A Warm Sunny Spring Break Gathering

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

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

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

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

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

A Halloween Seasoned Reading Gathering and Birthday Party

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#