GARAGE SALE & MY HEALTH ISSUE

As usual, we started off around 10 am to garage sale. For weeks now, I would look at the classified advertisement for Garage Sale and list down the time and addresses that I would like to go. In most cases, I will prefer to to go to Community Sale, Charity Sale and Rummage Sales organized by church - these are the places where we can find a lot of good stuff; If we were there approaching closing time, we might be able to get all stuff that can fit into a shopping bag at $2.00.

Next, Ah Don will go through my list to map the location with the software " Mappoint" that he bought specifically for this purpose. the program will work out the best route from point 1 to the last destination. ehmmmm.. this saves us from wondering from one location to another. ....this is one of the way to save the "gas" OMG... now the gas price has gone up to $3.57 today !!!
(Foot note. It was only $1.90 per gallon when I came here )

Ok.. now let me list down what we got from the garage sales yesterday.

First, we stopped by a church and bought a " Huffy Scout - 10 speed Bicycle" at $20.00 ( which I bargained from $25.00 ! ) - We don't know how old is the bicycle but it is still in good condition.

Obviously, the bike is not the right model for Ah Don but he can use it till we get another one in near future. He has been busy this morning to polish the bike. He is getting ready to ride it to the Town Center for his work out at the Gym ; The Town Center is about a mile from our place. On the other hand, I will have to pick up the skill so that once we have the one bike, we can both cycle to " The Legacy Trail "which has just completed recently for biking.

Next, I got this Nike Swimsuit @ $2.00 - New and unused; I am going to list is in ebay for sale!

I also bought a funny item as shown below at $0.25 which I guess is used for massage.

Lately, I am a bit concern about having excessive yawning in the morning. From some of the medical articles that I read from the Internet, it said this could be due to stress, depression, lack of good sleep or a symptom of heart problem.....Hence, this handy item is just perfect and useful for use. I can massage my head, shoulder and back to release the stress. On the other hand, I resume my practice of Tai Chi every morning and try to reach my bed before 11.00pm. No more long hours sitting at my pc. I have to learn to "enjoy" life a bit .... after all I have been working very hard in the past and I should go slow..............slow....... and slow..... and I broke the record in my life .......... siting in front of TV and watched 3 movies consecutively last Sunday!

Lastly, I bargained this pair of roller skate from $5.00 to $2.00. They are fairly new. Now. my problem is whether I should keep them for my personal use or to list them in e bay. Last year, I listed a pair of vintage white leather roller skate which I bought at $2.00 and sold at $15.00. I don't think it's late to learn the skill but my bones are too " delicate" for the game !

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THIS IS FUNNY BUT TRUE!

I was blessed to be able to work in a single company for 25 years as the Head of HR & Admin Department. Hence, I had good chance to deal with people of different characters & behaviour... the good, the bad and the ugly. When I mention "Ugly" I am refering to those people who di not used dirty tricks or back-stapping approach to move themselves up in the organization.

When one of my friends sent me this e mail, I can't resist not to post it in our blog.

"5 MINUTES MANGEMENT COURSE"

Lesson 1:

A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbour.
Before she says a word, Bob says, 'I'll give you $800 to drop that towel.'

After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob, after a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves.

The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs.

When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, 'Who was that?'

'It was Bob the next door neighbour,' she replies.

'Great,' the husband says, 'did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?'



Moral of the story:

If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.


Lesson 2:

A priest offered a Nun a lift. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?'

The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again.

The nun once again said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?'

The priest apologized 'Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.'

Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way.

On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129.

It said, 'Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.'


Moral of the story:
If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.


Lesson 3:

A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out.

The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one wish.'

'Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk.
'I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.'
Puff! She's gone.

'Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep.
'I want to be in Hawaii , relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.
' Puff! He's gone.

'OK, you're up,' the Genie says to the manager.
The manager says, 'I want those two back in the office after lunch.


' Moral of the story:
Always let your boss have the first say.

Lesson 4

An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing.

A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, 'Can I also sit like you and do nothing?'
The eagle answered: 'Sure, why not.' So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested.

All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.


Moral of the story:
To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.


Lesson 5

A turkey was chatting with a bull.

'I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree' sighed the turkey, 'but I haven't got the energy.'

'Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?' replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients.'

The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree.

The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree.

He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.


Moral of the story:
Bull Shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there..


Lesson 6

A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field.

While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him.

As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was.

The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.

A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.

Morals of the story:
(1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy.

(2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.

(3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!

THUS ENDS THE FIVE MINUTE MANAGEMENT COURSE

WHO MOVED ME HERE ???

I bought this book " Who Moved My Cheese? " from a garage sale last Saturday. the book is brand new and I only paid 25 Cents for it !...... This book brought me back to one of management trainings that I participated some years ago.......

This book would remind me to stop thinking and living in the past; It will lead me to accept and move on with changes......Move on .... move on and feel better.

So here are two short videos on the four characters in the book.

MY RELIGION ; SGI

Yesterday, while taking lunch with Ah Don at Grand China Buffet, we talked about many diferent things....his family, my family etc.When we touched on religion, I was excitied to relate how the practice of Nichiren Buddhism has changed my life and behaviour. It is now my pleasure to introdue this religion with these 2 video clips :

SGI : Soka Gakkai International

President : Daisaku Ikeda

Chanting : Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

It is now practised by people over 155 countries

MY THOUGHT TODAY

I remember once someone told me ..... " You may not have many friends like other do,but ... if you do have one or two friends who are true, dear and real to you, you are good!"

This following notes that I copied from The Perfect Greeting make me wonder who would be the one appears standing there for me if I got in any of the following situations:

When you've lost your way down the road of life
and the shadows seem to loom...

When you see no hope as a new day dawns
and the emptiness seems to consume...

When you shed each tear and you feel inside
there could be no greater pain...

When you look outside to see the sun
yet all you can see is the rain...

When you drift in thought, feeling so alone
and you wonder just how you'll get by...

When you try to think of a positive thought
yet all you can do is sigh...

When you've reached the end
and with one last hope, you wish to find some cheer...

When you look in your heart
and with arms open wide,

You will see
I'll be standing here...

Written by: Donna Patri
May 30, 1999

.... the weather is Sarasota is warm & fine most of the days....
..... I hope my inner feeling would be kept as warm... but not quite.....
.......The Ching Ming Festival makes me very homesick......

APRIL FOOL

I DON'T WANT TO BE FOOLED!!

FINALLY, SUBMITED THE APPLICATION TO REMOVE CONDITION OF RESIDENCE TO MY GREEN CARD ON THIS APRIL FOOL DAY!

WHOEVER HAS EXPEIENCE WITH THE US IMMIGRATION WILL AGREE THAT IT IS A GREAT PAIN TO DEAL WITH THIS KIND OF APPLICATION.

FIRST OF ALL,IT TOOK ALMOST 11 MONTHS TO GET MY FIRST PROVISIONAL GREEN CARD TO BE ISSUED IN JULY 2006.

NOW. IT'S DUE FOR THE REMOVAL OF " PROVISIONAL CONDITION" ---HAVE TO SUBMIT FOR RENEWAL 90 DAYS BEFORE THE ACTUAL EXPIRY DATE !!!


I LOST MY GREEN CARD IN LAST JULY ......

COST OF REPLACEMENT : FILING FEE $190.00
BIOMETRIC $ 70.00..............$260.00
*********************************************************************

COST TO RENEW : FILLING FEE $465.00
BIOMETRIC $ 80.00..............$545.00

SO WE ARE POORER BY $545.00 BY APRIL FOOL.

SO WHOEVER IS THINKING OF GETTING A FOREIGN WIFE / HUSBAND..... PLEASE TAKE NOTE
OF THIS EXPENSES.:(:(:(

KAWANKU...... MY FRIEND

This is the exactly what happened...... sad & sickening!!

Wake up.... and do something for our community.

SOME ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO OUR PLACE

The Spring is here... we can see lots of flowers along the road.

This is one of the entrances to Village Walk where we live..

Likewise, we have more flowers in our house .

And I like flower arrangement!! This is placed in our office

Near the side entrance

Along the staircase

Another corner of the staircase

This is for the Guest room

This is at the stair platform

This is placed near the bath tub- Guest room

This is in the living room

Lately, we also hung up some additional wall pictures to our bedroom

(1)

(2)


This is at the Guest room

After all these additional items, there is no more room for any more stuff in the house.

Wrong! there is one more place that I can use...... The Garage !!

Fantastic

Got this from Su-Yee's Blog. Very very touching. Su-Yee has LOTS of good stuff on her blog. Take a look :) :) http://su-yee.blogspot.com/

THERE GOES ONE OF MY PROBLEMS

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE CELEBRATING!

We were off for Good Friday ; hence we have a long weekend to do what we wanted to do.

And it turned up to be my lucky day!!!!!!

Ah Don received an early call on Friday morning from Ms Frances that my application for Health Insurance has been accepted by BlueCross BlueShield of Florida. This was certainly a Big Suprise and Great News to me.... Because, I do not expect to receive such an early approval . Fran told us that it may take about 3 weeks and that I may have to go for simple medical check before they consider my application. But ...... the approval came to me in less than 2 days !!

Thanks to my Gonhonzon for answering my prayer.

( Please visit www.sgi-usa.org if you wish to know my religion)

Honestly, I have been very concerned and worried about not having myself covered with health insurance in this country. ( And, thanks to my good health, I did not have to visit any physicians since I came here in May 2005 !!!) The medical fee here is skyrocket high! A simple medical treatment can rob you off thousands of $$$$ from your hard saving ! Come think about it, my concern come very naturally, right !

Back in Malaysia, I did not have to bother much about the medical cost if I needed any medical treatment either from the clinic or hospital !! Why ?? Because, I was then fully covered by the Company's Group Hospital Insurance; and all my visits to the company's appointed clinic was fully paid by the company (inclusive of prescriptions.) On top of that, I have my own health insurance and life insurance for extra protection too.

But, I am good now!! One of my problems is eliminated!!

What are the rest??? I shall keep them to myself.

As todate, I must agree that America is definately an advanced country for uptodate exploration but not a place when you do not have a good job and good income all the time.

Since moving to Florida, I can feel that people living around these areas are mainly people who were either retired from their good jobs and having good lives here or people who are multi rich to afford thier delux vacation homes here.

The cost of living is much higher than that in New Jersey. Ah Don and I used to joke about the difference of prices of groceries from Ewing and Sarasota. At Shoprite in Ewing, we could get branded ice cream at $1.99 but have to pay $3.99 in Sarasota( at sale price) !! So, we have cut down our consumption of Ice cream here >>>>> too bad !!

As spring is here.... I believe some of the snowbirds would be heading home.... what would it be like in Sarasota here in few months time? will keep you informed later....

ST PATRICK'S DAY

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO CELEBRATE ST PATRICK'S DAY
ARE INVITED TO VISIT THE FOLLOWING SITE

HAVE A

MEANINGFUL AND JOYFUL

ST PATRICK'S DAY

http://www.history.com/minisites/stpatricksday/

WHAT'S THE LOSS

PLEAS VISIT THIS LINK


http://comedycourt.com.my/latesthits_06.html

THE LOSS

First of all, it's sad to hear that Uncle Al passed away last Thursday night ending his last journey of life.............I did not know much about him cause I only met him twice; but I can imagine that he could be a very joyous person by character..... eh.. someone also told me that he liked Girls.... that's interesting! I will remember him through the following picture because I made a sick person smile heartily to my camera

To the family of Uncle Al ......................Please accept our condolences

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

We are sorry for your loss."

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Thank You BYL

With all of my love I want to thank BYL for everything she has done while Mom has been here. XXXOOOXXXOOOXXX

I know that Mom appreciates everything BYL has done and Mom thinks that BYL is a WONDERFUL wife for Ah Don !!!

It has been difficult for BYL to think, cook, etc. American for Mom but she has worked and tried very hard to do just that. This is one of the many reasons that Ah Don loves BYL :) :) :)

Communication between BYL and Mom has been difficult and the main reason is that Mom is VERY HARD OF HEARING !!! Mom is scheduled to get hearing aids when she returns to Indiana.

Again, I want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to BYL. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH AND YOU HAVE MADE MOM'S STAY A JOY. Thank you love. XXXX

OUR OUTING ON SATURDAY

It's Sunday !! I am all by myself again.! Mom & Ah Don has gone to St Thomos Catholic Church. After which they will visit Uncle Al and the family. Mom will be going back to Indiana on Monday. So this may be the last time that she can visit her sick brother.

As usual, I have a long list of "works to do" on Sunday. First of all, I would like to transfer some plants to the bigger pots that I've just bought yesterday from the gagage sale. Oh no ! before that I have to write something on our blog !

Here we go ...... mom went with us to some Garage sales yesterday. Unlike her very first time here struggled with shortness of breath after a little walk , she was able to walk through all the "stops of garage sale" that we frequented Yesterday! Definately, the pacemaker has done a wonderful job on her.

Look at the pic here! Shefound something she wanted in her hand......A new shower curtain!

Next , Look at her clothing !!!!! she dressed for winter ???You may also want to know what did I get , right ??

Needless to say, I got plenty of additional stuff for our kitchen at bargain price;

Will show you if you visit us!

After the good shopping, we went for a quick lunch before moving on to "Marie Selby Botanical Gardens" -It's known as a respected world center for tropical plant research, conservation and education; also famous for Orchid showplace. ( Honestly, I think Singapore's Botanical Garden has a larger varieties of orchids ; Don and I were there in year 2004) Don't miss out if you visit Singapore!

Selby is holding a 2-day Asian Cultural Festival. I was very impressed with the performance of "Taiko Drummers" from Japan, It was my first time to see such performance in person. Unlike the Chinese 24 -Drums which is full of energy and aggression, Japan's drummers' perforamance has its own characteristic. The group consists of 4 Japanese ( 2 young sweeties) and 1 American. They each did a very significant different beats on the drum that turned out to be very pleasant and shooting. Great applause to their performance

I like this performance!

Next, was the Chinese Performance of martial arts (Kung Fu), Qi Gong and Tai Chi.... these are my favorite sports. I learn and practised Huang Tai Chi since 1985 back in Malaysia. What I learn include Sword, Stick,walking stick etc. ( Since I have stopped practising for almost 3 years now, I am doubtful I can complete the complete set of Tai Chi ! :(:(:.. I may be able to do the 1st set of short series ) I need to see my Master Chua for revision at my next trip home to Malaysia) -> -> let take a look of what I have seen yesterday!

Hey hey hey .. this is my cutie Kung Fu Team !

I like this American kid!

Some slow movements of Tai Chi that are good for blood circulation

This is what the crowd enjoyed the most !! Ang Mo Lion dance. Interesting!!!
But wait till you see the performance from our World champion Lion Dance team from Muar !!

They are Orang Puteh, Not chinese !!!!!

I love the sword.. graceful movement but enough to kill!

Since we were in the Botanic garden... I have taken pics of some plants

that look funny to me but are the beauty of nature!

Look at the roots ! Tree from 1903

Eh ! Not this ... It's too common in Malaysian but rare here !!

A fish in the plant ??

Ha ha ha ha ... tiny coconuts in Florida!

(Unfortunately we were unable to be there for long as there was a shower after the above performance; On the other hand , it could be too hectic for mom to walk too much.)

To me Saturday is always a most dynamic day for me.....away from home for half a day to garage sale, go Chinese buffet, no need to cook..... but as soon as I got home, 3 loads of laundry were there waiting for me !!!:(:(:(:(

Lastly, a sweet pic of Mom & Ah Don

Hope Mom has a wonderful stay here in Sarasota with us. ( Mind you, mom has a super memory with her age ! She is 87; she can remember every single thing /happening . I believe she has a real good time with Ah Don.... She was talking with him about allthings that happened in the past .. she is super to recall and recaptured every single word that people related to her or she overheard !!!

( But I still havethe problem to communicate with her..... whenever I said something to her she would say" What did you say ? I do get frustrated sometime ! Why Americans don't speak or understand British English ?? Banyak Susah lah and ma fun leh!! )

WHERE IS THE UPDATE , AH DON ???

Ah Don & Mom left for Church early this morning. After the service, they will proceed to visit Uncle Al. I did not join them.... just want to let them have the time of one on one... Perhaps, mom may give some thumb-up complement or .... oh No! may be some complaints about me being unable to offer foods she likes on the table .... :(:(:(....

Since, I have the whole day to myself, I started to browse through some of my old collection in e mail folders.... there are some collection of Chat that I had with Ah Don during those old days; some pics taken in my old office Seloga, some activities and events with MCA and Chinese Assembly Hall and even Umno functions etc... They are all sweet memories that would never be played again in my life. Whenever these memories came to my mind, I always tell myself life can never be the same all the time....we have to move on and expect new things and new happenings.

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

Sometimes ago before we got married, Ah Don built a homepage for me.....(I like all the pics there.. because when I sent him my pics, I would pick the best to send to him. Surely, there are some pics that do not look good; Reason : those were taken with Ah Don's camera where I had no control !!! :(:(

http://mybyl.itgo.com/

He posted a message back in Feb 2004, which says ->" Come Back Often - I Will Be Continually Adding To This Collection"

Sound very welcoming , right ??? How come I did not see any update since then ??

Would someone offer the reason, please ?? Ha ha ha ha..........

Oh! that remind me of an email that I received not long ago ....

It goes like this ->

Before marriage....
He: Yes. At last, it was so hard to wait.
She: Do you want me to leave?
He: No! Don't even think about it.
She: Do you love me?
He: Of course! Over and over!
She: Have you ever cheated on me?
He: No! Why are you even asking?
She: Will you kiss me?
He: Every chance I get.
She: Will you hit me?
He: Are you crazy! I'm not that kind of person!
She: Can I trust you?
He: Yes.
She: Darling!

After marriage.... Simply read from bottom to top

WOW! MORE CARDS FOR MOM

Mom is receiving more cards today..................

VALENTINE'S DAY

Cards in display are from me, Ah Don, Sister Theresita, Taylor Anna,

Barb & Steve, Hannerose, and Davis

Mom gives us a nice "Purple Heart" card plus $20.00.

Hmmm... the money is good enough for the Garage Sale this Saturday.

I am sure she would love to come along with us too. She can walk about freely

No More Short of Breath and dizziness !!!

Her heart Rate is now up to 60 as compared to 25 before her operation.

FLOWERS FOR MOM

Many thanks to Sue, Adrienne & Kathleen

for sending these lovely daffodil

to mom yesterday

Message :

" Get Better As Fast As You Can and Happy Valentine's Day "

YEE SANG ON THE 5TH DAY OF CNY

This is the "Yee Sang in the box" that was sent to us by my daughter Su-Yee from Malaysia. Ah Don received the parcel a few days ago but hide it from me until Chinese New Year Eve. Since I had prepared steamboat for the eve, I decided to keep it for dinner on the 1st day of the CNY. Unfortunately, mom was short of breath and had to be admiited to ICU for close monitoring of her heart beat and preparation for a pacemaker to be installed. Everything is fine after her operation and she came home on Saturday afternoon. Yesterday, we took her together with Chris to St Armand Circle for lunch and Siesta Key to walk on the soft and fine sand beach! Today, she is so much better...... So, here we are! We have Yee Sang for dinner !! To Mom, this is the 1st time to see this kind of "food" ! To Ah Don, this is the 2nd time ! It's interesting to see "Orang Puteh" taking Yee Sang !! Mom said " It is spicy ! "

These are all packed in the box

Need some preparation work

Very colorful!

Ladies first - Mom & me

Next, Ah Don & Mom

OMG ! it's all gone !

All Yee Sang is gone !...... The winner is Ah Don........Because he ate the MOST !