Still Don't Know the Policy

Monday, 17 March 2008

"Calm Down" said the Postal Services officer. I must have sounded confused, disappointed, desperate and angry as I related what had happened to the letter that finally got to me last Saturday and who knows what other letters. A friend in Malaysia said her letter to me was returned!

I asked the officer what do they look at - the name or the address? He said sometimes the name and sometimes the address! What a policy!

Anyway, he was a nice guy. We had some light moments about names and nationalities! He sounded funny pronouncing my name. When I corrected the nationality that he thought I was, he was not surprised by my sensitive response. That reminded of a friend in Scotland who corrected me when I refer him as an English.

The Postal Services Officer took my name and reported that the postman have pending mail for me and would deliver them on his round. Problem solved :)

Some Policies I don't know about the Postal Services?

Saturday, 15 March 2008

I am very disappointed with the Postal Services today! Very very disappointed. A letter posted to me, using my maiden name, on the 22 February 2008, was returned to the sender on the 2 March 2008. It was never delivered to my residential mail box!

One sticker on the envelope said:
...........................................................................02/27/08
UNABLE TO FORWARD/FOR REVIEW
NO FORWARDING ORDER ON FILE
RETURN TO POSTMASTER
OF ORIGINAL ADDRESSEE FOR REVIEW
.............................................................................................

Another sticker on the envelope said:
..........................................................................03/02/08
RETURN TO SENDER
ATTEMPTED - NOT KNOWN
UNABLE TO FORWARD
...........................................................................................

The sender posted it again to me, using the same name, on the 12 March 2008. This time, it was c/o Mike's name. It is ridiculous! This is the first time in my life that a mail is not delivered when the address is valid!!!

I don't understand why and I am going to find out why! If it was because of my name, then I shouldn't be receiving any mail with that name at all. I have received other letters, with the same name and address, from the same sender.

Forgotten International Women's Day

Saturday, 8 March 2008

While uploading some images on to my dance blog, it suddenly occurred to me that today is the 8 March and it is International Women's Day! What a coincidence that our Stake had chosen this Saturday to celebrate the Relief Society's birthday. Our ward already celebrated the birthday on Thursday 21 February. Officially, Relief Society will be 166 years old on the 17 March 2008!

It is interesting to note that IWD is an official holiday in these countries: Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Eritrea, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Russia, Tajikistan, Transdniestria, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Zambia.

It is also interesting to listen to the remarks made by women from different countries. In some countries women took to the streets and rallied for their rights, I remembered only activities related to dancing in my life!

I remembered being part of a mass gathering of women, from different associations of the city, all dancing one morning of the 8 March. And one night of the 8 March, I just enjoyed dinner with other women friends while watching stage performances performed by women from different dancing groups. What I have experienced during this particular day is dancing only! We did not rally for better pay or equal rights. Maybe we were complacent with our situations or we were not aggressive enough to voice our grievances!

Coincidentally, it was the 12th Malaysian general election today! The Malaysian women would be busy voting and helping in the election as well!

To all the Women reading my blog - Happy International Women's Day! Enjoy being a woman!

Arthritis, A Sign of Wearing Out

Friday, 1 February 2008

I am very happy today! Happy because the discomfort in my left hand and lower left arm are gone. Fell down twice when alighting from bicycle rides in October 2007.

Even though the bicycle belonged to a 11 yr old boy, it was a little too tall for me! Getting myself up on the saddle was no problem. I had an enjoyable time cycling in the park.

Coming down was not easy with only the left foot on the ground. The weight of the bicycle brought me down to the left side. The bruise didn't scare me because it was healed after a few days.

Two weeks later, Not asked me whether I wanted to use his bike again. He said that his dad has lowered the saddle because it was also a little too tall for him as well. The height was rectified for Not but it was still a little bit taller for me. I fell again on my left side when alighting. This time the area between by thumb and wrist hurt. I thought the discomfort would go but it was still there whenever I turned my wrist. I thought one of my nerve was injured!

Mike brought me to see the Bone & Joint Physician on the 14 Nov. Xrays showed that I have arthritis! Just to make sure my nerves were okay, the receptionist made appointment for me to see a Neurology Physician on the 12 Dec. I didn't like the nerves test, even though they were just small electric shocks! The Neurology Physician said my nerves were all intact!

There was a continuous flow of patients in the Bone & Joint Physician's clinic on the 30 Jan. The B&J Physician wanted to review the result of my nerve test that he sent me to. My appointment was at 11:30 am and I only got to see him at 1:10 pm! And it was like less than 10 mins meeting.

The Bone & Joint Physician recommended a Cortisone Injection. I agreed. While opening the cabinet, he said "get ready". I turned my body and eyes from him because he said it would be a painful injection. Painful or not painful I don't like needles! And it was indeed painful. I am thankful for Mike's presence. I clinged to Mike like a child, with my face buried on his body.

The Physician didn't tell me the side-effect. I didn't know about the 'cortisone flare' that I learnt later from the internet, being "a condition where the injected cortisone crystallizes and can cause a brief period of pain worse than before the shot. This usually lasts a day or two and is best treated by icing the injected area".

The muscles in the spot where the injection was ministered and the muscle (or bone, I don't know) leading to that spot felt stiff the night of the injection and the whole day after (yesterday) . I phoned the clinic and was told that the Physician was performing surgery and would only be back in office Monday!

I didn't feel the discomfort anymore when I woke up in the middle of yesterday's night. It was okay. Arthritis in my left hand due to too much dancing movements, too much typing, too much carrying heavy things, too much handling of cold stuff, cold weather?????? I probably had arthritis already and it only emerged after the bicycle falls? I really don't know! Definitely another sign of physically getting older and slowly wearing out.

First Tag 2008

Tuesday, 29 January 2008

Tagging time! Thanks, Cam. Here goes.......

A- Attached or Single? Attached as to Married?
B- Best Friend? The Dog is Man's best friend.
C- Cake or Pie? Don't care.
D- Day of Choice? Friday
E- Essential Item? Identity Card
F- Favorite color? Bright & beautiful.
G- Gummy Bears or Worms? What is that?
H- Hometown? Where the heart is.
I- Favorite Indulgence? Dancing
J- January or July? January - new resolution!
K- Kids? Blessings from God.
L- Life isn't complete without? Family and Friends.
M- Marriage Date? Whose marriage date?
N- Number of Brothers and Sisters? Whatever the statistic of the population on this earth is.
O - Oranges or Apples? Oranges after a meal. Apples when I am sick.
P- Phobias or fears? I tried my best not to be afraid.
Q- Quote? Beauty is in the eyes of the Beholder
R- Reason to smile? God loves us.
S- Season of choice? Festive Season
T- Tag three friends or family Anthony, Iain, Singapore Girl, Princess Ivy
U- Unknown fact about me? To remain as unknown.
V- Vegetable? Yes, it is healthy for us.
W- Worst habit? Cursing (what I think as the worst habit anyone can have)
X- X-ray or ultrasound? Whatever the doctor recommended.
Y- Your favorite food? Malaysian
Z - Zodiac sign? Western or Eastern?

Hamper of Scrapbooking Kit

Monday, 28 January 2008

Must be my lucky day today - 28th day of the year 2008. Someone came and presented me with a hamper of scrapbooking kit!


The surprise gesture definitely lifted up my spirit. I was feeling down yesterday afternoon as well as yesterday night. Blamed the mood on my hormones!


I have never done scrapbooking before so this would definitely be interesting. I know Lian would love this. She likes handicrafts and she is good in it as well.

The Process

Tuesday, 3 March 2009

I started writing about this process on the 18 January 2008 to document the process but didn't publish until today. Hopefully this will give some people an idea what to expect.

Gosh! To obtain a Permanent Resident card (Green card) is indeed a process!

Mike had to submit 3 forms:
(1) Form I-864: Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act
(2) Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative ($355)
(3) Form G-325A: Biographic Information

I had to submit 2 forms:
(1) Form I-485: Application To Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status ($930 + a biometrics fee of $80 = $1,010)
(2) Form G-325A: Biographic Information

I find the total amount $1,365 amusing. My mind related it to: In 1 year there are 365 days!

In order for me to travel out and return, while the green card is in progress, I have to submit 1 application form:
(1) Form I-131: Application for Travel Document

In order for me to work, while the green card is in progress, I have to submit 1 application form:
(1) Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization Document

The Application for Travel Document (I-131) would cost $305 and the Application for Employment Authorization Document (I-765) would cost $340 if they were not submitted together with the Form I-485 (Application To Register Permanent Residency).

We started filling the Adobe forms, on the computer, on the 26 September 2007. After reading the instructions of the related forms, we realized that there were a number of supporting documents to be collected before the applications could be sent.

****

There were the affidavits from relatives & friends about my relationship to Michael. First affidavit was given to us on the 8 October by Grant and the last (9th) was given to us on the 19 November from Ronald.

****

I had to submit a medical examination report and it must come from an USCIS designated medical doctor. Here goes another episode......

19 November '07: Paid Horizon Health Services $210 for Medical examination & Report. My weight and height measurement was taken. Given 2 vaccinations (1) Measles/Mumps/Rubella (2) Titinus. A Tuberculosis Skin Test was administered. Seen by Dr. Lorena Jauregui. Asked to return (1) 21 November for result of the Tuberculosis test (2) 19 December for Titinus booster. Asked to go to Yuma Regional Plaza Lab for blood test ($36) – result would be sent back to the Horizon Health Services.

21 November '07: Result of Tuberculosis test – positive. Asked to go to Yuma County Public Health Services (no payment required) for consultation of tuberculosis. YCPHS asked me to go to Focused Imaging of Arizona for chest x-ray. YCPHS said that the x-ray film would be sent back to them. YCPHS said to come back Mon 26 November. Told them that we would be out of town. They said to call them when we get back to town again.

30 November '07: Yuma County Public Health Services (YCPHS) said to see them on the 4 December to obtain results.

4 December ’07: Visited Yuma County Public Health Services and collected result of chest x-ray (Focused Imaging of Arizona) and Supplement Form to I-693, and sent them back to Horizon Health Services.

5 December ’07: Sent papers that I collected from YCPHS yesterday to Horizon Health Services. Given a sealed packet that I was to submit to Immigration, to be opened by them only.

19 December ’07: Visited Horizon Health Services [3250 East 40th Street, Yuma, AZ 85365, tel. no. (928) 317-5023] for titinus booster ($30). They passed me a sealed envelope, to be sent together with the first package that they gave to me on the 5 Dec ’07, both to be opened by Immigration Depart (USCIS) only.

****

Friday, 28 December 2007: We got all the supporting documents! Checked the website to see whether the forms that we have filled were still valid. Fortunately, we didn't have to refill any forms. Last thing - individual pictures of Mike & myself, taken according to USCIS specifications, at Walmart - $20

****

Saturday, 29 December 2007: Finally we mailed out the package to USCIS, Chicago IL 60680: $1.69 (Cushion Mailer) + $7.00 (Priority Mail) + $0.65 (Delivery Confirmation Label # 03070020000313305254) = $9.34 . It was a relief for me. I have been worrying about it for the past many months, waking up in the middle of night thinking about it.

****

Friday, 4 January 2008: Received acknowledgement of Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative.

Tuesday, 8 January 2008: Received acknowledgement of Form I-131 Application for Travel Document & Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization Document.

Thursday, 10 January 2008: Received acknowledgement of Form I-485 Application To Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

Thursday, 17 January 2008: Received appointment notice to appear at the application support center (3250 South 4th Avenue, Suite E, Yuma, AZ 85364) for the capturing of my biometrics (fingerprints) at 10:00 am on Wednesday, 23 January 2008.

Wednesday, 23 January 2008: My fingerprints had to taken manually because they didn't come up clearly on the scanner. All the years of house chores must have blurred the lines! My photograph and signature was taken too.

Saturday, 26 January 2008: Appointment notice to appear for interview at the USCIS office in Phoenix office (2035 North Central Avenue, Green Appointment Lobby, Phoenix, AZ 85004) at 7:30 am on Monday 21 April 2008.

Saturday, 1 March 2008: Received "Employment Authorization Card" valid from February 20, 2008 to Febuary 19, 2009. I can work legally!

Saturday, 15 March 2008: Received "Authorization for Parole of an Alien Into the United States" from February 20, 2008 to February 19, 2009. It was very disappointed to learn that the original envelope was returned to USCIS on the 3 February 2008. It should have come almost the same time as the "Employment Authorization Card". They have the same validity period!

I am very disappointed with the Postal Services today! Very very disappointed. A letter posted to me, using my maiden name, on the 22 February 2008, was returned to the sender on the 2 March 2008. It was never delivered to my residential mail box!

One sticker on the envelope said:
...........................................................................02/27/08
UNABLE TO FORWARD/FOR REVIEW
NO FORWARDING ORDER ON FILE
RETURN TO POSTMASTER
OF ORIGINAL ADDRESSEE FOR REVIEW
.............................................................................................

Another sticker on the envelope said:
..........................................................................03/02/08
RETURN TO SENDER
ATTEMPTED - NOT KNOWN
UNABLE TO FORWARD
...........................................................................................

The sender posted it again to me, using the same name, on the 12 March 2008. This time, it was c/o Mike's name. It is ridiculous! This is the first time in my life that a mail is not delivered when the address is valid!!!

I don't understand why and I am going to find out why! If it was because of my name, then I shouldn't be receiving any mail with that name at all. I have received other letters, with the same name and address, from the same sender.


Monday 7 April 2008: Cost $18 to obtained a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the registrar. A certified copy was obtained in compliance to the letter of appointment listed the documents required to be brought to the interview on 21 April 2008. It was disappointing that the Immigration officer (at the 21 April interview) said there is no need for the certified copy because she will certify the copy that was sent with the original application, after having seen the original Marriage Certificate that I brought there.

Tuesday 8 April 2008: Applied for social security card.

Monday 15 April 2008: Received Social Security card.

Monday 21 April 2008: Interview in Phoenix (2035 North Central Avenue, Green Appointment Lobby, Phoenix, AZ 85004). The Immigration Officer said she cannot approve my application for Permanent Residency until Mike have submitted additional information on his capability to support me. We were notified by letter to submit the additional information by the 24 May 2008.

Tuesday 6 May 2008: Posted requested additional information to Phoenix. $0.58 (1st class letter) + $2.15 (Return Receipt) + $2.65 (Certified) = $5.58

Saturday 10 May 2008: Postal Return Receipt received.

Saturday 17 May 2008: Received Notice I-797 at 00:45 am (we will driving back home, from Oklahoma trip). Don’t know when the letter arrived in the mail box. Was out of Yuma from Monday 12. Envelope was dated 13 May 2008. Notice I-797 was dated 9 May 2008. Notice I-797 is Welcome Notice. I have been approved the Green Card – Conditional Permanent Resident (2 years).

Wednesday 21 May 2008: Received Green Card (Permanent Resident) valid from 08 May 2008 to 08 May 2010. Need to submit an application to remove condition within 90 days before expiry date, to remove the conditions.

Time-wise, I think the system is great and commendable. Depending what you applied for, I heard some people have to wait a longer time. Overall, we spent $1693.92 for the whole process.

Please Drive Carefully

Sunday, 6 January 2008

Old habits died hard. I automatically walked to the left side of Mike's truck when he met me at the airport when I first arrived in US 8 months ago. Months later I still make the same mistake sometimes! Mike laughed "Honey, you are in US".

In Malaysia, the front passenger sits on the left side while the driver sits on the right side and we drive on the left side of the road!

My first time sitting as the front passenger on the right side of the car was in China in 1999. China drives on the right side of the road too! It felt funny moving forward on the right side of the road. Now that I am getting more comfortable with moving on the right side of the road here, I wonder how I would feel when I return to Malaysia and move on the left side of the road!

Michael had courageously allowed me to drive to church to attend meetings, for the past month. When we were in a hurry, my left hand would automatically reach up to my right shoulder to pull down the body strap over to my left side. And of course, there was nothing to pull!

Then the signals. I still made mistakes in this aspect, especially if I didn't use my head in advance. In Malaysia it is located on the right side of the steering wheel but in US it is located on the left side. In Malaysia you push up the lever to signal when you are turning to your left and you push down the lever to signal when you are turning to the right. In US it is just the opposite - lever up signals right and lever down signals left.

Mike kept teasing me that in US, they drive on the right side of the road for the right reason! I kept saying that it is not incorrect for us to drive on the left side of the road in Malaysia and we are not on the wrong side in Malaysia! It is just the way we were taught to drive there. Now that I am in US, I will need to drive on the right side of the road, the way this country drive!

Today, for the first time in US, I drove by myself! Today, Mike didn't feel well to go to church. I asked him if it was alright for me drive myself. Michael had courageously sat by my side while I drove to church for the past month. I have gain confidence on that particular stretch of road but I dare not try any other street of the city. Michael said "please drive carefully".

Properous 2008?

Tuesday, 1 January 2008

Hopefully this is a prosperous year for everyone! Chinese likes the number "8" because in the Cantonese dialect it sounded like prosperity. It usually refers to success in business and financial aspect $$$$ . Honestly, who does not want to have more money? Money is not the most important thing in the world but necessary. Hope everyone is blessed with more than enough money and still be humble.

A **** HAPPY **** NEW **** YEAR ****

A **** PROSPEROUS **** NEW **** YEAR ****

Christmas Tree and Christmas Presents

Sunday, 30 December 2007

Christmas Tree - Our first Christmas tree! When Mike said "let's put up the Christmas tree" on the 2nd December, I thought that was much too early. Actually it was not that early because shops were already selling Christmas stuff ; many houses and lawns were also decorated with Christmas lightings.

Mike had the tree assembled but it was barren until the following weekend as we could not find the ornaments and the lights in the house to decorate it. It was fun shopping, especially when I got the share to pick what I like to adorn the Christmas tree.



Today is the 4th Sunday and the last Sunday for our Christmas tree for the year 2007. Need to take it down and store it away, with its accompanying decorations. Don't you disappear again unless you don't want to be up that tree come December 2008!

Christmas Presents - I am thankful for the presents that I received this year. My thoughts go to those who are homeless, poor, sick, and lonely while others are feasting and having fun. My thoughts go to those who had to be away from their loved ones due to their duty call in the military, missionary or other fields. Thinking of the less fortunate, who are struggling even with each day's necessities, I am reminded that we need to spend wisely.

I am grateful for the Christmas present, that Heavenly Father has given each and everyone of us, all because He loves us (John 3:16).

Friendships are Presents from Heaven

Saturday, 1 December 2007

In the book "Hugs for Friends" an Unknown said "Some people come into our lives and quickly go... Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same."

They came to Malaysia as missionaries only for awhile and they have left footprints on my heart.

Yes, friendships are presents from heaven! Thanks to all the friends that Mike & I were able to meet. You have made our trip to Utah more meaningful and enjoyable.

Nov 22 (Thur) - Mesa, Arizona - A Thanksgiving Day indeed to meet with Brother Lamb & Brother Rowley, who had served as missionaries in the Miri-Sarawak-Malaysia branch.

The members just love them to pieces!

Nov 23 (Fri) - St. George, Utah - Brother/Sister Telford who had served as missionaries in the Kota Kinabalu-Sabah-Malaysia branch . I remembered their first day in Kota Kinabalu as the 20 August 2004.


Brother Telford with his gong from Sabah-Malaysia.

I love to hear Sister Telford sing. She has such lovely voice. She taught the members of the Kota Kinabalu-Sabah-Malaysia branch to sing. There are many songs that reminded me of her when I sing them, my favourite being "As Sisters in Zion and We Will Bring the World His Truth". Because of her, I have learnt to sing better.

Nov 23 (Fri) - St. George, Utah - Brother/Sister Smiley who had served as missionaries in the Miri-Sarawak-Malaysia branch in 1999.


24 Nov (Sat) - Bountiful, Utah - Brother/Sister Jensen who had served as missionaries in the Miri-Sarawak-Malaysia branch in the period 2004/2005.


25 Nov (Sun) - Farmington, Utah - Sister Norberg, whom I befriended in the internet in January 2006 and have kept in touch since. This is the first time we have met in person!


and Brother Norberg, whom I have only communicated so far via email and telephone!


25 Nov (Sun) - Farmington, Utah - Brother/Sister Jacobs who have served as missionaries in the Kota Kinabalu-Sabah-Malaysia branch, in the period 2003/2004. We had memorable time visiting the Sisters together.


26 Nov (Mon) - Salt Lake City - Brother/Sister Broadhead who had served as missionaries in the Kota Kinabalu-Sabah-Malaysia branch from Jan-June 2000. I remembered whenever I took them home to their apartment, after Sunday church meetings, Sister Broadhead would insisted a hug before I drove away. I was not a hugging person then, but I have learnt!

26 Nov (Mon) - Salt Lake City, Utah - Brother/Sister Bishop who had served as missionaries in the Kota Kinabalu-Sabah-Malaysia branch from Nov-Dec 2001. It was a very short while but they have left footprints on my heart.

26 Nov (Mon) - Salt Lake City, Utah - A wonderful get-together lunch with Brother/Sister Jacobs, Brother/Sister Bishops and Brother/Sister Broadheads.

27 Nov (Tue) - American Fork, Utah - Brother/Sister Folsom, who had served as missionaries in the Miri-Sarawak-Malaysia branch in 1998. They were the first LDS missionary couple that Lian, Yean & I met, when we started investigating the church in 1998. It has been 9 years since. Brother/Sister Folsoms were fondly addressed by the children of the branch as "Grandpa" and "Grandma".

27 Nov (Tue) - Provo, Utah - Brother/Sister Merritt who have served as missionaries in West Malaysia, Curent Provo MTC Mission President/Sister Boone who have served as Singapore Mission President, Sister Serrao who have served as missionary in the Miri-Sarawak-Malaysia branch. Wonderful people!


27 Nov (Tue) - Provo, Utah - Brother/Sister Watts who had served as missionaries in the Miri-Sarawak-Malaysia branch.

28 Nov (Wed) - Cove Fort, Utah - Interestingly we met with Brother/Sister Telford again. They were driving to Midway, Utah and we were driving from Provo Utah!

I hope to meet with the other missionary couples some day! Wonderful people!

Mum Will Be Forever In My Heart

Sunday, 11 November 2007

1:42:54 pm - Sis Monica phoned from Melbourne, to inform that our Mum was in a critical state. Our youngest sister-in-law, Caroline, had phoned her because she didn't know how to phone me in US. It was 4.42:54 am Monday 12 November in Malaysia. It was 7:42.54 am Monday 12 November in Melbourne.

5:57.52 pm - Lian texted me "Mum... Grandma just passed" It was 8.57.52 am Monday 12 November in Malaysia. I was getting out of a friend's home in Foothills and walking towards the car when the message alert tone sounded. My heart stopped. I had a strong feeling that my mother had passed away.

Mum has been called to rest at last. Her spirit is free now from the afflicted body. I know she is with Dad, Joseph, her beloved parents, friends. I am glad that she is now with Joseph who passed away in March 1999. I know Mum missed this younger brother of mine very much.

Mum wouldn't want me to cry for her but I can't help it. I am being selfish. I cried because I won't be able to see her when I visit Miri again. She was gone on the 6 July 2006 but now she is really gone for good from this mortal life.

I am thankful for a Heavenly Father who prompted me to phone Caroline on Malaysia 11:30 pm Friday night, to tell Mum that I love her, that I am fine here and she is not to worry about me. Caroline said Mum's closed eyes were moving when she heard my voice from the phone handset that was placed against her ears. Caroline said it seemed like Mum wanted to say something back but couldn't.

I am thankful for a wonderful mum who have shown me what it is to live life to the fullest. Even though I will not see her ever again in this mortal world until the Lord calls me home, she will forever be in my heart. I am thankful for friends for their condolences and support. I am thankful that my children were in Miri during this period and were able to there for the family (when I can't) and to walk this last leg of journey with Grandma to her resting place.

Mum will be laid to rest, next to Dad, at about 11:00 pm tonight (Malaysia 14:00 hrs Wednesday). I will be thinking of her as I have for the past many nights.

Same Birthday

Monday, 15 October 2007

This was an interesting, fun and neat discovery!

As I was creating a birthday calendar of my friends and family, I noticed 2 birthdays. I thought I had made an erorr in my entries. Double-checked their response. Yes, they were the same date - the same day, the same month and the same year - 16 December 1932. And amazingly, they had served a mission in Malaysia. They do not know each other as they served in different branches and they have not met each other either. To add to the excitement - both their first name are basically the name, except for a little variance, because of gender's difference. I am waiting for response of their birth time!

A Sweet Note from a Sweet Couple

Sunday, 14 October 2007

This was a note that I had safe-kept away. It was not just an ordinary note. It was a paper that was written by the sweetest couple that I know in Yuma.

It was dated the September 06, 2007. They wrote:

This is a great day! Irene has returned to Yuma.
To celebrate, I have arranged for the weather to get cooler beginning the end of September.
You will like it even more.
Welcome Home.
Gr... and Gl.... Ha..... and all of Yuma

I thought that was very sweet of them. Thank you! That piece of paper was at the door to greet us when Mike brought me home on the 6 September 2007.

The summer had been a little too hot for me and autumn was soon to come.

No money no air for your tyres

Tuesday, 9 October 2007

I am thankful that pressuring vehicles' tyres in Malaysia is free of charge. I hope it will stay that way. I really hope so. I hope we would handle the venting hose with care always otherwise who knows it would end up like this:

75 cts per vent. 3 mins per vent.

Once a Malaysian, always a Malaysian

Saturday, 6 October 2007

I found this scribbled at the back page. I had copied it from the MAS Inflight magazine. It was related to Malaysia's 50th Year Independence (31 August 2007). My spirit confirmed "Once a Malaysian, always a Malaysian". The phrase drove deep into my soul.

Getting forgetful as more white hair appear on my head, I better blog this before I forget what I have been feeling about that phrase. I hope I had copied the whole quotation correctly.

Here goes:
(quote)
Once a Malaysian, always a Malaysian. It's the little things we treasure in our hearts that make us who we are, uniquely Malaysian. Let's celebrate 50 years of the fabulous Malaysian spirit. Let's celebrate together. Let's fly Malaysia!
(unquote)

Let's fly Malaysia - Yes, definitely I will fly Malaysia Airlines, if the price continues to be affordable for me!

What are the little things that we treasure in our hearts that make us who we are, uniquely Malaysian?

I don't know what little things MAS are referring to. Personally, the little things that I treasure are living harmoniously in a multi-racial community, respecting each other's differences.

My parents lived in a semi-detached bungalow when I was a small girl. Our neighbour next door was a Malay family. The 2 families living in the bungalow opposite us were Malay too. The 2 families living in the bungalow at the back of us were Indian and Iban. The families living in the bangalow across the side of the road, adjacent to us, were Iban and Chinese.

There were no fence between the bungalows. Families visited each other and talked to each other freely, oblivious of the indifference of the other person's dressing. Mother was in her traditional Chinese 2 piece pyjamas (there is a Chinese word for that but I don't know what it is in English!) while our neighbour was in her Malay 2-piece baju kurung.

Come Hari Raya celebration we would visit our Muslim neighbours and other Muslim friends in the small town. The same goes to Gawai Dayak, where we would visit our Land and Sea Dayak friends. Come Deepavali we visited an Indian friend of Dad. Christmas is when we get to visit our Christians friends, who could be Ibans, Bidayuhs, Melanaus, Chinese. And of course Chinese New Year celebration, our house are opened for our neighbours to visit us.

I could still recall my parents' friend joining us for the Chinese New Year Eve dinner year after year. He was Dad's working colleague. He was single and alone in the town, so my parents invited him to join us each year on this conspicous dinner. When he didn't come one year, I asked my parents where he was. They said he has a wife now and has moved away. That was why! My parents have taught me that you don't have to be rich to reach out to others. Just be thoughtful and kind to others, whatever they are and share whatever you have.

Regardless of the different races, the 2 primary schools in Lutong welcomed all races. I went to the primary school whereby English language was the medium of instruction. Mandarin was the medium of instruction in the other primary school, which saw increase of the number of non-Chinese children studying there each year. I am impressed whenever I hear a non-Chinese speaking Mandarin and much better than I could!

My school friends, are made of different races: Chinese, Malays, Ibans, Kelabits, Indians, Kadazans, Melanaus, etc. etc. I started having caucasian friends when I started working. My neighbours in Miri are Malays, Kayans, Ibans, Bedayuh, Mulut, Chinese, etc.

What I treasure is the friendliness, hospitality and warmth of my fellow Malaysians. We can mingle with each other peacefully anywhere - be it official, business, casual - be it on the Malaysian ground or outside in another country. And not forgetting the tolerance that we have for each other's cultures and beliefs.

Born in Malaysia. Lived in Malaysia for half a century. There are definitely things uniquely Malaysian that I will always treasure in my heart.

Upwords

Wednesday, 5 September 2007

There are many different types of board games in the world. I love board games. So far I know how to play cards (only certain games), chess, checkers, monopoly, mastermind, scrabble, Uno.

Upwords is similar to scrabble but it is more fun and challenging. I rather play upwords than scrabble anytime unless the former is not available!

Thanks to Sis Monica, who showed me the game for the first time, when I visited her in Melbourne. She bought me a set to bring back to Miri.

Tonight I had a fun time playing with my Sister-in-law Caroline and a friend Jane. And for the very first time in my experience playing with the upwords, we were able to use the remaining tiles, left on the players' racks, to make words on the board!

As per the rule of the game, we did substract 5 points, from our totals, for each of the remaining tiles on the other players' racks after Jane won the game. As usual I didn't bother about the remaining tiles. I wanted to throw all the tiles in the bag but Caroline noticed the remaining tiles on our racks and placed them on the board!! Definitely "lucky" because 2 of the 3 remaining letters were 'l' and 'y' We definitely have lots of "funs" because the other remaining letter was 'f'. Isn't she clever. That was amazing?

Portable Media Device

Friday, 31 August 2007

Thanks to Yean! And thanks to Lian as well. The children have been my teachers in many aspects of my life. And one of these aspects, is increased computer knowledge. It was they who presented me with my first pendrive. They have taught me about fragmentation, blogging, connection, surfing, scanning your files, etc. etc.

Tonight Yean taught me about formatting my pendrive. I have not done that before. Didn't think of doing that either. These features are available in the computer but I didn't explore them.................

I recovered my folders/pictures, that I thought was gone, from my pendrive! I had tried to copy a folder of the same into the pendrive but it was not possible. The folders were still inside but invisible! I found the formatting feature and other features at the same time. Clicking "Open as Portable Media Service" is like opening a present today!

All the folders that I thought was gone, appeared! Imagine how happy I was. I couldn't open the pictures. However as I explore further, I learnt that by transferring them to my my desktop/documents. I could view the pictures.

Had the pendrive formatted thereafter and then transferred the original folders back into it! Scanned the pendrive - it is clean - no virus threats!

Once a upon a time on a Labour Day, I lost my document, due to formatting. Once a upon a time on a National Day, I recovered my document, due to formatting as well. I didn't format to recover it but it was related to formatting.

This is my present for Malaysia's 50th year National Day! God bless Malaysia.

Backup Backup Backup

Wednesday, 29 August 2007

I only started printing hard copies of the digital pictures sometime last year and keeping them in albums. And that practice only started after reading stories of people losing their pictures kept in CDs, due to unexpected but avoidable circumstances. I have been taught to backup workfiles, diskettes, information, when I was working in the office before.

Regrettably I didn't practise that with all my digital pictures at home. I was so confident that they would be safe at home. I was terribly wrong. It was my own fault that I lose all the digital pictures that I have in one particular pendrive. And to serve me right for being over confident, out of all my digital pictures, they have to be pictures of the family.

The pendrive was scanned before I brought it to the photo studio for reprints of certain pictures. There were no threats. It was scanned again tonight and there were so many threats - TROJAN. I just watched in horror as my Anti-Virus software detected them and deleted the files one by one! All the pictures were deleted. The only file left in the pendrive was a Microsoft word document.

I couldn't imagine how disappointed I would have felt if I had not printed any of those pictures! Once upon a time I had formatted a work diskette and I lost the document I had typed. Luckily it was the only document in the diskette! That was not too bad. I had lost a day of work but the work was replaceable. What if I have not printed a hard copy of some of the pictures or have some of them posted in my blog? The pictures are captures of the moment. The clock does not turn back.

I am glad I have posted some of the pictures in my blogs. I can copy them and save them again. The pictures are gone forever but I am glad I am able to copy some of them back.

Maybe this is a good thing. One can keep too much pictures and what happen to them? Will the pictures be looked at, etc. etc. in 10 years, 20 years' time? Maybe some pictures, but not all of them.

What Will I do With a Million Dollars??

Thanks to the tag, Lian (Lyanne).

What will I do with a million Dollars?
(1) Pay my tithing
(2) Invest in good stocks, unit trusts, etc.
(3) Buy a land in a peaceful suburb area, near a town. A land big enough for a few trees to grow, a garden to plant some vegetables and flowers, 2 dogs to run.
(4) Build a reasonable size house and turn it into a comfortable home for my immediate family and visitors.
(4) Get 2 dogs.
(5) Travel - I would like to visit the following countries first (a) Scotland (b) China (c) Australia.

Requirements:
1st - Tag 5 bloggers, list down their blog and link to their blog.
2nd - Let the blogger you want to tag know they have been tagged by commenting on their blog.
3rd - Add your own blog link to the list below.

What They Would Do With Their $1 Million:
1. SYH will spend for Family.
2. Miche will give to the needy.
3. Montessorimum will keepsake
4. Healthfreakmommy will keep, invest, spend and give to the needy.
5. The New Parent would use for education and charity.
6. Mamas Bag of Tricks would open a dinosaur themed restaurant
7. Lyanne would pamper herself
8. Irene would invest, build a new home, travel.