That has been a long long journey. Two years - I was almost middle aged when you started out.
Have a great time.
Willy
Well I had a smile on my face reading this and I don't know why? I guess I'm happy for you both. So here's something the rest didn't say...
Qing, Welcome to America
Arnold will not update for another week or so....
Great news Arnold and be happy together..
I am very happy to join the Forum.I like to thank the all the members to be so Nice and so kind for all the wishes for me and my Lao Gong.I am very happy finally to be together with my Bee in America.
So SiFu,
What does Qing think of "America" so far ???
How does the Chinese food compare to back home for her tastebuds ???
Happy Gobble Gobble Day :icon_cool:
Did you show her where the washer and dryer were? No more washing in the sink. She must have been thrilled.
Saturday , as mentioned before .. we visited my Sister in-law in Pasadena ( she loved that City by the way ) . I took my Sister in-law and her Husband out for Lunch at P.F. Chang's , to see .. what I concider the best Chinese Food here in the LA area and to see how Qing like's that . She was very pleased of the great Food and the Guy she was with :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin: . Spend the rest of the Day , sightseeing Pasadena and get Dessert .
Grerat day for both of us .
Yes Paul , you obsolutely right . It does make us better Person's .
In-Jaul , it may be all Americanized Chinese Food , but I think it is the best that is available here in LA . Qing thinks it was very good , even if NOT true chinese Food .
Jim , don't be jealous ... your Time will come and you wont even think about Me anymore . Will I blame you ? Of course not ! We both don't have too many year's left ... so we better make the best of them . :icon_cheesygrin:
Rocky , sorry ... but this Swing Set was at my Uncle's house . I only have a Spa , which is more Fun and Qing loves it ... haha ... so do I ! Much more now .
She likes our Supermarket's , but just love the Asian Market we go to in the S.F. Valley .
You might explain for our readers that the SF is not San Francisco, it's the San Fernando valley, am I correct? I was raised in California
so I know where your at. Although China Town in Frisco and fishermans warf might also be a lot of fun.
Brakes anywhere in California, replace once a year or more....:icon_cheesygrin: And you thought the driving in China was bad.....
Now...trying to bring this back on track... I think we need an update from Arnold about how the driving lessons are going.
I can say that teaching a wife to drive can be frustrating, also so can a drive instructor. Better teach her yourself and by the way, teach her where the steering wheel and brakes are first!
By the way, shades of chevy chase in xmas vacation, thats a nice tree, are the neighbors still looking around their yard for it....:icon_cheesygrin:
Thanks Jim . Her English is good enough to understand simple instructions , but she is very nervous about it all . This is where it's better for me to hang in there and teach her the best I can ... to be at least somewhat confident if the Driving School is needed later .
I'm also glad she likes the Americanized chinese Food at least . It's bad enough , she would not have any fast food like Mc D's / KFC and the like .
Must Focus , I know the Insurance part will be going up either way here . But I will keep the mileage down on paper , as to how much she is going to drive a year ( like 10 miles ) haha .
Anyway.... it's just a thought of what im planning to better prepare my most prized posessions..
Arnold buddy I think you misunderstood me.Or I didn't write it clear enough.If the border control agent had a hard on that day for Asians.He/she could of denide access to Qing just because she is traveling on a visa.
But on the other Hand , she is not made out of Glass . Thank God or I'd be a wreck for sure .
I will thread very carefully ... as some of them do not fully agree with me having found a new Wife sooo soon after my late Wife's death . As you know yourself ... these Women are so special , I still lay awake next to her and wonder ? How do I ever deserve this ?
Ps: I'm a little down , as no one said anything about my new Poem ... which Qing obsolutely loved . I told her I will pull it off here .
Flower's,to blossom can have no Pain .
the town is a Buzz with your Bliss while I am stuck here in a blizzard.
Quote from: 'Rhonald' pid='26928' dateline='1262300452'
the town is a Buzz with your Bliss while I am stuck here in a blizzard.
" I did't even know I was expecting. So just where is this "Buzz Town full of Bliss"? I should have known better than to mess around with that village. Happy new year to all!
Buzz "with your Bliss"
Happy New Year to you too Buzz and I will wait with baited breathe for your next Buzzword :icon_cheesygrin:
Thanks David , you know ... I might just come down to San Diego and we can do Dinner there . It's been a long time and I kind of miss that beautiful City . It would make me very happy to meet up some time in the near Future . I can really see us all six together someday ... looking forward to that . So , thanks again and have a great 2010 .
A Flower comes Home !
Flower's bend in the Wind
freeze in the Cold
some need to be in plenty of Sun
other's are afraid of the Rain
so to have it all told
Flower's,to blossom can have no Pain .
Certain tall and lengthy Flower's
can reach for the blue Sky
filter the Love out of thin Air
only to find light shower's
seeking someone that truely cares.
Being planted in a foreign place
the Love away by oh so far
hoping,wanting and wishing
one Day to be able to touch that Star.
Having found one with a smile
only to cross a Distance
of oh so many watery miles
to where this Love can be shared
never to leave this Dance
in the warm Arm's of Romance
so nothing more can be said...
...The Flower is Home .
Yes, but think about this, she is with you every day now and is probably very happy!
Arnold,
she should and will probably meet a few chinese people in her english class. i dont know about you
but i dont think people really realize the sacrifices these ladies make to be with us. they basically give
up everything they have grown accustomed to in their life to be with us and take care of us. they work so
hard to learn everything they can. i am from california also (northern part) and sometimes they run across
some narrowminded people who dont understand the chinese culture and make some rude remarks and
they take it all with a grain of salt. could you imagine a california girl making these same sacrifices???
i dont think so or at least they would be so far and few between. its funny after all these years now i am
doing in China what your lady is doing in california. And now that my face is being seen everyday here so
so many chinese people are talking with me eating with me and we are learning from each other. anyway
just wanted to share that. when we move to USA in a few years to live there parttime i dont think i will
teach the driving though. i think it would be better for my peace of mind if i have a school instruct her.
otherwise i might have to start drinking i the passenger seat :icon_cheesygrin:
Shaun,
I can't believe American law would allow a worker to sign away a 12 hour working day, without pay.
For a start Health and safety rules wouldn't allow continuous 12 hour day working, let alone 7 days a week 12 hour working!!! No these owners, are exploiting these workers BIG time, and need to be brought to boot, and shown that this is just not acceptable in the Western world. While they are racking in the money, there workers are living like paupers in a near slave capacity...
Dob them in Arnold, these owners need to be shown that this is just not acceptable and taught a stiff lesson....
David....
Wow, nice photos. Are those the Rockies? Here we only have hills.
All Chinese ladies seem to love sport and exercise. I'm not sure I like either. I think I will be ordered to take up some activity. I like the idea of watching my lady in her belly dancing exercise class :angel:. I am rubbish at ping pong.
Shaun,
I am totally baffled!!! ....What do you mean you drive each and every day without pay???
You have NO workers ''Health and Safety'' regulations in the States?? No-one is allowed to work 12 hours 7 days a week, Surely?? Your labour laws would hold president over any buckshee employers contract, in fact all contracts would have to apply to your Labour Laws....
Something just don't sound right here, .....We are talking about America here, ...aren't we ????
David
Neil,
I hope it's nothing like the American codes!!! Full of ....exceptions ,exceptions and even more exceptions ...hahaha
It is a defence that is often used in Common Law and has been thrown out and overturned so many times that it is hardly worth the bother of a defense......however, if the signatory does not complain...then nothing gets done. Usually, fear and concern prevent many disadvantaged people from making a legitimate complaint, which under a Westminster type system would certainly succeed !!
David
Charge them by the hour on that (a lot). :icon_cheesygrin:
I think they hire monkeys to do stuff like that...:icon_cheesygrin:
It's about time you lot went metric, like the rest of the world..... talking about being out of step!! hahaha!!
I think, but not sure, that even Canada is using metric cable sizes!!
So what's the big deal with sticking to your antiquated AMG??
David....
All the other countries use wierd voltages, except Canada and United States. We use 110 and 220 volts and get along just fine.
So all you other countries MUST CONFORM or else....haha :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
by the way i am not offended by what anybody said i
just wanted to make a point of difference and uniqueness
that makes the world an interesting place
Thanks for sharing Arnold. I can only imagine the frustration your wife feels and in turn you share. I am glad her child is back with the grand parents and lets hope the future smiles brightly on your extended family. And with that I also hope your thread is now back on track.
I do like a nice Cigar ones in a while . She is okay with that .. I think ?
Master SiFu,
How's Qing adjusting to the culture shock ?
Is she enjoying the North American food ?
Her english must be getting better everyday.
Student
ok Arnold i cant resist HOW :icon_cheesygrin:
I will carve out later with chisel and hammer
Two great posts Arnold. I look forward to the day when Peggy and I are doing similar things. We talk about it quite a bit. You posts are encouraging and I can't wait to see pictures of what the two of you are building in the back yard.
Arnold, Is that suppose to be a small pond? or waterfall? Is there a lining under it? Doesn't seem like there is one. Otherwise whatever water you put in there it will drain away.
did it taste good??
Government assisted in cali. Didnt know they had any money left to give.
Arnold good to see you still around, catching up on your thread.
Arnold,
as they say ' read the fine print" very carefully
im sure it will be all good just a little ractice on her partYup...a little "ractice, and "ersistence" goes a long way!
:o OH! NO! she is taking flying lessons. ::)
I also know what you and other's have to endure very well and I posted this here
But one knows what keeps us going .. none other then the Woman you came to find .
Looking forward to the beginning of your " New " Life with Wendy .
That's a very impressive Philodendron you've got there.......
Pity that vision in the bikini was hiding most of it ;D ;D ;D
The reason you dont see many Toyotas being towed....they are so damm expensive to maintain and repair, the first problem, and off to the wreckers they go !!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Looking really good. I was going to start planting a few trees and bushes around the yard but decided to move instead.
Arnold, are you talking about a frame over the patio for the plants to grow on? or an actual roof? I've done many. Let me know I'll give instructions you could do mostly yourself.
I love my Toyota.
That only applies to the Mayans .... are they still around? ???
Is there a pitch on that roof? Looks good.
Once you are done I hope you buy a brand new barbecue and send out invites to the brothers here.
Chen Yan... It's only a patio... you should try making him do what I did and make a 120 square meter deck that was 3.4 meters off the ground! a small patio is NOTHING :D
[img]Guy's , this is for the Romantic Dude .. so if you are NOT .. don't read further . ???
Just wait when I start my Spa Cover ( also one of a Kind ) with Sky Doors and a Bahama look .
No snow flakes in LA. At least not white ones. ;D
Final touch-up on the Posts , one at a time .
Ah Arnold, who's that sitting next to Qing? Mmmm maybe I should make a trip to Calif. ;)
My Parrot can of course "HANG" with us out there .
Sounds like you had a good time so far. You had to go to work to rest... ha I see you found Tom Arnolds' Star? What pier is in the photo? The Santa Monica Pier has the Ferris wheel? or are you on it?
The Outback Steakhouse......bar humbug you yanks wouldn't know a good steak, or good food unless an Aussie cooked it for you!!!!
Could the name under your foot have been Eddie?
Australian Parrot.........they are very fussy who they make friends with .... ;D ;D ;D
Is that Charlie s angles i spy in the last pic ?
Lovely photos Arnold....I am pleased to see that you have made friends with an Australian Parrot.........they are very fussy who they make friends with .... ;D ;D ;D
I can tell by your last picture Arnold that the ice cream gave you too much :o GAS
Those were the good old days in more ways than one. , Cougars,
"my now Business that I took over" ? Did I moss something? do tell
Arnold sorry for the dilemma, but then the choice of two good options is the kind of dilemma worth having. Maybe, if undecided, you can ask Qing what she thinks since you are torn up with what to do.
From time to time but don't remember seeing anything about a business?
Looks like you opened (or took over) a shop?
haha .. she'd love to go to Germany too .
Well Arnold, Congrats on your shop. Between the two of us we know all the tricks to keeping a business going.
As for the travel? I don't know your funds & time line but could you do both?
send Ticket's and I close Shop for a week and Paint anything you want .
Forget all of them Jason. I can sell you a book on how to paint a baby safe home all by yourself. There is even a chapter in the book on how to disable mods and administrators computer. It is a must buy for every young family. $79.99 and $20.00 Shipping.
Help Guy's .... for some reason today .... I'm SOOOOOO tempted to play/push that infamous DELETE botton on som......... !
Maybe dumplings would not taste as good being made with crocodile meat. ;D
so my 'haggis' does taste better than something ;D ;D
Koala dumplings would probably be the most revolting concotions imaginable.
The "Tree Bear" to which your refer Mr Kiwi is likely the Koala ???
Arnold can you call them and ask what they want? I get mail from gov. agencies asking for proof of this and that? I call them direct and ask (WTF is this?) and most times it's just an automatic letter sent? (waste of time and money as far as I see it) but mostly just write on it the answer and send it back. Worked so far.
¿qué?
But was Columbus a spanish speaker or Portuguese.
Well Arnold, England and Germany has had very close "relations" for centuries. The English royals aren't all brit blood. Here's a hint: Prince Albert.
Come to think of it, for some parts of the modern population, nothing much has changed.... ;D ;D ;D
Life originated in Africa..........us Whities are a mutation of the original "dark" proto-humans
And Arnold say happy 2 year anniversary to your own venturer ;D
Be carefull with assumptions David. Although you are right in us becoming white as a mutation (probably due to decreased sunlight), also blue eyes, yet you can not assume that what remained in Africa did not also change. We do not know how we originally looked when we first ventured out of Africa and how much the gene pool has changed with those that remained.
Ron, I dont pretend to be any sort of an expert in this matter, but I find the whole subject to be immensely interesting.
Yes immensely interesting and curiosity does indeed lead to more knowledge. I momentarily changed my major (failed attempt at University) to Anthropology due to a Fedora clad, Hoolywoodised whipper snapper. Once I realised my chances in a financially satisfying career was limited I changed my Major to a General accounting career.
New Years, riding a bike in a t-shirt!
What it must be like living in California?
Always nice to see your photo's
Arnold, learn to pull a copy off the page of a photo you want. As you know now they can disappear quickly.
well finally something got done at the DMV.
fortuantly she has never learnt to drive before so there will not be any bad Chinese driving habits :)
Arnold...you ar a big softie ;D ;D ;D...(and its wonderful)
Glad to see you are re-united again.
I am in a quandry at the moment...Ming has been invited by the local Chung Wah School (where she teaches Chinese to English speaking Chinese Children ) to a 4 week training course in Beijing !!!
This course is highly regarded and is sponsored (and ALL paid for by the Chinese Government) and so for her own development and satisfaction, I KNOW she must go and do it.
How I will handle 4weeks + without her, I am not sure....I wont have time to organise a replacement from CHNLove (haha)....so I guess I will be a bachelor again for a while... :'( :'(
Arnold...
Yes, we discussed whether or not I should go to Beijing with her.
I have been to Beijing before, so it would not be the sightseeing that prompts me to go...but I would dread 4 weeks in that horrible polluted air.
At the same time, Ming's course is very intensive, 7.30 am to 4.30 pm 6 days and there would likely be evening functions she would have to attend. So for me it would be sitting around doing bugger all for 6 days (and nights !!) and be together with Ming on Sundays, when I am sure that Sunday she would need to rest and sleep and not worry about rushing all over Beijing with me.
You can say that at that time I always wanted to be a Master Baker! ::)
That is a very graphic film Arnold, both in visual and sound.
Did you watch the original Hebrew version or did you have subtitles? Did Qing have problems following the dialogue, I certainly did?
Jesus certainly had one thing in his mind at that time. He was the only person to have ever died who was 100% definately certain that there is another life. The rest of us can only hope that our beliefs come to fulfilment.
Might I gently remind you all that we have a religion thread so that those of us who find religion irrelevant and faintly ludicrous dont have to get puffed up and reply to such threads as this..... ;D ;D
My guess was the same as Arnold. My thoughts were to bring you out of the heat of Australia and put us in the hot water here. ;D ;D ;DMight I gently remind you all that we have a religion thread so that those of us who find religion irrelevant and faintly ludicrous dont have to get puffed up and reply to such threads as this..... ;D ;D
Sorry David, I knid of knew that I was going to be in hot water with you..
My guess was the same as Arnold. My thoughts were to bring you out of the heat of Australia and put us in the hot water here. ;D ;D ;D
Nice to see you back David.
Willy
Sorry...should have translated the "cheers" thing. It is a generic Aussie idiom covering (approximately) bye-for-now, see ya later, au revoir or similar. It has nothing to do with any sense of "cheerfullness". I will try to avoid such 'strine concoctions in the future ;D ;D
Now I will go back to contemplating my navel !!!! because I am on dangerous ground continuing this debate which should be in the religion thread....and Martin is gonna nail me any time soon !!!
DavidE
Willy...I see that Rhonald has worn off on you. HahahahaOnly in Willy's night Mares
So Arnold, is your wife planning on inviting people over to celebrate the new Chinese year? This Friday night my wife will have some of her guzheng students over to celebrate and Saturday she will perform her guzheng while a Tai Chi association will do their routine during their Chinese New Years Party. I think we will be more busy then I was for our January 1st New Years. I also wonder if anyone has any extra red envelops to hand out as I would like to help out in receiving ::) some sum.
I was born in the year of the Horse. Has that affected me. Neigh! Not one bit!!!I think I should amend this after this weeks revelations.
Willy
I see in the picture where she is hanging one handed off the cliff that the cliff face must be magnetic, thus the direction of her chain. Great pictures and great daring do. I always knew your wife was a secret agent - Secret Agent... but on Whose side?
Browny point for that movie reference anyone? 8) 8)
Me is thinking that the mods have too much power. :o
Its OK John. Arnold was standing on a box. Ha Ha
Just tell her it's a beer holder...I mean a tea table!
Just tell her it's a beer holder...I mean a tea table!
Or a large bottle opener
I see in the first photo that you have a few takeaways in the background ready to go home with.
Willy
Congrats to her on the GED.
Don't you admire her work ethic? My Ivy is the same way; makes me feel lazy, and I can see why China is kicking our collective ass.
......(she's the only one in her class)... amazing!