LSNED: Morning Walk....

It's been pouring rain since the storm warning on Tuesday so as soon as the sun shone this morning, I took off for a walk. Give the couple some time together too with each other and with Ayah. The rain yesterday was more welcome because of that summer heat and that gave us time to bond with baby Ayah. My cousin and I gave her her first bath together with her new tub. She loved the water but since it was the first, I thought I'd just give my cousin a crash course and save Ayah from catching cold too. You'd think I have no children so I won't know anything about taking care of them? I'd say, hold it! I'll show you when we get there. Also, if you ask me to take care of your baby, I will most gladly do like she's my own. Trust me, I love babies and I love caring for them. It's the mothers that drive me crazy esp if they can't trust me or at least show some faith in me. Why ask me in the first place, right?

So my walk was fruitful. That means taking more photos as much as I could although I know for sure I won't be able to take any of the famous Miami beach. I had my breakfast at this coffee shop/bakery right beside Starbucks called Panera. From the sound of it, it's a Latin owned and most of its clientele speak Spanish. I can even identify some familiar accents like the Portenos and Mexicans. Good breakfast and coffee and as promised, here are some photos of the place..... Enjoy!

LSNED: Discoveries on the 28th Day

It's Tuesday and the 28th of my LSNED: I will miss this class and I regret to say that it didn't pan out as planned. Two more days and it's over but of course we are allowed to do it on our own pace although there's nothing like doing it live.

Anyways, today I learned a few interesting things from home here in Doral to the Grocery store called Publix, which is two subdivisions away from my cousin's. I started to worry as soon as I saw the Emergency Call displayed on the Caller ID few minutes before heading for my first walk to the store. I swear the excitement died down and suddenly converted into fear. I was imagining all the unimaginable when my cousin announced that they phoned to alarm people of the torment to be expected around 4 in the afternoon. Aahhh! relief... so my honey and her hubby are safe from harm then. I rushed off to have more time and enjoy the exploration to the stores.... Quite a few small eateries, Starbucks and even a bakery in a strip mall but one that caught my eye was Radio Shack. Thought I'd come in and see how they are compared with ours in Canada. Not much of a difference except that they have a demo of the phone I've been waiting for, the Torch!  I chit-chat with the nice saleslady for a while and headed out o do my errands. As I walked down each isle, I thought it's still early to go home so took all my time... I felt like I was traveling around Latin America as I go through each item's labels, things that I wouldn't find at our local store on the Island.  People I hear talking around me all speak Spanish in different accents. Just loving it- I thought I'll go back again and do my shopping before heading home on Friday.....

As I passed the cashier's station, the lady packing my stuff (hardly spoke English and kept talking to me in Spanish), just reminded me how stormy it was out there, that I needed a cart and that I had to stay inside for a while. From there I could tell that this Spanish lady would be able to help me go home dry and safe. Not only did she get me a cart, she took the extra mile to ask her Manager to lend me the raincoat and walk me to my destination. Again, it was quite a walk for a clerk at the grocery store but she did. Meanwhile, I discovered that she's from Colombia, name Mary and I just want to say again to Mary, !que servicio! Me alegra mucho de saber que hay gente como usted que existen todavia en este pais; su servicio tan excellente; gente tan buena. Muchisimas gracias!

I just wish that the whole world has people  who still strive for great service for the love of it and  people who generously appreciate these little things.... Have a great Wednesday to you all!

LSNED: lost somewhere.....

Hello my blog friends! It's been a while.... I know, I know. I am such a bad, baaaaad blogger! It feels like it's been ages and now I am at a loss. Can someone show me the way to where I left off please? I guess to cut it short, I should say that I am learning my lesson at the earlier stage of this post and that is to not let the times pass you by with no posting at all!

It's been a hectic week for me since those fall pics on the last weekend. I had been scrapping bits and pieces for my book but somehow the inspiration wasn't there 100%. So many destruction and deadlines to finish at work and now, I missed out. I missed the full week of LSNED which I intended not to. I was determined to do my weekly post of pics for the book and that didn't happen and it will never happen till maybe around the end of the first weekend of October if I am lucky.

Things that stopped me would be the typical excuses of not having the proper photos that I wanted to include in my posting. But the main reason was my decision to take this week long trip to Miami to assist my cousin with her baby Ayah and of course spend some time with her after ten years of not having seen her. Not to mention the mixed emotions I was having in between and the hassle of having to go through a lot at work with deadlines and personal stuff.... Things I should have written down that would have been worth learning from each day of the week but I'd prefer to forget because I wasn't really that much interested on taking the lessons with me for a long haul. In short, I'd rather remember the good things I learned that would make me happy and content when I go back and look at my book. Anyways, I am not making any sense to you so I stop my blabbing here.

Ok, you may ask how is it in Miami and my trip? I'd say it's hot all the way! I found that the 4 hours trip to Chicago was the most boring of all trips I've had in my life.  Could be because I was already missing my honey. All I could think of was to go back home and be with him. I may have left him for a month at the earlier stage of our relationship but this one week long is the hardest after living with him for three years. I just felt so homesick as soon as I went to check in to the Immigration yesterday. I am hoping that he'd be ok and well when I come back home next Saturday. The transfer to Arrival and Departure area  at O'Hare Airport was the longest walk I made of all. That was a huge one and aside from making it long before the check-in, the only consolation of that trip was to take a few good photos of the airport. The 2nd trip to Miami was not bad at all since our Captain was very conversant and had a really good sense of humour. He made sure he kept us up to date including the highest altitude we had to fly due to the clouds. The clouds and the lights, the cool air  and smaller space, the short haul and pleasant stewardess make a good flight for me. 

As soon as we hit the tarmac, I couldn't wait to be there with my cousin. It was scary as I walked the empty space. I wonder and for a while I was asking where's everybody? I couldn't help but think of the nasty Immigration officers looking through all my stuff(including undies), and asking so many inappropriate questions. Before I knew it, I found that downstairs or upstairs (where I was hitting the end of the hallway on my own), as long as you don't have a checked in baggage, you can go out to any of those doors and miss that scary part. No sooner than that, a tall good built Mediterranean guy was asking if it's me. I get so alarmed with strangers and I didn't feel safe until I found that he's the right brother in law who was to pick me up!

20 minutes of fast driving in his convertible and we were there: Doral, Miami! And there I finally joined my cous and baby Ayah. Twas a long night of chit-chats. Next up, I will be posting some pics for you to see the place I've been and if I get lucky, maybe some pics of this very beautiful baby I've ever held in my arms. 

PS, Lesson I learned from this trip: #1, when traveling, always make sure you take all the gadgets you need for your cameras and videocams. I just found out that this MAC computer doesn't have  a slot for my memory card to unload my pics. It's a great tool for photos, but I might think twice if and when I should switch into one.
Lesson #2,  bring a laptop. I switched all my gadgets off on the plane and it's a prohibition to turn them on except for a laptop. I saw this guy firing away with his fingers the whole flight and I felt so jealous the whole time! Also, it's good entertainment, at least for a sad soul like me....

LSNED thru my phone: Discovering the beauty that fall brings....

Sunday walks....

ahhh, I just love this weather: not so hot, not cool and very colorful!

I'm so glad to be out with my honey,

to breathe some fresh air, find pretties everywhere, enjoy the calmness of this afternoon,

and see how the colors of the leaves are gradually changing.

Fall is definitely here and the migratory birds will soon be flying south.
Found: bees are still busy pollinating in the neighborhood at this time of year!
And even the tiniest flowers along the streets are worth a 2nd look....

 and sunset through our windows are getting more and more enjoyable....

have a great start to the week everyone!



Learning to get over this day and some...

1. Birthdays only happen once and for a day at least- you feel special more than anybody else. My honey and you made sure of that! Thank you, thank you.
2. Greetings and well wishes even from people you never expected to remember- thanks to Facebook for letting them know and bless them who took the time to let me know that I'm thought of that day.
3. Some wishes I was hoping that day could have been better....
4. The excitement and thrill of getting good news on my day about someone I care so much is still trying to sink in my thoughts and happy heart --- congratulations YOU!
5. The sad news that one I hold dear in my heart is going through rough times... But happy to hear from her at last.
6. That no matter what age you're turning into, you deserve a celebrAtion. I miss it already!
Would someone wake me up please?
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Learning to Embrace the 40s Gracefully....

hApPy

43rd biRThDay!

Oh My! It's the 40s and I can't get the hang of it.

I cannot fathom how long ago I was hoping I'd turn 25 and then,

suddenly here we are. What can I say?

Seriously, life just goes on as usual on my side of the world.

Changes? I got married finally but that's 3 yr old news.

With Social Networking evolving and accessible anywhere,

I'm afraid even the least famous among us would make big news.

So far this is the first and only time I stayed in a country since I left home and with no intention of leaving.

I have switched from one job to another but I do basically the same thing: take care of other people's problems!

Some wrinkles added on my forehead- ask my mirror!

My hair is still long and black except for one grey hair which I've had for more than ten years. My honey has offered to pluck it out but that is forbidden!

Hope the haircut on Monday will make

me look younger, so they say....

Hmmm... what else is new?

Honestly, I miss the get togethers with close family and friends.

I know a few friends, not to mention family, who remember

what 17th of September signifies to them.

I know that they remember but for one of a million reasons,

won't be able to find the time to reach out.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is,

I am emailing this to you to let you know that

you are forgiven. And that I insist on being remembered.

No guilt feelings, just enjoy life.

I know that you are around and I still hold the moments

we shared together for the many birthdays we had in the past.

One thing about being away from you is when you get older like me, no kids and just my honey to play with,

I tend to go down memory lane a lot more.

So thought I'd thank you for those memories I still hold in my heart and leave for me to enjoy to this day.

You....

My family and closed relatives whom we've shared so much in our lifetime;

I wish I could be there with you right now and see if I can stay late for another scrabble.....

The JAWLINE... we spent so many birthdays and tears together over the years.

For the sake of my imagination, I thought we would be somewhere sharing some laughter together and silliness like the good old days at this very moment.....

My BFF from New Zealand: Winnie!

How I wish we can share one of those happy days again....

So happy to know how well you are doing. That also includes your family who were like mine too.

and do you know how much I anticipate a card from you in the mailbox every year?

today you made my day again.....

this card definitely makes it to my LSNED book!

Ahhh, 40s! That's how it's like. We live, we love, we laugh, we learn, we dream, we survive better than we used to. It's just a matter of embracing the process gracefully.

Thanks again.

Loves and hugs!



2nd Week of Learning Something New Everyday

Oh My! We're half thru the month already? How's yours doing so far? I hope you are still enjoying a beautiful sunny weather once in a while despite the cool breeze of fall signs and some rain. Anyways, here'san update to my LSNED Book so far. Let me know how you like 'em.....

***o***

Weekend Birthday in Victoria....

It felt like winter was definitely around the corner but we managed to enjoy the good weather on Saturday where we stayed in Victoria for the night. My honey and I are so very grateful to my ex-coworkers at PIP who gave us this Gift Certificate to enjoy at Quality Inn. It is highly recommended to you who love tranquility, nature and clean cabin by the water. Below are collages of pictures that would speak to themselves. Enjoy!

***o***

After almost 2hours of drive, it was time to open that sparkling champagne and enjoy the scenery: watching the swans and the geese and some kayakers; listening to the sounds of tranquility, birds chirping up on the birch tree and around the Gorge, the sounds of tires thumping on the bridge, the flutter of the leaves against the mild wind, our laughters, and my honey's contentment on his special day.

Caught the bus across the street for the night. We went to our fave Mexican place, had appies & margarita and chatted all night with an American Marine Biologist (from Alaska), seated beside us at the bar.

We headed to the Swan for dinner, dancing and homemade beers after, with great live band. Full packed!

Have you ever had any cravings for good Chinese food? We always do and since we don't have one good restaurant to go to in Parksville for an authentic Chinese cuisine, we headed down to Chinatown for lunch this Sunday. Not dim sum but real food. You won't believe the contentment painted on our faces as soon as we were served our very generous big plates of gourmet lunch. We savoured every flavour and as I was munching every bit of my roasted duck, I can't help but feel like I was back in Hongkong again. Our Chinese-Canadian server, daughter of the owner was impressively professional and very attentive to us. 10 out of 10, she just won our hearts 101 percent! We even tried to convince her to open one like this in Parksville.....We were dreaming but we did that to Mekong and yes, they're here because of us.

After that hearty lunch, we walked our way around the area and as the Gate at the entrance of Chinatown promised, we found various harmonious interests.... Things we found as interesting as the City of Victoria, things we take for granted at times. It'd be long till we go back again but I know that we will be going to same places as we've had for the past 3years together, and we will find other interesting ones next time.

***

till the next trip, have a great week and thank you all for the birthday greetings!

***

LSNED 10 and nine-eleven.....

hApPy

BiRthDaY,

BabA!

Happy, happy Birthday, Honey Ko!

It's your special day today;

You're 48 but your heart never cease to age;

You are a happy soul;

Like I used to know.

Your heart is full of love and kindness;

Your body filled with strength;

You crack me up like no other;

But then that's you and your dry sense of humor.

You are a very supportive loving person;

Lucky we are who have been showered that much.

All I wish for you is a happy day,

today and forever more.

to thank you for who you are;

for being there for all of us!

And hope to make your day a special one;

and spoil you like you would to anyone.

and I love you so.....

sonnets or poems are not my repertoire but today I am learning as I go that this post has turned out to sound like one. May everyone of you have a great weekend! Any calls that you want to make for my honey, make it sooner since we are heading out to Victoria as part of his birthday present....

LSNED DAY 9: I learned today that my niece was born!

Meet Ayah. Isn't she adorable? I just can't take my eyes off her photo. She reminds me of my cousin Carol when she was a baby. How can I forget? I took care of her just as how I took care of my siblings. That's being the eldest in the family and the first baby of my mom's side of the family. I remember those " chinita eyes", her pretty face, her healthy black hair and her baby scent. I remember how I would hold her in my arms and sing her lullabyes or I would rock her cradle until she falls asleep. I remember squeezing her chubby soft cheeks because I couldn't ressist. She was just adorable! I remember her growing from a young little dancer into a real smart grown-up. She was not just a pretty face after all. She turned out to be a smart , young, sensible lady. I remember consoling her whenever she was going thru a normal adolescence stage until the time she decided to take charge of her life and followed her heart's desire. Now she's a totally grown-up woman- a wife and a mother of this beautiful baby doll. Time flies Carol. I can't wait to be there and hold your baby in my arms like I did with you. I am so proud of you and although I was never a mother, I am grateful that we shared that time together.
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

LSNED DAY 8: check your spelling!

First day of work and my brain was still working on my yesterday's post.

You guess. As soon as I got home, I had to check and sure enough there's a few there that I couldn't stand.

You will notice that I put a strike on the word and beside it is the correct spelling of

"spontaneity"

In big bold letters to remind me since I use that word a lot!

***o***

In fact, I felt like going back to my English class, again.

I've always loved the class since I can remember being at school. I love everything about it; pronunciation, grammar, spelling and even poems and sonnets. 

For some reason though, I stopped listening to myself.

I speak the language like it's my first.

I became so spontaneous that I didn't even bother.

Yesterday, after posting and to boot, it happened that my Manager had to sit down with me and do these one-on-one quarterly reviews with me about my improvement and skills to develop, English language was one of the main focus.

It's so embarassing but public speaking is a big part of my job so from yesterday on, I have to watch myself and listen more carefully to what I say. Not just correcting my spelling in writing but correcting myself before I even speak.

How would people perceive or understand what I say so I won't see raised brows which I do once in a while.

I get around it but I know that my Manager is right.

We're in business so I have to sound more professional.

Not that I don't but being spontaneous sometimes get me into trouble although I am more successful than the first month I started with the company.

Lesson I have to remember: English is a very complicated subject!

One Week of Learning Something New Everyday...

As promised earlier, here are the pages to my LSNED. Enjoy.....

LSNED DAY 7: becoming a Virgo or being one?

Being born one has played a major part of my life. I learned from my childhood that one of the best traits that we possess is "perfectionism". That personality has become me or I became one, big time! In everything I do, to be perfect in every way I can has always been part of my everyday life. As of this writing, that former sentence has been revised a few times....

As part of this everyday lesson, I prepared my cover as small as I possibly can because I can see where it's going. Being perfect doesn't mean so much as having things done that would satisfy me. In fact, a lot of times, I don't even get to start because I always think that there's a better way to do things. I may have my cover and my materials but the content is still somewhere.....

A lot of times, I have nothing to show because I never get to start. Did I say that again? Procrastination is a product of perfectionism and that's me again. I have to pull the force inside me to be able to just do it. Let it go and JUST DO IT! So in order to achieve that is LET ME rephrase it this way: procrastination can be avoided if you make things simple to achieve perfectionism.....

I don't know if I make sense to you but this is how I feel and I am puting it into writing just for the sake of having something written for today's lesson. But let me tell yah... It's not because I want to write something, it's because I want to document what I went thru and what I'm going thru everytime I take an on-line class. I want a documentation to remind me that it's ok to go with the flow and just do things the way your heart desires. And yesterday was a big part of this realisation and because of that, I finally came up with 7 pages to bind as content of this cover I shared with you at the beginning of this class. It's not as perfect as I wanted it but one thing for sure, I am happy with the result and most of all, I am satisfied with the process of binding it all together. .....

This morning I went thru it the nth time and see if I achieved that perfectionism I was aiming for? Well, it has what I was aiming for: humor, mostly one sentence of journaling, a little art, spontainity (did I spell that right?), spontaneity and photos that represent each day. And let me think for a while if I want to share that because you know me.... Just kidding, tonight I may be able to take photos of it and will finally get to share my work with you. Meanwhile, back to reality. Back to work....

HAVE A GREAT DAY!