BALI STATE OF MIND

 

The Archipelago

Lyrics of Bali State of Mind

by unknown.

Some folks like to get away

Take a holiday from the neighborhood

Hop a flight to Miami Beach

Or to Hollywood

But I am taking China Airlines

Transit over Anchorage and Taiwan,

I'm in a Bali State of Mind.

I've seen all, snow, sleet/freezing rain

5 PM as dark as 9PM

New York City slushy mess

Been driving on ice covered road

But I know what I'm needing

And I don't want to waste more time

I'm in a Bali State of Mind

It's still cold outside, but I can't wait for my next month getaway vacation. I convince myself to start prepare what need to bring, who should I meet, where am I going to stay, what am I going to wear and not to mention the most important think how much funds available to bring.  I love vacations ... who doesn't???? ... I sometimes think I live for vacations ... waaakakkkkakakakk .... The ability to suppress reality for a few days ... no bills due dates, no time lines, no project plans, no alarm clocks, no cooking, no cleaning, no rushing here and there, definitely no obligations of daily living ...... just thinking about it brings a sense of vacation state of mind!


One of the places that I have always wanted to visit again and again has been Bali.  I went to Bali four years ago and don't know why I felt so drawn to go there again.  And yes, this spring I am traveling abroad to Bali, Indonesia to attend my nephew's wedding.  Surely, the best and unforgettable destination for a romantic wedding.  Accommodation checked!   Rental car checked!  Party gown checked!  Bathing suit ....... wait a second ...... that's not on my list ..... need to loose some inches to bring my sexy back ...... hahahahahh ..... Well, I have to remind myself that I will have to live in the moment.

Little that I know about Bali.

In 2009, the Island of Bali was rank #1 World's Best Islands by Travel + Leisure Magazine.  This Island of the Gods is part of the 13,700 islands that make up Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world.  Bali always a favorite destination for me and those in need of a little relaxation. Green and lush, rich in culture and scenery, their kindness and hospitality are legendary, this tropical island continues to attract visitors from around the world including domestics.  Even after the 2002 bomb attacked by this Radical Islamic organization, Bali stands up and rebuild its tourist industry once again.


After Bali, we are flying to Jakarta, capital of Indonesia and the largest city in Indonesia.  Jakarta is located in the island of Java.  All my relatives and good old friends lived in Jakarta.  Some relatives already make plans for a family gathering on behalf of us, not to mention my childhoods friends from Caltex, class of 82 already start making plans for our small reunion.  After all, its been 30 years apart, some of them I met 4 years ago, but I am looking forward to see others.  And I can't wait to write a story about that.

My flight is next month ...... doo wop doo wop .......wish me luck .... I am kinda scared of flying ...... :((((



Till next time folks,
Warm regards,
Mia

http://www.playlist.com/playlist/21482868747

Mia and Her Collection: NO CELLPHONE ETIQUETTE THIS DAYSSS???

Mia and Her Collection: NO CELLPHONE ETIQUETTE THIS DAYSSS???: "Can You Hear Me Now???? (Verizon quote) 'YES, For Pete sake..... WE CAN HEAR YOU NOW!!!!!!!!!' (My quote) Have you overheard a hal..."

NO CELLPHONE ETIQUETTE THIS DAYSSS???

Can You Hear Me Now????  (Verizon quote)

"YES, For Pete sake..... WE CAN HEAR YOU NOW!!!!!!!!!" (My quote)

Have you overheard a halfalogue or overheard one-sided cellphone conversation on a public transportation?  "Hi" ....... "What's up?" ....... "I'm on the bus" ..... "we can talk" ....... "oh my God" ..... "you kidding????" ........... 

Halfaloguers seems to ignore the fact that when they talk to someone on a quiet bus, it destroys the ability of anyone else to read a book or even to sleep until the person finishes it's conversation.  Is it necessary to discuss about relationship issues or worse, yet, to talk about what was happened last night?  "Hi" ..... (giggle) .... "yes" .... "last night was ..."  As a result, my brain will try to fill in the blanks when I hear half of this conversation ....... LOL, yeah .... you will do the same, would'nt yaa? 

Last week, this woman was sitting behind me, for the whole 45 minutes I was forced to listen to her halfalogue conversation about the other woman they don't like.  Seriously woman ..... its annoying, I am sure half load of commuter gritting their teeth listened to her personal conversations. Why can't she offer to call the person back, or the least she could do was try to tone down her voice.   Or the other day, some dude was discussing about some kind of enterprise campaign ..... I meant .... discussed about work related on the bus????  I was like ..... "Dude, what's wrong with office desk ... and/or ... private line .... ???" Was he tried to impress people surround him about who he is or his accomplishments? Ten years ago, what was it like sitting on the bus with no noise irritating our ears???  It must be pretty quiet and comfy .....

What is today's etiquette in a human society?  Some 30 years ago, etiquette was part of my school curriculum.  I am sure nowadays, those are obsolete ...................

Just me, daily commuter :)
Mia

FIND THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOUR VALENTINE

Valentine's Day is coming up soon, and with it comes an opportunity to extend some love and kindness.

God sent His love to us through His scriptures that full of mercy, kindness, love and compassion.  But what ideas or what message will you send to your loved one?  Love is the most precious gift that one can ever think of on Valentine's Day. But, some cute bouquet of Valentine's Day roses is not a bad idea to express it to your loved one :))))

Here are several suggestions without breaking your budget:

Show your love by sending a handmade gift.  All kinds of arts and crafts are becoming more popular gifts these days.   Think of the fun by creating your own Valentine's gift exchange to your teachers, classmates, or simply gift to your favorite dog.  Here are some pieces of handcrafted gift that I found from Family Fun website.

 

For your teacher, a clap hand and a tube of hand lotion.

Puppy Love Locket for your dog

For your classmates

Black, white and fuchsia (hot pink) matchbox for your coworker
picture from Etsy

There is a variety of other options to shop other than a bouquet of flowers.  
Have you ever thought of a cake?  Like this cake? 

White Chocolate Rose Mousse Cake

from http://www.thebleedingheartbakery.com/ ........ hmmmm yumm ....

 

OR, you may want to consider the permanence of a gift. Flowers, cakes or a box of candy will be enjoyed for the short term, whereas jewelry will last a lifetime.

Browse and shop a lovely selection of jewelry for Valentine's Day gifts from www.Pragajewelry.Etsy.com. Affordable assortment of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets in sterling silver, silver plated, gemstones, glass and more.

This beautiful necklace measures 18 inches in length.
The color is a combination of plum and amethyst and is made of enameled pewter with swarovski crystal, cat's eye glass and amethyst rondelles by Czech fire polish.

This vibrant red coral charm bracelet is sure to spice up any outfit. 

Measures 8 inches in length

This is a two stranded coral/magnesite necklace measures about 28 1/2 inches in length.

This 17 3/4 inches necklace is made of red twisted tube glass,

round cherry quartz and it is further decorated with silver plated flower accent.

This chic necklace is made with a 19 x 13 mm white magnesite rondelle,

accented with red quartz and bali beads spacer.
Measure 18 1/2 inches in length and finished with a fancy toggle clasp.

Matching bracelet

Measure 8 1/2 inches in length with 1 1/2 inches extender.

This pink hearts shaped glass are bursting with playful metallic shimmer and lovely copper swirl.

The combination color of pink and amethyst is separated by a silver plated beads.
Measures17 1/4 inches in length

This is a stylist bracelet made with a vintage-style light green and pink lampwork glass beads,

with vibrant colors and artistic rose design.
Measures approximately 8 1/2 inches in length

This piece is made of opaque red rondelle and twisted oval glass beads.
Measures approximately 26 1/2 inches in length.

Again folks, please visit my jewelry collection at www.Pragajewelry.Etsy.com

Last but not least ............ here is the greatest love and kindness of all.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life".

John 3:16 

Love,

Mia

Mia and Her Collection: EARLY SNOW BLIZZARD HITS EASTCOAST ..... CK...CK.....

Mia and Her Collection: EARLY SNOW BLIZZARD HITS EASTCOAST ..... CK...CK.....: "A blizzard is a severe snowstorm usually accompanied by high winds, blowing snow, very cold temperature and the blowing snow can cause white..."

EARLY SNOW BLIZZARD HITS EASTCOAST ..... CK...CK...CK....

A blizzard is a severe snowstorm usually accompanied by high winds, blowing snow, very cold temperature and the blowing snow can cause whiteout conditions that make driving and walking nearly impossible.  This unexpectedly perfect storm arrived in unprepared NYC, NJ area the day after Christmas, where pretty much every retailer in the United States has outrageous after Christmas Day Sale.

As many folks head out the door for Day After Christmas Sales ........ me and my husband Eddie, made our way to go to Macy's Herald Square in NYC.  Snow was already start falling but not to heavy, so we thought its just another snow.  Oh, and yes, none of us checked weather channel that a blizzard warning is in effect for New York City and surrounding.  We arrived at Macy's and got a perfect parking right in front of the building.  That was around 2:30PM.  Soooo ..... if you think most of New Yorker will stay home watch TV and eat their hot soup, you are mistaken.  Macy's was packed!  My friend Grace happened to work at Macy's, so after Macy's we were heading Queens to attend the Indonesian Catholic Apostle Christmas celebration, Grace and her husband Darmo came along in our car.  We stayed at the party until 9PM.
 
When we're about ready to go home, we were shock to see the outside blizzard.  Me and Grace with our high heels tried to fight our way to the car (duuuuhhh ...... it's a party).  The snow was nearly 10 inches high, higher than our heels ... LOL. After spinning and sliding in the huge unplowed  parking lot, our seventh generation Honda Accord 2005 made it's way out to the almost empty street.  We drove not more than 20 miles an hour due to low visibility.  Once we reach Manhattan, that's where the problem began.  More traffics ahead of us, some sliding, some spinning, some dancing on ice, some covering the whole street.  Some taxis was abandoned in the middle of the street.  A GMC Terrain SUV wheels are sliding out of control on ice, and you think how come their four wheels drive vehicle can't go.  LOL, it doesn't matter if it's four wheels or two wheels, it's still just rubber on ice.  So, we were about to make a turn on 57th street, hoping that wider and major street will be well plowed, but before we made a turn, we didn't realize that the snow on the side was that high.  Our car got stuck just in front of a taxi that also got stuck.  The car won't move, all of a sudden this Samaritan China man whose taxi's stuck in the snow bank came to our rescue.  He pushed our car as much he can until finally did moved.  We all thanked him, but in return he asked us to help push his taxi.  Eddie and Darmo was like ...... "oh crap", they just wore a suit with no jacket, no gloves, no hat, not to mention their leather shoes.  So, we told him we're going to help and again try to park the car into a better spot.  Unfortunately, we got trapped again that I have to switch and seats behind the wheel while the boys tried to push the car.  After all the pushed forward, push backward and push forward again, the car out of the snow bank, and I make sure look for a better spot to stop which was actually far from the China man's cab.  What happen to the two boys?  Their face and hands were frozen and they couldn't help to get inside the car, so we regretly left the China man behind.  We all felt soooo bad to the China man, but that's what happen when you were not prepare with winter gear.  So we strolled very slowly on 57th street, but all of sudden the wipers when completely off.  But we were afraid to stop and fix the wipers, cuz when we stop, it will be hard to slide the wheels.  With zero visibility, just depending on lights, we moved extremely slow.  We thought we're not gonna make it home with no wipers.  When we reached Fifth Avenue we got a better spot to stop and clean the wipers and voillaaaa ...... it works ....... so off we go.

Numerous people simply gave up waiting for bus and taxi, instead they walking down in the middle of the street. We were wondering how come Manhattan streets were not being plowed, or maybe they only did once???  Or could it be the snow just fall too fast???

 Anyway, we made our way out Manhattan and facing another problem on Rt. 3.  A huge truck trailer was stuck horizontally and covering three out of four lane highway. After waiting for about half an hour for the NJ trooper to haul the trailer, we finnally able to pass the trailer and traffic was moving slowly through the slushy snow covered roads.  We got home almost 1 AM and not able to enter our own driveway, by then the snow was already high and the stupid snow plower dumped the street snow into our front driveway...... whaaat daaa ....  We left our car on the street and we DIVED!!!!!


The next morning I put a sign "HOUSE FOR SALE 1 MILLION US$ OBO ..... OWNER MOVED TO SUNNY AND WARM STATE" ................ hehehehe you laughing ...... let me know if you are interested :)

BALI hold my hand ..... i am coming home :)))))

End of story.

The next morning, over 30 inches of snow

Free snow, feel free to pick your own

He is thinking of playing golf

Neighbor come to our rescue

No need snowboard .... slide by itself