Heavenly Paradise@AdelineAng.com

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!

I’m obsessed with picture taking of overhanging ice lately :P Pictures are best taken under the sun, at the right angle. The overhanging ice varies in length and thickness. It is a result of melting snow from the rooftop when temperature rises, followed by dripping water from the roof edges; and finally, freezing of water in the sub-zero climate. There forms the overhanging ice!

Even though they are nice to look at, be aware of falling ice as you walk pass these buildings. Don’t take the risk parking your car close to them! I can’t picture what would happen if the ice falls on someone’s head…

Of course, there is always pretty snow in the winter that we shouldn’t miss!

Have you had a chance to take a close look at the snowflakes? The gorgeous snowflakes don’t come by easy, depending on the temperature, humidity etc. These snow crystals are formed as a result of water vapour condensation, which leads to the creation of ice. This process takes place in clouds. The growth of crystals contributes to the unique pattern of snowflakes. You’ll be amazed to find out that there is no two snowflakes that look alike! This is comparable to the DNA profile of human beings; snowflakes have individual identities! How neat  =D

Why do I enjoy skiing? I had a previous post entry that may answer this question. My experience from skiing in Banff a month ago was different from skiing at the Crabbe Mountain. Having said that, I enjoyed skiing at both locations.

To me, skiing is not merely a sport. It provides a great insight into building personal development and a wonderful interpretation of life. How? First and foremost, be bold. Downhill skiing is a risky and challenging sport. I’ve had two friends who broke their legs from skiing in the past. I came to realize that it’s all about skiing responsibly while enjoying the fun of it; just as my perspective of life. You don’t avoid doing something just because you’ve to step out from your comfort zone to reach out for it. If you think it’s worthwhile doing and to avoid regrets later in life; by all means, go for it!

The positive attitude in facing new challenges in life. Even though you are informed about the level of difficulty of each trail, you’ve absolutely no idea what to expect. Is it going to be a smooth or bumpy descend? Regardless, you do your level best to overcome what lies ahead of you.

Thirdly, there’s no turning back once a decision is made. You pick the trail, and no matter how steep the slope is or how bumpy the trail is going to be, you’ve no choice but to apply the skills you’ve built up in the past, and move on courageously.

Falling is inevitable. I still remembered the bruises I’ve got during my first few ski trips and the serious muscle soreness I suffered from. The main point is to learn from experience; the more you practise, the better you’ll get. “Practice makes perfect.”

Be independent. There are times when you stumble and fall, you’ll have to get up with your own strength. Reach out for your fallen skis and reattach them to your boots, in order to continue on with your journey.

Take control of yourself. To ski fast or slow, to make a turn or not etc., it’s all up to you! Make use of your own skills to overcome upcoming challenges and not to panic, it’s a positive way to clear the obstacles in life.

Building self-confidence. If you think you’re going to fall; the chances are, you’ll fall! Have trust in yourself in everything you do, and know that you’ll do it well.

Be attentive. A full concentration is required in skiing. There were times where my mind was drifted away when something caught my attention. The next thing I realized was a painful fall!

Perseverance. You maybe exhausted and wanted to give up, but press on with things that you do. The joy of achievement is rewarding!

Lastly, appreciation of life. The beauty of nature becomes apparent, by looking at the surroundings from the top of mountain. The view is gorgeous and breathtaking. After one day of excitement from skiing, I’m glad that I’m still in one piece and be thankful for the enjoyment I’ve had. “Life is good!”

You had a $10 bill in the wallet and joyfully walked into a store and grabbed a $10 item. Little did you know that the total bill came out to be more than expected, $11.30! 13% more than the figure stated on the price tag. Huh? It’s called the HST (harmonized sales tax) in New Brunswick. Along with Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, 13% of HST replaces the GST (goods and services tax) and PST (provincial sales tax). For the rest of the provinces, the federal tax, GST of 5% is applied to majority of the goods for domestic use or consumption. Some items such as basic groceries, prescription drugs and exports are exempted from the GST.

An overview of the PST rates across Canada:

• British Columbia: 7%
• Saskatchewan: 5%
• Manitoba: 7%
• Ontario: 8%
• Quebec: 7.5%
• Prince Edward Island: 10%

HST doesn’t apply in Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon. It should be noted that in all provinces, except Quebec and Prince Edward Island, PST is charged based on the price of item before GST is applied. In other words, GST is calculated on the basis of the sum of selling price of item and PST, in these two provinces. How much more complicated can this get? :P

Does this matter? OF COURSE!! You might not notice much of a difference as a regular consumer, purchasing groceries and basic electronics; but think of this, what if you’re getting a car or a house? It does make a VAST difference, doesn’t it?? A difference in 1% on a $100,000 purchase can save you $1,000, depending in which province you reside. For instance, you’ll be paying $105,000 in Alberta, instead of $113,000 in New Brunswick, on a $100,000 purchase. Hmm… are you getting the big picture now?

Additionally, the variable income tax rate across Canada is an useful piece of information too; especially if you’re considering to relocate to a different province :) In general, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon have the lowest tax rates. However, how many people would actually consider living in the freezing world (pardon my expression)? Back to the reality, tax rates in British Columbia and Ontario are considerably lower, and those of Nowfoundland and Labrador, as well as Prince Edward Island don’t look too bad either. Surprisingly, New Brunswick is one of the provinces that has high tax rate for the low income bracket (i.e. annual income below $36,000). Hmm…

Many friends who graduated from the same university as me, have either gone back their home countries for good, or moved to different provinces for better job opportunities. What do you think? Besides the location, living environment, and job prospective, would the tax rates (sales tax and income tax) be one of the many criteria that you’ll look into before making a final decision for relocation?

Is your brain bombarded with tons of information now? Other aspects you may want to consider, of course, is the minimum wage (which I previously commented about) or the average income of your job, as well as the cost of living in the specific province you’re considering. Why? The answer is simple and straightforward. If you don’t make enough to cover your expenses or unable to purchase a home after 5 to 10 years of work, then you should really pause and think: is the standard of life satisfactory? Am I really enjoying what I’m doing and will have a bright future?

I admired those who have made up their minds to relocate for better opportunities in life.  To my friends who are residing outside of N.B., wishing you all the very best in your future endeavours!

The moment I decided to leave home to study abroad, I knew that I had to be on my own from then on. It was a tough decision to make as there was no turning back. The detailed story was posted previously. I’m grateful for the way I was brought up and all the love & care I’ve been receiving from Mom & Dad, who have been faithful supporting me through the ups and downs in life.

It was one of the my best moments in life, when both parents attended my graduation in May 2008. Graduation is not the end, but the beginning of a new journey of life. After all, there is a long haul ahead.

There are always challenges to encounter, people to meet, places to visit, dreams to fulfill, prayers to say… Are we willing to step out of our comfort zone and take the step of faith to explore what lies before us? Do we listen closely to the soft whispers of our inner voice?

There is a new hope, new vision, and new direction for the new year. Wishing everyone Happy 2009!

Here are some of my thoughts from today’s experience walking on the ice. Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend driving on unfavourable road conditions. Your own safety is more important than being at work on time!

The brook is narrow, the road is wide,
under the dim moonlight, catch a bus ride.
Sliding is easy when road is slippery,
taking baby steps while gliding slowly.

Winter weather may bring dismay,
such as icy morning on this day.
Take a leap or stay stagnant,
it’s up to you which is more important.

Oceans are deep and mountains are high,
keep trying and not to sigh.
You may stumble, you may fall,
but press on and never stall.

We often get so busy in life that we don’t bother thinking about what we want to achieve in life. Busy studying, working, socializing, traveling… Can we not pause for a minute and enjoy the scenic dawn, gorgeous dusk, colourful fallen leaves, and dazzling snowflakes?

There’re times where we really need to sit down and think. Reflect on the past, focus on the present, and look forward to the future. Things we find so hard to forget and forgo could just be specks of dusts to us, a few years down the road. Conversely, we want to grasp, value, and cherish for what we acknowledge as treasures in our lives, till the end of the day. Family and friends, visions of the future, faith, and passions.

Louis Braille developed an ingenious system of reading and writing by means of raised dots for the blinds at the age of 15. Alexander Graham Bell developed the basic ideas for the telephone at the age of 18. George Westinghouse, at the age of 19, obtained his first patent for a rotary steam engine. Why do people succeed in life at a young age? Have you ever wonder? Yes, it’s true that most of them are talented, or even being classified as geniuses. However, more importantly, they’re able to envision their future and go all the way out to materialize their dreams!

The choice is in our hands, no matter we’re happy or sad, life goes on. So, why not be happy and lead an enjoyable life? Life is just too short to dwell on pain and sorrow. Get up when we fall, and carry on with life. The best is yet to come, and we shall take courage to discover the goodness of life.

“Life is too short not to make the best and the most of everything that comes your way everyday”

~ Sasha Azevedo