order while teacher were not around. She fulfilled what I had lost during those schooling years!!

When I was in the college in Singapore, I became the oldest student in the class. I was 24 when the rest of students were in there 17 to 18. WHY ???? Because there was a lapse of more than 6 years before I could walk into the college to continue my education. I am always grateful to my deceased mother and eldest brother who supported me financially and allowed me to accomplish my dream for better education. It was through this education, I was able to set my career path in commercial world. They transformed me to a better person who gradually accumulate confidence and ambition to do great.

I first married at the age of 30.... In 70's this was considered "Late Marriage for ladies"; However, none of our neighbors made any bad comment to my mother of such Overage Marriage merely because I was a career lady ! Haahahaha.....it was so interesting!! They could not believe that my Ex-husband is 7 years younger than me too!! !! Looking back, I was really blessed with a most wonderful and supportive mother in my life. She is my forever mentor and mental supporter. When I faced the fate of divorce, (again, this was predicted by same Psyche ) she gave me adequate encouragement and loving care. I could share with her my joy and sadness. On the other hand, I am also blessed with having one and only daughter Su-Yee who is so special in my life too. I am grateful that she accompanied me and made my life meaningful from 30 plus onwards. She sent me a loving gift and called me in the early morning to wish me "Happy Birthday!" Thank you "Bei" !

During my time as a single parent, I learn to be very independent and strong. That was the period for me to polish my life. I have to give this credit to my ex-husband for giving me the opportunity to grow stronger and be a sole responsible Mom. I worked hard to build my career; I gained the confidence and trust from my boss. I worked 25 year with the company till the company was sold. I quit my position as Assistant General Manger when I could not stand to be treated like "junk" in the eyes of those new management. Regardless of this, there are people in this new management that I like to express my thankfulness to them ! Why again ? Because without their " bad treatment and double standard altitude", I would not have made up my mind to quit and marry with Ah Don. All I know, they helped me to make the right decision in my late 50!!!

Hahahaaha... some people would want to know how and where did I meet this Matsalleh ?

Well, we get to know each other through Internet. When my daughter Su-yee has her circle of friends and seldom be around with me like before, so, I spent some of the time on Internet when I was not involved with any other activities. This is how I got to know Ah Don in 2002.

Do I have to question why I have been treated like this in my life ? No, not really, I am happy with what I had gone through before. The past strengthens my mind set towards my future. And I am happy with what I have now....... I have indeed been treated very fairly and blessed with all good thing in most of life. I have my family members who love and support me all the time especially my youngest brother Alan who cares and close to me. We have similarities in many ways. He is the youngest son and I am the youngest daughter; we both like to see that all our Gan family members are happy together. He has visited me twice since I came to US in 2005.

Below are what I my Birthday Gifts from Ah Don beside a warm kiss this morning!!

My New Glasses ( Price ? hmmm = to my few days pay loh )

The Hard Floor Cleaner for our Home

(I believe he will use this to keep our house clean ......

The supply of tool should come with labor, hahhahaha)

Lastly, a Diamond Pendant & Card

Thank You Ah Don for making my life complete! Thanks to Su-Yee for coming to my life!
I also received a nice Birthday card from Mom-in-law with $10.00 note !!! How sweet & nice of her. She remember all of our big days !!!

House Warming & My Birthday

2010-01-11T17:54:00.025-05:00

Yesterday, 01/10/2010 was a happy day for me and Ah Don. It's was a Double Happiness!

After 3 months, we thought it's about time to have our friends coming over to warm our new place. Since I am 2 days shy to my birthday, I thought it might be meaningful for me to prepare dinner for our guests.

I started planning, organizing, arranging and timing for food to be prepared, cooked and ready to serve as soon as I woke p from bed. Initially, I have chicken steak in my mind as the main dish but Ah Don thought roasted ham would be more acceptable. Since I do not have any prior experience in roasting ham hence, I have to go online to look for the most simple way to roast ham. I followed exactly the procedure to glaze and bast the ham .... I am glad that the ham turned out to be delicious, tender and juicy inside. Yummy yummy...it tasted good too !!

Have to set the table First

Roasted Ham in process & Pie

Stuff prepared and to be cooked after arrival of our guests
By the way, those knives by the side are X'mas gifts from Ah Don
They are really nice, now I don't use my old knives anymore!

My first experience in roast ham

Pics show pieces being cut by Ah Don & ready to serve our guests

Then followed by these dishes

Round the house : Our Office

Guest Room ready for Kids : a boy & a girl

This is mainly for Mom's visit during Winter Season

This is our Bedroom

We have some new items fixed on the wall

SMALL CELEBRATION OF MY BIRTHDAY

My Boss carried in the Birthday Cake.

This is a Surprise for me !

Ah Don was taking pic for me and wanted me to lower my chin

This is how I look !

They wanted me to make a wish..... but I have to

think which is my primary wish ! Money, health, love ????

Blow the candles to mark my matured age of

8 X 8
It was a cold night but our home was filled with warmth & laughter

New Year New ME♠♠♠♠

2010-01-10T00:05:00.007-05:00

♠Got my new glasses yesterday. It has been a long delay to shop for this pair of new glasses.

I was supposed to have a new pair back in Malaysia after visiting the eye specialist. However, the lens would not be ready for me before I returning to US.

Now. I have this pair to begin with the new year ..... I told Ah Don, this is my expected Birthday gift.

♠

BYE BYE 2009, WELCOME 2010

2010-01-02T23:32:00.013-05:00

An opening present from "Forever" !!

3 eggs while we move to new year 2010It was such a Mother Nature that she turns to be so motherly overnight!

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It's around this time or at the beginning of December that most of us would pull out the list of resolutions set in January to review what are outstanding or what have been achieved before setting the next resolutions for the new year!

Practically, I do not own a set resolutions to navigate or monitor my life; I move with the pace and follow the direction that I am suppose to go. With the matured age and the wisdom and experience that I have gone through, I think I can behave and handle without any firm resolutions set as checklist. However, I did want and hope for something to happen, overcome and accomplish in the past year of 2009. Do I have to tell myself how to behave and discipline ? No! I just want to be myself. After all life is short. I like to do what I feel right and happy of doing it. That's it ! simple.

To keep fit and healthy is always my primarily hope for each year; To continue and maintain good relationship with Ah Don, my family and his family members is the next and a steady job to keep me occupied with extra money in the pocket. Other than this, I am still hoping to involve in social activity in America.

In fact, 2009 has been a significant year for me and Ah Don, With the bad economic and unemployment rate escalating, we are blessed with steady employment. When there are so many people in Florida have to put their properties in the market due to default in mortgage payments, we consider ourselves lucky to be able to own a house in 2009. We have "Forever" and "Buddy" to play with while "putera & puteri " are making whole lot of noises in their cage! Life is beautiful when we are happy with what we have and not to overstrech ourselves!

Of course ! amongest all, it is such a thrilling experience to see our "Forever" laid her first egg on 30th December 2009. All this while, we are not sure of her sexulity . Now we know "Forever" is a female ! On new year eve, I witnessed her laying the 2nd egg. Now she is hatching on 3 eggs, and I am not sure if there will be anymore to come !! Poor baby... she becomes a "Mommy" instantly and is now so protective of her eggs. Look like we will be blessed again in year 2010 with such a good sign !! ( I will let her hatch the eggs for a while before removing them !)

But , no all good thing happened in 2009. I lost my eldest sister due to prolong illness on the day we confirm buying this house. This is the most heart breaking experience for not seeing her last face before she left for her lord.

Anyway...... life goes on...... we have to learn to face the reality. Everyone will be gone one day. we just have to treasure every minute as though it's our last minute!

The good thing with me is that..... I could be very sad over one thing however, I have learn to "let go" so that the sad feeling will not prevent me from pursuing any other thing; life have to move on ! We don't want time to stop at one point!

So, we went downtown on New year eve, to join the big crowd, to see the dropping of pineapple. This is the 3rd year we being to this event. The weather was not too cold to walk around and stop at 3 performing stages to listen and dance with the music. This is one thing that I like about American culture. People can do what they like regardless of ages. I saw some senior ladies dancing and drinking as though nobody is watching them. I believe this is why most of the Americans can live longer lives than Asian. Ah Don & I have a good time to count down to year 2010 and with champagne popping in the crowd ! Hahaha, it's fun to begins with 2010!!

One of the bands was performing rock music

For our last look before moving to 2010 !

We were here waiting for the pineapple to drop from the sky

Pineapple was high was dropping with the count down 1, 2, 3!

The pipeapple was hooked up by this crane

It's landing!

CHEER & HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERY ONE !!!

X'MAS 2009

2009-12-28T22:08:00.021-05:00

X'mas is similar to our Chinese New Year where family members return home to celebrate the holiday together. X'mas is about giving gifts as to Chinese giving "Ang pau"- Red Packet. In both cases, parents are made poorer to see kids excitement in opening the gifts/presents and Red Packets!

For this X'mas, we did not travel either to New Jersey to meet Don's 2 sons and grandkids or to Indiana to visit Mom and Don's siblings and their children. Certainly, we missed the joy and the feel for X'mas for not being together with them.

As we have no plan of traveling, we decided to have a quiet X'mas in our new place . This time, Don bought me some gifts that are more practical for daily use than those luxury jewelry or handbags that I used to receive in the past X'mas. He is always thoughtful in getting what I needed at different time. From me to him, I normally go for shirts, pants , shoes (Earth Shoes) and other items for personal use. Basically, I can't fulfill his wish list ... because, he still want a Bose Sound system, a big Flat HDTV for our bedroom, a super speed PC etc..... Oh NO, what he wanted are too costly and out of my budget. Hmmmm ...... I thought he might have to work harder and get a second job in 2010 to fulfill his Wish list!!!!

I am hoping that in a very near future, when the time is right and when we have some "Extra over Extra money" he will have a Bose Sound system as consolation....... Ok!

Some X'mas lights were up at exterior of our house

Some gifts under the X'mas Tree

A pose before opening my gifts

A sharp knife for me ? To kill someone?
Oh, there is another full range of knives in the block set!

This is good for me. keyboard with wireless mouse

Sold my toaster in garage sale; So it's good to have a toaster
with digital display

Oh! this is interesring ! I bought this Coffee maker for Don as one of my X'mas gift to him. It's a Cuisinart -12 cup Coffee maker with thermal carafe.

As I was too anxious to try it out, hence, this box was opened prior to X'mas day !

He kept laughing to himself while opening the box, !! Reason? Hahahaha because he bought the same coffee maker for me too ! ( He says- his coffee maker comes with better accessories! Ya right !) The result - he will have to return the item)

This is for him but I am the one who makes the coffee every morning !

He thought he has a wonderful gift in the box

A small gift from me !

What is inside eh ? ( I told him.... you know one !)

Oh !!! 3 Sport shirts !!

He said..." Blue shirt for his blue eyes!

There is nothing special for this X'mas, we were invited by our boss to have dinner in her house on X'mas day.

Day after X'mas, we went shopping at various stores and were hoping to get some good bargain on X'mas clearance sale. Since we were out late, there was nothing great to buy for next X'mas . Crazy shoppers started at 6 am !!! Fortunately, we are not that crazy yet !

EXCHANGE GIFTS IN OUR OFFICE

2009-12-27T10:02:00.017-05:00

On the X'mas eve, we have this unplanned surprises.

Chris was the one who placed all his gifts on the reception counter first when we arrived in the morning. Chris is always the first one in the office. Then, we placed our gifts together too.

When our boss Elida arrived and saw all these gifts on the counter, she went back to her car and brought in her gifts as well ! So we all have gifts for X'mas !!

This is the first time, we enjoyed the fun of exchanging and opening gifts in the office just like kids !! hahahaha... We have lots of fun, laughter and excitement to see and open each gift ! Oh, we have our Bonus too. Wasn't that a Merry X'mas just begun?

In fact, Elida suggested us to have an off day but we came back to finish some works since we would be having a company lunch at noon.

At noon, we went to Mattison for lunch for the good food and drink.

All the Gift boxes

Chris, Don & ElidaNow with me in the PictureChris' present to ElidaOur Gift to ElidaOh Don has a Gift card (The card says "For Mom" soit's very likely it's for me !)

Don has the gift from ChrisChris has the gift from us and he was excited !

These are for me from Elida.. Love them !! Gift from Chris

At the bar counter

Some drinks before lunch !

HOME ALONE AGAIN!

2009-12-05T20:14:00.007-05:00

Yeah..... I am alone again !! Ah Don went to California to visit his brother Tom since last Wednesday. Tom was in the hospital for a while after returning from their trip to China in October. He was not doing well when we first got the news. Ah Don loves his brother so he decided to stay a bit longer to be with Tom. I am happy to hear that Tom is getting better and has been discharged from the hospital.

Since I am alone, I tried not to do anything that requires labor. I am afraid to have any incidental fall or cut because there is no one to help me.

While going through the TV channel two days ago, I found this Sino TV at channel 281!!!It's a Chinese Channel. Now, I have the opportunity to watch some fun shows & Chinese movies. :):):)

This afternoon, suddenly, I have the urge to do some floral arrangement. So these are 2 pots of artificial flowers placed at both side of the TV in the family room.

Next, I also have the X'mas tree up in the living room !

One for the Left

One for the Right

A simple X'mas Tree

Busybody " Buddy" is playing with Santa

OUR HOUSE

2009-11-29T14:53:00.036-05:00

THIS IS OUR HOUSE

Finally, we managed to have the house done to a "Home Like" condition. We have 4 days at home to tidy the place. On Thanksgiving day, we sorted out those boxes that were still left in the garage. Almost all moving boxes have been opened and gone to places where they belonged. Leaving behind are about 100 over moving boxes of all sizes in the garage !!! What are we going to do with them ? Ah ..... good question! I think, I still love to keep some of them .... it's just Me !Do not like the idea to throw things away! Anyways this is an exceptional case due to limited storage for Junks.. those boxes will make the garage look rather unsightly !! So, we will advertise for people to come get them for moving!

So! here is our new place..... a place where you will see 2 parakeets, 1 cockotiel, 1 cat and 2 human beings that's Me and Ah Don.

Puteri and Putera

"Forever"

" Buddy"

Coffee Table at Family room

Sofa & Love seat at Family Room

The big rock on entrance. (pending painting to Gold :):) )

Back yard after Landscaping Work

Back of Lanai

Left side of the house

Landscaping Workers at work

Entry at Kitchen

Front Foyer

This is my collection Corner - Clocks & Plates

Dining Room

Living Room

A pose after the hard word on yard

2 car Garage

Front view of the house ( now visible after tree trimming!)

Laundry Room - Washer & Dryer

Garage with unopened boxes

Family Room - TV corner

View from Kitchen to Family Room

High top Dinning table for two of us

This is the Kitchen..... Place for my collection of Bottles

THANKSGIVING DAY

2009-11-26T21:18:00.010-05:00

This is a simple meal for two of us on Thanksgiving day!

We have a small roast turkey and some stuff from the box ! Lat night while seasoning the turkey, I thought I wanted to cook it with slow fire ; but, I changed my mind this morning. I decided to roast the turkey. When I took it out from the freidge, then only I realized that I have cut the skin off last night while washing the turkey !!

I am glad that the turkey turned out to be quite nice and tasty except without crispy skin !

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !

2009-11-25T10:14:00.004-05:00

For the first time, Ah Don and I will celebrate this Thanksgiving day just two of us.

Also. it's the very first time that I am trying out cooking a "pettie Turkey breast" for dinner tomorrow! No receipe in hand yet; but as ususal , I will cook my own way; or may be just a combination of East & West.

What would be the meal like ????? Good or Bad ? anyway, Ah Don knows the rule on dinning table

"JUST EAT IT ! NO QUESTION ASK !'

Reason : I have the secret receipe that I can't reproduce !!! Ha hahahahahahah..... got it ?

OUR CAT -BUDDY

2009-11-19T22:37:00.020-05:00

Buddy has been with us for 26 days. He is very active, likes running and amusing himself with toys. He would not play a toy for long. Just like any young kids, he is very curious and wants new things to play with. His favor toy is a tiny yellow soft bone that keeps missing from sight so we have to locate the bone whenever we come home!

During the day, we believe he could be sleeping on the chair, couch or even up on the dinning table. When we are home, he is very well behaved; walks around the house or sits at the lanai watching insects in the yard. Occasionally, he likes to play hide and seek with us too ! we have fun playing after a hard day work.

Buddy is now perfectly toilet trained by Ah Don. Thank goodness! Otherwise, we have to find where the shit smell come from. That happened during the first few days when he was new to the environment. Ah Don takse care of Buddy and I take care of the 3 bird.

Buddy loves to touch water. Normally, he will come and wake us up around 6 o'clock. As soon as he saw me woke up, he would rush to the bathroom right away and wait for me to turn on the tap! He likes to touch the running water; So, he has his face and body wiped every morning and evening. By so doing, I hope I can bathe him once a week soon!

Buddy likes to sit on Ah Don's lap since he is very gentle and patient to him. He likes to catch the mouse in the screen !!

Buddy is playing with water

Buddy is catching the mouse in the screen

Buddy is drinking the running water !

Buddy is waiting for me in the sink

Oh! Buddy is a Cool Cat !!

He is sleeping soundly !

IT'S GARDENING DAY!

2009-11-08T14:04:00.013-05:00

We have been thinking of transplant potted plants to the yard for a while; somehow, there is always other things seemed to be more important.

Yesterday, we bought some additional plants form one of the garage sales. That gave us an urge to work on the plants right away. We managed to plant the new ones but did not have time for the transplanting. the day is getting dark much early during fall. That's the good time for mosquitoes to come out for their victims. Mosquitoes here are very fierce!! Before I could escape I already got few bites with big "bump" on my arms and legs. The bites are painful and itchy. I am yet to find the right medicine to stop the itch. Terrible !!!

This morning as soon as we finished our breakfast, we continued with the gardening work!

Don started his work first, this pic was taken through the lanai Screen !!!

This is my precious plant !

I'm getting tired! where should I plant this 2 ?

Have to leave some space between plants for growth!

Need some landscaping skill - taught by Ah Don!

Don was cleaning the lanai- Good job, love!

Time to relax with a good smile in the yard!

It's almost 3 PM now.... time to feed ourselves......................... There will be more work to do next week when we have to make way for the bigger plants!!!

Can't wait to see all my plants are doing well!!

WECOME "BUDDY" TO OUR HOME

2009-11-05T23:06:00.014-05:00

"Buddy" - is the white with black spots cat that we adopted on 10/24/2009.

Nicole is a single mom, she bought 2 kittens for her son from a pet shop ; one black & one white. After a while, her son seemed to love the black cat " Andrew" and refused to play & care for " Ralphie . She thought this is unfair to "Ralphie", so she advertised "Ralphie" for adoption online.

When I saw the picture of "Ralphie", I had the immediate instint that I have a strange bonding with the cat. I related that to my daughter and she also like the cat from the Pic. We did have one cat that had the similar look. So I emailed to her and asked if she could hold the cat for me for 2 weeks since we were about to move to a new place. She agreed knowing that we would definitely give "Ralphie" the love he deserves.

As soon as we settled in our new place, I gave Nicole a call and we went over to her house. After a brief information on "Ralphie" behaviour, we took him home . " Ralphie was born on 02/28/2009..... so he is 8 mouths old

It didn't take long for "Ralphie" to get used to our home. As I find it hard to call him " Ralphie" so we changed his name to "Buddy" We hope he can be "Buddy" to our birds.

It's almost 2 weeks now.. "Buddy" is getting very active and playful. He likes to jump up to rest on dinning table. I guess this is the habit that should be rectified.

Yesterday, we sent him to have the neuter done. He has been kneaking all the past days!! When we took him home in the evening, he could jumped up & down as usual except when he walked he lost his balance for a while.

Don & I both love "Buddy" so much that we can't wait to see him back from work. All these pets bring us so much joy and fun. They are like opur babies need a lot of love and tender care. Now, we have to divide our time to play between birds and Cat !

We hope Buddy will soon get along fine with all the 3 birds so that we don't have to take turn to lock Buddy or Forever in the room when we let the birds out for exercise !!!!

See! how naughty is "Buddy"

hiding under the stool eyeing on the birds !!

Buddy is trying his first touch on "Forever"

Not very comfortable to face the camera for the first day!

This is the bed for "Buddy" but he prefers to sleep some place else . He was trying to run away from the bed !

Finally, needed a quick nap after neutering

He likes to rest at the lanai

Still Playful like nothing ever happened after neutering!

HALLOWEEN PARTY

2009-11-01T22:52:00.025-05:00

What a fun night to join the crazy Halloween Party organized by WSRZ in Venice Community Hall for the first time !!

It was an unplanned event . We bought the tickets just a day ahead of the party. So, we did not have time to shop for the costumes. Hence, I just have to grab whatever was available from home to dress for the party.

We have 2 funky orange hats which were given to us as VIP guests to Ringling Circus in year 2006. It was an exciting Birthday Entertainment gift for me from Ah Don in 2006 and some red materials bought from the garage sale; then plus some horrible make-up..... we went for the party.

When we arrived at the venue, the hall was almost full of participants. Everyone was wearing all kind of funny costumes. Everyone was so excite to cramp either on the dining tables or on the dance floor. We went straight to the dance floor to have fun with others.

The hall was full of creative people who came up with all kind of costume ! It was full of color! Most of the costumes reflected the night of Halloween with all horrified creatures; there were characters from movies, daily life and imaginative features. There were sexy guys disguise in lady etc..... There was a $1000 Cash to be won for first 3 best/ creative costume of the night.

Am I a witch or what!!!

What happened to my hair?

What about this ?
( No! I might not able to see in the dark ! )

I am Ready for the Halloween Party

Are we Funny ???

Ah Don said," I am the Chinese Mafia.... TaiKo !"

Some interesting features !!!

Tai Ko in negotiation !

The tall Robot could hardly walk with all his Alumium gears on!!

It was a real fun and entertaining night.... We will like to join the party again next Halloween !!

We bought a big package of candy for the Halloween kids to come by ...... unfortunately, we missed them since we were at the party.....But the Big Boy Ah Don will finsih these candies very soon !!!!

BOO!!!! BOO !!!!!

OUR GARAGE SALE

2009-11-01T13:34:00.011-05:00

This is interesting.......We have shopped over hundreds of Garage Sale in the past and had never organised one ourselves. Since we have tons of extra items ( as quoted by Ah Don) , we made one happened on October 26th 2009!!

Before the move to our new home, I went through boxes in our garage to pull out things that are no longer needed or will not be used in a while. They are repacked and cleaned to go for our Garage Sale.

On that day, the weather was fine in the morning; when it came to the noon time the weather was getting too warm t o reamin outdoors. So, we ended our business at 1pm with a bit extra money in my purse for my future shopping in other Garage Sale.... hehehehehehehehe!

Things we sold were inexpensive .... some people are just like me like to pick up things of good bargain. I received a few good comments from shoppers like...... "very reasonable price, very good arrangement, neat and clean., vey organized!"

I grouped items of similar price together with a Big Price Tag. Customers could pick up things they liked and paid without easily.

Here are some pic of items for sale at our Garage Sale....

Have lot of books in boxes ; they are not popular for sale at half.com

Some left over Toys that were not sold at Flea Market in Ewing , NJ

Some crazy stuff bought or given free over time at Garage Sale

Some Knick Knack that were interesting to me at one point of time !!!

Some of my own floral arangement for sale too

Some of the clothings that we don't wear any more!

It was a good experience ....... at least some of the boxes have been eliminated before the move !!

OUR NEW HOME AT HAMPTON, PALMER RANCH

2009-10-03T19:08:00.020-04:00

Finally, we have a place to call our Home at Hampton, Palmer Ranch which is less than 2 minutes away from where we live - Village Walk.

After months of house hunting, this is just the right house that we are looking for. This house got my immediate "affection" when we dropped by at its open house. It has 2 car garage, 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a formal living and dinning room, a large kitchen, with all new stainless steel appliances, opens to family room. The most attractive part of this house is its unique interior design. The lovely golden orange floor tiles that are so warm and inviting. The ceiling at the dinning room and family room are very beautiful. All fans are fanciful to match the color scheme of the wall and the flooring. According to the broker, this house was bought by one rich man who remodeled the whole house as gift to his daughter, but she did not like it. ( Hmmm.. some people could be so lucky !)

The whole idea of getting a house aroused after we are sure that we like Sarasota and believe that we will be here till we retired from work ! In the meantime, this is the right time to take the advantage of declining housing market. Florida is among one of the states with high ranking in unemployment and foreclosure.

Since we have the desire to buy a house, we started to drive around housing community during weekends. While I was shipping at garage sale from one place to another, Ah Don would hang around the nearby area , looked for "House For Sale" sign; In the evening, after dinner, we would browse through most of the MSL & house sale listing online. We marked those units that we were interested for our Agent- Laura to arrange for the viewing after office hours.So, for over 3 months we were busy visiting one house to another. After the visit, two of us would sit down to discuss and analyse the "Plus" and "minor" factors to narrow down the list of houses that we would like to have a second visit. I think we could have visited more than 59 houses !!!!

Altogether, there were 3 houses that we really liked before encountering this house. The deal did not go through, They were all wonderful & nice. The house No 1 is till my favour house. Unfortunately, the owner misquoted his asking price. He was not aware that the listed price was not adequate to settle his mortgage. The House No 2 is just 2 blocks away from our present house, regrettably, we were late to make the offer, so the house went to other buyer. It is a corner unit, with bigger yard..... Now, whenever we drove pass the house I wanted to see who is the smart buyer ????? The house is almost $35,000 less than what we paid for this house !!!!! The house No 3... Oh! ! this is another house that perfectly match with our "dream". The house is so nice and beautiful in its design and layout. There is a cosy swimming pool as bonus to the listing price.!!! Now! you may ask why didn't we go for it ????? Well, we viewed the house on Saturday afternoon, thinking that we could contact the agent to submit our offer On morning. Before Ah Don could related to her of our keen interest, she told us that the house has been sold and there were 5 other buyers lining to offer should the 1st buyer did not get through the deal !!

Anyway...... we are happy with this house. We completed the whole transaction in less than 3 weeks and moved in on 9th October 2009.

As soon as the deal was in process, we started to pack all our stuff........ OMG.... there were so many things to pack!! Luckily we have the moving boxes and packing paper that were used and kept when we moved here from New Jersey in November 2007. We saved some money from recycling !

One week before moving, we had our garage sale at our office's car park to sell those extra stuff we don't need and not easy to sell at eBay. On that Saturday, the weather was fine in the morning; we had fair amount of people came to our garage sale. When the sun was getting too warm toward noon,we closed the sale by 1pm. .. Ha ha ha.... I manged to make a little money but Ah Don wanted to claim for his time and the gas for his transportation! I bet he forgot that I am his wife and what is his is mine !!!

So here are some pictures of our new place

The Exterior look of the house

The Timber panel at Ceiling

Part of the view of Family Room where our big TV will be here

The Lanai looking into the matured trees and plants

The view From Family Room

The Cloud in the master bedroom

Kitchen with Cherry Wood Cabinets ,GE Profile appliances, Granite counte-tops

The Slates to the bathroom at Master Bedroom

The Golden Orange Floor Tiles which we are not sure of its name!

We are still in the process of opening boxes. Most of the things have got the places to go..... but there are still plenty of boxes left in the garage ..........

Normal Night

2009-09-09T23:27:00.002-04:00

Tonight was another normal summer night here is Florida. The video below is of a thunder storm that was raging behind our house. In front of the house the sky was clear and the moon was bright. We never did get any rain from the storm. It stayed to the south of us.

FOREVER PICTURE

2009-09-08T13:49:00.004-04:00

This is the group photo of me with my 2 sisters and 4 younger brothers

( My 2nd elder Brothers was not around while this Pic was taken)

This photo is now even more valuable than before since my eldest sister

has gone to join my father, mother and eldest brother

This photo was taken at Eng Kui's house in Johor Bahru , Malaysia in 1997

Once, I asked my mother, " What is the thing that you are most proud of ?" She was then around her 60 something; she passed away at 83.

Her answer: " The only thing that make me happy and satisfied in nonetheless for having 9 children who are normal kids!"

How humble and true is her answer. This is why I respect my mother more than anybody in this world. She has so many good things for me to learn from.

I used be No 5 in between 2 elder brothers & sisters and 4 younger brothers. Now..... I am not !!

FRUIT OF TENDER CARE

2009-09-06T18:20:00.004-04:00

I love looking at this plant every morning before going to work and in the evening after work.

I bought this plant with the rusty stand from a Garage Sale about 3 months ago. It was from an estate sale. It was placed by the side of the entrance to the house and no one bothered to look at it. ... I believe the plant could have been special to the owner who passed away and left unattended for a long period without watering . It was a pot of dying plant. I bought it because it looked funny but special to me.

When I took it home, I told myself, " Well, I'm going to try to save this plant; even if I fail, I would have the pot stand that could be used for other plant".

In life, we do like to take chances in this manner. We like to bet! After all ,our lives are full of risk taking.

Same principle also applied in situation in handling negotiation. I always believe there is nothing wrong to bargain. there is nothing to lose. Says, if I offered a price that I am willing to pay and that the seller is comfortable to sell. We are both happy, If the seller is unwilling to accept my price, I walk away.

I watered the plant every morning. I looked & touched it every morning....... Slowly and gradually, the leaves were turning from white to purple then to green........ Then one day, a small bub appeared. In next few days........ it bloomed into a lovely flower!!!

In this case, I am not talking about bargaining with price I paid for the plant,.... I am paying the price to take the challenge to save the plant........ and I made it happens ..my effort is rewarding.

When I look at the plant these days, I am very satisfied. I can sense that the plant is sending me this warm message " You can turn a deadly plant to green with tender care and patience"

See! these lovely flowers .......... She bears flowers every 2 weeks.

The leaves were dry and white in color once...... very unhealthy and unsightly!!!!

NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN.......

2009-09-02T22:54:00.014-04:00

When we broke or damaged something that is valuable to us, we would try our best to get a replacement. If this happen it's easy to deal with the temporary loss. If the item has its sentimental value and that there is no way that we will not blame ourselves for being careless.

I have this mixed feeling over the loss lately..........

Case 1 : I broke one of the Avon Canny Bowls which we bought from a garage sale. This is a collectible item that is no longer in production. The seller was a young lady who was lucky to inherit the house with contents from her uncle who passed away without decedent. We bought these 2 Candy bowls with other items that come in set. We used these 2 bowls for ice cream after dinner. Now, I am using a different bowl and hope that I will be find one from garage sale; or else, I have to buy from ebay !

This is the only one now left for use by Don

These are shattered pieces after I hit the edge of the sink accidentally. It went to trash!!! I am yet to find one from the garage sale...... I may have to bid from ebay

For this Case 1, I am sure to find a replacement i a matter of time. But not for the following case..... I will never get one ; it will NEVER BE THE SAME .......

Case 2 : The following are 3 knitted sweaters as gifts from my eldest sister. She spent her leisure hours to knit these sweaters for me; they are great gift that are full of love from her. It shows how much she loved me and cared for me despite her poor health. She wanted me to keep warm with these sweater in USA . She knitted these sweaters piece by piece while she was watching Cantonese drama or while she was in the car or waiting at the clinic or hospital for consultation.

This was the 1st Sweater she gave me the day before I left for USA in May 2005. She said, " It's cold in American , you must keep yourself warm!" This is a sweet sweater and I used to put it on at work

This is the 2nd sweater she knitted for me when I came home for Chinese New Year in Feb 2006. During that time she was still in good health except having some aging problem. She told me since I was not available for measurement hence the sleeves are a bit longer...........It's fine with me !

The is the 3rd I received from her this past Chinese New Year. She rushed to complete this sweater for me even she was not fully recovered from her operation. She even felt sorry for not fitting the white buttons ; She told me she could not walk for long and did not go shopping for the buttons!! She still care for me like her little sister; she forgot that I am a senior citizen !

This white sweater is the last sweater I received from my Tai Ka Che. I would not receive another sweater from her . She is no longer there to knit for me when I return home again. I won't see her face in person, I can't chat and joke with her ; There is no way that I can taste her good cooking again....... She is gone to her Lord.... What she left with me is the memories......

These are sweaters that are real treasures that can be bought by money. They meant so much to me...... Each of them keeps me warm from her heart.

These gifts are non-replaceable . They are full of sentimental value ........... Unlike the Avon Candy Bowls....... I will find one again.............

These sweaters were knitted with warm love from my Ta Ka che.......No one else does the same!!

I love you and miss you so much Tai Ka Che!!!

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE TO MY ELDEST SISTER

2009-08-31T21:48:00.002-04:00

~~~~~~~~This is the only wayto express my feeling in writing to Tai Ka che
and that someone from home will read to her at funeral service ~~~~~~~~~

Dearest Tai Ka Che,

First of all, I would like to apologize and beg for forgiveness for being unable to share the last moment of your life as well as to pay my last respect at this service.

Next, I would like to express my deepest sympathy and condolence to Fong family for the loss of a good loving wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandma.

This is a very difficult time for all of us. Please look beyond the sorrow and think about all the sweet memories that she has given and left with us.

My Tai Ka Che, Ai Chin or “Tin Na”, which we used to call her while we were young at home, made history in our small kampong in those olden days. As far as I can remember, she was the first girl being sent to Singapore to study. She was the first girl who managed to overcome all hardship and difficulties to marry with Mr Fong. We lived in a small “kampong” where there were many traditional ladies who were strongly against daughters marrying men of any dialect other than HOKKIAN Lang! It was through the affectionate and truthful love that Mr. Fong obtained my parents’ approval despite the objections of the kampong folks.

After her marriage and despite her tight schedule, being a teacher and mother to four kids, she was like a Santa to us. She would sew beautiful clothes and dresses for all of us. She sent them by post from her home in Kuala Pilah. Tai Ka Che ensured that we had new dresses to put on for each day that we were off from school for the festival day. It was beyond words to describe how kind and how much she loved us as her siblings.

Tai Ka Che’s kindness was unbounded and was rewarded and blessed with a good husband who loved her dearly, shared all ups and downs with her. They have 4 great and successful children of whom they are very proud. Tai Ka Che was very humble about this, but I took every opportunity to remind her of this great success that she achieved in life in addition to being a great sister.

Now that she is gone, but never forgotten, I will always remember her beautiful smile, the good dishes she cooked and the open invitation she extended to me and my daughter to share with her family for all festivals. I am so grateful to be able to share the joy of being in a big family

Tai Ka Che, once again, though you are gone….. We will miss you forever. Please let your magic charm and sweet memories stay with Mr. Fong to strengthen him and allow him to have a healthy life for many more years…..

From: San Chio Che – Ah Ngo Yee or Louyee

Florida, August 31, 2009

OBITUARY- FAREWELL TO MY BELOVED TAI KA CHE

2009-08-31T15:03:00.006-04:00

~~~~~~~~OBITUARY~~~~~~~~

GAN AI CHIN

AT AGE 73 YEARS

WENT HOME TO BE WITH THE LORD

ON 30th AUGUST 2009

Half page in Sin Chew Jit Poh inserted by Gan Family

Wake Service on Monday 31st August 2009 at 8:00 pm at Nirvara memorial Center, KL

Funeral Service on Tuesday 1st September 2009 at 10:30 am at First Baptish Church, PJ
FBC web site : http://www.fbc.com.my/

Thereafter cortege leaves for burial in Christian memorial Garden, Semenyih, Malaysia

In Star paper inserted by Fong family.

THERE GONE MY BELOVED ELDEST SISTER AI CHIN - TAI KA CHE

2009-08-30T20:54:00.012-04:00

This is definitely not a good Sunday....

Su Yee brought me the bad news in the morning that my beloved eldest sister has passed away peacefully in the afternoon in one of the private hospitals in Malaysia. ( our time is 08/30/2009 2:00 AM).....

My Eldest sister is Ai Chin, I like to call her as "Tai Ka Che". she has been suffering from terminal illness and has her pancreas removed last September. Since then, she had been fighting strongly with this "devilish illness" until this July where her body was getting too weak to continue the fight! This could be the time she felt she has completed her missions for the family and in this world that she marched gradually towards the end of her journey

This news came at time while I was chatting and sending prayer to her ....... not what I anticipated to receive but it came TOO SOON.....

This is a hardest thing and most emotional experience to accept. I was very upset and sad for being unable to join the rest of my family to mourn for the loss of our beloved sister ; Also, I felt so bad that I was unable to offer my condolence and comfort to Fong family for the loss , the grief and the bereavement. I beg for the forgiveness!!!

From here, I could only hope and continue to pray that everyone is able to see beyond the sorrow and may the love and care given to my sister be shared and helped through the days ahead.

To my brother -in -law, Mr Fong, I thank you for all the care and love that you have shared and given to my beloved sister for over 50 years. You are a wonderful husband to my Tai Ka che. May all the past sweet memories you had with her remain to give you the strength to get over the loss soon. Remember, you have your lovely children and grand kids who love and care for you just as much as they loved my Tai Ka Che. I sincerely hope that you will adjust your life and move on. Your grand kids are there to give you joy and happiness. They all love you!! So, please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved wife!

To all my nieces, Yee Mei , Molly, Suo Mein and husbands Bryan, Jo and John plus kids and my nephew Jason's family, I am beyond word to express how I appreciate your dedication of love and care for your mother during her life time. It is through your love, care that your mother has the desire and the will power to fight for survival till her last effort failed. Thanks to you all!

I strongly believe that my eldest sister is now in good hand; Soon, she will be in good company with our deceased parents and eldest brother in the other world and they will look at us moment to moment with smile.

These are precious collection of photos of happy moment in our memories

My dearest Tai Ka Che,

You are the best sister in this world......

You loved and cared for all your siblings unconditionally tille the last minute of your life.....

Now ... you may be gone and no longer around in sight.....

We may not hear your voice or perhaps listen your complaint that came with advice.......

But, we know you are still watching us from above and still wanting us to be safe and better...

You will always remian in our hearts......

We love you just as much as we love our father, mother and eldest brother whom you are going to be with......

We were so lucky to have a Tai Ka Che like you...a warm and beautiful woman

Tai Ka che, I love you forever!!

Lastly, I like to dedicate this song to my Tak Ka Che.......... "GONE TOO SOON".........

Yes..... Why didn't she wait for my next trip home ? I missed holding her hands before she's gone !!
Please ignore the opening message from MJ.... just listen to the lyric of the song ........ "Gone Too Soon"!!!

HOME ALONE AND THINKING

2009-08-22T12:53:00.010-04:00

Ah Don is away from home again. He left for New Jersey on Thursday morning. He is on official trip this time to fix up our company's computer and servers to be co-located at Jason's house. I am sure apart from the work, he can spend sometime over the weekend with kids and grand kids. I did not go with him as I wanted him to be with them without me.

So, when he is not around, I am able to take care and amuse myself. Once a while , it is nice to be able to have the time to unwind myself and do what I like ! First of all, I played my Chinese CD to top volume and sing along !

Oh, I really missed those Chinese oldies ! When I played those line dancing music it made me feel bad for forgetting all the dance steps!!!! . The music brought me back to those Thursdays nights where a group of us were having fun & sweat practising the line dance. After the class, I would go to the "Pasar Malam" and buy my favourable "rojak"home to eat. What a sweet memory and melody~~~ "Chili Cha Cha"~~~~ "It's so easy to fall in love" ~~~~ "Macarena"

While flashing back to those old good time .......all of sudden my brain alerts me to the hospital in Malaysia where my eldest sister Ai Chin is dying with dips, struggling and fighting hard with terminal illness. My tears starts to wet my eyes..... I can visualize how difficult she is suffering right now with pain attacking her all over the body. I was told that she looks calm and sleepy but the agony look on her face while at rest does not hide the fact she is suffering the pain even with the drug. Her body is too weak.

On the other side of the bed, I can see that my brother-in-law Mr Fong is looking at her, praying earnestly to reduce her pain and suffering......Every moment is so precious and a blessing to him. Over the phone, he told me... My sister is a wonderful wife to him. They had never parted with each other except for once when my eldest sister was away in overseas with my niece. He is uncertain if he could adjust his life without my sister around should my sister no longer live. Frankly enough, they are such a great and loving couple. They shared their lives through ups & downs for over 50 years. It's sad to hear this ........ but life has to go out no matter what happens. I hope Mr Fong would be strong enough. All my nieces and nephew would be around him to give all kind of support.

Next to the side of Mr Fong, I can see all members of my nieces' families and nephew's are there around the clock to look after my eldest sister. One of my nieces, Molly is back there from Vancouver for over a month now. She told me this is the most precious moment in her life to be able to take care and hold her mother's hand as well as to close to the father. At the mean time she has an important task to prepare food for siblings and kids who are in the hospital to take care of my sister. They bonding of love is so great that I believe my sister would smile even it may be the end of her journey.......I pray and hope she will live with the strength she receives.

Love and care is flooding the room where my respectable and beloved sister is hospitalized. I am always proud of my sister and Mr Fong. They brought up 4 brilliant and successful children ( 3 daughters & 1 son) and grand kids. They are the living role model to happy marriage.

I am sorry for being unable to visit my sister at this time. My heart is with her always. My daily prayer is there to reduce her suffering. She is a kind person, she should not suffer like this !

Dearest sis " Tai Kak Jie", I love you and I never forget all the good things that you have given me. I hope you will fogive me for not going home to see you. To all Fong family, I understand the hardship that you are going through. I am thankful and grateful for everthing that you have done and given to my sister. She deserves to live longer. She should!!!

Me, my 2nd Sis & 1st Sis

JIGSAW FUN

2009-08-19T17:40:00.004-04:00

Let's Play!

TOGA! TOGA! TOGA!

2009-08-10T07:39:00.001-04:00

Went to a Toga party Saturday night. Watch the video and you will see BYL in the congo line. Had a good time. Danced our legs off

TIME & LIFE CHANGING

2009-08-04T22:30:00.016-04:00

It has been a while since I last wrote about those exciting items that I bought from the Garage sales. Since then, I have some other interesting clocks added to my collection..

By now I have more than 40 clocks in my collection. All clocks are working and displayed to remind me that time will keep moving no matter what. If I want to make thing happen, I should make it happens today. Yes, there is always "Tomorrow" for us to catch up. We fail to realize that once "today" is gone it falls into "Yesterday" ans we are not able to gain back the day to our lives any more. It is not possible for us to duplicate, rewind or change whatever we have done or happened yesterday. There is no way that we can re-date today to be 5th August 2009 this lifetime

However, once a while, I like to remain myself in the past. Perhaps there are things that I like to keep, situation that I hope to change; Some not quite good action that I hope to recall or even to hold back some bad decisions or some sweet moment that I hope will stay.

This is why I love to take and collect my own photos .............Each photo tells me how my image change with the passing of days,months and years that will never return to my life any more.

Our image will never be the same with the clicking of time .......every clock tells me I have to treasure every second that I have .......

The following 2 photos are definitely not my favourable collection. However, they are here to remind me that I look terrible and uncomfortable with long hair. Perhaps this should be my attempt to allow my hair to cover my ears ! :):):)

Now, I feel so much better with short hair.

When the age number is "+", my hair is "-" (:(:(:

I love my silver hair at both side..... Not need to highlight !! :):):):)

IT'S MY LUCKY SATURDAY!!!

2009-07-12T10:29:00.014-04:00

It's one of those days that we hope thing will move as planned, scheduled, and happened the way we wanted it to be . Yesterday was my normal routine for Saturday......Go Garage Sale. Nothing much could I expect during summer day. There is less garage sale to shop around.

But, it turned out to be even more interesting and exciting than I could have anticipated!

So, I got these pots that I can use when some of my plants need a bigger pots!!!

Asking price $10 ... my price $1.00

Asking Price $15....... My price $7.00 Come with dried flowers !

$2.00 for this original Painting ( No bargain. owner sold me cheap)

Then at our last stop, I spotted this wild peacock resting at one of the cars parked at the visitors parking lots. I went as close as possible so that I could snap the photos

As proud as Peacock ????

Say "Hello" to me ... " Do you have any food for me ? "

"Sorry, You are unexpected Friend, I don;t have anything for you!"

See How friendly is this proud peacock. I was touching its bead

I could have caught it home if I wasn't that aggressive & anxious to touch it !! :(:(

hmmmmm. if I ever have the chance to meet it again .. it will be mine....... for sure.

Meanwhile, I am happy with my 3 birds at home.... We love to look at them, play with them .. they are our darlings !! They give us joys & fun!! Ah Don tends to pamper "Forever" and I want to discipline her !! We have different approach to handle pets!! :(:(:(

See how beautiful is my "Forever "!!! She is growing Fast & "FAT" ha ha ha ha..

I love this picture. 2 parakeets are like penguins standing behind the " Forever "

"We are happy together at the patio. We like sharing food, fly a bit and back to get some foods but we do not like the idea of living in the same cage ! "

WHAT'S HAPPENED ???

2009-07-09T23:20:00.008-04:00

This is how we celebrated 4th July 2009 and the Strasburger Family Reunion in Indiana!

There was a lot of fun........!!! Particularly when I have the chance to "Abused" the following people in the Pictures ! ha hahahahahah.. Just love it !!

We have a eventful and fun night together. I am thankful to everyone for being supportive and sporting in participating all games that I organised for the night.

The significant event was the decade celebration for members who are going to be 50, 60 , 70 & soon to be 90!!!!

We have jigsaw competition, newspaper dressing design contest, face painting . The most exciting one is the American Idol !!! You got to see how our judges worked their way to be real !!!

We casted th vote for the best & the Worst American Idol!! Gramma is the winner!!!

Ah Don will capture and edit into DVD.

Hmmmm... There will be more fun to view the video with sound effect !

DEADLY CACTUS TURN GREAT WITH FLOWER!

2009-07-08T22:37:00.006-04:00

About 5 weeks ago, I bought this pot of cactus from an estate sale. It was completely neglected for months without watering. It was dry and part of the branches were turning from green to red and white.

I thought I might be able to save the plant with more care. The asking price was $10 and I bargianed to $3.00 ; it came with a rusty stand that required some touching up.

As soon as we took it home, I topped some soil and watered the plant every morning. I watched how the stems graudually turn from white to red then to green.......

Then one morning, I noticed a small bud coming out from one of the stems !! Gradually,it grows bigger and bigger. . When we left for Family Reunion in Indiana on 2nd July, I was disappointed and thought we might miss the chance to see it blooms into flower since we would be away for 5 days....... but, to our surprise... the bud waited for us as though it wanted us to witness the fruit of my effort.

The following photo was taken this morning before we left for work. It looks like the bud I is big enoughand should open or burst by today. The bud is very hard and solid.....we were anxious to see what are inside !! this is the first time I planted this kind of cactus. Certainly I couls not wait to see its tranformation!! It's strange to have such a big bud with unhealthy stems!!!

This evening, when we reached home, the first thing I did was to rush to the patio to see what happened to this bud ......I was so excited to see the flower wide opened ! It is so sweet and unique !!!! I love it.........

There are still some white stems that require more time to be good !
One small bulb is blooming soon !

I am so glad that all my plants are doing well.

I hope to have a place where I can have more plants in the garden rather than at the patio ! :):):)

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While we were away, our boss helped to take care of our Cockatiel " Forever". The 2 parakeets were doing fine at home. They were all excited to see us home. We are thinkingof getting another cockatiel for her company. "Forever" is definately our sweet heart right now. Our boss likes her very much too. She is growing fast. She is getting pampered by us only in the evening. She knows when she can get out from the cage and jump on our shoulders!

OUR 3 BIRDS

2009-06-26T22:35:00.007-04:00

These are our lovely pets.... Putera, Puteri and the new comer "Forever" the cockatiel.

"Forever" is tame,discipline,sociable and smart. She likes to stand on our shoulders. Unlike the other 2 parakeets, we still can't get close to them even after 9 months They were very scared when we first tried to put "Forever" into their cage. After few attempts, now they are fine for this new friend to hang around in their cage for a while !!! Sooner, we need to get a bigger cage for Forever.

See, this is the favorable place for "Forever" She likes to play with the chain !

Ah Don likes to carry her around.. She is his new love !

I was teaching "Forever" how to kiss... hmmm.. this is my first lesson.
She is learning fast......

The weather is very hot this summer..... I don't like hot sun.... For the fun of walking and hopping from one garage sale to another I have to bear the hot sun and the dark skin. Look at my hands and the arms. There are multi-color tone ! :(:(

I stopped taking much picture of myself recently. I noticed that my face has changed. Well, I hate to use the word "old" but it is written on my face !! I like to look at my old photos.... I think some oldest photos gave me sweet memory. The reason for putting my ugly photos here is to allow me to view them I am more "matured".... like when I am 70 ??

Wait ! I don't think I will live up to 70 because one fortune teller told me that I will die at 67....and it's really not very far away from now;

Do I worry ? No ! I am ready for the day to come. 2 great stars passed away yesterday. It is shocking and sad to hear someone die. We have to accept that every one has to die one day when on gets old. I really people who have strong fighting spirit to survive. Definitely...it won't be me. If I were diagnosed with terminal illness, I would opt to die. I don't want to go through horrible treatment. I can't stand to suffer the pain and the process of treatment.

This is my decision and I am writing it in my blog ... I want to die beautifully if possible

I am thankful to have a good family, a lovely husband and a wonderful daughter and now I have 3 birds to play with. What more should I ask beside good health ???

Nicole's Graduation

2009-06-23T06:25:00.004-04:00

The evening of the day after I arrived in Seattle my daughter Nicole celebrated her graduation from High School.

There were 589 students attending the graduation ceremony. It was not easy getting pics during the ceremony. However, below are a few of the scenes I captured.

Jaclyn Sings

2009-06-22T21:43:00.003-04:00

The evening, of the day I arrived in Seattle, my daughter Jaclyn performed in the school's choir concert.

Below are some scenes from that performance.

Disney World With Dwang And Amy

2009-06-21T21:36:00.003-04:00

WOW! Times flies when your having fun.

Anyway, finally getting some pics and video together. Here is the video when we went to Disney World. Spent the day in the Magic Kingdom.

OUR 4TH ANNIVERSARY !

2009-06-18T22:19:00.005-04:00

When people get older,(I like to use "matured" instead of "old"for myself !) , people wanted time to move slower but it spins even faster than before !!

This is particular true in my situation. It seems like only a couple of days ago that I was thinking very hard to decide should I come to USA or should I just drop the idea. But, I am right here is USA for more than 4 years and today is our 4th Anniversary.

To mark this occasion, Ah Don bought a cockatiel for me 2 days ago and we named it " Forever" Since our "whatever" is gone; we want this cockatiel to be with us forever just like our marriage.

I woke up early this morning as usual to prepare my breakfast and cook lunch to bring to work. But when Ah Don came from from upstairs he gave me a big hug and told me that he is very happy to marry me !!... What a nice & sweet word !!

I think, we have learned and got to know each other very well . We are fully aware that a good marriage is 2 ways and we have to be sincere, caring and understanding to each other.

When I went upstairs to get myself ready for work .... then I saw a Coach paper bag on our bed...... OH OH OH!!! it is a lovely Coach bag from Ah Don!!!

I love this Coach bag...it is very nice and elegant. Thank You Ah Don..... but you have to stop buying any more handbag to me......hahahahahaha....

After work, we went to Bangkok restaurant for dinner. No wine for me.... as I would feel sleepy after a glass.....It was a nice evening, good food & good talk !!:):):)

Latest Edition To Our Family

2009-06-17T19:41:00.005-04:00

Here is the latest edition to our family. We named the cockatiel, Forever. It is one of Ah Don's Anniversary gifts to BYL.

AH DON IS AWAY AGAIN

2009-06-14T12:06:00.003-04:00

Ah Don seems to have more travelling recently..... first he went to Jason's house is New Jersey last month to help the painting work to his new house then it turned out he became a Door Fixer !! ha hahahah

For this trip, he went to Seattle to see his 2 daughters; So, I am left alone at home for 5 nights (to be exact .... 10th to 15th AM!!!! ) He is there to attend Nicole's graduation from High School; He is also there with his earnest desire to find out why the girls are mad with him lately.

One of the girls said " WE need to talk!" So I hope they will TALK it out loud and clear the air with open heart. There is no misunderstanding that can not be solved or clarified.

With that particular mission to accomplished, I decided not to join him for this trip. I believe, it's good for me not to set my hand. All I know is that I have not been their favourable person.

As for me, I have been a single mom myself. I know what would be the side effect of failing marriage. I brought up my daughter all by myself and taught her from very young that she has to respect and connect with her father no matter what; Do not blame him for not supporting her.One thing I could be sure he loves and cares for her; it was only during his bad time that he was unable to help out. I had a good job so that wasn't a problem then. With the respect and the connection that established, I am thankful that he is there for her since I left Malaysia.

As I am writing this, Ah Don sent me an Email that he is checking out from the hotel...so he is leaving Seattle this evening. Hope everything will work out fine for him. Poor guy, he has to travel overnight and be here tomorrow morning with red eyes!!! I will go to work as usual. Luckily, we have a new colleague Chris who is kind to fetch me to work!

Missing my Garage Sale is something that cannot made good like relationship!
For garage sale, once the things are gone... they are gone.. For relationship,there are times & opportunities for both parties to reconsider and reconcile before calling it off.

Hahahahaha... I have been reading a lot of letters to Annie and Abby that I think I am able to see the situation much clearer these days. I have learned to adopt "one step forward and 2 steps back" kind of thing....:):):)

My mother's memorial day falls on June 17th.....as usual I will draft my message for my brothers to insert in the local paper to mark this memorial day. This is the only thing that I can express how much I missed My mother. She was a great mommy on earth. I weep whenever I think of her. I was not by her bed side to see her gone.This has been my greatest regret in life. Even with her last breath, she told my siblings that she wanted to make sure that there is someone to take care of me after she is gone. Mom ..... your love for me is so great ! You are my role model forever.

Ah Don, if you are reading this.... I believe you must be the one arranged by my mom to take care of me, Right ?? :):):):):)

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-24T23:30:00.008-04:00

Here are some pics from the holiday picnic in New Jersey. We were not there so I copied these from my nephew's facebook album (hope he doesn't mind).

Grandson Marc

Fun in the pool

Sons Jason and Chris

Granddaughter Brooke

Jayme needs to learn how to eat !!!

Grandson Hayden

Weekend In New Jersey

2009-05-23T17:42:00.008-04:00

I spent last weekend in New Jersey helping my son Jason with his new house. I arrived Thursday evening and returned Monday evening. Most of the time was spent hanging new doors. Had to match the new doors to the old doors, cut a little off the width and/or hieght and chisel out the space for the hinges. It was tiring but felt good to see the new doors hanging all over the house.

The following is a short video of my grandkids. Marc is eleven and over 5 feet tall. Brooke is 6 and not a whole lot shorter than Marc. Hayden is 2 and of course is the cutest kid in the world. (Hmmm I think I said that about Marc and Brooke when they were 2.) Anyway, just a short video so you can see the kids being kids.

I AM ALONE BY MYSELF

2009-05-16T12:39:00.009-04:00

Ah Don was invited by Jason to his new house at new Jersey. The house needs touching work. So Ah Don is there to "PAINT" the house ... Look like he is an expensive painter !! Definitely, he is going to share his good time with Jason & Chris together with 3 lovely grand kids there. Have not seen them since last X'mas! I reminded him we are no longer young! He has to do the work within his limit to prevent over strain himself and suffer later on !

Ah Don left on Thursday evening. The weather wasn't nice but he made it to Philadephia with 20 minutes delay. He will be back on Monday. I am all by myself for 5D/4 N with my 2 birds!:(:(:(

Today is Saturday and it's 10:30 AM!!!!!! Rightfully, we should be shopping around from one garage sale to another. !!! Without Ah Don around, I am unable to do that. Poor me!... I still lack the confidence & courage to drive at the wrong side of the road here !!!

I planed to make full use of this weekend to tidy my books and stuff so that I can list them in Half.com or ebay..... hmmmm but I was hooked up in the facebook and started chatting with one SGI member who is back to Malaysia.

Well.... this is exactly one of those unforeseen situation that could happen where we could be caught or out of hand when we are not disciplined enough or so not set up our priority clearly...... Sometime, we could be in a situation where it is difficult to say "NO"

**************************************************

Now, I am back here... I want to talk about about my 2 birds....As any weekend morning, I took the cage out to the patio... opened the cage door.... sat there to watch them with my breakfast yogurt & banana in hand........I waited and waited, time passed by and none of them made any attempt to leave the cage !! I got impatient... put my hand in... then "Putera" came out right away,

"puteri" was unable to find its way to fly out. She remained in the cage running about trying to get herself out between the grills of the cage not knowing the door is wide open for her !Obviously, "putera" is smarter than "Puteri".... Poor "Puteri" was screaming for "Putera" to come back !!! "Putera" stayed out for a while and came back to the cage. Now they are both in the cage again.....Freedom is not what they want I guess !

Talking about "Freedom" ... It reminds me of my conversation with my lady boss yesterday in the office.

I said " Yo yo yo... so good.... without Don around..... I have full freedom to do whatever I want for this weekend ! "

Immediately, she asked me doubtfully " What can you do with your freedom, Margot ???"

OMG! I have not thought about it !! What a good question !!!...... That's right ! What can I do ?? I have no other friends, I can't drive, I don't even know where to go !!! so what's the freedom for ??? Oh dear, I am just like "putera" and "Puteri" have to remain indoors !! :(:(:(:(:( Sad!

This is definitely a "WAKE UP CALL " for me..... I need to look for the solution.

Now , I have to ask myself seriously..."Where can I go ? What could I do if something happen to Ah Don??? OMG! Since when have I became such a "helpless" person ?

Anyway, I am not going to allow this negative and fearful situation to affect my precious weekend alone... I need to shut down this thinking right now !!!

I would kick and promise myself to be sociable again..... I need friends.... I have to reconnect with SGI members again!!

Hmmmm, the best way to get away the thinking ..... I turn to my pic collection.

This is a lovely pot that costs us only $12 from the Garage Sale

( Original price was $256)

Reproduction of Victoria Princess Phone at $3.00; ebay is selling at $45 - $75

See ! I got these beads ( 21 0f them ) from the Parade

I must keep short hair !!

Don't know why my nose is getting wider.... hate it !

Don, Chris , Elida and me in Kronos

Oh , it almost 2:30 pm... have to get my lunch ! No Chinese Buffet ! "(: (: (: (:

MY MOTHER DAY 1Oth MAY 2009

2009-05-10T23:16:00.004-04:00

Woke up this morning around 8 am, walked to my bathroom, without my glasses on, I saw something like a toilet roll near the sink. ( Ah Don & I have separated wash room for use ). When I got closer it was a jar of Peanuts wrapped with Message & and a heart created by Ah Don!!

Ha ha ha.. I could not stopped laughing !!! This is the first time he ever created such " wrapping paper " for me ! He is lazy to creat card !!! Thank you Thank You for making such a big effort !!A big Hug Hug to Ah Don!

Next, I have some other surprise downstairs..........Another jar at the Kitchen !!

After that, there was a classy black paper bag on my table !!

Guess what 's there ???????

It is a "Mont Blanc" Fountain Pen - Platinum Line!!! What a black beauty in my eyes!!!

I have been longing and loving to own a good pen !! And I think I have mentioned that accidentally to Ah Don when I bought one Cross Fountain Pen from one garage sale a couple of weeks ago. I have one pair of Mont Blanc Ball Points from my Ex Boss in Malaysia on my 10 anniversary. I used them only on good occasion. They are special to me .

Thank You and Love You for being so thoughtful !!

I will treasure this pen as much as our relationship!

I also know that it is very expensive and I always stop you from spending too much on me !

In the afternoon, we went for a good lunch ..... full baby Ribs with some wine; Unfortunately, after taking the wine, I felt very sleepy so we did not proceed with any other activities...

I asked Ah Don " Why the wine could make me sleepythese days?"

hmmm the answer is not very nice " Because..... you are getting OLD!"

Hey ! Stop it..... You use the wrong word.....It should me "Matured" Not " OLD " Understand ????

Sweet Mother Day Card

Not the Toilet Roll !!! It's Peanuts

Balck Beauty - Mont Blanc Fountain Pen

What I got for Mother Day 05/10/2009

Hernando De Soto Parade

2009-04-30T22:35:00.003-04:00

The Hernando De Soto Historical Society, Inc., is a not-for-profit, community organization of 225 Conquistadors (volunteer members) who celebrate the historical significance of Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto’s landing near the mouth of the Manatee River in May 1539. With his 600 Conquistadors, de Soto claimed possession of La Florida on behalf of the Spanish crown and then began his lengthy exploration of what is now the southeastern United States.

Here is the 2+ hour parade in six minutes!

PLEASE!!! NEVER LET IT HAPPENS AGAIN!!!

2009-04-29T22:38:00.002-04:00

It was a real terrible and horrible incident that happened yesterday !!

It was about time to leave the office that I thought I should boil some water for drinking tomorrow. It is a small electric kettle that won't take much time to boil about 3 cups of water. I was thinking that by the time either myself or Ah Don would come to the pantry to pick our lunch box for home, and we could off the current easily !!!

Back to home, I cooked the dinner. we sat and ate in front of the TV while watching the American Idol. This AI has been our favour show since we like to compete and bet on the result and guess who would be at the bottom three ..... After the show.... Ah Don continued with his other show "Fringe" and I started to check my e-mails ; talked to my birds " Putera & Puteri " for a while. Soon after that I felt so sleepy and headed upstairs ........ When I was half slept. Ah Don came to the bed .......I asked him to turn off the room light.... then only I remembered, I had not done something in the office....

I asked Ah Don " Did you off the kettle fro me when you last went in to the pantry ?"

Ah Don replied, " Nope ! I didn't notice that you are boiling water !"

OMG.... It was almost 11.20PM........... and we left office around 7.15PM !!!!! The kettle could have been dried and the office could have been on fire!!!!. " What to do ?? What to do ??"

I told Ah Don, we had to rush to the office immediately........but Ah Don asked me to stay and he left immeditely to the office.

This was the worse situation that I have been.I was so worried, nervous and frightened!! What happens if the office burn down ??

While having the fear and the all the negative thought in my mind, I started to chant very hard .........." Please...... don't let undesired incident happen !!

10 minutes after that, I called Ah Don..... ..... he told me nothing happened there! The water was still boiling..... and the water was half full !!!! Thanks Gohonzon and Ah Don.

This cute little kettle was bought from garage sales sometime ago, I use it only once in a while when I felt like making coffee in the office. I didn't know it dose such a wonderful job !!It keeps water warm after boiling !!!.

This incident serves me a good lesson......From now on I must be very careful and make sure all electrical appliances are off before leaving home TO BE SAFE!!!

PLEASE........ NEVER LET IT HAPPENS AGAIN !!!

The Birds April 25

2009-04-29T20:39:00.004-04:00

Was getting ready to go to the Hernando DeSoto parade and took some pics of the birds while waiting for BYL. The birds are on the patio on top of their cage. I had some pics of them flying but the pics didn't come out. Soooo, will try to get flying pics this coming weekend.

Nothing real exciting here but we think they are great. Will post pics of the parade soon.

OUR BIRDS - PUTERA & PUTERI

2009-04-19T22:44:00.004-04:00

Hmmmm....... Ah Don still can'tell which is "Putera" and which is "Puteri". Obviously, he has difficulty to differentiate them because he does not know that "Putera" means the Prince and "Puteri", the Princess In Malay !

It was "Putera" that shit on his short and not "Puteri "lah ! kakakakakakk....

Both Putera & Puteri have been flying and out of the cage for the whole day. They are interesting and adorable. I like to look at them.

They make a lot of noise to get our attention. However, as soon as we get close to the cage, they keep quiet. They are getting naughty sometime .. sound like quarreling ... but they could be very loving to each other most to the time. See the pics below!

The Birds

2009-04-19T10:52:00.011-04:00

Yesterday we went out to do BYLs favorite thing ... GARAGR SALES!!! At one of the sales we found a big cage for the birds and decided to buy it. The new cage is about twice the size of the previous cage.

For a while now, we have let the birds out to fly around the patio, because it is screened in. Putera has been the most adventurous and likes to sit in the jungle (a.k.a. BYL's plants). When Puteri comes out, he flys upstairs and sits on the bed in the front bedroom. Last weekend I had my shorts lying on the bed and Puteri proceeded to shit on them! Hmmm ... was he trying to tell me something!?!?!???

Anyway, today we let them out of their new cage. Putera flew to the jungle and Puteri flew upstairs. After a little while, BYL went looking for Puteri. She could not find him upstairs. So we looked on the patio and low and behold they were both sitting on top of the cage! They have spent most of the morning on top of the cage.

BYL's plants (a.k.a. The Jungle). She adds one or two new plants each week.

{All that flying around made me hungry.}

{HEY! When do I get a chance? You know there is enough food in there for both of us.}

Good Friday

2009-04-11T09:37:00.012-04:00

Yesterday was the Christian holiday of Good Friday. We have been working very hard for many months so we took the day off!!! Took a little trip to Naples, Florida. It is about 110 miles south of Sarasota. Very nice area and MUCH warmer than Sarasota. Temperature went up about 10 degrees on the drive down.

We went to the main shopping/eating area downtown for lunch. Forgot to take pictures of our lunch. Guess we were toooooooooooooooooo hungry to spend time taking pics. :))

After lunch we walked down to the beach. It was very windy and BYL HATES the sun, we we did not stay long.

After the beach we drove around Naples for a while and then headed home. It was a nice day out and a welcome break from WORK WORK WORK.

Syesha Video

2009-04-05T00:01:00.004-04:00

Syesha Concert

2009-04-04T23:49:00.008-04:00

WOW! WOW! WOW! Went to see Syesha tonight. Great show!

She is very nice. Seems like the kid next door. Really enjoyed her singing. BYL thought the band played to loud. :)

Have some video clips but they have to be converted. Will post them soon.

More Ways To Cut Spending !!

2009-03-31T20:00:00.002-04:00

After reading BYLs post, I thought I might share a few of my favorite ways to cut back on spending.

1.) Just "happen" to show up at your friends house at meal time. Make sure to apology for showing up at an inconvenient time and tell them you don't want to impose on them. However, do NOT leave until they insist you stay and eat.

2.) When your friends say they are going to the movies, tell them how much you really really want to see the movie BUT you are a little short of funds right now. Put on a very sad face and tell them you will just go home and sit by yourself in the dark. Continue these tactics until they insist you join them.

3.) When you want to go somewhere, ask a friend if they would like to join you. Make sure to make the trip sound very exciting. Once they accept your invitation, suggest they take their car because it is so much nicier than your piece of junk. Remember to hide your wallet before leaving on the trip so you can sincerely search for it whenever it comes time to pay for gas, food, etc.

4.) Go to a bar and order a glass of water. Tell the bartender that you are waiting for a friend and you will order something else when they arrive. When you see a "mistake" coming back to the bartender. speak up and tell them THAT is my favorite drink and you would sure like to try it.

Well, there are a few of my ideas on how to cut your spending. I have many more but I think you have to master these first. Hope these help.

Ah Don :)

HOW TO CUT SPENDING????

2009-03-25T22:57:00.002-04:00

I thought I am a smart shopper........ I spent money wisely from young, I do not fancy expensive shopping ..... In fact, I love saving money......... I enjoy seeing my bank account figure keep growing...... even though I knew money will not follow me to the next world when I die.....

Now, the next question to me is ..... Why should I make money if not for spending ???

Money is definitely not the only thing that we are after in our lives, but the fact still remain true that we do need extra money to afford good living and the lifestyle that we want and long to have !

Why do I have this mix feeling on saving & spending ??? And why do I have to concern so much about spending at this age ?

?????????????

After working this evening, Ah Don and I decided to to grasp some Yogurt and milk for our breakfast tomorrow.at Walmart superstore..... it was supposed to be a quick jump to the store to spend less than $10.00 but we ended up paying $83.00 at check-out with some other stuff that were not intended !! This happened to us regularly !! So am I a still a smart /wise shopper ???

The following articles that I just read online give me the answer ::::::::;

Top 5 Painless Ways to Cut Your Spending

Cutting your spending doesn't have to mean lots of sacrifice. Try some of these painless cost-cutters, and watch your spending shrink:

1. Switch to Store Brands ....... ( Me : still have preference on certain brands )

Name brand products are good, but store brand products are often just as good (if not identical). Make the switch to the bargain labels, and you'll shave 25-50 percent off of your weekly grocery bill. With more and more grocery chains launching their own line of organics and other premium products, there's never been an easier time to switch.

2. Shop with a List................... ( Me : Do not go with any list at all !)

Ever gone to the store for a few items and come out with a whole cartload? Who hasn't? To keep impulse shopping from taking hold of your budget, make a habit of shopping with a list. Jot down everything you need, and then only shop for those items.

3. Carry Snacks.................. ( Me : Not my habit, bring coffee only)

Eating out always costs more than eating at home – whether it's a quick snack from a convenience store, a vending machine or a fast food restaurant. Avoid this cost entirely by keeping snacks on hand at all times. Toss a granola bar and a bottle of water in your purse before running errands; stash some goodies in your desk drawer at work--just be ready for that hunger attack wherever and whenever it decides to strike.

4. Use It Up............. ( Me : This is the worse of me... like to keep stock !)

Whether it's food in your pantry, hobby supplies or beauty care products, you probably have lots of unused or partly used items around your house. Before you run to the store to buy your next "must-have," look around and see if you can find something at home to fill your need. This simple exercise will not only help you to spend less, but also to clear out some of the clutter in your home.

5. Shop to Save .......... (Me : This is the best of me , Like Super Sale!)

Challenge yourself to save more every time you shop. If you normally buy something at regular price, challenge yourself to find it on sale. If you normally buy something on sale, challenge yourself to find it on clearance. When you're always on the lookout for a bargain, there's no end to the money that you can save; and soon it becomes a game that you look forward to playing.

If anyone of you is reading this.... check it out .....cutting spending may be a good thing during this period of uncertainty!!

MY GREEN CARD

2009-03-17T22:22:00.002-04:00

I received my new Green Card Yesterday!!!

It took almost a year for the USCIS to issue this approval to "Remove Conditional Basis of Lawful Permanent Residence"

I am excited to be a lawful Permanet Resident in the United States. Before this, I was holding a conditional Green Card for 2 years.

What are the benefits to be a PR ??

Hmmm. let's find out what are there to offer !!!