Category: Amusing/Musing

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Real Lives Of An Asian Married To A Westerner

Myth : Asian woman married to Westerners lives a life of wealth and don’t have to do anything – but look pretty and go shopping – while the spouse makes lots of money thus allowing her to travel home to Asia and flaunt her wealth and superiority to her friends and relative.

Fact : Some of us haven’t been home for 10 years or more – and even though we are not poor – rich and wealthy is far from describing us. Most Asian woman do work even when they are in the West and they have to cook a meal for themselves and their partner as well.

While I can’t say that I’ve had it bad here in Canada – I have to say that I don’t get to go home as often as I liked. Not because we can’t afford it – but we can’t afford the time as my spouse owns his own business. Thus, I’m constantly homesick and missed my food from home a lot. And no – we don’t have an Asian grocery store nearby – as I lived in a small town. Not going home for a visit and not getting the food I need is my biggest beef. Another thing is the doctors – there isn’t much around and seeing a doctor is like making an appointment to see God. Unlike home – there are plenty to choose from – from gynecologist to dental or any kind of specialist. Over here – even if you have the money – you still have to wait for an appointment.

Most Asian thinks that getting hook to a Westerner means marrying into money – but let me tell you 9 outta 10 Westerners that I have met here – are either poor or lazy – some worst and are on drugs – the other 1 man that works and has money is most likely to be married or already hooked with another girl. Most Asian thinks that marry a Westerner means flowers and romantic candle light dinners and dancing/serenading. Truth – nope they are not made the same – there is no sharing a bottle of wine with PB – because he doesn’t drink – and no candle light dinners – because he is not adventurous with food. And everywhere we go eat – he eats the same thing over and over again.

More on the Real Lives Of Asian Married To Westerners In The Next Post – stay tuned.

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An Antique Musical Box

I have been quite lucky of late and managed to find some really good antiques right here in our county. This musical box is so unique – I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it – it plays Edelweiss – a song i love very much too. These days – I spend a lot to time buying things for myself – instead of looking out for other people, I learned that I have to make myself happy first – before taking care of others. No matter what others think of you – for it’s not important – what’s most important is myself and my family. So yes! I’ve been spending some money on myself – but of course, I continue to buy things for my friends’ kids too – how can one not love kids right? they are just too cute. But please don’t buy anything for me and Chloe because we really are already very blessed.

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Finding A Perfect Partner

While reading a book with Chloe today – about the mouse trying to find the perfect husband – I asked myself if there was ever a perfect partner with anyone? The mouse wanted a strong and brave – and someone who will keep her company always – pretty simple right? and shouldn’t all partnership be simple too. When you fall in love what were you looking for? I think many people fell in love for the wrong reasons – therefore, they never grew old together. I hear you asking about PB and I right about now?

Well, we’ve known each other for 6 yrs before I came to Canada – I don’t know what was PB looking for in a life-partner – but I think I knew exactly what I was. Being the older one – and having had several relationships before PB – I didn’t want to look for just anyone. When we were younger – of course, we looked for the ones who is the most handsome – and as we grew older – we don’t only want the good looking – but the one with a good job. Then we grew much older – and we figured – the good looks can go to hell – as long as he is rich – hahahah!!! now, now – don’t tell me – you didn’t think of that?

Ok then reality set in – and all you wanted was someone true, someone who would look beyond the superficial things, someone who is strong, brave and will be with you always. Now ain’t that mouse clever. One can learn a lot from children and their books eh.

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Halloween 2011

Halloween is round the corner and we are getting ready for Halloween – since we have to spend part of the evening at home. Of course, we can’t missed the personalized pumpkins from Chloe’s grampie. Wonder why grampie never make one for PB every year – haha!

This is mine – as you can see here.

And Chloe’s.

And the classic witch smacked and landed on our door.

And a straw puppet. I’m not done decorating yet – because I had been busy decorating the store first. When you own your own business, you usually have to take care of the business first.

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Guitar Lessons For Chloe

So we were up in the city a few weeks ago – and had seen all these guitars for sale – and Chloe had asked for one as well – but she already has one – that her ex-babysitter’s father bought for her one year for Christmas. Once in a while she would strum on it and try to make music out of it – but refuses to go for lessons to learn how to play the guitar for real. So I told her that when she decides that she really wants to learn guitar or learn to play it for real – and not for the fun and strumming it and making noises – we will get her a proper guitar for the guitars that we saw on sale weren’t cheap at all. Like we all know that kids can’t really decide on what they really want for now – and unless she is learning how to play classical guitar – I doubt she can play the guitar without the nylon strings – the other type of strings are just too hard on the fingers even for me. I’m all for music lessons – but knowing the brat of mine – she would probably give up after a few lessons – so for now – we’ll just have to play by ear.

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Separation Anxiety

Not only Chloe but myself – I’ve thought of going up to the city with some of my girlfriends for a night or two – but I have separation anxiety !!!! yup!! me!! but can you blame me – I’ve never left her side except when I had no choice during surgery a few years ago – and that already I was not too keen but had no choice.

Before having Chloe in my life – I had no problems whatsoever traveling at anytime and any place – i didn’t have anything to worry about – nor anything to keep me from traveling but things has changed so drastically for me – I sometimes don’t recognized myself – hahah!! or had I been this way all the time? or have I suddenly turned into a wuss ? And I do not like the thought of me becoming one or turning into one – or is one ! I’m a very tough person – so why is it that I don’t want to be separated from my daughter just for a night and an entire day? Am I the needy one ? or do I think that Chloe is the needy one?

A check with my other girlfriends with kids – some feels the same way but some didn’t have any trouble with spending a brief vacation with their girlfriends. Hmmm… ! interesting isn’t it ? I will chat with my family doctor about this.

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Frugal Family Travel Tips

In these tumultuous economic times, vacations seem like a luxury that many families can’t afford. But going on vacation doesn’t have to mean blowing the family budget. In fact, taking some time off to be together can be really good for everyone. The following are some vacation money-saving tips that will help you to have a great time while still economizing.

Source: http://frugalfamilytips.com/tag/traveling/

Set a Budget

The first and foremost step is to set a clear budget and stick to it. Rather than be vague about what expenses will be, figure out how much money you can afford to spend total. Then sit down and write out a list of what you’ll be spending money on. Set a food budget, activity budget, gifts (if necessary).
This way you’ll see what the actual monetary outlay is likely to be, and figure out ways you can save on the trip. It will also show you just what you need to make over your ordinary day to day expenses to afford the trip at whatever style level you choose.

Though it would be ideal to spend only cash on a trip, credit cards provide an added level of protection and security. You might even want to incorporate use of a travel oriented credit card such as the Aeroplan Plus Gold Card into your trip. This type of card offers all sorts of travel perks and advantages like sky miles, breakdown assistance, and various travel related types of insurance, so using them is actually a good idea when taking a vacation.

Book Hotels in Advance

Booking hotels is advance is a good way to save on accommodations. You can actually ask the hotel clerk how much you stand to save by booking in advance and then compare various hotels to see which ones are the most competitive in this regard. Try to choose hotels that reward you the most for good early planning.

Get Airline Tickets in Advance

Airline tickets are another area where advance booking can mean a much cheaper rate. There are a plethora of websites online that give you rate comparisons on various airlines and flights. These sites will give you exact rates and saving possible for given booking dates so they are a great way to compare advance flight booking rates and savings.

Consider Off Season Travel

Off season travel is always cheaper than peak season. This usually means the late fall, winter, or early spring (for locations that are reasonably cold at those times) and times not very close to the holidays. Consider planning trips for these times since they can often make for fine vacations that are also more cost effective.

Consider Camping

If camping is something you enjoy you can save a lot of money by camping rather than staying in hotels. This also gets you in touch with the outdoors and gives you a real feel for the flora and fauna of whatever locations you’re visiting. Consider this as an option if outdoor living is something you feel comfortable with. Even if you don’t there’s always a first time, so maybe you should give it a try!

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I Am Who I Am

Feel liberated yet? if you haven’t – well – there is something not so right with you. You must have some self-esteem problems? since you can’t seems to feel happy for other people. Everyone has bragging rights and if you don’t like mine – that’s your problem.

Marrying PB is the best thing I’ve done in my entire life – well besides having Chloe and having a great 2 great Godmas for Chloe. Why? because he never expect me to behave in a certain way nor talk differently, in our many years together – since I’ve been to Canada and before, he has never asked me to change my behavior, nor the way I talk or the way I walk or the way I wear my clothes – not a thing. He accepts me for who I am – maybe we all should learn to accept our spouse and not try and change them – me included. So for those of you – who don’t like the way I talk – or act – I don’t need your approval – Blah!

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Our Little Getaway

So we invested in a little cottage by the lake in Pembrooke – and this is our little getaway during the weekends – we just loved going there with our little bass boat and while PB and Chloe do their water sport thing, I just lazed around the sun and get a tan. But because Pembrooke is out of town, our cell phone signal isn’t the strongest but have no fear for in Canada – they have cell booster antenna that you can get from your local store in the mall – not expensive at all – and with that you will never have to miss a call. Although we say we are going there to relax, you all know that we need to keep our cellphone ready and available because of the store, so yes! thank God for gadgets like the cell phone booster else I doubt PB would want to buy this little cottage out in Pembrooke. The cottage was cheap and it has lots of potential, come spring next year, we are putting up a sunscreen porch and inviting friends over for more BBQ. woohoo!

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If You Don’t Like Something

Someone very wise told me a month ago – that if I didn’t like something, change it. Life is too short – live life to your fullest – do things you love and don’t waste time over-analyzing and I took his advice. My life is here in Canada – there is no going back and there is no way – I’m going to take care of others before my own family. Once that was settled, I knew exactly what I had to do. And I also learned that everyone have their bragging rights and if you don’t like it – then I can choose not to listen and walk away – the same for those who don’t like to hear me.

Yes! I’m very blessed! I’ve got a good spouse and an awesome and funny daughter, I haven’t “really” worked since I came to Canada and I loved what i do online – and I’ve good advertisers who look out for me and my friends often. My health is getting better everyday and I’m spending time with Chloe and able to do things with her more than I did before. Plus, we have good business acumen and do not have to worry about our daily expenses. What more can I asked for right?