MORE STUFF FOR MY CNY !!!

I received the parcel sent by my niece Suo Mein from Malaysia!!!! She is very thoughtful ; they give me warm feeling !!! The following are what I received :

A purple shirt !

I am thinking of some of the following skirts to go with this lovely shirt.

This is a 2 layers floral long skirt. I may need a nice belt to go with it , right ?This is a purple with golden brown flowers long skirt ( soft material )

This is a purple fine lace skirt with cut slide to one side. A Spring Micky mouse !
2 CNY CD ;;;;; My house is getting noisy....Ah Don got to love this "Tong Tong Chiang" !!!
Thank YOu Very Much Suo Mein !!

Many Faces Of BYL

All of these pictures were taken during January 2008. Notice the changing hair style.

BTW ... BYL has NOT approved all of the pics found in this video. In fact, I am in some trouble because I published this post without her approval. :( :(

So please please please help me out and close your eyes when one of the pics that BYL does not like comes up. The life you save will be mine!!!! :)) :)) :))

CNY is HERE

As the Chinese New Year is getting closer....... I need some feeling of it !! Since there is no way that I can see any sign of CNY from the street .....I have to make it happen at home.... Let's take a look !

In olden days and for years, I would go to Petaling Street a week before the Chinese New Year. Enjoyed walking around from one stall to another, looked at people buying new year stuff, admired some traditional decorations and listened to the New year songs....

Last Chinese New Year, Ah Don took me to New York city's China Town. There was not much happening one day before New Year eve. Perhaps, the weather was too cold for people to be out on the street. We were told that there were various celebration organised by Chinese community on New Year day. But , we did not go back.

MY OLD FASHIONED HAIR STYLE

I like to keep long hair for a change ... somehow.... I can not make it !! As soon as my hair reaches shoulder length, it looks terrible! ( I mean I look terrible ! ) Not only I will look sick and sleepy.... I feel uncomfortable to look myself into the mirror~~Thought, I might try a box cut and make it a bit shorter above the shoulder........ so I went to the hair salon 2 weeks ago ..... Well, it looked fine for the first 2 days; then , the more I look at it, the more I felt that the back portion just not right ! So, I went to another hair salon last Saturday. Now I got back my old fashioned short hair...... I am feeling good to see the old ME........

( Not very Long )










( Medium )










(Short !!! )






ps : I am getting crazy these days..... just like to take my own pics whenever I have the mood ! You won't see my hand as I have to hold the camera ! :):):):)

GoNg Xi Fa ChAi !!!

Garage Sale Heaven

Halleluiah !!!

As you know, BYL loves garage sales. For the past couple of years, it has been a struggle taking her to all of the sales. I have been using detailed street maps and my knowledge of the areas to try and figure out efficient routes to the sales. Often times we would backtrack and go way out of our way to get to the sales. This could be frustrating and wasted a lot of time. :( :(

Welllll, I found a program that computes the best route !!! You just enter the addresses; tell it to optimize the route and VIOLA!!! Out comes detailed directions and a map of the best route.

This morning we went to seven sales in the time it usually takes us to get to three or four sales. In addition, I always knew exactly were I was and where I was going. It made things so much easier. :) :)

Many times I curse these stupid machines, but today I love them. This program will make our Saturday morning adventures much more pleasurable and we should be able to go to many more sales.

I MISS CHINESE NEW YEAR!

I have a google chat with my niece Suo Mein this morning while at work. Unfortunately, we were unable to chat too long as it was close to her bed time. They will hold a grand celebration for her dad's 80th Birthday in November and hope that I will be back to KL...... I really miss everyone back home, my daughter, my cat puteri, my brothers and sisters and Fong's family. I will be home this year.

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I am more home sick when it comes to Chinese New Year. I love to spend my time with my family. Chinese New Year is the only time when everyone is not working and have time to be together, sit down and chit chat ! For all my past Chinese New Year, I would drive home with my daughter to Rengit, Johore to celebrate CNY with my brother David & Alan's family. We would have plenty of good foods all the days through! After the reunion dinner, it followed with the fun where we could play with all tricks for young kids ( including those unmarried )to claim their "Ang Pow"All kids would take turn to get their Ang Pow by answering question, make a guess, talent show, phasing of new year greeting and game etc... It was full of fun and laughter! Ah Don and I were back for the Chinese New Year in 2006. We had our dinner in Batu Pahat where all family members were together to dine and karaoke!! Certainly,it was his first experience to give "Ang Pow". He enjoyed every single moment when he was there. And most of all, he had a lot of "Yem Sing " !!!

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My mother-in-law will be visiting us in February for a month; I am thinking of how to celebrate my Chinese New Year...... My niece sent me a New Year CD last year... guess I am going to play it loud...... Kong Xi ! Kong Xi !Kongxi nee ! :):)):)), hang the big pineapple for good luck, .........put on the Chinese shirt that she sent me. Oh yeah! Suo Mein told me she sent something to me last week........ I am so excited !!! Hope it will arrive here before 7th Feb. Thank you in advance Suo Mein! There is only one small Chinese Store in our place! There is noway I can have the feel of CNY !!!

LINE DANCE AGAIN

Am I getting old ? Honestly, I do not like to hear the word "OLD" in Me! That's why I always remind Ah Don to use "Matured" instead of "OLD"!

However, there are some cases where "matured"may not be applied. For instance, when I can't remember certain skill that I have before, it's a sign that my memory is getting "OLD" Because Matured" means something that is fully grown........When you are matured you got to be knowledgeable and skillful.

So, what is bothering me ?

I had been learning Line Dance for almost a year before I came here. I think I was able to dance not less than 40 of them with other members. I love line dance... it's a good exercise to release stress.

Recently, I joined the line dance class with 5 other women in Village Walk. The instructor is an Indian lady. I was very excited to join the first class 2 weeks ago. I thought I would be able to follow the music and dance with them right away....... But, I was wrong !!!...... I was unable to follow the dance step !!!!! I almost wanted to cry !. What a shame !! Luckily, the instructor was very kind... she asked me to come half an hour before the next class so that she could teach me on the basic steps!!!

From this experience, I fully agree that we need to practise in order to keep the skill otherwise it will be forgotten with the advancing age ! Perhaps, I need to admit that my memory is getting "weak" but my desire to pick up the skill is "Strong"

Uncle Al

My mother's brother Al is very ill and has been moved from the hospital to a nursing home. So, yesterday we went over to visit him. It has been maybe as much as 20 years since I last saw my aunt and uncle. Wow time passes so fast. In addition, two of my cousins were also there. My cousin Dan is now retired and living here in Florida. My cousin Ruth lives in Indiana and has 4 daughters in college and a couple more that will be going to college soon!!!

The initial report I had said that Al was very sick and I didn't know if he would be awake or even know I was there. When we walked in the room he was WIDE awake and greeted us warmly. I spent about 2 hours talking about all kinds of things with Al. It was probably the longest conversation I had ever had with him. He talked about when he was a boy ploughing the fields with the horse and what a good boy he was in school and all kinds of things. I was very happy to see him so alert.

We can only hope and pray that he gets stronger and is able to go home. However, we all know that his time with us is limited. His cancer is severe and the doctors cannot stop it. So, please join with me in praying that his remaining time is pain free and that he has the chance to see all of his loved ones.

MY OLD HOBBIES

These are what I have at the moment !

I may want to have more .........:):):)):))

These are my latest arrangement for our new place.

For X'mas !

Love This Great Inspiration --- Brought to you by BYL

SHOULD I FEEL SAD TODAY ?

Woke up early this morning, full of hope and happiness !!!.........Why ? because it's my big day ! I turn 60 + 2 !!!!!!!! I received 2 calls from Malaysia. One from my very old pen pal from Penang. He never forget my birthday. Next, is my daughter.... she will accumulate all her Birthday Gifts for me till I go back to KL...... and she will take me for a nice SPA... not bad eh!

In fact, I am thankful every morning to be able to wake up for another day. I was more excited this morning than any other day..... because Ah Don and I were going to the Animal Services to adopt a cat to mark my Birthday. I have been longing to have a cat for a long long time. I really missed my cat "Puteri" back home. She would want me to touch her and carry her before I went to bed every nite!

To get ready for this new comer,we bought everything that are necessary last night. There were about 2o cats and kittens at the Animal Services for us to visit and play with before we decided to adopt. Ah Don and I spent more than an hour to touch and play with each cat. Some of the cats preferred to be touched but would not like to be carried or held then up. It was hard to decide which one to choose.They were all lovely and adorable cats. Finally, I decided to adopt "Jinxx" the grey cat which is about 1 year old.

So, we proceeded to the administration office to complete the application form for adoption.
When the staff noticed that we are in a rented house, she required a written consent from the owner to ensure that there is no object for keeping pet in the house. As we were not aware of such requirement, Ah Don called the lady owner who lived in New York and told her that we intended to keep a cat; She rejected it right away. I was totally sadden and angry with such rejection. How could she be so unreasonable ? I wanted to cry out loud and thought I should talk to her myself. Then, not long after this she called and explained that one of her sons is very allergic to animals like cats & dogs. He had once being rushed to the hospital after entering to the elevator soon after some peoplet had just came out from the elevator. She plans to move and live here sometime in future. ..... After hearing this.. I begun to understand her situation and accept her ground for objection. On the other hand, I am glad to experience such rejection. because it gave us a very strong and clear message that we MUST own a house sooner so that we can keep any pets we want !

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At 4.30PM, we went to the Village Walk Town center to join the " Baby boomer Party"! Being new in this area, this is the opportunity to get to know other people around. So it was a place full of Baby Boomers. like me :):):))... they were cheering and chatting with each other. I took the opportunity to talk to the organizer and told him that I would like to get involved with this kind of activity in future and would extend my assistance if needed. So while I walked to the table to give my email address then all of sudden, the organizer whistled and called for attention..... Before I turned my head, I heard the "Birthday Song " and it was for ME !!! This was wonderfully... Thanks Ah Don again for doing this for me..... Even though I did not have a cat for my birthday, I believe, I will have one in very near future. I always have the strong faith and positive thinking that I will get what I want eventually..... all I need is just to be patient and wait for the right time!

So, should I feel sad to day ??? Definately NO NO NO NO........

These are the pictures I snapped by my own self for the past few days before I went to work.... I always believe that good pictures serve good memories.......

May be these photos also tell me
how much my face has changed
over time..... Not the same at 30,

40 or 50 !!

White tigers bring good luck !
do you believe ??

Sometimes, I looked like my Mother ! I really like to have the image of my Mother.

she is the Best Mother in my heart.

Just For Fun :) :)

This is why we're in trouble! I had a New Hampshire Congresswoman ask for an aisle seat so that her hair wouldn't get messed up by being near the window.

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A senior Vermont Congressman called, furious about a Florida package we did. I asked what was wrong with the vacation in Orlando. He said he was expecting an ocean-view room. I tried to explain that is not possible, since Orlando is in the middle of the state. He replied, "Don't lie to me. I looked on the map, and Florida is a very thin state!"

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A lady Senator called and said, "I need to fly to Pepsi-Cola, FL. Do I have to get on one of those little computer planes?" I asked if she meant fly to Pensacola, FL on a commuter plane. She said, "Yeah, whatever!"

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See if you can answer these correctly...

Are you the weakest link?

Below are four (4) questions. Youhave to answer them quickly. You can't take your time, answer all of them immediately. OK? Let's find out just how clever you really are.Ready?

First Question:

You are participating in a race. You overtake the secondperson. What position are you in?




Answer: If you answered that you are first, then you are absolutely wrong!If you overtake the second person and you take his place, you are second!

Try not to mess up in the next question. To answer the secondquestion, don't take as much time as you took on the first question.

Second Question:

If you overtake the last person, then you are...?




Answer: If you answered that you are second to last, then youare wrong again. Tell me, how can you overtake the LAST person?! You're not very good at this are you?

Third Question:

Very tricky math! Note: This must be done in your head only. DoNOT use paper and pencil or a calculator. Try it.

Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000. Now add 30..add another 1000. Now add 20. Now add another 1000. Now add 10.What is the total?




Did you get 5000? The correct answer is actually 4100.Don't believe it? Check your calculator!

Today is definitely not your day.

Maybe you will get the last question right?

Mary's father has five daughters: 1. Nana, 2 Nene, 3. Nini, 4. Nono. What is the name of the fifth daughter?




Answer: Nunu? NO! Of course not. Her name is Mary. Read the Question again.

TGIF

Got through another week !! :) :) Even though it was a short week it seemed long. Maybe it's just the after holiday blues???

Was cold the past two days. Got down to freezing two nights in a row. Only up to 60 during the day. Back up to 80s tomorrow. Guess it can't be sunny and warm everyday. I know the people up north had it really bad. Temps down around zero(0) or below.

BYL was not feeling well today. Seems to be better now after having something to eat. She is still not use to these big swings in temperature. Well, maybe after 20, 30 or more years she will get use to it. :)) :))

That's it for today. Tomorrow is garage sale day. Will let you know if we find any treasures.

BYL - Just For TODAY

I came across this from Annie's Mail Box on 010108.



Shall keep this to remind Myself.......to be a better person at least from today !!!





Just for today, I will live through the next 12 hours and not tackle my whole life's problems at once.



Just for today,I will improve my mind. I will learn something useful. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.



Just for today,I will be agreeable, I will look my best, speak in a well-modulated voice, be courteous and considerate.



Just for today, I will not find fault with friend, relative or colleague. I will not try to change or improve anyone but myself.



Just for today, I will have a program. I might not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two enemies -- hurry and indecision.



Just for today, I will exercise my character in three ways. I will do a good turn and keep it a secret. If anyone finds out, it won't count.



Just for today, I will do two things I don't want to do, just for exercise.



Just for today, I will be unafraid. Especially will I be unafraid to enjoy what is beautiful and believe that as I give to the world, the world will give to me.

BYL - My First Day of 2008

This is the First Day of 2008. I hope it is going to be a year of good health, good fortune, true happiness, vitality and fulfilling year for me and Ah Don.

At 11a.m, we went to Sheila's house at Datura St for the first meeting of Fiesta District. There, we met David Rubin who is the Sarasota Men Division Leader and his wife Adie; they were both friendly and welcoming. I am glad to be able to connect to them for this significant meeting on the 1st day of the year as well as to meet other lady members of this district.

We have good exchange of experience and sharing of what we look forward to 2008 during the meeting. SGI prisident's new Year Message was read by LiLian that provides strong encouragement to promote world peace through our faith.

After the meeting, we have the group photo taken and some food prepared by members.



Then, we proceeded to the next meeting of Kensington district at another Sheila 's house at Center Gate Blvd. There again, we met another group of friendly members. Although the meeting was said to be conducted without agenda, members were very participating. Each member was so willing and happy to relate and share their outlook and resolution for year 2008.

I told them, initially, I thought it was a bad year for me since I was unemployed in January of 2007. But, beside being able to receive my Unemployment Benefits, I was sponsored to go to the colleage to complete 2 AMA courses in Mangement and Leadership Excellence. This will certainly help me in my job application.


As Kensington District is nearer to where I live, I think I will join this group for future meeting and activities.

Through these 2 meetings, I know, I am going to make new friends in Sarasota.

I also determined to be able to Shakubuku others to find their happiness.

Happy New Year !!!!

Spent the evening downtown. They close off several streets and have a big block party. Two bands playing most of the night and then at midnight they drop a "pineapple" to signal the new year.

Had a good night. Only came close to getting into one fight. :)) :)) This guy was pushing BYL to get by and I told him to NOT PUSH MY WIFE!! Fortunately he was still sober enough to just say something nasty to me and go on his way.

Hope everyone had a good New Year's Eve and best wishes to you for the coming year.