LiJing

Oct. 10, 2009

Hi everyone, I am delighted to welcome you all to Mike and Julie’s wedding. In case you don’t know who I am, I’m Shirley, the maid of honor and the bride’s younger sister. You know what, that information is not pertinent tonight, because the only thing that matters tonight is the marriage of my sister and my now brother-in-law. There are so many things that I want to say right at this moment, but I can’t seem to find the perfect words to express them with. So I’ll start off with someone else’s words.

Sophocles once said "One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love."
But now I ask you guys what is Love?

Well according to Google, Love is a strong positive emotion of regard and affection. I believe that definition does love no justice. Love can’t seem to be defined by mere words. We know what it is, but how do we explain it. If I went on and on about this, it would take days, maybe even years to try to come up with something even remotely close to describing this emotion. Now in my favorite movie, A Walk to remember one character, Jamie said that love is like the wind you can’t see it but you can feel it. Sure it seems impossible for us to describe love clearly, but we all know what it is and we can all feel it. Tonight, I feel something in my heart right now, at this precise moment. This feeling of a glowing warmth and incomparable happiness, of acceptance and respect, of patience and passion, of desire and commitment. What I feel now is the love between Julie and Mike.

I’d just like to say that Julie, tonight you look breathtakingly beautiful and I couldn’t be more honored and happier to have to been chosen to be your maid of honor.

I’ve known Julie since the day I was born; I’ve known her my whole life. Hmmm.. Where do I start? Well, first off Julie and I have a peculiar relationship. When I was young she convinced me she was a vampire and would practically scare me to death by pretending she was scared of the light and displaying other vampire traits. A long time has come since then and our relationship has grown a lot from the days of the frightened toddler and the vampire teenager. As we got older we became closer and closer. When I was in elementary school, I remember looking up to my sister and thinking Wow she’s so tall. When she was in high school she sported this stylish bob cut or was it a mushroom cut, my memory seems to be a little foggy right now. Nonetheless, she was a little duckling, a cute little ducking might I add. Cegep came and she started to really discover who she was. She got rid of her harry potter glasses and her lovely haircut and she started to evolve into the beautiful lady we see before us. Years went by and she just became more and more radiant, but today on her wedding day, I have to say that she’s come a long way from being the little ducking, today she’s blossomed into a beautiful swan.

Mike, Sup bro? You look quite dashing today.

Now I never thought that there would be a man who could make my sister as happy as she is today and I want to thank you for being able to provide my sister with endless love and care. You’re one of the funniest guys I know and I can’t remember a single day that I’ve seen you where you haven’t made me crack up at some silly joke. I’ll always remember the games that we’ve invented where Julie wouldn’t?play along and the times you’ve attempted to help me with writing stories. So this time I want to help you write a story.

It’s starts off with Once upon a time in a land very close by, there was young maiden named Julie and charming prince named Mike. On April fools, Prince Mike asked the young maiden out. Yes I know, that sounds very peculiar but that is after all their anniversary. These two people started to get to know each other, they knew each other strengths and each other’s faults. After years of courting the young maiden, Prince Mike decided to ask the fair Julie for her hand in marriage. During the process of planning the perfect engagement he was so excited that he chirped to Julie’s younger sister that he was planning to finally take the next step in their relationship. When I heard this news I was so happy and so tempted to tell someone, and to this day I’m still surprised that I was able to keep this news from my sister. The Prince planned an elaborate scheme to sweep Julie off her feet and he succeeded. The young maiden said yes, to Mike’s plea and they lived happily ever after. Even though throughout their story, there were little minuscule bumps, we are here today to congratulate them on their happy ending.

Congratulations guys! I wish you guys all the best. Now I would like to invite my dad and Julie to come onto the dance floor and share the father and daughter dance.

Oct. 10, 2009

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, friends:

First of all, I would like to thank all of you for coming from many parts of the world to witness this truly special day. This day, the 10th of October 2009, my daughter Julie will begins a new chapter and a milestone of her life – as wife and loving partner of Mike. Let’s give them our warmest applause and offer them our best blessing.

In such a day filled with joy and happiness, as a father, I always know that one day my daughter will find a great man and I also wish my daughter the best of luck in finding the right man, one that will make her happy forever. And when the time comes when this happens, as I speak, I cannot describe my mixing feeling by words in either English or Chinese.  Apart from feeling happy and delighted, I also feel reluctant to see her part from our home.
Lijing and I are both very proud of how she looks today and how she has grown up. Julie is a very outgoing, caring and loving girl.  She has always been a part of my live. Along she grew-up, she has picked up many skills, some from working and some from love. But everything she has done has made me the proudest father I know. When she begins her new career, she will also fly out of our lovely nest and begin her new independent life. Today, I look at my daughter and I see an independent, attractive, elegant, stunning young woman.

Every father hopes his daughter will find a right man and always hopes his children will make the right choices in life. I cannot hide but to tell you how delighted I am to see my daughter, Julie had found Michael Tse her lifetime and loving partner, a young man I believe being reliable, sensible, and considerate. He is also intelligent, successful and charming.  We sincerely wish them from today a long lasting happy and healthy life together and always love, trust and respect each other.  With their own inspiration, creativity, and hard work, they will build a bright and successful future. I also hope that they learn tolerance, honor elders, and care for relatives and friends. No doubt, they will have a long lasting happy and healthy life together.

At this moment I know I'm also speaking for Julie when I say we are not losing Julie; we are merely entrusting her to Mike's care. We are delighted to welcome him formally into our family, and also we are more gratifying that Mike's parents feel the same about Julie.
I would finally like to say a couple of thank you messages. Firstly, to my daughter and her husband, for making me the happiest, proudest father around today. Thank you. Secondly, to all of you for joining us in our celebrations here today; you have all helped make it such a magnificent occasion.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends, it is now my pleasure to propose a toast to the happy couple. Please be upstanding and raise your glasses, The Bride and Groom.  All enjoy your free flow drinks.

Sept. 12, 09 I have been to Toronto so many times, but I went there again this long weekend with my daughters and my niece (jingjing). This is my niece’s 1^st time to see Toronto and Niagara. There were not many changes in the last 20 years over there. Toronto looks more prosperous than Montreal, the economy is blooming faster than that of Montreal’s and they have more immigration and more chances to find job. The sky was so blue, the ground was so green, and the water was so clean in Niagara. We had a great time there even though we spent over 16 hours on the bus.

June 21, 2009

Dear Dad,

Happy father’s Day! I hope you have a great day. I just want you to know that you’re an amazing dad and that I love you so much for always being there for me. I want to thank you for your constant support even though sometimes I cam be a bit of a pain. You’re not only my father; you’re role model, my hero and most of all my friend. Since I was young, I’ve always looked up at you. As I got older I would show you all that I’ve learned. Now that I’m mature, I will look after you.

Happy Father’s Day!    Love your daughter, Shirley

May 10, 2009

Dear Mom,

I hope you have a great year and I hope that it is not a huge pain for you for being my Mom. I appreciate so much what you have done for me every year, every month and every day of my life. I am so grateful to have a mom like you. Although sometime we do not always think alike, just know that I always value your opinion. I love you bits to and pleces.                                                                 

Love your daughter,  Shirley

April 27, 2009  This is a special class.  Because of the economic crisis, many people have been laid off from our company's research centre.  We are called the class of 2009. The average working year for this class is over 10. They all contributed a lot to our company. They did a lot of research for the development of a new medicine, they made many drugs to save people’s lives, and they created vaccines to prevent diseases. They should be pound to be part of class 2009. I believe that people will remember them.

Feb. 16, 09     I was so lucky to get tickets for my family to watch the international star, Celine Dion. The show was fantastic. I really loved her songs. One of the songs I knew was from the famous movie, "Titanic". Her beautiful voice and performance moved my heart. There were more than twenty thousand people at the Montreal Bell Center last night. She is definitely a great star.

Jan. 26, 2009  We participated in many activities during the time of Christmas, 2009 New Year & Chinese New Year. There were two big parties at our home. One was for Jiasiming company colleagues, another one for our old Montreal friends. I was so happy to see the great artist, Wang Cui and teacher, Wang Xiaolin whom I haven't seen for so many years. We also attended many parties. We were home for Christmas Eve; we were at Zhou Yong's house with friends for New Year Eve.. 

An interestbing activity happened Jan. 17, 09 in DDO to celebrate Chinese New Years with the Montreal west island Chinese community. There were about 400-500 Chinese people at the party. I was a volunteer. We had a potluck and watched shows that were performed by local Chinese people. Ganlin went on stage and sang a song with his friends.  Everyone even sang "happy birthday" to me because it was my birthday time.

Tonight, we watched a fantastic show celebrating Chinese New Years at Concordia University presented by the MCCCA. 

My family was doing well in 2008, Julie finished her Master degree study and started a new job. She was also engaged this year. Shirley has achieved excellent marks at school. Jingjing was in Montreal for a year and is used to live here. Niwei was preganant and expected a baby this July. Yuanyuan started her 1st year study in Lasalle college's sister school in Suzhou in China. Ganlin & me are in good health and still at work although the enconmic  crisis which effects so many people.

2008 was a very bumpy year for China, China experienced great loss with the Sichuan earthquake but also experienced a great glory with the Beijing Olympics. I'm looking forward to what is to come in 2009!!!

Dec. 1, 2008  In loving memory of my dear mom who passed away eleven years ago today, Dec. 1, 1997.  Always on my heart and sadly missed.

Your daughter

Nov. 26, 2008

Shirley's Favorite Songs:

Oct. 6, 2008   What colourful views at Mont Tremblent! Although the weather was not so good yesterday, there were clouds, rain, it was cold, but the autumn colours and the famed red maple leaves made our hearts warm. Our whole family and friend’s families had a wonderful day at Mont Tremblent. Ganlin, Zheng, Yuelong and Daigan’s family climbed to the top of the mountain. We are lucky to be Montrealers and to be able to see the season’s colour change every fall!

China, I will certainly be back many many times!!! I love China. I have to say thank you to my family and friends in China for the warmest welcome.

July 25 to July 29, 2008

Day 1 From Montreal to Calgary, Calgary to Banff

Places visited: Condola-Sulfur Moutain, Fairmont Spring Hotel, Bowfalls, Lake louise, Chateau Louis Hotel

Day 2 From Banff to Jasper

Places visited: Glacier-Columbia Ice Field, Bow Lake, Maligne Lake, Maligne Canyon, Jasper Township

Day 3 From Jasper to Calgary

Places visited: Athabasca Fall, Sunwapta Fall, Banff Township, Calgary Tower, Calgrary Chinese Culture Centre, China Town.

Day 4 From Calgary to Vancover, Vancoer to China

Fly whole day

The breathtaking beauty of Banff and Jasper National Park!!!

June 28, 2008

I can’t believe I drove a BMW to work today. It is black and feels very luxurious. This is our family's 8^th car. This is a big gift for me from my husband.

Twenty-two years ago, back when we were students, our 1^st car was a Ford Mustang. We shared this car with our best friend’s family. Our two families only spent $500 dollars purchasing this car. Although it was a red sports car and was quite powerful, however it only lasted half a year.

Our 2^nd car was a brown hatchback Dodge Colt. We had many adventures in this car. We drove this car to Florida in 1987 with friends. We also used this car to pick up our daughter from China, who said that it was “so cool”.

Our 3^rd car was a fresh red colour Ford Tempo. We kept this car for many years, and I even passed my driver's licence exam using this car. This car also did a lot for our family, such as carrying our youngest daughter home from the hospital (1992), moving our family from an apartment to our 1^st house and travelling around North America with our parents.

We bought our 4^th car, a Toyota Corolla, from a friend. The Timing belt broke while we were driving on a highway, and it really scared us half to death.

The Nissan Sentra was our 5^th car and it was a good car. It brought good luck to me, because the year we got the car was the same year I got into a big company (1994). After many years of service, it was sold for merely $1000 just a few minutes after posting it in the Gazette. We also had a Honda Civic. My husband drove a lot with this car.

Our 1^st new car was the 2000 model Toyota Sienna in beige. I liked it so much because, it could fit the whole family comfortably. I drove this car everyday. It feels very safe and was easy to use.

My husband on the other hand drives a dark purple Nissan Maxima. He averages 30,000km per year with this car. This car has done a lot for us and it is an honour to have this car.

A car is a tool for living. A car can be like a second home to some people. A change in the car represents a change in our family history. These nine cars have brought us a lot of memories.

May 22, 2008

Ten day ago (May 12, 08) China experienced an earthquake at the scale of 8.0. 
More than 50000 people lost their lives and more than 300000 were injured. My heart was broken. My hometown (Chongqing) was lightly influenced. My family is safe, but my homeland has suffered. I will do something to help my homeland and support China.

First I helped the Chinese committee organize a fundraising dinner at Chinatown; we raised more than 100 thousand dollars.

Secondly I joined the activity for this Saturday’s fundraising show. I will perform a poem with other people.

Thirdly I donated to the Chinese committee and the Merck Frosst campaign.

I wish our country will recover soon although it is not easy.

http://www.newswire.ca/fr/releases/archive/June2008/27/c8356.html

http://www.septdaysnews.com/html/jiaodianxinwen/20080525/15412.html

First my youngest daughter, Shirley, bought me a very beautiful flower. I get her flowers from her every year. I love the flowers but I love her more.

Secondly I received a beautiful card from my niece, Jingjing. She is living with us and is like another daughter. I want to thank her for caring for me.

Thirdly, My eldest daughter, Julie, brought me to a Chinese dimsum. Four of us enjoyed a nice lunch and good food.  Julie is a mature lady and I have a lot of respect for her.

Lastly I got my husband back from his business trip. He brought me a very good perfume (Chanel No. 5).

Thank you all for what you did. I had a very very happy mother’s day.

I fully support the Beijing Olympic games; I wish that China will become rich and strong.

March. 8, 08 :   My eldest daughter - Julie, has finished her Masters degree in biomedical sciences and will be starting her first job soon. I am so impressed with her achievements. Twenty-four years of life, eighteen years of schooling, she has flourished into a mature woman from a baby girl. Since she was in my tummy, I felt her, I loved her and I knew we would live together for a long time. I always believed that my daughter would become a smart, caring, loving person that she is today. She is more than what we expected. She has not only achieved her career, but is also very talented in art and music. She is confident and brave, fields in which I am less strong in.

Feb. 3, 08   My niece Jingjing is studying at LaSalle College. She came from China. She has only been here for 2 weeks. A week ago, she took the wrong train and ended up in the south shore. We were so worried about her coming back to West Island safe. Luckily, she was sent back to our home by a nice old lady. She (Helene) told us that god brought her home.

Dec. 23 to 26, 07 Las Vegas

Stayed at Circus Circus, Touring Las Vegas Strip, Casio Gambling, Watching a` Cirque Du Soleil show, Buffet, Playing at Amusement Park

Dec. 27, 07 Grand Canynon

Drove to Grand Canynon,  the sights were breathtaking.

Dec. 28 to 29, 07 San Diego

Met with the friends (Limin family), Cruised with them

Dec. 30 to 31, 07 Los Angelos

Met with the friends (Chun Family), Walked on Hollywood Road, Visited Getty Center, Visited Amgen

I have had this dream of being in Las Vegas for many years and finally the dream comes true. I will remember this trip throughout the rest of my life.

Nov. 22, 2007  Our best friend, Uncle Steve and his wife (Aunt Sharon) flew to China to start their great adventure. They planned to go to China for many years, due to their busy schedules and much worrying, they delayed their trip. They finally took this trip. Their itinerary is Beijing-Xian-Chongqing-YangtzeRiver-Shanghai. I spoke to them by phone. Steve said that he’s glad to come to China. Sharon said, “Lijing you have such beautiful country.” They had dinner with my sisters and brother yesterday in Chongqing. I am so glad for them. I expect to see their pictures when they come back next week.

Oct. 25, 2007  Oct. 20 was our 25^th wedding anniversary. We had a big celebration at Pekin garden restaurant (West Island, Montreal). Forty people from my family, friends and colleagues came joining us for celebration. Chen Zheng organized it so well. He was so humorous. Ganlin, my two daughters and I all gave speeches. Sophie sung a love song and Yong performed a saxophone. We also had our 25^th marriage picture slideshow. Julie bought a cake for us, Shirley bought so many balloons, and we also received many sliver colored gifts. I enjoyed it very much. 

Twenty-five years fly by fast, like Ganlin said that gain is better than loss in this marriage. We renewed our marriage there with our exchanged sliver rings. The next milestone will be the golden anniversary and I am sure we will all enjoy good health and our relationship for years to come. 

Oct. 4, 2007 I am taking Aerobic dance classes once a week now. It is a big movement. I really enjoy it. This kind of dance is different than ballroom dancing, which I took before with my husband. Aerobic dance combines a variety of dance forms with vigorous body movements to strengthen muscles and develop cardiovascular fitness. It is a popular form of exercise, especially among women. I am going to continue to do it and have fun with a bunch of my friends and everyone there.

Sept. 18, 07  My husband's niece, Liang Liang accomplished 3 major things in her life in five years after she came to Canada (got a Master degree, got married and got a landing immigration paper). I am so proud of her.  When she was 22 years old, she graduated from a university in China, came to Montreal and lived with us. It was different for her in the beginning. She missed her parents and friends so much and it was very hard to adapt to a new environment. I was so worried about her for many reasons. Several years later, she has made many new friends and she has lived very independently. She moved to another city with her husband and has a new life in Canada. I believe that her life will be bright if she keeps moving forward.

Aug.17, 07  Holiday in Canada's Maritime Provinces:Nova Scotia, PEI & New Brunswick. We went with Vacances Sincrama Montreal.  

Here is our trip schedule:

Day 1: Montreal- (Grand Falls, Halland Covered Bridge)-

           Fredericton (New Brunswich provincial parliament)-St. John

Day 2: St.John (Reversing Falls, Market Square)-

           Moncton (Magnetic Hill, Hopewell Rocks)

Day 3: Moncton-Halifax (Maritime Museum)-Peggy Cove-

           Land,Ocean cruise-Cold lobster dinner

Day 4: Halifax-Ferry-Chalottetown Parliament-Cavendish Beach-

           Anne of Green Gables-Econolodge(Hot lobster dinner)-Summerset

Day 5: Summerset-Federation Museum-Federation bridge-Shediac (lobster status)-

           Irving ecologic park-Bathurst

Day 6: Bathurst-Salmon town-Marcel Gagnon Art Museum-

          Rimoski Chinese buffet-MTL

This trip was fantastic, relaxing and rich.

July 26, 07  It is not easy to see a doctor here in Canada. The medical system in this country is good for people who do not have an income, but it is not good for real patients. When people really need to see a doctor, the waiting time is too long. The speed can not be compared to the Chinese medical system; of course poor people are not easily treated in China. Money can solve the problem in China, but not here in Canada. I wonder when I am old where I should be living so that I could fight a disease easier.

June 30, 07

May 24, 2007  We caught three adult and four baby raccoons from our backyard and front deck since last week. They are so cute. They have gray hair and black eyes. They lived around our house since last year. The adult raccoons have been sent to wild areas and the babies have been sent to SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) to be taken care of. If they do not cause any damages to our house and surrounding area, if they do not spread serious disease (Rabies etc.), we would like to keep them with us. We are animal lovers. We have a beautiful cat (Huahua). She is 14 years old. She has been living with us for five years.

March 18, 07  We went to New York City last weekend because Julie wanted to see her friend, who lives there. We spent seven hours to get there. The weather and road was nice and the weekend was worthwhile. Julie & Maomao were very happy with their old friends (Sasa & Weyue). Time flies by, they are all twenty three or twenty two years old! We watched them grow up since they were very young.

At the same time, we visited New York and our friends. New York City is very clean now, but we were very sad to see Ground zero. People will remember 911 forever, not only Americans but also everyone else. Shirley was interested about Columbia University s campus. The campus was beautiful.

Chatting and drinking with old friends over there was very happy. Xiao Miao, Xiao Tang, Yang Sheng & Yianlin were there. They all miss Montreal s life and looking forward to their new life over in America.

Feb. 12, 07   Chinese New Year is coming soon (Feb. 18, 07). This is the 4705^th of Chinese New Year and is also the year of the pig. My elder daughter (Julie) and my youngest sister (Xiao San) are all born in the year of the pig. I wish both of them good luck and peaceful year.

I haven't been celebrating Chinese New Years with my China family for over twenty-two years. I can only imagine how they are together, eating, singing and shopping together. I am planning to go to China home for Chinese New Year next year although both my parents are in heaven. I expected to have Chinese New Years celebrate with my sisters, my brother, my nieces, my family relatives and my Chinese friends.

Pig year is supposed to be a very sweet and rich year. I wish everyone a happy Chinese New Year, Go­ng Xi Fa Cai & Sui Sui Pi An.