Return to Sender AGAIN!

Tuesday, 2 March 2009

Today I received a returned Christmas card from friends.

One year ago, I was annoyed by the Postal Services as regards to mail, that were addressed to me 100 percent correctly, but were not delivered to me for I don't know what reason - maybe terrorism because I don't bear an Caucasian last name.

It happened again in December 2008. A Christmas card was returned to friends in Oklahoma. They showed to me the returned envelope when I visited them.

The address was correct. The Post Services yellow label on the envelope said:
Return to Sender
Not Deliverable As Addressed
Unable to Forward

I called the Post Services and they took down my name(s). I wonder if this happens to other people. I can only remarked "Stupid". Whatever the policy is, it is definitely not clever. Address correct, name alien, if there is a threat inside, dictating device would be incorporated in the system.

Interestingly, we received mail that were addressed to people that we have no idea of, which I marked "Unknown" and left them in the mail box for the delivery man to collect. Sometimes you wonder what the heck is going on. Racial discrimination? I can only remarked again "Stupid". Maybe I should give myself a local Penname.

Teddy Bears

Friday, 9 January 2009

I guess I am attracted by teddy bears!

This is in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

And this is a Christmas decoration in Yuma Foothills, Arizona, USA.

Thanksgiving Day Indeed!

Thursday, 27 November 2008

I kept thinking about the experience this day. Mike was driving at 80 m.p.h and the surface of the highway was wet. It had rained heavily the previous night and it was raining a little that morning.

It happened so fast. I had not tried a tea cup ride in any theme parks before because I don't like the look of the movements, but after the 3 and a half circle skid on the road, I felt like I was riding in a tea cup. Is that how a tea cup ride feels like? I really don't know. I associated that experience to a tea cup ride and I don't how why either.

It was so quick. I didn't feel afraid during that few seconds, because Mike was calm and was in control of the steering wheels. Luckily there wasn't any car in front of us. We ended facing backwards and neatly on the left side of the road. We sat there speechless, for a number of seconds, and watched a large truck coming towards us and passing us on our right side. I guess this was a common sight because the driver didn't stop to ask if we were okay. I am pretty sure he saw what had happened.

It was Thanksgiving Day. Thank God for all that He has blessed us with and all that He sees fit to bless us.

Behind the Kitchen Door

Monday, 8 September 2008

Here I go, rambling again. This family of dogs were barking at me outside the kitchen door. They were not huge but their barks were loud and piercing. If they knew I am a fan of dogs, they would have been friendly but I am not a regular visitor to their masters and they wouldn't stop barking until I was out of their sight! Luckily there was a netted fence otherwise they would be chasing me!

I found A Coin!

Wednesday, 17 September 2008

Computers, flowers, fruits, nuts, now it is money talk! I don't usually look down on the ground when I walked but today my eyes caught something that I thought it would be, embedded in the cement floor outside the shop.

Yes, I was right. It was a coin and it must have dropped onto the then newly poured cement mixture!

Horned Water Chestnuts

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

These black hard shells looked like bulls' heads. Maybe there is a legend behind the resemblance. They were about 2 inches wide and hard! According to a vendor in the Miri market, they were imported from China and only available once a year, around the Mooncake festival season (lunar month of August). I was told to boil it for about an hour. Opening them was not easy! Technically they are called water caltrop. They are called Ling Nuts as well.

Dragon Fruit and Brinjal are Both Fruits

Tuesday, 7 October 2008

For the 1st time I saw what a dragon fruit tree looked like.



Is brinjal (also known as eggplant or aubergine) a fruit or a vegetable? It is actually a fruit eaten as cooked vegetable! This pendulous purple colored brinjal is common.


These elongated oval shaped whitish-green brinjal is new to me. They taste as good, when cooked with anchovies or dried prawn or curry.

Hibiscus & Cannis Lilies

Friday, 26 September 2008

What would the earth be if there is no flowers? Gardening is not everyone's hobby but I think everyone enjoy the beauty that flowers radiate. Thanks to God for flowers. Today I am blessed to see different kinds of the hibiscus (Bunga Raya), the national flower of Malaysia, in the Kuching Friendship garden. I am captivated.

Once upon a time I noticed the red colored single petal hibiscus flower.



My eyes was blind to the white ones???


I like the multi-layers petals :) I think they are more beautiful - the red, purple and pink. I know there are many many colors.







There were also the cannis lilies in the Friendship Garden. I see the yellow, pink and red colored.

Without the Personal Computer

Saturday, 20 September 2008

Why the silence? What is going on? What have I been doing? Where have I been? Check my blog - Miri, Kuching. I haven't blog since my birthday!

August was buzzzzzzzzzzzzy, no time to blog and not in the mood to blog either! September, I had the time and mood to blog mood but no computer.

Here I go again................ what is like to have no personal computer to use?

I thought I could use other people's computers. I thought I could use my nephew's and my niece's. No wonder it is called a 'personal' computer.

Different computer have different settings. I don't feel comfortable using their computers to do anything else but check my email. I told my friends to stop forwarding me mail for the time being. I have no time to read forwards so I deleted most of them, since it is my habit to clean out the mail box. I replied to email but only with a few lines or so.

Worst experience was preparing my talk for a sacrament meeting. A friend's computer was working perfectly but she does not have a printer, so I saved my document in a thumbdrive. Took it to my nephew who has a printer but the computer couldn't read it nor any other documents of mine! Niece's computer is waiting to be reformatted. I was happy that my former classmate, a computer graduate, agreed to let me use her home computer, even though I have to come after 9:30 pm. That was okay, anytime so long as I can print out my talk for that Sunday. I can sleep in the next day. Happily I continued with my talk but unfortunately her (or her son's) printer wouldn't print at all. Her son said it wasn't working due to some virus. I felt disappointed but I had a good visit catching up with my classmate until 11:30 pm. The computer in her house was only used by her son so it was not surprising. My nephew, my niece and now my friend's son are all teenagers! Don't know where they surf in the internet!

I ended up handwriting the 10-12 mins talk. I didn't count how many times I had rewrite!

Computer does make life easier when it comes to preparing talk because you can edit them as many times you have to!

Someone said the computer is the devil's creation. I don't agree with that. It depends on how you use it. To me it is a blessing so far.

I Am A Year Older!

Friday, 25 July 2008

That was my girl, who loves to draw and does things with her hands. Amidst her busy schedule as a full time missionary, Lian colored a birthday card, which I received in the post yesterday. Thank you Lian for your time and effort. That was a very special present.

First phone call in the office was from my boy who was getting ready to sleep. It was an hour or so to midnight for Yean. For him this day was almost over. For me this day just started. Thank you Yean for the call - it meant so much to me. I knew you were mindful of the time to call me.

A video presentation - a gift that I have not received before and never thought I would receive. I was touched that 2 young ladies, whom I only knew since 2006, would have produce this presentation just for me. My tears dropped throughout the show - the song, the pictures of my beloved mum, children, friends, etc. Thank you Sister Khrissy and Sister Jennifer.

Thank you Brother/Sister Broadhead for your electronic birthday card. I really appreciate your continual friendship and support to me and my children. And to my dearest friend, Lee Hong, for your electronic birthday card and your continual friendship as well. Thank you Merri for the birthday text message

Mike handed me 3 stalks of roses on Tuesday 22 July. He mistook his mother's birthday for mine! Definitely sign of old age! I was glad he didn't buy me any birthday cake or sweet this year because I don't care for those things. We watched "Journey to the Center of the Earth" at the Hawkins Theatre in Yuma Palms and had dinner at one of my favorite restaurants - Olive Garden. Thank you Mike for a lovely birthday evening celebration.

Gosh! I am a year older! In no time, I will be looking at my mother in the mirror!

Sleeping Beauty

Wednesday, 23 July 2008

Sheridan didn't know I took this picture. And I am not sure she will allow me if I had asked her. But I know she will look at this picture when she is older and smile.



It was the morning of her birthday. I didn't plan to take any picture of her sleeping. She looked so beautiful and peaceful and I couldn't resist. I guess that is why "Prince" couldn't help falling in love with "Sleeping Beauty" and ended up kissing her.

A Note From Heaven

Sunday, 6 July 2008

The following words touches my heart. It is a condolence card that Mum-Betty received, in respect of Billy's passing. It makes me cry. Feels like my parents and brother are speaking to me. Dad died in September 2005. Mum died in October 2007. Brother died in 1999.

If I could write from Heaven,
this is what I'd say,
Please don't miss me too much,
I'm with you throughout your day.

You may not see or hear me,
but if you're quiet and still,
You may just feel my presence;
because, in Heaven, there is free will.

Don't worry for the day,
it will come and go as planned,
Enjoy each moment you are given,
keep worry from your hand.

Keep sorrow to a minimum;
For if Heaven you could see,
You'd know I'm safe and happy,
I did not cease to be.

Moments in time are brief,
until we'll be together again,
as Eternity lasts forever,
our lives, they have no end.

I guess I am still mourning for my mum. Tears were shed during the memorial service for Billy. I was shedding tears for my mum.

Aunt Eddy practising "Both Sides of The River" for the memorial service.





John 14:27 says:
Peace I leave with you
My Peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid

Aunt Eddy practising "Amazing Grace"

I love to see these 4 sisters (Mum-Betty, Aunt Onalee, Aunt Eddy and Aunt Ann) singing together.   Sorry these 2 videos are not clear, but they are previous.  We could just listen to their voices.

Wal*Mart Gift Card

Saturday, 28 June 2008

Finally I used the free Wal*Mart Gift Card this afternoon. I didn't ask the expiry date when I received it on the 31 May and I was beginning to worry. It was only a $5 card but it was still money. So I got myself (1) Hand and Body Lotion (2) Deep Cleansing Skin Cream. Including tax, the total amounted to $4.98! I was happy with the purchase.



How did I get the Wal*Mart gift card? I wanted to check if a 'scratch & win' flyer from a car dealer is genuine! It stated that if the number revealed, after the scratch, matches the winning numbers listed, we could claim the prizes without any obligations.

I told Michael I wanted to see if the car dealer is genuine about that statement. Michael didn't say anything. He said he would wait for me in the car and let me experience dealing with American businessmen. The car agent smiled when I told him I have come to test their flyer and claim my prize. He led me to the sales office, filled out a form and gave me the Wal*Mart card.

Panicking Seconds

Thursday, 26 June 2008

I thought I was going to die of suffocation! I wouldn't want to die this way!

Jimmy called that he needed to pick up the bee suit for a bees removal job. I thought I check in the bird van if the bee suit he last wore was still there and have it ready for him to collect.

I unlocked the sliding side door and climbed in. The door slammed shut behind me. I turned and pulled the handle but the side door remained shut. I couldn't open the back door as well.

It was middle of the afternoon and it was very uncomfortable and hot inside the van, having been parked under the summer sun since morning.

I had the car key with me but it couldn't open the doors from the inside. I had my cellphone with me. I could have call Jimmy or Michael and ask them for advice, but I didn’t. Michael was about 40 miles away and Jimmy was on his way here but didn't know how soon. I didn't know why I didn't call them.

The few seconds of panicking turned to the next few seconds of relief when I manage to open the door to the driver section.

What was going on with me this afternoon? I could neither open the door of the driver nor the passenger side! After starting the engine running, I tried the driver's door again and this time it opened!

Jimmy told me that I could open the back door from the inside. I tried the back door again. It opened when I pulled the handle!

Another incident of ignorance! When I told Michael that I might die that afternoon, he said he would buy the flowers!

Cracking Pecans

Saturday, 7 June 2008

I don't know how long it took us to crack all the pecans! We didn't have any kind of nut cracker so we used the only cracker we have - crab cracker. Mike cracked the shells while I struggled to take out the nuts!

The pecans were given by Aunt Onlee during our travel to Uncle Jim's funeral last month, collected from her own pecan tree in her backyard. We said we are going to retrieve all the nuts and freeze them but never got around doing it until this afternoon.




We ended up with majority of the nuts broken. But that don't matter at all because they are still edible.

Out of curiosity about pecans, I learnt from the Internet the following nutritional benefits of this particular nut:

(1) Pecans have more antioxidant capacity than walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, almonds, peanuts and cashews.

(2) Lowering total cholesterol by 11.3 percent and LDL cholesterol by 16.5 percent.

(3) Pecans may aid in weight loss and maintenance.
(4) The unsaturated fat in pecans is heart-healthy fat.
(5) Pecans contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals

Fresh, Delicious and Cheap Strawberries

Wednesday 28 May 2008

They are so fresh and delicious. And cheap too - $1.00 for 1 lb (19 pcs) of strawberries. I didn't care for it before but after this pack .............. I love it! Maybe different country different taste!

Duffy, the Shih Tzu

Friday, 16 May 2008

Duffy reminded me so much of Banjo. This black colored Shih Tzu is so cute. I met Duffy in the Southwest Soaring Museum, New Mexico. I think we have a good time together. I threw/rolled the tennis ball as far as I could on the floor of the museum hall. Duffy would run as fast as his four legs could carry it, skidded most times to catch the ball. With the ball in his mouth, he would walk to us.

Duffy would look up at us. Alternatively he would stand up and placed its 2 fore feet on our thighs. Duffy wanted us to throw the ball again. And so I did again and again. I don't how many times but I did. Duffy loved it and so I played with it until Mike & I left the museum.

Duffy's master said I spoiled it because it would return to me for more throws. Duffy would whine if I ignore it.



Duffy knew I would play with him, even though I sat on the stage. Duffy looked at me with his big round right eye. Poor Duffy lost his left eye from an accident.

Black Sock in a Golden Slipper

Friday, 2 May 2008

It was one of those embarrassing experience in my life! Dressed in a elegant floral long dress and walked with a matching pair of golden-colored slippers with the right foot in black-colored nylon sock! Maybe people noticed maybe not.




I had to wear a black-colored nylon sock so as not to dirty the slippers that I tried. I forgot to take it off when I was done with the slipper section.

Worst of all, I had slipped both feet back into my sandals without feeling the difference! And where did I go from there? From the distribution center, we drove to the Mesa temple ground, walked from the parking lot, passed a big wedding group that was gathered in front of the pool, passed more people in the temple to/from the cafeteria where we had our lunch.

It was just before I entered the changing room that I looked down at my feet and at that split second wondered what the hell my right feet was black! And realised instantly that I had worn the sock all the way from the distribution center! This is one of those shocking and embarrassing moments. After that I just want to laugh when I think of it.

Toilet Woe

Friday, 18 April 2008

The restroom was rectangular in shape. I don't understand why the toilet flush system was installed against that side of the wall? The toilet seat is about 8 inches from the opposite side of the wall.



The wall is about 2 inches from my knees when I sat down on the toilet seat! I wonder how a person with long legs would feel? What about a full term pregnant woman?

Praying Together As Employees

Monday, 14 April 2008

Every business morning, our Company practice the ritual of a prayer together and sharing a scripture and a thought. It is to remind us that our Heavenly Father is the head of the business, and that we would go about doing our business the way He would want us to operate, especially our dealings with each other and our customers.

Most times the scriptures and the quotes that I received daily, on the net, from my church were applicable to all of us, regardless of our different denominations.

The scripture of today was:
Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 "Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity."

The quote of today was:
Ezra Taft Benson "Give me a young woman who loves home and family, who reads and ponders the scriptures daily, who has a burning testimony of the Book of Mormon. Give me a young woman who faithfully attends her Church meetings, who is a seminary graduate, who has earned her Young Womanhood Recognition Award, and wears it with pride! Give me a young woman who is virtuous and who has maintained her personal purity, who will not settle for less than a temple marriage, and I will give you a young woman who will perform miracles for the Lord now and throughout eternity" (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 558).

Today, I didn’t feel the scripture and quote were appropriate for everyone in the meeting group. I looked quickly in my scripture book but couldn’t make up my mind what verse to share. Since they were all in the room already, I decided not to waste time and suggested that we pray only this morning.

When I got back to my desk, I saw the following bookmark was on my desk. It must have fallen out of my Book of Mormon when I returned it to my drawer hurriedly before I went into the meeting room.

3 Nephi 22:13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

(which I recognized as from the hymn “Teach Me to Walk in the Light”)
Teach me to walk in the light of his love
Teach me to pray to my Father above;
Teach me to know of the things that are right
Teach me, teach me to walk in the light.

Heavenly Father knows how much I feel about us being in tune with the good spirit and working in harmony. I had proposed that we incorporate this ritual in our company, after what I felt in a big office in Malaysia.

I was impressed when the PA system announced the moment of prayer for all the Muslim employees. I was thinking: If the Muslims in an office can unite to pray to their God, why can’t we Christians do the same thing? I know we pray together as a family, in church meetings and in other functions, so I thought what about praying together as employees of a company? It always feel good to pray to God.