Heavenly Paradise@AdelineAng.com

Let it snow…let it snow….let it snow… The white and fluffy snow is not only pretty to look at, but also fun to play with!

We had joy
We had fun
We had seasons in the snow
But the snow that we played
was just never last too long

* Modified from “Season In The Sun” by Westlife.

The womanized “Winnie the Pooh.”

The cute snowman blushed as being kissed on both cheeks.

One year after another, and twenty four hours a day never seems enough; each minute passes by even before we realize it.

Canada, or Fredericton to be precise; a place that I called my second home, for more than a quarter of the chapter of my life thus far. I couldn’t be grateful enough for all the blessings that’ve been showered upon me, in this foreign land that I used to know no one and no one knew me.

Live the life to the fullest, and cherish every moment in life. Welcome to the year 2010! May this year be a fruitful and a blessing one to you and me!

It’s hard to believe that the calendar is slowing easing its way into the last month of the year. It’s only less than a month away from Christmas! Christmas carols, Christmas decorations, Christmas sales…

Snow has finally arrived, on the last day of November. Despite a few freezing cold days in September and October, we’ve been blessed with a mild November weather (yes, after Miles and I stopped biking to work).

Days are shorter and nights are longer, as we gradually approach the end of December (Dec. 21st has the shortest daylight hours). Going to work in the dark and returning home from work in the dark. The bright sunshine can only be admired from afar when I’m at work.

While everyone is hustling to Christmas shopping and trying to have it squeezed into their busy schedule, Miles and I have already accomplished most of the shopping needed to be done. Believe it or not, we started Christmas shopping early September!

No major plans. No major trips. This is one of the very few years that I’m not visiting any new places during Christmas/New Year’s Day.

Here is a glimpse of what I’ve done in previous years:

2003 – Stayed in Fredericton and celebration Christmas in the residence.
2004 – Spent “Boxing Day” shopping in Moncton.
2005 – Participated in International Christmas in Nova Scotia.
2006 - At Urbana Student Mission Conference in St. Louise, Missouri.
2007 – Travelled to Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City for Christmas; New York and Boston for New Year’s.
2008 – Visited Calgary and Edmonton for Christmas and New Year’s.

This year, I’ll be in Fredericton/Grand Bay/Saint John for most, if not all of my Christmas/New Year’s vacation. Hopefully, there will be skiing opportunities should the weather be favourable, and also chances to go skating during the holidays.

It’s going to be a quiet, joyful Christmas this year, for the seventh year in a row celebrating the festive season without family around. Next year, hopefully, Christmas will be different, a good different.

Tide in and tide out,
Tidal cycle repeats itself.
You said to fear not,
‘Cause I’m not by myself.

Holding my hand, I said in prayer;
Hoping this moment will last forever.
Holding your hand, you said to separate never;
Hoping we’ll be happily together.

Some say love is…

like a rose; beautiful but hurtful
like a meteor shower; gorgeous yet momentary

I’d like to think of love like…

a rainbow that appears after a stormy day
the sun that rises after each sunset

Be it with family, friends, or our significant other, love does its miracle by joining hearts together. It’s our hope and dream. Because of love, we embrace today, anticipate for tomorrow, and strive for the future.

“Curiosity killed the cat.” When I first suggested to Miles that I wanted to find out the allergen that caused hives on me, his first respond was, “do you want to get yourself sick?”

When the allergic reaction happened, I was curious about the allergen. Food allergy is something new to me. I’d like to find out the root of the problem, so that I can better prevent it from happening in the future. Having to doubt before taking each bite of food isn’t fun at all. I rather know what I shouldn’t have eaten; just like the saying “satisfaction brought him back.”

Here is the test. Since the potential allergen could have been from the raspberry pie, I’d take some raspberries and sour cream as a measure of allergy test. What would I do if allergy reaction occurs? Of course, I had a bottle of liquid Benadryl handy to take of that.

First of all, I had some raspberries. Nothing happened… I waited for about 30 minutes and came to a conclusion that I’m safe to consume raspberries!

Now… sour cream… I’ve had sour cream in the past, usually with nacho chips. Although I don’t have it very often, it’s something I’ve just had a few weeks ago. Nonetheless, I’d give it a try… One heaping teaspoon of sour cream. 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes… have passed. I was still completely fine.

Hence, the experiment shows that the allergen is not raspberries, not sour cream, and not the combination of both. I’m puzzled… what else could it be?!

I enjoy watching fireworks; the burst of excitement as the sparkles released into the sky is beyond description. The glittering fire artistically spreads on the wide charcoal canvas. It’s thrilling and fascinating. A loud, roaring crackle followed by bouquets of brilliant colours, forming unique images or patterns. It’s especially exciting to watch the glimmering light falling from the sky, almost hitting my face…..

However, fireworks are usually observed only during special occasions for entertainment purposes. For example, Canada Day and New Brunswick Day celebration in Fredericton. Miles and I have decided to get our own fireworks and set them off on a beach in Saint John. It was very enjoyable, despite the chilly weather in the evening. I enjoy the moments of anticipation as fireworks were set off; never know what to expect until the burst of light makes its appearance for a surprise.

It has been a while since I last enjoyed domestic fireworks. They were banned in Malaysia in the 90’s. In Canada, fireworks are only sold to individuals of age 19 or older. I had the “privilege” to be asked for an ID when I made the purchase ;)

The crackling “ground bloom flowers” were spinning gleefully at their full speed.

Sparklers! I haven’t played them for ages! Miles was moving his sparkler in the air swiftly while I captured this unique image.

It has been a memorable and rewarding experience. The hiking trip was absolutely beyond my imagination. It didn’t turn out as expected, nor as planned. The trip wasn’t only a physical challenge, but also a practice of hope, faith, and trust.

I was glad to be able to remain calm when challenges arose, knowing that frustration and disappointment wouldn’t get me anywhere. I was delighted when the trials over the weekend had finally come to an end.

Every move I made was a step of faith, and every heart beat was a sign of hope. I was happy to be home just before 3 a.m. on Monday. My body was sore and aching. Emotionally, I was on cloud nine. I thought “this was too good to be true.”

如果能让时间停留
我愿在这多待一宿
时间转移事隔千秋
不敢再有任何奢求

如果此刻能够永恒
我愿寂寞让我独撑
日出日落变化不等
美丽光景我俩守恒

如果誓言都能兑现
我愿分离不再重现
相知相惜爱恋思念
倚在怀里分外香甜

如果日出能够停顿
我愿细嚼蓝天白云
变换莫测事物转轮
逍遥自在不再受困

如果日落不曾结束
我愿意将心声细诉
珍贵时光不曾虚度
把握幸福几许感触

Aromatic cupcakes and yummy frosting
With cut-out hearts nicely sparkling
I’ve yours and you’ve mine
A sweet moment forever in mind

Decorative red hearts on cupcakes
Love and patience is all it takes
One for you and one for me
A love message we both received

So much to do
So much to see
In this little world we live

People to meet
Places to visit
Go on an amazing trip

In a foreign land I stay
Challenges to face everyday
Listen to what others have to say
Learn new cultures on each day

Enjoy sceneries I’ve never seen
Listen to voices I’ve never heard
Savour flavours I’ve never tasted
Walk the path I’ve never travelled

Appreciate the goodness of life
Live out the dreams I have
Gorgeous dawn brings a brand new hope
Majestic dusk welcomes the serenity and peace

Unveil the unknowns
Explore nooks and corners of this globe
Hold onto the faith that lives
With this I cling to my believes

A journey full of adventures
Open my eyes in every single way
A world filled with treasures
In front of our eyes they lay

Dream of a dream
Live out a dream
A dream that persists
And forever lives

I look forward to blood donation. This might sound weird to most people, but I really do. I shared my blood donation experience and the motivation behind it, in my previous post, which can be found here. It was my 10th blood donation during my recent visit to the blood donor clinic. As usual, I made my next donation appointment which scheduled for two months later. Donors need about 56 days break between donations.

From testing iron level, answering questionnaire, checking body temperature, pulse, and blood pressure, talking to the nurse, and finally, lying down for blood donation. This seems to be a lengthy process; but also, a fun one, especially the last step. This time around, my donation went very well. Usually, the nurse will be struggling to get a decent vein from my arm for smooth blood flow. It could be one of the best ones I have that she picked this time. The donation took less than 10 minutes. My best record ever!

Ever thought of giving blood? Benefit others and help generating new blood cells in our bodies at the same time. It certainly is a win-win situation. I’ve the privilege to do so, and I’m really grateful for it. Hope what I’ve given out will be a benefit to someone in need.

My 10th blood donation, and still counting…

A token of appreciation from the Canadian Blood services; for my first, third, and tenth blood donation.

Peaceful evening with clear moonlight
Sitting with you side by side
Burning fire makes a cozy night
Till the flame is lost in sight

Passionate spirits keep the fire going
Never grow cold with flame flickering
Enjoy the warmth of fire radiating
Treasure the light of everlasting

“25 Random Things” has become popular on Facebook. What is it all about?

“Rules: Once you’ve been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it’s because I want to know more about you.”

You can know a person quite well after reading the list; but not well enough, in my opinion. How about 50 things? Here is a list of 50 things that I’m going to tell you about myself. The big secrets revealed!!!

1. I can be quite adventurous. I’ve done scuba diving, mountain climbing (2 days 1 night), whitewater rafting, downhill skiing, hiking (4 days 3 nights), bungee jumping, skydiving, sailing…

2. I enjoy cooking & baking, out of my own recipes! Of course, I always appreciate someone else’s cooking & baking; especially loved ones. It’s the thought that counts…

3. I enjoy traveling, and take delight in savouring food. I love traveling so much that I had worked 14 hours a day, 5 days a week, over one 2-month and two 4-month periods, to save up for my traveling expenses. I wish to do backpacking in Europe some day.

4. I find it a lot easier to communicate with someone who shares the common interests and passions.

5. How many origami lucky stars can you make? I folded 600 stars (signify 600 days at work) and put them in a vase for my co-workers, before I left my job. Mind you, everything was done from scratch! (Measuring, drawing lines, cutting and whatnot).

6. I love swimming… My best record? Swimming 2.5 km (equivalent to 50 laps of an Olympic-size pool) non-stop in less than an hour! I’d have continue swimming if the lifeguard didn’t stop me. The pool was shutting down…

7. I’m very grateful and thankful for my loving and supportive family; caring parents and lovely bro & sis. Because of you, I am who I am today! :)

8. I enjoy blogging, if you haven’t already noticed it. Welcome to my website, http://adelineang.com!

9. I love hot & spicy food. The hottest food I’ve tasted so far is the suicidal insanity wings from Jungle Jim’s!!! I’ve been there twice thus far (Mom thought it was inappropriate to give it a second try. I survived though, haha..).

10. My two memorable New Year’s countdown: A holy communion in a crowd of 22,500, in St. Louise, Missouri (2007), and Times Square, NYC (2008).

11. I’ve traveled alone during my first visit to some major cities: Vancouver (2004), Toronto (2006), Montreal (2006), Quebec City (2006), New York City (2007/8), Boston (2008), Hong Kong (2008), Macau (2008)… I prefer exploring the cities myself, rather than relying on tour guides.

12. I can be rather wacky, if you know me well enough to discover that ;)

13. When I stay up too late sometimes, it means I’m too tired to go to bed. I usually just doze off on my desk.

14. I learn to appreciate life a lot more, after going through all the ups and downs in life; particularly, a life-threatening incident in which I was nearly drowned.

15. I’m the only non-Caucasian in the building where I work.

16. I like surprises; only the good ones though.

17. If I’ve to have a dream that I don’t think I’ll ever fulfill, it’d be my participation in a triathlon event; even though I enjoy swimming, biking, and running a lot. I’m not an Iron woman, nor am I trying to be one.

18. I find the short daylight hours in the winter rather depressing; going into work in the dark and leaving work in the dark… I tend to sleep more when I’m sad or depressed.

19. I bake when I’m stressed; and it bothers me when a recipe didn’t turn out well.

20. I like shooting pictures of food for my blog, and hope that my friends are not disturbed by that. If you do, too bad…

21. I’m never a big fan of TV programs. I don’t get it why people would want to spend hours in front of the TV screen, when there are so many other fun activities to do!

22. I dislike alcoholic drinks and clubbing. Nonetheless, I’ll still drink and hang out at a pub/dance club, if I really have to socialize…

23. I considered myself quite studious. Up to what extend? I used to have an average sleep of 5 hours a day, six days a week, during my middle and high school years. How did I get through high school? Hmm… I haven’t had a clue…

24. I promised myself not to stay up late the night before exam. I had only 3 hours of sleep before a Geometry exam in grade 9, trying to study as much as I could. The next morning, my mind went blank staring at the exam paper…. I still passed the exam though =D

25. I value my belongings, especially those with sentimental values. I’ve had a watch (from Dad) that I had worn for 11 years. Besides, I’m still using a mechanical pencil that I bought with my own pocket money in grade 5. It has been about 13 years now, and I wish to keep it forever…

26. I play the piano, but I don’t sing.

27. I created my first website, with HTML codes using Microsoft FrontPage, when I was 13.

28. I don’t like sewing, but I will do it when needed to.

29. If you find me quiet, it’s not that I’m snobbish. It’s either I’ve too many thoughts running through my mind, or I’m simply too tired to speak.

30. When I’m drunk, I go to sleep.

31. My first exciting public speaking experience was my presidential speech for a cultural event, in front of a crowd of 300, during my second year of University. The University President, Student Union President, and International Student Advisor were present. Of course, journalists and media photographers were there too! I felt like I was a star!

32. I can be deeply bothered by an unsolved mathematical question, even in my sleep.

33. You must be someone special for me to think about before I go to bed.

34. I enjoy watching horror movies with a group of friends. If I’ve to watch them alone, I’d do it in the broad daylight; so that I can forget the horror scenes when the night kicks in!

35. I’ve been away from my family since the age of 17.

36. I send birthday cards to Mom, Dad, Bro, and Sis; and call them up on their birthdays.

37. I remember numbers quite well. I can recite phone numbers of various homes I’ve lived in since I was first born. To date, there are 7 phone numbers in mind.

38. If I’m fear of something that I should not fear, I usually try to do it more often to conquer my fear.

39. I’m fine with not receiving gifts on my birthday, but I always look forward for a birthday cake; whether it’s homemade or store-bought.

40. I hang out more often with my guy friends than female friends. Maybe female is rare in this city?

41. I like different colours on different things. If you’re asking about my favourite colour, please tell me what the object is. If I really have to pick one, it’d be sky blue.

42. I can easily gain weight in 2 days, but it’ll take me more than two weeks to lose what I’ve gained.

43. I love varieties. I often order different things from the same restaurant menu during my subsequent visits.

44. I get so bored in the summer sometimes that I’ll exercise for 6 hours a day (e.g. cardio, swimming, biking)!

45. I always think it’s so cool to get paid to travel.

46. I appreciate those who always keep me in their prayers…

47. I’ve biked for 52 km on the road in less than 3 hours, and went home just before it got pitch-dark in a summer evening.

48. When I listen to songs, I enjoy the music and lyrics more than the vocal alone. I think the song and lyrics composers should be given higher credits for producing great songs.

49. I feel homesick during festive seasons.

50. I missed the numerous public holidays in Malaysia, because you get the days off! Hence, I often look forward to storm days in the winter :P

If you’ve finished reading the list, congratulations! Thanks for your patience; and I’m very impressed! I’m glad to have you here, and welcome back to check out for more updates of  my blog!