Something Nice

My stomach looked like a balloon when I was five. I could eat five bowls of rice when I was ten. When I graduated from the elementary school, I was only 129 cm tall. You can imagine how I looked. A perfect rolling ball, with just a slight push with your finger tip you could roll me anywhere. I was still healthy, you know children's metabolism run fast. Trust me I wanted to find a way to tie my stomach or at least tie my shoes, and curb my appetite badly. Did I make it? Sorry I didn't have enough horses to give me that kind of will power.

Food is my weakness. My mouth was not used to talk, it had only one purpose - how to get as much food as possible. I was very quiet when I was small. Do you know why? Because I found it was a good way to hook food. All my uncles wanted to cheer me up and get me to talk by luring me with bananas as if I were a monkey. My mom stored a lot of fruit in our fridge so that I wouldn't absorb too much starch and became a real elephant. That's how I fell in love with fruit.

When Chinese New Year came, my mom would buy a lot of candies because it was the tradition of her family. I alone would eat up all the candies before others laid their fingers on the jar. Candies became my 2nd favorite food. After the new year I had to beg my mom to buy candies. I was close to my big brother despite the fact how bully he was because I got rewards for running his errand, candies.

During Junior high, I had to peddle my bike to school. School was far, far away from my home. My mom was mean, she got me a very big old ugly bicycle. I had to stretch my legs very hard to touch the paddles, and I had to use a lot of energy to get the bike run fast. Miraculously I grew very fast like the bean tree in the Bean Stalk story, and I lost weight and shrank like a balloon does when it is stuck by a needle, too. Still I ate a lot. Sometimes my mom gave me money for lunch and snacks. I used most of it to buy food and ate it soon after I arrived at school. I had nothing to eat for lunch and kept an empty stomach for the whole afternoon. When riding back home after school, I would stop at the food stand and used the left money to get myself a pc. of bread or cake and a big cup of papaya milk. Pastries and papaya milk became my 3nd favorite fruit.

My forth favorite food is eggs. I ate all kinds of eggs; scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, fried eggs, salty eggs, steamed eggs, three-color eggs, thousand-year egg, braised eggs, etc. I could eat five or six eggs for a meal.

When I entered the college, the smell from the bakery after lunch was so luring that I had to buy two or three breads to eat even I already had had lunch. I gained about five kg. the 1st year and my face looked like a fat moon. No boys asked me out. The next year, I just ate bread for lunch. I had to dump some weight. A round moon is beautiful, but not a fat face.

Eating so many pastries, eggs and fat, I was examined high cholesterol when I was junior in the college. It didn't bother me. You might as well kill me if I had to give up my favorite food. But recently especially these two years, everybody is talking about healthy food, eating healthy, don't touch junk food. I feel like a rebel fighting the whole world. Well, I think I am addicted to junk food and it may not be possible for me to quit.

Anyhow, I started to wonder why I can still survive with junk food. The only explanation is that I eat a lot of fruit and vegetables and I exercise. Except all the junk food, I love fruit, my number one favorite, vegetables and exercise. Somehow they make up a little bit my bad eating habit.

You want to live longer? I think it's more practical to live happily with a smiley face and clearer mind. Fruit, vegetables and exercise is my advice. If I can't convince you, just remember fruit and exercise can never be wrong.

Trini

It's in My Blood

Ref. http://tw.image.search.yahoo.com/search/images?fr=yfp&ei=UTF-8&p=blood+type

There are four members in my family. All of us are blood type B. Every day we point at each other pushing our blood up to make our face bloody red and our head like a bomb on the brink of explosion. To stay away from a possible WWIII, I joined T/Ms. It really helped me excel, and I found the best in me. My T/Ms friends say that I am cheerful, energetic and passionate. In another words, I am noisy, showy and excitable.

Why do I act this way? The explanation lies in my blood. Blood type is what I am talking about and what we should do for a better interaction. A, AB, B & O. These simple four letters divide us into four big groups. They decide our personality. Maybe I have put it a little bit simple and there are some other factors included to make each one of us unique. Good or bad? It’s not up to us and our blood types stick to us the whole life that if you want to change your personality, it would like changing our parents or changing our blood! Can we? It's absolutely out of the question! The only solution is there are ways we can learn

Back to my personality, some characteristics are pleasant like optimistic, lively and flexible, and some are simply annoying. No matter how hard I try to oppress them sometimes, they would just jump out unexpectedly that ruins all the reputation I have gained over time like elegant, graceful and amiable, and return to the shallow and pushy woman I was.

Take a good look of how noisy, showy and excitable I can be. I’m noisy like a chatty bird that don't know when to stop; I am showy to prove I'm more confident, not shy anymore; excitable? I can fight just for a free cookie! Talking about food I really feel frustrated. Do you know that in general people of blood type B is crazy about food? I especially! Don't ever put food in front of me if you don't want me to enjoy it. If you pay attention, you will find me always standing by the food with my mouth full. I was humiliated all the time when I was small. My uncles always made fun of me using bananas to lure me to speak as if I were a monkey.

I believe some of you find these characteristics annoying because your blood type doesn't approve them. We can be friends, but probably not close friends. Some people just don't get along together because their blood types contradict each other. B and AB may drive each other nuts, they are the most incompatible types. The best solution for them is applying positive thinking and encouraging words. A and O are ideal for AB.

These two years I’ve used blood type for ref. to study my students. At the beginning of this semester, while getting to know my students I realized I was wrong about a lot of things that I was so sure of. For instance people with Blood type B is just a little bit more than blood type AB, in some classes, even less. "O" is the most popular blood type, then A. In a class "A" is even more
than "O". When two students kept fighting or dislike each other, I would check their blood type to see the possible explanation.

Today, the situation has changed for me. I no longer worry about my weakness. With friendly people like T/Ms, I can feel comfortable with my personality. Especially after I made some lady friends who are either type "O" or "B", I no longer feel helpless. Blood type O people are decisive, eloquent, generous, and humorous with a lot of more lovely features. All these features help blood type B people relax and make them feel at ease. With blood type compatible people like my lady friends, I can just be me. Every minute with them is a blessing. I enjoy a blast, a pleasant chat, a fun gathering and especially when they all share their food with me.

Knowing me knowing you is the best we can do. Knowing others blood type helps us interact with them. My family is happy now that I pick on them less and less. Whatever is in our blood, we can always enjoy it as long as we can simply adjust a little bit when necessary. Just tell me your blood type and let me deal with the rest! I’m blood type B. What’s yours?

Trini

My Very First Birthday Celebrated with Friends

It takes a long time to grow young. - Pablo Picasso
When I was young, I didn’t feel young, I was eager to grow older to be on my own. Maybe all children think this way. Now after my children became grown-ups, I gradually enjoyed my leisure life more and more and noticed a lot of things I overlooked before. I felt I was growing younger and younger and having my lady friends played an important role. How true it is that “Age is a matter of feeling, not of years” by Gerge William Curtis

This year, my lady friends insisted to celebrate my birthday though I tried hard to talk them out of it. I can’t explain why I didn’t feel like celebrating my birthday. Maybe I was trying to avoid the fact that I was one year older again? Or maybe I had been celebrated all my family members’ birthdays that I simply lost interest in celebrating mine?

A few days before my birthday Pamela brought it up again. All the goldies seemed determined to make it happen. What could I say? Well, thinking it from the other side, we got one more chance to get together while enjoying a nice meal. I better not disappoint them again.

Pamela booked a table at “糖朝” restaurant that serves Kontonese style food. I had tried the food there twice and loved it. DienSin is my most favorite food and they have a big variety of flavors for me to choose.

Kate, Gina, Irene, Lydia, Michelle and Pamela dressed up that night putting on their favorite clothes. Sherry couldn’t make it due to a T/Ms meeting. Linda was still on her long leave from goldies. Still, we had a blast. The restaurant is full of classic Chinese culture, the food was scrumptious, the waitress were professional, and the atmosphere at the restaurant was just right for us to make unavoidable chat noise and laughter. The only pity was that I forgot to bring my camera on this very exceptional day. I had to use my cell phone to take pictures which I must say not even close to satisfactory. Still they shows that everyone was joyous and smiling
happily.

We hanged on in the restaurant till the latest hour we could and were reluctant to leave. Upon saying good night to each other, I thanked all goldies from the bottom of my heart. This was the first time I celebrated my birthday with my lady friends, and it was truly a sweet and memorable treasure.

Trini

My Day

Do you believe in "a perfect day"? Have you ever experienced a perfect day? Today I finally felt it. When the day was half passed, I started to sense my light and cheerful heart. Everything went so smooth and pleasant that I couldn’t help but wonder, "can this be true and real? "

I was home late last night, strictly speaking, it was almost 1:00 a.m. when I arrived home. After a shower and replying to a few mails, I finally found my way to bed at 3:00 a.m. I prayed "Please no insomnia tonight". School opens on Monday, I desperately need to sleep well tonight and tomorrow night or I will suffer badly at my first day of class.
I knew I had it coming, I should live a more disciplined life. Why did I reply to those mails at such a late hour, why not do it after I sleep? You tell me!

When I woke up this morning, I felt quite refreshed. It was 9:30 a.m. Not bad, I had almost seven hours sleep! After washing, I started to think about the plan I made yesterday for the day. Go to school and finish changing my classroom. Go shopping for some fruit and food. After the impending typhoon fruit and food will definitely run short with price much higher. A blouse for the dance program, my dancing class is going to perform for the Moon Festival. Last week I went to school twice trying to finish moving, yet the teacher who was supposed to move first didn’t do anything and I could only move boxes that I packed to put them in a tiny area. Monday Aug. 29th is the last chance to have everything settled or how can I give classes?

Because of the advancing typhoon, the weather is cooler. We had some rain so I decided to use today, Sunday, to do the work. Before leaving home, I had a second thought. I said to myself, why not read an article or two to make this day more fulfilling. I did it, had a good lunch before I finally left home. When I walked in my new classroom, not surprisingly, I saw all the stuff belonging to that teacher was still there. Astonishingly I took it quite calm. There was nothing I could do except decide how I should classify and organize my stuff. A short while later, not surprisingly again, the teacher of the classroom arrived. Of course he would have to come today, or when else could he do the moving he should have done much sooner?

I tried to help him a little clearing up and moving out the stuff he didn’t need. Then I realized I should be doing my own job. Staying there would only make my schedule worse, so I left and went to shop fruit and food. I was not upset at all, on the contrary I was delighted to leave knowing that the teacher’s finally doing his job. It was raining and showing the signs of of the typhoon. I went to fruit market instead of supermarket. I don’t like to buy fruit in the supermarket, most of the fruit there is not fresh to me. As I expected, quite a lot of people tried to replenish their fridge. The market was crowded. All the vendors were trying to clear out their goods before the typhoon arrived so that it won’t get rotten and wasted. The vendor of every stand I visited was nice and polite. They took the initiative to offer me a better price without my asking. What further surprised me was that every vendor, male or female, I visited call me “Beauty”. What’s wrong? Do I look different? No, I didn’t even put any foundation except very light lipstick. I couldn’t believe my ears. This has never happened before. Yes, occasionally a vendor would say it when they wish to sell their goods easily. But definitely not like this, they seemed to say it cheerfully. I got more fruit and food than I need and I was happy because I bought them for a good price.

Then I went to the street full of clothes shops. Hey!! I got a perfect parking place without wasting any time! I didn’t exactly get the blouse style I really wanted. Well, I had no more time to shop and had to compromise. Then I found a pair of beautiful shoes that I like very much. There were on sale because they were the only size left, the right size for me. I took them though I felt a little bit guilty. Just when I thought I was done with shopping and ready to leave, I saw a belt that would go well with the skirt I planned to wear. I stopped and took it without a second thought. After I paid for the belt, the shop owner, an old man, kindly offered to get me a bigger bag so that I could carry my stuff nicely. When he couldn’t find the right one behind the counter, he took the trouble to go upstairs to find me a real good one. I didn’t want to cause him trouble, yet he insisted and said the word I had heard three times already today, “Beauty”. I could tell that he was truly kind and sincere. I was so touched and impressed. I took and bag and thank him. It seemed that luck did not want to stop knocking at my door, he gave me another belt saying it’s free, on the house. I must have heard it wrong. No, I didn’t. I knew it didn’t cost much, but still a generous gesture that had almost never happened to me.

With two hands full of bags containing the merchandise I liked, I happily walked to my car. I had a very relaxing and enjoyable day. Not only had I not a slight worry at all in my heart, but also I had everything done very smoothly and pleasantly. I arrived at my car, threw the bags in. Then I noticed the number of the parking place my car parked – “66” -- the luckiest number according to Chinese auspicious superstition.

What else can I say for today?

Trini

Sherry’s Penthouse

I used to be obsessed with space. Having bigger room to move around in. I even managed to live with all of the extra housework. After I moved into my current small apartment closer to my school, it took me quite a while to adjust myself to the limited space. Gradually I even grow into it. I realized that small is good, too. The time saved on housework is comforting. Less spending on everything makes us trim down our desire. Furthermore the area I live in not only has better living function, but also much better traffic.

Today after seeing Sherry invested apartment in downtown, I was further convinced that small can be an advantage. The apartment is practically a penthouse. With A professional’s touch, it looks cozy and classic. We unanimously agreed that it was a wise investment, and congratulated Sherry on her smart decision. Her penthouse is located in the central downtown, yet quiet and modern with a wonderful view.

Michelle, Kate, Lydia, Pamela and I were the five who made it to Sherry’s Penthouse. Sherry has a cabinet full of beers. We played a new kind of chess, cards while chatting. It was different from our usual gatherings, except that we had fun as always. We had quite some refreshments besides dinner. The special kind of refreshment was made and brought by Pamela, homemade cookies and brownie. They won over everyone’s stomach.

How time flew? Before we realized it, it was over midnight. Since most of the ladies had to go home, the slumber party originally proposed didn’t happen. Well, maybe next time when we have a right timing and more energy to do it.

I must thank Sherry for creating such an unexpected surprise and fun.

Trini

A Lion King's Birthday

Our birthdays are feathers in the broad wing of time. - Jean Paul Richter

Harry, a T/M, a great leader, a powerful man, and most importantly Lydia’s husband; celebrated his 60- year-old birthday last night. It was a very touching and successful birthday party. All the T/Ms from the Legacy T/Ms club, some special guests from the Galaxy T/Ms club, family friends, and Golden Ladies were all there to give their best wishes to Harry and bring excitement to the party.

Lydia, the dearest wife, spared no efforts in planning, organizing an unforgettable and superb Birthday for Harry. Sherry, our idea queen, offered input from time to time till the party was finally on. All the other goldies arrived a few hours in advance to help decorate and with displays. Even Kate’s daughter Angela and her friend came to help. But most importantly I believe was Lydia and Harry’s son and daughter-in-law, a handsome couple, were there to help and greet all the guests. I felt sorry that I couldn’t be there earlier due to my family gathering for my son’s new job.

Virginia our most admirable photographer made herself available especially to take wonderful pictures for Harry’s birthday. Goldies ad some extra special shots again. Can’t say thanks enough to her.

Before all the guests from T/Ms arrived, the refreshments were well set, the hall was well decorated and beautiful hostess Lydia was beautifully dressed and looked stunning. All the refreshments look so luring, yet I could only try a few due to my already-full stomach.

James from Legacy T/Ms Club was the mater/emcee for the party. His unique style and humor created an exciting and interactive atmosphere at the party. The sentimental PPT Lydia made touched everyone especially Harry. Goldies’ best wishes from the bottom of our heart were also shown by PPT. We performed a clogging dance that we had practiced for about a month to cheer Harry and all the guests. We slipped a few steps probably because of the limited and slippery dancing floor which told us more practice together was necessary.

Time flies especially when we are having fun. It was getting really late. We gave our best wishes one last time and said good night to the happy birthday couple. Next big event of the year will be Lydia’s birthday party. Harry said he is going to throw a big surprising party for Lydia. How surprising? Let’s wait and see.

Party pictures taken by Virginia:
https://picasaweb.google.com/vlee1009/110805Harry60#
Here are some words from goldies afterwards:
You made Harry a proud father and husband this evening! I really like the take away gifts (two big auspicious buns). It is very Chinese! It is very thoughtful! - Sherry, Lady LaLa

Dear Lady Cha Cha, Your honey praised you a lot when you were not with us. He loves the PowerPoint clips that you made by yourself. To be a hostess, it is really tough job making so much arrangement. It was a wonderful and enjoyable party that I ever attended. Thanks for the opportunity to enable to show to dance and to wild. Did you give your honey a special gift last night? Cha-Cha or Cha? Ha-Ha- – Irene, Lady HuaHua

昨晚妳真是讓Harry很感動哦!因為他說在你11月生日時也要給妳一個大驚喜的Party. 我們都玩得很盡興很開心.雙喜壽桃,白裡透紅,粉嫩粉嫩,更是讓人愛不釋手. 再次謝謝你與Harry. 祝福你們全家 喜樂! 平安! - Linda, Lady HaHa

August Birthday Star – Michelle, my belle

Among all the goldies, Michelle is the first one who celebrates birthday every year. It’s coincident and interesting to think that all the goldies were born in the second half of the year.

Michelle chose the restaurant “NASSAS” for her birthday gathering. The food they serve is just my kind of food. On that night, there was also a band to perform beginning at 9:30 p.m. Chatting plus a band, it must be great fun. I brought all the wigs that we are going to use at Harry’s birthday for every lady to try on and to add variety and more fun for the gathering.. Harry is Lydia’s husband and the past District 67Governor. Indeed the wigs created a fun session for photo purpose. As usual, Sherry posed at every possible corner to take exotic pictures. The rest of us were ignited to follow suit though not that wild. I guess we were the most noisy and exciting table in the restaurant.

The band stepped on the stage at 9:30 and about time to sing a birthday song, blow out the candles and cut the cake. I asked the band to sing the song “Michelle”. It was a pity that they didn’t know the song, but luckily they had the music notes and played it for us. What do you know! From that instant, the atmosphere further heated up and went wild. We got the privilege to pick songs for the band to sing for us, they even invited us to sing along. The gathering turned into a party! Most of the customers left, the front area was completely for us. We danced, too, of course.

Seeing Michelle so happy, I hoped it was the happiest birthday she has ever had. I’d like to give my best wishes here again to Michelle:

“Wish you all the best in life, and may all your dreams come true!”

Trini