I miss the hot summer days. Chill days can be unbearable sometimes.

Enjoy the vibrant colours of fall!

The Bank of Canada made an announcement yesterday that the lending rate is slashed to a historic low of 1%. This may be good news to home buyers and the real estate industry; since the low mortgage rates boost refinance activity and therefore, helps the housing market. Nevertheless, negative impacts from the economy crisis such as fast-rising of living cost, high unemployment rate, and production shutdown in various industries, leave most people in the state of insecurity and fear.

Canada’s key interest 0f 0.75%, resulted from decision made by the Bank of Canada as of yesterday. The deep dive below the 1% benchmark has been predicted end of 2008. It’s known to be a 50-year low, and maybe dropping further. How pathetic… I joked with friends that we can now keep our savings in the backyard or under the bed just like the old days, since there’s not much we get out of bank interests

If you’re complaining about this, try observing other countries. For example, Japan, offers an interest rate of 0.1%, and that of the United States is as low as a big fat zero. Australian and New Zealand that known to offer high interest rates can’t escape from the interest rate cut down.

Do you know that interest earned from bank savings is considered part of your income? In other words, the sum of annual income (from a full-time position) and interest from savings, is the TOTAL income of an individual. This is taxable, based on the tax bracket it falls under. To put it in a simple sentence: the more you save up (and earn from savings interest), the more tax you’ll pay. Does it mean that we should spend lavishly and enjoy life, instead of saving up and paying more tax?

There are ways to get around with this dilemma, fortunately. As a matter of fact, RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) allows a certain amount of savings (depending on annual income), in which the interest earned from savings or the profit from investments (stock market, bonds etc.), is non-taxable! The downside of it? Withdrawal from these savings is made available only at the age of retirement. However, exceptions are given to a homeowner buying his/her first home, someone returning to school as a full-time student etc., and needs the access to savings. Some conditions apply in these situations.

I missed my “ang pau” and favourite snacks: pineapple tarts, beehive cookies, BBQ dried meat, just to name a few….

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Canada is a brand new experience. Having reunion dinner on new year’s eve with friends can be lots of fun; we prepare new year’s dishes to satisfy our taste buds, hang around in a group to avoid homesickness, chat and joke around to make everyone feels at home.

This is what I considered as the “royal” treatment on my first Chinese New Year spent in Canada. I admired the fancy dishes my friends came out with; it was just the way they cooked!

Eye-appealing food presentation, aromatic and delicious home-cooked meal, were simply astonishing! It was truly a gastronomical feast! I cherish the friendship that makes me feel at home when I was alone in this foreign land. Thanks a bunch!

The snowfall in October, 2003.

The first day of snow in Fredericton this year happened last Wednesday (November 19th). More snow last Saturday (November 22nd)!

The winter view from my apartment.

I always look forward to the snow in winter. My mindset will probably change when I own a car and have to drive around in the harsh winter days I enjoy skating, even though I’m not a great skater. And of course, skiing! Downhill skiing particularly. The scenic view from the mountain top, the thrill of maneuvering the skis, and the cold rush of wind as I make my way down the mountain (smoothly, hopefully). If I don’t? Oh well, it’s just another learning opportunity. Get up when you fall. Otherwise? You’re stuck in the middle of nowhere, miss out the chance to explore new terrain, and fail to enjoy loads of fun and excitement that await you!

Similarly, we fall and stumble in life. We might get bruises when we fall from skiing, but they come and go; just like mistakes we made that are forgivable. Avoid falling on hard surfaces and sharp edges to keep away from serious injuries. It’s comparable to some major faults we commit in life that can be no turning back. We want to refrain from doing that by all means. Nonetheless, no matter how hard we fall, just bear in mind that it’s not the end of the world. Move on and thrive through the challenges. Soar like an eagle!

Burgers, sandwiches, wraps, flatbread pizzas, Asian bowls etc. have their ways to fit your taste. I’ve been here for lunch a few times and tried the chicken burger, sandwich, and flatbread pizza. Just like always, I tried something different this time – the Asian bowl. With a choice of mild/medium/hot, egg noodles/rice pilaf, chicken/beef/shrimps, I ordered hot egg noodles with chicken.

The Asian bowl for $11.

Fiona ordered the Chicken Burger.

Stephanie had the Philly Steak Sandwich.

Renée had the Beef Wrap.

Tracy had the Cordon Bleu Sandwich that was new on the menu. “Cordon Bleu” is a French term, literally translated as “blue ribbon,” that originally referred to an award for culinary excellence given to women cooks! The term can now apply to any superior cook (yes, men too), and also to this dish (chicken, ham and Swiss cheese slices, breaded and sauteed).

The Cordon Bleu Sandwich.

Eric: I’m going to do a presentation about self investment. A working person invest in self development through attending part-time courses, which can be for work or personal interests.

Me: I see. Instead of the commonly known financial investment, we invest in ourselves for a better future.

Eric: (busy applying face cream) Yeah.

Me: That’s exactly what you’re doing. Invest in face cream for a nice complexion!

Eric: (making a face) That’s not exactly what I mean!

Me: It’s a good example though. Haha…

Anyway, I spent some time putting my thoughts together. Enjoy reading!

Why do we invest? What’s the purpose of making an investment? For most of us, financial investment is the first thing that comes into mind when someone mentions about the term “investment.” Here is the definition of “invest” from the online FreeDictionary that fits into this context: to commit (money or capital) in order to gain a financial return. More often than not, investments are made to ensure a secured life and a brighter future. We invest in the stock markets, mutual funds, bonds, properties etc. The ultimate goal is simply a rewarding return (the higher the merrier) in the future. We reap the benefits of investments and hopefully, have a comfortable life when we retire.

Despite the advantages of financial investment, how many of us actually thought of self investment? Well, we did it for education since young. We spent time, energy, and money in getting a good education. Then what? We should look at self investment as an act of investing in oneself for a life-long personal development. Here is another definition of the word “invest”: to spend or devote for future benefits.

Self investment is a long term investment. We understand that a long-term investment in the share market takes advantage of market rebounds and generally results in superior returns. Likewise, education is not the end of the story for self investment; instead, we should develop special interests in various fields for our physical, mental, and spiritual growths, as well as to discover our inner talents.

Why do you think parents want their children to get involved in different activities, such as skating, drawing, playing piano, and swimming? It gives children the opportunities to master special skills, be it technical, social, or even management. We realized the significance of being an all-rounder and it’ll only make sense that we make it happen.

What are the ways to do it? Below are a few examples:

(1) Attend part-time courses to allow personal growth. Qualification is the fundamental of a job requirement. Personal development and experience are perhaps something that would distinct between you and your co-workers. Attend various courses, seminars, and workshops. Be initiative, innovative, and creative, in order to stand out from the crowd.

(2) Reading. Invest some money and time in good reading materials, whether they’re for general interests, study, or work-related. Reading is a great way for self-enhancement. It stimulates new ideas and build new perspectives that we can put into practice in life.

(3) Sports. Staying active is an excellent way to promote physical health and wellness. Brisk walking, biking, skiing, hiking etc. You name it! Get involved in your favourite sports.

(4) Traveling. It helps to broaden our horizons and allows relaxation.

(5) Build a social network. Spend quality time with family and friends. Strong relationships offer strong support in our endeavours. Share experiences in life and learn from others’ mistakes. A mistake made is a lesson learned.

Basically, it can be anything beneficial that we enjoy doing. Learning a new language, knitting, cross-stitching, designing and much more. Getting ourselves involved in activities other than studies and work. We need a variety of learning experience to stay upbeat and keep up with the changes in everyday life.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

~ Romans 12:2 a & b (NIV)

Decision is in our hands. Be motivated to invest in ourselves as the harvest is bountiful. It’s never too late to start investing now. Invest in yourself, and find the greatest treasure in you that brings forth a fulfilling future. Below is a famous quote about investment in knowledge:

“If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”

I’m grateful that my healthy body is fit for blood donation. If the needle-pricking pain is your problem, think about this: would you ever give up a chance to live on, if one day you happen to experience blood lost and blood transfusion is the only way to save your day? Would you then refuse to accept blood, just because you’re afraid of needles? Not a CHANCE!!! By the same token, why not be a generous donor and share with others the goodness of life? It’s in you to give! What do you have to lose?

At a young age, I envied those who’re over 18 of age and are able to donate blood. Why would someone who used to afraid of swallowing pills and needle-pricking like me be brave enough to go for blood donation? I believe in overcoming fears in life, especially if it’s unnecessary fears. If you want to stay healthy, simply swallow the prescribed pills; if there’s something else you develop a greater fear of (which surely you do), just go for blood donation!

I was really excited for my first blood donation in 2005, at the blood donor clinic on the university campus. I’ve to admit that one of the motivations was the bonus point from my Biochem. lab professor who encouraged students in her class to participate in blood donation I had bad experience donating blood the first couple of times. I’ve slow blood flow due to my tiny veins, and nurses had to give up after a while before they could gather the desired amount of blood from me! I pray hard every time I go for blood donation that my blood would flow freely and let it fill up the bag. My prayer was answered at last, when I started using my right arm (even though I used it before and it didn’t work)! Apparently, I’ve larger veins on my right arm and twice so far, that it worked perfectly! Nevertheless, I spent 14 minutes instead of an average of 10 minutes for most people. The nurse was worried at some point that I might not be able to make it through and had to adjust the needle’s position… Ha… I proved him wrong

I’m surprised to find out my blood type (B+) is rather rare in Canada, about 7.6% of all blood types. O+ is the most common (39%), followed by A+ (36%), O- (7%), A- (6%), AB+ (2.5%), B- (1.5%), and O- (0.5%).

Do you know?
1. Each blood donation can save up to three individuals. One unit of whole blood can be separated into red blood cells, platelets, and plasma.
2. On average, a hip replacement requires one unit of blood, a cardiac bypass needs 2 units, a heart transplant 2 units, and a liver transplant 10 units!
3. Blood cannot be manufactured. It can only be given as a gift from people.
4. Blood donors can donate as frequent as every 56 days.
5. One unit of blood is ~450 mls for each donation.
6. The process of blood donation, from start to finish, takes only one hour! Hemoglobin (iron) testing, answering donor questionnaire, blood pressure & body temperature reading, blood donation, and 5 minutes of rest.
7. A blood sample from the donation is taken for testing transmissible diseases, prior to usage.
8. You burn about 650 calories for each pint (~ 473 mls) of blood donated.

What are you waiting for? Call the Canadian Blood Services today to make an appointment (1 888 2 DONATE)! Remember, it’s in you to give! Be the ONE who makes a difference in someone else’s life *v*