cloudy sky

人生就是無常和徒勞無功啊

2012-02-08T10:58:00.000-05:00

套句「那些年」的台詞人生本來很多事情就是徒勞無功啊～

1. 上星期爸媽來訪 星期二 爸爸要去美國出差結果要搭飛機當天才發現美簽在沒有帶來的舊護照上面所以整個美國行程只好取消

2. 取消後爸爸開始牙痛和頭痛 星期四 去給醫生看過以後發現嚴重蛀牙需要根管治療Root Canal 因為即將離開加拿大所以先開止痛藥回台灣在找牙醫治療

3. 爸爸星期六離開 Jason就有點落枕的跡象脖子不能轉動移動會痛
星期天等了兩小時看醫生醫生看了說應該是muscle spasm 開止痛藥和肌肉鬆弛藥
到今天星期三早上為止都還沒有真的好轉的跡象只有一點點的比較不痛
這幾天無法上班好好睡覺一直熱敷也不知道何時可以完全恢復

4. 星期一 唯一的同事離職了只剩下我一個人獨稱大局管理公司資料庫
當下真的無言以對擔心自己要24/7值班會累垮一方面開始想找出路
因為一個人真的無法負荷兩個人的工作啊更別提目前沒有任何誘因值得考慮

5. 星期二 發現原來加拿大認識的朋友一點也不是朋友許多的付出換來冤枉只能說心寒

6. 星期三早上上車上班發現東西亂灑在座椅喔喔果然車門好像沒完全關緊所以沒鎖好結果小偷跑進來偷了我車上的Canadian Tire Gift Card 大概$200-$300 偷了我上禮拜剛買的TomTom GPS （可是沒拿專用的充電器也沒用真是哭笑不得）還有竟然零錢和Canadian Tire Money都拿人心世下啊我在猜應該是teenagers拿的車上另一台舊的GPS剛好被紙擋住所以沒被偷走
打電話給年費$400的AMEX 竟然說車子裡面被偷的東西不能保險家裡的可以又一個三條線...
唉我最心疼的竟然是我的新GPS 上禮拜剛買拿到車上測試沒有收進來竟然就這樣不見了
只能說花錢銷災以後真的要多注意車子和家裡的門都要鎖還以為自己住在安全社區呢～

結論
1. 人真的健康最重要啊！
2. 朋友患難見真情家人則是一輩子當你最脆弱的時候願意陪在你身旁照顧你
3. 壞事來的時候擋也擋不住而且會一起來上星期二到今天星期三一個星期內發生的事情比我一個月碰到的不如意還多
4. 我原來滿心歡喜安排的四月西岸旅遊現在也懸在空中影響的是11個人啊！即使加薪或假期也不是我想要的啊

祈禱希望烏雲過後太陽會出現而我的問題會一一解決和越來越好～

大時代需明大是非

2012-01-10T10:26:00.000-05:00

大時代需明大是非

大劫難需養大慈悲；

大無明需要大智慧，

大動亂需要大懺悔。

TRIP - 2011 Christmas in Washington DC

2012-01-10T10:25:00.000-05:00

Pictures - picked among 1500 pictures
Map

Intro
I have the Christmas week off from work and didn't want to stay at home for 1.5 weeks. So I started looking for short-haul flight destinations, and Southwest happens to have a sale Buffalo to Baltimore for $100 round-trip vs. much higher fares for NYC/Boston/LA/Las Vegas/Florida

I have wanted to visit Washington DC for many years (for Cherry Blossom, and that I've never been to DC), so the decision was easily made and thankfully I booked a good 4 full days in DC to truly enjoy everything it has to offer.

Lastly, all attractions are FREE in DC, so we can come in and out easily, with a baby

12/24 Travel Day

Left home late (10 am instead of 9 am) and arrived at Buffalo airport only 20 minutes ahead of departure. Thankfully the US custom only took 30 minutes and hotel shuttle was fast. Southwest flights felt really short and rushed because we fed Ella on the plane, and SW still gives free drinks and peanuts/pretzels.
Upon arrival at Baltimore, we had food court lunch and took the B30 bus ($6/person) to Greenbelt Metro and subway's to Crystal City to walk to our hotel, and went out for Thai food for dinner.

12/25 Christmas

As it's X'mas, everything is closed, except the US Botanic Garden, with its miniature train display. We also saw the US Capitol and its X'mas tree.
We visited the White House front lawn to see the National Christmas Tree

12/26

Walk of the Town FREE Tour - 3 hours, tip-only, awesome guide Tim
Visited the National Air & Space Museum for 2 hours - it's huge and lots to see
Walked to Safeway Grocery store to buy Ella's food

12/27 the only rainy day

We went back to the Air & Space Museum for a tour @ 10:30-1 pm
Visited the Old Post Office Tower for a sky view of the DC
As it rains today, we visited National Archives (waited 20 minutes to see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights)
Ended in the National Museum of Natural History - Mammals, Ocean, Dinosaurs

12/28

Library of Congress - Thomas Jefferson Building, missed the tour as it was full
US Capitol Tour - Definitely worth taking as guides take you to see the Rotunda dome
Took the Maryland MARC train to BWI airport, and again, last ones to board (our names were called urgently in the PA system, that's a first)

12/29 Buffalo

Checked out with leisure, visited Target ($40) and Walden Galleria for PF Chang Happy Hour
Drove home to see snow @@

Transportation, Safety, Food
Overall DC is easy to get around on the Metro, unfortunately the National Mall area (especially the West Mall where monuments/memorials are) still can only be walked around vs. every attraction has a Metro stop within 5 minutes. Be prepared to WALK A LOT!!
Getting to/from airport (BWI or IAD) can be annoying though, allocate 1.5 hour each way

Safety is very good with police around all the time, never felt in danger even at night

Food We didn't dine out much, in part due to the rush schedule, holidays closing, and free breakfast/dinner from the Residence Inn hotels (3 breakfasts, 2 dinners)

Hotel
Night 1 - Radisson Reagan National Airport - $100 USD

This was actually a last minute addition, thanks to the Radisson's "Earn 50000 points for 1 night stay". Club Carlson 50000 points is enough for one free night in Europe 5* hotel, so I shorten my Marriott stay and paid $90 (+tax/fees) for a stay at Radisson with free breakfast. Think of it as "Pay $100 for a fancy hotel stay in future". Some people even found a loophole of "phantom stay" where they found a Texas Radisson to check-in over the phone. People called from Ireland, geez
Turns out, I earned 60000 points instead of 50K, due to bonus here and there!! I love them already

Night 2~4 - Marriott Residence Inn DC/Capitol, with Kitchen. $432 USD

This was the highlight of our trip, because Wendy wanted a Kitchen, Fridge to prepare baby food, so our choices were very limited in DC, and Priceline/Hotwire is out of the question due to their "unknown hotel" nature, so Residence Inn it is...plus Marriott has a MegaBonus promotion running, where you earn 1 free night after 2 stays (but I won't get it as I only booked 1 stay of 3 nights, and not 2 stays of 1+2 nights...Marriott wouldn't extend the courtesy, so I won't stay at Marriott either in future)
Best part about Residence Inn, we have free breakfast daily, and free dinner M-W. For 3 of us that was quite a saving, as we received 3 breakfast and 2 dinners in total (that's 15 meal portion). Not to mention the food is actually decent and the kitchen staff best of the best with friendly attitude and prompt speed.

Breakfast

DIY Waffle, Sausage/Burger/Potato, Cereal, Oatmeal, Banana/Apple/Yogurt, Juice

Dinner

Cabbage roll/mashed potato, Teriyaki chicken/noodle + Salad/Soup + Bread/Garlic bread + Drinks

Night 5 - Buffalo Marriott Niagara - $60 (=$77 USD) - Pricline

A 5-day parking would've cost ~$60 at airport parking, so instead I just booked a hotel (with free parking) for the same price, and we get to stay over upon returning from DC, win-win. The hotel is nothing to write home about, typical 3-3.5* hotel with no amenities but many parking.

Expenses
Transportation
Flights Buffalo (BUF) to Baltimore BWI) = $120x3 ($360) - so cheap vs. flying out of Toronto
B30 Bus $6x3 ($18), MARC train $6x3 ($18), Metro cards $20x3 ($60)
Walk of the Town tips $20x2 ($40)
Gas $50

Food
Lunches = BWI $20, Post Office $20, American Indian $30, Walden $20, Capitol $20
Dinners = Urban Thai $80, BWI $35, PF Chang $55
Snacks from T&T = $40
Safeway $27

Shopping
Souvenirs $23
Target $40
Stroller Rain Covers $50
Basketball shorts $72
Old Navy $13

Tips here and there - $5, $5

Total (thanks to Excel) is about $1600 for all 3 of us, 6 days/5 nights in DC/Buffalo

Notes

Next time, leave EARLIER than expected to not miss the flights
DC people are really friendly everywhere
Winter was very kind to us, giving us almost 10C sunny weather for 3 out of 4 days
There are so many movie references - National Treasure, Nights at Museum
What's left to see next time, and needs another 3-4 days

National Zoo, Kennedy Center, National Air and Space Museum - Udvar-Hazy Center

Ella - she was so cooperative in many ways: she napped in her stroller when she's tired, doesn't cry for food or nap, and she's curious to see/touch new things. We are so thankful for her kindness as we cannot imagine this trip with Ella fuzzy 24/7

Conclusion
I am glad we took the trip to truly enjoy a vacation away from home, in warmer weather. Even though we were tired from the walking, travel, baby-caring, it is a great X'mas memory. Sometime in future I would like to re-visit in DC in non-winter seasons.

ELLA - Y0.M11 Ella is almost One Year Old

2012-01-07T00:18:00.000-05:00

Sorry I skipped the Y0.M10 post, because of busy schedule and not much new happened

Month 11 has a lot more to tell because Ella had her first Christmas, and New Year!!
Plus she went on a week trip with us to United States, showing how good of a girl she is~

她有六七顆牙齒一段時間咬人會痛了而且他咬人用力到全身顫抖
現在會開始一直要試著站起來了可以30到60秒沒問題有時候他自己還沒發現
吃的食物越來越多喝奶越來越少
現在還是跟我們一起睡小姐需要爸媽陪睡睡得東倒西歪的踢來踢去不過這也是一輩子的回憶吧

Pictures

Aeroplan devaluation, and 2012 Mini-RTW

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

I meant to post this when Aeroplan was busy de-valuing itself in Nov 2011.

Then December 2011 came and they ran a "secret promotion" to redeem Business class for only 75000 miles, same as redemption for Economy class. Normally one needs 125K miles to redeem Business class so this was a great promotion (that lasted 2.5 weeks to everyone's surprise). We took advantage of booking one Mini-RTW trip to Taiwan for Summer 2012, so now I feel slightly better.

Compared to my 2011 Mini-RTW planning (days and $350 in fees), this one only took hours thanks to the limited # of YQ-free airlines and Istanbul lounge has been nominated as the best *A lounge so a visit is an easy decision. It was booked simply as Multi-City on Aeroplan.com

YYZ-IST TK J on 777
IST-ICN TK J on A330/340
ICN-TPE TG J on A330
.......................................................
TPE-NRT NH J on 767
NRT-ORD UA J on 747
ORD-YYZ AC J on E75 but who cares...

Fees only $220 as we avoided most YQ-airlines

http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=YYZ-IST-ICN-TPE&MS=bm&DU=mi

http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=TPE-NRT-ORD-YYZ&MS=bm&DU=mi

My own calculations of Aeroplan mile's value
I did a dummy Aeroplan booking for CNY 1.21-1.29
75000 Aeroplan + $400 in fees for 1-stop Y both ways (Tokyo, Beijing)
vs.
TourEast.ca
2-stop = Delta $1200 to United $1350
1-stop Cathay $1460

Let's take $1400 - $400 fees = $1000 for 75000 AE miles..
= 1.3 CPM.. worse than Gift Card redemption

Here are some complaints, taken from FlyerTalk
- No more earning points on Flight Purchases (1/$3.00 spent)
- addition of extra seats to the E90
- elimination of free baggage on transborder flights
- minimum flight/miles requirement on AC metal
- drastic devaluation of the E benefit package/gutting of the Elite program
- Increase to the mileage required to book travel.
- Tango fares no longer earning 100% miles on int´l routes and AC introducing Tango fares in many markets
- no more domestic 2-cabin F segments on int´l J/C awards
- implementation of fuel surcharges on *A partners without any/much notice
- retroactive application of new T&C, generally much less transparancy, the goodwill AC had managed to build with many FFs over the last years has pretty much disappeared
- LMUs offered before all upgrades on the waitlist have cleared (not confirmed, but also no statement saying otherwise as we received in the past)

Latest one being the new 2013 Top Tier program de-valuation. I'm glad I was never near Elite status because I'll be upset too

Just another note, my friend booked even crazier route to.... AFRICA

2012 New Year Resolutions

2012-01-02T01:07:00.000-05:00

First of all, I wish everyone a happy new year and a better 2012 than 2011.

It's our first new year with Ella, and she was actually tired & fuzzy all day long.

Here are my resolutions for 2012

Everyone is healthy and happy
Ella will continue to bring joy to all of us, as we all watch her grow
I hope my MBA will be on pace for an early September graduation (end of 3 year school!!)
RIM to do better, please
Go on trips to West Coast Canada, Los Angeles, and Taiwan
Maybe... Ella may have a sister/brother

For Reference, here's what I did last year (i.e. not much)
http://blog.jerryhung.com/2010/12/happy-new-year.html

Monthly Recap - MBA, Travel, Ella, RIM @$^#

2011-12-16T00:16:00.001-05:00

Can't believe I did not post at all in last 30 days, so here we are, for my loyal audience (of 1, my wife, especially if Facebook stops importing my blog RSS feed)

You can say it was as expected, a crazy month before the holiday

MBA

Wrapping up 2 courses in the last few weeks, with crazy 35% individual case, 45% group case & presentation, 40% final exam (which made everyone work hard for every question... $^@#%&)

Travel

Booked my parents' flight to Canada for Chinese New Year
Thanks to Aeroplan's unadvertised "book Business class with Economy 75000 miles" promotion, booked my brother's Summer trip to Taiwan in All-Business class on Turkish, United, ANA, Thai Airways. Departure: YYZ-IST-ICN-TPE, Return: TPE-NRT-ORD-YYZ

Ella

She is 10 months old, oh my god, closer to 1 year old than 6 months

What Else

RIM disappoints, again, and again, and again, for the last 4 quarters. Sigh, enough said.
PlayBook was $199, and it was amazingly sold out like it should be, and I can only hope OS 2.0 will make it even better and more attractive to consumers/companies to save RIM

Holiday

It won't be a quiet one either, as there is X'mas party dinner gathering here and there
Catching up with Movies and TV shows
Baby-proofing the house, with baby stair gates
We'll travel to Washington DC with Ella, gonna be a fun experience

Acura Wheel Alignment and Brake Pads/Rotor story

2011-11-17T15:53:00.001-05:00

So my Acura TL visited the dealer to do

Diagnose and replace RF Tie Rod - done, about $200
Wheel Alignment - done at $99+tax
They found my brake rotors rusty, brake pads worn, again (they just did a regular maintenance in July, 4 months ago and didn't recommend replacing). Now they recommended me to replace them at dealer for ...wait for it... $1200 + tax!! No thanks to 3 hrs/$330 labour and $800 parts

Then I called to this Chinese mechanic whom I never used, but I've met his wife and son in Tzu Chi chinese school in Mississauga. Small world isn't it... Andy lives in Oakville and commutes to Kitchener to work!

All I need to say is look at the prices below, how fair, and all parts were Premium parts
Now my car is all good, no noise or shakes when braking, for half price.

Front Pads (Pro) $58.8
Rear Pads (Pro) $46.89
Front Rotors (Raybestos Pro) $62.42 x 2
Rear Rotors (Raybestos Pro) $54.34 x 2
Labour $120 (he spent 1~2 hours on it)
+ tax = $518.91 total

光明汽修 PNT Auto Service
C103-1601 Victoria Street North, Kitchener, N2B 3E6
* go into 1601 plaza and drive to the back, and circle back on the left side
http://www.kwcg.ca/supersite/?action-viewnews-itemid-18813

I probably won't visit the dealer again, especially with their super long shuttle waits (twice in a week I waited hours for shuttle)

BlackBerry PlayBook 16GB for $199 starting Friday Nov 18

2011-11-16T10:52:00.001-05:00

Want a tablet? BlackBerry PlayBook price drop is coming

Retailers with flyers confirmed $199 price are Walmart, Staples, Future Shop, Best Buy, for now
Other retailers are unknown yet - Sears, The Source, Chapters, etc..

You can buy now for $499 and get the price refund on Friday when prices are $199
That's what I did (I have 2 at home already). PlayBook 32GB will be $299 and 64GB $399

And please don't compare with other $199 tablets like Amazon Kindle Fire..which has NO camera, memory, Bluetooth, etc.. Proof is below
And there are enough apps for PlayBook, just in case people never usd one and just heard rumors

Go find some if you want, because they're selling like hot cakes already

ELLA - Y0.M9 Ella is 9 months old

2011-11-07T22:00:00.000-05:00

Ella九個月大囉時間過的真的好快他現在離一歲比0歲近多了

九個月沒什麼大發展不過神情和動作都越來越成熟了

一樣到處爬爬的比較快抓不住了
會爬樓梯只是他不想爬也有點害怕一直抓旁邊欄杆
偶爾想要站但是還是要扶著東西
會想要抱（攻擊）其他「小」朋友和他們的玩具果真是龐然大物也
什麼都不怕（除了吸塵器的聲音）
什麼都吃（被酸到的表情超讚）
上面門牙開始冒出來了
開始跟媽媽出門去MALL和YMCA上課囉～

歷史的今天 - 人間菩薩招生假如沒有過去鋪這一條路走過來要如何接引別人進來呢

2011-11-07T10:37:00.001-05:00

人間菩薩招生
假如沒有過去鋪這一條路走過來
要如何接引別人進來呢

上人開示，「如果不知道過去，又怎麼能延續在未來呢？所以天天的歷史，天天慈濟所走過、舖過的路，都應該要時時和新進的志工做分享，哪怕是舊法，其實都是人生最珍貴的歷史！」

曾有人問　什麼是功德
證嚴上人說
給寒冷的人一件衣裳
給飢餓的人一碗米飯
就是功德
願您將善心　化作行動
一起來做
功德圓滿　福慧雙修之人

我也希望以後能夠接引更多的菩薩加入慈善的行列！
從三昧水懺入經藏開始

Happy Halloween, Happy Birthday

2011-10-31T22:31:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone for the Birthday wishes. It means a lot to me

It's my first one with Ella, she had no clue and did not care (fuzzier than ever) ^_^

Today is a strange birthday indeed, but quite memorable

My car was in the shop and let's see - $100 wheel alignment, $180 Tie Rod (RF), and...they wanted 1200+tax to replace all brake pads & rotors. No thanks, not to mention the super late shuttle. Not a good birthday surprise
Look at Ella wearing uncle's Old Navy Halloween gift (75% $8), she is a cute butterfly indeed. Let's hope she will fit next year when we take her Trick-or-Treat for the first time
Ella is teething, again, and that means lack of sleep for her and us. Tired
As we get a week off during Christmas, we decided to book a trip to Washington D.C. Flight from Buffalo to Baltimore/Washington is only $120 USD on Southwest (wow, YYZ is $$$). I also chose a hotel with kitchen, free breakfast & dinner (Residence Inn Marriott) so Wendy can prepare baby food. It shall be fun, and pray for no snowstorm.

Flat Tire, Wheel Alignment

2011-10-25T16:45:00.001-04:00

Last Monday (Oct 17) I had my first ever flat tire, in my 12 years of driving and 5 different cars.
I am truly thankful my TL got me to work safely and only leaked air right when I pulled into a parking spot

Thankfully I have TD Auto Club and called them again (this is the 3rd time in the last 6 months) to come install the spare tire for me (LF tire), and I drove to put on my 4 winter tires at Canadian Tire ($20+tax). Possible cause is wheel misalignment, I was told, as there were no nails or sharp objects present.

Scheduled a wheel alignment ($99+tax) and diagnostic at Fairview Acura next week. My first ever alignment too (I don't even know it needs to be done). Hopefully won't cost me too much...

Conestoga Mall Apple Store & Steve Jobs

2011-10-18T16:13:00.000-04:00

Was at Conestoga Mall over the weekend, and saw this tribute for Steve Jobs.
Taken with my BlackBerry (ironic), and no iPhone 4S in stock

KFC Free Zinger Burger Coupon

2011-10-12T11:10:00.000-04:00

Apparently you get a nice size burger, and a SUPER SIZE drink, for $2.xx only. I shall try soon
Expires in 4 days, October 16, 2011

ELLA - Y0.M8 Ella is 8 months old

2011-10-08T16:03:00.000-04:00

Ella八個月囉時間真的過的很快
12 kg 大概73-74cm

可以爬了
可以扶著東西站起來很久
可以吃食物泥
可以翻身
可以一一阿阿
可以撒嬌
可以找人抱抱

只是也摔來摔去的真讓人心疼 >_<

Steve Jobs, 1955-2011. The world won't be the same

2011-10-05T21:11:00.002-04:00

Mini-Round-The-World Conclusion

2011-10-05T16:20:00.000-04:00

Photos
You can view the planes, the lounges, the seats, and most importantly the food.

Toronto-Tokyo-Taipei

Taipei-Singapore-Bangkok-Zurich-Montreal-Toronto

* I stopped over at Zurich for few hours

Hardware
Flying business class, I'd argue hardware (Seats, Monitor Size, Airplanes, etc...) are the most important thing. This theory is further confirmed after my trip

Lie-flat seat makes a big difference for sleeping (and 170 or 175 degree angled-flat seats are not as close to 180-lie-flat as one would think
I want my TV screen to be as large as possible, Touchable too despite being far away
AC's business class hardware, despite installed in 2007, is still good. It was the only aircraft with separate air nozzle per seat so you can adjust temperature.
Singapore airline and SWISS have great and attractive business classes also. Large screens
Thai's Business Class is just money spent without any detail. Lying down to sleep at an angle is annoying
ANA is your standard old short-haul seat.Cannot lie down

Service
Average hardware can be saved by superb service, and vice versa

Great services - Air Canada, Singapore Airlines. They were friendly, attentive, and ask if you need anything or photos taken :)
Okay to Good services - ANA, Swiss Air. They were friendly and did what the should do
Never mind - Thai Airways

Lounges

Whatever flies in the air gets complemented with lounges on the ground. For my trip

Thai's Bangkok lounge & spa is the best
Singapore's Taipei lounge has the best food
ANA's Tokyo lounge is huge, half-crowded with a view, and the noodle bar was the highlight
Air Canada's Toronto/Montreal lounge are okay, some hot food but nothing to write about
Thai's Singapore lounge is tiny and sad, while SWISS' Zurich lounge is huge but completely crowded and uncomfortable.

The map

Some sample photos

Phone Comparison - iPhone 4S, BlackBerry 9900, Galaxy S2

2011-10-04T16:46:00.002-04:00

Zurich, Switzerland

2011-09-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

I had 5 hours of transfer time in Zurich airport, and since the city is only 10 minutes train away, I decided to go for a walk. I am glad I did, because Zurich (old town) is a beautiful European sight for the memory.

There's just something about a city with river, lake, and mountain (like Pittsburgh, USA). I'll let the photos speak for themselves (click on the photo to see the Zurich album)

TG970 Bangkok (BKK) Zurich (ZRH) 346 Executive 00:30 07:25

LX86 Zurich (ZRH) Montreal Trudeau (YUL) 333 Executive 12:50 15:00

My TG970 actually arrived earlier at 7, and I was on the train into Zurich around 8 and returned around 11 am, to a overly-crowded SWISS Business lounge though. 2~3 hours is plenty of time to walk, rest, and take photos around old town Zurich. Unfortunately I was only by myself, as I'd love some companion.
I took out $20 Swiss Franc from ATM just in case, but never used. Sadly it cost me $26 CAD + $5 fee from TD Canada Trust. Should've just used Credit Card instead. So I bought chocolates and postcards before I headed to airport

My walking tour is pretty similar to the official walking tour map

1. Bahnhofplatz

The site of the Hauptbahnhof, the central railroad station, this is the beginning of Bahnhofstrasse. The square itself is rather drab, but the scenery improves as you go along (the street extends almost a mile to the lake). The Hauptbahnhof was built in 1871.

25/E-4 The Bahnhofstrasse of Zurich – The world's most famous streets for strolling and shopping. At 140 years old and 1.4 km in length, it links the Main Station and the Lake of Zurich. With lime trees decorating on both side of the street, it has about 120 first-class shops of different trades. This elegant structure is built on the site of the city walls and has bank vaults full of gold and silver underfoot. With every major banks having a foothold on this street, coupled with all the jewellery shops, it is the world’s most expensive street. This street is not only littered with international banks, but also boutique, departmental stores, pastry shops, cafes etc. And of course its very own Swatch store is also located here.

14/E-5 St. Peter’s Church – Located near the site of former Roman custom at Lindenhof, this eldest sister, though slightly overshadowed by the other two sisters, is in a league of her own. This oldest church in Zurich is endowed with Europe’s largest church clock face, font dates from 1598, five bells dating from 1880, fire-watchers in the tower until 1911. Walk up to the pulpit and you will see rich acanthus-cartouche with Biblical verses over it. She definitely has what it takes to make sure visitors do not bypass her, to go for stained-glass or view of Zurich city only.

2/E-5 Fraumünster – Founded by King Ludwig in 853 AD, the other landmark of Zurich, stand at the west bank of River Limmat, opposite facing Grossmünster. Not to be outplay by her sister, this sister church flirt with visitors with her 1970 five part biblical stained-glass in the choir and south transept by Marc Chagall. The best time to view these stained-glass is during morning. The freshness of a new day together with the burst of morning light thru the stained-glass can make you feel the warm of God’s love while standing in the aisle of the church. Also look out for ‘The Heavenly Paradise’ which stained the north window in the transept.

3/F-5 Grossmünster – The largest cathedral in Zurich, stand at the east bank of River Limmmat, attracting visitors with her twin towers. There is nothing special about the towers by outward appearance. Furthermore, the Karlstrum tower has 187 steps and there is no lift to take you up the tower. As there is no lift, you have to climb the narrow stairs to get to the top of the tower. Half way up the tower, there is a history galley of Grossmünster. Once up at the top of the tower, you will find that the bird’s eye view of the city is a great reward for the 187 steps that you have struggled up. The view overlooks the River Limmat and gives a good aerial view of the other 2 sister. It also gives a good photo taking angle of the entire Lake Zurich. Take time to enjoy the fruit of your labour while at the top of the tower and appreciate Grossmünster from the inside.

Flight/Trip Report: Taipei-Singapore-Bangkok-Zurich (stopover)-Montreal-Toronto

2011-09-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

The return trip is much more complicated - 4 airlines, 4 aircrafts (A333/B773/A346/A333/A320), 5 segments, and 6 airports. Door-to-door took 45 hours

Photos: Taipei-Singapore-Bangkok-Zurich-Montreal-Toronto (I stopped over at Zurich for few hours)

Taipei - Singapore Lounge at Terminal 2

Food - Many hot food (the best lounge in terms of food in this Mini-RTW trip) and Taiwanese drinks (I love it)
Service - They cleared the plates and re-filled food quickly
Hardware - Average, there are sofas, magazines, computers, no shower I think

Overall - Great to get in for its great choices of hot food and drinks.

SQ877 Taipei (TPE) Singapore Changi (SIN) 333 Executive

4.5 hours, 3219 km

Seat: 12A moved freely to 14K. Half-empty, 2-2-2 layout
Food - Average+. The beef entree was okay
Service - Love it, SQ totally deserves its reputation, very attentive and friendly with smiles. Asked to take pictures for me and gave me some SQ souvenirs (cards, postcards, pen). I took pictures with them
Hardware - Comfy business class in leather and color. Big TV, angled-flat seat. AVOD is good

Overall - Flying on Singapore is the best, enough said.

Singapore - Thai Royal Silk Lounge at Terminal 1
Food - Lacking, some dim sum items and all else sucks
Service - Average. Needs to borrow converter to use the power outlet
Hardware - Small, crowded, Internet slow

Overall - Shouldn't be called a lounge at all.

TG410 Singapore Changi (SIN) Bangkok (BKK) 773 Executive
2.5 hours, 1442 km
Seat: 14K (upgraded 3 days before departure). Full, 2-3-2 layout
Food - Looks like Economy food, served in rectangular box.
Service - Average.
Hardware - Old-style business class seat. Okay for short-haul, big TV and good AVOD

Overall - Average, and disappointment continues from the lounge, as I had high expectation for Thai

Bangkok - Thai Royal Silk Lounge at Concourse C
Food - Average, I enjoyed the hot buns and desserts
Service - Average, cleans quickly
Hardware - Not crowded, few computers to use, sofas, cool temperature to relax. I used the shower

Overall - Average+. I did relax after the spa and shower

Bangkok - Royal Orchid Spa at Concourse D
Food - I liked the cool Green jasmine tea a lot (they served those to clients)
Service - Good 30 minute Neck & Shoulder massage
Hardware - Spacious, relaxing, no shower though.

Overall - Best part of BKK airport service.

TG970 Bangkok (BKK) Zurich (ZRH) 346 Executive
12 hours, 9022 km
Seat: 11K. Half-empty, 2-2-2 layout
Food - Looks like Economy food, served in rectangular box.
Service - Average. Seems textbook and no personal attention even at half-empty.
Hardware - Newer-style business class seat. Angled-flat but not comfortable to sleep in at all due to the angle (vs. lie-flat). I did sleep 7 hours though combined. Good AVOD

Overall - Unfortunately, Thai business class are not worth it.

Zurich - SWISS Business Lounge
Food - Lacking, only good choice was tasty fried rice and chocolate treats. Movenpick ice creams weren't Haggan-Daaz.
Service - Average
Hardware - Crowded, Full, confusing. Shower long waitlist. I'd actually rather be outside instead

Overall - Sad to see a completely-full lounge is worse than no lounge

LX86 Zurich (ZRH) Montreal Trudeau (YUL) 333 Executive
8 hours, 5992 km
Seat: 5D moved to 4K at gate. 80% Full, 1-2-1 layout
Food - Average+, not my Asian-preferred styles but good.
Service - Attentive and friendly. Let me into First Class Suites and take photos for me :)
Hardware - I liked SWISS's single-seat. Almost lie-flat to sleep on. AVOD is good, LCD is smaller than SQ

Overall - Good experience on a Western airline

Montreal - Maple Leaf Lounge at Domestic Terminal
Food - Same as Toronto. Salad/Nachos/Chips. Drinks and beer tap
Service - Average
Hardware - Average. A bit crowded

Overall - Average, nothing to write home about.

AC421 Montreal Trudeau (YUL) Toronto Pearson (YYZ) 320 Executive
1 hour, 505 km
Seat: 1F. Full, 2-2 layout
Food - Cheese tray, nothing worth writing
Service - Average. We were delayed 1 hour due to waiting for 2 must-wait mechanics.
Hardware - Average

Overall - Worst part of my entire trip. Delayed 1 hour and in future avoid domestic Business class.

Movies Watched (many more as I had more hours)
Kung Fu Panda 2
Midnight in Paris
Fast Five
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
X-Men: First Class
Thor
Win Win
Last Night
Water for Elephants

Will conclude in a separate post ........

September 11, ten years after

2011-09-11T06:00:00.001-04:00

This is my first post about 9/11, hopefully last too.
That day, like World War I/II, changed the world forever

2001/9/11
I was only a second-year University student

I was told that a plane crashed into WTC over the phone in the morning, and I didn't think much of it (it must be a small plane or a joke). Then it's not until I got to school and walked by SLC TV monitors, where I saw videos of plane crashing into the building. Wordless, Speechless........ I didn't feel a thing, I couldn't.

Sad thing is that I don't have many photos or memory of my visit to WTC in 1997. And now I never will.

2011/9/11, ten years after
Despite all the inconveniences of air travel. I can live with them and understand the reasons.
NYC remains beautiful despite missing WTC, but it will never be the same. Ground Zero is world's scar of human darkness.

I am a dad now, have a family, and every time I fly, I think of my loved ones because you never know what will happen. I say my love when I can.

I will fight and sacrifice, like those on United 93, just so others may live. Let all the sorrow be mine.

Some links
http://boardingarea.com/blogs/flyingwithfish/2011/09/11/september-11-2001-reflecting-on-what-i-saw-10-years-later

Flight/Trip Report: Toronto-Tokyo-Taipei

2011-09-09T10:00:00.000-04:00

I wrote about my Mini-RTW flights in May and now I have completed the insane trip, and here are my thoughts.

Photos Toronto-Tokyo-Taipei

Toronto - Maple Leaf Lounge at Terminal 1
Food - Average. Hot foods are pasta/ravioli and soups. Salad/Chips/Nachos/Fruits. Alchol/Beverages/Juices
Service - They cleared the plates and re-filled food quickly
Hardware - Average, there are sofas, magazines, computers, slow wi-fi. The 2 shower rooms are nice (I took a shower just because I could), inside isn't too fancy though (and lack of clean towels?)

Overall - Nice to get in if you can, but wouldn't make extra efforts to qualify. Average

AC1 Toronto Pearson (YYZ) Tokyo Narita (NRT) 77W Executive
13 hours, 10297 km
Seat: 11A, Full business class. 1-2-1 layout

Food - Most memorable ones of my trip. I loved the Japanese meals (see pictures to understand). The self-serve bar is great (vs. my other segments had none). I missed these nuts
Service - Surprisingly above my expectation. Attendants were nice and prompt
Hardware - I'm glad I tried the AC fish-bone J product despite the costly fuel surcharge. It may be dated but it still does the job. I had lots of storage space, lie flat is awesome for sleep (but I only slept 30 minutes due to excitement?). LCD is huge and movie selections are good. Amenity kit is average.

Overall - I'd fly AC long-haul J product again in a heartbeat (not Domestic though). I missed the food still. A+

Tokyo - ANA Lounge at Terminal 1, Satellite 5
Food - You have the Noodle bars and many selections on drinks and snacks. No good sushi though
Service - Average+, you know Japanese will never disappoint you in service.
Hardware - Big lounge space, worth the walk from Satellite 4 to 5 (20 minutes) with nice view. Lots of people though. The hidden massage chairs in the back corner were nice

Overall - Nice to get in if you can. Average+

NH1083 Tokyo Narita (NRT) Taipei (TPE) 763 Executive
4 hours, 2181 km
Seat: 7D moved freely to 10G. Half-empty, 2-1-2 layout

Food - Single meal for the short flight. Average+
Service - Pretty attentive, Average+
Hardware - Standard business class seat, not flat or big LCD but okay for short flight

Overall - Average+. Enjoyed the friendly service all the way.

Movies Watched
Love and Other Drugs
Limitless
Morning Glory
Two for the Money

Vacation Completed, Back in Canada

2011-09-08T10:14:00.001-04:00

I came back to Canada home from home in Taiwan

What does this mean?

Back to work, catching up email and resetting expiring passwords. On-Call begins next week
I miss Wendy/Ella and my family dearly the first hour of my departing flight. I don't want to travel alone again, even if it's in Business class
Taiwan weather 35C, Waterloo weather 15C = Cold
I was sick in Taiwan and slowly recovering, the cold weather here means I'll probably be sicker for another week
Need to buy grocery and food = Fast food and Takeout for next few days then

What this trip meant?

Spending time with family is great, and I want to spend more and more time as my parents get older
2 weeks is too short to "tour" the baby around relatives on both sides
One could survive in Taiwan's 35-40C weather without air conditioning, provided you live near mountain with winds
Location or Country doesn't matter, it's People that matter. As long as the people you care are together, you are home.

Just In Case

2011-08-19T11:00:00.000-04:00

As usual, I want to say something before any trip, just in case

Wendy hates me to think or talk about this kind of stuff, I don't blame her
This habit becomes intensified after the marriage, and now with a baby. I think about how I can't survive without my family or vice versa. So I started obtaining the optional Life Insurances, and Critical Illness Insurances via work, again just in case

So here it is
給我的爸媽家人 -
謝謝你們的照顧和好榜樣過去的日子很少陪你們希望以後至少能夠長伴身旁

給我親愛的老婆和女兒 -
只有自己一個人的人生牽掛的只有自己
有了你們我牽掛的卻只有你們尤其是Ella 因為他還不能照顧自己還沒長大
如果我真的不在了要記得我好愛好愛你們你要替我照顧好我爸媽和Ella..
以後告訴Ella 爸爸會想她會一直陪著她

給我的朋友 - Thank you for all the great memories..

Jerry

Taiwan in 4 Days

2011-08-15T16:45:00.003-04:00

In 4 days I will be on vacation and on a flight to Taiwan to see Wendy/Ella after a month away from them.

Let's recap the last two weeks, living a Bachelor life :)

The new Memory Foam mattress from Costco was delivered in a big box and auto-inflated on the bed frame. I haven't slept on it and I won't either before I leave. Wendy should be excited after she returns

Inflating...

102 lbs and 100 cm tall

Bumba is given away to my cousin to take care from now on. Wendy's happier about that
Not much cooking done, eating out or cleaning up the microwave food
Jason is so bored that he ordered Harry Potter 1-7 Signature Edition ($66 CAD from Amazon.ca)

Upgraded my Linksys WRT54GL + Gigabit Switch + Belkin N+ Router setup =&gt; Linksys WRT320N on TomatoUSB firmware (Wireless N + Gigabit router)
Used up the two $22 WagJag coupons for one-hour horse trail ride ($46 value) at Conestoga Horseback Adventure. It's quite fun as we got the two largest horses (Randy and Desmond) and ride at the front, but the trail is meh... and not excited enough to come back for it.

MBA is 60% complete

2011-08-05T11:42:00.002-04:00

So with the submission of my last report, my 6th term of Part-Time MBA is over.

The 7th term will begin in mid-September and 3 more terms after that (total of 10 4-month terms)
I'll graduate end of 2012 (or Sep 2012 if I can take 3 courses per term)

I now have 2 weeks free (besides work) to catch up TV and Movies, what a bachelor life ^___^

I begin with a One-Hour Trail Ride at Conestogo River Horseback Adventures this weekend (WagJag $22 deal)

Productive Long Weekend

2011-08-03T10:35:00.002-04:00

Saturday

Relaxed and did nothing :)
I did buy a new Pure Comfort Memory Foam mattress from Costco for $650 after tax and shipping as they had a $175 discount. And it'll arrive on Aug 3 in a big box that will auto-expand (Weight 102 lbs)

Sunday

Tzu Chi Lunch Event, left home at 8 am and back at 4 pm, whew~

Monday

House Cleaning - steam carpet and grass cutting
Home Depot's steam carpet cleaner is the cheapest at $31 all included for 4 hours rental, if you already have the carpet shampoo/cleaner

Watched - you can tell how bored we were

Just Go With It - Okay
Sucker Punch - Weird
Drive Angry - Weir
Arthur - Stupid
Top Gear UK - Awesome, too bad it's end of this series
Entourage
Leverage
Top Gear America

Cottage @ Sauble Beach

2011-07-26T13:20:00.001-04:00

Thanks to a friend invite, I visited Sauble Beach for the first time, and stayed at their cottage
I must say, it was a fun weekend

Beach is beautiful as you can walk in shallow water for miles, and the sunset was amazing

Cottage life is definitely no camping either where you have stoves, fridge, microwave, beds and bathrooms. I can understand why people love it so much now, where you go away and truly relax.

What's better than owning a cottage? Knowing friends with cottage :) Thanks Jenn

Luckier July so far ...

2011-07-15T12:16:00.000-04:00

After a bad luck June, seems like it can only get better in July, and so far, it has

Let's count

Got a Acer Core i3 laptop for $300 (not that I need it)
Got a HP All-in-One Wireless Deskjet for $30 (again, probably don't need it)
Got the Tomato/DD-WRT compatible Linksys/Cisco WRT320N Router for $20
Sold some phones/inventory on Kijiji
Joining friends for a cottage weekend at Sauble Beach
Won a $50 Amazon gift card for a comment draw (what a lucky surprise)

Now let's hope I don't jinx it

We are only half way into July
Hopefully my school work isn't too much stress

ELLA - Y0.M5 Ella is 5 months old

2011-07-07T09:48:00.000-04:00

Ella is now 5 months old but still a baby, meaning no two days' schedules are alike
Also, we are starting her on baby food (at 4 months), starting with Rice Cereal

She is getting cuter every day we look at her :)

HAPPY CANADA DAY, and I'm glad June is over

2011-07-01T06:12:00.001-04:00

Yah... it's July 1st, 2011

Hopefully all my bad luck (car trouble, stock downfall, etc..) will all end with June

BMW was sold as scrap for $500, it was a sad day to let it go (after calling around and getting $200~$500)
All the remaining cars will soon need regular maintenance service also (read: more $$ on cars)

Been working since 5 pm until 6 am today... tired ... z z z z Z Z Z Z
Today's Canada's birthday, happy birthday! and the Royal Couple are in Ottawa with 0.5 million crowd to celebrate too
Will be busy few weeks in July - wedding, events, school's assignments due here and there...
Ella will be 5 months in a week, oh my god...

What a Bad Luck Day - Good Bye BMW

2011-06-23T22:52:00.003-04:00

Last Friday (June 17, 2011), my BMW finally died, in a way. We were in Toronto for Ella's passport application and driving back to Waterloo. As I was on my way from Gardiner to 427 North, I started to hear a weak metal-link-broken sound and my gas pedal is a bit unresponsive (hard to accelerate). I slowly made it to 427 North & 401 West curve and cars driving by were honking me so I looked around and saw white smoke coming from my rear, and soon from my engine. I slowly (and safely) pulled over to the buffer area between two ramps and called for help (Tow truck, and brother for pickup)

http://goo.gl/maps/QitZ - see the picture, I was parked between the two 427 labels

I want to write this post to be thankful that everyone is safe, me, Wendy and Ella.
Ella had no idea what happened and was behaving very well. We are proud of her..

More bad luck of that day

While we were buying fast food for lunch (by the way, Hero's Burger was so-so), Ella decided to poop ....and we ran out of clean diapers!!
Forgot my jacket (phone/wallet) in Mississauga, when we were on 401 @ Guelph Line, had to turn back
The other car's battery is depleted as it wasn't driven all winter, and also has weird noises after the boost. Had to go into Canadian Tire for - battery charge ($0), tire change ($20), Drive Clean ($35), and rear axel lubrication ($80)

More thanks to TD Canada's Gold Elite Credit Card (free for us thanks to Select Service), we have free TD Auto Club and I used the 200km towing that day, as well as a battery boost, ALL FREE

Exclusive Deluxe TD Auto Club Benefits
Automatic membership in the Deluxe TD Auto Club to all TD Gold Elite Visa cardholders
Unlimited Service Calls — 24 Hours a day 7 days a week
Family Coverage — For you and your spouse and unmarried children in your household up to 22 yrs of age and any car that you or your family members drive - even if they are not cardholders
This is a retail value of $79.00 or $118 per couple

Emergency Roadside Services
Emergency towing up to 200 km, winching services, battery boosting, flat tire service, delivery of gas to stranded vehicles (including a small amount of free gas), lockout service

Traffic Accident Emergency Services
Accident towing, emergency transportation for you and your passengers, emergency accommodation

Stolen Vehicle Emergency Services
Emergency accommodation, meals and transportation

Hazardous Weather Services
Emergency accommodation, meals and towing

Motorist Legal Services
Legal advice and legal defence coverage

Travel Planning Services
Personalized routings and itineraries help you find the fastest or most scenic routes to your destinations in Canada and the Continental USA

Update

June 27, 2011 - BMW sold for $500 as scrap, sad day
We got her in March 2005 around 84,000 km (~$25000 after tax), and she left 6 years later around 210,000 km ($500). Plus the maintenance costs over the years probably ~$10,000? Yep, it's costly to maintain a used European car

ELLA - Y0.M4 Ella is 4 months old

2011-06-11T11:18:00.000-04:00

Weight: 9.5 kg
Height: 70 cm
Cloth: 6-12 months

Ella四個月了開始要幫他調作息囉還有每四個小時喝奶

Dear Ella

2011-06-07T12:00:00.001-04:00

As a new dad, I got goosebumps when I watched this "Dear Sophie" video for Google. It is so difficult to describe the emotions watching your baby grow up, and thanks to Google I can document everything and share with loved ones. Thank you Google!

Dear Ella

爸爸希望你不要長大的太快
讓爸爸和媽媽可以用心用愛陪著你一天一天慢慢的長大
看著你哭看著你笑看著你睡覺是爸爸媽媽這輩子無法想像的幸福

Love Dad, Mom

Mini-RTW Costs

2011-05-31T12:17:00.001-04:00

Just for my own curiousity of how much these Aeroplan miles are worth for my Mini-RTW trip, I used ITA Matrix website to figure out the costs of booking all these segments.

It costs approximately $19,000 CAD if I paid out all these one-way segments.
Instead, I paid $400 and 100,000 Aeroplan miles, making these 100,000 miles worth $18,600 (each mile is 20 cents)

Outbound in Business Class, $8000 CAD

Inbound Business Class, $11000 CAD

Tools for planning a Mini-RTW itinerary

2011-05-13T20:17:00.001-04:00

I used the below tools to plan and book my Mini-RTW trip

Tools
Award Nexus - free website to check rewards & routes (free for FlyerTalk members). A sample resultset for SIN-BKK is shown here (includes both direct and non-direct flights)

ANA Tool - you'll need to sign up for ANA member, and do a manual search on ANA first before you can search on Star Alliance member airlines

Continental Rewards - this helps you to see available rewards routes

RoboForm - Password Manager, Form Filler so I don't have to re-fill ANA form every time

FlyerTalk Aeroplan forum - this helps you decide the "valid" routings and help/tips on which airlines/class are better (e.g. I got tipped about the LX ZRH-YUL to make my Atlantic ocean return segment possible)

What's Next?

Be ready to spend hours and hours to find available permutations on your desired dates (+/- 1 day)
I spent at least 3~4 hours BEFORE I know my vacation dates to decide my vacation dates :)

e.g. Toronto to Tokyo can have various permutations - YYZ-NRT direct, YYZ-ICN-NRT, or more common via West Coast YYZ-YYC/YVR-NRT or YYZ-[SEA/SFO/LAX/ORD/EWR/IAD]-NRT...which were unavailable to me on my dates.

Tips

Going through US saves you fees (especially fuel surcharge YQ) on Air Canada flights, which are ripoff. But US means custom delays and troubles also
Use AwardNexus Route Explorer to find possible permutations (e.g. YYZ-TPE)
If you want to book Airbus A380 Business/First class, only available routes now are mostly on LH/Lufthansa) between FRA-JFK/MIA/PEK/SFO/NRT (Frankfurt-New York/Miami/Beijing/San Francisco/Tokyo) as SQ doesn't release their A380 seats. FYI FlyerTalk members aren't big fans of LH J class though, which is why I gave up on flying LH A380 routes
Book your trips EARLY - award space open up 355 days ahead, so you can book up to May 10, 2012 if you book today (May 11, 2011). More important for popular routes like anything involving Sydney

Around-the-World in Business Class = 100000 Aeroplan miles + $400 fees

2011-05-11T10:13:00.002-04:00

It is set, I have booked my vacation back to Taiwan, in Business class, and Round-The-World :)

I was planning vacation is in high season of August, and I figured I should try to use up my Aeroplan miles before the reward redemption levels increase on July 15 [see link for Globe & Mail article]

After spending hours researching dates & flight permutations, and on hold with Aeroplan call centre, it's done

I'm flying Toronto-Tokyo-Taipei in Air Canada and ANA Business Class

Returning Taipei-Singapore-Bangkok-Zurich-Montreal-Toronto in Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Swiss Air, and Air Canada Business Class

Total miles 20328 miles, and 100,000 Aeroplan miles, plus ~$400 out of pocket, on 5 airlines, and 17 + 29+ hours

Here are the itinerary

AC1 Toronto Pearson (YYZ) Tokyo Narita (NRT) 77W Executive
14:05 - TERMINAL T1 INTL 15:50 - TERMINAL 1

NH1083 Tokyo Narita (NRT) Taipei (TPE) 763 Executive
17:25 20:00

...TPE...

SQ877 Taipei (TPE) Singapore Changi (SIN) 333 Executive
14:25 18:50

TG410 Singapore Changi (SIN) Bangkok (BKK) 773 Economy
20:50 22:10

TG970 Bangkok (BKK) Zurich (ZRH) 346 Executive
00:30 07:25

LX86 Zurich (ZRH) Montreal Trudeau (YUL) 333 Executive
12:50 15:00

AC437 Montreal Trudeau (YUL) Toronto Pearson (YYZ) 320 Executive
17:30 18:44 - TERMINAL T1

Taxes, surcharges and airline fees per passenger (age of 2 and over)
Canada Security Charge (CA) 25.91
Canada Harmonized Sales Tax (HST #10009-2287) (RC) 3.25
Combined taxes, fees, charges and surcharges *for ClassicFlight, see fare calculation below (XT) 326.00
Additional Charge in Canadian dollars : 0.00
Total in Canadian dollars : 355.16

THE NON-REFUNDABLE AEROPLAN SERVICE FEE OF CAD30.00 PLUS 3.90 HST PER PASSENGER

*Fare calculation:
19AUG11YTO AC X/TYO NH TPE SQ SIN M0.00TG BKK M0.00TG X/ZRH
LX X/YMQ AC YTO M0.00CAD0.00 END ROE1.00 XT12.60SW6.20OI205.00YQ30.00YR10.40TW25.00SQ27.10CH7.30SG2.40OO

ELLA - Y0.M3 Ella is 3 months old

2011-05-07T10:24:00.013-04:00

Ella is 3 months old, and it's hard to believe that time flies by and she grows up so fast

She weighs 8.7 kg, height

Soon she will outgrow the infant carrier (up to 10 kg/22 lbs) and her swing, oh my god...

Photos - isn't she cute? ^___^

證嚴法師時代雜誌2011百大人物 2011 TIME 100 - Dharma Master Cheng Yen

2011-04-25T16:14:00.000-04:00

Source: The 2011 TIME 100 - Dharma Master Cheng Yen , 中文慈濟網站文稿

由美國時代雜誌（TIME）所評選，2011年全球最具影響力的百大人物名單揭曉，慈濟基金會創辦人證嚴上人是唯一上榜的台灣人。連著兩年，台灣的慈善人物接連獲得如此的殊榮，顯示著台灣的愛心受到世界的肯定，正也證實了上人所言：「台灣無以為寶，以愛為寶！」

Zoher Abdoolcarim在時代雜誌，「2011年全球最具影響力的百大人物」專欄裡，寫下他所認識的上人。

根據佛教的教導，苦是生命中難以逃避的，但是每人都有生命的潛在本質去克服它。台灣的證嚴法師就是這種精神的化身。

身為一位宗教導師，現年七十三歲的證嚴法師有著無比超凡的品格。然而他也同時是一個務實的、深具理念的、擁有五十個國家分會所、與一千萬個會員與志工的人道組織之領導人。慈濟基金會以驚人的動員救災能力馳名於全世界。他們出現在各種災難現場提供各項救援物資給受難的災民。慈濟志工與救援專家每每即時出現在災區，發放熱食，提供醫療救助、毛毯、以及保暖的衣物。在長期救助部份，慈濟援建住房、醫療院所、學校等。在苦難中受到慈濟幫助的人數已經難以計數。

佛教也教導世人要種下好的因果（亦即好的思想與行為），人就能在重生轉世後，達到生命更高、更好的境界。雖然來生未可知，但在此生，證嚴法師已經是一位聖者。

BlackBerry PlayBook

2011-04-20T16:01:00.003-04:00

I have a PlayBook 16GB, paid out of my own pocket, but I did manage to find Staples coupons to make it $500 AFTER TAX (i.e. $440 before tax)

Received it on the launch day April 19, 2011, came by Canada Post and left in the superbox

It's pretty good so far, true multi-tasking and works well with BlackBerry Bridge, that's all I can say

More thoughts

Bluetooth is amazing, I use my PB upstairs and in the living room when my BB phone is far away
YouTube/HD videos look great on the 7" screen, especially with baby beside me and nowhere near the TV/computer
Update #1 build 1710 already on Apr 22, 3 days after release on Apr 19

Resources

Photos (my own photos)

http://www.dropbox.com/gallery/790550/1/PlayBook?h=1eddf5

MBA is 50% completed

2011-04-20T10:23:00.000-04:00

There are 10 terms in total (@ $2000 each term) for my 3-year MBA
I have completed 5 and have 5 more to go (graduating in Dec 2012), fingers crossed!

Bought a Laptop, a Phone, and will soon buy a BlackBerry PlayBook

2011-04-08T10:01:00.003-04:00

Acer Quad-Core Gaming Laptop $499 - Jason to play StarCraft2

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/acer-acer-aspire-15-6-laptop-featuring-amd-phenom-ii-processor-n930-as5552g-5828-brown-as5552g-5828/10161877.aspx

LG Optimus One Android Phone for $70 (later sold for $130)

http://www.howtosavemoney.ca/savelog/hot-new-android-smartphone-for-50-no-contract-use-with-any-provider

ELLA - Y0.M2 Ella is 2 months old

2011-04-07T15:09:00.002-04:00

She is 60 cm tall and 7 kg heavy. Quite overweight, but healthy otherwise
Her schedule is cyclical, sometimes she would be awake during the DAY, and sometimes the entire night

There are so MANY photos that I only pick a few to post here (500+ in Feb, 800+ in March, etc..)

Check out the diaper size (compared to a Letter-size paper)

Tablet Comparison - $499 PlayBook available Apr 19. Pre-order today

2011-03-22T08:45:00.001-04:00

Source: Globe and Mail

New Job, found via Eluta.ca

2011-03-14T11:23:00.013-04:00

Surprise, I have a new job and will be starting in March!

Looking back, this is job #4 in 5 years and it does not mean I am not loyal, just better opportunities do exist
Thankfully, each job does get better

Anyway, I just want to announce the good news and also share a few useful sites

Eluta - a simple Google-like Job Search website
- You can set parameters like Keyword, and Distance; as well as RSS and Email alert (I learned of my new job via the RSS feed)
- Much better than Monster and Workopolis in my opinions

RateMyEmployer.ca or Glassdoor.com
- If your company is on there, it's quite a read!

ELLA - Y0.M1 Ella is 1 month old 滿月囉

2011-03-07T21:00:00.011-05:00

Ella is 1 month old before we know it, and the feed-sleep-poo cycle still continues
Lack of sleep is the norm for all of us at home

Sometimes I do feel like she should've grown up already (like a 3 months old), but I think I'll miss those days once Ella has actually grown up

We do have a Chinese name picked up for her, finally
Ella received her OHIP card (no picture)
I completed the Newborn baby registration for her Birth Certificate, Child Benefits, SIN

Couple other things

It's additive to hold her, and smell her, feeling her in my arms!!
She eats a LOT. We use concentrate formula to supplement. Each case is 12 x 385 mL = 9240 mL after adding water. 8 feeding a day x 120 mL each time ~ 1L/day = Each case last only 8~9 days
She has been awake after 3 am in the last few days

You Cannot Time the Market ... how I missed out $5400

2011-03-02T10:48:00.002-05:00

Today's Bombardier news once again remind me of the impossibilities of timing the market
and I'll always wonder the "WHAT IF".

I'll let the charts explain better, Murphy's Law "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong".
The biggest issue I have is I still don't know why I sold it. If I needed the money, sure; but I didn't >__<

Bombardier BBD.B

# of Shares: 3000
Price sold: $4.85 on Jan 4, 2011 <- it hasn't moved much and I didn't gain much either.
Price today: $6.65 on March 2, 2011
Gains foregone = 3000 x ($6.65-$4.85) = $5400

Price chart BEFORE I sold, where it doesn't move much (6 months, +4%)

Price chart AFTER I sold, where it seems to only go UP (2 months, +32%)

Lessons Learned (and hopefully not repeated in future)

If you have to sell your winner stocks, sell in blocks (vs. I sold all of them in one go)
Don't sell, if you don't need the money for better use (e.g. pay down debts, emergency, better investments)
You win some, you lose some. I still own stocks over 100% gain, thank god!

TekSavvy Usage

2011-02-19T13:12:00.010-05:00

You can find out your TekSavvy usage with this URL (replace the XXX@teksavvy.com with your own username). It is updated once daily (not real-time)
http://teksavvy.com/en/gigusage.asp?UserName=XXX@teksavvy.com

All I can say is, thank god TekSavvy increased the cap from 200GB to 300GB!! And no UBB for now

Date	Upload	Download	Total GB
2/18	21.39	64.04	85.43
2/19	22.04	65.66	87.70
2/20	24.49	78.15	102.63
2/21	26.94	83.92	110.86
2/22	30.81	92.80	123.61
2/23	33.93	96.01	129.94
2/24	36.23	99.13	135.36
2/26	38.32	102.10	140.42
2/28	41.93	106.59	148.52
FEBRUARY	43.50	113.19	156.69
JANUARY	22.83	93.58	116.40

ELLA - Y0.M0.W1 Ella is born

2011-02-07T21:13:00.000-05:00

Feb 7 Monday

Induction of labour, admitted 9 am at Grand River Hospital

8:54 pm Ella is born, weighs 3850g (8.5 lbs)

Feb 8 Tuesday

Staying overnight

Sleepless night #1

Feb 9 Wednesday

Discharged from Hospital

Sleepless night #2

Feb 10 Thursday
Sleepless night #3

Feb 11 Friday

Hung Family gathering & dinner

Internet Prices UP for ALL Canadians, starting March 1, 2011

2011-01-29T20:54:00.003-05:00

Make your voice heard. This is a step back for all Canadians
There is a new 25GB cap (UBB) effective March 1, 2011 for ALL CANADIANS
Imagine paying $10~$50 more for the exact same Internet. $1 for 1 extra gb

Globe & Mail article - A metered Internet is a regulatory failure
CTV News - Internet usage caps draw ire of business
TekSavvy UBB FAQ for all your questions

TekSavvy was kind enough to charge less for extra usage than Bell/Rogers, ON TOP of my $30/month Internet bill
* $4.75 - 40GB extra usage
* $9.50 - 80GB extra usage
* $14.25 - 120GB extra usage (maximum 3 blocks)
* $55.00 - 275GB extra usage (maximum 240GB extra usage in Quebec)

Titanic Exhibition at Kitchener Museum

2011-01-21T09:58:00.001-05:00

http://www.themuseum.ca/main.cfm

Catch it while you can before it closes Monday Jan 24 5 pm. I hope I can make it this weekend

OPEN 36 HOURS STRAIGHT!
10AM Fri to 10PM Sat
Only $10 between: 10PM and 10AM

Friday, 10pm is sold out with other times throughout the night not far behind! Buy online to beat the lines!

Free and Easy to Get Credit Report

2011-01-19T10:17:00.001-05:00

I ordered an EQUIFAX Credit Report via the automated phone line 1-800-465-7166 on Jan 7, 2011
It asks for SIN, DoB, house #, postal code, a CC #, and that's it

Received the report Jan 18, 2011, consists of MANY pages (I have too many credit cards, ha)
Not gonna bother with TransUnion as it's more complicated

Equifax: 1-800-465-7166

TransUnion: 1-800-663-9980 (outside Quebec) or 1-877-713-3393 (within Quebec)

Source: Globe and Mail - It's easy to get a free credit report. Honest!

Childbirth Parenting Class at Conestoga College

2011-01-14T15:10:00.000-05:00

For any new moms in Kitchener-Waterloo, I totally recommend attending this class at Conestoga College

GINT0540 Childbirth Parenting Series

Description: This course is designed for first time parents who are about to experience the birth of their baby. It will prepare parents for their birth experience and the postpartum period. Topics include: the birth process, preparation of a birth plan, comfort measures for birth, possible medical interventions in labour, cesarean birth, breastfeeding, infant care, and a hospital tour. Cost includes expectant mother and partner. For classes held at the Doon campus there will be a tour of the Cambridge Memorial Hospital. For classes held at the Waterloo campus there will be a tour of Grand River Hospital.

Hours: 12 <- we did it in 2 days, 9-5 pm SAT/SUN, and 3 weeks before our due date

Day 1

Labour - phases/stages, signs, what to bring

Lots of "disturbing" videos for those unprepared...

C-section
Breathing techniques to reduce stress

Day 2

Bathing
Diapers
Breastfeeding
Crying baby - PURPLE
Grand River Hospital Tour

If you would like a copy of the notes I typed out, please email me!

TRIP - Niagara Falls and Shopping in US

2011-01-07T16:52:00.002-05:00

As we were doing nothing at home for the holidays, we decided to take advantage of Oakes Hotel's Gourment Package deal and took a 2-Day-1-Night trip to Niagara Falls and some shopping in U.S. for the baby.

Generously, the Gourment Getaway package includes quite a few things, for $99

A room at The Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls (1 room, double occupancy)
Bonus: FREE Wireless internet access
An elegant gourmet dinner for two at the award winning Remington’s of Niagara (includes appetizer, main entrée, and coffee or tea)
Appetizer options - Caesar Salad, Simple Salad or Remington’s Signature Prime Rib Soup
Entrée options - Prime Rib, New York Striploin, Filet of Salmon, Stuffed Chicken Supreme, Penne Rustica or Veal Parmesan
A full, hot, made to order breakfast for two each morning of your stay our on-site Applebee's Grill & Bar
VIP Wine Tasting at Inniskillin Estates Winery - enjoy 2 VQA Inniskillin Table Wines and their world renowned Vidal Ice wine per person
VIP Wine Tasting at Peller Estates Winery
VIP Wine Tasting at Hillebrand Winery
VIP Wine Tasting at Jackson Triggs Winery

Jan 2, 2011

McDonald breakfast - 2 can dine coupon
Shopping at IKEA Burlington - $100
Canada One Factory Outlet at Lundy's Lane - Deals suck there, full parking lot
Check-in at Oakes Hotel Niagara Falls - no upgrade for our wedding anniversary :( Got a FALLSIDE room on 5th floor, with obstructed view (trees) of the Falls
VIP Wine Tasting at Inniskillin, then Peller Estates - Inniskilln (2 icewine/person!!) over Pell Estates any day
Dinner at Remington restaurant - Prime Rib was awesome, Singing waitresses awesome too!
Magic Show at Greg Frewin Theatre - $15 per person, sat at first row to see Lion, Tiger, Baby Tigers!!

Jan 3, 2011

Breakfast at Applebee's - Stuffed with Pancake and French Toast, but blend overall
US Custom - Almost wouldn't let Wendy enter with her 36-weeks belly, but reluctantly did after asking my OBGYN info. Every time I see them, I am thankful for holding a Canadian Passport
Fashion Outlet - $50 - Old Navy & Gap
Walmart Supercenter - $75 - quite a place to shop for everything
Walden Galeria - $25 - Old Navy
Dinner (Happy Hours daily 3-6 pm) at P.F. Cheng - $38, best deal of this trip with great food
CANADIAN Custom - Asked for receipts to show $150 purchased, opened trunk for inspection before letting us go
Lastly... grocery shopping at T&T Mississauga before heading back to Waterloo

Conclusion

The trip was worthwhile (we did buy a lot for Ella, but at cheaper prices than Canada at least), and the Happy Hours at P.F. Chang was certainly a great surprise to end the trip.
My review on RFD
Every baby product we look for is much cheaper in U.S. (from 50% to 30% cheaper) where selections are usually better also (Old Navy, Gap, Walmart Supercenter). We bought $150 worth of baby stuff, on top of IKEA = it was a money-spending and money-saving trip ^_^

Happy New Year, 2011

2010-12-31T23:59:00.004-05:00

Dec 24
Mississauga - Dim Sum lunch, T&T grocery shopping, Bubble Republic dinner

Dec 25
Merry X'mas, did nothing, watched 2 NBA games

Dec 26

Boxing Day, still did nothing

Dec 27

Redeemed $14 worth of 7-11 dollars, visited Conestoga Mall Old Navy (bought $5 baby clothing)

Dec 28~31
Work ^__^

Jan 1, 2011
Happy New Year

Jan 2
Niagara Falls - Magic Show, Dinner

Jan 3
US shopping

Jan 4
Back to Work

Holiday Shopping (so far)

HP Wireless Laser Printer (NewEgg) $60
Tatung Hot Water Dispenser (NewEgg) $37
Seagate FreeTheater+ (NewEgg) $50
Canon Camcorder HF R10 (Future Shop) $320
Canon Camcorder FS300 (Best Buy) $170
...
Mini Cooper $364/month

REVIEW - Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robot

2010-12-30T16:26:00.000-05:00

Thanks to RFD thread, I picked up a brand new Roomba 400 series for $75 + tax
It has a decent Amazon review and I didn't open it until the Christmas holiday breaks to give it a try

First impressions were good, it did pick up quite a few right after we just vacuumed and it does seem to cover most areas by itself, especially if you "trap" it inside a room. Battery seems to run 30~60 minutes (haven't really timed it) and more than enough for my small house (e.g. it can finish my entire first floor in 1 run). Anyway, looks like a good buy and less vacuum for Wendy in future :-)

Merry Christmas, and Happy Wedding Anniversary

2010-12-21T11:38:00.006-05:00

Today marks the 1 year wedding anniversary for me, and I am thankful for many reasons

Also, I get to spend my X'mas doing those:

Spend it with family
Buy something
Go somewhere
Eat happily
Newest member of the family

Merry Christmas everyone!

TRIP - New York City

2010-12-17T21:00:00.036-05:00

Easier to explain with a Google Map (all points are in the order we visited them) and photos

Unfortunately we missed a few attractions due to time constraint - Nintendo World store (we did have time to go and were right next to it, but miscommunication), Ground Zero/Century 21 (late Sunday night, tired)

Dec 3 Friday

Late for the 7 pm flight (got to airport at 6:20 pm), took the 8:20 flight, landed at Newark (EWR) 10 pm

Took the NJ Transit bus #62 to NJ Penn Station, change to PATH train to 14th Street

Entered the hotel/B&B ~ 11:30 pm

Dec 4 Saturday
Today we head NORTH, covering everything above the 14th st

BREAKFAST - The Donut Pub
LUNCH - Ippudo Ny ramen $57
Empire State Building
Baby Gap
Old Navy Flagship $17
Macy's Herald Square
Penn Station/Madison Square Garden
New York Public Library
Grand Central Terminal
Chrysler Building
DINNER - Sala Thai Restaurant $48
Metropolitan Museum of Art
bought some night snacks from 7-11 $7 and 24-hours McDonald nearby $12

Dec 5 Sunday
Today we head SOUTH

BRUNCH - Petite Abeille <- Wendy having brunch with high school friend
Adorama Photo <- Me & Jason head out
Rockefeller Plaza
Saint Patrick's Cathedral
5th Avenue to Central Park/Tiffany & Co. New York - Fifth Avenue
Checkout, LUNCH - Popey's Chicken $5
Chinatown
Brooklyn Bridge
Staten Island Ferry - it's COLD with wind
Tiffany's & Co
New York Stock Exchange
DINNER - New Wonjo Korean on 32nd st $80
Times Square
Rockefeller Plaza again to see the Christmas Tree
Grand Central to catch bus to Newark airport, shuttle to Hilton airport for a short sleep

Dec 6 Monday

Woke up at 4:30 for the 6:38 am flight, took off at 7 am and landed at 8:20 am to see S-N-O-W!

EXPENSES (All Canadian)
Hotel: $175 + $175 + $85
Transportation:

Flights: $10 + $2 + $88 (Why so cheap, thanks to Expedia)
Subways: EWR-14th St (Bus #62 + PATH = $10), Day Pass $8.25 x 3 persons x 2 days
Bus: Grand Central to Newark on Airport Express Bus, $15 x 3 persons = $45

Shopping: Sigma 18-200mm lens $361

Switched Insurances

2010-12-09T14:23:00.000-05:00

We decided to switch our insurances as the price differences are substantial for the same coverage

House: from State Farm $700/year to TDMM $360/year

Auto: 2 cars, from State Farm $2300+$1200/year to TDMM now $2600/year combined (or $2760 if we kept the collision coverage on the 10-year old BMW)..thanks to the great CA discount

It is sad that, despite an excellent experience and history with State Farm, existing customers simply don't get the best rate, and the best action consumers can do is simply walk away.

Deal of the Year - Expedia SAVE $300 = free trips to New York City

2010-11-29T11:28:00.002-05:00

I don't think I can explain it better than a News company - CityNews Article
There was a fear of cancellation, but now that one week has passed I think everyone is safe.

I am glad I saw the deal in time and stayed up late to find a near-zero package. This is my early X'mas presents (flying to NYC for free), and I am glad to take Wendy to NYC before Ella arrives

Booking 1 - Jerry $10
NOV 23, 2010 CONTINEN 00517218357619 0018005233273 NS Airfare $276.29

NOV 22, 2010 EXPEDIA*TRAVEL 800-367-3476 ON Other Travel ($265.32)

Booking 2 - Wendy $2
Nov 23, 2010 CONTINENTAL 00517218359130018005233 276.29
Nov 22, 2010 EXPEDIA*TRAVEL 800-367-34 274.50

Booking 3 - Jason - $88.56, only because I booked him 6 hours later :(
Nov 23, 2010 CONTINENTAL 00517218387770018005233 351.90
Nov 22, 2010 EXPEDIA*TRAVEL 800-367-34 263.34

There are other expensive NYC expenses

Hotel for 3 nights = $175/night x 2 at 14th & 6th Ave (Manhattan) + $85 at Hilton Newark Airport

Booking hotels separately because we don't want to stay at Hostels in the Expedia package

Transportation = $100 for 3 (In & Out of Manhattan and Metro daypass)
Food = ??

Look on the bright side, we SAVED $900 to spend more money ^_____^

Weeks Recap - Snow, Time change, Due Date

2010-11-19T10:59:00.000-05:00

Great West Life now has Online Claim, woo hoo, no more sending in physical receipts

First visit to OB/GYN - New Due Date (end of January 2011)

Time change - 1 more hour of sleep, yes

Snow - first snow/flurry of 2010 is Friday Nov 5th

Week Recap - Birthday

2010-11-02T14:44:00.000-04:00

30th Birthday

My brother and Cat got me a surprise gift - Brand New Nikon D3100 DSLR camera, THANK YOU. He got it because my D40 fell out of the backpack during LA trip and lens' aperture lever malfunctioned, kudos for free diagnose at Nikon Canada in Mississauga.
We all went out for birthday dinner at The Keg, using a $50 gift card won in a food bank weight contest.. The Keg's complimentary dessert was tasty!! There were 2 other birthday tables while we were there
Thanks to all for the birthday wishes. This birthday - I think I have everything I ever wanted ^___^

Winter Is Here

It is that cold time of the year again, so got my winter tires on
Putting on the new coat Wendy bought for me in China, thank you honey~

Stratford Festival

Attended the closing performance of Stratford's As You Like It, it has been a long time since I last watched any Shakespeare's play, and I could barely understand the sentences. Thankfull I studied the storyline beforehand, but I am sure I'll stick to the Musicals and modern plays in future
2010 performances attended at Stratford: Peter Pan > Kiss Me, Kate > As You Like It

Coming up

First visit to OB/GYN

TRIP - Los Angeles, San Diego over Canadian Thanksgiving

2010-10-28T08:13:00.000-04:00

Thanks to a 2-for-1 Virgin America promotion, we visited Los Angeles and San Diego for both relatives and attractions. Weather was mostly comfortable albeit some hot moments in LA. The food was primarily Taiwanese style, but awesome compared to Toronto. We visited many attractions and areas without rushing, and I totally understand why people love California.

Day 1 Friday Oct 8

Left Waterloo 3:30, arrived YYZ 5:30 for the 6:45 pm flight
Landed LAX at 9 pm, picked up rental car at 9:40 pm

Day 2 Saturday Oct 9

Griffith observatory
Pasadena
San Gabriel Mission and shopping

Day 3 Sunday Oct 10 San Diego

Old Town
Balboa Park
La Jolla Cove

Day 4 Monday Oct 11

Downtown - Disney concert hall, Cathedral, City Hall, Bradbury building
USC/Staples Center
Hollywood - Hollywood & Highland Mall, Kodak Theater, Grauman's Chinese Theatre (there was a crazy crowd for the Bruce Willis at the Special Screening of “Red”). No, we didn't see him
The Grove & Farmers' Market

Day 5 Tuesday Oct 12

Santa Monica pier
Getty Center
Pinks Hot Dog
Beverly Hills Hotel
Rodeo Drive
In N Out burger
11:15 pm Virgin America flight, landed at Toronto 7 am and back to work at 9

Expenses

TD USD Visa - $150
Gas - $20? + $40 + $20
Lots of Post Cards
No 3G Kindle at 5 Target's and 2 Best Buy's, wow...

Flights

AA - typical, full flight $471
Virgin- very good, not a full flight $200

Car Rental

Off-site at LAX
4 day rental of Midsize car = $73 USD = $75 CAD
Kia Optima, drove 500 miles
Very thankful for a working GPS leading us everywhere (and sometimes got us in circles too)
Highways taken - 5, 10, 110, 101, 105, 605, 710 <- pretty much all the highways in LA, which is 10X more than Toronto

Week Recap - OHIP, Insurance, Netbook

2010-10-18T15:01:00.001-04:00

It was a shorter week, so a shorter recap

New Netbook

Scored an Acer Aspire 1410 Netbook for $200, yes - Intel SU4100, 3GB RAM, 250GB HDD, 11.6" LCD, 6-cell/6 hours battery. The 11.6" screen is lovely when I thought 10" was enoug

OHIP

The bank statement finally came and Wendy now has OHIP for real, no need to pay $1200 to OB and possibly more to the hospital :)

Jet Lag

Jet Lag from the LA/San Diego trip even with only 3 hour differences

Home Insurance

Just to show it never hurts to look around, but everyone's circumstance is different
I was paying $660 a year for my house (freehold) insurance with State Farm, and will be $720 after basement addition
Shocked by the increase, I shopped around and to my surprise, TD Meloche Monnex (as University of Waterloo Alumni) quoted me .... $360 a year...
Long story short, SF said they couldn't lower my premium and insisted TD quote cannot be that low even it is... so I swithced to prove them wrong, and so far, best $360 ($720-$360) I "saved"
Even if TDMM increased the rate next year forward, I am still ahead

Week Recap - Ella

2010-10-04T11:17:00.002-04:00

Last week was quite a week

It's (most likely) a girl, as far as we can tell from the Ultrasound at 21 weeks

She is healthy, that's all it matters
Her name is Ella

With tons of luck, we found an excellent OB to take us, and her name is Wendy also :)

Did you know - we may need to pay $1200 or more if we don't have OHIP?

Caught up on the TV shows and movies

Iron Man 2, A-Team, Fearless/霍元甲

The car, as usual, has issues to be fixed and this time it's the Heat not working

Flushing the system and add Antifreeze ~$100
The 2000 323i has just passed the 200,000 km today. Wow

Week Recap - OHIP, High School days, Peter Pan

2010-09-28T15:34:00.002-04:00

OHIP
Did you know there is a 3 months waiting period for new Ontario residents? And that OHIP only takes certain documents for "Proof of Residency" and Wendy has none of them (no pay stubs, no cable/phone/utility bills, etc..). Now the best is for mailed bank statements or G1 driver license

High School memory lane
Last few weeks I have bumped into many high school friends from Streetsville, at weddings, T&T supermarket, and BBQ's. I cannot believe it has been 10 years, and many are married.

Peter Pan
Attended the Neverland in Stratford and was truly amazed by the story, and the AWESOME props. They had actors flying around and a HUGE pirate ship on stage. Oh my god..... I felt like a boy believing in fairy :) along with many other kids in the audience. Toronto Star review = 4/4

And, where did Fall go? It feels like Summer jumped to Winter

Trip - Toronto, Niagara Falls, Montreal, Quebec, Ottawa

2010-09-17T11:04:00.002-04:00

The in-laws are here for a week and the trip begins to see Eastern Canada :-)
Wendy & I also visited Montreal/Quebec last September and re-visited many restaurants and attractions this time.

Day 1 Toronto

CN Tower $120 for 6 Total Experience tickets. Due to strong wind, Sky Pod was closed though >_<

Group photo $25

Lunch @ Dynasty on Bloor Dim Sum $140
Dinner @ Congee Dynasty $70
Yorkdale shopping mall - Kiehl's $87, Aveda $93

Day 2 Niagara Falls

Inniskillin winery tours $30; Icewine $250
Buffet @ Golden Lotus Fallsview Casino $102
Maid of the Mist $94
Fallsview Casino Parking $15

Day 3 Montreal

Breakfast @ St Viateur bakery cafe $45?
Lunch @ Schwartz $27
Dinner @ Restaurant Hong Kong Montreal in Chinatown $60
Hotel = Hyatt Regency $368 (3 rooms), Self-parking at mall $19

Day 4 Montreal to Quebec

Breakfast @ Complex Desjardin food court $20 total
Old port
Oratoire St-Joseph du Mont-Royal $5
Lunch @ Le Coin Grec Greek food $67
Dinner/pork ribs @ Le Cochon Dingue $105
Hotel = Hilton Quebec. Valet parking for 2 days = $54
Roots $75

Day 5 Quebec

Breakfast/Crepes @ Au Petit Coin Breton $90
Old Quebec
Lunch @ Aux Anciens Canadiens $155
Dinner @ Le Continental $250
Hotel = Hilton Quebec $688 (3 rooms x 2 nights)

Day 6 Quebec to Ottawa

Breakfast @ Le Petit Cochon $45, Queues de Castor $20
Rue Champlain
Lunch/Poutine @ Chez Ashton $10
Dinner @ The Works gourment burger $88
Museum of Civilization (free entry Thursday evening)
Hotel = Arc Hotel Ottawa $285 (3 rooms)

Day 7 Ottawa

Breakfast @ World Plaza food court
Parliment Hill
Byward market
Royal Canadian Mint
Lunch @ The Fish Market $130
Philly steak poutine @ Elgin Street Diner $10
Dinner @ Ajisen Ramen Noodle $28
Roots $62

Day 8 Waterloo

Pork Hog @ Heidelburg Restaurant $30
Home-cooked lunch and dinner
Departure. GTAA parking $6

Expenses

Gas: 7-11 $44/$59/$62, CT $35, Esso $20/$63/$15, Sunoco $16, Petro $20
Distance driven: 3079 km for 11-day car rental from Enterprise $630
Grocery: Price chopper $58, T&T $46

Some fun facts about car rental

2010-09-03T09:48:00.001-04:00

Some fun facts I learned today
Enterprise office @ Waterloo, Ontario, Canada = 200 rental cars
- also has some unusual cars for rent: Honda Civic, CR-V; Ford Fiesta, Mustang Convertible in summer

Enterprise office @ Toronto airport, Ontario, Canada = 400 rental cars

Enterprise office @ LA airport (LAX), California, USA = 3500 rental cars

Enterprise office @ Orlando airport (MCO), Florida, USA = .......... 22,000 rental cars!!! Wow

Have a great long weekend everyone!

Richer vs. Thinner vs. Younger vs. Smarter - I choose Younger

2010-08-27T14:02:00.001-04:00

Heard this on the radio today and totally intrigued me - what would I pick?
An AdweekMedia/Harris Poll asked respondents which one of those they'd most like to be - Richer vs. Thinner vs. Younger vs. Smarter

I think I would pick Younger, because I wish to re-live and stay in this world few more years. Everything else I can work for - Richer, Thinner, Smarter - if I am younger :-)

Plus, I am rich "enough", smart "enough", unfortunately not thin "enough" and happy with my life now to only want to be younger to spend more time in this life with my family.

What would you pick, my dear blog readers? ^___^

Week Recap

2010-08-25T10:45:00.003-04:00

Furnace broke and shopping for a new one is not fun, with prices starting at $3000+
Dad was here for 1 day on Business trip before he flys out again
I am starting to play Wii Fit for 1 hour daily, exercising and losing weight! Wendy joins me too ^_^
Started watching the new Taiwan drama - Rookie's Diary (新兵日記). 8 hours of Sunday for 8 episodes!
I managed to buy the Virgin America 2-for-1 voucher before they got deleted by eBay ($10) trying to book Toronto - LAX flights for half-price

BUT, prices increased by $100 total before I could book my trip to LA, ARGH!!! I hate this
With the price increase, I decided to boycott Virgin on the way there (Sat morning) so I booked AA instead with Friday night departure for extra $30/person
Return is still with Virgin ($188 USD for 2) and land in Toronto early morning for me to work :)
Total:

Aug 21 2 am = $472 usd for 2
Aug 21 11 am = $572 usd for 2 (I lost $100 usd while I was sleeping.....)
Aug 25 9 am = $670 cad for 2

Anyway, my first trip to LA and west coast, quite excited!
Lesson: Don't wait too long with hot deals. If prices are okay, buy it! Think later!

2010/8/1~8/2 Cleveland Trip

2010-08-18T15:01:00.000-04:00

It's the Civid Holiday long weekend and we were bored, so decided to head to US (because it's not a long weekend in US). Because we have been to cities within "short" driving range (Pittsburgh, Erie, Buffalo, etc...), Cleveland ended up winning and here is the 2 days 1 night trip summary.

Day 1 Sunday Aug 1

Left home at 6, crossed US custom (we stopped as Wendy needed to get I-94)
Drove to Erie Walmart, shopped a bit
Drove to Cleveland Museum of Art (free entrance)
Lunch at Tower City
Walked around Tower City without much shopping
Checked in at the Crowne Plaza hotel (won at $45 USD/night on Priceline) + $18 parking
Dinner at Cheesecake Factory
Walked around the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (didn't go in as we weren't R&R fans)
Back to Hotel

Day 2 Monday Aug 2

Visited the Great Lakes Science Center (really for kids)
Lunch at The Old Arcade
Left Cleveland
Visited the Millcreek Mall at Erie for some shopping again (bought A&F clothing without tax)
Drove to Buffalo
Dinner at Cheesecake Factory again (the Buffalo Walden Galleria location)
Back home

Expenses

For 4 of us, $407 USD on the US VISA - gas, clothing, meals, tickets, etc...
Hotel is $70 CAD

Notes

Cleveland is a nice pretty town to walk around
Shopping sucks
Attractions sucks too
Conclusion - come here if you are bored, but visit Pittsburgh first if you can :-)

Canadian Custom - To love, or to hate

2010-08-06T10:12:00.000-04:00

The Good
When we returned from US Monday night from our Cleveland trip, the custom officer asked only 3 questions - Where do we live, when did you leave Canada, what did you buy - and let us through without seeing our passports even. It took 1 minute

Except... we forgot to hand over Wendy's I-94 form. Oops

The Bad
Express parcel sent from Taiwan to Canada on March 22, 2010 trying to make it in time for our honeymoon.
The contents were sunglasses, travel adapter, electric heating spoon for instant noodles

It arrived August 3, 2010 - 4 months and 12 days later, no thanks to Canadian custom. Just simple WOW!

Week Recap - Spending more to create a home

2010-07-13T11:57:00.003-04:00

LG 42" Plasma - $481. Thanks to Best Buy door crasher and Future Shop price match

IKEA shelves - $399. Furnitures are not cheap, even at IKEA.
Not having a minivan to buy cheap used furnitures either (e.g. 4x4 EXPEDIT shelf is $170+tax vs. $50 used)

Eating out - $25, $11, $20
Eating out at Canoe for Summerlicious - $150 for 4 of us

Spending time with Wendy to make a house into a home ... priceless!

And thank you FIFA World Cup for helping me kill the boring time in July

Week Recap - Wendy is here

2010-07-05T15:15:00.001-04:00

Wendy is here, finally

Got SIN done in 10 minutes, still need to apply OHIP
Got a family doctor
Shopping for IKEA furnitures
Opened TD bank account, got TD VISA
Going to Canoe for Summerlicious

Other things in the news

如是我聞

2010-06-30T14:31:00.000-04:00

如是我聞
如是我做
如是我行
如是我見
如是我感受

Monthly Recap

2010-06-18T15:58:00.000-04:00

I did not realize I have not posted at all in a month because there hasn't been much going on

Buying furnitures to decorate the house
Bought - Canon SD1200, iPhone
Sold - BlackBerry 8520, Asus Eee PC
Watched entire 8th season of 24 in 2 days. It was again too dramatic to be believable but I just cannot stop watching it. It's good to see Jack Bauer go nuts! Farewell, 24
Pulled my last wisdom tooth.. still feeling it a week after, but this time no pain as I took my painkillers on time, before it hurts

Next week, Wendy will be here, that is all I care about this moment ^_________^

Honeymoon - Athens, Greece

2010-06-17T17:04:00.000-04:00

5/1/2010 Saturday - Athens (5)

May 1st is Labour Day in Greece so everything is closed today, plus a strike at Sygtama square
We walked from the hotel to the Acropolis, stopping by Goody's for a light breakst (Goody's is like Greece's McDonald)
Acropolis - We walked around and around the Acropolis to prepare for tomorrow's visit, and walked to the Ancient Agora next, and then walked through Thissio and the Plaka, back to Sygtama Square.
Sygtama Square - The Parliment building and the guard change was beautiful
Panepistimio - The famous trio of Academy, University and Library and they were truly impressive buildings. Too bad the area was filled with black vendors and pissing everywhere :(
Taking the shuttle bus back to hotel as we could not feel our legs anymore

5/2/2010 Sunday- Athens

Turns out today is a good day to visit the museums because admission is free every Sunday of the month (except July~September)
Acropolis - finally, we got in and it was impressive - the temple, the Parthenon, and the number of tourists. A world's wonder located right in the heart of modern Athens, truly a must-see in Greece!
New Acropolis Museum - this still requires $5 entry fee and no photography allowed (needed to check backpack as well). The layout is nicely done with one easy path to follow and you see videos of Acropolis' history and artifacts from the temple.
Ancient Agora - It's a big historical site with some well preserved temples and museum, we were a bit tired to walk it all so we just zipped through it on the way back to hotel.
National Archaeological Museum - As we arrived an hour before closing, we glanced through the entire museum and took pictures without understanding much. Compared to the Acropolis museum, this one is outdated and harder to navigate.
Worst part of Athens - I got pickpocketed >_< at my last night and last attraction in Greece.

As I was exiting the Omonia Square subway station on the EMPTY escalator, a group of gypsie/Albanian (?) people stood around me, forcing me to separate with Wendy. As the escalator ends, the guy in front of me refused to walk off and backed into me, causing a big stumble mess. I was alert enough to notice this is quite intentional (due to the EMPTY escalator and he chose to stand right in front of me) and instantly checked my pocket - empty, and I knew it!! He was walking away when we looked at him and he turned around too, but we lost him at the corner when we followed him. It was probably his "coworker" who took my pocket anyway.
Actually we didn't know what to do even if we caught up to him... so in hindsight it's safer to admit my loss of ~$40 and the need to replace all the cards. We walked around to look for my wallet in the garbage cans, hoping he'd dump it once he got the cash - no success.

BE CAREFUL in Athens and Watch out for pickpocket theives in a group!!

Notes

Overall I liked Athens for its warm weather and historic attractions, while having easy access to the modern world if you choose to
Transportation is easier on the Tram or Subway, because the Bus system is confusing without English. Their ticketing system requires some getting used to and the need "validate your ticket"/honour system is interesting. X95 was a lifesaver from the Airport to Sygtama Square both ways, door-to-door without the need to carry luggage up and down.
2~3 days is plenty in Athens

5/3/2010 Monday

Depart for Toronto on the Air Transat flight 691 Athens-Toronto in Club Class
The Club Class is like traditional business class on the older aircraft, where you get all of the business class service and food, with no lie-flat seats and AVOD personal tv system. However, it is well worth the $300 per person extra because it ends our Honeymoon on an exclamation mark! We were stuffed with food from the get go, the nonstop drinks and cookies/desserts, and received some goodies bag. Wendy was extremely happy on the 11 hour flight as am I ^__^

Honeymoon - Santorini Island, Greece

2010-05-21T13:54:00.000-04:00

Greece

4/28/2010 Wednesday - Oia, Santorini (4)

We took the delayed-for-2-hours ANEK ferry from Heraklion, Crete to Thira, Santorini and bused into town, then taxied to the town of Oia to find the hotel owner Maria waiting for us (what a surprise!). And then her staff Vasili helped us with the luggage and we finally got settled into the Cavehouse suite.
Lena's House is very beautiful and featured in many postcards. It has great view of Oia (although no Sunset view due to the angle) and red/yellow colored instead of the blue/white buildings
As the town of Oia is so small with one main street, we spent the afternoon walking around enjoying the town (and take photos of course), and stood in the cold wind to watch the beautiful sunset (IMO it's not that special as everyone claims it to be though). After the sunset, we walked some more and had a nice dinner (Lamb & Fish) at SKALA before heading back to hotel to shower and rest

4/29/2010 Thursday - Fira, Santorini

We woke up early to explore more of Oia before checking out at 12, and jumped into a taxi to Fira. We then carried the heavy luggages down the ever-so-many steps to Hotel Keti, located on the edge of Fira (hence a great view of Fira). It was worth it (until we checked out and walked up)
After settling in, we then had Pita & Souvlaki for lunch and walked around Fira, accidentally walking all the way to Firostefani and back. It's nice to walk without purpose nor attractions to rush to, and eat - we had Freddo, Freppe, and Crepes.
We had dinner at this reasonably-priced Nikolas restaurant. The server wasn't too friendly but the food was okay. That wraps up the relaxing day at Fira before the packed day tomorrow.

4/30/2010 Friday- Fira, Santorini

Kamari beach - we woke up early to take the bus to Kamari/Ancient Thira. The Kamari beach was simply a beach with black stones, cool to see but not cool enough to stay for too long.
Ancient Thira - This is the only historical site to visit as Akrotiri is closed, and it was our first experience in one (since Palace of Knossos was closed as well on Crete island). It is located on top of the mountain, very windy and impressive to look down. There was road construction, and we didn't want to walk 2 hours each way - so we cheated by taking a minivan halfway up, walk over the construction site (500m) and take another minivan to the top. $10/person
Boat Excursion - $18/person for a 4-hour boat excursion. The visit to the volcano island was the most interesting part, despite a long circle walk on the island. The hot springs in a bay next to the ocean was nothing special, but fun to see people jumping into water!
Cable car - $5 for a cable car ride, or $5 for a smelly donkey ride. I would've chose donkey but we did cable car both ways <- shows how much I love my wife.

Honeymoon - Crete Island, Greece

2010-05-19T16:02:00.002-04:00

Greece

4/26/2010 Monday - Chania, Crete

As we landed early from the London-Athens-Chania flight, we saw the Chania on a Monday morning, which is many people standing around doing nothing (somewhat scary) on our way to the hotel. The hotel (Pandora Suites) was very beautiful (best part of Chania) with a wonderful view of the old port. We used this day to simply relax, rest, and walk around the old port. It was also our first and last meal of Mixed Greek Plate (it was good, but enough Greek food at once)

4/27/2010 Tuesday - Heraklion, Crete

We woke up early to walk around the old harbor again, and jumped on the 3-hour bus to Heraklion (East of Chania). The hotel (Marin Dream) is 5 minutes from the bus terminal and nothing to write home about except thanking them for the honeymoon water & fruits.
We then jumped on the 30-minute bus to Palace of Knossos, only to find it closed at 3 pm!!! And nobody bothers to tell any tourist before boarding the bus. $5 wasted and it was the place we both wanted to see, a true archaeological site.
We came back to Heraklion disappointed, and headed to the 2nd largest Archaeological Museum in Greece - the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Another disappointment as it has been under construction since 2006 and only a tiny section is open. It took us 20 minutes to walk it with photography. On the bright side, they "only" charged us $4 instead of $6 and they did move all the important/famous artifacts into this small room.
After 2 disappointments in the same day, we were saved by a walk along the harbor and a delicious dinner at Ippokampus with their fresh seafood and affordable appetizer plates. Then we strolled into downtown to see the night crowd before walking back to the hotel.

Overall

Crete is quite different than your mainland or Cyclades Greece, as it is more industrialized and much less tourism-oriented. Everywhere we go, we are the only Chinese or Asian to be found and people look at us funny. In a way, it's good because we have more freedom (compared to Athens or Santorini where we hear Chinese everywhere)
The Minoan culture, however ancient or important, didn't excite me one bit because I am just not into history, but the Crete island has its perks, especially Chania which I loved (vs. Heraklion which I hated). Nonetheless, it is good that we were there to experience it all, and I miss the seafood at Ippokampus!!

Honeymoon - London

2010-05-18T16:40:00.000-04:00

London

4/23/2010 Friday

British Museum - We only had 1 hour to visit and saw most of the worthwhile exhibits. It's a museum that you can spend 10 hours or 1 hour and still not satisfied. It was funny to see how British Museum defends its possession of the Greece artifacts (and later in Athen's Acropolis Museum, watching a video using the word "looting" to describe Lord Elgin)

4/24/2010 Saturday

Tower of London - A bit boring to me but since everyone recommends it, here I am, to learn about Brisith history that I cannot remember. The White Tower was impressive and the Crown Jewels were gold-shiny!! We spent 3 hours here walking = tired legs
Tower Bridge - looks better on the outside than inside. We were also lucky to observe not 1 but 2 bridge "openings" to let a ship through
Covent Garden - A crowded area (similar to Yonge & Dundas in Toronto) with lots of stores/restaurants/people
London Eye - Initially thought it was closed at 8 pm but turned out it was 9 pm closing. We got on, took lots of pictures and came down. It was cool to see London from up top, but not that exciting really

4/25/2010 Sunday

Harrods department store - Truly an world-class luxury department store. The inside is fancy, beautifully decorated, and a must-see in London for a tourist (in-store items are not must-buy though due to the high prices)
Buckingham Palace - Walk from Harrods to Hyde Park, and then the Palace, took photos
London Marathon - We were "lucky" to be in town for the Virgin London Marathon. Crowds all the way from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Bridge, stop-and-walk traffic throughout. Happy to see the city alive without interrupting our activities!
Westminster Abbey - Impressive building structure, took photos
House of Parliment / Big Ben - Usual must-take-photo buildings
Thames River Cruise - Took the cruise from Westminster to Tower Bridge and back, with onboard commentary fun and informative

Notes

We took advantage of the Days Out 2FOR1 offers wherever we can (actually, all of the above paid attractions)
We purchased Travel Card 1-day pass (about $5.6~$7.5 depending on the zones) to use the 2-for-1 offers, and they allow us to travel unlimited on the Bus, Subway in Zone 1-2
Due to the limited shorten time we have in London, we did not visit many restaurants to sit down and have a good meal (sorry honey), therefore doesn't have much comments on the food.

Overall

London is indeed a great large city to visit for days or weeks, like New York, Paris, Taipei, or Toronto
Bus is the best way to travel as Subway is not luggage-friendly and always crowded and hot
People are friendly in London
Things are okay-expensive in London
I however probably am glad to say I have visited London (crossed off my To-Go places), and won't need to visit anytime soon

Honeymoon - Expenses

2010-05-10T14:05:00.000-04:00

Overall it costs around $5000 CAD for the 2 of us, which is not too bad consider it's 10 days, and we stayed at luxury hotels and travelled nicely when we can. After all, it is once-in-a-lifetime Honeymoon worth spending every penny for, with my beautiful wife.

Hotel and Transportations - $3700 CAD for 2 persons

Daily Expenses (rough estimate) - $1000 CAD for 2 persons

Honeymoon - Hotels

2010-05-06T12:09:00.002-04:00

London

4/23/2010 Friday

Travel Lodge City Road
GBP $35.00 $56.00 CAD
Wouldn't refund us for the 1st night missed due to flight delay
No frills room, clean & big

4/24/2010 Saturday

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
USD $137.00 $143.85 CAD
BEST upgrade ever to a studio with living space and 2 LCD TV's!!
Fancy, dark, modern interior and friendly staff

4/25/2010 Sunday

Slept on the overnight flight

Greece

4/26/2010 Monday - Chania, Crete

Pandora Suites
EUR $90.00 $127.80 CAD
It was homey, truly simple yet beautiful hotel and rooms. Very romantic on the beautiful roof with breakfast served

4/27/2010 Tuesday - Heraklion, Crete

Marin Dream Hotel
EUR $66.00 $93.72 CAD
Nothing special for a small room but the honeymoon water+fruits was appreciated, and the breakfast was great buffet with beautiful view of the harbour

4/28/2010 Wednesday - Oia, Santorini

Lena's House
EUR $100.00 $142.00 CAD
Traditional cavehouse, eye-opening and beautiful shared balcony with view of Oia

4/29/2010 Thursday - Fira, Santorini

Hotel Keti
EUR $138.00 $195.96 CAD
Modern cavehouse with jacuzzi and private balcony. Warning: lots of steps down/up

4/30/2010 Friday- Fira, Santorini

Intercontinental Athens
USD $240.00 $252.00 CAD for 3 nights
Upgraded to family room/suite for a wonderful stay. The dated green interior is strange though and not to my taste (green carpet, hallway, and sofa. REALLY??). Shuttle buses to Sygtama Square is somewhat useful (we took Trams more) and staff are friendly

5/1/2010 Saturday - Athens

Intercontinental Athens

5/2/2010 Sunday- Athens

Intercontinental Athens

# of nights = 10

Total $1,083.33 for 2 persons

$541.67 per person

Honeymoon - Itinerary

2010-05-05T16:59:00.007-04:00

London (1)

4/23/2010 Friday

British Museum

4/24/2010 Saturday

Tower of London
Tower Bridge
Covent Garden
London Eye

4/25/2010 Sunday

Harrods department store
Buckingham Palace
Westminster Abbey
House of Parliment / Big Ben
Thames River Cruise

Greece

4/26/2010 Monday - Chania, Crete (2)

Walk around old port
Rest day

4/27/2010 Tuesday - Heraklion, Crete (3)

Palace of Knossos (closed)
Heraklion Archaeological Museum

4/28/2010 Wednesday - Oia, Santorini (4)

Walk around
See the sunset

4/29/2010 Thursday - Fira, Santorini

Walk around to Firostefani
Rest day

4/30/2010 Friday- Fira, Santorini

Kamari beach
Ancient Thira
Boat Excursion

5/1/2010 Saturday - Athens (5)

Plaka
Sygtama square
Panepistimio
Acropolis

5/2/2010 Sunday- Athens

Acropolis
New Acropolis Museum
Ancient Agora
National Archaeological Museum

5/3/2010 Monday

Depart for Toronto

Honeymoon - The End. Back in Canada, and left Greece just in time

2010-05-05T10:07:00.003-04:00

I am back in Canada as of Monday afternoon after a long 11 hour flight, yet in Business class - the best $300/person upgrade ever :)

Things to do

Catch up work email
Catch up bills and house cleaning
Organize 8000 photos from 3 cameras
Blog about the trip
Wendy to blog about the trip
Be thankful we left Greece

Athens wasn't a lovely city due to graffiti everywhere and unfriendly people
My wallet got pickpocketed in a "staged incident" by a group on my last night in Athens. Good thing I only lost about $50 cash and learned a valuable lesson. Plus the VISA/Driver/OHIP replacement process
The protests that started 1 day after we left (flight cancelled, riots, people died). Imagine we were just at the Acropolis on Sunday morning, without the banner below

Honeymoon - Before Departure

2010-04-22T13:38:00.002-04:00

Like my 2009 stories of meeting Wendy and getting married, my 2010 adventures continue to be memorable, before it even starts ...

FYI: My scheduled flight WAS Apr 21 5 pm (yes, yesterday)

Waiting on VISA and passport
Applied Apr 1, picked up Apr 21 1 pm despite a 2-week wait (while it's 2~3 days wait in Taiwan or Washington D.C. from my research)

Waiting for the cleaning kit to clean my D40 sensor dust ($50 CAD)
Dropped off at Nikon Canada in Mississauga Apr 19, picked up Apr 21 2 pm despite a "super rush 48 hours" effort

Waiting for the Volcano ashes to clear so my flight can fly
Waited all day yesterday hoping for on-time departure, nope.

Original flight = Apr 21 5 pm, arrives London Gatwick Apr 22 5 am
New flight = Apr 22 10 pm, arrives London Gatwick Apr 23 10 am

I am not in approval of this "let's delay everyone by a day so we can fly stranded people out" because this way EVERYONE got delayed. The proper way, like what other airlines do, is to fly scheduled flights and waitlist stranded passengers if seats are available.

Sad thing is, all the Air Canada or British Airways flights leaving for London last night all departed on schedule (so there is the disadvantage of booking with a charter airline)

Losses so far
- 1 day of hotel accommodation in London, $80 CAD
- 1 day of London, $?

Too much waiting, and last-minute excitements hours before my original flight
On the bright side, my losses are minimum compared to many stranded passengers.

City of Waterloo Overnight Parking sucks

2010-04-16T09:23:00.001-04:00

I was charged $35 parking ticket (it was "only" $30 in 2009, that's some 17% INFLATION or CASH-GRAB) because I forgot to "request to allow me to park on my the area between my garage door and the street" [which is city property for strange reasons.] by 1:30 am

http://www.city.waterloo.on.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=436

In a year with 365 days, you are "granted" 18 single overnight "passes" to park on the streets, except when snow events are declared. That is 5% of the 365 days, and quite a pity.

I think 30 exemptions is more fair, especially when 1 exemption = 1 vehicle, 1 night. 2 vecicles for 1 night = 2 exemptions.

Seems like my neighbour has got enough tickets, so he tore down the fences, covered half of the backyard with stones to make a larger parking lot for 3 cars ......... I don't even know if it's legal??

I thought Mississauga allowed Overnight parking, but that seemed to have changed as well (according to RFD threads). It makes sense, because every other detached house in Mississauga has 4+ cars ^_^

The funny and honest side of Warran Buffett from the Berkshire letter to shareholders

2010-03-24T14:17:00.000-04:00

Reading the Berkshire Hathaway 2009 letter to shareholders (now increased tenfold due to the BNSF acquisition), one can't help to notice the funny, and honest side of the billionaire Warran Buffett.

He writes as if he were talking to you personally, admitting his mistakes, owning up to his actions, and not afraid to tell you what Berkshire IS and IS NOT, all in simple-to-understand styles.

I am grateful holding BRK shares, and have no plans to sell, period.

=========================
Quotes:

If Charlie, I and Ajit are ever in a sinking boat – and you can only save one of us – swim to Ajit.
It’s clear that I failed you in letting NetJets descend into this condition. But, luckily, I have been bailed out.
If Berkshire ever gets in trouble, it will be my fault. It will not be because of misjudgments made by a Risk Committee or Chief Risk Officer.
GEICO’s managers, it should be emphasized, were never enthusiastic about my idea. They warned me that instead of getting the cream of GEICO’s customers we would get the – – – – – well, let’s call it the non-cream. I subtly indicated that I was older and wiser. I was just older. (regarding GEICO's losses from credit-card operations)
We told you last year that very unusual conditions then existed in the corporate and municipal bond markets and that these securities were ridiculously cheap relative to U.S. Treasuries. We backed this view with some purchases, but I should have done far more. Big opportunities come infrequently. When it’s raining gold,reach for a bucket, not a thimble.
When stock is the currency being contemplated in an acquisition and when directors are hearing from an advisor, it appears to me that there is only one way to get a rational and balanced discussion. Directors should hire a second advisor to make the case against the proposed acquisition, with its fee contingent on the deal not going through. Absent this drastic remedy, our recommendation in respect to the use of advisors remains: “Don’t ask the barber whether you need a haircut.”
“Are we supposed to applaud because the dog that fouls our lawn is a Chihuahua rather than a Saint Bernard?”
My daughter tells me that the more you buy, the more you save (kids say the darnedest things).

=========================

Lastly, he upsells his annual meeting in Omaha (last year 35000 shareholders attended)

The meeting this year will be held on Saturday, May 1st. As always, the doors will open at the Qwest Center at 7 a.m., and a new Berkshire movie will be shown at 8:30. At 9:30 we will go directly to the question-and-answer period, which (with a break for lunch at the Qwest’s stands) will last until 3:30. After a short recess, Charlie and I will convene the annual meeting at 3:45. If you decide to leave during the day’s question periods, please do so while Charlie is talking. (Act fast; he can be terse.)

The best reason to exit, of course, is to shop. We will help you do that by filling the 194,300-squarefoot hall that adjoins the meeting area with products from dozens of Berkshire subsidiaries. Last year, you did your part, and most locations racked up record sales. But you can do better. (A friendly warning: If I find sales are lagging, I get testy and lock the exits.)

Let me conclude on his words

At 86 and 79, Charlie and I remain lucky beyond our dreams. We were born in America; had terrific parents who saw that we got good educations; have enjoyed wonderful families and great health; and came equipped with a “business” gene that allows us to prosper in a manner hugely disproportionate to that experienced by many people who contribute as much or more to our society’s well-being. Moreover, we have long had jobs that we love, in which we are helped in countless ways by talented and cheerful associates. Indeed, over the years, our work has become ever more fascinating; no wonder we tap-dance to work. If pushed, we would gladly pay substantial sums to have our jobs (but don’t tell the Comp Committee).

Nothing, however, is more fun for us than getting together with our shareholder-partners at Berkshire’s annual meeting. So join us on May 1st at the Qwest for our annual Woodstock for Capitalists. We’ll see you there.

February 26, 2010
Warren E. Buffett
Chairman of the Board

P.S. Come by rail.

千手千眼人間菩薩到海地

2010-03-22T16:51:00.000-04:00

這個週末的培訓讓我收穫良多
最重要的是能親身聽到前往海地的師兄們的故事是課堂上學不到的知識

他們的勇氣和一股愛護慈濟的傻勁真的讓我慚愧卻也無時感動
其中一位師兄也從未有任何賑災經驗剛從台灣來沒多久就毅然決定去海地賑災
可惜沒有相片但是我相信任何人都能想像那是不敢想像的世界啊

最深的感觸是慈濟人真的是用生命在救眾生替師公當千手千眼觀世音
散佈在世界各個角落哪裡有苦往哪去哪裡有難往哪救
我其實也想有這個勇氣去賑災只是入世的瑣事（工作請假費用健康）卻綁住了我的手腳

更重要的是我怕我看到了他們不夠堅強的我會手腳發軟會心情崩潰會淚流不已
所聽到的所看到的早已經是人間煉獄的部份寫照
當90%的感恩戶都是重災戶時從何救起從何談未來
當我們踏上他們的土地時那種看不見難民未來的認知真的是會讓人絕望

我衷心的感恩有慈濟人這道陽光照射到海地感恩戶身上
也許黑暗不會消失但是慈濟人的笑容與光芒是帶給他們希望的開始

感恩我的牽手

2010-03-05T15:49:00.000-05:00

我真的說過說過很多次很多次了不過還是要正式的說 [親愛的謝謝你]

謝謝你的早餐午餐晚餐
餐餐精心設計之外更是色香味俱全
即使有時候我會給予誠實的意見那並不代表我不珍惜只是想讓你手藝更精進
而且我有餐餐努力把桌面上的菜清乾淨這是給廚師最大的鼓勵了

你果然抓住了你的男人的胃啊

「老婆，我要下班了，晚餐吃什麼？」

Canada Golden in 2010 Vancouver Olympics

2010-03-02T10:54:00.006-05:00

2010 Vancouver Olympics

He shoot, he scores! Team Canada beats USA in the overtime (final score 3-2), wish I could join the parade of celebration everywhere.

Olympic hockey final draws big audience north and south of border (80% of Canadians watched part of the game, average 16.6 million viewers)

I am so proud of our Canadian Olympics team in every way

Final medal count for Canada is 26 medals (medal winners)

14 Gold
7 Silver
5 Bronze

I am touched by all the Canadians connecting and cheering for our country, this is our Canada!!
National Post had this article "Vancouver Olympics: Was it worth the cost?" To me, YES!

Weekend Activity

Attended the Toronto Symphony Orchestra: La Pasion, thanks to the $8 ticket. Sitting in the 3rd row is way too front though
Dinner at Ivory Thailand. It was a good Thai food, except the $2 small bowl of rice :(

Tzu Chi 慈濟

Myself and Wendy attended the volunteer seminar on Sunday, and had fun :)
Tzu Chi Newsletter 慈濟美國電子報

海地即時報導‏ Journal from Haiti Tzu Chi Volunteer Workers

2010-02-23T10:07:00.001-05:00

This is something I want to share with the world, true words from the Canadian Tzu Chi volunteer workers who flew to Haiti to do what we can.

2010-02-12 海地即時報導

諸位菩薩，大家好：

我們已經安全抵達海地了，一切平安，我們今晚是打地鋪睡帳篷喔！很有露營的感覺，但是這裡蚊子超級給他多的轉個心念，這就是國際賑災嘍！所以嘍，奉勸各位想要出來國際賑災的年輕人們，趕快訓練自己睡在水泥地上都沒問題，而且耳邊還有轟轟作響的發電機聲還睡得著的人，那你就符合基本的資格啦！好啦，要來去睡了，明天五點就要起床了，剩不到三個小時睡了，大家晚安嘍！

2010-02-13

諸位菩薩:

這是來到海地的第二天了........... 今天又是非常炎熱的一天, 氣溫又是高達33度....... 太陽一出來.......又開始滿身汗了.....好久沒有這麼痛快地流汗了..... 雖然身上隨時都是"汗垢"的感覺...就是台語的"癬"啦..............哈哈哈........ 但是每天流汗的感覺似乎還不錯... 我被分配到的工作是"行政祕書"組...........哈哈哈...沒錯.......出來賑災, 還是繼續做行政祕書......... 這果然就是命運吧........ 但是呢, 也是因為如此跟許多聯合國的單位及約旦維和部隊都有機會接觸到..... 同時, 也能學習到許多國際賑災時迫切做出決定的判斷力.... 當然, 許多大大小小的事都要去處理.. 但是, 還滿快樂的...... 今天去約旦維和部隊的基地之前, 我們去了太子港的重災區......... 看到了什麼叫做"人間煉獄"........ 滿天的蚊蟲....... 四處坍方的水泥屋.........三層樓瞬間變成了一樓......... 整片的水泥牆倒塌..... 裸露在外的鋼筋................... 散亂一地的碎石, 真的很難想像當時的情況, 街道上聚集了眾多民眾..... 剛好昨天, 今天及明天都是海地的國殤日....... 海地人就聚集在一起祈禱......上教堂.......尋求心靈上的慰藉...... 心中一直在想.... 我們到底能如何幫助他們.......... 但是, 現在我們慈濟在海地面臨到最大的一個困難就是發放時維和部隊的申請.......... 維和部隊就是維持和平的國家級部隊... 我們在發放時都要向聯合國中的一個單位申請維和部隊的支援... 但是, 因為每個國家負責的災區都不同...... 所以, 我們有時候發放會遭遇到安全上很大的問題..... 為什麼呢........ 當一整國的人都餓昏的時候...... 還會有法治可言嘛?? 但是, 海地人本性還是很善良的..... 只是每個人的環境都真的非常艱困...... 詢問他們最需要什麼物資.......得到的答案是 "食物, 食物, 還是食物!!!" 最缺乏的就是食物... 第二就是塑膠布...... 因為之前下了一場大雨... 災民們都睡在沒有防水功能的"碎布"下......... 沒錯.........就是碎布..... 不是帆布........不是什麼能遮風避雨的布..... 就是一塊破布...還有幾片紙箱...這就是他們現在居住的環境.... 雨季一到, 大家都要睡在爛泥巴裡頭了.... 所以, 慈濟的塑膠布發揮了非常大的功用..... 因為塑膠布能遮風避雨.........還能當作是屋頂或是拿來鋪地....都是非常實用的..... 再再了都顯現慈濟國際賑災"務實"的原則....... 看到這個太子港的重災區之後, 就驅車前往約旦的軍隊基地去跟他們談論事情...... 沿路上........看到的是一區又一區的帳篷區........... 又是一家又一家破碎的家庭...... 讓人不禁升起一念悲憫之心..... 但是, 慈濟人已經踏上了這塊受傷的土地.... 相信在未來的幾個月內, 慈濟一定能嘉惠許許多多需要幫助的海地同胞............ 這就是今天的即時報導.......... 感恩各位的收看......

加拿大特派記者許智源在海地太子港報導~~~~ 哈哈哈........跟大愛台的同仁玩久了...被他們同化了...嘿嘿......

照片的部分, 就要對不起各位看官啦~~~~~我明日在上傳........因為現在已經2點了...........我又只有3小時能睡了.................感恩喔....... 大家晚安~~

這張照片就是搭乘聯合國飛機時的海地太子港空照圖.....

2010-02-14

諸位菩薩:

大家好..... 進入到了第三天...... 身體都已經慢慢適應這邊的環境了...... 今天有些東西能與各位分享..... 第一件事情就是....我今晚從通鋪裡頭又搬了出來.... 為什麼呢.......... 因為通鋪裡頭的冷氣太冷了........ 吹得我"差點"有點感冒的感覺.......... 但是我沒事喔... 不用擔心.....我又回到第一天睡水泥地的帳篷裡睡了.... 雖然溫度較熱, 但是睡起來感覺較不會感冒..... 很奇怪的理由吧..... 而且啊.... 今天晚上的沐浴也是第一遭............ 因為這個地方男眾有熱水的地方只有2個... 其他2個都是冷水而已的........ 剛好今天去的時候, 熱水的2間已經都有人在使用了............ 原本想說等一下好了......... 但是又很想睡覺......... 所以呢, 就硬著頭皮去洗冷水澡......... 現在想想.... 洗冷水澡又睡水泥地.... 真的非常給他野戰的感覺...... 但是呢.... 越是這樣, 越能親身去體會災民們的感受........ 出去勘災的時候... 滿山遍野的帳篷區...... 無不都是破破爛爛搭起的帳篷... 我睡的水泥地還是平面的...但是災民們睡的是坑坑疤疤的石頭地....... 身上蓋得是薄薄的幾塊布.... 越是想到這裡, 也覺得自己算是很幸福的了.....
我自己今天做了件讓我省思很多的事情.... 就是早上的時候, 因為在協調中心這邊收到一個孤兒院的個案.... 我就隨同師伯一同前往那個孤兒院的地方去勘查...... 走到半路.......... 突然有股刺鼻的味道沖到鼻子裡..... 仔細一看...... 原來是旁邊有條河, 而這條河呢........就如同我們印尼當初的紅溪河一般........骯髒, 惡臭....滿山滿谷的垃圾......相信大家看到簡報檔都是知道那條河的情況.... 味道非常不好聞............ 再加上腐爛的垃圾.............. 構成了一張不是讓人很舒服的畫面.......... 當然更是不好聞........ 而這還是震撼教育的開端而已.... 之後跟隨的報案人前往這個孤兒院的地方....... 經過的"小路" 真的小路.....小到只有一個人能行走而以, 如果兩個人要同時過... 一個一定要貼在牆壁上..... 另一個才能走..... 而這邊很多"住宅區"的路都是類似這樣的.... 沿路的過程印入眼簾的都是滿目瘡痍的危樓....... 半倒的房子已經算是不幸中的大幸了..... 全倒的房子..... 當然是不可計算的....... 沿路看到許許多多的小孩............. 每個人看到我都跟我比比他們的嘴巴.............是什麼意思呢??? 後來我才恍然大悟.... 原來, 這些孩子們希望我能給他們一些食物...... 那個當下... 我看著看著這些孩子...... 鼻頭突然酸了起來..... 同樣是小小年紀.... 在其他國家的小孩能夠無憂無慮地生活著............ 但是海地的這些小孩..... 卻要自己去"乞討"吃的食物......... 各位或許覺得我用"乞討"這個字眼很過份........ 但是, 各位..對不起...... 這些小孩就真的是在乞討...... 苦苦哀求的眼神望著你..... 說著他們僅懂的英文單字.... 向路人乞求....... 我因為身上沒有攜帶任何食物... 而且我們也不能私底下給予任何的食物..... 否則可能會造成暴亂........ 當下的我....只好忍著淚把頭撇到另一邊去........... 因為再看下去.. 我深怕我會潰堤了............. 而這個孩子也轉向跟我同行的慈濟人...... 點點我們的腳, 也是苦苦哀求著希望能達到一些食物....... 那個當下.... 我的心好糾結........... 我就深深體會到國際賑災真的是悲智雙運最好練習的場所..... 慈悲跟智慧....到底要如何拿捏, 這個當下..............我迷惘了........ 我真的不知道該把那一個放在前面.... 小孩的笑容是如此地天真...... 但是看到那小小的嘴動啊動著........ 就是希望能乞求到一些食物..........那種無力感....那種力不從心的感覺.......... 是我幾次賑災來從沒有過的心情...... 看到小孩..... 想說..他們的未來到底在哪裡??? 或許應該是說..... 他們的父母在那裏........很多很多孩子的父母都在此次的地震中往生了............. 一個家裡頭就只留了一個年僅3~4歲的小孩..... 之後看到了那個收容孤兒的地方....... 看到的是四根柱子............其他全倒了.............全沒了...... 小孩沒有地方居住.......就在那小小的巷子裡生活著..... 看到慈濟人的到來..... 師伯帶了些巧克力來發給這些小孩............. 每個都很想吃..... 那種期盼的眼神...... 我一生都忘不了.......... 但還是不敢亂搶..... 還是讓師伯一個個地發給他們.... 拿到巧克力後..... 撥開了包裝紙......... 第一件事情不是把巧克力放入嘴裡.........而是先用舌頭把包裝紙上剩餘的巧克力舔乾淨.................反覆幾次後....才甘心把這張包裝紙丟掉...... 看他吃著一口一口的巧克力....... 我的心也隨著一點一點甜了起來...... 看著這群孩子...... 我的心哽咽了.......... 為什麼哽咽......因為想哭, 但是不能哭........... 想到慈濟人離開後, 這些孩子怎麼辦............ 但是, 這就是緊急救難的最主要的用意.... 能夠短期內讓他們能溫飽............. 能過一天是一天........ 而往後慈濟中、長期的計畫或許才是真正能夠解決這些孩子問題的希望吧!! 上午看了這個個案...... 回來時用午齋的時候..... 腦海裡還是不斷閃過這些小孩的畫面.........久久不能釋懷....... 但是, 至少慈濟人是他們的一個希望...... 是能讓他們重新站起來的一道曙光..... 有了這道曙光..... 我看到了走出這個陰霾的指引...... 因為我知道慈濟人的大愛, 無私, 還有各位的關心... 一定能讓海地人民, 海地小孩早日站起來!!!! 海地加油!!!!

2010-02-16 海地即時報導

諸位菩薩:

大家好... 昨天沒有跟各位報導即時新聞, 真的很抱歉........... 因為昨天真的有點累....... 而且每天早上都要5點起床....所以, 在睡眠時間上有點不足..... 昨天就偷個小懶...... 不好意思啦..... 我們明天要做另一場發放..... 明天4點起床.... 5點就要出門囉....... 所以, 我要趕快把握時間跟各位分享這幾天的所見所聞..... 或許有人已經看到大愛新聞上有關美軍空降部隊82師的中尉指揮官來到慈濟協調中心拜訪一事...... 今天就是要跟各位分享這個故事..... 這個故事跟"慈青"有點關係喔.... 為什麼呢...... 故事就是開始的..... 上個星期天, 我和三位慈青學長學姐前往美軍空降部隊82師的基地開例行會議...... 也就照常開會...... 原本沒什麼特別的.... 後來美軍就詢問每個NGO(非政府組織)最近都做了那些事情..... 輪到慈濟報告的時候, 我們就把我們最近的發放及以工供糧等事..... 因為海地這邊已經開始接近雨季了.. 當地政府及聯合國都很擔心, 如果真的下大雨.... 帳篷區的衛生將會是最大的問題..... 所以急需塑膠布發給災民們.... 在我們的報告中. 我們提到了慈濟現在有13000多張的塑膠布在我們的倉庫裡... 每個團體聽到了都瞪大了眼睛....... 因為大家都非常需要塑膠布...... 當然, 美軍聽到我們有這麼大量的現成塑膠布, 他們當然也很感興趣..... 在會後, 我們四位慈青學長學姐也跟幾位與會人士交談了一會兒..... 其中談會的一位是美軍士兵..... 後來, 我們談及慈濟目前面臨到的一些問題....... 突然這個時候.... 從這位士兵的背後出現另外一位美軍..... 他了解了我們慈濟現在所面臨到的這些問題, 然後他就主動邀請我們去他的帳篷做更進一步的了解..... 剛開始, 還不知道這位是什麼身分.... (因為沒有當過兵.... 不知道軍人的階級如何分配)... 後來, 跟他走去他的帳篷的時候... 我發現許多人走過都要跟他敬禮........ 慢慢地, 我開始發覺這位的來頭應該不小............後來, 已經到一進到他的帳篷.... 感覺果然不一樣......... 我在這邊已經熱習慣了....... 每天起床就是開始流汗........... 睡覺也在流汗..........我現在也還在流汗............ 但是呢, 當然我們室內的部分是有冷氣的... 但是呢, 冷氣的溫度都還好.....那天, 一進到美軍的帳篷... 那種溫度馬上降了5度......... 在往裡頭走去...... 感覺更舒服..............後來發現.. 原來美軍的帳篷裡頭是有冷氣空調的.........而且是那種讓你吹到會冷的那種......... 而且裡頭的陣仗就跟要發射火箭一樣....... 一排排的電腦以及前面的大螢幕..... 好多軍人都在執勤.... 後來這位軍官請我們坐下... 然後開始跟我們討論有關慈濟是屬於怎麼樣的一個團體, 後來我們四個就輪番上陣...... 拿出各自最佳的本領來介紹慈濟...... 而我們跟這位軍官也相談甚歡........ 後來我們提及慈濟香積飯及發放物資的部分, 這位軍官就對香積飯非常有興趣.... 為什麼呢............ 因為他已經吃MRE (軍用戰鬥糧食)吃了30天了............連續30 天都吃一樣的食物............... 他已經非常厭煩了.......... 後來聽到有這麼神奇的飯..... 他就非常有興趣..... 當下, 我們就邀請他來我們慈濟在海地的協調中心來參訪並品嘗慈濟的香積飯.... 我就問他什麼時候可以來跟我們一起共進一頓飯.... 這個軍官非常直接了當...... 就說今天晚上要來拜訪我們.... 我們聽到"今天" 就要來........ 真的假的!!!! 我又問他一次, 你打算幾點來... 他就說.. 我一個小後就去你的協調中心..... 我又一聽......一個小時.............. 搭車回到協調中心就要20分鐘了...... 更何況是一個小時後........... 我們就趕快回去準備... 回到協調中心後, 我還擔心這位軍官不知道到底會不會出現..... 所以, 我們就還是照原定的計畫進行.......過了一個小時又十分鐘後.... 手機響了......... 沒錯.... 就是那位美國軍官.......之後, 我們趕快準備一些報告的內容及要與他結緣的物品........... 然後就看到美國軍用的車子開進了協調中心..... 心中的大石終於放下了......... 原本擔心他不會出席...... 後來就跟這位軍官做了慈濟的簡報以及我們這次做了那些事情.... 跟這位軍官相談甚歡.......... 後來拿來他的名片.......才知道他是美軍在海地路上的指揮官................. 看到這個頭銜........ 我自己都嚇了一跳...... 原來我們請到是美軍最大"咖"的............ 既然這樣..很多事情就很好辦了..... 我們後來就把香積飯介紹給他..然後邀請他一桶共進晚餐....... 他看到新鮮的米飯及菜餚........... 眼鏡都發亮了.......... 可見他們吃那個戰鬥口糧真的吃怕了............. 後來也讓他品嘗了慈濟的香積飯..... 他超愛的........... 他就提到回去的時候要跟軍隊建議這樣的米糧非常方便好用......... 在他飽餐一頓之後, 我們也談到了慈濟在發放時候的安全維護.... 他一口答應一定幫忙.......... 只要24小時前通知他, 他就會請負責當地的軍官跟我們聯繫...... 這個消息對慈濟來說, 真是太棒了.......... 最近因為安全維和的關係, 所以, 發放一直是個難題............ 直到,這位指揮官親口答應...........我們所有人都非常感恩....能有這個機會碰到美軍的指揮官.... 真的很難得....... 之後, 我們又讓這位指揮官帶了些香積飯回基地......... 而我們這難忘的與美軍奇遇記就幫今天畫下一個最棒的句點.....

真的很特別的感覺喔!!!!! 感恩大家看我這麼長的分享.........我要趕快來睡了............. 不然, 明天4點要起床..............好啦.. 大家晚安...............

好熱喔............滿身汗.................

感恩大家喔!!!!!

2010-02-18 海地即時報導

諸位菩薩:

今天是第六梯次到來的前一天...... 十位加拿大的團員都已經平安抵達多明尼加了...明天一大早8點將會搭乘BUS進入海地.... 接下來, 將會是另一個梯次的交接..... 那即將會是另一個新的開始, 今天去看了一個教堂.... 裡頭有將近200位的災民..... 生活的環境還是一樣糟糕........... 據前幾梯的分享... 他們到的時候是這個樣... 一個月過後, 還是這個樣... 沒有什麼太大的差別........... 因為這次的災難真的面積太廣大了................ 大到真的很無力...... 而且災民的人數之多..... 不管到哪裡....看到的都是倒塌的房子...... 今天去了一個屬海地太子港最繁華的地方...... 地震前, 還有許多精品店在那邊...... 但是我不知道有那些...... 整個市中心90%全倒..... 就算房子沒倒...... 也都不敢住在房子裡, 全部都住在帳篷裡, 不時會聞到燒焦味..... 海地這個地方滿地的垃圾....... 沒有所謂垃圾處理的制度..... 到處都是垃圾..... 那垃圾到底怎麼辦呢?? 一堆垃圾放把火就把它燒了..... 什麼都燒... 什麼都可以燒.... 什麼味道都有...... 到處都是燒焦味....... 當然, 衛浴設備也是非常缺乏的.... 很多人都在街上有水的地方直接洗了起來.... 沒有所謂隱私可言..... 到海地已經一個星期了..... 看到倒塌的房子似乎也漸漸習慣了........ 但是, 每次看到好幾層樓坍方成一堆土石... 心裡還是會問....... 裡頭還有生還者嗎??? 還有人在等著搶救嗎?? 這個答案我不願意去思考...... 畢竟不知道的情況下似乎還有些希望...... 災民們的生活..... 跟地震前的生活有很大的不同嗎?? 這個問題我最近也在思考...... 我也在尋求這個答案.... 海地人似乎窮慣了....... 習慣過著今天過了再說的態度過生活...... 這也許就是海地人的民族性吧....... 今天的分享沒什麼主題..... 只是隨手把自己這一個星期來的感覺寫下而已..... 與各位分享.....

感恩...

PowerPoint slides of Haiti
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/790550/Blog/2010-02-14.ppt
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/790550/Blog/2010-02-16.ppt

Project Management

2010-02-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

Interesting readings on Project Management

IT Projects Lessons

31% cancelled
53% cost 189% of budget
16% completed on‑time, on‑budget
Large organizations: only 9% successful
Avg time overrun is 229%

Laws of Project Management

No major project is ever installed on time, within budget, with the same staff that started it. Yours will not be the first.
Projects progress quickly until they become 90% complete; they remain at 90% complete forever
One advantage of fuzzy project objectives is they let you avoid the embarrassment of estimating corresponding costs
When things are going well, something will go wrong

When things just can't get any worse, they will
When things appear to be going better you have overlooked something

If project content is allowed to change freely, rate of change >> rate of progress
No system is ever completely debugged: attempts to debug system inevitably introduce new bugs that are even harder to find
A carelessly planned project will take 3x longer to complete than expected; a carefully planned project will take only 2x
Project teams detest progress reporting because it vividly manifests their lack of progress

不孤單的農曆年 Chinese New Year

2010-02-18T11:32:00.000-05:00

這是我親愛的老婆大人陪我過的第一個新年與情人節
去年的此時我們依然只有email的緣份而已 ... 今年的此時 I couldn't ask for anything more

2.12 五小年夜
我半夜還要上班...Work Work Work 一點都不像過年

2.13 六除夕
和叔叔家人朋友一起吃年夜飯很感動
沒有真正的在加拿大過年很喜歡許多人團聚在一起的感覺

2.14 日初一情人節
帶老婆參觀Pacific Mall和看Avatar 3D
Mall有點無聊不過喝了很多珍珠奶茶吃了很多魚蛋和牛肉丸
下午太無聊就決定看Avatar了 $14.50的電影票看三個小時電影還不錯看
晚上到T&T買菜大概是老婆一天最高興的時刻了努力的採買

2.15 一初二 Family Day放假
在家看新年綜藝節目休息吃飯睡覺

你打開我的眼睛

2010-02-12T10:00:00.002-05:00

This is a song I liked a lot, courtesy of Tzu Chi

製作人：曹俊鴻作曲：季海山作詞：姚若龍
編曲：戴維雄演唱：林俊逸

起初我以為妳很像太陽

溫暖但靠太近會灼傷
後來才了解妳也像月亮
溫柔肯傾聽我的迷惘
我看見妳做的和說的一樣
才懂誠實是勇敢更是力量
妳教會我人要去追求夢想
我的志願不該只寫在紙上

你打開我的眼睛
讓我發現自己的潛力
相信努力總會帶來驚喜
我可以讓每天更有意義

你打開我的眼睛
讓我眺望更遠的風景
希望有天我能變成星星
給人被鼓勵那種指引就像你

MP3下載

2010 January Recap

2010-02-01T15:02:00.000-05:00

There goes the first month of the year 2010

What's done

Finally, no more talk about this HRTC because it's just crazy out at the stores this weekend

In my ~10 hours of shopping experience, RONA is way better than Home Depot - in terms of selections on display, numbers of staff and customer service. I am a RONA/Canadian fan now

Fixed my car

Lazy us chose the easier way of fixing our car. Total cost was about $200 for the regular scheduled maintenance, $200 for diagnostics, $715 for control arms replacement at the dealer; $560 for Thermostat/belt at the private mechanic

What's coming

Wendy's coming!!!!!! for Chinese New Year, for Valentine's Day, for me ^___^
Celebration for Chinese New Year and some volunteering
Let the cleaning, moving, and renovation begin

To fix or not to fix ....

2010-01-19T16:19:00.001-05:00

Seems to be the story of BMW owners, getting hit every 25000km with expensive repairs

I don't blame BMW as my car is 2000 BMW 323i and it's just showing its ages, but the expensive labour & parts still get me every time. Especially the charge-per-diagnostic fee!!!! They should be allowed to only charge it ONCE, and not per issue/section

No heat because Thermostat/leaking coolant - $415+tax
Noise when turning because front lower control arm bushings separated - $766+tax
Drive belt has bad crack - $199+tax
Intake Boot torn - $134+tax
Total of all repairs = $1710.82!!!!

That's on top of the charges I already paid up front (labour $287.50 + parts $73.10 = $407.48)

Oil change & maintenance - $220
Diagnostics for heating - $120 (this is 1/4 of the thermostat repair already, gee)
Diagnostics for driving noise - $60

Anyone know a good BMW mechanic? or recommendation to fix or not fix?
I am seriously considering getting a new car, let it be used or leased, anything's better

Haiti Earthquake Relief 海地賑災

2010-01-18T12:07:00.001-05:00

I have donated $200 to the 慈濟/Tzui Chi relief and hope the readers will want to send their love as well
You can make donations by cheque, wire transfer, or online. As a bonus, Canadian government will match our donations, so your $1 becomes $2

Thank you, from me, from everyone in Tzu-Chi organization, and from the Haiti people

2010年1月12日海地發生7.0級強震後，慈濟花蓮本會隨即成立工作小組，了解災情並評估接下來的賑災重點。慈濟基金會在救援物資的整備上，已備妥毛毯逾五萬條、四十萬份香積飯等食品，生活包及相關醫療用品均整備，並密切注意災區訊息、評估安全、交通後立即展開援助。
慈濟已啟動全球救災網，加拿大分會和華僑之聲即日起為海地啟動募款賑災。

http://ch.tzuchi.ca/canada/home.nsf/reportC/k14183

When the news of Haiti earthquake broke out, Tzu Chi Foundation Headquarter in Hualien, Taiwan, had already established a special task team to assess the extend of relief effort needed to aid the Haitians in the aftermath of the quake. The Foundation, always in readiness for disaster response, already had 50,000 blankets, 400,000 packs of instant rice/noodles, daily personal packs and medical supplies all assembled and ready to be shipped, pending the assessment of safety and transportation logistics by the task team.

Tzu Chi global headquarters had initiated a global fundraising campaign to deliver the love from people around the globe to the affected people in Haiti. Answering the call of love, Tzu Chi Foundation Canada and CHMB AM1320 will be accepting donations starting January 14th.

http://ch.tzuchi.ca/canada/home.nsf/reportC/k14185

In addition, we hope the public will join us in prayers, in whichever way they prefer, for the disaster victims in Haiti.

2009 Recap, 2010 Resolutions

2010-01-14T14:57:00.000-05:00

I am still slowly accepting the fact I am back in Canada and returning to normal life

I have organized most of the photos, but choosing what to upload (or blog about) are the difficult parts

Before 2009 has disappeared from me, I want to recap a truly unexpected 2009, and plan great things for 2010

What I Did in 2009

Celebrated my first Chinese New Year in Taiwan since 1996, with extended big families
Bought a "new" used car
Travelled to: Pittsburgh, Niagara Falls, Bruce Peninsula, Montreal, Quebec, Mont Tremblant, Hong Kong, Taiwan
Volunteered more at Tzu-Chi/慈濟, and attended community events and Pearson Runway Run
Recovered in equities and more, and able to donate more
Watched more Blue Jays, and last season of Roy Halladay as a Jay
Obtained Microsoft database certification, to improve myself
結婚了 Found a girl, made her my fiancee, and married her
開學了只是要唸三年

Funny, I actually met most my 2009 new year resolutions, except losing weight

What I Want To Do in 2010

Lose weight (will try anyway)
Do even better financially
Finish the basement in the house (not doing it myself)
Travel to: London, Greece, New York, Washington DC
Honeymoon, aiming for Greece
Perhaps become a Dad-in-progress ;-)
Spend my life with Wendy in Canada, and forever!!

Funny, now I'm talking about becoming a dad....

Memorable 2009-2010 Vacation and X'mas Wedding

2010-01-08T15:26:00.015-05:00

I have a detailed version of the vacation, down to each day, but that's not what's memorable. These are

2009.12.25 - My beautiful wedding reception
No words can describe that day, or the days of work leading to it, so I'll let the photos speak for me
Wedding Reception Photos
Flickr
Flickr Slideshow

For references, here are the Engagement photos (there are differences!!)

2009.12.31 - Celebrating 2010 with my wife, and our families
Vacation is good, but able to spend it with families (now bigger) is much much better

2010.01.02~01.04 - Enjoying Hong Kong together with my wife, creating new memories
Travelling alone is never fun, so I found my soul mate to travel with me. It has ups and downs, but all I remember are the ups, the food, the view, and most importantly my love

This is one X'mas I will always remember

cloudy sky

人生 就是無常 和徒勞無功啊

大時代需明大是非

TRIP - 2011 Christmas in Washington DC

ELLA - Y0.M11 Ella is almost One Year Old

Aeroplan devaluation, and 2012 Mini-RTW

2012 New Year Resolutions

Monthly Recap - MBA, Travel, Ella, RIM @$^#

Acura Wheel Alignment and Brake Pads/Rotor story

BlackBerry PlayBook 16GB for $199 starting Friday Nov 18

ELLA - Y0.M9 Ella is 9 months old

歷史的今天 - 人間菩薩招生 假如沒有過去鋪這一條路走過來 要如何接引別人進來呢

Happy Halloween, Happy Birthday

Flat Tire, Wheel Alignment

Conestoga Mall Apple Store & Steve Jobs

KFC Free Zinger Burger Coupon

ELLA - Y0.M8 Ella is 8 months old

Steve Jobs, 1955-2011. The world won't be the same

Mini-Round-The-World Conclusion

Phone Comparison - iPhone 4S, BlackBerry 9900, Galaxy S2

Zurich, Switzerland

Flight/Trip Report: Taipei-Singapore-Bangkok-Zurich (stopover)-Montreal-Toronto

September 11, ten years after

Flight/Trip Report: Toronto-Tokyo-Taipei

Vacation Completed, Back in Canada

Just In Case

Taiwan in 4 Days

MBA is 60% complete

Productive Long Weekend

Cottage @ Sauble Beach

Luckier July so far ...

ELLA - Y0.M5 Ella is 5 months old

HAPPY CANADA DAY, and I'm glad June is over

What a Bad Luck Day - Good Bye BMW

ELLA - Y0.M4 Ella is 4 months old

Dear Ella

Mini-RTW Costs

Tools for planning a Mini-RTW itinerary

Around-the-World in Business Class = 100000 Aeroplan miles + $400 fees

ELLA - Y0.M3 Ella is 3 months old

證嚴法師 時代雜誌2011百大人物 2011 TIME 100 - Dharma Master Cheng Yen

BlackBerry PlayBook

MBA is 50% completed

Bought a Laptop, a Phone, and will soon buy a BlackBerry PlayBook

ELLA - Y0.M2 Ella is 2 months old

Tablet Comparison - $499 PlayBook available Apr 19. Pre-order today

New Job, found via Eluta.ca

ELLA - Y0.M1 Ella is 1 month old 滿月囉

You Cannot Time the Market ... how I missed out $5400

TekSavvy Usage

ELLA - Y0.M0.W1 Ella is born

Internet Prices UP for ALL Canadians, starting March 1, 2011

Titanic Exhibition at Kitchener Museum

Free and Easy to Get Credit Report

Childbirth Parenting Class at Conestoga College

TRIP - Niagara Falls and Shopping in US

Happy New Year, 2011

REVIEW - Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robot

Merry Christmas, and Happy Wedding Anniversary

TRIP - New York City

Switched Insurances

Deal of the Year - Expedia SAVE $300 = free trips to New York City

Weeks Recap - Snow, Time change, Due Date

Week Recap - Birthday

TRIP - Los Angeles, San Diego over Canadian Thanksgiving

Week Recap - OHIP, Insurance, Netbook

Week Recap - Ella

Week Recap - OHIP, High School days, Peter Pan

Trip - Toronto, Niagara Falls, Montreal, Quebec, Ottawa

Some fun facts about car rental

Richer vs. Thinner vs. Younger vs. Smarter - I choose Younger

Week Recap

2010/8/1~8/2 Cleveland Trip

Canadian Custom - To love, or to hate

Week Recap - Spending more to create a home

Week Recap - Wendy is here

如是我聞

Monthly Recap

Honeymoon - Athens, Greece

Honeymoon - Santorini Island, Greece

人生就是無常和徒勞無功啊

歷史的今天 - 人間菩薩招生假如沒有過去鋪這一條路走過來要如何接引別人進來呢

證嚴法師時代雜誌2011百大人物 2011 TIME 100 - Dharma Master Cheng Yen

千手千眼人間菩薩到海地