牛年快乐 ！恭喜发财！

恭喜恭喜！新年快乐！

试终于考完了！不过，身体还没轻松下来。现在，要好好休息，什么都不多想。:)

今天，我和Ed去他父母家吃团圆饭。难得农历新年，我特地穿上新买的大红上衣。过年嘛，好意头。嘻嘻！Ed看我那红得耀眼的上衣，灵机一动，要我坐在家中的红椅子拍照。

哈哈！好主意！就让我以红色来向大家拜个年…

祝大家牛年快乐，心想事成，身体健康，天天开心，一切安好。

祝单身的，今年遇到心上人。已婚的，祝婚姻快乐，早生可爱的牛子牛女。已有小孩的，祝小孩们快高长大，无忧无虑。

上学的，祝学业猛进。工作的，祝事业有成。努力勤奋，站好工作岗位。别多担心经济衰退，船到桥头自然直。不幸失业的，塞翁失马　焉知非福。穷则变，变则通。另一份新的工作，或搞个小生意，转个行，或更多时间陪家人，或终于有时间读书深造等等，你可能会更开心。祝你在新的一年里，有好转机。只要不被小挫折打败，继续努力，将来一定会有好成就！:)

考试倒数 Exam Countdown

当全世界在倒数新年时，我则倒数我的考试。尝试不去多想，只想给自己一个无忧无虑的假期。还好，倒是真的很享受和家人朋友的美好时光。 现在，要回来奋斗了！只剩下十天左右！雪芬，加油！

朋友们，祝我好运吧！

While the world was counting down for new year, I was counting down for my exams. Tried not to think about it, and told myself I deserved a restful and joyful holidays, so I did. I had my share of wonderful times and dinners with family and friends (hope you all too), and now, I am back to study. The exams will be held in less than 10 days !!!

Wish me luck, my friends… 🙂

Top CEOs need just 12 hours to earn average Canadian annual salary

Ok, I heard about this, however, it is just so sad to hear it again during this so-called ‘once-in-a-century’ economic downturn, while many (many) others are worrying if they would still have their jobs tomorrow, while pensioners are losing most of their money for retirement, while some people might not be able to pay their food and shelter bills tomorrow, while many people working their fingers to their bones for their CEOs….

During a dinner, a friend told me, after the new year, he received an order from the boss to go back to office to fire 10 workers. At that time, I felt that the economic problem is really hitting home, but I forget it probably never hits the top CEOs’ homes ! Or time will prove this….

X     X     X     X     X

From Yahoo! Finance News

“TORONTO – As many Canadians nurse their post-New Year’s Eve hangovers and ponder what further economic storms await, Canada’s top corporate executives can take some comfort in knowing they have already earned as much as the average worker will earn in all of 2009.

A new analysis by the left-leaning Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives concludes the country’s richest corporate executives will have pocketed an average of $40,237 by 9:04 a.m. Friday morning.

“By the time your computer has finished booting up on your first day back after the New Year’s holiday, the average CEO would have already banked what took the average Canadian worker an entire year’s worth of work to earn,” the report states.

“Many of the top 100 include Canada’s big bank CEOs, who recently received billions in federal government bailout money to purchase mortgage loans.”

Prepared by economist Hugh Mackenzie, the report finds the top 100 CEOs of publicly traded corporations averaged more than $10 million in pay apiece in 2007, the last full year for which figures are available.

……..

To read the full story, click here.

Happy New Year (Dawn) !!

Year 2008 has been eventful for many of us and for the world. While all the glories, worries, uncertainties, downturns, triumphs, happiness, challenges, violences, joys, have flown by, I wish the world and you all a very happy, wonderful, healthy, peaceful, fun and fulfulling new year ahead ! Like the boater, waking up early, setting out eagerly and wholeheartedly, with hard work and sweats, yet pleasure in the heart, to welcome a new dawn….

Boxing Day Sale

Boxing Day Sale at Eaton Center

Boxing Day Sale at Eaton Center

愿祝圣诞快乐 ! Wish You All Merry Christmas !

圣诞娃娃

昨晚，我一边包圣诞礼物，一边在自言自语．．．．

记得，约十年前，我药剂行的澳洲洋人老板问我，“你是华人，不庆祝圣诞的，对吗？你是佛教徒，不庆祝圣诞的，对吗？那你在圣诞当天上班一定没问题吧?＂这哪是问我，简直是要我内疚，要我上班　（注：我是那间药剂行唯一的亚裔药剂师。那间药剂行365天都开足13个小时）。

我心里算一算，“哗！十三个小时，双倍工钱，即可赚二十六小时的工钱。划算划算。”　那时，我刚大学毕业，穷，又要学人储钱旅行，傻。我假装推迟一下，就答应下来了。反正，我是真的不庆祝圣诞的。接下来的五，六年，我的圣诞都是在店铺里过，从早上七点到晚上十点。我一点都不在意，顾客很少，很空闲，不难挨过。

一直到四年前，圣诞还是与我无关。没想到，现在，圣诞突然变得这么重要　－圣诞树， 礼物，卡片，火鸡，团圆，假期，派对，还有白雪飘飘。

人生一个转弯，有些重要的好像变得不重要了，不重要的好像开始重要起来．．．．

今早起来，我忘了昨晚思考的问题，匆匆赶去预定两个蛋糕 – 一个要带去明晚朋友家的派对，一个要带去圣诞晚Ed大家族的团圆晚餐。今天不预定，明天一定卖清光！26日晚，和Ed父母吃饭要带的已准备．．．．

愿祝大家圣诞快乐！

Christmas Dinner

Last night, I was talking to myself while I was wrapping Christmas presents….

I still remember vividly how my boss asked me to work on Christmas Day. It was about 10 years ago, ‘Shirley, you are a Chinese, Chinese doesn’t celebrate Christmas, right? You are a Buddhist, Buddhist does not celebrate Christmas, right? So, I think you are the best person to work on Christmas Day !’ Since I was the only Asian in the pharmacy, and he was right about a Chinese Buddhist (plus as a immigrant whose family is in Malaysia) does not celebrate Christmas.

So, I accepted the offer. Well, who won’t? The shop opened on Christmas Day for 13 hours, and I got paid double. In fact, being a poor newly graduate who dreamed of saving for travel, I felt grateful to have the shift ! Since then, my boss never failed to give me the Christmas shift and all my Christmas for the following 5 or 6 years were spent in the pharmacy from 7am to 10pm. Frankly, I did not mind at all. The pharmacy was normally quiet on Christmas Day and it was not a difficult shift.

It was not until 4 years ago, I stopped working on Christmas Day. Prior to that, Christmas was just another day for me. I am surprised to realise that it has suddenly become important in my life – the Christmas tree, Christmas presents, the turkey, Christmas parties, family gathering, holiday, Christmas cards,  and the previously unthinkable White Christmas. I have them all now.

Life is interesting, just a small twist and turn, previously important things are no longer important, and what never appeared important has suddenly play an important role in my life….

Woke up this morning, totally forgot what I was pondering last night, I rushed to Loblaws to order two cakes – one for tomorrow night Christmas Eve dinner with friends, one for Christmas Day dinner with Ed’s extended family.  I know if I don’t order today, I will have trouble getting the cakes I want tomorrow. And we have already prepared what we want to bring for 26th dinner with Ed’s parents….

Merry Christmas to you all !!!

明年冬至要做汤圆 !

汤圆

前天，一早醒来看到妈妈从马来西亚捎来的短信。那时，我迷迷糊糊，看了也没去多想。后来，逛到一位朋友的部落中，才惊觉冬至将至，是做汤圆的时节。原来，妈妈告诉我，她做了红豆汤圆，很好吃。虽今天才是冬至，不过，星期天弟妹都往外溜，家里提早两天做，一家团团圆圆吃汤圆。

妈吩咐我做汤圆来庆一庆。我随口带过。在外国那么多年，哪记得冬至这回事。虽然，妈妈都会捎来短信，我也是知道就算了。马来西亚的家当然有做汤圆。记得，我每次吃时，妈妈都会来一句，“吃了汤圆就长一岁啦！” 不过，冬至的气氛没过年或中秋的浓厚，只是吃汤圆。不提，我一定不会记得。加上，我这个蛇年出生的，特别‘蛇’，很少帮忙妈妈搓汤圆。不过，我超爱甜食，吃汤圆少不了我的份。

在澳洲，没认识Ed之前，多是自己一个人住。自己一个人吃汤圆，好像更显孤单。加上，日子特忙，所以，我好像从来没在国外庆祝过冬至。

我想，在外国长住，最可惜的是，很多传统很难维持。这可能是千万华裔移民的矛盾。

现在想一想，我真的应该庆祝一下，尤其是在加拿大特别有‘气氛’。这个‘气氛’不是华人‘过冬’过节的气氛，而是，在加拿大，冬天真的正式到来了。‘冬至’，突然变得很有‘身有同感’。冷冷的天气，手上有碗热腾腾的汤圆，多温暖。以前，在马或在澳，这个时候都是炎热当天的。‘冬至’这个字眼对我来说，是没什么意思的。

向Ed提我要做汤圆，他说，我自己吃就好了。他不爱又甜又粘的东西。做了自己一人吃很没趣。加上，考试大过天，我以前也没向妈妈偷师到，真没时间花上大半天来学来找材料来搓来煮。我还是上网看看汤圆图片来庆祝就好了。

以前，有妈妈来维持传统，现在，是我的责任了。不过，我好像不是很称职…

明年吧，明年冬至，我要做汤圆！！

夜，亮了…

冬天时，尤其是一场大雪后，很喜欢在多伦多市的街上走走。

因为，觉得这里的夜晚，特别光亮。

天是黑沉沉的，不过，城市是闪亮的。

犹记得，我第一次发现这个现象时，是2006年年尾．圣诞刚过。我的第一个白色冬天。

那时，我们刚看完一场电影，已近凌晨。

一走出戏院时，突然发现，夜，好像没黑下来。

我这个热带国家长大的女孩，哪会明白其中的道理。

也不想去思考，只想欣赏，像小孩一样眼睛瞪大大，不停惊叹，‘好亮，好亮！’。

Ed解释说：“大地铺了一层厚厚的白雪。白色，反照所有的街灯，建筑物的灯和圣诞灯饰。明吗？”。

“啊！”　给他一个拥抱，我继续在街上蹦跳。

他摇头，“都不知你怎么进理科班的。”

X     X     X     X     X     X

昨晚，从图书馆走出来时，发现，夜，又亮了．．．

那时，暂不想考试，我心情舒畅．

亲爱的，你的戒指呢？

“新婚生活怎么样啊？”

婚后，很多人问。

“没什么不同啊。都是一样。”

我觉得这个答案是好现象。

很多人说，婚后，男的女的，都会‘原形毕露’。

还好，我和Ed都是‘坦率’的人。

所有缺点很早前已‘很自然’地表现出来了。

我的小姐脾气，他牛一样的固执。

算了，习惯就好。;)

人人说，结婚就代表互相尊重，彼此接受，缺点和优点，对吗？

这个，我深深相信。

其实，我们已达很高境界 – 爽脆和幽默。

高兴不高兴的，都拿出来讲。谈下谈下，很快就会多了解。

暂时解决不了的，幽彼此一默，笑了后，有些执着好像已不重要。

所以，生活上是没问题的。

除了吵些无聊的，天天都开开心心。

啊！对了，婚后，唯一不同和不习惯的，就是，我们都不爱戴我们的结婚戒指….

Reply to Bryan – What to Wear in Subzero Climate

winter wear in Canada

Bryan left the following message in my previous post :

“ I am going to Harbin end of this year. I believe it will be minus 15 Degree during the day.Since I am not living in Subzero Climate for long period, I just bought a Winter Jacket, not those ultra warm type though, but for active sports, where we partially keep ourselves warm while exercising in the cold weather. I think it might not be enough to fend off the cold there.

How many layers of clothing you wear to protect yourself from the cold?

My idea:
1st Under Thermal (Long John shirt and pants)
2nd Long Sleeve T-Shirt
3rd Wool Sweater
4th Thin Down Jacket
5th Wind & Waterproof outer jacket

Ear Warmer
Gloves
Head Warmer?

Wish me luck! ”

Hey Bryan,

I went online to check the weather in Harbin, yup, it is already around minus 5 to 15 degree during the day !! And currently, the wind gust is around 4-15 mph (6-23 km/h), which is quite strong if you are walking on the streets, especially in wind tunnel (like between tall buildings). So, you have to be quite prepared, especially people like us, who are brought up in tropical weather.

Looking at your 5 layers clothing sandwich, I think you will be fine for the minus 15. However, it depends on the quality of your down jacket and the water/windproof  jacket. It makes all the difference !

windproof jacket with chin flaps

Not sure what kind of quality you will get in Malaysia. So, whatever you buy, check the quality properly, or buy trusted brands.  There are hell lots of things to consider for good down or windproof jackets. I am not going to go to the details here and you only go there for a short trip. Just some simple things you should look for. For example, for down jacket, check exactly what the down filling is (make sure is not synthetic) and its fill power (how dense they pack the down/feather); for water/windproof jacket, check the construction of the jacket (how well the jacket is ‘sealed’), fabric lining etc.

I have a windproof jacket that have two ‘flaps’ on my face area (left picture), so when the wind blow fiercely, I can cover half my face, and only leave the eyes out. But I rarely wear it because I think it is very ugly ! Haahaa….do I scare you though? I hope you don’t need those things anyway ! It depends if you are a person who afraid of cold. I need those because I can’t stand cool weather !

Ok, now let’s talk about other accessories.

(1) Gloves – yup, you need a good pair of gloves ! Best is wool or windproof gloves.

(2) Hat/Head Warmer – you definitely need a very good hat/head warmer. Generally, about 30% of body heat lose through our heads, it is quite a significant amount. If you cover your head (especially forehead) properly, you surely will feel warmer. Tips : Don’t buy knit hat, because wind can blow through it easily. Buy wool one,. If you like knit, buy those have an inner (wool) layer.

(3) Ear warmer – If you have a hat that also can cover your ears, I don’t think you need ear warmer.

(4) Sock – Your feet and toes !! You don’t want to have cool feet and toes when you are outside, especially if you have to walk on the snow. Also, most time I dress my body properly, but forget my legs. So,  your under thermal pants will be very helpful. Tips : alternatively, buy very good wool knee length socks. They help me heaps when I don’t feel like wearing my old-lady-like thermal pants 😉

(5) Boot – Very important especially when snowing heavily and have snow/ice accumulation on the ground. A good pair of boot prevent slips.  My boot is knee length, with fur inside, strong rubber sole with deep treads. Of course, it depends how much walking you have to do, otherwise, normal boot should be ok. Tips : Walk on snow-muddy ground, instead of the ‘shiny’ icy ground, which is extremely slippery, unless you like to roller skating 😉

(6) Scarf – Depend on the design of your jacket or if you have turtle neck top. I feel much warmer when my neck is warm, and it prevents cool wind slips inside your body through the neck opening. Tips : When I don’t wear my ugly windproof jacket with the ‘flaps’, I like to wear very large thick scarf. So, I not only use it to cover my neck, I use it to cover half my face when I have to walk against wind gust.

multiple layers and a down jacket

For this photo, I think it was taken on a day of around minus 5-8 degree or so. With the hat, an under thermal, a turtle neck (white), a 200 fleece (blue), and a medium fill power down jacket ( filling : 50% down/50% feathers), I was able to pose for photo with a smile 😉

I hope the above information helps. Shoot me more questions if you still not sure.

Haahaaa… I have too much fun here. I better go back to study for my exam !!! 😦

今天好冷

今天好冷… 才零下10度…
碰巧，我有事需出门。
刺骨的强风吹来时，感觉像零下20度！

那时，真不明白我来加拿大干嘛。
Ed曾告诉我，习惯就好，身体会慢慢耐冷起来。真的吗？
可是，今天，连他也想骂粗口。

…..我正想念大马或澳洲的阳光，Ed则想念洛杉矶的阳光….

The Secret Ingredient (Kung Fu Panda)

I had headcold these two days, had enough of study, hence decided to give myself a rest last night, and watched the Kung Fu Panda.

Interestingly, found this movie quite philosophical, or just me, trying to be philosophical in everything. No wonder Ed can’t stand me ! 😉

x     x     x     x     x

‘Son, I think it is time that I should tell you something I should have told you long ago.’ Panda’s father continued, ‘There is no secret ingredient in our noodles.’

‘No secret ingredient? Not even some kind of sauce or something?’

‘No, no secret ingredient. You just have to believe it is special! ‘

With this new realisation, Panda went on to become the great dragon warrior, who loves to eat and still capable of defeating the evil Tai Lung.

x     x     x     x     x

How often do we believe we are  special? Special in our own way, and accomplish something only we can accomplish, in our own way…

And how often do we believe other people are special too? Just like how the master Shifu and his other followers eventually come to trust Panda is very special, so, he can accomplish only what he can accomplish, in his own way….

My 2 + 2 Daily Newspapers

Though I am studying, I still can’t resist to read my 2 + 2 daily ‘newspapers’ online.

One is – The Globe and Mail, for Canada news.

One is – The Age, for Melbourne, Australia news.

Sometimes, when things get interesting across the boarder, I read New York Times.

Sometimes, I read Sin Chew Chinese newspapers or Malaysiakini online, for Malaysia news.

The world is currenly going through an interesting and trying time, I feel that to be a responsible world citizen, I need to be informed. Or is it because of my experiences in the above different countries that make me want to know more, and care for more? I think that plays an important part too.

Thanks to the internet. Otherwise, I would not know the world simply by a click away.

Sometimes, I think : will news online eventually replace newspapers completely? Maybe?

Do I still read ‘real’ newspapers ? Only once every 2 week, I think, except when I am back home in Malaysia.

I still love the ideas of holding the newspapers in the sofa or bed, read them with a cup of coffee or tea. And there are more articles in the printed edition. However, to save the papers, and to know the world better and faster, I have gone to the internet…

考试 . 失踪 Exam & Disappearance

亲爱的家人朋友读者们，

很心不甘，情不愿地, 我正准备着加拿大药剂师牌的第一个考试。

为了考试，我下定决心 ‘严格’ 管制我花在网上漫游的时间！（真不知自己可否做到 😉 ）

所以，部落格暂停两个月。抱歉。

考完试后，我们再见吧！

天天躲在图书馆内啃书的苦学生 上

Dear friends, family and readers,

Finally, I forced myself to sit for the Canadian pharmacy registration exam in Jan (the first of a series! Not looking forward ! ) . Preparing for the exam, I decided to ban myself from all if not most online acitivities for the next two months. (not sure if I could do so 😉 ) . I will be back after the exam ! See ya then 🙂

regards,
a student (whose first home is the library)

美国总统选举 – 历史性的一天

奥巴马 - 美国新总统

Photo from theage.com.au

从来没追美国政治，至到今年。

今晚，美国人投下神圣的一票。

选出美国有史以来第一位黑人总统。

加拿大是美国邻居，气氛当然也很浓厚。

我和Ed坐在电视前，观看这历史的一页。

X     X    X    X

一个人，可以做到什么？

一个人，可以带来这么多希望吗？

一个人，可以影响那些多人相信同一个信念吗？

奥巴马都做到了。

终于，马丁路德的梦想实现了。

内在被证实重要过肤色。

X    X    X    X

虽然，很多人说，期望太高，失望也会更大。

可是，今晚，不需谈这些。

今晚，我们要相信希望。

相信只要有心，只要团结，什么困难都难不倒我们。

美国人愿意相信，全球很多人都愿意相信。