Exploring Delights and Wonders in Life

Something Nice

2011-09-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-06T04:39:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-03T06:03:00.000-07:00

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

Shall We Dance?

2011-05-23T18:53:00.000-07:00

I like dancing, and I enjoy dancing. It's one of my favorite things. Then why after all these years I’m still in level one? There’s a good explanation. Learning all the dance steps and flowing grace requires time, and a compatible dancing partner is too hard to find. These make it more difficult for a woman like me who has a busy job and a family to attend to. Every time after a few lessons, I was forced to stop because of other obligations.

Why dance intrigues me? I love music, I love beautiful songs. When beautiful music is on, my heart and my body fly, they want to feel the rhythm. When I dance, my heart sings and I’m happy. Worries or pressure seem so far away. That’s why Whenever I saw people dance beautifully and gracefully, my heart is intrigued and my legs want to prance or shiver with excitement.

Can you imagine that I was awkward at dancing especially with ballet when I was small? My mom sent my sister and me to a dance class even though we could only live from hand to mouth. I don’t know if it was because my muscles developed slowly or because my sister was an excellent dancer that I felt frustrated compared with her. I disappointed my mom and quit the lessons.

Many years later after I entered the college, I found it was easy for me to pick up steps that students danced at that time. Dancing soothed me and helped me liberate myself. Yet I stopped going to parties later because I didn’t like the atmosphere very much and also because I met my boy friend who had two left legs.

Numerous years passed. Just when I was about to give up the hope of dancing, I met my lady friends who also like to dance. We motivate each other to explore the dance world. With Sherry and Linda’s coaching I even tried Japanese dance, the dance that I never even dreamed of doing. Among all of us Lydia is the best ball room dancer. Irene focuses on line- dance. Now it becomes routine for her to show us some new steps whenever we get together. Pamela arranged a few Jitterbug classes for us to learn from her husband. After all these pleasant experiences, I found it almost impossible for me to give up dancing.

But what about all the obstacles? In order to have more options, I began to practice the male part of leading the dance. Everybody says dancing lead is much more difficult than female part and I have to learn all over again. That is not entire true and I believe I can handle it. By dancing the male part, I can always find a partner because male dancers are welcome everywhere. After a few months practice I finally made a difference. At the housewarming party I, as the male dancer, tried my awkward steps with my lady friends.

Surprisingly my lady friends put up with me nicely, they even enjoyed my lead.
It built up my confidence. I shall keep pursuing my dancing dream. I take Lydia my role model. One day I can proudly say “Shall we dance? Or “May I have the next dance?”

Trini

My Housewarming Party

2011-05-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

It’s hard to believe that I just had my housewarming party. I’ve moved several times in my life, never once felt excited about it. They were all for practical reasons and I moved with little notice. This time I couldn’t keep a low profile. My ladies friends were happy for me because I’m finally moving back close to town. Everyone was curious about my new apartment and new environment, so I held a housewarming party. It took me almost three months to finally get everything settled down. Three months of non-stop packing, planning, moving and unpacking. Finally it was time for me to relax a little bit.

We set the date more than a month head so that all the goldies can make it. Still, there was no guarantee everything would go our way. Michelle couldn’t fly back on the scheduled day from her business trip as she planned, She was going to miss the gathering. You see? Murphy’s Law! We felt very sorry when receiving her e-mail. Yet, my instinct told me that things might change at the last moment, it’s Murphy’s Law! What do you know? Michelle did work every possible way to fly home on Saturday to join us for the evening program. She missed the exciting Karaoke part, still we were all deeply touched and welcomed her with wide open arms.

Sherry, Irene, and Pamela arrived first. Lydia and Linda came second. When Kate, Gina and her friend from afar Vita arrived, we had finished lunch and moved to the Karaoke room. Everyone bought something good to eat though I reminded them not to. With good snacks, drinks and numerous songs, we almost blew the roof off.

Linda and Sherry had to leave before Michelle arrived for a wedding banquet. Sherry would return for the slumber party and see Michelle. Michelle arrived before six. We had another exciting chat with some new topics while having dinner. It’s about 10:30 p.m., nobody wanted to leave before Sherry returned from the banquet. When Sherry finally showed up, we had another blast laughing and taking photos.

Only Pamela and Sherry can stay overnight. Michelle having been away on business trip needed to be with her husband. Others had programs early next morning. So we called it a day.

Pamela and I walked Gina, Irene, Kate, Lydia, Michelle and Vita out. To our big surprise, we couldn’t find Lydia’s car. What happened? It was towed! How could that happen? It was a narrow alley next to our reception area. This had never happened before. It was my fault and I hoped my negligence didn’t make their husbands worry. It took us quite a long driving back and force to the tow station to finally had the car released. Luckily we had each other’s company to deal with it together. We even joked and laughed about it.

Sherry was home alone. Well, I knew it was perfectly alright with her as long as she has a book in hand.

When Pamela and I arrived home, it was midnight. We were still wild awake. After taking a shower we continued our chat and took some more photos before we hit the sack. Women!

I don’t know when we fell asleep. It doesn’t matter. We had a wonderful time. Pamela left shortly after we got up the next morning. Moses came to pick her up. Sherry and I kept spending our day together having breakfast, watching movies, taking a stroll on the oldest street of the town, enjoying the snacks sold by the street vendors and eateries until it was 5:00 p.m. Wow, how did all the time pass?

After sending Sherry off, I sighed, “I made it, I finally made it!’ It was an enjoyable party. Everybody seemed happy and excited. As for me? I’m going to have my new life at the new place. Hope my family loves it, too.

T/Ms meetings - Murphy's Law Is Everywhere

2011-05-12T00:28:00.000-07:00

This blog hasn't been managed for some time. So why not put the meeting minutes I wrote for my club here.

............
Tonight was a night full of surprises, wonders and flexibility. Murphy’s law played tricks on our meeting. Yet, team work and T/Ms spirit prevailed, and we had another enjoyable meeting like always.

Surprises? Robert brought six or seven of his colleagues to the meeting. They really helped warm up the atmosphere. For the first time in many months we had four speakers and they all showed up and fulfilled their assignments.

Wonders? Quite a few meeting roles were open. Before the meeting, we had two assignments untaken. When the meeting started, GE hadn’t showed up because of her job. The attendance rate was a bit low. The club President Randolph went to get the agenda and meeting material from his office realizing that VPE Grace couldn’t come. It took him only seventeen Minutes, almost impossible during traffic hours, to get to the venue just in time to take over the opening given by acting President in time. Murphy tried.

Flexibility? Shortly before the meeting, all the meeting roles were finally filled up. Some members had to take two meeting roles. Debbie was asked to host the Table Topics Session besides being the Variety Session Master. Ray was both the Ah counter and the Vote counter. I myself, the GE took kind of three meeting roles, too, acting President, Language and General Evaluation. Murphy did it again.

The other important factors that made tonight’s meeting successful were:

1. A romantic theme “Romantic” generated interest and sharing from the audience. Carl and Randolph’s sharings were beautiful and touching. The 1st love was too good to forget; to be real romantic one has to do double what the beloved one expects.
2. Besides setting the beautiful theme of the meeting, TME Carl did a good preparation to ensure interesting introduction and smooth transition.
3. Variety session and Table topics masters Debby Ho did a wonderful job in creating laughter and
Threw questions related to daily lives to get both members and guests to comment on the topics.
4. Four manual speeches given by Marc Liang, Jamie Liu, Jo Shih and Larry Lee made tonight’s meeting truly educational and informative.
5. For senior members John Wen, Randolph Chiang, Mike yang and Choi Chang, give truly practical and helpful evaluations.

At last, I must say together we tied the bolts and nuts precisely to make the fruitful and enjoyable meeting possible no matter how hard Murphy had tried. By Trini Ding, DTM

The Royal Wedding

2011-05-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

"Fairy tales are experienced by their hearers and readers, not as realistic, but as symbolic poetry." ~Max Luthi
The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine/Kate Middleton was broadcast live around the world. Still probably over a million people gathered at Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace to witness the wedding of the century in person. Even I by myself watched the live and video coverage over and over again.

Picture source: news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//110429/481/urn_publi...d49dbba2f/

Because of the time difference, the wedding ceremony took place our evening time and it was perfect for me to watch it on TV at home. The day before the wedding, I took it simply as a world event, nothing special. After the news clips were played repeatedly, it successfully aroused my curiosity and attention to the point that I left my TV on soon after I arrived home. After the live broadcast of the wedding, I continued surfing from one channel to another to watch the repeated news. I was addicted to it. Was I manipulated by the media?

I started to ponder on it. Why it made such impact on people around the world? What does it mean? How did it successfully draw the world's attention from other events? My interpretation on this Century Wedding is given from three perspectives; dream, fantasy and fairy tale.

It's like a beautiful dream or a fantasy comes true. All girls have their dream of meeting the love of their life who is both rich and handsome, and having a beautiful wedding, wearing the most beautiful gown. Boys dream of a beautiful and sweet girl. right? In reality, it happens to a very few people that possess just one or two of these elements. But it happens! So hold your dreams or whatever fantasy you have, it may be realized one day. Have hope, your dreams may come true.

Fairy tale - Among all those limited countries that still have their royal families to signify the glory of history, The Great Britain is the strongest, most powerful and most significant one. All the members of the royal family still receive a great attention from the world. Their weddings look sacred, holy and grandiose that there's no any other wedding no matter how luxurious can compare. The tear-jerking love stories of princes and princess exist in all fairy tales. The love story between Prince William and Kate was full of dramatic effect, too. In addition Prince William has shown the world his strength and softness besides his charisma, Kate Middleton represents confident and charming modern women. They are like match in heaven.

All in all, the Royal Wedding seems the most exciting and stimulating event at this time of trouble. My best wishes to the royal couple. Wish they live happily and peacefully ever after.

Trini

An Another Day of diverse delights

2011-04-30T07:44:00.000-07:00

District 67 Spring Conference didn’t really end on Sunday, April 24th. There were three more speeches given by past International President Ms. Jana Barnhill in Taichung, Kaohsiung and Taipei respectively. It has become a tradition that every year after the Conference, the District arranges for the International speakers to stay a few more days and present additional speeches and workshops for the benefit of local Toastmasters. If I can I’d attend for at least one more eloquently delivered speech held in Taipei.

I was glad that I made it again this time. It was held at MOFA T/Ms Club at 3:00 P.M. The speech title was "Why communication is so important and relative to career diplomats" and it was aimed at speaking to present and future diplomats.

My last class finished at noon. After finishing school work, it was still early. So I planned to run some errands first. Yet the unbearable heat made driving in the sun quite a torture. I had to turn around and headed for MOFA directly. There was only two T/Ms sitting there when I stepped into the venue. Shortly before the program started, people rushed in. All of a sudden, the atmosphere became warm and exciting. Jana accompanied by District officers looked refreshed and stunning still despite her busy schedule over the past week.

I listened attentively while admiring Jana's spirit and passion. Through a forty minutes speech, she demonstrated fluency, eloquence, power and authority. We witnessed what a credited speaker is like. She skillfully linked T/Ms skills to the qualities diplomats need to develop and possess. I am a person with a short attention span and often set off to absent minded roaming during a long speech. Listening to her speech was so enjoyable and pleasant that my attention was fully captured throughout her speech. She was so right; for a good speech, no matter how many times we have listened to it, we can always perceive something new every time we hear it. I had to leave soon after the speech as my daughter was waiting outside for me. We had another program. When leaving the MOFA building, I signed, "D67 Spring Conference officially curtains down.”

Immediately we were off to visit the Taipei Flora Expo. It officially closed on Monday. Surprisingly for the rest of the week, teachers and volunteer workers were granted admittance to enjoy one final day there. I had been at the Flora Expo three times already. Each time I went, I saw a large number of changes. I believe that is the reason the number of visitors increased every day.
Before entering the Expo, we had dinner at a popular restaurant to get ready for a long walk. The food was exceptionally good and it energized us. This time we saw no crowd, no waiting lines. Still I was amazed there were so many visitors. Angela and I took all the time we had strolling in the garden and taking photos. The feelings were definitely different from before

To my surprise, I ran into a young teacher friend who I spent four summers with while studying in the States for my master’s degree. We took a photo together to record the moment.

I had dance class that night, and I planned to skip it. Seeing that I could catch the last 20 – 30 minutes of class to say hello, I asked Angela to accompany me. I surprised my classmates by arriving so late, shortly before the class was over. Yet they were very happy to see me and gave me a big welcome. Everything turned out perfect.

What a fulfilling day I thought! I was a little bit tired, yet was happy for the delight I had throughout the day..

Trini

Make Impact and Inspire

2011-04-26T01:36:00.001-07:00

After fifteen years of T/Ms membership, I loose count of how many times I have attended the District 67 Spring Conference. Its benefits and value is definite, but I had to miss some. Time is always not enough. This time, I am glad that I made it because it revitalized my passion in T/Ms and I feel lucky that I’m still part of it.

Strange to say that whenever the thought of cutting my T/Ms activities came to me, something refreshing emerged and pulled me back. It’s not easy to stay active and passionate all the time for a senior member like me who has a busy job and so many other delights to pursue.

The 2011 District 67 Spring Conference was a great success. It was coordinated by three Divisions; Div. C under the leadership of William Lee, Div. H under the leadership of Tim Wang, and Div. J. under the leadership of Steven Chuang. Even if there were a few flaws which I didn’t pay attention to, they were definitely insignificant comparing to all the thoughtful arrangements and quality programs. It showed great team work. Just name a few that I witnessed and experienced:

1. The location was perfect; the building is an obvious landmark, the traffic is convenient for everyone.
2. The venue was spacious and easy to spot; the flags and reception area were right in front of us after entering the main gate or getting out of the elevators. The crowds of people were a clear sign of where you should head for.
3. Helpful and smiling student ambassadors were at every corner to guide us or answer our questions.
4. A thoughtfully arranged booth of T/Ms material was placed right opposite to the main hall. Interested T/Ms could get the material they need with a more favorable rate.
5. Comfortable resting area
6. Rich and scrumptious refreshments were plenty enough for everyone.
7. The session hosts skillfully created very cheerful and exciting atmosphere.
8. Experienced professional keynote speakers and Workshop trainers; Jana Barnhill, past International President, DTM, Mr. Keith Ostergard, Region 13 Director of TI presented highly inspiring speeches and Excellent workshops.
9. Remarkable and extremely competitive Table Topics and International Speech Contests captured every listener’s full attention. They simply took my breath away!
10. Touching appreciation closing ensured a perfect ending. It was the very moment that we the China T/Ms Club members felt especially proud of District 67 Governor Mike Yang, DTM, also a member of the club, who leads District 67 to soar to a new height.

What I enjoyed the most was the inspiring and informative speeches and workshops given by the past International President Jana Barnhill. Keith Ostergard was great, too, definitely. Yet while speaking on the stage Jana Barnhill, Seemingly a small exquisite lady, demonstrated incompatible strength and amazing tenderness at the same time that seem so contradictory yet harmoniously weaved together. Her inspiring speeches did inspire me and made great impact on me. She’s the exact role model for all of us especially female T/Ms. She also struck me awake that I should keep moving, practicing and improving. Stay passionate and positive. The journey of learning should never end. Along with all the T/Ms friends, goldies Sherry and Michelle were also there to ensure every minute was fruitful and exciting.

I was involved a little bit in the Conference especially being a small screw in the chorus. Persuaded by Sherry, we goldies except Pamela and Linda joined the chorus of 100 people to open the dinner party. It was not only to glorify the District 67 Spring Conference, but also congratulate the country on its 100 anniversary. It was a brand new and precious experience for me.

How wonderful it is that I am a member of T/Ms. Seeing it continue to grow and expand make me feel proud of it. Friends help friends succeed! How true it is!

Trini
https://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/2011D67SpringConference?authkey=Gv1sRgCPf1lfqGqIqejQE# From Sherry Album

My Journey to Becoming a Distinguished T/M

2011-04-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Rome was built by improving itself each and every day. - Author unknown

I was invited by the World Mosaic T/Ms Club to deliver a DTM's ice breaker speech. Since I finished the script, I thought why not share it with more T/Ms? Hope by delivering the speech I can help persuade more T/Ms set attaining The Distinguised T/M recognition their goal.

Please lend me your ears.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day.” I’d like to say, “A DTM is not made in a day".
"Haste makes waste, slow and steady wins the race" may often be true, but may not be ideal for Toastmaster members who seek to improve effectively. Actually being overly casual in T/Ms may often leads to lack of improvement, loss of interest and ultimately resignation of membership.

Tonight I’m going to talk about my journey to becoming a Distinguished T/M. Why did I join T/Ms? How and how long did it take me to attain the DTM recognition? What I gained in T/Ms? What has kept attracting me to stay in this big family?

I used to listen to ICRT while driving to work and back home. One day in 1996 I heard the host say Toastmasters provided a good environment for people who would like to enhance their English speaking skills. I was not very concerned about leadership I was only interested in strengthening my English language capabilities. My children were growing up and they didn’t need my full time attention, my job was becoming stagnate and I felt like I was on a dead end road, I had the urge to improve and accomplish. I needed to make a change in my life and a breakthrough with my career. I summoned up my courage and made a few phone calls. I visited three Toastmaster meetings before I chose the China Club Toastmasters to join because of its quality meetings and friendly atmosphere.

At the first meetings I was a little mouse in the corner. I had never been an aggressive person, and this was the first social group I had joined. I didn’t know what coaches were for, and my quiet personality stopped me from asking. I was just attending meetings regularly as I needed the practice and training. I took whatever assignment given to me and I strove to do my best. Eight months passed, it was time for election of the new officer team. My regular attendance and responsible attitude received the club officers’ attention. I was recruited into the new club officer team. It changed my Toastmasters life drastically. Suddenly I was involved in the club affairs; regular officer meetings, frequent phone calls with my club members and more speaking opportunities. I took an officer role year after year. I made more and more Toastmaster friends, I became more open and more active. Receiving recognitions one after another was meant to happen according to T/Ms training program. My career soared, too. Three years after I joined T/Ms, I dared to take a higher position job as manager. It was all because of the confidence I built in T/Ms. Another three years later, I switched my sales job in business field to educational field and became a teacher. It was a family call. I made it with no sweat at all thanks to my T/Ms training.

How did I attain my DTM recognition? What am I doing? I simply followed the two tracks that T/Ms designed; communication and leadership tracks and executed them. IN 2004 after I finished my service as AC2 governor and High performance leadership, I got my DTM recognition. I said to myself enough office role for me because of my job. Yet approaches kept coming that I agreed to take Div. C Governor role three years later.

I’m a living example of how effectively and successfully T/Ms works for people. In addition to confidence, I made a lot of wonderful friends, I embrace challenges and I’m not a quiet mouse anymore. You may call me a chatting bird, DTM’s weakness. Actually it may work better and faster with you if you act a little more aggressive and active than I did. Right now the mentor system works much better, and more and practical officer trainings help new T/Ms get a better picture of how T/Ms works for us. In addition, there are a lot more advantages we can benefit from it like friendship, better job and promotion, even your Mr. or Ms. Right. too. How much we can benefit from T/Ms depends on how much work we do and efforts we make.

I haven’t given any speeches lately. I’ve become lazy as an old house cat. So I thank you for the little push today. Actually DTM should be another beginning for me. "When we stop improving, we stop being good." No, Rome wasn’t built in a day, Rome was built by improving itself each and every day. After reaching one peak, I must try a new one, after accomplishing one challenge, I must look for another. I have several pictures in my mind; a second DTM and probably District office again after I retire . I am sure I will stick to T/Ms as long as my health doesn’t fail me.

Trini Ding, DTM

國際演講會帶給我喜和樂

2011-04-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

The biggest event "2011 Spring Conference" of District 67 Toastmasters International is around the corner. Grand T/Ms Club is in charge of the Journal of Spring Con. Sherry, being a popular T/M and a member of the club, was invited to write an article for the journal. Before we knew it, Sherry got all goldies involved in the article by asking all of us to contribute a paragraph to complete the article. In less than two days, we had it done. Here it goes:

To Golden Ladies Toastmasters with Love

人生的道路會在那裡轉彎，誰也無法預測！成為黃金女郎一族！是個偶然、也是個必然！近朱者赤、近墨者黑。黃金女郎個個金光閃閃、艷麗照人，讓我的生命更精彩、更多姿、更幸福！中華民國演講會的黃金女郎們，亦師、亦友，總是愛相隨、隨傳隨到，我愛妳們！

Golden ladies Toastmasters don’t have time growing old, but growing up in Toastmasters till the day we expire. ~Sherry Li 李向慈, ATM-B, Grand Toastmasters Club

Except family and office, Toastmasters provides me a place to release pressure and grow with fun. At home, I am a chatting wife; in office, I am a serious C.O.O. After joining Toastmasters, I became a happy and charming woman, who is a real me. Toastmasters are all well-trained evaluators. They are all good at praising and encouraging each other. I enjoy this advantage very much. Moreover, members who joined Toastmasters are all educated and studious. So, it’s a right way to make friends from Toastmasters. To me, one of the biggest harvests I have earned from being a Toastmaster is to have 7 Golden Fairies from Toastmasters as my sisters enjoying the vivid and beautiful life together.

除了家庭和職場，中華民國演講協會提供了我另一個地方，讓我可以釋放壓力，又可以快樂高興的成長。在家裡，我是個嘮叨的老婆；在辦公室，我是個嚴肅的營運長。參加演講會之後，我變成一個快樂又有魅力的女人。這個才是真正的我啊！在演講會的會友都被訓練的成為很好的講評員。大家都很會互相讚美和鼓勵。這點我非常喜歡、也常陶醉其中。另外，在演講會裡的會友，都是教育程度相當而且具有上進心的。所以，這是一個交朋友的好地方。對我來説，參加中華民國演講協會最大的收穫之一是我找到了黃金仙子作姊妹，大家一起享受多采多姿的美麗人生。~ Michelle Liu 劉清痕, ATM-B, Legacy Toastmasters Club 薪傳演講會

我的人生在接觸國際演講會和國劇後才像蓓蕾般逐漸綻放光輝。演講會成員的學習態度，優質會議，及熱心服務的精神令人感動。國劇演員對藝術的堅持也叫人動容。不論在哪裡遇見Toastmasters 的會員，就像在表演劇場遇到熟面孔ㄧ樣，馬上有共同的話題。演講和國劇同樣是表演藝術，均包括聲調、面部表情、眼神、肢體語言、故事性等等元素，只不過平劇的動作較為誇張。參與二者的活動對自我呈現有互補作用。自參加演講會後，我學到的不僅是演講的技巧，更結交許多對平劇有興趣的朋友。揪團ㄧ起欣賞國劇，表演結束後來杯咖啡，運用演講會講評技巧，每人提出賞後觀感，觀察力、審美力、及表現力都獲得進步，人生多麼美好啊。
Like a bud blossoms, my life has become rich and colorful since I joined Toastmasters and got involved in Chinese opera activities. The attitude of learning, the quality of the meetings and the spirit of service that Toastmasters have set a good example for me. The persistence of Chinese Opera performers also has touched my heart. Wherever I meet a Toastmaster, it’s like seeing a familiar face in the audience of Chinese Opera performance. Both making speeches and Chinese Opera are fascinating performance arts that require the same elements – story, vocal variety, eye contact, hand gestures, etc., but the body movements of Chinese opera is more exaggerated. I have met many Chinese Opera fans in the Toastmasters. We go to Chinese opera shows together in addition to regular TM meetings. The coffee time after the show is the highlight of the event. Everyone gives his/her opinions about the show by using the evaluation skills we learnt from the Toastmasters. Our observational, aesthetic, and presentation abilities are hence improved. What a wonderful life it is by participating in the Toastmasters and Chinese Opera!
~ Kate Hsu許蓓輝, Prestige T/Ms Club

說話技巧的進步，突破說英文的障礙以及結識傑出的朋友，讓我的生活更多彩多姿，這是我參加Toastmasters Club最大的收穫。我所參加的社團中(女企業家聯誼會、紳士協會、扶輪社與T/Ms Club等) T/Ms Club 是我的最愛。因為我在這裡不但在語言及領導能力自我成長，更重要的是還交到一群好朋友-黃金女郎Golden Ladies。我們不只是吃喝玩樂的好伙伴，更是互相學習的好對象。黃金女郎的成員個個都是獨力性很強的現代女性，不同的個性及專長讓我們在相處時展現互補的效率。而且身為一個Toastmaster,當然在聚會時分享T/Ms Magazine讀後心得是絕對是少不了的。朋友們!加入中華民國國際演講協會Toastmasters International將是你一生中最正確的選擇。
~ Linda Tseng曾玉玲, Excellence T/Ms Club

個性不同特質不同的眾女子因Toastmasters 緣分而成為相知、相惜的好朋友及好姊妹。相同的是我們都有著一顆年輕、熱情的心及強烈的求知慾。除了愛熱鬧、愛助人，我們也愛自己。有人說人生最幸福的事是能和心愛的人一起慢慢變老。雖說我們的願望是個笑話(在此賣個關子)，但是我們衷心的期盼大夥十年二十年後依然擁有健康的身體，一起讀Toastmasters雜誌，一起在Toastmasters大會台上跳舞唱歌。
~ Pamela Yang 楊克平, Galaxy Toastmasters Club

因為參加演講會而擴張了我的境界，像跳出了井底的小青蛙，世界變得又大又亮。最讓我珍惜的是 Golden Ladies的友誼。一群來自不同演講會的美女從每個月一次的美食讀書會開始而相知相惜；一起學踢踏舞、一起看戲、一起爬山、通宵歡笑的睡衣 party、出國旅行 ..... 。姊妹們不但有許多共同的愛好，而且能夠互相欣賞進而彼此學習各個人的長處和才藝，我們的生活也因此更加多采多姿! I love Golden Ladies!
~ Lydia Lin林麗莉,青企台語 YMIC T/Ms Club

My toastmasters journal began to soar after I met my lady friends. After being a member of T/Ms for so many years, it was really a blast having them come into my life. Every thing we do, even having a simple cup of coffee is three times more enjoyable when we do it together. Likewise we can turn a simple reading into an enchanting program full of variety, learning, and enjoyment. All of us come from different clubs, amazing, isn’t it? Yet, it makes our getting together not always easy. Still when a good course comes, we’d all strive to take advantage of the opportunity. Time flies with the speed of light when we are together and I always look forward to our next gathering with special anticipation. It gives me great pleasure to say that next to my family, my lady friends are the only ones that always have the charm to cheer me up. ~ Trini Ding丁海華, DTM, The China T/Ms Club

Photos https://picasaweb.google.com/azenng/BridgeTaiwanStrait#5351504998046357490
Blogs: http://taipeitm.blogspot.com/
http://taipeitmtrini.blogspot.com/2011/04/blog-post.html

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A Warm Sunny Spring Break Gathering

2011-04-05T20:40:00.000-07:00

Tomb Sweeping Day plus Children’s Day right after the weekend brought us a four-day holiday. So, it came to my mind that besides all of our family reunions, there may be a possibility for us lady friends to have fun together. Even if just for a couple of hours. I knew that it was just a wild shot due to the last minute notice, the long distance, and traffic problem to my new apartment. The whole idea came from Sherry’s proposal for an outing on April 9th to try out her plan-to-buy new camera. I could not make it on that day as I had accepted an invitation for Div. G Speech and Table Topics contest. When realizing that the outing was not going to take place, I thought some of us might be able to spare some time Saturday afternoon for a small gathering instead. Pamela would be on her business trip soon so there is no better time than now. Meanwhile, everyone would have the chance to get a clear idea of where I live.

What a pleasant surprise! Seven including me made it. Kate didn’t plan to attend at first as she already had two activities. Sweet and considerate Lydia convinced Kate to join us. Lydia also generously offered a ride for those who needed. Ladies came from different directions and arrived at different time. What I didn’t expect was the terrible traffic because of the Tomb Sweeping Day. It took Pamela who lives nearest to my home, more than one hour to arrive instead of 15 min. Still she was the 1st to arrive. Or strictly speaking, Sherry was the first to arrive, when I don’t know as she was having lunch with her husband before coming to meet us. When Pamela arrived, it was time for me to pick up Michelle and Irene at the MRT station. I was surprised by the heavy traffic jam even though I had heard it from Pamela a few minutes before. Fortunately, it was just a short distance that Michelle and Irene didn’t have to wait long. While waiting for Lydia, Kate, and Sherry, we four went for lunch and enjoyed a good chat while eating. Sherry, Lydia and Kate arrived at the same time. Seven, seven is definitely a good number. We seven had a very stimulatingly singing afternoon.

My plan was:
1. 12:45 – 1:15 A tour of the apartment buildings and its vicinity.
2. 1:15 – 15:00 Coffee break/lunch and chat
3. 15:00 - 17:00 Karaoke, sing and chat
4. 17:00 - 18:30 go for a walk on the trails.
5. 18:30 - dinner for those who can stay longer

So, we did item 1 and 2 in a reverse way. We strolled a little bit in the patio, sat in the reception room, and took some photos. Karaoke was a blast. We sang so loud that we almost blew off the roof, we danced so blissfully and ate to our limit that we got fully carried away.

Programs 4 and 5 were not fulfilled as Lydia had to visit her mom, Michelle had to play badminton, Kate had a Yuga class, and Pamela had to visit her father-in-law. We all called it a day so that a car pool could be arranged. I was happy that the gathering went very well. The next morning mails from goldies rushed in giving their reflection on the happy hours.

Lydia said, “Thank you Sherry for the happy memory with those well taken photos. They reminded me of my memory of the photos we took at Trini's old apartment last year (or two years ago?). You were the director that wanted to take a photo for 5 Goldies (Sherry, Trini, Irene, Gina and Lydia) jumping in the air at the same moment. We tried and tried, laughed to almost roll on the floor. It was crazy but unforgettable ....four silly YOUNG ladies wearing short skirts jumped and jumped till exhausted. Hope we could do it again after you get your LX5 and all 9 Goldies can jump up in the air at the same moment. Dear Trini, Thank you so much for a wonderful Sunday afternoon. Time ran too fast when getting together with good friends. It was too fun to say farewell. Hope we can have a longer gathering in your new house warming party.

Michelle said, “It's so happy to enjoy an afternoon with 7 ladies, including me, together yesterday. Thank you for bringing us this opportunity. As long as there is a gathering called by Golden Ladies, no matter when and where, it will be my first priority to join. I don't know how to express how exciting I am when getting with you girls every time. Thank you and all the girls. I have marked May 21 and 22 for another crazy slumber party.

Irene said, "It was an exceptionally fun afternoon and it's so great that we have another wonderful optional place to hold our future gatherings."

Kate, Sherry and Pamela similarly expressed the enjoyment they had, too.

Lydia said it for me. Yes, I would never forget that crazy night and most amusing hours. We can definitely experience it again. The good thing is that we will have the whole nature around us to get wild. The patio or the walking trails are excellent for photos. I can easily arrange a slumber party till the very late next day. Michelle, said what I always feel about our gathering. So lucky we have each other's company from time to time. Every one of our gathering is precious especially thinking that we are all so very busy with our work or lives. I was glad to see the happy smiles on Kate’s face. They look so great on her. The photos taken with Sherry's camera caught everyone's greatest smiles. Pamela has been always so helpful and supportive despite her busy schedule. Her input is always invaluable. I thank her from the bottom of my heart. I pray that she will be in Taiwan on May 21st and 22nd. I could tell retirement works on Irene very well. She looked especially refreshed and younger yesterday. I know it's not easy for her to have sleepovers. I hope she can apply her skills to talk your husband into having one night and one day alone without her. For Sherry, like everybody says, she is the honorable director. We count on her as always to create another colorful page of goldies' book and photo album. For Linda, Gina and Virginia, I hope all three can make it on May 21st so that we can have an all present gathering.

What we can do so far I can think of are:

1. Every one prepares two songs as Sherry suggested so that we can rehearse on that
day before we officially record the songs.
2. Every one has some dance steps to a song or music ready to teach other goldies.
3. A variety show, either games or activities are welcome.
4. Everyone brings her favorite pajamas.
5. We all go hiking the next afternoon.

I believe before the gathering comes all goldies especially Sherry, as our director, will keep giving input to make it another blast.
Trini

The 100th Birthday of the Republic of China

2011-01-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

When Sherry proposed by mail that we goldies attend our Nation’s Flag Raising Ceremony at dawn of the 1st day of 2011, it took me a few second to type “yes”. It’s our country’s 100th Birthday. For such a grand event and glorious moment I’m definitely eager to pay my awe by making my presence at the Presidential Office. To attend the ceremony, we had to arrive at the Presidential Hall before 5:00 a.m. Taking the big crowd into consideration, we needed to get together at the closest spot before 4:30 a.m.

It happened that the Choir Lydia joined was going to give the Messiah Concert on New Year’s Eve. Half of the goldies could make it for the concert, Sherry thought going home after the concert and coming out again was double waste of time. We could actually stick together and save a lot of trouble of meeting again in the early morning. Kate’s home was brought up suggested for us to have a slumber party after the concert and a midnight snack at a very popular eatery in Kate’s vicinity. Kate opened her arms to welcome us. Again five of us could make it, but not the same five that went to the concert. When Sherry suggested an extra Countdown activity, all the others remained quiet. To make one more promise needed a higher spirit.

Plans are made to change. Lydia had to accompany her mom after the concert and miss the slumber party. Slumber Party at Kate’s home was cancelled at the last minute. Sherry was the only one among us made it to the New Year’s Eve Countdown at Taipei 101. I went to Pamela’s home instead so that we could accompany each other for the Flag-Raising Ceremony.

The four hours sleepover slipped in a blink. Details were given in my last chapter.
We arrived at the MRT Exit 5 on time. Sherry was already outside the Exit having fun at the roadside to some crazy thundering music. In a minute she showed up wrapping herself in a long warm coat and a blue souvenir scarf with the flag icon of R.O.C on it. Michelle arrived in time though she had a hard time getting a taxi. It’s not difficult to figure out, with so many people using the limited transportation and the crowds packed in the area, she was lucky to get a taxi. We four took a few photos while waiting for Lydia. She was not that lucky and had to give up getting a taxi and drive instead. When we five finally united, it was almost five o’clock.

We headed for the Plaza with an expecting and exciting mood. The closer we went to the plaza, the more crowed the streets were. The sky was still dark, yet the street lights led the way just like a bright day. Free flags were given at the street side. Everyone walked in the plaza with a flag in their hand. We were stopped right outside the rim, but our persistent plead prevailed and we were granted entry. What a relief!

This was the 2nd time I joined the ceremony and stood in such a big crowd waiting for dawn to come to salute to the flag of our country and sing our national anthem loud. The first time I brought my children to let them experience the glorious moment of our country. This time I came with my lady friends. The feelings were different, the crowd was much bigger, and my spirit was higher.

Shortly after five, The warm-up program began. With so many tall young men standing in front of me and the flat-styled hosts, I was a little bit impatient. I couldn’t even see the high-spirited marching given by army, navy and air force honor guards. The two big screens beside the platform at a far distance were totally blocked by the crowd. How I wished I had a ladder or a bench to step on. How wonderful it would have been if I could have grown taller. Still I was happy being there. At 6:30 a.m., It was finally time to raise the flag. When our National Anthem began to play, we sang along to the music, tears were rolling in my eyes. I said to myself,” we are all here to pay our respect and show our love to our country with all our heart wishing her prosperity and flourishing forever.

When the flag-raising was done, most people started to disperse. Some were still lingering there to enjoy following programs. 100 couples were wedded and certified by our President Ma right after the Ceremony. What a memorable and unforgettable day for them. We didn’t stay for the rest of the programs. We came to witness the glorious moment of our country, and that’s good enough. Besides we ladies were really tired and exhausted.

While walking out of the plaza, we chatted and took a few more pictures. Then all of a sudden Michelle, Pamela and I realized Sherry and Lydia were missing. We were talking to each other, weren’t we? We took turns to talk to the ones on our right, then to our left, didn’t we? Then how could they disappear in short few seconds? We three did try every possible way sticking out our necks, standing on our toes, screaming out their names, and looking for Sherry’s red cap. There was just no sight of them. We were completely at a loss.

I tried to call them, yet couldn’t get any signal. After a few min. we decided to head for MRT exit 5 where we gathered before going for the Ceremony. But we stopped at the intersection next to the MRT exit 5 for a while to try our luck. After calling and messaging numerous times, we finally got though. They were at MRT exit 5. We five ladies did think alike.

We were all hungry. We walked quite a distance trying to buy typical Chinese breakfast. Without surprise, an endless winding line was seen from both famous eaters. We had no more strength to fight for breakfast. There were hundreds of thousands at the Ceremony. What was the first thing they would do after the Ceremony? Have breakfast, of course. We left. Maybe we should just find our breakfast near our home. So we ladies had to call it a day for our great adventure on the 1st day of our country’s centenary. Besides Michelle didn’t feel quite well because of insufficient sleep. Pamela and I bought our yummy breakfast at an eater near the parking building where my car was parked. I was starving and ate like a horse did.

I didn’t go to bed after I got home. I still had some work to do and a program with my children. At around 5:00 p.m., when I lost all my strength and energ, I crawled to my bed and fell asleep immediately. I slept almost 14 hours till late morning the next day. Though I woke up twice, I lied back and kept sleeping. It was the first time ever.

I’m especially refreshed and recharged. The Flag-raising Ceremony brought a good start of the new year for me!

Trini

My First Sleepover on New Year’s Eve 2011

2011-01-04T00:56:00.000-08:00

The very first thing I did for New Year’s Eve 2011 was a sleepover at my friend’s home. Pamela had joked about inviting me to sleep at her home every time I dropped her off late at night. It was funny thinking that the special situation came all of a sudden for me to accept her invitation on New Year’s Eve.

Irene, Michelle, Pamela and Sherry went to the Messiah Concert given by the Choir Lydia joined. Though I knew how enjoyable the concert would be, I had to miss it due to my family gathering on New Year’s Eve. I was supposed to join them after the concert at Kate’s home for a slumber party but unfortunately the slumber party was canceled. Pamela was facing a dilemma. She had to manage by herself to leave home alone and very early in the morning for the Flag-raising Ceremony.

To give Pamela support and keep her spirits up, I accepted her suggestion of a sleepover at her home so that we could accompany each other to the Flag-Raising Ceremony. We sat in her warm and classic living room watching the Countdown to 2011 on TV. It was truly awe-inspiring seeing both the grand celebration show and fireworks at TaJia Riverside Park area and fireworks at Taipei 101. The performers either dancing, singing or drumming with their bare feet in the cold water under the chilly weather deserved our big salute. The fireworks, dazzling and sparkling, at Taipei 101 along with the same glorious ones at the Tajia Riverside Park of Taipei Int. Flower Exp and those from satellite buildings brighten the sky. The display lasted for several minutes and was simply amazing and awe-inspiring to watch. The cost must have been huge, all for the biggest event - 100th Birthday. We hugged and wished each other a Happy New Year!

Around 1:00 a.m. we went to bed expecting two hours sleep. I tossed and turned for a long while, then finally fell asleep. When the alarm rang, I had to use all my strength to drag my sleepy body out of the bed. But after washing up, I was wide awake and full of good spirit. At exact 3:30 A.M. we left Pamela’s home and headed for the MRT station exit 5 to meet Lydia, Michelle, and Sherry. There, we walked together toward the Presidential Office plaza. Pamela and I quacked all the way to the MRT. We made it, we actually made it, staying up almost all night and getting up early for the Flag-raising Ceremony!

Trinity

A Chipper and Chirpy Birthday Gathering

2010-12-12T01:58:00.000-08:00

Life is too short and friends are too few! How lucky we ten goldies found each other. Over the years we have been keeping each other company and cheering each other up. Work and family are our responsibilities. They bring us joy and a sense of accomplishment. Yet without friends, life is not complete and can at times be exhausting. Friends help cheer and lift us up, and give us strength and motivation to start a new. Just like my nine lady friends who have the power to cheer me up and rid me of my stress and worries.

Irene, Linda and Pamela were born in December. Pamela talked about a joint birthday celebration a month ahead of time. She officially announced it after her trip to Russia. She was going to open her sweet home to hold the joint party. We couldn’t love more the idea, despite the fact that it would bring her and her better half Moses a hard time with the preparation. Details were settled after a few communications. Since the date was announced, I had been looking forward to it in anticipation of a wonderful celebration. Maybe I was the one who needed the gathering most, to release my tension.

It’s amazing that the three birthday stars happen to be good cooks too. They should have relaxed and waited for the most memorable day in their lives but instead, the three birthday girls spent the most time and energy cooking and preparing food for us. Pamela prepared fish, spaghetti, pickled apples, fruit and desserts and the most expensive crunch cookies - “Marco”. Irene braised beef and brought a big carton of snacks. Linda prepared two big pots of chicken and fish/meat ball soup. The rest of us who bought our share of ready-made food were truly touched. As always, I enjoyed all the food contributed by the other ladies too; the salad and brownie brought by Michelle, spicy chicken and garlic ham by Gina, the delicious and eye-pleasing chocolate cake by Lydia, sapid and flavored wine by Kate, and photo dish by Virginia, etc.

The party was set to begin at 2:00 P.M.
Michelle arrived first. Kate, Gina, Irene and I were the second. Linda the third and Lydia the fourth carrying the must-have delicious and eye-pleasing chocolate cake. Virginia having a shooting activity in the afternoon arrived after seven. Sherry was the only one who couldn’t make it this time because she had to receive her international friends coming from New Zealand. It was very disappointing to all of us because she is always the one who brings unexpected excitement to our gathering, and it would have been a perfect group of ten goldies. But this time due to Pamela’s hospitality and thoughtful arrangement, every moment of the celebration was so exciting and entertaining that we didn’t notice at all how quickly time passed. When someone realized it was time to bring peace and quiet back to Pamela and her family, it was already almost ten.

So, what did we do? There wasn’t any quiet moment even when we were eating, strolling in the big garden, dancing in their community dancing room, singing karaoke, or during the photo sessions. We kept talking, sometimes all at the same time. So hard to believe that we credit ourselves with being ladies, but throughout the whole day we were practically nine quacking women.

I must express my gratefulness to Moses here for his total support to Pamela offering every possible help and putting up with these nine over excited women.

This was the first time that three goldies celebrated their birthdays together. I wanted to do something for this special day to help excite the atmosphere. I prepared some props and gifts for my lady friends, something I bought a while ago for myself without using my head. I couldn’t help but feel guilty whenever I saw them. I hope they are practical to my ladies.

When we called it a night, we all thanked Pamela wholeheartedly for the truly lovely and memorable Birthday party! She was a sensational host offering irresistible food, garden strolling, dance, karaoke, all in a cozy, classic and roomy home to all the goldies.

I’m so addicted to goldies’ gatherings. I hope it won’t be long before our next gathering. Again Happy Birthday to Irene, Linda and Pamela! May joy, health and love be with them throughout the year and all the years to come!

Trini
http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/AChipperAndChirpyBirthdayGathering#

With gratitude to Virginia Lee for all the photos from her album:
http://picasaweb.google.com/vlee1009/101211GoldBirthdayIn3#

The Dynamic and Energetic FJU T/Ms Club

2010-12-12T01:11:00.001-08:00

From time to time I receive invitations from other T/Ms clubs to share my experiences with them. FJU T/Ms is one of the clubs that I've visited regularly either once a semester, or twice when there were very special occassions. Over the past years, I've witnessed their progress and it has become a very energenic, dynamic and strong T/Ms club.

For a T/Ms to be strong and successful, club officers are the keys. Dedicated and passionate officers attract members to attend the meetings regularly to ensure a satisfactory attendance rate, and motivate them to get themselves involved in T/Ms meetings roles, activities and challenge themselves.

On Dec. 3rd, I attended their meeting #142 again. I was truly happy to make the long trip this time because Pamela happened to come back to Taipei a few days ago and accepted the club's invitation to take an assignment as Individual Evaluator.
A year ago, in the end of the year, Pamela went with me to their meeting for the first time. This time, we two make it together again. It was almost like a miracle as Pamela spends most of her time abroad either on business trips or in China office. What a pleasant conincidence and joy!

The driving with her sitting beside was very enjoyable and relaxing. Though we missed the interchange because of being busy in chatting, it didn't spoil the fun at all and we made it in time.

Below is the meeting minutes I wrote to show how the meeing went.

Quote
The meeting #142 was fun, energetic and enjoyable.

Let me use three R’s to express how I enjoyed the meeting.

1. Responsibility: Every speaker prepared fully taking their assignments seriously and applied creativity to bring something new to the audience.
2. Rich Program: There was a Variety Session and a Workshop. The master of the Variety Session involved every T/M in the activity, and the speaker of the Workshop convinced the audience that joining contests is the most effective and fastest way to improve.
3. Relaxing atmosphere: All the speakers especially session maters and the TME Janet Huang showcased their energy and humor to excite the audience.

In other words, the three keys to the success of the meeting are:

1. Preparation: TME confirmed with all the assignees before the meeting to make sure every detail was completed. Every speaker was fluent and confident.
2. Positive: Encouragement and support was offered throughout the meeting.
3. Passion: Every speaker received a big hand and loud cheer before speaking and a big round of applause after speaking.

Some guests that were invited from other clubs further uplifted the spirit and enriched the program. The workshop conducted by Sean Yang from IMTC, Language Evaluator Ping Wang from NCCU, Individual evaluator Pamela from Galaxy TMC all shared their experience and insights with the club members.

There’s always room for improvement no matter how successful a meeting can be. I have three suggestions for future improvement.

1. For the workshop, it would have been more encouraging if Judy Lee who has won numerous contests could have been invited to interact with the workshop master Sean Yang.
2. Control the time so that the meeting adjourns on time and we may have a longer intermission.
3. When introducing speakers, it’s better to offer the attributes of the speaker then the speaker’s name to arouse kind of curiosity and anticipation.

Congratulations to FJU T/Ms Club on keeping booming with more and more students from departments joining the club and ensuring quality and successful meetings every week.

Trini Ding, DTM
Unquote

2010 District 67 Fall Convention

2010-11-21T01:53:00.000-08:00

A Halloween Seasoned Reading Gathering and Birthday Party

2010-11-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit.
~ Aristotle.

We had an extra- ordinarily sensational reading gathering this time. It became a five-in-one activity. How did it happen? It was a long story. Why not get a cup of coffee first before lending me your ears?

1. Magazine reading
2. Birthday celebration for two scorpions
3. District Governors T/Ms sharing
4. Husbands' company
5. Halloween party

Magazing Reading Sherry, our mindmaster, invited Jorie Wu, our former District Governor, to join our Oct. T/Ms magazine reading and to talk about her strategy of helping her better half George Yen, also former District Governor, to be elected as the 2nd Vice President of TI. It was a breaking news to all TMs in Taiwan when it was first released. Jorie not only accepted our invitation, but also brought some cute strawberry bags, same as the souvenirs they brought to the International Convention, for everyone.

Birthday Celebration
Somehow Sherry learned Jorie's birthday was just three days away, and Lydia's birthday was also near. What a good opportunity to celebrate two scorpions' birthday in the gathering! We could have a double joy! Sherry ordered two cakes so that both Jorie and Lydia could enjoy their own happy moment and joyful feelings.

District Governors T/Ms sharingSince Lydia's better half Harry Fong is also our former District Governor, Sherry proposed it would be awesome if he could give us the honor to come, too. No wonder she's our mastermind.

Husbands companyLibby, our very dear friend though not a member of ours yet, was thoughtfully invited by Irene to join us. She was recovering from her memory loss and this gathering could be very helpful to her. Libby needs her husband to come along. Under such circumstance, husbands were welcome to celebrate with their wives.

Halloween PartyHelpful and generous Irene not only bought two large lovely birthday cards, but also purchased a wide variety of cute Halloween props. All the participants had fun modeling the masks for photo shoot.

All goldies except Pamela who had to miss it because of her business trip showed up. What a pity that she had to miss two birthday celebrations!

Michelle, Sherry and Virginia arrived before me. The afternoon tea time was limited to two and half hours, We must start our reading first. It was short and kind of a rush. But who cares? The important thing was that we did our homework and the purpose was achieved.

Though Harry couldn't come as he was also on business trip, Libby and Linda's husbands plus George made total 15 for the gathering. Our loud voices almost broke the roof.

When most of us arrived, chatting and laughing took place. The cute Strawberry bags created the 1st highlight. When Jorie took them out, every one was excited to choose the color they like as if we were winning an award. Then Irene took out the king size birthday cards for us to write our best wishes. Which should go to Jorie, and which should go to Lydia? We had to finish writing our wishes on in a hurry. We had the 2nd highlight.

Halloween Celebration was the 3rd highlight. Everybody were excited to try on the props one after another and pose before the camera just like kids. It was the most joyful and hilarious moment. Must thank Irene for the excitement she created.

Virginia made an exception this time that she not only helped us take a lot of good and interesting photos, she tried as best as she could to include herself in the photos as many times as possible.

Cake cutting was touching. When the cakes were taken out, the two birthday stars couldn't keep their eyes away from the cakes and took a long while before deciding to blow out the candles. Well, cakes are my favorite. I feel embarrassed to say how many pieces of cake I had.

When it was half past four, goldies left one after another for their next engagements. Irene, Linda, Libby, Gina, and Kate took the road respectively. Before the rest of us left the Cafe, we took a few final group photos in front of the Café then called it a day.

Time flies especially you are having a good time. When waving goodbye, I was already thinking of the next gathering Kate proposed to welcome Pamela home, and the party for Pamela, Irene and Linda's birthday.

Trini
http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/AHalloweenSeasonedReadingGatheringAndBirthdayParty#

Special thanks to Virginia Lee for all the wonderful photos she took for us:
http://picasaweb.google.com/vlee1009/101031GoldenHalloween#

A City Bike Tour at the End of the Fall

2010-10-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I received a mail that promoted a bike tour in the Taipei City. My attention was captured. It said, “Come to have a city bike tour to enjoy the beauty of Fall before winter comes. The activity includes a lot of programs in addition to biking.

It was just what I needed; riding a bike probably for the very last time of the year, breathing in fresh air, appreciating beautiful scenery, exploring some beautiful parks and many more. I missed the excitement and joy I had while biking in Seattle with my sister. So, I made a quick decision and registered. I don’t have a bike, but I can borrow one. From whom? I thought of Pamela and Moses immediately. They both joined a T/Ms biking group and they have good bikes. It was pity that Pamela was still in China, or she would definitely join me.
I didn’t forward the information to other goldies as I was 100% sure that none of them could or would join it. We had to get up very early before 6:00 a.m. Unlike me, they are not crazy about biking enough to sacrifice their beauty sleep. And they don’t have a bike. The first and foremost reason was that though the program looked interesting, what if it turned out the opposite?

At Kate’s Birthday party, I asked Moses to lend me the bike. To assure him that I borrowed the bike for a good course, I e-mailed him the flyer of the activity. Hey, why not invite him to join? He was experienced enough to tell if the activity was worth attending or not. If he joined, it’d further encouraged me and I would not be alone. Whenever it comes a time like this, I’d feel sorry for myself that no one in my family could join me for the activity that I like.

Hooray! Moses wanted to join the biking. What a spirit! I didn’t bother to think whether he did find the activity interesting or he was actually worried about my biking skill. I planned to meet him at 7:20 a.m. to get the bike. Moses proposed 6:20 a.m. to play safe. We settled it finally at 6:40 a.m. I had to get up at 5:30 the latest. I just hoped it would not kill me by getting up so early as there was no way for me to go to bed early.

Things went swell. I had no problem to get up, arrived at Moses’ in time and followed Moses to the gathering spot way before others. I didn’t know there was a biking trail right starting from Moses community. We made a little detour, yet the unexpected forty minutes ride in the early morning was extremely uplifting. I just loved biking.

The only disappointment I had for the activity was that we waited for almost an hour for others to come. The weather that caused others to hesitate to come didn’t bother me at all. On the contrary I liked it cloudy and drizzling on and off. We should have felt lucky it was not hot at all
The rest was just easy and relaxing. We were divided into three groups. We rode in a slow pace keeping waiting for others. I was OK with it, but I was afraid that it was too slow for Moses. Comparing with us, he was a true biker.
Except all the benefits I mentioned above, I also learned some tips of riding a bike properly, history of the areas we toured, some good hiking trails introduced by the leader. I will definitely try these hiking trails as hiking is also my cup of tea, too.

The whole trip was easy. The real challenge was the long biking before and after the activity. It took Moses and I another 40 minutes to ride back to his home. That back and forth ride gave me the sweat I need.

Well, actually there was one minor thing that made the whole activity not so perfect. Right in front of Moses home, just when we were only about 20 meters away to get off the bike, both us had a small accident. When I saw Moses fall of his bike suddenly, I couldn’t believe it and panicked. Then it came my turn when I tried to clutch the brake. Who would know that the sidewalk was so slippery with rain? I fell really hard and it took me probably five minutes to get back on my feet completely. I think it taught us a lesson, always keep an eye on the road you take. You can never be too careful.

Trini

Kate’s Joyful and Sensuous Birthday Party

2010-10-30T21:19:00.000-07:00

I’m not a party animal, but goldies’ parties are the ones that I won’t miss for anything else. When Kate’s Birthday Party was announced, my first reaction was“VIVA Kate!” We had another good reason to revive our youth.
Quick minded Sherry stood out and proposed, “We need to prepare a different dance to cheer up Kate and her guests, and add excitement to her birthday - the most important day of her life. Irene happened to have learned a new dance “Mambo No. 5” and suggested that we do this dance. After watching the movie clip Irene sent, and seeing Irene do the demo at Sherry’s birthday party, we all agreed unanimous that it’s the very one, not difficult yet full of passion. http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/KateSJoyfulAndSensuousParty#

For the last two weeks Irene spent her precious time hunting props – golden and red hats - to go with the red and gold bing bling tops, and coaching goldies separately. Everyone was busy with their work or engagements. It was hard to work out a time that was good for all of us. Nevertheless we still managed to get together on Saturday afternoon, the day before Kate’s party, to do the dress rehearsal. After two hours sweating, we finally got it all set. Of course we needed to do our homework in advance at home practicing on our own.

Kate remained silent most of the time. Being the Birthday Star, she couldn’t join us. But we knew she was busy, too, organizing her party and preparing herself for a big surprise.

When I and greeting every guest. After exchanging a few words excitedly, she waltzed away to attend other guests. Having no time to do the stage rehearsal, Irene briefly explained the line position to me. Being Kate’s dear pals, we were given the honor and privilege to do the opening dance. Soon after Linda arrived, the program began. Our efforts were rewarded, and our purpose was achieved. All the guests were cheerewalked in the Artco De Cafe (典藏咖啡館）shortly before 1:00 p.m., most of the guests were already there. The room was fully packed with loud cheerful chatting voices. Kate, the elegant birthday star, was dressed in red and gold ChiPao and busy in receiving d up by our exotic dance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPBfiuJrYvY
The guests were basically divided into two groups. Kate’s Chinese opera group, and T/Ms group. Opera group did operas, and T/Ms group did talent shows. The climaxes were when Kate gave personal shows - Chinese Opera, Ballroom Dance and a duet with William. Kate received a standing ovation for her gifted talents. We could tell that Kate dedicated herself and devoted a lot of time to make her Birthday party an unforgettable and joyful one.

Of course we didn’t waste a minute to chat, eat and taking photos. Thanks to Kate we had a very lovely and enjoyable afternoon. Again I wish Kate evergreen happiness, a truly beautiful future and a life full of smiles cheers. This is just the beginning of another wonderful year in her life!

Trini

Happy Birthday to Sherry and Virginia

2010-10-19T06:03:00.000-07:00

Our birthdays are feathers in the broad wing of time. - Jean Paul Richter
All the goldies were born in the 2nd half of year. Since August, we have celebrated each other’s birthday one after another. This month it’s Sherry, Virginia and Kate’s turn. What amazed us is that Sherry and Virginia were born on the same day – Oct. 9th, the day before our Double Tenth Day.

It’s said that girls born in the 2nd half of the year is more beautiful. No matter if it’s true or not, we enjoy thinking that we are beautiful.

Sherry’s dear brother is a good cook. He always shows his generous love for Sherry by offering his home to receive her friends and cook for them. I’ve had the privilege to enjoy Jimmy’s dishes four or five times. I must say every time was a great treat.

Pamela and I arrived around 6:30 p.m. and were the 3rd and 4th to arrive. Irene and Michelle were already there and they were enjoying a great time with Sherry. Others will be arriving around 7:00 p.m. So, we took a short moment to read an article in the T/Ms magazine. Thanks to Sherry’s persistence, our reading can be continued. Surprisingly Sherry announced that Virginia would join us, too.

What a pleasant surprise! We hadn’t seen her for quite a long time. Sherry and Virginia share the same birthday by odd chance. She received a passionate welcome from us when she showed up with a bag of a famous finger-licking snack in her hand. I was mentally prepared to go home with a full stomach. Gina, Kate, Lydia arrived respectfully. Sherry’s husband Azen arrived in time with two bottles of wine in his hands. Apparently it was going to be a big feast!

When dinner began to serve, Jimmy kept receiving compliments from goldies. All the dishes were not only scrumptious but also healthy. Virginia, a photographer, took pictures of every dish whereas I buried my head in all the dishes to enjoy the food. I can’t list all the topics we covered while eating, but I am perfectly sure that Laugher never seized.

Time to blow the candles! Jimmy took out a beautifully decorated chocolate fruit cake. It’s the climax of the whole party. We sang “Happy Birthday Songs” to both Sherry and Virginia while Virginia played the piano. Ignoring my overloaded stomach, I had two pieces of cake. To add a little xxx surprise and fun to the party, I took out some cosmetic kits I prepared for goldies to do the lucky draw. After the game, it was the "must-have" group photo time. It further excited us. Standing in position, changing positions, posing and getting ready, zoop! One after another, we took plenty enough Pictures.Finally time to go and give quietness back to the hosts. I must thank Sherry and Jimmy for such an exciting and enjoyable evening! A JOY SHARED IS A JOY DOUBLED. It's the conclusion given by Sherry for her Birthday party. Let me share a quote with all the goldies - You're not getting older, you're getting better. – Unknown

Two weeks later, it will be Kate’s Birthday Party. Simply can’t wait for it to come!

Trini
http://picasaweb.google.com.tw/taipeitmtrini/SherryVirginiaSBirthday#

Minneapolis Institute of Art

2010-09-21T22:34:00.001-07:00

Rocky Coulee – Wisconsin

2010-09-21T21:36:00.000-07:00

Danny wrote some beautiful and intriguing stories about his childhood and farm life. The name of the book is “Hollyhocks". I love every one of them very much. Among them “Rocky Coolie” intrigued me the most because it reminds me of my childhood roaming in the field barefooted looking for adventures and searching mysterious places that were hidden deep in the field or behind some hills. Yes, even I was a little girl, I could go wild just like a boy, except not so brave and nimble as Danny.

The “Rocky Coulee” Danny described in his story was just like a secret garden in my dream. I love mountains especially for the valleys, brooks, streams, cliffs and waterfalls. One day after I decided to visit Bemidji, the thought of seeing the Rocky Coulee hit me. I summon up my courage to ask Danny if I could have the chance to it. He said “yes” without hesitation as if it was just right in the neighborhood and anytime would do. When he told me that it would take more than four hours’ drive, I realized how unthoughtful I was. I tried to take my words back. But Danny said it was a good idea and his brothers and cousins might be interested in joining us. That was perfect. Then it came to me that it would take him another four hours to drive back and exhaust him badly to drive so much in one day. Danny said no problem, we all could stay overnight in Minneapolis which will save his trip to drive me back to the Minneapolis airport. We might go to the theater to enjoy a wonderful play and the Art Institute of Minneapolis as well. I was touched and speechless. Am I a trouble maker? Do I deserve such a hospitality? Danny made it sound so easy and granted that I couldn’t resist such a warm invitation and sweet temptation. I secretly made a promise to myself that I would invite Danny and other T/Ms friends to Taipei to show them my warm welcome and return their hospitality, too.

So my venture to Rocky Coulee was decided!
On Thursday morning after breakfast, we began our venture to Rocky Coulee. But before seeing the Coulee, we went to the farm that Danny’s family used to own. His father sold it out long time ago after all the children grew up and moved out. The present owner doesn’t manage it anymore and leaves the farm rusted/abandoned?. Except the rebuilt house, everything else remains the way it was. He showed us around and explained how he worked on the farm and the barn, the outhouse and the fields where the stories took place.

Then we move to Rocky Coulee. After we got off the car, Danny took the chance to visit a couple of house owners there to catch up some good old times a while. Then he signed us to change on comfortable water resistant shoes. I felt extremely excited. But where is it? I looked around. On the road, in the housing area, I see no sign of woods, rocks or streams. We followed Danny walking a small trail through a lawn covered with high weeds, to a small fence gate. We climbed over it, all of a sudden we were in the shade and surrounded by woods. I asked Danny why I see no one coming to such a beautiful place? He said people living here don’t even know this place. I can’t believe what I heard. If it were in Taiwan, it would have been long invaded by everyone. But thinking that I don’t see many houses and people here, it did make sense. Why not leaving it as it is and undisturbed. After all America is a big country and there is a very small population in some remote areas.

After a few minutes I saw the brook originated a few steps away on the other side. We followed Danny walking upstream through water and mud. After a few steps, the mud became so soft that my whole feet were sunk in deep. I almost screamed. Seeing Danny walking coolly ahead, I knew how silly I would look if I showed my lnerability so easily. I held my throat and followed. I thought how lucky I got the right shoes, the Bush shoes I decided to buy when I found them in the shoe store two days before I came. They are water resistant, soft, comfortable and washable.

It was just about 10 Meters’ walk before Danny showed us the site where water surges out from the ground. I was amazed! For the very first time, I saw and realized how a river is originated and formed! It’s not just water, it’s spring right out off the ground. Danny gestured us to scoop the water with our hands to try it. I didn’t get it. Then he did it for us to follow up. Drinking water right from the stream? My first reaction was, “Will I get sick?” Before drinking it I looked at the water in my palms, so clear, clean and cool. It tasted fresh, cool, and sweet, too. Danny said, “It’s the freshest and cleanest spring.” No doubt of it! Then we walked back toward where we started and continued. The coulee was getting wider and wider, deeper and deeper, and cooler and cooler. It was so clean and clear that I could see my feet clearly, and my legs seemed shrunk completely in the water. The water bed was a big flat rock. It was so easy walking on it. All the pebbles and gravels are gathered at the coulee bank. The other side of the coulee is just a long, big, high rock stretching all the way down, steep and full of big and small holes, or caves. I stopped walking further when the water reached my thigh. I dared not to walk further as I can’t swim, and the water was freakily cold. I saw Danny picking some stones, flat, long or round ones. Curiously I asked what for? He bent his knees a little bit, threw the stones into the water. Magic! I saw three, four, even five water ripples rippling one after another continuously on the surface. How did he do it to make it happen? He illustrated and demonstrated again and again. I wanted to try, too. I looked for the flat stones and practiced and practiced. Am I kidding trying to learn the trick in a few minutes? Of course I couldn’t. But what fun it was! At that moment I totally forgot who I was except having fun like a little girl.

The sun was setting, Time to go. Though it is a very safe place according to Danny,
My worry took control. We walked out the water, went back to the entrance, and got on the car with our heart fully satisfied. We didn’t see the big cave Danny described in his story. He wasn’t sure if he could find it and it is too further down the coulee that he worried about my safety. I can picture the cave just the same. I was so thrilled and had the most wonderful time ever in the woods. Thank you, Danny and all the T/Ms friends.

Trini
http://picasaweb.google.com.tw/taipeitmtrini/2010SummerBliss#

Guthrie Theater – Minneapolis

2010-09-21T21:18:00.000-07:00

Having visited the States so many times, I hadn’t been to any theater for a play or musical before. Danny thoughtfully put a theater – Guthrie Theater, in my visiting list in Minnesota. I was so excited that my mind was all about it after the T/Ms meeting was over. http://www.guthrietheater.org/whats_happening

After saying goodbye to Mary, Danny’s dear wife, Wednesday late morning; we, Danny, two T/Ms friend Joana and Tim headed for Minneapolis, Minnesota. Danny got the ticked booked already. It didn’t take long to find the Theater. It’s in a new building with a very eye-catching sign. The play on that night was the famous “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams.

I have seen the movie three times. I have a DVD of it. The last time I saw it was on TV. Two popular movie stars Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando played Blanche Dubois and Stanley Kowalski respectively. It was a very good movie although I don’t usually fall for sad dramas. Now seeing a real stage play of such a famous movie in a modern theater further thrilled me. The stage actor and actress were from New York.

I put my mind fully focusing on the stage. The stage design, the changing scenes, the actors and actress getting around their positions, the way they projected their voice, etc, all fascinated me. The way a play presents is much more dramatic than the movie for the audience to comprehend fully. I was not experienced to tell if the stage players were doing an excellent job or not. At least I could tell they strove to give their best performance. All the audience was fully attracted by them. Because of my language barrier, I was not able to catch some lines very well. I couldn’t ask Danny, I couldn’t make any noise in the theater while everyone is enjoying the play. Nevertheless I enjoyed every moment of it.

The play presented the story a little bit different than the movie. But there is no way to compare. The only element that I like the movie more is the great interpretation of the role Blanche Dubois given by Vivien Leigh. She was a true beauty and looked exactly vulnerable and helpless for her part in the movie. There was an intermission during the play. Everyone walked out to the salon area to enjoy the artistically designed facility and interactive atmosphere.

It was almost ten when the play was over. We hungered for food. It was late and it took us quite some time to finally find the restaurants that were still open. We chose Indian food. It was really nice and I ate a lot, almost twice as others did. What can I say, my stomach has a will of its own that I often eat much more than I should.

My mind was still on the play and the theater and the impact they had brought me. My trip to the Mid West of the States created one climax after another. Tomorrow, Rocky Coulee and the Art Institute of Minneapolis are waiting for me!

Trini

My 1st T/Ms Meeting Abroad - Bemidji T/Ms Club

2010-09-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

The 2nd day of my trip to Bemidji was not just for fun. Danny arranged my 1st T/Ms meeting abroad. Besides meeting Bemidji T/Ms, I was going to deliver a speech. My topic was Taipei T/Ms. I thought it was an excellent opportunity to bring Taipei, Taiwan to their attention by telling them how amazingly T/Ms has flourished in Taiwan in recent years from my prospective.

I woke up long before the sun rose. I tried for hours to go back to sleep in vain. Well, it was not the first time I suffered from insomnia before delivering a speech. Being excited about the trip, I was in a high spirit. Danny was going to escort me to the meeting fifteen minutes before it started.

The drive took only about two minutes. The streets were quiet, the air was fresh, the sky was clear, I thought,” Where are the people?” Then a lady coming out from her car greeted Danny. She was Kim, a T/M. We shook hands, and walked together into the venue while chatting. I felt more relieved and relaxed. The venue was just like a meeting room, perfect for T/Ms meetings.

Bemidji T/Ms came in the venue one after another. Danny introduced me to them one by one. T/Ms of the Day, Jenny, was one of the early comers. She thoughtfully set up the reception area with cakes, fruit and agenda. I was amazed seeing the cakes and agenda were designed like Chinese and American flags. How incredible, thoughtful and creative! It made the cake and fruit look especially yummy. They were all designed and made by Jenny. What a brilliant work Jenny did for the meeting! Then the news man of the public TV station walked in. After setting up the camera, he came to me saying that he’d like to interview me for about ten min. after the meeting. Feeling honored, what else I should say except “with pleasure?” The meeting began!

The meeting proceeded very smoothly yet efficiently, one session after another without stop. Jenny presented every speaker pertinently. Danny introduced me earnestly based on my T/Ms background. Two prepared speakers including me. Table topics were about promoting Bemidji, very timely and resonanced the theme of the meeting. There was quite difference I observed between theirs and our meetings. But the focus and spirit was the same. They hold the meeting at noon for only one hour long that leaves no time for intermission and joke or variety session. My speech was impressive according to Danny. They all gave me positive comments and sincerely invited me for some special activities. I felt very grateful yet sorry that I couldn’t change my schedule to prolong my trip. I was very grateful for the warm welcome I received. Jenny especially prepared a gift for me, a big bath towel with my name stitched on. I was deeply touched and speechless. I couldn’t chat with all of them as I had an interview to do with the TV news man.

After the interview Jenny came to me and invited me to her cabin at the beautiful lake of Bemidji in the evening. Wow, a night program except originally planned ones. Danny was going to take me to a ranch to ride a horse, and make a tour of the town. I knew I would stay up late again. But missing the precious chance of seeing a cabin that I had only seen in the movies and turning down Jenny’s hospitality was absolutely not going to happen.

We had to say goodbye to the rest of T/Ms and headed for the ranch. After we came back from the ranch Danny showed me the small, quiet and beautiful town full of Indian artworks. The Landmark of Bemidji “Paul and Babe” was indeed gigantic, just as huge as Danny described. I was totally relaxed after the T/Ms meeting. I felt so chipper and excited that I took a lot of pictures.

Danny arranged one more program, golfing, after touring the town and before dinner. Golf is Danny’s favorite sport. He can play it whenever his mood fits as there’s a beautiful golf court in the small Bemidji. He proposed to teach me a little bit after he knew that I had never played golf before. To help me enjoy it, he led me to the Driving Range and the Putting Green that are for novelties to have a hand-on practice. I was terrible at first, but with Danny’s instruction and after a few times try and error, I learned quite some tricks. Just when I was having fun, we had to leave. We couldn’t play long as Danny planned to make a special dinner to welcome me.

Cooking takes time and Jenny would come to pick us up at 8:00 p.m. to visit her cabin. The dinner was finger licking good. Must say Danny is truly a wonderful cook!

At Danny's home, I saw what a lovely family he has; beauiful wife Mary, two handsome and brilliant children Zach and Erain, and two lovely twin grandchildren. Both of their children are married and live in other towns.

Jenny showed up at exact 8:00 sharp. We took her car. While driving, Jenny told us how she and her husband got the cabin by chance, and what great time they have had with the cabin.

Jenny’s Cabin was classic, cozy and beautiful, better than I pictured. The duck stretched out the lake; the clean and clear water allured people to bath in; the balcony, the warm and cute bathrooms, and the wooden house were all very comfy. What a perfect place for the owner to get away from pressure, work, and the city. After seeing the cabin, Jenny wanted to drive us to other side of the town that we didn’t have time to see. Then a sudden thunderstorm made it impossible. Besides, it was late.

I must thank all the T/Ms in Bemidji, Danny, and Jenny again for the very delightful and fulfilling day.

http://picasaweb.google.com.tw/taipeitmtrini/2010SummerBliss#
Trini

A journey incorporated with a T/Ms mission

2010-09-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

It’s been fifteen years since I took my 1st trip to Minnesota. It was a business trip, a short visit to Saint Paul. For this 2nd trip to Minnesota, I visited Minneapolis instead. Actually a small town named Bemidji in Minnesota was my destination. My very best T/Ms friend Danny from Bemidji drove all the way to Minneapolis to meet me at the airport. He said I could enjoy some sightseeing on the way to Bemidji from the airport and see more Minneapolis. I was so lucky being in a good hand and had a ‘Couldn’t Be Better’ five days there.

One of the most important activities of mine during the five days trip there was to attend the Bemidji T/Ms meeting on Tuesday. It may be hard for others to believe that after joining T/Ms for almost fifteen years, this was the first time I visited a T/Ms club abroad. I thought about it and talked about it several times, yet hadn’t been sincere in executing it. I am too passive or lazy often times. Danny was the reason that I finally walked the talk. He talked so much about the town, how friendly the people are, how incredibly beautiful the lake and the woods is, how enchanting life is there in winter. He successfully captured my attention and aroused my curiosity half by his serious introduction with photos and half by his humorous tone with some hilariously exaggerated jokes. He asked me to deliver a speech after I finally decided to visit Bemidji.

Danny and I have been writing each other for sometime. I was deeply impressed by his love and passion toward everything; nature, animals, outer space, writing and people. Actually it was his writings that amazed me most at the beginning. The intriguing stories he wrote have an indescribable appeal to me like a magic that I always hungered for more. And he never hesitated in sharing those wonderful stories with me. When I finally met him at the airport, I was attracted immediately by his big handsome smile. He looked very amicable and approachable. I had to be careful not to fall for his charm.

The first scenic site was Munsinger & Clemens Gardens. After a little bit more than one hour’s drive, we were suddenly surrounded by several breathtaking gardens. It was like entering a wonderland. Munsinger Gardens are situated below Clemens Gardens along the Mississippi River, and six gardens make up Clemens Gardens. The abundance of Color of flowers, incredible variety of flowers, lovely wedding pavilion, wooden gazebo, and the beautiful river opened my eyes. Am I in heaven or on cloud nine?http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munsinger_Gardens_and_Clemens_Gardens

When Danny told me that Mississippi River originates near Bemidji, I was further amazed. How did it make it all the way to the sea down in Louisiana? The power of nature!

We couldn’t stay long in the gardens as we had to arrive Bemidji before sunset. After finishing walking through the gardens, we got in the car and headed for Bemidji. The rest few hours’ drive couldn’t have be more pleasant and chipper. Danny was an excellent driver and best companion. We chatted and laughed. Before I realized, we were in Bemidji. Hunger crept in. It was time for dinner. What a lovely first day. All my nervousness and anxiety before I flew to Minneapolis was long gone probably right after I arrived at the Airport. Next was the T/Ms meeting tomorrow noon. I was assured that it would be alright, too. Danny is a wonderful host and he’s the President of Bemidji T/Ms club. What I needed was a good night sleep, hopefully, and a few rehearsals of my speech tomorrow morning.

Danny told me his club members were anxious to meet me. They even passed the news to the local TV station – Lakeland Public Television who sent a news person (journalist) to video the meeting. Wow! What an honor! I was nervous, still I said to myself. “I can do it.” It’s time to prove to myself that all these years T/Ms training should be effective.

Time for bed, yet I was a little bit restless. It was not because of the T/Ms meeting, but because of the excitement that I was finally here. Everything seemed so impressive and so much better than I expected. Tomorrow is another chapter.

Trini
http://picasaweb.google.com.tw/taipeitmtrini/2010SummerBliss#

A wedding Ceremony and Banquet

2010-09-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Biking and Hiking in Seattle

2010-09-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OuNSgqzXpgA/TI5DFVXQ-3I/AAAAAAAAJec/1khvzixM1Pw/s200/IMGP4991.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516420352488569714" />Between visiting all the different places, we did bike three times and went hiking one time. Seattle is full of biking trails much nicer than here in Taipei. The view is much nicer and air is also so much cleaner. But the biking is very exhausting with constant cycling up and down hills. It was depressing realizing that my sister is twice as strong as me, and more athletic. Blackberry trees are everywhere along most of the biking trails. But my sister didn't allow me to stop to pick those big yummy berries.

So, I did my best to pick blackberries as many blackberries as I could, almost every other day in the morning or late evening before the sun went down in the vicinity of my sister’s home. When I went to Costco, I saw a small box of blackberries cost around $6.-. Of course they are bigger and maybe sweeter, but not free. Every day I ate twice that box size, see how much money I saved! We also planned to pick blueberries at a farm, yet it was closed on Monday when we got there. It was pity that we couldn't find time to go again the next few days.

The mountain we hiked was called Little Tiger Mountain. It was a cloudy day, even drizzling a little bit in the morning when we arrived. It was Thursday, still we saw a lot of hikers before and after us. We hiked for about seven Kilometers back and forth. It was not far, yet the steep road made the hike quite an exercise. We picnicked at the peak, then walk down the mountain. I won’t say the trail or mountain is beautiful, because there were neither flowers nor man made things like gazebos as we have here in Taiwan. Nevertheless, it was same enjoyable.

Except fun, hiking and biking also helped me consume a lot of calories, otherwise I would have gained more than five pounds instead of just the three pounds that I came home with.

Trini
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Seeing Seattle All Over Again

2010-09-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

I may say this time I experienced Seattle as if I was visiting it for the first time although I had been to Seattle several times before. I visited some places I had been to before, did the things that I had done every other time in Seattle, yet the experience was so different. Of course I also visited some new scenic places. But it was mainly because my sister invited a very good friend of hers to be our best chevalier. Our conversation made during the whole time of sightseeing brought extra delight and joy to my stay in Seattle.

Boing Company and the Space Needle
On my second day in Seattle, We went to the Boing Company first. It was the 1st time I visited the company. They said it's the biggest building in the world which must be so as they have to build so many airplanes. There were quite a lot of tourists even though it was Thursday. We had some confusion when trying to find the way to the visitor center entrance. Other than that the tour was quite fruitful and enjoyable. I'm not an airplane fan, still it was amazing to see how a big airplane company works.

We chose Mexican food for lunch. It was different from what had I tried before. After lunch, we went to the Seattle Center. It was a little bit late to go up to Space Needle. So we walked in the center to see what people could do or see there and around that area to enjoy the quiet afternoon. Not many people at that time, we toured around the children museum, a skate board rink, and the buildings in the center. We decided to go up to the Space Needle early next morning. After watching the elevator going up the Space Needle for a while, I estimated it took 30 sec. for the elevator to go from the ground to the top.

Unexpectedly the next morning when we arrived, the center was packed with a huge crowd. When we went to the booth to buy the ticket, they gave us the tickets free. We realized a company treated all of us tourists to a free ride up to the Space Needle. What a surprise! Yet, we hesitated a while if we should stick to our plan as the waiting line was so long that we wondered if it would take us two hours to get up there. Since we had come twice, I said, “we should stick with it and I made a bet that we could get our turn in an hour to persuade my sister and Robert to follow through our plan. They said at least 1 and half hours. Well, neither of us won, as it took us one hour and twenty min. to get our chance to enter the elevator and enjoy the view up there finally. According to the guide It takes 41 sec. for the elevator to travel from the bottom to the top, quite fast although not as fast as I estimated. There was also a Tattoo Exhibition on that day, too. No wonder the playground and amusement park were full of young people and children. I noticed that most of Seattle’s young people, both men and women have tattoos on their body. A lot of them had tattoos of Chinese letters, very interesting. I used to be against tattoos, but now think one or two small ones are OK, but please don't put them all over your body. We didn't see the Tattoo Exhibition, see them on all these people's bodies is good enough for us.

It was getting dark and it’s time for dinner. We went to the Public Market, pity that there was a wedding party that most of the place was blocked, so we ate in a restaurant on the street. We were not very hungry, didn’t order heavy. Surprisingly the food was different and quite good. It was about ten when we got home. What a wonderful 1st sightseeing day!

Pioneer Square
The 2nd day, we went to the Pioneer Square first. There was a flea market that day and many Indian Artworks there and in the vicinity area. It was such an enjoyment sitting among so many artworks. Goods were nothing particularly interesting. I hadn’t plan on buying anything anyway. Another excitement was that we saw two long sand areas with a lot of color stone balls inside. Some people were playing with these stone balls. It looked very interesting. We decided to play, too, and waited for our turn. What fun it was playing stone balls! We played several rounds to enjoy good exercise and laughter.

Pike Place Market
It was a very beautiful area full of colorful flowers and nice streets. We sat on the bench just to relax and enjoy watching tourists from different countries.

Underground tour
My sister didn't tell me before that there was a underground tour site. It was a very interesting and impressive experience. It gave me a clear idea of Seattle's history. When I was walking around the downtown, I noticed a lot of stairs leading underground and wondered why. After the underground tour, I then understood why. What a small world under the ground with narrow twisting tunnels and dusty, derelict rooms!

Harbor Tour
My sister and I took the harbor tour once before. We did it the 2nd time on the third day. It was not in our 3rd day schedule, but when we saw there was a special rate, only half the original price, especially for that day, we must take it. It was refreshing just sitting on the cruise feeling the breeze caressing our faces. The view of Seattle city from the lake was sensational. The introduction made by the tour guide made the tour informative as well.

To be continued.
Trini

My One-of-a-Kind Sister

2010-09-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

Seattle Here I come!

2010-09-12T08:07:00.000-07:00

My travel plan to Mediterranean countries this summer didn’t come true for various reasons. After my children graduated and got their jobs, it’s getting more and more difficult to arrange family trips.
Expecting friends to travel with me is not easy, either. Nevertheless my trip to the States turned out surprisingly pleasant and fulfilling. Every time I go to America, I take the opportunity to visit my sister either at the beginning of the trip, or before I fly back to Taiwan. This time, visiting my sister was the reason of my trip. She was unable to visit Taiwan this year, whereas I need a trip to make my summer vacation truly relaxing and recreational. In the end I would not only spend quality time with my sister, but also attend two T/Ms meetings and meet some friends there.

When the day was near, I had almost forgotten my depression not being able to travel in Europe. I felt excited again as I kept putting things in the luggage and the day before my flight, I finally finished packing. I had to take out a lot of things that I over packed. I stood there looking at my luggage hoping it would not be over the weight limit allowed by the airline. As always, it was midnight when I went to bed. I could only enjoy four hours’ sleep if only I could calm myself down and fall asleep immediately.

The alarm clock dragged me off the bed even though I desperately wanted more sleep. I left home at the time exactly as I planned. Yet my careless genes took me 40 min. more to get to the Airport. It is a long story, but luckily I arrived at the airport in time for my flight. The rest was just routine and went smoothly. When I was finally sitting in the boarding room, my heart was singing, “Seattle, here I come!”

Trini

If Green Vegetables Smelled as Good as Bacon

2010-08-06T22:11:00.000-07:00

Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon. ~Doug Larson

I had my first experience Thursday night eating nothing but vegetables and some whole grain bread. It’s called healthy food – organic diet. The quote given above says exactly how I felt after eating it.

Echo, a senior member of the club – The China T/Ms Club, warmly and kindly invited Wenny who just came back Taiwan from her graduate study in the states, and me for dinner at Mirama (美麗華) in NeiHu. A small favor of mine lending some books to her got me a free meal? I happily accepted her invitation after all we could enjoy a pleasant chat while eating.

I was there on time, and parking was no sweat. How nice! There was a street performer playing the violin by the fountain in front of the plaza. Cool! Echo suggested that we try healthy food, pure organic diet. I’m a meat lover though I can’t live without vegetables, either. Yet thinking that I had had so many big fat meals over the past week, and Echo is an animal lover and a healthy food supporter, I was happy to have healthy food for a change. We headed for the eatery area.

The place was really nice. It looked like a nature-friendly green food shop from outside, no way to tell there was a restaurant area inside. How could people tell there was food service there? I guess by words of mouth.

So we walked into the shop - Chang Gang Biotechnology, Health Center, to the far inside restaurant area. It was quite unexpected to see such a spacious area hiding behind the shop. There were two counters dividing food into:

1. Vegetables and fruit with vegetable soup.
2. Wheat bread, beverages and raisins.

After trying two rounds, I found no more to choose. I realized why it was called healthy food. They were organic food, the choices are limited. We joked about the food that it was like eating grass. So, who could overeat grass?

Well, the most important thing was that we had a good chat. Wenny and I shared our experience of studying abroad. Our chat refreshed a lot of my pleasant and sweet memory of studying in Michigan. Echo was like an ATM – automatic telling machine, throwing questions one after another, and taking our words like a sponge. It didn’t surprise me at all that she would make the decision to study abroad while many others of our age are only thinking of retiring. Life to her is just a beginning.

Because of Echo’s determination of fulfilling her dream, I had a lovely evening and healthy food for the very first time. Thank you, Echo.

Trini

A Slow-ripening Fruit

2010-08-04T22:31:00.000-07:00

"Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit." -- Aristotle (4th century B.C.)

My summer vacation is half gone. Good times always seem to slide away swiftly. Goldies happened to have more gatherings these two months. This time, we gathered to welcome two young friends, Gary and Jim, from southern Taiwan.

We met Gary and Jim in late June last year during our trip to ShangHai. Their professionalism and insights of life made a profound impression on us. This unexpected encounter made the first group trip of five goldies more enthralling and fun.

After one year passed, it would be a thrilling thing to meet these two young men again. Every lady was excited and put other things aside to join the gathering except Pamela. She was on her business trip again to ShangHai. What a pity!

This is the excitement part of traveling. We can never tell what exactly out there for us to see or experience when traveling. A good planning can ensure a safe, delightful and intellectual trip. Yet, it is much more than that. What fascinates me most is the unknown, the unexpected waiting for me to explore.

Linda released the news of their visit to Taipei to us and thoughtfully arranged various programs for the weekend; Karaoke on Saturday afternoon at Lydia’s place; dinner and recreation at a Sports Bar owned by Linda’s friend’s friend; visiting the Chinese Ancient Garden on Sunday morning, then the Art Museum in the afternoon. I’m on my summer vacation, whatever arrangement will be perfect for me, and it turned out that I was the only one who made it from the beginning to the end of the big and long gathering.

After a few communication back and forth, unexpectedly an extra Friday night fever at the “Brown Sugar” was decided. They had a live band starting at 9:30 P.M. till over midnight. Wow! First late night for goldies. Michelle made the reservation for a big cozy booth through her son’s help.

Fright night fever was the very first time for me hanging out until 1:30 A.M. way past midnight. It was great fun! Every goldie dressed up for the special event. The night began at 9:00 P.M. for goldies whereas Gary and Jim had to arrive a little bit late. When they showed up, the atmosphere heated up sky high.

We ate, chatted, danced and took photos. Eeryone did their best to enjoy themselves. The band was great, and the singer, Carton J. Smith, was simply amazing. Totally unleashed Sherry danced and interacted with Carton on the stage. Everyone was screaming and cheering them up. What a sideshow! Surprisingly, Gary invited a handsome friend of his, the very popular actor and speed memory trainer Jonathan to join us. Who can resist the charm of a popular handsome man? Everyone took turns to have a photo with him.

The Saturday afternoon’s karaoke program at Lydia place was warm and cheerful as always. We met with great pleasure a new stunning lady Debby, Lydia’s friend. Besides wine, refreshment, dance, and chat, Lydia bought a beautiful yummy cake to celebrate Michelle’s birthday. Another surprise was the pink sexy “VS” gift everyone received from Michelle who just came back from her trip to Las Vegas. Thank you, Lydia and Michelle!

After the Karaoke, we went to the Sports Bar on BaDe Rd. It was the first time for me and some goldies to patronize a Sports Bar. Must say it was a very refreshing experience being surrounded by the dim and erratic light, erotic settings and many pool tables. We tried different cocktails besides food. Some of us also played pool. I was nervous yet excited.

Before we left the place, it was announced that the next morning’s program was cancelled. Apparently after two nights’ wild programs, it would be a torture to drag everybody up early in the morning. Though I was very much interested in visiting the ancient garden again, I must say it might be better not to challenge my limited energy. So we met at the Art Museum in the afternoon.

Only Linda and I made it to the Museum with Gary and Jim. I had been planning to see the Exhibition “Manet to Picasso” and “Jean-Paul Gaultier/Regine Chopinot – Le Défilé-Gallery”, before my American trip, and this was a perfect time to make it. It was a sensational art and intellect afternoon browsing all the art works there.

After immersing ourselves in a sea of art, we hungered for food even though it was early for dinner. Gary and Jim’s original plan was to meet their friends in the evening, yet they decided it was more delightful to have two ladies’ company for dinner. At the last min I suggested that we ate at 水舞饌, a restaurant in NeiHu luxuriously decorated to passion and fashion. I thought it was the perfect atmosphere for a perfect closure of the exciting once-a-year gathering. I’d eaten there twice, loved their food. Without a reservation we were lucky to get a table. We were seated with the stipulation that we had to finish our dinner before their next guests took the table at 6:30 P.M. We had to take it. Having an hour and half to enjoy our dinner there was much better than finding a different place. The conversation was lively and the food was superb. Everything was wonderfully pleasant. We called it a day early. It was time for a rest after three crazy days. I could also spend some time with my children for the rest of the night.

After dropping Gary and Jim off to their next stop, I accelerated to head home. Suddenly my phone rang, it was Linda saying that Jim left his iPhone in my car. I turned back thinking of Murphy’s Law. Jim succeeded in proving it was too early to call it a day by leaving his phone in my car carelessly. I said the 2nd goodbye to them and wished them a safe trip back home.

I believe we will have Gary and Jim’s visit again and look forward very much to it.
Now let me conclude the crazy weekend by quoting a few ladies’ and Jim’s words:

Irene - Thank you, Michelle, Linda and Lydia, for all the arrangements. I had wonderful and crazy time in Brown Sugar, 8 balls and Lydia's place. Unexpectedly the first time the 2nd generation joined our night life activities and got along with us very well.

Kate - What a special experience I had! I came to know 5 "MEN" in a weekend. I found Gary knowledgeable, talented and humorous. I appreciated Jim for his willingness to spend time with golden ladies although he was tired. It's good that our second generation met and mingled together. I didn't have chance to talk to George. He was a little bit shy, but I can tell he is a nice kid. Hank was so friendly and enthusiastic. He gave me the first lesson in my life about how to play billiards. Because of Gary I had chance to do what I have never done in my life - hugging a popular actor! Thank you, girls, for your arrangements. How lucky I am to have you around me.

Sherry - Thanks for sharing! What two wild nights in a row golden ladies unleashed themselves at the end of the sizzling July in 2010!

Jim - Hi, Golden Ladies, Thank you all SO MUCH for the great “ADVENTURE” in Taipei for us form the little town down south. Ha.. Me and Gary had so much fun re-exploring this fun city. Actually, we did have much much more good time than in Shanghai ‘cause of the other golden ladies joining us. Travelling sometimes gives us chance to escape familiarity in our daily life, but interestingly, it also brings back the familiarity of your kindness, and laughter. Now, I really can’t escape you all now! Haha… Here are some photos that I shot with my iPhone, which are also printed in my memory now and ever. Cheers~

Trini
http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/TwoBrilliantYoungFriendsFromKaohsiung#

Kate’s Lovely Housewarming Party

2010-07-18T22:27:00.000-07:00

Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one. - Dr. Seuss
For Kate’s housewarming party, I should say, “Tonight was good, tonight was fun. Tomorrow I shall miss it.” Kate’s fun and cool housewarming party not only drove summer night’s heat away, but also threw most of the goldies together.

The refurbishment of Kate’s home took several months, or I should say almost half a year from the day she started packing and moving things away for refurbishment. She missed a few of the ladies’ gatherings and activities because of the tedious work and pressure with the renovations.

I’m a playful person, flexible with my schedule. I thought Kate was too hard on herself and a few hours escape from the housework should do her good to release her tension. Well, Kate is Kate, and Kate is different. She lives a more disciplined life, for everything she does, she gives her full attention and energy. The whole refurbishment cost her several pounds and countless cheerful smiles. Every time we got to see her we found she was getting skinnier and skinnier. We strove to cheer her up, but that didn’t help her to get her weight, or her familiar cheerful smiles back. Now the remodeling is done, we are so happy to see her happy mood and humor back again.

I had clogging class in the afternoon. I asked Pamela to come to the clogging class to meet me so that we could go to Kate’s home together. I kept alert to my cell phone in case she called. She showed up right after the class was over, though I had secretly hoped she would arrive earlier to exercise with us a little bit. Pamela insisted we get some real food for the housewarming party despite the fact that she already had purchased a beautiful variety pack of cakes from a very famous brand store in Taizhong.

With good preparation work Googling the address in advance this time, I knew exactly the way to Kate’s home. Not a sec. was wasted in finding the directions. I was also well prepared for the challenge of finding a place to park. Luckily, I easily found a parking place in a small corner next to Kate’s home thanks to Pamela and her keened eyes. Couldn’t believe my luck as Kate thoughtfully pointed out that there was nowhere to park a car near her home.

When Kate opened the door, I saw a Chinese beauty dressed right for the occasion and with a big welcoming smile. When seeing her neat, warm and cozy home, I believed all her hard work and the time she had invested had paid off. As Pamela and I were the first to arrive and Kate was already prepared for the party she gave us a room by room tour. There were a lot of pictures of Kate and her family taken over the years. Kate looks beautiful in every picture, yet we were also surprised to notice how Kate’s beauty changed over time. What an amazing woman! Then we occupied her completely with a nice chat. We also had the privilege of tasting her daughter’s lovely refreshments.

After the clock struck six, we began to expect other guests to arrive. Well, they seemed to take their time, Victor Chu from Grand T/Ms Club was the first to showed up followed by Lydia who couldn’t find a parking spot without Kate’s help. Michelle was next to arrive, followed finally by Irene. Linda and Sherry had other engagements today and will join Kate for her second housewarming party. With three more T/Ms guests; Maggie, William and Dawn; and another one of Kate’s daughter’s friend, the party formally began to roll. Topics jumped from one to another while we dug into all the delicious dishes. In what seemed like no time at all it was ten o’clock and someone reminded us not to outstay our welcome as it was late and the host needed her rest.

As we reluctantly got up to leave, Dawn announced she prepared a take-home gift, a broad bean snack for everyone. That was another surprise!

Thank you again, Kate, for such a lovely, fun and enjoyable housewarming party. I am happy for you that you now have a newly refurbished, cozy home to enjoy your quiet and relaxing time!
http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/KateSHousewarmingParty#
Trini

Playing the Big Drum

2010-07-18T22:26:00.001-07:00

Red drums are a symbol of power.
Drums performances are given when there are ceremonies or festivities. For the love of music, goldies sing, dance, attend concerts and even play musical instruments. Sherry involved herself most in the games. Lately she has been fascinated by drums, especially the big Chinese drums. The group she joined is called新店鳳鼓隊. They will be playing the big drums at Riverside Festival Sunday, July 18th.
http://www.culture.tpc.gov.tw/_file/2963/SG/37656/D.html. She has invited us to join her several times to have a hand-on experience and to feel the excitement of laying our hands on the big drums. She even mailed us the drum notes so that we could do our homework in advance.

I enjoy listening to the drum beats and feel the rhythms that I have spent some time in learning the jazz drums. Getting the coordination of both hands and the right foot is an exciting challenge, hence the achievement is overwhelming. When I drum, my mind is freed and all the cells in my body dance in harmony giving me a great sense of achievement and excitement.

I joined Sherry several times along with Kate, Lydia and Michelle. We had great fun. Yet going to XinDian early on Sunday morning every week is an impossible mission for me. I had to disappoint her as I can’t even be sure if I can make it twice a month. If I can’t play the big Chinese Drum, at least I can still get the satisfaction and comfort from the beat of playing the jazz drum. Either way, I’m happy and contented.

Trini

Summer Vacation at Last!

2010-07-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

Vacations are seen as an antidote to work. They are medicine, a remedy for counteracting the effects of labor.... Vacations allow us to be away from the job, to change the patterns of our day, to alter our routine, to reconfigure our actions and habits, to rediscover ourselves. - AL GINI
When seeing all the teachers’ happy face before the school was about to close for summer vacation, I could tell how important it is for them to have the long expected vacation.

After more than four and half months’ non-stop teaching, teachers need the time
to get recharged, refreshed and revived for the next term to come. I couldn’t realize before I became a teacher, how stressful and tiresome it could be. While a lot of people envy teachers for their winter and summer holidays, I must say it’s very helpful and constructive for teachers. The break is definitely necessary for them to continue to stay in the job, to keep their passion and not to lose their patience with students.

Teaching gives teachers a sense of achievement while often times troubled students rack their brains for solutions. Another reason that I can’t wait for summer vacation to come is because I can finally travel to the places that I had planned to visit before my legs fail me. The only problem is finding companies. People other than teachers don’t feel like travelling in summer as the cost is high and the weather is hot.

Sad to say that all the goldies have their own travel plans this year. None of them can join me. My children can’t travel with me in summer, either. I was forced to drop my plan travelling to Europe as traveling alone is truly depressing. Still, I will spend two weeks in the States. My sister doesn’t come back to Taiwan this year, so I thought visiting her is not bad as I haven’t been to Seattle for almost four years. A week at my sister’s home in Seattle for a good getting-together, plus a week visiting a friend of mine there to see some small towns that I have never seen sounds quite fulfilling actually.

I guess I will still make my vacation an enjoyable one. I have more time to attending dance classes, practicing the drum and the piano, watching movies, listening to music, doing things with goldies when chances come, attending more T/Ms meetings and finally enjoying the quality time with my sister and friend in the States.

But for next summer, I promised myself no matter what I will make my plan travelling to East and South Europe come true.

Trini

The installation Ceremony and the 25th Anniversary Celebration

2010-06-28T23:11:00.001-07:00

The China T/Ms is twenty-five years old. Time flies like an arrow and it’s been 15 years since I joined the club! The club has always been one of the best in town and for many years membership soared with over 60 members.
In the past few years the China T/Ms has lost many members including 15 young
members; some pursued their study abroad, some got married, and had children. At the same time new T/Ms clubs have been established one after another. Since the day it was chartered, the club has maintained its trademarks of warmth, friendliness, passion, enthusiasm, and energy, making it the vital and successful organization it is today. After 25 years the China T/Ms is still among the finest in town.

Speaking of the history of T/Ms International in Taiwan, the 1st T/Ms club, Taipei T/Ms Club, was founded in 1958 by Dr. Bernie Bough. We are the 8th T/Ms club established in 1985 after Taipei, Tainan, Taichung, Touyan, Grand 1975, PECL1982, and CECI 1982

The club President Jamie approached me more than a month ago explaining his idea of celebrating the club’s installation and 25th anniversary ceremony together. It was a big day of the club. He invited me to be the master of the ceremony. Hosting the most important annual event of the club is a great honor of mine. I appreciate our President Jamie for giving me this opportunity. Being a T/M for about fifteen years, conducting a regular club meeting is just like fulfilling a member’s duty by taking turns. The audience is small, the program is formatted and the speakers are familiar. The club’s 25th anniversary is extra especial. We’d invite as many guest T/Ms from other clubs as possible, especially those very popular ones.

I anticipated the challenge. Firstly the program must be attractive which means versatile. My past experience told me that an Installation Ceremony often ends up tedious and boring. Thus, when Jamie asked for my advice, I was more than pleased to offer some ideas. We reached a consensus to make the program both educational and fun. Since the club didn’t ask any member to give a speech to meet the educational purpose, I invited Moses Mo, Pamela’s better half, to do a humorous speech demo. I heard her club members say it was hilarious and enjoyable. Then we must have an evaluation demo to be done by a very experienced and popular T/Ms. Harry Fong, DTM; Lydia’s better half; Council Governor from 1999-2000 was the perfect choice. To our relief, he confirmed without hesitation. The rest sessions except one were assigned to club members to host. I planned to invite goldies to give a show dancing, or leading a dance or an exercise involving all the audience in. To my disappointment, they were either on their trips abroad, had other programs or business to attend to. Only Pamela was able to accept the invitation. Pamela is from Galaxy TMC, I know a lot of its members. When I saw them in the D67 Installation Party, I successfully talked their President elect Viola and EVP elect Jack Chen into gathering at least ten members from their club for support. Wow! How exciting! I thought it was great as Pamela could help me run the session with all the beautiful and handsome Galaxiers. As the ceremony master, I better concentrate on hosting the ceremony and not involve myself in performing. Yet, Pamela couldn’t spare more time to prepare for conducting the session by herself. So, it was decided we together do it and lead the audience to dance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwLPd94TACc
The program was settled.

The Best Wishes Session to be conducted by Bing Bing Lin: He’s a T/Ms Guru, a magician, the sponsor of the club. He alone sponsored 15 T/Ms clubs, I think he’s eligible to be listed in the T/Ms International record.

The Variety Session to be conducted by Victor Tsui, CC. He’s a newly happily wed member. He’s a person in depth never loosing temper or control. He’s still in his honeymoon though he has married for over a year, always putting EVE, his wife, before the club activity. We must thank his wife for giving him to us for the ceremony.

Humorous Speech Demo to be given by Moses Mo, ACB, CL. He’s a spiritual leader of Galaxy T/Ms club, A hero behind the scene. He is one of the parachute team from Legacy T/Ms club. He looks very clam, or a little bit serious, the truth is? The audience will find it out after hearing his speech.

Discharging Ceremony to be conducted by Larry Lee, ACS, AL. He was the club president from 1993 – 1994, area C2 governor then the immed. Past Division C governor. He speaks in a very composed manner. He teaches in the college.

Installing Ceremony to be conducted by no one else but Mike Yang, DTM, District 67 Governor elect. He was the club president from 2000 to 2001, then area C2 Governor,
Div. C Governor, District LGM, District LGE and soon in a few days he will lead all T/Ms in Taiwan to soar into a new height.

Evaluation Demo to be given by Harry Fong, DTM. He’s a very popular and distinguished T/M. His membership is as old as the China T/Ms club which means he is one of the charter members when the club was split away from Taipei T/Ms club. He was the club’s president in year 1990 and Counsel Governor from1999-2000, the year I took the club’s presidency office.

Cake Cutting Session to be conducted by Choi Chang, ACS, CL. He’s a treasure of the club. He’s observant, logical, and wise. In addition, he has a very good analytical quality to make complicate things easy. That’s why our officers or members count on him very much for advice.

The Sing and Act Session to be conducted by Carl Wang. He’s the immed. Past Pres. He’s a very smart and responsible young man good at cooking and numbers, and specializes in stock market and investment.

The night before the Ceremony, I invited Viola and her club members to Pamela’s home to practice the dance for more than an hour until we were familiar with the dancing steps. Though only Viola and Pamela made it, it was OK as the purpose of the session is to exercise and have fun.

In the evening of Celebration, things went very smoothly even better than I expected. We had more than 50 participants. Twelve past Presidents of the club showed up. Every session was proceeded smoothly and achieved its best effect. The Exercise Session led by Galaxiers was exceptionally satisfactory. Every Galaxier demonstrated youth, vitality and dynamic strength. Can’t thank them enough.

The only room for improvement was time control. Time control has been the biggest challenge for all T/Ms activities. Every speaker and session master wanted to make their points or message across. It really gave our timer a big headache.

At last, I like to give my best wishes to the China T/Ms Club again. May the China T/Ms Club keep booming and prospering, and best wish to the Club for continuous prosperity and success.

Trini
http://picasaweb.google.com.tw/taipeitmtrini/InstallationAndThe25thAnniversaryOfTheChinaTMsClub#

Refreshing the happy moment at Lydia's Home

2010-06-28T22:30:00.001-07:00

Mother's Recipe Mothers of my mother’s generation are very capable and cook excellent dishes. It’s like a nature gift to them. Every mom has some special recipes to bind their family together that even they have eaten in numerous restaurants, yet still their mother’s dishes always occupy an untouchable corner of their mind.

Linda’s mom is an excellent cook. We had heard Linda say it many times and we had had the pleasure of tasting her excellent dishes two years ago.

On Dragon Boat Festival, we went to Lydia’s home to reward ourselves for our accomplished job at D67 Installation Ceremony. Linda brought different flavors of Zhongzi and a big pot of chicken soup made by her mother. It was couriered to Linda the day before the festival and Linda generously shared it with us all. With so much food on the table, the soup received the best compliments and was the only dish completely eaten up. Everyone kept saying how lucky Linda was that she could enjoy her mother’s cooking from time to time even she lives way down in ZhangHua.

This reminds me of my mother’s cooking. To me, Her best dishes were meat balls, Sausages and ZhongZi. We got to eat her meat balls once a week, but sausages and ZhongZi only once a year. I don’t know if it was because of the rareness of the serving of them that we four children loved them so much.

It has been more than twenty five years since my mom stopped cooking because of her falling health. Every year I missed her sausages and ZhongZi very much. There are no any other sausages and ZhongZi can compare with hers. I have not learned the tricks to cooking the same delicious meals. I guess I will leave no any special dishes for my children to remember by.

I should tell my mom how I loved her meat balls, sausages and ZhongZi, and that she’s a much better mom than I am while she can still understand me. Yes, tell her, today!
Trini

Goldies Debut as Geisha at District 67 Installation Ceremony

2010-06-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

Geisha (芸者?) are traditional, female Japanese entertainers whose skills include performing various Japanese arts such as classical music and dance.

What a relief, we made it! Six goldies dressed like Geisha gave their debut at District 67 Installation Ceremony! When Sherry suggested that we did a Japanese dance at the District 67 Installation Ceremony, I questioned myself. Do I have the grace or composure for Japanese dance? What I know about Japan most was their food, after all we have so many Japanese restaurants here. I’d rather explore western culture if I had time and energy. Japanese dance? Are you kidding? I can only say two or three Japanese phrases. Not like Sherry and Linda, they have affection for Japanese things. I’ve seen Sherry wearing Kimonos and doing Japanese dance many times. Sherry even speaks Japanese fluently as well as she speaks English, and visits Japan at least once a year. Linda must be able to say some Japanese, too. Both of them have been learning Japanese dance for some time.

Well, if they had faith in goldies doing Japanese dance all together, why worry? I just left the headache to them. Linda chose two songs for the Japanese dance and made DVDs for all of us.
One requires grace, one requires nimbleness and liveliness. She borrowed some accessories from her friends for goldies like fans, Obis, strings, and tabis. Sherry provided us with all the kimonos, and some more obis, strings and tabis. Unbelievable! Sherry has such a big collection of KIMONOS and accessories!

Irene, Linda, Lydia, Michelle, Sherry and I made it this time. Kate and Pamela had to miss it. It’s simply too much a challenge for all the goldies to join every event. There was always one or two at least absent every time. Unexpectedly Pamela was finally able to show up at the Ceremony to cheer us up. Her presence excited all of us. We couldn’t chat long because of the dance to think about and to do. But she was there with us all along in the dressing room bringing us water, juice and yummy food from the feast table! She deserved a big hug!

We managed to rehearse, practice strictly speaking, three times. We did the final rehearsal on the stage shortly before the Installation Ceremony took place. I had been calm and playful before then. When the day finally came, I started to feel the stress and get nervous. Our dance was the opening show to curtain up the party hours. While waiting for the time to get on the stage after the final rehearsal, I feel butterflies in my stomach. I hungered for food to sooth myself. Linda helped us all put on kimonos. I was so touched and grateful wishing I had a handkerchief in my hand to wipe the sweat off her forehead. I was the first to get dressed, to calm my nerves, I distracted myself with cameras taking photos of every Geisha as they were dressing and when they were fully dressed.

Outside the dressing room, the ceremony was proceeding. We couldn’t poke our head out to take a look, just prick out our ears to catch a few words. District 67 Installation Ceremony is one of the big occasions every year. Before a T/M to be elected as the District Governor, he or she must have devoted a lot in terms of time, energy and knowledge. They made sacrifice in order to contribute and benefit others. Mike Yang, DTM, is from the same club that I belong to, the China T/Ms club. I had every reason to give my congratulations to him. We all are happy for him. There were around 10 members from the club to support and cheer him up.

Finally the party time and we were all ready. The Ceremony master was presenting us. No more nervousness or butterflies, we just enjoyed ourselves doing the dance. When we finished the 1st dance “NADASOUSOU”, cheers and applauses encouraged us. The 2nd dance ‘SeishunJidai’ became much easier. We saw a lot of cameras gathering down the stage. It really felt good standing in front of the flash lights and posing. We conquered the stage again!

Nadasousou http://www.youtube.com/user/azenng#p/a/u/1/9htVoEOqT6A
Seishunjidai http://www.youtube.com/user/azenng#p/a/u/0/h9o6aSbtFUo

We were far from professionals of course, but once again goldies had great fun throughout the process. Every day, being professional women performing our duties and doing our job, we still strive to explore different delights. We are happy because we want to be happy!

Trini
http://picasaweb.google.com.tw/taipeitmtrini/GeishaGaveTheirDebutAtDistrict67InstallationCeremony#

Rehearsal Chapter 2 for D67 Installation Party

2010-06-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

Linda warmly offered her place again for the 2nd rehearsal of Japanese dance that we are going to perform at District 67 Installation Ceremony.

It’s was Sherry’s suggestion to have our 2nd rehearsal on that day as the choir she joined was going to perform in WuGu Labors’ Recreation Center near Linda’s home. After the rehearsal we could all go to the Center to cheer Sherry and her choir up. When goldies are together no matter for what purpose, the room is always full of laughter and excitement, and the atmosphere is always hilarious.

After tasting the big juicy and sweet lichees Linda prepared, we began with the slow dance ‘Nadasousou’ as grace and composure are very important to interpret this dance. We spent most of the time practicing the dance until we memorize all the moves. The we practiced the 2nd dance ‘Seishunjidai’ for which we need to explore joy and nimbleness. With the colorful, shining and beautiful sticks wrapped with tinsels Irene bought for us, we were much into the feelings.

Unexpectedly yet not surprisingly Sherry only showed up to practice a while, then left to join her choir. It did come to my mind that Sherry would be tied up with her choir. We spent longer then we planned when it was over, I had to go for my family activity and couldn’t go with Linda, Irene and Michelle for Sherry’s performance.

It was a beautiful and happy Saturday. I had a few happy hours with goldies and a good sweat to refresh myself and rid the tiredness from a week’s work.

Trini
http://picasaweb.google.com.tw/taipeitmtrini/2ndRehearsalForD67InstallationParty#

2010 Taipei 101 Run Up

2010-06-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

"Tough times don't last but tough people do." - A.C. GreenMr.
There are a lot of things I wish I could do better, or simply can’t do like swimming, skiing, ice skating, surfing, snorkeling, scuba-diving, etc. No words can describe my envy for those who can do all these exciting and nerve-challenging sports and how much I admire them. Now I have to add one more in my admiring list, marathon and climbathon running. These runners impress me with their passion, strength and persistence.

On May 30th I went to Taipei 101 not for shopping, but to help with 2010 Taipei 101 Run Up. I got up before dawn so that I could arrive by six a.m. and join the other T/Ms volunteers for the briefing. There were forty of us from the non-profit organization ‘Toastmasters International District 67.’ The T/Ms volunteer team was very well organized. Thank Victoria, District 67 Public Relations, for successfully coordinating such a big event. It turned out to be a wonderful gathering of forty T/Ms from different T/M Clubs in Taipei.

The climbathon held by Taipei 101 first started in 2005 with 1008 runners (maybe not a exact but definitely a close number.) This year there were around 2008 runners. I was told that the number of runners was limited, to the most qualified participants.
There were several reasons for me to join the volunteer group. For one, I had been thinking of witnessing how the program proceeded and how it was look like; the other reason for me to finally take action was because of Mr. Rory Vaden’s visit to Taipei again and participation in the climbathon.

Rory was the 1st Runner up of Toastmasters 2007 World Champion of Public Speaking, and was the keynote speaker for Toastmaster International District 67 Spring Convention that Dr. Yap and I co-hosted in 2008. Because of the special event, I had the privilege of receiving him for the whole time during his stay in Taiwan. He’s a disciplined and goal-oriented young man. His achievement and inspiring speeches are a reflection of his "walking the talk". On top of all this, he’s amiable, friendly, humorous, tall and unbelievably handsome that captures everyone’s attention the moment he makes his presence. He expressed his plan and goal to climb 10 of the world’s tallest buildings and his desire to come back to climb Taipei 101 at his 2nd visit. So, when I found out the exact date and told him about 2010 Taipei 101 Run Up, he took action and made it happen. As a professional speaker, he also took the opportunity to present workshops for T/Ms in Taiwan. Different from the last time, he brought his bride Amanda along; tall, slim and charming. They made such a compatible and handsome couple I must say.

The climbathon actually started at 8:00 a.m. with the world level runners in the first group. There were ten or eleven of them. I was stationed on the ground floor at the record receiving area next to the START point. I saw how every second was important to these runners. They were all thin and medium tall. I guess height has nothing to do with the speed, or even may be a disadvantage. The male runner from Italy won the championship. There were only two female runners in this team, Mellissa from New Zealand, and one runner from Taiwan. I took a moment to take a photo with Mellissa and the male runner with the registration No. 007 of this group from Taiwan, how excited I was! Pity that I couldn’t gear up my courage to ask for a photo together with the champion as he stayed all the time with his team and was busy in chatting and moving around. I helped some runners take pictures. Their excitement and happiness moved me.

For those who cared for the speed and performance, the time they used mattered a lot. For others who did for self-challenge and participation were just happy when they finished the running. The champion Marco De Gasperi from Italy took only 11 min. and 9 sec.

Can you guess what interested me most during the whole six hours standing there at the record receiving counter? It was all the runners’ legs. They were so different in shapes and sizes; strong legs vs skinny legs; long legs vs short legs; muscle legs vs thin legs; tanned legs vs pale legs; hairy legs vs hairless legs; straight legs vs curved legs; well built legs vs plain legs. I enjoy watching especially those fit and beautiful legs most. Sorry, couldn’t help it because almost all the runners wore shorts. I had a great time checking out all the different legs.

Mr. Rory and his bride were among the late runners. The activity was about over when they came down to receive their record certificate. We were happy to see each other and chatted a while at the Starbucks inside the building.

What an experience! I don’t know if I will be there for the Taipei 101 "Run Up" next year, as a volunteer or a cheer leader. The six hours of standing is quite a challenge for a goldie. Let me conclude my reflection on this event with “Congratulations to all the runners on your success in finishing running 2046 stairs!”

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." – Confucius

Trini
http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/2ndRehearsalForD67InstallationParty#

Enchanting Voice and Music

2010-05-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

“If you cannot teach me to fly, teach me to sing.”
- James Matthew Barrie

When A Choir and A Symphony Work Harmoniously and Beautifully, the impact generated to the audience is simply indescribable!

I’ve heard a few excellent choirs, but had never listened to a choir in the National Concert Hall. On Thursday night, I did it for the 1st time and was totally enchanted. The music, carmina burana 布蘭詩歌 by Carl Orff, was familiar to me and I have a CD of it. Listening to it alive sung by an amazing local choir was different and the touching was beyond words can describe.

Goldies love to sing, too, and sing quite well especially Lydia and Irene. It’s relaxing and a great joy listening to them singing. Lydia and Sherry love it so much that they joined several choirs and perform in public sometimes. Thursday evening, the singing group Lydia joined gave an excellence performance in the National Concert Hall. Only Sherry and I made it to the concert that night. There were two sessions for the concert led by A‧K‧Sun Taipei Philharmonic. I knew the choir was good since Lydia joined it and mentioned it several times. It was not until that night that I realized how excellent it was. Their performance was the 2nd part of the concert. When they made their presence to the stage, my attention was captured immediately. It was such a big choir that I lost count. I look at them in awe. There must be over 200 singers.

When the symphony stoke the 1st note, the whole concert hall was melted into it. Different from the 1st session, the symphony and the choir complemented each other impeccably. The symphony was flawless, and the conductor was world class professional. And the choir, I must say, sang it so beautifully and powerfully. I simply couldn’t keep my eyes off them, and they took my breath away. Every once in a while, I turned my head and looked back at Lydia and felt very proud of her. When the concert was over, they received a standing ovation. The applause kept going and still lasted for a while after they stepped off the stage. I finally understand her passion and persistence in singing in a choir despite the fact that she can impress others just by singing alone.

I didn’t bring my camera as I knew it was not allowed to take picture there. Or I will definitely take a few shots to show how grandiose and awesome the whole cast was. That night’s experience changed my perception totally. I will join a choir after I retire if they still want me. Thank you, Lydia, for such a splendid and enlightening night!

Trini

Our Love for Dance

2010-05-16T06:02:00.000-07:00

"Your love for yourself is only shown when you are dancing freely." - Author unknown. Body talks especially when we dance. I love dancing not because I’m a good dancer but because my heart sings and I forget my worries when I dance.
I had the wildest dream of becoming an excellent dancer when I was young. Yet I was fully aware that I didn’t have the kind of talent and it was the music that actually motivated me to dance. So, I simply dance to music for fun. I don’t have much time for fun, therefore when chances come, I would enjoy every min. of it.

Canon Thoinot Arbeau said, “Dance is a sort of silent rhetoric.” I like the quote and feel it especially true when watching professionals dance. My mom appreciated the beauty of dance and was the very person who brought dance into my life. She sent my sister and me to dance classes when we were only four despite the fact that we could only live from hand to mouth. I didn’t really enjoy dancing then as my sister was much more talented, and I looked quite awkward comparing with her. So I quitted a few years later. I can’t tell when dancing came to my dream again. I just dreamed, never gave it a serious thought. After we goldies found each other, our lives became more fun by exploring ventures together. Dancing was one of them.

Yesterday was our 2nd practice of Japanese dance for the District 67 Installation Ceremony. It’s a whole new dance to me; slow, reserved yet quite descriptive. I’m expressive and excitable according to my friends. I enjoy quick dance most. How can I interpret Japanese dance well? Seeing Linda and Sherry dance, I tried to restrain myself and be composed and graceful. Linda and Sherry have taken Japanese dance class for some time. Lydia has ballet training. I just tried to use my heart to feel it as the song was beautiful. I must have danced it absurdly that Irene said we must work harder on every pose, hands and arms coordination and grace that the dance demonstrates.

Definitely I’ll strive to observe closely and improve. But I’m happy enough just being there and dancing. Come and join us if you care for dance, too.

http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/LearningJapaneseDance#

We chatted a while after the rehearsal like we always did. Michelle had been under big stress over the past few weeks because of her father's falling illness. We all felt sorry for Michelle's heartbreak. But he is gradually recovering now and we like to give our best wishes wishing him get well soon.

Trini
p.s. There’s one kind of dance that I can’t and won't do, that’s Belly Dance.

A Typical yet More Thought-provoking Mother's Day

2010-05-15T22:23:00.000-07:00

A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan

Being a mother of two grown-ups and a daughter of my mom who will turn 89 soon, the quote says exactly what I’d act and how I feel. I’m not a great mom, not even a good mom. I’m just an ordinary mom who’d do what the quote describes. I’m not any better than that.

My mom is a greater one though I didn’t realize that before I became a mom. She has been more willingly to sacrifice and to give. Whereas I just did what I needed to do. Not like many other mothers nowadays, I didn’t look for advice and suggestions from books, the media and friends. I most of the time simply reacted on my instinct to act my role. I feel sorry for my children to have a mom like me, or my son would have been more thoughtful and understanding, my daughter would have been better vision-oriented.

Today’s Mother’s Day, my daughter arranged the gathering. No matter how often she has driven me crazy, she’s always sweet and thoughtful when it comes a time like this. Both my son and daughter didn’t talk much, very selective in words, and just ate a reasonable portion of food. They have a different attitude toward food from mine. When I’m happy, I show it on my face and I’d become much relaxed and chatty, and speak louder unconsciously. They feel embarrassed and protest in silence. What two weirdoes I gave birth to, I meant compliment for being not like me at all. Well, at least I got to know what my son’s next plan for his career and see my daughter not hanging around with her friends doing things that seem to be a waste of time to me. Gee, I’m doing it again like a helpless mom, too subjective and not empathetic enough.

The Food was not scrumptious as it should have been judging from the sky high cost. At least one third of the food would have been left untouched if I hadn’t finished it all like most of moms in the world would have done.

After the lunch rendezvous, everyone went for different directions. My son went to his friends, my daughter, having a headache probably because of my high pitch voice, went home regardless how much I tried to talk her into going to the South Africa’s Day with me.

This was my Mother’s Day, typical yet a little bit varied from the previous one that brought me different afterthought. To comfort myself I like to conclude it with the quote I really like:
Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn,
Hundreds of bees in the purple clover,
Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn,
But only one mother the wide world over.
~George Cooper
Trini

A Singing and Dancing South Africa's Day

2010-05-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader. - Robert Frost

Can I say “No creativity in the planner, no satisfaction in the participants?”
After lunch rendezvous with my children, I went to the South Africa’s Day with my sister-in-law to spend the rest of the afternoon expecting to experience some impact from a different culture of South Africa. To my disappointment, though not surprised, my children turned my invitation down and headed for their own interest.

A few days ago Sherry passed the information to all goldies inviting us to have some fun there. Since it was on the Mother’s Day, other ladies had to spend the whole day with their family not like me who has children caring more about their social lives and has a mother who lives far away in southern Taiwan.

I was there at three. Sherry would be there at four. So I took a quick grand tour first. No introduction of South Africa’s culture, history and scenic places? No South Africa folk dance? No South Africa’s food that’s special or unique? There were not many stands. They sold big hamburgers, big sausages, beer and refreshments. Were they all that South Africa people eat? I saw a stand that sold fudge, a shop that displayed and sold wood works mostly woodblocks, and a stage set up very likely for a band. With my stomach still fully filled with Chinese food, none of them could arouse my appetite. After the quick tour I looked at the empty state wondering when the band would come and began their performance. I hoped it would be at least alright.

During the time of wondering around, I saw a few room booths introducing Chinese culture. That was unexpected, on South Africa’s Day and surrounded by South Africa’s booths? The biggest room with a huge poster highlighted SanXi Culture Gallery. I walked in curiously. To my amazement,there was a big exhibition of all the handcrafts and art crafts made by SanXi people and introduction of its culture like Shadow Show, exquisite puppets made of specially processed leather, bamboo masks, apparel and accessories, wooden furniture and utensils, tea and food – a very special kind of big hard thick bread. I tried the tea, different and a little bit bitter. I didn’t try the bread soup made with the big hard thick bread, still no room in my stomach. Unexpectedly yet happily I got to know
Quite a lot of SanXi culture. I hope next year South Africa can make the best use of the opportunity anddo the same or similar.

Walking out of the SanXi Booth, I wondered what’s next I could do. Would I run into Sherry?
I didn’t bother to call as she does things spontaneously and has her cell phone off most of the time. Speaking of the devil, there she was! She was right beside me when I unconsciously turned my head. She was surprised, too. While We were exchanging words and taking a photo beside a huge dummy,We sensed something turmoil coming toward our direction. Wow! a show team dressed in costume of Chinese opera, walking on high stilts were approaching us with some drummers leading in the front. That gathered crowd immediately. Quite a successful and excitingl presence they made. No doubt it was from SanXi Booth. With a cheered-up mood, we headed to the band stage to check it out. Just in time, the band were there already gearing up for the performance. A band formed by three international people and the fourth one looked like a Taiwanese I thought. It was not bad at all. The songs they sang were all quite popular and familiar to us, they even sang some Chinese songs. Sherry was the greatest audience, clapping, dancing and singing along. The leading singer with his spirit highly aroused by the passionate audience especially Sherry, invited us to join on the stage. That was a blast, we had great fun. It was getting late, about time to leave. I had to drive my sister-in-law and her daughter back home to catch their train. I said goodbye to Sherry and left in the middle of the concert leaving my heart there. It was an enjoyable afternoon despite the doubt I had at first.

I hope the Africa’s Day will be different next year giving everyone an impressive, fruitful, informative and enjoyable time there.
http://picasaweb.google.com.tw/taipeitmtrini/MotherSDaySouthAfricaSDay#
Trini

D67 Spring Conference 2010

2010-05-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

Nature VS Nurture, Are leaders born or made?

I had not attended D67 Spring or Fall Conferences for the past two years. I was no longer progressively improving myself as a Toastmaster. I just kept myself involved in some supporting roles and kept abreast of world trend. This year because of a special DTM gathering program designed in the conference, I was persuaded to attend.

The District 67 Spring Conference held on April 17th and 18th became my own, personal renewal in Toastmasters. Our honorable guest and Keynote Speaker from Toastmasters International convinced me that leaders can be made. President Elect, incumbent Senior Vice President of T/I, Pat Johnson gave two speeches on the first day – “What Leaders Are Made Of?” and “You Raise Me Up” . She was confident, amiable, witty and composed - all are qualities practiced by a good leader. She is an excellent role model for T/M world wide.

I was so impressed that I attended the two additional events. They were held in Taipei for T/Ms who wished to further benefit from Toastmaster Pat Johnson's speeches. Why shouldn’t I? The events were just a 20 minute drive away. It was absolutely worthy of my attention. The two speeches – “The Honor of One Is the Honor of All” and “How to Deliver a Good English Speech” were impressive and inspiring. Leadership and speaking is not simple. The ideas in her speech met what we'd learned in T/Ms trainings. What made her speeches so impressive was the right number and passion of the audience that stimulated her to radiate her sense of humor, quick wit and charm, and generated great interaction from the audience.

I will have to work and make some mistakes along the way, but with commitment and effort I can keep improving. Just when I was about to spend less time in T/Ms, I have been motivated to continue my endeavor to be a competent and inspiring leader.

Good leaders must first become good servants. – Robert Greenleaf
Leaders are more powerful role models when they learn than when they teach. – Rosabeth Moss Kentor.

Trini

The T/Ms Gathering Party Given by Harry and Lydia

2010-04-11T06:25:00.000-07:00

Fun in Kimono

2010-04-06T06:57:00.001-07:00

There are short cuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them - Vicki Baum

I welcome every cause that brings goldies together, Beginning with dancing lessons, later adding reading, then making it more diverse and versatile mostly with Sherry’s input.

This time, for District 67 Installation Ceremony, Sherry suggested that we gesture our support by performing a Japanese dance. Japanese dance! Me? I love dancing, and have tried different kinds of dances, but I have never thought I would try Japanese dance. For one thing, I don’t think I can work the grace, not to mention how awkward I may look in a Kimono.

Everyone seemed quite pleased with the idea. So I thought what’s the big deal, at least kimonos look great on stage. We made it on April 6th to try on Kimonos and to decide what dance to perform. Lydia’s home was ideal for the Kimono blast. Both Linda and Sherry have learned Japanese Dance for some time, and Linda happened to have two available ones to teach us. My heart was dancing all my way to Lydia’s home.

When I arrived the recreation room, most of the goldies were already dressed in Kimonos, and the whole room was brightened up with dazzling kimonos. Linda and Sherry were busy with helping everyone with kimonos. After dressing Pamela and me, she finally got time to put on hers.

The next is camera, demonstrating and learning sessions. Giggling, laughing and chirping eight buoyant peacocks enjoyed the moment to the fullest. Thank Linda, we were much released that the two Japanese dances were not difficult as we thought and actually quite enjoyable.

Kate and Linda needed to leave right after finishing dance, we others sat down for another short yet exotic chat. Time flew fast, we had to call it a day. I’d like to conclude by quoting Pamela’s words:

I Had a great time yesterday afternoon.
Lydia - Thanks for your hospitalities like always...
Linda - You have given me a new life experience, 1st time to dress Kimono, although I looked a little bit weird... 1st time to try Japanese Dance.
Sherry - Your professional instruction always lead us to be more like "Pro".
Michelle - Wow!!!! Your sharing are so exciting.. We should have this lady talks earlier.
Trini - As usual, you are so nice to drive me home.. I enjoyed all the chats.
Irene - I like your sweet-heart and wild-mind.
Kate - You looked so tired but still beautiful... Take care!!!

Trini
0410
http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/FunInKimono#

One More Flower Chase before the Season Is Over

2010-03-10T21:31:00.000-08:00

A New Adventure to the Flower Valley

2010-03-10T21:25:00.000-08:00

Hiking on an Old Trail with New Companies

2010-03-10T21:19:00.000-08:00

A Fun Hiking Day

2010-03-10T21:04:00.000-08:00

Spring Wine Party at Linda's Home

2010-03-10T20:47:00.000-08:00

The Perfect Finale of 1009 and Beautiful Prelude of 2010 for Goldies

2010-02-08T04:19:00.000-08:00

Love puts the fun in together, the sad in apart, and the joy in a heart. ~Author Unknown

From Christmas to the New Year, goldies had the most exciting, joyous, and warmest week since the bond between us was built. It’s a Perfect Finale of 1009 and Beautiful Prelude of 2010 for Goldies. I was wondering what to say or write to conclude 2009 for the goldies blog, then Pamela’s Christmas and Birthday Party and Lydia son’s wedding ceremony and banquet took my worry away. What a smooth and perfect transition!

So, I like to use this chapter to call it a year. My job of maintaining goldies’ blog for year 2009 is done. How time flies! I didn’t accomplish the goal I set for myself, I didn’t do the best I could; yet, I made it to the finish line eventually.

Lydia son’s wedding was the most beautiful, delicate and successful one I have ever attended these years. The beautiful couple charmed everyone. I like to give them my best wishes with the following quote:

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach. ~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Below are the words from other goldies given to Lydia with bless:

Irene: Dear Beautiful Lydia, This is the most wonderful wedding banquet I have attended, the newly weds are created by nature, the programs, band, food, setting, and the atmosphere are gorgeous. You really can release your burden and hand over to your daughter-in-law. Soon you will be promoted to grandma like me. 加人加福氣喔!

Michelle: Dear Lydia, after almost one week, the impression of the romantic and splendid wedding party is still in my mind. I am very happy to echo all the wonderful elements other Golden Ladies adored in the party.
In addition, I was mostly touched by the presentation with photos of you and Harry. It showed how attentive Allen and his new bride are. This is one of the great parts in the wedding. Thank you to give me this great chance to witness the glorious moment with so many good friends.

Pamela: Dear Lydia, The wedding is one of the most beautiful, touching, meaningful and well-organized that I’ve ever attended. I admire your family for arranging such a wonderful and incredible wedding at such a short time. Allen is surely a talented diplomat. Frankly speaking, Moses and I won't have the energy and mind to do so.

Sherry: Dear Lydia, What a gracious and modish wedding ceremony and banquet you and Harry gave to Alan! The words of Harry to your elder son were touching on Alan's Big Day! I liked the ballroom dance and guitar singing of Alan and his bride. The band was superb. I wish golden ladies could plan well to sing and dance on stage.

I enjoyed very much the interior design of the wedding venue, from the reception area to the lounge area, an exquisite layout for banquet guests, young and old. The well trained waiters and waitresses provided warm and friendly services. The food and drinks were great! You looked gorgeous at the wedding ceremony and banquet with your secret on! Many congratulations to you and Harry,

Trini: Dear Lydia, It's truly great to attend such a lovely wedding. It was the best way to begin 2010 witnessing the well planned wedding and sharing joy with all goldies and T/Ms friends. You must be quite exhausted now after such a big event. Must say it was the most successful and enjoyable wedding ceremony and banquet I have ever attended. We all had a great time there. Congratulations again to you, Harry and the handsome couple. I believe they will never forget how their parents love them.

What a year! Let me wish all goldies a more fulfilling, joyous and prosperous year!

http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/ABeautifulWeddingHarryAndLydiaGaveToTheirSon#
Trini

Pamela's Gift to Goldies - A Birthday Party of Triple Joy!

2009-12-27T00:50:00.000-08:00

“Your birthday is a special time to celebrate the gift of ‘you’ to the world.”

December is a glorious month. Whether it’s cold and frost, or sun and warmth, it’s a time to celebrate Christmas in Christianity, a time to enjoy the harvest what we accomplished, and a time to relax and think of others that are less lucky than us. To goldies it means more. Irene, Linda and Pamela were all born in this glorious month.

It’s definitely the best time of a year. People, especially in western countries, take a long vacation due to the two biggest holidays, Christmas and New Year. Here in Taiwan we don’t have holidays, yet the trees, streets and buildings decorated with lights, and dangling things that make the city amazingly breath-taking at night says a bright, peaceful, joyful and thankful festival is a universal wish.

Pamela took the initiatives to announce a very special and joy-doubled Christmas and Birthday party more than two months ago. She was throwing a whole-night-through party. We all were going to stay overnight together there. When she decided the date, everything was set and put in place. She reserved a beautiful and spacious wooden cottage in a resort area. Everyone was excited over the biggest up-coming gathering. All of us; Gina, Irene, Kate, Linda, Michelle, Pamela, Sherry and I; couldn’t wait for the day to come except Lydia who was busy in preparing her son’s wedding and receiving her relatives, couldn’t make it. We couldn’t hide our disappointment, but understood how busy she must have been.

Pamela wrote again when the day was approaching:

"Good Friends are hard to find, harder to leave, and impossible to forget". At the special season, I would like to thank you for your supports, caring and friendship and let's have great fun, gatherings, life experience sharing and many others in the coming new year. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and May peace, love and prosperity follow you always in New Year.

How touching! Here’s a rough picture of how she arranged the party .

Place: High up in the beautiful mountain, 陽明山菁山露營場遊憩區
A wooden cottage: spacious enough for ten people to get wild and sleep cozily overnight.
Time: Dec. 25th beginning in the afternoon
Food, drinks and party ornaments: Pamela plus everyone’s input
Car pool: to make sure we will all be there before dinner time.
Entertainment: chatting, photo shooting, singing, dancing, hot spring, etc. .. just being spontaneous.

It turned out that the three who were born in Dec. spent the most time to prepare more-that-we-could-gulp finger-licking food. Linda’s chicken hot pot was seasonal and sensational; Irene’s cold dishes, green onion pan cakes plus a big birthday cake exceeded the volume we can digest. The other food brought to the party was left aside; no enough room in our stomach to touch them. Nevertheless, I did my best to consume the best I could regardless of my limited stomach, never being able to
resist scrumptious food.

To make it short, we had an extremely wild, crazy yet perfectly under-control party. I didn’t know if the roof stayed intact since we made such a big noise. Was the cottage sound-proof enough? We couldn’t tell. Sherry explored her imagination to take numerous incredible group pictures for us including a few taking from outside the cottage. Pamela and Michelle brought their lap tops and speakers to play the songs and music we need. Gina and Kate showed again how Chinese opera has done with their posture. I contributed a little bit with the Christmas ornaments along with Pamela’s carnival props to make the party both Christmas and party like.

When it was deep in the night, our body clock struck against our will. We had to call it a day. Before we hit the sack, goldies tried the hot spring except Irene and me. We two are the ones who don’t find hot spring especially alluring.

By seven the next morning, we woke up and got washed for the breakfast. After taking some more photos at the restaurant, we had special guests of Pamela, a couple with two lovely young twins, coming from Belgium to join us for an hour. Another excitement for the party, teasing the twins and having short chat with the couple. Time flew so fast, it was about noon time. Before we packed things up, Linda surprised us by some more clam soup. When we left the cottage, our stomachs were filled with contentment, yet our heart yearned for more. It convinced all of us we can have more birthday parties like this in the coming years.

Thank you again, Pamela, for bring us the most joyous and warmest Christmas and a memory-filled night to conclude year 2009!

Trini
http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/PamelaLindaIreneSBirthdayInTheGloriousMonth#

A New Born Baby in Linda's Family

2009-12-27T00:02:00.000-08:00

A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities. - Eda J. Le Shan

Sweet-hearted Linda invite goldies to her home to share the joy of her family. They just had a little cut baby joining the family. We can tell how significant it must be to her. She is the most capable housewife and understanding mother anyone can tell.

All the goldies were happy for her, yet not everyone could make it to the gathering. It's on Saturday, some goldies already had programs arranged. Only Pamela, Sherry and I made it to join Linda and her hustand.

To make sure I would not waste any time on the road, she thoughfully explained the route in every detail. I owed her a million thanks that it was the first I managed to her home smoothly without wasting a min. The trip was enjoyable, too, having Pamela sitting beside for me to catch up with her during her long absence from Taipei.

Linda is also a great cook, she prepared hot pot for us. She prepared a wide assortment of delicacies which are enough for ten people. With her husband at the table, we also had a wonderful chat. The baby and her mom were in the nursing center, we didn't have the chance of seeing them. But from Linda and her husband, and the photos they took, we knew they were just swell.

We knew how busy this couple were, and how precious the holiday was for them, we couldn't take too much time of theirs though we loved to linger for another moment after the feast.

Waving goodbye to Linda, we were also happy for her to fit herself in the role of both a wife and a mother so impeccably.

Trini
1206
http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/PamelaLindaIreneSBirthdayInTheGloriousMonth#

The Queen's Birthday

2009-11-30T08:04:00.000-08:00

We are happy as we choose to be happy.

We had been expecting Lydia’s birthday party for more than a month. When there is a chance created for us to loosen up, we’d certainly embrace it. All of us arrived at the party around 7:00 pm.

Lydia, being the birthday star and the host, prepared a lot of fruit. When it was put on the table, we were lured to it and no other food could please our stomach like the fruit did. Nevertheless it was Michelle’s bread that filled up our stomach.

It was a casual party just for fun. The only disappointment was that Linda couldn’t come and Pamela was still in ShangHai. Eating, drinking, posing, singing, dancing and chatting were the
only things we did. We were all worry-free, we sang out loud and danced to the music.

When Lydia’s better half, Harry, entered the recreation room, the atmosphere reached its climax. Being a successful business man and T/M, Harry was warm and hospitable just the same. He helped take a lot of group photos for us.

It was almost midnight when we called it a day! Happy birthday to you, Lydia! And thank you for bringing us such a wonderful night.

Trini
1121
http://picasaweb.google.com.tw/taipeitmtrini/LydiaSBirthdayParty#

Getting old or growing up?

2009-10-29T21:54:00.001-07:00

We know we're getting old when the only thing we want for our birthday is not to be reminded of it. - Author unknown

To me birthday was just like any other day, and I’ve never been eager to celebrate it. It was always my daughter who reminded me of the date. But when it comes to our friends’ birthday, I like to celebrate it for them giving my best wishes and bringing them happiness.

Today we goldies got together not only for the monthly reading but also for celebrating Kate’s birthday. Kate wanted to keep a low profile, still Lydia reminded everyone of us of the special day and volunteered to buy a birthday cake. So exciting that we had two aims in one gathering. Like always we changed the date several times before concluding it. Finally Kate, Lydia and Michelle cancelled their clogging class to make it happen and for more goldies to join. No other day was perfect as Kate and Lydia will go abroad for their long planned trip this weekend. We also changed restaurants several times. The one we finally walked in was decided on the spot.

Irene and Kate were already there when I stepped in. Good to see Kate was in a jolly mood. The first surprise came before I sat down. Irene bought everyone two scarves, one golden and one black, always so sweet. Next time, we shall all wear them as our dress code. Michelle, Lydia and Sherry arrived respectively.

We began with a light chat; Michelle’s trip to Hawaii, Michelle father’s health and Irene’s calendar plan. The air became hot when Lydia talked about her birthday party. We were so excited about the upcoming fun. Then Sherry dropped a bomb talking about her unusual encounter, and created an even hotter atmosphere. She is so good at becoming the center of attention.

After enough chat came camera moment. Posing, teasing and making a scene put a sensational period to our reading. Can’t wait for Lydia’s Birthday Party to come!

Trini
1026

A Long-waiting hike of 14.2 km of distance up to the Peak of Bamboo Mountain

2009-10-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir

Embracing mountains and embracing nature is my cup of tea, and hiking with friends always excites me. Today over 150 people joined the hike! The biggest group I have ever joined.

The hike to the Radar Tower on Bamboo Mountain was first announced on Aug. 18th. I waited for the day to come for exact two months. My excitement is indescribable when it finally came. Eight months passed since my last hike. The Radar Tower belongs to the military, and normally it’s guarded and exclusive for the military. Today they made an exclusive exception for YMSNP volunteers and opened the gate for them to hike there to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and the awesome view around the mountain because it’s the 2nd highest peak of YMS. Thanks to Virginia and Sherry who are YMSNP volunteers, we Toastmasters got the privilege of joining them. .

When the day was around the corner, reminders from Virginia and Sherry kept rolling in:

1. Car pool arrangement.
2. Be punctual!
3. Be aware of the distance challenge, it’s 14.2 km!
4. Get necessary gear ready.
5. Weather warning, warm clothes and raincoat are a must.
6. No photos taking. It’s a military base!
Etc.

Wow! They are really nervous being responsible for the safety of 150 people. Everything went very well as planned. I arrived at the gathering place before the schedule. After Sherry joined me, we took a few photos to record the moment. Then we headed for the mountain in order to get a good parking place.

I did get an excellent parking place. Being the very early birds, we waited for others to come. An hour passed, the place was getteing more and more crowded, the atmosphere was getting warmer and warmer and we were getting more and more excited. Toastmasters belonged to group two. We set off first after all the members arrived.
I kept staying in the first few ones during the whole trip. My naughty and competitive genes were so compelling that I couldn’t help but act and walk fast. I wanted to prove to myself that 14.2 km is nothing. I was so inconsiderate of others, but just couldn’t resist the urge of enjoying the moment and have fun.
Gradually and unconsciously we first four left all others behind. When I told Moses proudly that we may be the first to arrive the tower, four hikers of another group passed through us. Giving our accomplishment up? Moses was kind enough to play along. We over-passed them and made it the first to the tower.

Then we waited for lunch for almost two hours! The military crew didn’t expect that we finished it so fast, either, and tried to help us kill the extra two hours. I was so impressed. We, kind of intruders that disturbed their routine, were received such a warm welcome.

After lunch and some more group photos, we hit the road. Moses strode even faster than he did in the morning. To prove I was not a lamb duck, I kept the same pace and left our group far behind. When we reached the destination, we could do nothing but wait. Sherry showed up one hour later after other hikers left one by one. Next time, I should consider to follow other’s pace. I am used to walk fast, but waiting is not fun.

In the end, must thank Virginia, Sherry and all YMSNP volunteers to make this hiking possible. The distance was perfect for me to enjoy a good exercise, the sky was clear, the air was clean, the mountains were alluring, the view was broad, and the people were warm and passionate. I am a mountain person, hope there will be more hikes for me to join. What a perfect Sunday!

Trini http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/ALongWaitingHikeOf142KmOfDistance#
Virginia http://picasaweb.google.com.tw/vlee1009/091018#
Yi Hsin http://www.flickr.com/photos/flying_hsin/sets/72157622493176115/
Sherry http://photo.xuite.net/ymsblog/3567971
Trini
1018

The Goldies' Bond - EQ

2009-09-27T03:51:00.000-07:00

"Emotional Intelligence is essential to interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships at school, at home, and at work." - McCown et al

Six beauties gathered for Sept. reading, and five made the 1st 2nd round, light chatting, possible. Our Sept. gathering ended at midnight, a new tryout and another new record.

It’s been over a month since our last reading gathering. I was truly thankful to all my beauties for their sweet understanding to move our reading from the afternoon to the evening. My forgetful and careless mind caused the turmoil at the last min. Gina & Kate, the coordinators of this month’s reading, found a very artistic place Xue Xue Institute 學學文創志業 for us. Our reading took place on the 2nd floor Bite after Bite Restaurantㄧ口一口學食堂. We and some other few girls were the only customers there to enjoy the whole spacious, artistic place.

I was surprised to see the area was extremely quiet and empty. All the parking places along the street were unoccupied. My tiny vulnerable blue car was like the only orphan deserted there. The huge transparent glass wall and doors made me wonder, “Is the place for business or for tour?”

Later my lady friends told me the Institute is not business-oriented. I was happy to see Gina, Kate, Irene, Linda and Michelle were all there already sitting in a nice quiet corner. Actually the whole restaurant was quiet. The 2nd surprise was to see the beautiful scarves Linda brought for every one of us. They were from her talented daughter’s product line. After the warm-up chat, and light food, we proceeded with our reading.

Unanimously, all beauties tonight gave the article “Emotional Intelligence” by Sushma Subramanian, more afterthoughts. Apparently, we all agreed that EQ is a very important asset to everyone. To me EQ and IQ are reciprocal. A person with both always radiates charm and charisma toward people.

We took goldies into analysis to see who fits passive, passive aggressive, assertive or aggressive communicator, the four criteria of communicators mentioned in the article. I think none of us are passive ones taking the active interaction among us into consideration.

A few sentences or statements I like are:
- There’s a different way to be smart than what’s on an intelligence test. It’s not a new concept. It’s a new term. - Roberson.
- It becomes more of a dance between the audience and speaker, and it leads to a much more powerful talk. - Steve Mitten.
- Emotional Intelligence (EIQ) is a crucial element of public speaking.
- The four pillars of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management of behaviors, social awareness and relationship management. – Goleman.
- Intelligence can contribute to success just as much as – if not more than –intellectual aptitude.

We kind of skipped the article “Speaking for the Animals” and moved on to “Nelson Mandela”. Mandela; the son of a tribal chief, a rebel impatient with restrictions as a boy, imprisoned for 27 years, started his speaking tour in 1990 after being released from the jail, is an expert on Adapting a speech to an Audience without changing his message.

After the reading came the shooting moment. Michelle just bought a new fancy, shocking pink advanced camera. We were intrigued and excited to try this camera out and posed by turns for fun. Happiness is contagious, the camera also had its moment.

To go with Irene’s idea of a crazy night, five of us went for a 2nd round after the restaurant wass about to close at 9:00 pm. Linda had to go home to fulfill her wife, daughter-in-law and mother, 3-in-one's role. We tried to look for the pub Michelle recalled, and were disappointed to find it closed for good a month ago. What a nuisance just when five devoted homemakers geared up the spirit to enjoy life more. So we settled for a coffee Shop, Seattle Coffee, serving better coffee than Starbucks for more chat. Except coffee, we got a big plate of pancakes on the house. It excited us. We were so easy to get contented and excited! Time flew fast. After covering a few topics, it was midnight, time for the store to close and time for us to head home.

We set the date and place for our Oct. reading, then called it a day. Tomorrow we shall all get back to our routine lives. The break just makes our reading gathering worth waiting.

Trini
0927

Light Food and Light Talk Just Two of Us

2009-09-27T03:23:00.000-07:00

It was a luck by chance, Pamela and I got together on Satuday afternoon to enjoy some gourmet food at 水舞饌, a place I didn't know until being recommended by Pamela.

After starving a whole day to have the health check, I needed a good meal to reward myself, and if possible a good company, too. Pamela was sweet to accompany me and suggested a good place to serve the purpose.

I enjoyed the atmosphere, the delicacies the restaurant served, and a pleasant chat with Pamela. She has been always a great company. What a Pity that I didn't bring my camera to record the moment.

Both Pamela and I said we must make it possible to have goldies' reading gathering here someday in the near future.

Trini
0830

A Voice Tested Aug. Reading

2009-09-27T03:05:00.000-07:00

It was the first time I saw a shop without a shop sign especially when it’s inside a building.

Michelle chose the Mr. Brown Coffee on ChienKuo N. Rd. for our Sept. Reading. I studied The map she mailed us to know the location of the coffee shop. Yet after I made two circles, I still saw no sign of Mr. Brown Coffee. I called Michelle to make sure, then Pamela’s call asking me the direction reassured me the shop is there, so I parked my car and walked in the building. There it was, strong soothing coffee smell and rows of desks and chairs, just no shop sign.

Sherry and Marian were already there. How nice to see Marian who came to join us despite the fact that she had a T/Ms meeting later at 7:00 pm. Sherry was always the first that arrives to enjoy her favorite aroma of coffee and the quiet atmosphere of coffee shops. After Pamela walked in, Sherry led us outside to take some pictures as the fountains in front the building give the building a touch of uniqueness. The water was cool, and the spray of the fountain felt so good to our feet. We played with the water like little girls. It’s Sherry, too, who always comes up with some unexpected and creative ideas to make our reading more fun and indescribably exciting.

After we were about finishing the photo taking, Linda , Lydia, Kate and Gina arrived respectively. We moved to the back bigger desk that sits also in a far quiet corner. We took a while to have our food ordered finally, too long that Marian had to leave taking the meal with her. Hope next time, she can truly enjoy the benefit of sharing and discussion with us.

After enjoying our food and grabbing some bites from others, our reading began. There was still no sign of Michelle, apparently she was caught at work and couldn’t get out of her office. We began with the article “Effective Solutions for Team Conflict. Sherry shared with us her comments first followed by some others. Before we could proceed with the 2nd one, we had to stop as it was time to leave for the 2nd program of voice testing. Lydia, Kate and Sherry are working on a T/Ms choir, and invited some T/Ms to come for the voice testing. I didn’t realize before, but was happy to go along to see how it proceeded.

It was only a few min. walk to the testing room. I didn’t expect to see so many heavy weight T/Ms came to show their interest in singing in a choir. Jorge Yen, Jorie Wu, Eric Suen, Ron Chen, etc. Michelle made it to the voice test. How interesting to see so many experienced T/Ms try out their voice like school students in front of the teacher. I was not a choir person, and was surprised to see they are loved the idea. An hour passed in a blink of an eye after short discussion of details.

I couldn’t make any promise, need to see my situation and cultivate my interest. I must salute to Sherry for her passion and enthusiasm in making everything possible. A T/Ms Choir! What a passion! What a big responsibility! Only Sherry can make it happen.

In two months or three, everyone will see the magnificent T/Ms Choir performing before the audience with their voice from heaven.

Trini
0828

A Trip of Art, Culture and Religion from Rome to Milan

2009-08-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

When it was impossible for my children to travel with me, how I wished any of my lady friends could join me for the Italy trip. Well, nobody could afford the vacation except me. So I accepted the fact that I had to travel alone again. This small disappointment didn’t diminish my spirit at all, in stead I looked positively at the bright side and believe I would learn how to adjust myself to the upcoming adventure. Helen Keller said, "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." I did always enjoy my life more when embracing adventures. It took me days to decide what to bring and finally had my luggage packed right before I left home for the Airport.

To save money I always take bus to the Airport. Unexpectedly when I arrived at the station,a taxi driver approached me eagerly to offer an extremely reasonable price to the Airport as he had to go to the Airport to pick up a customer with or without passengers riding along. At first I hesitated a while for safety sake. You know the result. I arrived at the Airport much earlier than I planned. Not bad, indeed.

When I found our guide, I saw all young people around her. Most of them even look like students. Well people tend to look young nowadays, I thought. Still felt a little bit awkward being the oldest one. I was much relieved later when seeing two more couples joining in. They were definitely about my age, or maybe older? Before boarding the plane, I even got the chance to use the Airport computer to write a long mail to my friend. I hadn’t talked to the tour members.
“What’s the hurry? The trip hasn’t started yet,” I said to myself. The fact is that I am shy and introvert deep down not like when I am with my lady friends at all. After we arrived in Rome and went to have our first meal, I knew it was time to get to know my tour members. I did alright I learned that we are thirty people in total including 8 couples; two brought their children with, two probably just got married, two old couples, two advanced their honeymoon according to our guide; two college students, two working girls, two bankers. They all came with their friends or family. What I didn’t expect was that there are ten teachers. It surprised me yet was quite understandable as summer vacation is the only available time for teachers to travel.

The whole trip in Italy was done by bus and on foot. We walked a lot and when we arrived at the hotel, we were quite exhausted, yet still looked pretty OK. Pretty healthy people we were. The three small children just graduated from the elementary school had huge crush on me. One even tailed me wherever I went for the last five days and practically became my camera boy. Very interesting! Everyone was nice and friendly to be with chatting and helping me take photos. Of course I also volunteered to help them take photos when seeing the need in return. The whole trip was sensational. No modern buildings in the places we went, so full of cultural, religious and artistic features. Now I realize how Italy can get by without much industry. Tourism is the most important industry they have. Tourists were all over the places we went even on week days. Hardly saw Italians except the shop keepers. Also according to our guide, most Italian went on vacation, too. Of course they went to other countries or some resorts.

I was amazed by the big number of churches, houses and buildings in unity and how well the cities were preserved with old stone houses
.
The whole trip was exciting. I had a very fulfilling nine days excluding the long tiring hours on the plane. Let me minute it following our itinerary. The places we visited were:

Rome: We spent two whole days to see all the churches and religious spots covered by the book "Angels and Demons" like St Peter's Church including the Sistine chapel, Vantican Museum, Piazza San Pietro, Piazza Navona, Sanda Maria della Vittoria, Maria del Popolo, Castello de Sant Angelo, Colosseum, Pantheon, Fontana di Trevi, Piazza Venezia, Spanish steps,聖三一教堂(Trinita dei Monti), etc. So many churches, sculptures, art works, monuments and relics. Vantican is the smallest country in the world with total area 0.44 Km2 only.

Siena in Toscana: After two exhausting days in Rome, we got to sleep in a little bit. It's almost noon time when we arrived. Spent one whole day strolling in the small city seeing churches, shops, Piazza del Campo and costumes of old time nobles. There was a special festival on that day and men in costumes were supposed to perform the fighting with each other. Pity that we had to leave by 5:30 pm, and had to miss it.

Florence: More sculptures and churches, the biggest Santa Maria del Fiore, also the famous Statue "David" are in the plaza and the museum. The genuine Statue David is in the Gallery of UFFIZI 烏菲茲美術管. I climbed all the way up to the top of the church and looked around all the churches in the city. More introduction of the structure of the churches, bridges and buildings was given. There is a street full of shops that sell jewelry in gold, platinum and K gold interesting but too expensive comparing with the jewelry in Taiwan. We also saw the house of the famous poet Dante Alighieri 但丁.

Pisa Tower: The tower is much smaller than I thought. And its shape is no longer natural and beautiful according to our guide. What a pity! Being disappointed that we couldn’t get up there, we took a lot of photos around the tower. Another special feature was that there were a lot of African venders there selling faked bags and handicrafts.

Venice: Took boat three times to see the islands and alleys of the famous and beautiful city of water. There are 150 channels and over 400 bridges. We also visited the crystal factory. Many show rooms exhibit beautiful chandelier, mirrors, tea sets, vases, and decorations that seem so delicate and exquisite, yet truly artistic. Some of our members spent quite some money there. Luckily I didn't lose my sense as this trip already robbed me up. This is the place we had truly scrumptious spaghetti, too. I like the city very much and wish I could spend a few more days there having a boat of my own to immerse myself in the cool, classic, exortic and slow-paced city.

Verona: the place of the famous tear jerky story "Romeo and Juliet" took place. We saw Romeo (we were told it is made believe) and Juliet’s home. The beautiful bronze statue of Juliet attracted every tourist to take picture with her. People were encouraged to touch its breast. Most men did, but not women.

Sirmione: See the beautiful lake Lago di Garda and the Scaligar Castle. I didn't go in because already spent a lot on the tickets during the 1st few days, just spent the whole time walking on the streets, the shore, and eating fruit and ice cream. Quite a small beautiful city and resort for Italians.

Milan: The last stop. After seeing so many churches and sculptures, became less crazy about going up to the top of the tower to save 9 Euro. With limited short time, I managed to take a good look of the church inside and work the streets around it. Most tour members aimed at shopping at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele 艾曼紐迴廊.

The Hotels we stayed in were quite nice, too, providing good breakfast. The only downside was the high exchange rate of Euro which makes everything so expensive. Just post cards, snacks and souvenirs cost me a fortune. Susan Heller said, ‘"When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money." How true it is!
How I wished I had more money to spend so that I could have had a complete worry-free trip in Italy.
Trini
http://picasaweb.google.web/taipeitmtrini/ATripOfArtCultureAndReligionFromRomeToMilan#

My Solo Trip

2009-08-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

This is the first solo trip I made. It turned our surprisingly interesting! Simply put:

1. I shared a room with our guide who at out every night and came back late, yet seldom ate during meal time. The best advantage was that she was quick in using the bathroom and it was like exclusive for me.
2. I got lost for almost two hours which worried our group a lot and made our guides and two team members to look for me. I was a good experience though, I happened have the hotel card with me. Never, never forget to bring the tel. number of the hotel and the tour guides!
3. I became the target to make fun of due to the incident and had to drink beer with all the male members every meal to express my apology.
4. The two tem members who tried to search for me became my body guards and camera men. Some other team members kept teasing us as Three’s company. I tried not to look offended, still joked back at the key moment to clarify my stand and position.
5. The youngest lovely girl, seven years old only, liked to show off her English to me after being told that I’m an English teacher.
6. I spend a fortune again buying souvenirs and silk bed sets. Just couldn’t resist the temptation to get them for my children for their future weddings
7. The food and hotels were satisfactory, too. I gained two kg. During the whole trip.

Traveling alone can be fun, too. I am no longer afraid of going alone as long as I am with a tour. I got to know more people and learned to open myself up more to people.

Trini
http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/MySoloTrip#

Featuring the once-in-a-lifetime Home Gathering with a Slumber Party

2009-07-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

In friendship's fragrant garden

There are flowers of every hue.

Each with its own fair beauty and its gift of joy for you.

- Friendship's Garden

We just had a home gathering not for reading, just for chatting and fun! It was a decision made on a spur of the moment. Thinking that I might not be able to see my goldies friends for a month and my home is all mine, I proposed this home gathering. After e-mailing back and forth and several phone calls the night before, seven goldies; Gina, Irene, Kate, Lydia, Pamela, Sherry plus a mutual friend from the China T/Ms Club Jo Shih; made it. It was truly not an easy job in such a short notice. Linda and Michelle had important appointments that can’t be cancelled.

To my surprise, the gathering turned out unexpectedly wild and crazy. The gathering was divided into four parts. Ladies came in three groups at a different time. Jo, Irene and Pamela took a morning train and arrived at 11:20pm. Kate and Gina came by car and arrived at 12:00 noon. Lydia and Sherry took afternoon train and arrived at 15:30 pm. Jo left 1st without meeting Sherry and Lydia. Gina, Kate and Pamela left before dinner for another dinner appointment and missed the venture at the night market. Except Gina, Kate and Pamela managed to come back after dinner for the slumber party. Lydia joint the venture at the night market yet couldn’t stay overnight and left alone by bus. Kate, Irene, Pamela & Sherry stayed overnight for the slumber party and half day outing on the 2nd day.
Irene and Sherry were the two who stayed from the beginning to the end. Unbelievably complicate! What mattered was that we all stove to stick to the gathering. Besides chatting, we had shooting time that triggered the wildest nature hidden and suppressed deep down in our heart, venture tour in the night market with sexy dresses on; slumber party with cocktails, more snacks and poker games; and half day outing at Lovers Lake in Keelung, etc. Finally eating Ice Shavings with a lot of flavorings on it in a snack bar drew the period of our two days gathering. Though we were all exhausted by the time we said goodbye to each other, It was the one-and-only gathering as there will definitely be no 2nd one like this.

The details are too exotic to describe. Let me put Irene, Kate and Pamela’s comments here under for more details.

Irene: We are duplicating happiness, stealing innocence from angels, and living to the fullest! We are the most energetic Golden Girls! Moses was wondering what we golden girls were doing and fooling around, here it is! My husband said to me before I left home on Saturday morning, "how could you not wear like a mother of 55 and grandma to be!? Jesus Christ!!!"
I am sure he will pass out if he sees the photos. Without Trini’s proposal and opening her big house "once in a lifetime" for us to visit, golden girls will not be able to write another colorful leaf in our lives.

I was very much impressed by Trini's enthusiasm & hospitality that made her stayed up until 4:00 am to do the cooking, and broke her antique porcelain clock during cleaning. She was so much depressed over the clock. Fortunately her broken heart was patched up and healed immediately with our happiness and friendship.

A good film needs an outstanding director. Sherry, the creative girl couldn't stop gearing our actions and motions one after another. Of course, we were wonderful actresses!

Eating, photographing, gossiping, recipe discussing, strolling at the market around the temple, playing cards, sightseeing, so many activities happened in less than 30 hours. Isn't it amazing, although exhausting! Let's open the photo album after 20 years...... Thanks girls, we are the best!

Kate: Girls, everything is perfect - company, food, drink, Sherry's crazy ideas, Trini's hospitality, Moses' offering of a ride back to Trini's place. Another wonderful memory. I am still recovering from the fatigue of staying late on Sat. Trini, thanks for giving me a big "KISS". It is a lovely picture.

Pamela: Trini, I am almost too full, too exciting, too happy to write. But I have to let you know how much we appreciate all the delicious meals you cooked, beautiful dress you let us try on and the cute "party accessories" you prepared. Everything you prepared was just fantastic. In addition, I can't thank you enough for bringing us together and providing us with the opportunities to take adventure doing something that we don't normally do.
Dear Sherry, Kate, Irene, Lydia, Gina, Thank you for giving me such a wonderful and exciting weekend. It was definitely the best ever. Don't forget we will have the next party in the end of November. Please leave the date open for me.

To conclude, it was an awesome gathering. Without goldie friends, our lives couldn’t have been so colorful, enjoyable and fulfilling.

Trini
0727

July reading seasoned with home-cook dishes

2009-07-11T22:41:00.000-07:00

A reading gathering enriched with incentives of China Trip sharing sequence two and home-cook dishes was the general picture of our July gathering. William Ellery Channing said, “Every mind was made for growth, for knowledge; and its nature is sinned against when it is doomed to ignorance." I bless the enlightenment and delight every our gathering brings me.

After our June reading at Lydia’s place, we held another homely reading today at Sherry’s place. Sherry’s brother Jimmy is an excellent and hospitable cook. I tried his scrumptious dishes more than three years ago. Though we seven would bring a lot of trouble and inconvenience to him, simply couldn’t resist the warm invitation.

Pamela and I made our way there smoothly. As early arrivals, we got the extra moment to talk a little bit about “The Reader”. This is Sherry, never leaves a moment blank. We always use our gathering to swap books and DVDs, too. When I handed her the book “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” for “The Reader”, she reacted that instant asking us about our reflections on the novel. I saw the movie about two months ago, and couldn’t get the movie out of my head for many days due to its impact on me and disputable issues brought up by the story.

After we finished sharing on “The Reader”, I took the time to take out the Painting Albums published by Debby Ho, a talented T/Ms of my club. Debby is a remarkable and artistic girl, I must say. Her passion and talents in many fields make her fully occupied and cannot possibly join our activities. She kindly gives out her painting albums to goldies in addition to the club members to share her joy and affection with us. While we were browsing the painting albums, Michelle arrived. Then our topic switched to Debby’s paintings, which one we like most and why. Irene, Linda, Lydia had to come a little bit late due to their other engagements. When they finally arrived. the gathering reached its climax, the atmosphere became warmer and hilarious.

Linda took out the photo album of our China Trip she made for us to enjoy. How touching and Incredible it is for her to take her precious time to make such a special and meaningful Journal for all of us. It refreshed our sweet memory of the wonderful time we had there. Then the poetic and sentimental letter Gary and Jim wrote us and the photo CD Gary made were laid on the table. We simply felt so overwhelming meeting these two sincere, thoughful and romantic young men. Linda, Lydia and Sherry decided to pay them a visit in Kaohsiung while taking care of their business there tomorrow. Definitely if they have the chance to come to Taipei, we must show our hospitality and receive them warmly to express our thankfulness for being such joyful companies.

It came to Pamela and I that we needed to give a hand to Jimmy in the kitchen, simply couldn’t let him sweat all over there. Pamela learned how to make the Chinese Taco/spring rolls, I had a hand-on practice of the dish I used to make often when I still enjoyed cooking. Irene full of curiosity came in later to learned how to make Jimmy’s famous dish. Though we missed a part of the chatting with goldies, we were happy to be able to offer help.

When Sherry’s dear husband arrived and made everyone’s acquaintance, dinner started to serve. My appetite grew when seeing all the dishes and tried out every dish. My stomach popped out after the big meal I had. We couldn’t stop praising Jimmy’s cooking skills throughout the feast. Hope he didn’t get tired of hearing it. A lot of topics were raised at the dinner table. No room here to list all of them, just imagine roars of laughter one overlapped another, laughing tears in our eyes and the drumming noise we made on the table. What a joy, what a night!

Time flies fast especially when we are enjoying it. We better not overstayed our welcome if we wish to be invited again, and had to give tranquility back to Jimmy. After last group photos, we called it a day. On my way home, I kept pondering on the most enlightening phrase in the movie “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”: “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards,” said by Soren Kierkegaard. Tonight was another sweet memory and intellectual delight. How exactly “Life can only be understood backwards” is!
http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/JulyReadingSeasonedWithHomeCookDishes

Trini
0711

A Day of Nature Art “YieLiu” and Modern Art

2009-07-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

Trini

0708

Going on the Saisiyat Culture Hunt

2009-07-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

Goldies had hiked a few times with YMS volunteers before because of Virginia’s coordination. Her enthusiasm in sharing good activities with us enriched our lives a lot. Yet, we have never gone in such a big group. We for the first time witnessed the strong manpower of YMS volunteers. We; Ten T/Ms in total including Seven goldies Amy, Kate, Irene, Lydia, Pamela, Sherry, I, Harry, Moses and Kate’s daughter Angela; plus YMS volunteers made a number of around 85 people for the Saisiyat Culture Hunt. The special feature of this outing attracted me immed. when seeing Virginia’s mail. Then after several mail more and more goldies signed up and brought in their spouses and daughter. It took two big buses to move such a big group from the early morning to the late evening.

Virginia couldn’t make it this time. In stead Sherry became in charge of bridging T/Ms and YMS volunteers. Through her, T/Ms was again effectively promoted to the big association, and we became the center of attention unexpectedly.

Must say this is indeed a very intellectual outing. I learned a great deal about Saisiyat tribe like:

- The pigmy ceremony
- The legend of XiangTien Lake
- Saisiyat dance
- Saisiyat’s handicrafts
- It’s location and living styles
- The museum
- Their agricultural product, etc.

When watching Saisiyat people dance, I wondered if it’s the bell bag on their back make Saisiyat people shorter than others. With all the well planned programs and two meals of different styles, entertainment program on the bus, a delightful hike and a lot more, We were all back to Taipei fully contented and expected the next outing to come!

Trini
0706

Closing the June Chapter - a Late Reading Gathering

2009-06-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

Goldies June reading marked a perfect ending of June activities. Our reading gatherings would always be seasoned with amusing flavors or added in some side dishes. Sometimes side dishes would outplay the objectives of reading. So, it didn’t surprise us that this month’s reading gathering even covered more features:

First, Lydia invited all of us to read at her place and booked the recreational room so that we
could sing Karaoke to add variety to our reading.
Second, share the tour excitement with those who didn’t went on ShangHai and ChiangNan Tour.
Third, show off the chipaos and other trophies we brought back.
Fourth, read a Chinese poem.
Fifth, photo shot definitely.
Lastly, bring a dish or a kind of snacks for a potluck party.

With so many objectives, our reading was certainly made short again. This time for a change
I’d like to focus the minutes on our reading no matter how short it was or how other side dishes sounded crazier and more exciting.

We began with reading at around 5:30 pm after Sherry showed up with the poem 寒山寺Linda prepared for us. The reason Linda chose it for us must be because we saw a couple of 寒山寺’s during our trip in ChiangNang. Actually we could all recite it as it’s a familiar poem to everyone. Amy impressed us by demonstrating how Japanese sing it. .

Then we moved on to the magazine reading. PPT usage is the main topic for T/Ms magazine May issue. I found it less beneficial and practical to me as I have had some experience in applying PPT in my job field and T/Ms presentations. Nevertheless, I did learn a few ideas from the articles like:

Page 24 Sidestep the PowerPoint Trap by Ellen Finkeistein, CC
- Use a slide title that actually say something
- Use images, diagrams or graphs, the Tell ‘n’ Show method.
- Divide bullet points into individual slides.
Etc.
Page 22 PowerPoint Made Easy by Narges Nirumbala ACB
- Cut the fat or ‘de-clutter’ your slides. We should have only the most vital information on each slide.
Page 16 Do you Blog? By Lin Gresing-Pophal
This article pointed out all the problems I have in maintenancing this blog; write regularly,
remember that anyone can read it and be specific. Also, the best blogs are those that provide
valuable information and also ask readers to comment and provide their insights.”

Though we rushed quite a bit to finish the reading, our questions were answered, our doubts were clarified and our thirst for knowledge was quenched.

Trini
0703

Make It Happen - A Dream Come True

2009-06-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

Make It Happen - A Dream Came True

Among goldies, Sherry is a real action taker. We can see the spirit “Make It Happen” in her.
It happened that she was the first one who saw the slogan “Make It Happen” on the wall when we just embarked on H.K. Airport and walking through the long and narrow corridor.

“Make It Happen” was the theme of Taiwan Council Harry Fang, DTM, set since he took the office, now District 67, in 1999. Harry is no one else but Lydia’s better half. The theme became a hot slogan later. He himself also spared no sweat to promote Taiwan Counsel into District 67.

So, without hesitation we asked our tour guide to take a quick photo for us before we walked out the gate into H.K. Airport. When some other tourists tried to follow suit to take photos, too, the door behind us closed fast and no way to open it. We were excited that we seized the chance in time and couldn’t help feel very proud of ourselves.

While we commented that we should tell this exciting coincidence to Harry, how successful this slogan is, we saw some more “Make it Happen” in different sizes throughout the Airport. Ha, everyone can have the chance to take pictures now! What a drag!

Well, my point is: Dreams bring us hope and help us grow, execute our dreams and “Make It Happen” just like we made goldies travel together come true!

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0630

Promoting T/Ms While Traveling

2009-06-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

Speak to be heard, write to be remembered. This is what we should learn to do. When planning our ShangHai trip, Sherry proposed to make visiting some T/Ms clubs in ShangHai and meet T/Ms there one of the special features of the trip. Her mind always works ahead of us. We certainly love the idea. Yet, when our final itinerary of the trip was out, it had been through a lot of changes. Visiting T/Ms clubs or T/Ms there had to be ruled out due to our limit time there.

Though we failed to build link for T/Ms on the two sides, T/Ms training program was still effectively promoted to all the tourists around us. Certainly Sherry did the most work, her enthusiasm and passion aroused interest and received positive feedback from every one. I must say T/Ms training program won’t have been so successfully applied throughout the world if it had not been for T/Ms like her. She even grasped every good chance to make speeches on the bus, not a minute wasted. Pity that I didn’t think of taking photos to record the moment.

Linda, Lydia and Pamela all did their share introducing T/Ms and explaining how T/Ms program works. Pamela actually took action earlier and joined a T/Ms Club in Shanghai. I in a way took the easiest job sitting beside enjoying what they did and echoed a little bit. They helped District 67 promote T/Ms in a way no one ever did and taught me a lesson – passion and enthusiasm are keys to success and essence of living. People who heard they talk would never forget them. They truly add colors to their lives.

Sherry, Linda, Lydia and Pamela, how thrilled I am to have you around!

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ShangHai and SuHang Sealed with Five Golden Flowers

2009-06-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

I have no idea since when we were nicknamed "Five Golden Flowers”, neither can I tell if it meant good at the beginning. We were too happy, too excited to constrain ourselves from quacking, giggling, and teasing each other. We simply couldn’t care less about other’s impression on us. What I can be sure is that it definitely made we five golden ladies more attention-captured and in the end we did reverse others’ negative thoughts if there were any and left positive remarks. .

I wasn’t feeling quite comfortable with the nickname at first. I didn’t feel like becoming the center of focus. Yet, who wouldn’t feel flattered when being compared to flowers? We were five golden flowers that functioned as a flower of five petals. We, as the nickname implied, did almost everything together while taking our turns to mingling with other tour members; hopping up, jumping out, squeezing in, rushing out, dressing up, making funny faces with mustache on, creating interesting scene for good photo effect, etc. We made every moment delectable.

We five goldies are actually five different kinds of flowers. Each flower has its unique fragrance and special features; outgoing, bright-colored, poised, composed, reserved, elegant, introvert or extrovert. One of the most attractive things about the flowers is their beautiful reserve. - Henry David Thoreau
I remember once I used a microscope to observe a tiny flower that is hard to tell its shape and form, I couldn’t believe my eyes when seeing how colorful, delicate and exquisite form it has through the lens. To me, every flower is a mystery, a book pending to read. And no matter what kind of flowers we are, it’s the essence of the flower that counts. Whether we can leave a significant impression on people relies on how well we live our lives.

Certainly we can never leave such an impression on people like the “Impressions of West Lake” we watched at XiHu Lake left on us; so intriguing, striking and inspiring. Yet, we can certainly strive our best to make it happen even just a slight bit. Again, It is not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts. - Adlai Stevenson
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Beginning with ShangHai 新天地

2009-06-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

I was totally enchanted with the delicacy of ShangHai XinTianDi the moment I walked in the entrance. Must say it was a good arrangement of the travel agency to begin with our China tour by bringing us to ShangHai XinTianDi. It’s breathtaking and a truly classic place I must say. I love Taipei. Yet except Taipei 101, I haven’t seen other unique features or corners like ShangHai XinTianDi.

It blends the architecture and charm of old ShangHai with modern features. It’s a true realization of the east meeting the west. Tourists will be fascinated the moment they lay their eyes on it and intrigued by its glamour. The narrow lanes, stores and restaurants sophisticatedly decorated with stone and wood carved totems here and there on all walls around us, stone and brick paved paths, sculptures, fountains, etc. It’s certainly the very place for people to unwind and relax, but perhaps only tourists and rich people there?

We didn’t have the energy to come here the first night we arrived due to the distance and tiredness. Now it’s too early to savor all its beauty and free ourselves in its luxury.
All the shop doors were still closed, yet showing off their best pose to lure anticipation.
Next time definitely.

Next tour site is City God Temple城隍廟 near ShangHai Old streets. It’s Located next to the Yu Garden, known today as the Yu Garden Market, a large temple complex. Pity that a few of us had an appointment with a Chipao tailor and couldn’t have a good look of it. Just took
Two photos to trace my foot print.

Right after lunch we went on our tour to SuZhou and HangZhou and wouldn’t be back until the 5th night. I’d like to talk about our tours in ShangHai all together first before I move on to SuZhou and Chiang Nan.

On the 5th night after we came back to ShangHai we went to同仁堂 where provides the best Chinese Medicine to have foot massage and experience its true feature. We had dinner there afterwards before heading for The Shanghai circus World ,to see the ERA-the Intersection of Time (上海ERA時空之旅). It was a great Acrobat show combining traditional Chinese Acrobatic arts and technology, I can never imagine how all the stunts were trained possible. The whole troupe won a burst of applause.

The day’s program hadn’t finished, we still have one more , the Bund Tourist Tunnel 觀光隧道, to experience the technology combing light, sound, laser and visual effect. We got on the last train in time. No doubt ShangHai has done a lot to attract visitors from around the world. It was really getting late, and we all head for the hotel to rest.

The 6th day in ShangHai, we took the City Trolley tour, visited the 1st Church ever built there. It’s inside is not different from those big ones that I saw in Western countries.

Shanghai is worth visiting again for a long exclusive stay.

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Seeing ShangHai at Midnight

2009-06-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

Tourists see the world, travelers experience it. To be travelers, they look deep and experience what people there do to get some insight. For our ShangHai and ChiangNan trip, we were simply tourists. We saw a lot of scenery spots within short six days, or five days to put it exactly. But we all gave our words that next time we go to ShangHai we will immerse ourselves and spend all the time there to experience its beauty, culture and modern features - no more hotels one after another, luggage on and off buses , tour guides and lured shopping,

Sherry had her wild plan in mind to venture in ShangHai for the whole 1st night there. I decided to pass it. Yet the unexpected delay of the flight made it impossible for Sherry to make such night venture as no more transportation available. The heavy rain in ShangHai made things complicate. We were caught at HK Airport, in the plane exactly, for two and half hours more. When the plane finally took off we were already exhausted. It’s sometime past 11:00 pm after we walked out the customs in ShangHai Airport. We were eager to look for Pamela. There she was! We five were together finally. After the very late dinner, Sherry was reluctant to sleep away the 1st night, and Pamela insisted on bringing us out to experience a little bit night life in ShangHai hopefully we could enjoy a midnight coffee in 經貿Center. So we five took a cab hanging out in PuDong for an hour.

We had a close look of 經茂大樓, the tallest building in ShangHai, 東方明珠, and some other famous buildings. The neon lights made great decoration to them and presented its magnificence at night. We witnessed the grandiosity and luxury of Tomson Riviera 湯臣一品. We strolled at the HuangPu bank a while looking at 上海灘. The lights were out when we stood there, could only feel the river breeze caress our face and hair. We headed back half satisfied lamenting that how nice it would have been if we could have been out just two hours earlier. The cab driver did an amazing job, too by taking up the role as a camera man. I could tell it must be his first time to do the service to tourists. I’m also sure his business will boost a little bit adding the photo-taking service into his business.

It was around 2:00 am after we got back hotel. After quick showers, we hit the sack. We had to get up early in the morning preparing for the first tour program.

http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/ABigGlamorousShangHaiChiangNanTripII#

http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/ABigGlamorousShangHaiChiangNanTripI#
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The First Goldies Trip Abroad

2009-06-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

A Dream came true! A dream for goldies to travel abroad all together. After around two months communication and discussion back and forth on line and face to face, the 1st goldies trip to China finally took place. When the itinerary was final, It turned out to be a quite different one from what we originally planned.

The trip plan originated from Pamela’s invitation to all goldies to ShangHai. She has an
apartment there due to her work. She’d open her home to goldies and we were all supposed to stay there during the whole trip. The other important mission was to visit some T/Ms clubs there and meet T/Ms in ShangHai. Interestingly, we ended up joining a tour group and had no time to meet T/Ms there at all. But one mission we did fulfill as our originally planned was we had our Chipaos tailor-made. How? It’s an amusing and incredible story. I’ll put it in my next minutes.

To enjoy a good beginning, I left home earlier than i scheduled. I took it very easy for the first time not like my usual self at all always in a rush. I thought I would be the first one at the Airport, didn’t notice Linda and Lydia were standing in front of the counter. It took me a while to recognize them. Well, who could blame me, they stood there with their back facing me both wearing black and white. What a good start! We didn’t see Sherry. No need to worry, she has much more traveling experience than anyone of us.

After a few photos taken to enjoy the moment, Sherry showed up. After passing the customs, she went to explore on her own at the Airport. What an independent woman! Linda, Lydia and I took some more photos in the waiting area for fun. Thanks to the advanced technology, taking photos is just a click away. Sherry slid in showing us her on-fashion nail polish just put at a duty free store. Without wasting any time she made friend with a tour member immed. I couldn’t wait to see what’s next for the following five days.

The 1st Murphy’s Law happened totally out of blue when we made a transit in H.K. to ShangHai. Right after we boarded the plane in HK and just when I was excited that in two hours we will arrive ShangHai and see Pamela who would be waiting for us at the Airport. What a shock it was when it broadcased that we had to wait for two hours on the plane as there was a heavy rain at ShangHai Airport. Though Pamela might check the arrival time of the plane before going to the airport due to the bad weather, we made a call to her. What depressed us was our night program would be cancelled. There were a lot of unnecessary complaints made by other passengers on the plane. So the Murphy’s Law for the day is “What is likely to happen would definitely happen.

The Airline pulled out the food cart to feed us immed. As the meal was light, we were treated with ice cream later. It was a great relief that two hours later, the plane took off. Another thing I didn’t expect was the temperature check because of epidemic H1N1. The air attendants checked our temperature first, than after the plane landed, a medical team got on the plane completely protected in white robe, mask and hood. I guess it was once-a-life-time experience to us. Everyone got a laser check. What a weird feeling to me!

When we finally arrived and walked out the customs, it was already 11:00 pm. We saw Pamela. Yeah! We were in ShangHai, China. Real excitement just began!

There were so much to write about and I will continue in separate articles. But first
Before I forget, I better put our itinerary below first:

Day 1: Arrived ShangHai 上海 to experience its modern and old-time beauty.
Day 2: 1) See ShangHai’s XinTienDi (modern area) 新天地. It is a crowded busy area at night combining both old and new structure.
2) Garden of Lions in SuZhou蘇州~園林城市
3) Night tour at QuiLiSanTang in SuZhou 七里山塘 The river is seven km long and served both economical and military purposes.
Day 3: 1) HanShanSi (temple) in SuZhou. (Silk)
2) TaiHu Tour 太湖
Day 4: 1) WuXi SanKuo - Castle無錫~吳中勝景三國城
2) Tea Pot Factory
3) XiHu, HangZhou Enjoy the dance show of Impression of West Lake
杭州~西湖印象西湖山水歌舞
Day 5: 1) XiHu, HangZhou Boat & lake tour
2) ShangHai - HuangPu River bank, Tunnel trip, Acrobat show etc.上海ERA時空之旅, 觀光隧道
Day 6: ShangHai, City Trolley tour, Church 徐家匯天主教堂

Accommodation/Hotels:
ShangHai: 博龍國際 & 唐朝大酒店
SuZhou: 春申湖

HangZhou: 東方假日
WuXi華美達

Restaurants:
ShangHai: 天一閣風味,

同仁堂藥膳風味, 傣家村風味
SuZhou: 水鄉風味, 評彈宴
HangZhou: 紅泥風味、山外山風味
WuXi: 乾隆宴、太湖風味

To be continured

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0629

The One of the Kind Demo Meeting of L.V. HsinDien T/Ms Club

2009-06-07T05:46:00.000-07:00

Staying competitive edge by attending T/Ms meetings regularly!

When I first joined T/Ms club, there were only less than twenty T/Ms Clubs in Taipei, and they are all English T/Ms clubs. Now with more than sixty T/Ms in Taipei covering five languages, T/Ms has prospered in a fast pace which demonstrates its fast expansion and polularity today. It's an amazing achievement accomplished by many enthusiastic, devoted and dedicated T/Ms.

On Friday, June 5th, a demo meeting was give in Hsindien aiming at building an advanced T/Ms Club. This soon-to-be advanced T/Ms club will be named "L.V. HsinDien T/Ms Club. It was organized by Y.S. Liao, DTM, past Div. H Governor and incumbent District PR, with the help and support by Sherry, a member of goldies. Originally Sherry planned to build a new community club for HsinDien and invited Linda and me to support. Surprisingly, it gave way to this advanced T/Ms Club to build first. The original idea of having a community club open for public is still in process, just a while later.

I have been always impressed by Y.S.'s dedication and passion in helping build new clubs or support weak clubs. There are many special features of the club according to him to make it a unique T/M. To name a few:

1. All the members are experienced and capable T/Ms to make the club an advanced one.
2. Over 80% members are officers of District 67 i.e. club, area or divisions' officers.
3. Challenge, flexible arrangement of meeting roles and variety is the characteristics of the club meetings. Mirror speeches, knowing your assignment at the last minute by drawing lots, impromptus speeches, etc. are just a few.
4. Once a month meeting gives all the officers less pressure.
5. Developing leadership especially is one of the missions of the club.
6. Making the club and sponsor's name easy to remember, acronyms like L.V. & Y.S.L. were applied.
7. Integrity, dedication, service and respect are the spirit of the new club.
etc.

I was the first who entered the venue. Most of the participants gathered first at Starbucks nearby. Sherry invited a T/Ms friend Mr. Norton Moise, from New Zealand to give a short speech. It added one more feature to the demo meeting. Mr. Norton is a physicist, and a retired professor. He paints and plays bridge. What an incredibly respectable gentleman.

The demo meeting was completely different from regular demo meetings giving diversity and creating excitement. It was prolonged for at least half an hour. After taking some photos, it was almost ten.

Under Sherry's request, I drove Mr. Norton Moise back to his hotel. It was a pleasure and honor to me. We chatted in the car all the way to the hotel. I learned a lot about him though our conversation. You will see from my next article a rough picture of him.

This club is for sure to build. I also wish Sherry success in establishing a regular community T/Ms club soon.

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My Encounter with a Physicist T/M from New Zealand

2009-06-07T05:42:00.000-07:00

There are many onces in a life time. I just had another one this week. Through Sherry, I had a wonderful encounter with a retired Physicist who happens to be a T/M, Mr. Norton Moise. He’s a friend of Sherry’s friend and came to Taipei from New Zealand for sightseeing. After a few e-mails back and forth between we three, I finally got the chance to meet this physicist T/M, and had a very special week.

He was thoughtful to send us a picture of him in advance so that we would know what he looks like. What surprised me most was when Sherry told me he’s eighty two years old. I thought he was at his 60s. On Thursday evening, I finally met him at the demo meeting of L.V. Hsien Tien TMC, an advanced T/Ms Club. After listening to his speech and talk, I found him very lighthearted and warm.

Sherry gave me another surprise by asking me to escort Norton back to hotel. Well, it was an easy and pleasant job getting the pleasure of chatting with him, just two of us. I didn’t know the exact location of his hotel and had to pay more attention on the direction I went. Still I managed to keep chatting all the way and hope that he felt our conversation enjoyable. I was impressed when hearing he say has never really retired despite the fact that he retired three times. He moved to New Zealand to teach in an University there after retiring from his teaching in the States. Then back to teach again after his second retirement there. From him I learned that to some people they would never get used to retirement. They keep rolling to keep their brain in good shape. His story is inspiring. The last surprise was when Sherry mentioned he had a heart pacing device on his chest. The only sign of his age is his slow pace in walk. With all his inconvenience, he travels, enjoys life and makes himself a pleasant company.

He’s truly a man of intelligence. He also paints, and is an amateur painter. He sent a painting to Sherry before he arrived. It was in all the pictures we took after the meeting. He played bridge as a hobby. His bridge partner is an entrepreneur and had chance to played bridge with the richest man in the world, Bill Gates. He shook hands will Einstein when he was 16 which was the inspiration for him to study physics and become a physicist. He certainly lives his life to the fullest.

Pity that I had class on Saturday and must let him play bridge alone at the Bridge Center with a partner that the center helped to arrange. Or it will be my greatest honor and joy to play bridge with him. I picked him up after the bridge game and accompanied him to the hotel waiting for Sherry to join us for dinner.

Sherry suggested we dined at the Ambassador Hotel. Three of us had much fun there chatting, taking photos and enjoying the cuisine the hotel served. Sherry was in a very high spirit throughout the dinner creating a cheerful atmosphere for Norton. I bet we must have drawn a lot of attention from the staff there. The whole restaurant seemed to be our playground. Good that there weren’t many customers yet then as we had quite an early dinner.

I hope my small car didn’t make him uncomfortable though he said it was perfectly fine. Norton is tall having two long legs. Whenever he got off the car, I could tell how his legs suffered bending them in the narrowed and limited space in front of his seat.

I won’t be able to see Norton again for his last few days stay in Taipei. Sincerely wish him a safe trip home and here thank him and Sherry for making my weekend delightful and enjoyable.

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Our Coming Tour to ShangHai, China

2009-05-31T02:45:00.000-07:00

The biggest and most exciting event, Goldies' Tour to ShangHai, was finally finalized. Over past two months we talked about the tour back and forth numerous times through e-mail and at the gatherings. Now what we need to do is packing and waiting.

Totally five of us; Lydia, Linda, Sherry, Pamela and I, will go on the trip. Actually Pamela is currently staying in ShangHai and waiting for us there. Three weeks to go, and I am counting the day! This is the first time I visit China, so happy that I'll make my first trip with my goldies friends.

Sightseeing, food, meeting T/Ms in ShangHai and having ChiPaos tailor made are the major
programs in our mind now. If possible, we will perform our clogging there, too. The utmost concern is having fun.

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A Date with Taipei Hwa Kang Arts School 華岡藝校

2009-05-30T23:46:00.001-07:00

Everything in the universe has rhythm. Everything dances.- Maya Angelou
Dance is one of the greatest joy in the world to me. When dancing to the music I just wish time never ends. Whether I have this talent of not, I don’t know, nor do I care. I simply love the feelings of excitement and contentment putting my whole body and soul into dance. Without music and dance, how colorless our lives can be! I feel depressed often times realizing that it become the most luxurious hobby to me as how on earth I can find the time I need to dance with so much obligation in me?

Lydia likes dance, too and has the talent. What I envy her most is that she has all her time to enjoy dancing. Thanks to Lydia, I spent tonight at 城市舞台 , Taipei Culture Center. It was also a date with 華崗藝校。 I used to think it’s easy for students to enter Taipei Hwa Kang Arts School. Most people have a certain kind of art talent. After seeing the performance of all the student dancers, my impression changed.

How much time they had invested and efforts they had made to bring the audience such a fabulous night? Their instructors/teachers must have gone through a hardship, too, to make it happen. I can’t remember their names, but believe Lydia can help provide us with the information. Throughout the performance, every detail was skillfully taken care of. The smooth flow and transition created a kind of tranquil in the audience.

The theme of the performance is “Four seasons”. The whole program was presented in eight segments in both Chinese and western styles and technique. The sentiments and thoughts were expressed through their bodies, choreography, costumes and stage effect. It was a remarkable achievement especially thinking that they are just students. It truly reflects the quote: In life as in the dance: Grace glides on blistered feet. - Alice Abrams

When the performance was completed and the curtain was down, they received a vigorous applause from the audience. Before leaving, Lydia, her high school classmate and I took some photos to document the night.

On my way home, I kept my head busy pondering how I can make more time to quench my thirst for dancing?

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http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/PerformTheFourSeasons

An Anti-tradition Dragon Boat Festival

2009-05-30T23:41:00.000-07:00

Dragon Boat Festival which was later enriched by the legend of the patriot Chu Yuan is one of the three major Chinese holidays. When realizing that I would spend the whole four-day Dragon Boat holiday in Taipei, I asked Virginia if it was possible for her to arrange a hiking activity to stretch our limbs, to breathe the fresh air on the mountain and immerse ourselves in the breathtaking scenery with revived trees and blossomed flowers. It had been almost three months since we hiked last time.

It was not a surprise at all Virginia pulled it off as the only thing she needed to do is pulling her finger. What surprised me was she made it right on the day of the Festival, the very early morning on the 1st day of the long holiday. I realized later that by this way we could be ahead of others to enjoy the best, cleanest and non noisy moment. At a time of holidays, there will always be a big crowd.

We have Virginia, her couple friends Tom, Linda and their daughter, Vera, Effie and I seven people, a perfect small group for hiking. Time control was perfect, we set out at 7:30 am sharp. The hiking itself was easy walking the stairs, not climbing. I can do triple the distance or challenge. The beauty of it was having a close look at all the flowers, insects especially butterflies 青斑蝶, 端紫斑蝶, toads and casual chat.

The biggest discovery I had this time is making the best use of a microscope. It was Virginia’s secret weapon. When she took it out and asked us to look at the tiny flowers with it, we all were awed seeing the exquisite structure of that miniature thing. After then, the microscope was passed none-stop from one hand to another. Virginia kept warning us not to picking any flower or leave even the ground was full of incidentally fallen flowers and leaves. Only she could when necessary as she is a volunteer guide of the mountain. Since it was not possible to observe every tiny flower or insect with only one microscope, also because we didn’t have a whole year there, I secretly took one tiny flower of different kinds that I didn’t know of, holding them in my hand waiting for the best lunch time to observe them.

Surprisingly, Virginia ran into two of her volunteer friends, beauty and handsome, at the information center. With their hospitality and passion, we enjoyed different kinds of snacks and heavenly-taste coffee. Pity that I couldn’t drink coffee as it has strong effect on me. Though the chatting and snacks were great and delightful, I kept peeking in the tiny flowers in my hand and was anxious seeing they were shrinking and withered.

It took ages for them to finally have had enough coffee and feel hungry. We headed for the same restaurant that Virginia took us to last time 老聃的家,觀園樓, run by her friend. She ordered seven healthy dishes for us. They tasted heavenly especially we were all very hungry. See the pictures! I took the precious moment to study all the miniature flowers using the microscope. Every tiny flower took my breath away. They were amazing! Who would know such tiny flowers look even more beautiful than those we see through our naked eyes. How sad it was that we couldn’t take pictures of them, it’s just technically impossible.
While eating and chatting, Vera was obsessed by the standing eggs made by the children of the shop owner and kept taking photos of them. What could I say? We all become weak when Obsession overpowers us.

I helped finish up all the dishes like I usually do. The after meal dessert and fruit was on the house. They tempted me to add more burden to my stomach. I could hardly walk when it was time to hit the road.
This is the first time I put other activity before family gathering on a festival like this. I was glad I made it.

I still had the rest of the day to be with my children.

What a fruitful Dragon Boat Festival!

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http://picasaweb.google.com.tw/vlee1009/090528
http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/DaTuenSan

Habituation vs. Rhetoric - May Reading

2009-05-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

Plato and Aristotle, two of the three greatest Greek philosophers, became somehow the finale to wrap up our one-of-a-kind reading gathering tonight. Associating thoughts/theories from Greek philosophers with T/Ms strategies in public speaking and communication skills is the special feature of T/Ms magazine April Issue. Talking about rhetoric, public speaking and communication, we often hear the famous quote said by Plato, “Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.” in T/Ms meetings. From this April issue, I learned a new sentence given by Aristotle, “If you force yourself to do something the right way long enough, it becomes second nature.” To say it in one word, it’s “habituation”. I didn’t expect that tonight’s gathering could be so both delightful and intellectual. If we can do more reading gatherings, I believe I can make fast breaks in my English proficiency.

No matter how busy goldies are, monthly reading activity must go on regardless how many goldies can’t make it. Lydia chose the restaurant爾雅書馨廣生食品行 IrYah (delicacy) restaurant for us, yet couldn’t join the reading. Irene chose the articles to read for us. The restaurant sits in a quiet alley, a few walks away from the busy streets. They serve cuisine in Shang Hai style, 品嘗老上海 , perfect for my stomach as my parents were from a small city of ChiangSu province, not far away from Shang Hai. The food is light, not greasy yet tasty. We had one new charming member Wendy, invited by Linda, and our VIP, Marian Hsiao, District Governor to join us this time that made seven in total.

I arrived later than others trying to find a nearby parking place, just in time to join the first group picture. Mouth-watering Dishes were already on the table for me to enjoy right away. After greeting and overarching warm-up conversation, we began our reading sharing with the first article:

The Equation for Persuasion by John Coleman. It’s an article rich in pragmatic tactics. The great Greek philosopher Aristotle is the inspiration to the writer John Coleman. If we want to be great persuasive speakers, bear in mind the premise of gold, real world experience, constructive criticism and practice and internalize the seven basic persuasive speech strategies the writer mastered over a decade of efforts. Ah, yes, we learned three Greek words; Logos, Pathos and Ethos.

Ancient Greeks by Robert Oliver. Another article inspired by Aristotle’s Rhetoric. The writer shared with the readers his insights on three aspects of rhetoric – Appealing (logical, pathetic and ethical), Story arrangement (narrative, linear and dialectic), and patterns of thought (deductive and inductive).

Beware the Logical Fallacy by Dave Zielinske. How debate tactic can improve workplace influence? After exchanging thoughts, Sherry was inspired to apply the tactic at home when reasoning with her better half. In addition to the pragmatic tips given by the writer, I was also attached to the beautifully versed phrases/sentences in this article.

Led by Sherry excerpting the key points for us, the reading was proceeded in an unexpectedly smooth flow. Must say having her taking the initiatives when needed, our reading gatherings keep excelling. After reading, we took some photos merrily. The classic and stylish decoration of the restaurant made a one-of-a-kind background for our photos to record our gathering.
A quote from Plato, People are like dirt. They can either nourish you and help you grow as a person or they can stunt your growth and make you wilt and die. How delightful it is being nourished by the good friends we keep.

Pity that Kate, Lydia, Michelle and Pamela had to pass it. Amy, Irene, Linda, Marian, Sherry, Wendy and I certainly enjoyed every min. of it.

Trini
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http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/Habituation

The Dream City

2009-05-08T18:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a few weeks that I haven't enriched the blog. Beginning with the school's graduation trip, correcting student's test sheets and work on the biggest project that I assigned, I still tried to squeeze time at midnight to watch some Oscar nominated movies borrowed from Pamela. I put the blog aside. To fill the gap between two goldies gatherings, why not simply put the story I wrote about a girl's dreams.

The Dream City
There’s always a dream city in our hearts, the city that lures us to keep abreast of it, or soak ourselves in it. I believe to most people in Taiwan, Taipei is that city. A dream city that worth paying visits from time to time, even exerting every effort to become a tiny part of it.

This is a story of a young girl. She dreamed a lot and her life was a chapter of dreams that originate from her early trips to Taipei. Her mother liked to travel and always brought the girl with her when visiting their relatives that lived in different towns and cities. All the trips became the girl's fondest memories. When it was time to prepare for the Chinese Lunar New Year, she’d picture her riding on the train anticipating the joy and excitement she would have especially in the biggest city, Taipei! There were so many wonders there for her to explore. Though at that time, Taipei was not an international city of importance, having no skyscrapers, all the other amazing spectacles like the latest fashions worn by people from around the world, novelty shops side by side on ChungSang N. Road, numerous eateries on Chong Hua Road, fancy cars, buses, Museums, memorial halls, science and technology plus the exotic atmosphere brought in by those giants with a tall nose, big blue eyes, golden hair,white skin and big feet, - a total opposite of her folks. What a city! What a sight!

Throughout the years, she saw the gradual change and growth of Taipei. It kept fascinating her. Longer and wider streets, more and more trees, flowers on the road sides, skyscrapers one after another, cars of all brands, concerts, exhibitions especially invited from abroad, and a lot more. Its impact on the girl intoxicated her that she kept dreaming that one day she would become a part of this great city. She studied hard, dreaming only of Taipei. She quietly applied for entrance only to those universities in and around Taipei without telling her parents in order not to set misfortune upon her dream. When her mother worried that she would end up working in a factory, she surprised her by successfully scoring on the Entrance examination and studied in Taipei.

She was like a fish in the water, indulging herself in all the convenience and intellectual delights Taipei provided. She chose to stay and work in Taipei after graduation. She was a grown woman then. She kept dreaming, yet dreamed toward a much wider scope. The diversity and constant evolution of Taipei opened the window for her to see the bigger outside world. It’s Taipei that inspired her to want to know more about the world. She set her foot on many other countries. After visiting many countries, she loved her dream city even more as no other cities can compare with it, the origin or her happiness and dream making.

Yes, now your know I was the young girl whose life wouldn’t have been so colorful and diverse if not because of the great city. Taipei City kept expanding and evolving in a fast pace. To name a few; well preserved historical sites, restaurants that are only a few steps away from each other, art works seen in every corner of the city, plants and flowers all over the streets and parks, the grand and gallant Theatre Concert Hall reaching out and bringing in more diverse programs from the world made Taiwan better known through culture and arts. The operation of Taipei Mass Rapid Transit kicked off in 1996 boosted the quality of life for its citizens; Following the grand opening of the world tallest building Taipei 101, the land mark and beacon of Taipei, in 2003, Taipei excelled another high and brought itself known to the world. And most importantly, the eco-environment that our government is striving to create.

Today Taipei not only reaches for the stars with the tallest building in the world, but also colors our lives through constant evolvement and rapid development. It showed the world its beauty, diversity, prosperity, and richness in culture, arts and intellectual activities. It was, is and will always be my dream city, the glorious place for people to dream about a brighter future.

Trini
0507

Lady Elites Gathered at Elite Riverside for April Reading

2009-04-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

Real friendship is shown in times of trouble; prosperity is full of friends - Euripedes
My best friend is the one that brings out the best in me - Henry Ford

I like these quotes! Friends add colors to our lives and comfort us when needed like the bridge over troubled water. I love to watch TV series, "Friends" is one of my favorites. People of different characters, backgrounds or even different job fields may create a wonderful and incredible bond. Thanks to all my goldie friends for the variety and diversity they keep creating. There will be no the word "boring" in my dictionary.

Where should I begin for our monthly reading gathering in April? After over a month's waiting, this day finally came. Ten ladies; three from downtown, seven from the skirts of Taipei, arrived at the Elite Riverside Restaurant in three cars. After last almost-chaos experience on the road, It was amazingly smooth this time. Pamela and I were the first to arrive. Can't help feeling proud of my perfect time control.

When we sat down ready to read the T/Ms magazine after taking a couple of photos, Linda arrived bringing Sherry and Amy. Michelle with her riders, Irene, Kate, Gina & Lydia followed in right away. After boisterous greetings and ordering, the programs hit start. We talked a lot, ate a lot, read a lot and laughed a lot. Of course, photo taking couldn't be done without.

For this April’s monthly reading, we broke many records.
1. It was over a month’s planning, the longest time ever.
2. We had most ladies joined, ten! also signifying perfect.
3. We chose the most luxurious restaurant, meaning the most expensive one for sure.
4. It was the longest gathering hours from 11:00 am to 4:45 pm, almost six hours.
5. The gathering suited various purposes; Pamela's coming home, Michelle's glorious achievement in passing CCIM test and receiving her Certificate.
6. Every lady wrapped around their shoulders with a sweet gift, scarf, given and brought back all the way from ShangHai by Pamela.
7. The most exciting & luring topics ever were covered.
8. Free diverse dressing code was applied.
9. With the Blog Master's encouragement, four ladies brought cameras with them to capture every worth-recording moment.

To be continued

Trini
0412

A Day of Drumming and Reading

2009-04-12T06:16:00.000-07:00

Life is not always pleasant. While having joy and fun most of the time, tears and stress can creep in unexpectedly to spoil the happy moment. The sadest of all is the pain of seeing our beloved ones suffer from illness.

I should have gone to Tainan to see my mom this week as it has been a month already that I haven’t made the trip. I felt extremely guilty. Yet goldies set tomorrow April 12th to have our monthly gathering, I simply don’t want to miss it. So I stay in Taipei against my conscience. Since I’m here, I accept Sherry’s invitation to experience a drum class in HsinDian. It’s a Chinese Drum lesson. I’d been longing for learning jazz drum for over twenty years. It’s easy said than done. I hadn’t been’t able to overcome the obstacles. Thus experiencing Chinese drum might be a good idea to begin with.

Pamela and I went together. Both of us sacrificed our beauty sleep on Saturday morning. It took us a while to find the place, a very spacious room under the bridge. To my surprise, there were about twenty women there learning how to play the Chinese drum. It was a basic lesson, we did it alright. It amazed me to find so many women so passionate about Chinese Drum. Drumming is definitely interesting and fascinating. I’d take some time to study my schedule carefully before making up my mind whether to take the lesson or not. After the class Pamela and I went to the “Golden Pond” book store when we both had no urgent things to attend to.

We chatted and read there. I browsed five or six books and even finished reading one, The Twelfth Angel. I’ll find time to finish others. Pamela bought some cookbooks. She has a thing for western food now and are seriously considering to procure some new kitchenware.

It was 5:00 pm when we had to end the chatting and reading. A day well spent is a day gained! Couldn’t be happier to enjoy a relaxing day like this.

Trini
0411

An Interlude of the Day

2009-04-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

"The value of life lies not in the length of days, but in the use we make of them..." -Michel de Montaigne
I heard a similar “quote” a few times in a slightly different version. I can’t recall its exact wording, the point is we should judge the value of our life by its quality, not by its length. . Abraham Lincoln also said, “ And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.” It has been my long wish - live a diverse and fulfilling life in stead of a tedious unpleasant one. That’s why I answered Sherry and Pamela’s call for a lunch rendezvous today. I was tempted to enjoy a potentially crazy chitchat and scrumptious food though I had to beg another teacher to swap class with me to make it happen. Pamela will soon leave for ShangHai after a short stay in Taipei. The Monthly gathering on 4/12 is still not good enough to quench our thirst for more gossiping.

The students were especially noisy today and rushed out my classroom leaving all the desks and chairs scattered in a mess. It took me a while to tidy the room. I rushed out for the lunch rendezvous at "Milano" , an Italy restaurant near Pamela’s office. Originally I planned to take MRT worrying about the parking problem. Now I had no way but drive. To my surprise I got a parking place easily. What a luck!

I stepped in at 12:00 noon. There they were, Sherry, Pamela Sophia and Cecilia. Lydia said she would catch up at 12:30 pm. I wasted no time in ordering, and fetching myself a good dish of salad after exchanging exciting greetings. Whatever Pamela introduced tasted all finger-licking to me. When I was about to finish my lunch, Lydia walked in and brought up new topics. She still had enough time to enjoy the great food.

After covering various topics, Sherry placed the book “美麗的小故事Pretty Little Mistakes: A Do-Over Novel" by Heather McElhatton, before me and forced me to go over it following its instructions to see my fictional fate. She and her ideas, I was puzzled. Was it a kind of mind reading or personality analyzing? Well, since all the other girls at the table did it, I followed suit without questioning. Actually I was curious and interested in finding out what it was about, too. Two would live over 90 years before they go to see God, the book told them. Me? I got burnt to death at my early thirties after suffering from twelve years of miserable life. Fortunately it was just a game. Before I started to do it, I commented, “Ninety years? Who wants to live that long?” Yet I didn’t expect I would die so young. Actually I was trying to make choices that I wouldn’t do in my real life. Is it why I got the unthinkable conclusion from the book?

Sherry's bold topics aroused quite a controversial arguments which somehow drove us to touch on personality issue. Sophia surprised us by analyzing the essence of color in each one of us with her peculiar observation. She did like a Psychic or psychologist. Where and how did she learn that? I had to admit it was very interesting and educational indeed!

Ah, I forgot to mention the “Goldies’ traveling diary”. Don’t know how Sherry got this idea. I bet her voracious reading habit certainly certainly had something to do with it. The traveling diary, an artiscally made diary, was passed on to my hand. It’s Sophia’s another talent. Though it means that I have to rack my brain again to squeeze some words to write in the diary, just by looking at the bright floral pattern is a very mind-soothing thing.

What a perfect lunch rendezvous! The place was cozy and exotic, the food was yummy, the price was unbelievably attractive and we were all in an exceptionally cheerful mood. The only annoying thing was that time always flies. Pamela and I had to get back to work, and must call it a day. Whatever we left uncovered today will definitely be picked up on April 11th.

Trini
0407