HOW TO CUT SPENDING????

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!!

THANKSGIVING DAY

The following letter touches me.......


Annie's Mailbox Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar

Dear Readers: Today is Thanksgiving. We hope you are lucky enough to be spending the holiday with loving family and friends. Here's one of our favorite Thanksgiving pieces, author unknown:

"Dear Annie: I lived on the streets of Los Angeles from 2001 to 2003. I won't go into the reasons why, but I didn't think I could go home. The ravages of homelessness took their toll on my eyeglasses pretty quickly. One of the earpieces was missing and a lens kept popping out. It was terribly demoralizing. People are less apt to give you opportunities to better yourself when you go beyond a certain point in appearance. I was ready to give up.

One day, on an impulse, I stopped into an eyewear boutique on Melrose Avenue. It was a nice store and I was bedraggled, so I expected to be immediately escorted out the door. That didn't happen. I asked the lady behind the counter how much it would cost for me to purchase one earpiece. I braced myself for a sarcastic comment, but instead she asked me to have a seat. She came back in about five minutes and said, "Try these on. Do they fit?" And then she handed me a brand-new pair of frames. I stammered that I couldn't afford them and she replied, "Don't worry, sweetie. You don't owe me anything." I began to cry. She made a few adjustments and never flinched away from me in spite of my obvious need of a shower. She was kind enough to offer me a drink of cold water. She even hugged me before I left.

I don't know the woman's name and cannot remember the name of the shop, but for years I've wanted to thank her for helping to restore my dignity and preserve my safety. She also reminded me that there are wonderful people in the world who don't judge you based on your appearance or circumstances. I give her much credit for my getting off the streets, because shortly after that, I regained the courage to turn my life around. I'm now a wife and mother to a beautiful little boy, my family is speaking to me again, and I'm about to graduate from college.

Ma'am, if you're reading this, God bless you! You must have been an angel. Your kind gesture saved my life. I've been -- and will continue -- paying it forward to others in need, and you will be in my heart forever. -- I Can See Clearly Now

Dear See Clearly: Your letter is perfect for Thanksgiving Day. How wonderful that your life has turned around. Hopefully this woman will see your letter and know that her act of kindness made such a difference in your life. We never know how the small things we do might affect another person, so please, readers, be kind to one another. You could be the one who makes the difference.

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My thought today .......

Likewise, there are some people I am thankful to not just for today - on thanksgiving day. They are in my mind everyday.

These are the people who made who I am today ........ my family, my friends and even my ex-colleagues I worked with in the past.

I am even thankful to those people who had negative thought of me because they were my driving force to work harder of better myself in order to prove them wrong !!!

I am thankful to my ex-husband, he was the one who made me stronger and independent mentally and financially.

I am thankful to my daughter Su-Yee, without her, I won't be able to experience the motherhood in my life.

So far, have I ever done something good and meaningful to other??

Sure I did !!!!..... but they are not significant ...... Giving is Giving....

Just a side note.... We are thankful to our Boss Elida, so we invited her & her company to a Thanksgiving Dinner

>>>>>

Bowls Full Of Love<<<<<<<

"It's not what's on the Thanksgiving table that matters but who's sitting around it."

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE

My DAUGHTER - LIEW SU-YEE

Just realized that I did not write anything in my blog for October ! Imagine how time flies......
My daughter is now 29 Years from YESTERDAY !!!

Here she is!!

I have missed celebrating her Birthday for the 3rd Year. Originally, I have the thought of going back in October so that I can celebrate the Birthday for her. Then, I have to defer my plan because, my youngest brother and the family are coming to Canada to attend my nephew Dawang's graduation ceremony in Toronto on 18th October; they left S'pore yesterday and will arrive Vancouver today to visit their Daughter Sze Xian, she is in the college.

After the ceremony, they will visit me ! I am so exciting and can't wait seeing them here! This is the 2nd time that they visit Canada & USA. The last trip was in September 2006. We took them to New York city and Atlantic City as well as the shopping spree at the Outlet mall and the Flea Market.

For this trip, we are planning to visit most of the attractions in Orlando, San Fransisco and Las Vegas.

Ok, let come back to my daughter's Birthday, I did not get her any Birthday Present yet. I thought of buying her a Video Camera but she declined because she said it is more convenient to get one with local warranty and also she does not need one. You know..... it is not easy to think about buying present for my daughter. But, one thing for sure and that I know is whatever come from Nike will suit her; that's why I am going to get her something from Nike. I can get my brother to pass to her when they return to Malaysia! .... hmmmm I can save the postage to top up the price of gift to her !

I sent her some e cards prior to 10.10. then followed with my creation of 15 slides of Birthday Cards in power point for her.

She is my little girl ......... though she has her own characters and personality, we do share some similarities - she is a self-disciplined and determined person just like ME !!!

Another similarity can be seen unless she changed her mind to speed up , otherwsie she is just like ME too -late marriage ... My first marriage was at my age of 30 going to 31. So, the questio is ........Is she going to get marry any earlier ???? Good question right !

I am very happy that she really have a good time for her birthday, I like to thank Alex and all her members & friends who made my daughter happy as ever before !!

For more information, go to her blog......http://su-yee.blogspot.com/

DON'T WAIT TILL IT'S TOO LATE

I receive ArcaMax's newsletter everyday. Below is a letter from one reader to ABBY that I like to keep as Reminder ....Thing can happen any time when you are least aware ; we can be caught in a situation where we are totally unprepared. I do not want to be in a situation where I have to say something like this ......." I hope I can turn back the clock and let me do what I should do which I didn't or to undo what I have done with quilt "

I always remember my father's last word to my mother before he died in 1964, He told my mother to take care and love me more as he felt he did not love me as much as my other 2 sisters during his life time. (I knew the reason why .. because, I was very naughty in my teen and less smart than my 2 sisters! ). That last word changed my life. I became the queen of the house but that also turned me into a better person that deserved my mother extra care and love .

Here is the letter from the reader:

DEAR ABBY: I recently lost my wife to a long illness. When she could no longer work, I tried to give her the best quality of life I could. It took a toll. I worked long hours to give her everything she needed. The medical bills were astronomical. All she ever wanted was me. I was always the macho type, and "I love you" was always hard for me to say. (I'm a real tough guy.)

Well, this tough guy would give anything for one more chance to say it. She died so suddenly, it was like it wasn't real. For the first couple of weeks I threw myself into work and thought I could handle it. When the death certificate arrived in the mail, that's when I fell apart. I feel guilty because I was gone so much. I miss her terribly. Sometimes the loneliness is so bad it feels like someone is standing on my chest.

Abby, I would like to remind all the other macho guys out there that TIME is something you only get so much of. It is precious, but unfortunately, limited. I realized, too late, that it's not enough that my wife "knew" I loved her. I should have told her more often. I know now that "I wish I would have," "I know I should have," and "If I had just one more chance" are the worst things in the world to hear yourself say when it is already too late.

PLEASE tell your spouse you love her or him. You never know if the last time you say it might be the last time you get the chance. -- -- ( from ) TOO LATE IN TENNESSEE

REPLY FROM ABBY :

DEAR TOO LATE: Please accept my deepest sympathy for the death of your wife. Your letter makes clear the depth of the loss you are feeling. Although true lovers never get enough of each other, I am sure she understood the strain you were under and that you loved her. Readers, this gentleman's letter carries with it an important message.

"I love you" is the sweetest music a person can hear. Bouquets of flowers smell the sweetest when they are in the hands of the recipient, not stacked by her (or his) casket. And praise is most appreciated when it can be heard by the person who has earned it, not when it's recited in a eulogy after he or she has passed. So speak up now, before it truly is too late.

LISTEN TO MY BODY & UNWELCOMING AUGUST

It was just one of those days that I could have stressed myself with work or have strained my eyes too much on the pc that I felt so sleepy and tired last night. I went to bed before 10 o'clock!. It had been a long long time that I did not go to bed this early!

Guess my body is sending this alarming reminder that I do need more rest!!

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The month of August 2008 wasn't a good month in my record.

First of all, we were threatened by the news that Tropical Storm Fay would hit here on the 19th and that Sarasota was under " Hurricane Watch" Thanks God, Fay did not make a landfall here so nothing happened ! But, it's a good for us to learn something about how to handle the situation if it happens.

Secondly, with the recent change of the Phone Provider to our office's phone system, we encountered various complications and interruptions after the installation. The communication system was down for several times in a week. Ah Don has to provide temporary connection or transfer the machines to ensure the main line was available for the communication. I would say this is the worse phone company I came across. Their management team is so inadequate and irresponsible. They did not make an effort to provide us with solution. Since we are providing IVR system for clinical study and involved randomizing of subjects throughout the world, we could not afford to lose the connection at any hour of the day and night. So Ah Don has to go back to the office during the weekends to check the servers and machine to ensure that they were working fine. As a result, I missed 2 weeks of outing to Garage sale!!!

Thirdly, I received a news from home that my eldest sister was undergoing a major operation in Sunway Medical Center in Malaysia. She has to be closely monitored by doctor in the ICU for few days. This was certainly not a good news. I was told that prior to this, she suffered severe pain to her body. She has gone down so much because she could not eat for 2 weeks. She was weak and could not walk up right. It hurt to hear that she has to go through this kind of suffering; the worse of it is nobody is able to relieve her pain except the pain killer. I am very sad about this !! But, it's exciting to hear that she is progressing and recovering faster than expected after the operation. My niece Yee Mei told me that her Christian friends all over the world are praying for her good health. I am sure the prayer is positively answered for her . I will make a trip home before end of this year or during the Chinese New Year to see her. Meanwhile, my niece and my daughter are updating me on her progress everyday.

Coincidentally. we also got another bad news that Ah Don's eldest sister was admitted to ICU for intensive care due to her existing and unknown medical complication. It has been a while that I heard about her poor health that trouble her on and off over the last few years. She has been confined to wheelchair for sometime. I met her once in May 2008 when we joined the celebration of her 50th anniversary as nun in Indiana. She looked good and cheerful at that time. I pray and hope that she will get well soon so that Mom does not have to travel up and down visiting and worrying about her. Thanks to Sharon for the update on her progress of treatment. as well as keeping Mom accompanied for the hard time. Due to our work commitment, we are yet be able to visit her.

So, those were the bad and unwelcoming experience in August. However, there are something remarkable and significant for record here.

Of course... we are talking about the grand success of the Olympic Games hosted by China in Beijing . It was the best ceremony event that I have even seen on TV. I am proud that China was able to organise such a wonderful and remarkable event in this world event. China Boleh !

Another thing to note is the date of 08.08.08 - this is certainly the most wonderful & special day for people to mark and celebrate their special occasions. Thousands of Chinese couple tied their knots on this day.

Hmmm ... this makes me wonder which day would my daughter pick if she decided to tie the knot one day !

We are waiting , waiting ........

SOME RECAPS

Today marks my 3rd year in The United States. I have the mixed feeling on what I HAVE and what I DO NOT HAVE so far.

I'll like to begin with something positive and encouraging on what I HAVE. First of all, it is definately the relationship that I traded by forgoing most of what I had in Malaysia. I fully understand that it wasn’t a bed of roses waiting for me to receive and appreciate. It needs water & sunsine. Likewise, to nurture a good relationship, it requires mutual effort, respect, understanding and support of each other. Some friends questioned me why would I take such a high risk to marry someone whom I knew through Internet and someone of different race and and culture overseas? There is no guarantee for good marriage. Somehow, I am glad to say that, we are able to overcome and accept each shortcoming over time. One good point to this success may due to the fact that Ah Don accept that my other names are “ I Know & Always Right”

The next good thing is my improving health; since the medical bill is extremely expensive in this country, I have to avoid such cost. Luckily, my body has been kind to me; so far I have not being to any doctors for medical reason except once to the dentist. My secret to good health....practise Tai Chi and yoga every morning and follow natural health remedies.

On the negative side, I am getting super lazy and lack of confidence to pursue anything. I was not keen to set any goals. I felt there is no incentive to have the goal neither have I being motivated to aim high; There are so many limitations imposed on me. However, I do have the heart that keeps telling me that I need to get back my old active life; I ough to work harder, I should rebuild a good career here; I need to look for social works to involve with, I really have to extend my circle of friends and networking etc. But, my body just refuses to make the effort to initial the move. I would rather make excuses or to put the blame for not being given the fair opportunity in this foreign land!

In my first year, It was justified to say that I could not to do anything out from home since I did not have the status of Permanent Residency. So , that was basically a period for me to explore and learn how to adjust myself to the weather and culture of this country. In the mean time, I had to learn how to be somebody’s wife. It was a non-productive and non-progressive period. The only thing that I picked up during this period was how to list my sales in eBay.Also, it was through this process that I found my love for Garage Sale!!

In August the following year, I got my first job with the Green Card in hand. Unfortunately, I was unable to stay long with the company sue to some internal changes.

Then for the whole year in 2007, I lived on unemployment benefits. This is certainly my very first experience in my entire life. Beside this, I was fortunate to get the sponsorship form the the Manpower Department to pursue 2 management courses in a college. I went for computer training in the morning and attended management classes in the evening. I received 2 certificates from the American Management Association just 2 days before we moved to Florida. So this could be something that I have accomplished so far.

Currently, I am working full time, the job may not be the one that I want in mind; however, it put me in the workforce. Perhaps, this should be the time to kick myself hard enough to move toward the direction and the life that I want.