I miss my niece and my nephew…..I DO HONESTLY think the best kisses and hugs you will ever get are from kids…becz when they kiss or hug you… you know fo’sure they are… 100%....real!!!! They are sooooooooo sincere coming straight from their heart…!!!!


I miss you both!!! A lot!!!!!!!!….I remember the precious moment on my last visit to see 'em….I was coming out from the bathroom, my niece was in her room and my nephew was drawing me some of his famous Power Rangers in the study meanwhile my huney was helping my nephew cleaning the poops of my nephew’s Tamagotchi Virtual Pet in the hallway….I called out…SWEETIEEEEEE…..three of them at the same time (IN ACCORD)….answered me YES????...the housekeeper had this grin in her face and she told me that I needed to be more specific since I got 3 SWEETIES….LMAO…PRECIOUS!!!!

Emotionally this past week has been so draining. I had another talk from my HUNEY about where do I want our live to be….and this time it ended in tears!!!!! He felt sooo bad...and had called me several times since.........

Oh BTW he is still experiencing the silent treatments from almost all members of his family for a few weeks now! He told me that his dad is still constantly pounding him w/ WHAT’S NEXT questions….almost all his life….despite his many attempts to prove to him that he is a grown man who tries to live life his very best….He said that it just seems that his dad disregards his many attempts…and never cease…when he is done with one phase of his life, then immediately he will hustle him onto the next, by badgering him with WHAT NEXT? And…he said it has reached to the point that whenever he sees his dad….all he could hear is WHAT NEXT? WHAT NEXT? WHAT NEXT? His dad constantly wanna be involved in his current plan, his one year plan and five year plan and so on….and he was not going to accept “I don’t know” answers…..

Now back to me and what I want in my life? HONESTLY, I don’t know what’s next?? LOL….I don’t know whether I should stay here in ATL and struggle to deal w/ his family that so far has been like pulling teeth…waiting for him to come back from his overseas assignment? Or move to where he was before his overseas assignment, another strange STATE (a couple of states away from Georgia) and stay at his plush rented apartment, driving his car and patiently waiting for his comeback…(this choice is so appalling to me and sounds sooooo old-fashionish-like-one-of-those-arranged-marriage-women-patiently-awaiting for their-future-hubby!!!)

What I want to do is to head back to Houston, to the familiar where I have a network and TRUE friends…I don’t have “FRIENDS-FRIENDS” here in Georgia, I don’t know a lot of people like I do in Houston and it just don’t feel like home…I don’t fit in here….I have PLENTY of kewl acquaintances, people I smile at, hang out in a nice café, make basic conversation about the weather, traffic, generic pleasantries....But no one I can call in the middle of the night if I want to talk. I am so busy working a job with a miserable person who has turned to be so hateful and grumpy. (What can you do when you have to deal w/ this kind of person each MONDAY - FRIDAY…YESSSSSS I do try my best to live my Christian life….I DO!!!…I pray for his peace but I refuse to be his punching bag…therefore I decided to stay away from him COMPLETELY!!!!)

I have been to quite a few places in my life…..but I can’t consider another place besides Houston, TX where I can call home and grow roots in…..

Let’s take for an example Singapore…it is a brilliant city but lacks of soul…not much art, culture, literature or identity of it’s own….it feels like a surreal shopping fantasy land….sure the coffee shops, cuisine, shopping and architecture is fantastic. But in the midst of it all I always feel the COLDNESS and lost whenever I was there. Traffic and construction are booming at an unearthly rate. It feels like a strange fantasy dream city. You have to visit Singapore to understand what I'm saying. Don't get me wrong, it is a great place to have a holiday. But again, it's not a country I can grow roots in. STILL……….I'm torn about starting a life in Houston again….it is pretty scary. I don't have the faintest clue on how to even start this job searching process. Wow...this post turned out to be SUCH a downer. I'm so sorry!

This Human Resources guy had let me borrow this book called “The Prayer of Jabez” Jabez—a man whose name means pain. And he was a man who knew he needed God’s blessing and wasn’t afraid to ask for it and he was granted what he requested!

"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that Thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that Thine hand might be with me, and that Thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested." 1 Chronicles 4:10

The Prayer of Jabez reminds us that everybody struggles with choosing to rely on himself or God. Jabez understands what many people do not -- there is only one God and He should be the center of our work God wants to bless every life. But, we must first make the choice to invite God into our life and ask for His blessings. I am then ever more convince that if I want to reach for goals and accomplishments that I want to have God in my side!!!

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Another issue…this guy who works in the assembly line….but also is a preacher for a small church. I tried not to judge anyone bcuz it is easy to be judged that way…..!!! But somthg about this guy….just something…just not right……….about him…..like he is kinda creepy……despite the fact that he claims that he is a MAN of GOD…..I always kinda stay away from him.

And then…..there is this woman…works at parts department…she is divorced w/ one grown child….and she is a member of his church…..it started out that way….anyway…about 6 months ago…then, then….somtg…happened…..he started to hang around her…a little too much…way to much…I am not sure what happened….and I am not gonna speculate anythg….they soon got tangled up with this mess….and he ended up willing to divorce his wife and resign from his church…ALL for this women….it is so heartbreaking for me…..that he allows his lust and temptations to overtake him and for her that she is the reason of why he is leaving his family, church and everybody who believed in him….how could she able to trust that their relationship will last? Let’s say if they do end up together….years later….will history repeat??? Will this man find another woman to lust after….and then leave her for this new one? God, I am not writing this to judge anyone….I am actually humbly praying for him, her, his family, the church and everyone else involved….….!!!!!!!

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Oh last night I was hanging out w/ some friends to celebrate "Barbie" birthday...FUN!!!!

Okay…back to my job searching…PRAY for me ppl……..and yes, I miss my contact lenses…wearing glasses is just way too straining for me…SIGH!!!!

HOUSTON, TEXAS

I have been away from Houston, TX too long. I miss Houston oh so very much…!!!!!

I am officially a homesick Texan….I wasn’t even born in Texas….BUT…I am always a Texan first….it is where my heart will always be and what truly defines me….










Why did I leave to begin with? After my dad’s fatal accident in 2004, I just wanted a change of scenery…..so ATL, GA seemed like a good idea at that time.....yeah at that time....but now...it is a totally different scenario.......

I think what I do miss most is the fact that The Bayou City amazes me with its rich natural beauty, diversity and highly cultured urbanites.........

I miss the big sky, big history, big hearted friends with big personalities, big humors, big burgers….after all Houston is the fourth largest city in the U.S......LOL!!! ;)

I also have sooo many uber FAITHFUL, loving friends there that would support me through thick and thin no matter what...ain't that sooooooooo precious????!!!!….and over the years I surely have learned how really truly important TRUE friendship is….and some friendships are not meant to last forever……………….yeah...good riddance!!!!!!!!!!!! (I will not wish 'em bad s**t cuz they are just not worth holding grudges and stuff....so there....but most definitely NOT a big lost either!) :)

Yeeeeeeeeeeeahhhh I am seriously looking for a job and planning my way back home…..pray for me pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze!!! HOME….sweet…HOME…Houston…TX!!!

I am craving bibimbap (Korean Cuisine).....!





Me and the yucky glasses....still! The 25th seems so far away

First of all, I want to thank those who have sent me several sweet-supporting emails….thanks you guys are the sweetest and great!!!!

On totally a different subject….and yeah…lot of opinions have surfaced regarding war in Iraq, Saddam Hussein execution, Pres. Bush reshuffled Iraq team, and the possibility of sending more troops….etc…

A couple of days ago, out of the blue I received an email from this French guy (he had worked in one of the Gulf of Mexico – Oil and Gas project at my former company.....we had our prior discussions about war in Iraq a long while back about the pros and cons about the situation…..etc.)…… this is what he wrote:

“You remembered when we discussed about the Iraq situation, now everything happened, the mess, 3000 young innocent soldiers who lost their lives, a lot of money spent, a dictator hanged and probably a future split of the country...what's a mess, nothing to be proud Americans?”

I didn’t respond to his email becz I felt that there was no point of responding to such a moronic comment….but then I felt the need to at least address this stupid but soooooooooooo typical commentary on my post…!!!!

First of all, lemme make somethg clear as to…I am not one of those war supporters neither am I those anti-war folks…..yeah, I have to agree it is extremely sad in regards of the lost of human lives in Iraq in general……but for him to say that NOTHING TO BE PROUD AMERICANS….really…really hacked me off!!!! NO matter what is happening curently….I AM STILL A PROUD AMERICAN. This country has flaws just like ANY OTHER countries in this whole DARN universe…but having traveled and lived in different countries…..I can assure you that…..AMERICA is DEFINITELY a GREAT country…..overall, with its flaws, quirks, differences…etc..etc….…..AMERICA (lemme write this one more time)…..is still a GREAT country…so yeah…WHATEVERRRRR!!

Sure France is chic, Italy is kewl, Great Britain is dainty, Australia is adventurous, Singapore is clean, Thailand, Hong Kong, China are a shopper’s paradise…and I can go on….but undeniable that AMERICA is GREAT and I am a proud American!

I understand that people definitely are entitled to have their opinion…yeah…no argument there…but moronic, uneducated comment as such…it’s kinda sad…cuz this guy supposedly has a higher education…’nouf said….!!!

If you're busy, upset or whatever, you can complain to me, but don't ever, ever, EVER take it out on me. If you seriously have doubts as to whether I can perform the task, then don't ask me to do it in the first place. Find someone else to do the job, go ahead! It doesn't affect me, seriously. OH BTW just so you know….I'm not the type of person who would say that I could do it unless I believe I could bcuz I never wanna take on something and screw it up later. If you have no faith, don't come to me then! I don't wanna be treated like a spare tire, when you couldn’t find others to do the job then come and find me, K?????? Yeah I know. I knew it now what kind of person you really are….!!!! But you are not that important to me so.....yeah..yeah...whatever....just STAY AWAY from me, got it?????!!!!!

Okay…another post about my Aussie trip…..I was bushwalking w/ some Australian families….this nice lady and I started to discuss differences we found in America and Australia…she's a very sweet lady who has traveled to many countries….

Of courze I mentioned to her about my “DUH” incident….I should’ve known better….since I also kinda have traveled to several countries…but I guess it was such a habit for me to use certain terminologies/words….my niece and nephew wanted me to take them to the little, cozy, local restaurant….so I did….I ordered me an avocado sandwich and the guy told me I had a choice of soup or chips…I was like chips wouldn’t be a bad choice since it was summer after all and soup would be too hot….I was thinking to get just a pack of regular potato chips….DUH! I forgot I was not in the United States….so when the guy brought out “fries” instead of “potato chips” I then realized my mistake right away…LMAO….









She told me the similar incident she had on her visit to Houston…..it was her “morning tea” and decided to stop in a restaurant in the Galleria area (closed to the hotel she was staying)…and ordered a biscuit…..and tea….of courze what she got was our “buttermilk biscuit” ……and what she wanted was a “cookie” instead….LMAO!!!










Then she said she was also a ‘lil horrified when she first found out that we separate fried chickens from white to dark meat... it is chicken segregation to her…ROFL….

And when I was invited for a nice Christmas Day feast…..this guy asked me after our food feast….if I would like Christmas Crackers….I was like HUH???? Sure why not, I didn’t mind trying ‘em? I thought they might be some edible crackers w/ Christmas decorations on ‘em????…..WRONG!!!!!!! They were party favors which go “pop” and had some funny riddles and quotes inside w/ folded colorful paper crowns…..ROFL!!!

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Burger King in Australia = Hungry Jack’s….cuz the name Burger King was already trademarked by a man running a small takeaway food shop..in 1986, Hungry Jack’s started out by purchasing 11 failing Australian Wendy’s.

Burger King new logo

Hungry Jack's slogans – LOL pretty catchy! (from its Website)
Betcha can't eat more than one! (Present Slogan)
The Burgers are better at Hungry Jack's
Sink your teeth into the new Wallabee Whopper, only $3.99 (Australian dollars)
We're all about fresh at Hungry Jack's
Love it at Hungry Jack's
Home of the Whopper
Oh Yeah
Tastier burgers and more funner!

LMAO people…contrary to what yawl think…nope this post has nothing to do w/ my toilet bowl………yepper…my toilet bowl is functioning just fine THANK YOU VERY MUCH…no over flowing $#%@*!!!

But I put a photo of a toilet bowl….an Australian designed….

Lemme begin with saying that in Asia/Australia and even in Europe…RESTROOMS, WASHROOMS – both are considered unusual terminology…they tend to use the term….TOILET or WC…or LOO sometimes….and in Australia, not all but many homes (including my bro’s): “TOILET” is a separate room from the bathroom (showers)….

LMAO - if an American asks for a public bathroom/washroom/restroom to some Australians…it sounded very weird…like why are you pretending to take a bath/nap/rest in public…???? But on the other hand….I had to cringe I must admit…each time I heard someone asked where the toilet is….it is just sounded soooo uncouth…all I could think about it is the big giant TOILET BOWL…not the room itself…LMAO…and to me it sounded kinda TMI (TOO MUCH INFO)…..

OH yeah…and the toilet bowls there….and some Asian/European countries…have actually a DUAL – FLUSH FUNCTION…I guess according them…it is a traditional Australian way of saving water in a drought…..he..he..you got to pick from its 6 or 3 liter flushing…LOL!!!!

Last discussion about TOILET BOWL….okay ppl (I am sure some of yawl – LMAO) might think I am soooo obsessed when it comes to TOILET BOWL…he…he..due to prior two unpleasant experiences…whatever!!!

YESSSS–YESS-YESSSSS…the water in the sink and the TOILET of course….rotates one way as it drains in the northern hemisphere and the other way in the southern hemisphere…..from my smart hunney…it is due to the rotation of the Earth (what it is called: the Coriolis Effect)

It is raining cats and dogs here......

I love it. :]

I am one of those who prefer the solitude of silence and darkness when I lay myself to sleep. The only lullaby which can accompany me on my journey is the soothing sound of raindrops falling.

Oh yeah...I do know a person who can only fall asleep by being immersed in the liveliness of noise....A jarring cacophony of sounds is needed to escort that someone to the land of dreams cuz she needs to feel that there're people around her....

When is the solitude time of a day for me? The moment the lights are turned off after my private moments with HIM in prayers and I am waiting to be transported to my dreams. Looking at all the discernible silhouettes in my room, I'll wait for my night ship in the darkness. I love it when the symphony of rain plays throughout the whole night. Its soothing rhythm will fill the night sky even after I’m fast asleep.

Mind yawl….I gotta wear my glasses – strictly no contact lenses for at least 3 weeks…I am going for my pre-op for my LASIK….soooo yeah…looking mucho scholar-y…LOL!!!

I visited them…the family…just for a quick afternoony-evening bite as invitation said…then I left….I guess it went okay??? I felt like they kinda given me a cold shoulder and pretentious welcome…AS EXPECTED….!!!! Oh well...I refused to let 'em bother me....I wouldn't stoop to be just as strife-loving as they are! WORLD PEACE EVERYONE!!!! LOL!!!

Anyway I had a delicioso Pear Salad…awesome….. it is so easy to make. It is tangy from the blue cheese, fruity from the pears, and crunchy from the caramelized pecans. The mustard vinaigrette pulls it all together…..



INGREDIENTS
1 head leaf lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
3 pears - peeled, cored and chopped
5 ounces Roquefort cheese, crumbled
1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and diced
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup pecans
1/3 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
fresh ground black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS
In a skillet over medium heat, stir 1/4 cup of sugar together with the pecans. Continue stirring gently until sugar has melted and caramelized the pecans. Carefully transfer nuts onto waxed paper. Allow to cool, and break into pieces.

For the dressing, blend oil, vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, mustard, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper.

In a large serving bowl, layer lettuce, pears, blue cheese, avocado, and green onions. Pour dressing over salad, sprinkle with pecans, and serve. Voila!

"Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can declare all His praise?" Psalm 106:1-2

I thank HIM for the many blessings HE has provided me. It still amazes me that HE never gave up on me throughout all of the years that I ran from HIM. My life with HIM since then has been so rich and full of happiness. He has protected me and guided me each day and I am so grateful to HIM for HIS everlasting grace and mercy.

I pray for the wonderful blessings to those around me…my brothers, my sis-in-law and the kids, all the extended families, my dearest and close friends..........

A little of my personal thoughts...

No one would be able to REALLY understand the emotional aspect of why decisions are made and even the pain she has to go through…….nor the dilemma she faces and the amount of effort she had put through to fight her inner self...

Yepper….you wouldn’t know how it felt until you are involved in it... !!!! Many people tend to think that a bystander's or 3rd party's point of view tend to see a clearer picture…well, yeah, maybe it is true…realistically but not emotionally….

It’s totally easy to judge a person merely based on what you see/gather from the outer... but internally, DO you know what is truly going on???? It is easy to pinpoint a relationship and blame it on "the person" you think is at fault... but maybe…if you sit back for a second to contemplate that person’s reasons….then you might realize that she actually had valid reasons….and doesn’t deserve anything that is thrown at her just because of one mistake she made...

My honest opinion, I don’t think it’s appropriate for ANYONE to judge someone else’s relationship, who is at fault or whether she deserve whatever that is coming cause after all we are not the one involved in it...

I guess having gone through the many ups and downs especially when relationship is concerned made me realize that not everything is what you think, see or know, there would be of courze some emotional factors to consider and not all things are visible. I do believe that everything happens for a reason and behind a person, there is always an untold story that no one knows except for the person herself... Even if you were to put yourself in her shoes and said that you will never do it, it’s still not fair cuz you are DEFINITELY not her... you are you... the stories and chapters in your life are completely different from the owner's...

So before you judge anyone and say that you couldn’t understand or that she deserves it, perhaps you should sit back and think of how to be there for her instead...

NIGHTY-NIGHT!

Difficulties with “his” family….

Well, his family has been given us a hard time…bcuz we weren’t really truthful about going away together to Sydney…..etc...etc..


He does have nettlesome relatives who seem to ruin each time there is a "what should be a joyous family get-together" by expertly pushing all his/my buttons…..they are highly demanding, extremely critical and constantly try to meddle in every situations…..SIGH!!!

He tells me many, many times, over and over again…..not to give up bcuz these differences create certain unique issues for us that have actually strengthened our relationship, helping us to respect each other.

SIGH…SIGH…SIGH!!!!

Seriously, I was gonna buy some of these weird jerkies and give ‘em to someone as gifts..cuz he…he..truthfully, I just couldn’t see myself munching on those….YIKES!!! I am wondering what would be next: Cassowary, Goanna, Duckbill Platypus, Dingoes, Echidnas, Wombats jerkies? LMAO...JK guys...for those animal lovers..PETA ppl.....

YUCKY!!!! Vegemite is the registered brand name for a dark brown, salty food paste made from yeast extract, mainly used as a spread on sandwiches and toast, though occasionally used in cooking.

It is supposedly popular in Australia and New Zealand and is known as a national food in both and the brand is owned by Kraft Foods (an American company)......

I tried...just becz it is considered very Aussie but YUCK..YUCK...salty, bitter...kinda beef bouillon-y...margarine-y all mixed up and kinda like beer-yeasty spreads....???? HIGHLY POPULAR IN AUSTRALIA...WHY?????

Yummy Australian Nougats.....made with honey, roasted almonds, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts and chopped goodies, like candied fruit....!!!













Sydney Town Hall on George St.















Visited the famous distinctive Sydney Opera House

I am trying to make my way back home....my babe left yday..and lemme reminded you all that UA's customer service isn't the bestttttt.......SIGH!!! Leaving tmrw....Jan3rd......!!!

Shopping in the city

Chifley Plaza
World-class shopping and dining experience - a timeless architectural icon of space and grandeur, reminiscent of a classic New York skyscraper. International and Australian fashion designers, including Leona Edmiston, R.M. Williams, MaxMara, Max & Co, Herringbone, Pancaldi 1888, Marina Rinaldi, Fragile and Pierucci.



Queen Victoria Building
Romanesque architecture both inside and out, important historic building located on the site of Sydney’s 19th century market place, unique stores specializing in art and antiques, jewelry, gifts and fashion


Skygarden
Located in the Pitt Street Mall. A superb mix of fashion, food and homewares with more than 30 retail outlets.

Bobbin Head Natural Attractions - Bushwalking