Harvard University

Oct 22, 2005 (Saturday *Shower*)

There was a tour organised by Au Pair in America to visit Harvard University on last Saturday. I would want to drive to Cambridge but I was unable to connect any friends who will drive, there must be something wrong with my cellphone service. At last, I took a train from Newburyport Train station to North Station and transfer to subway. At first, it sounds complicated, but everything is fine because it is not much different from LRT in Malaysia, MRT in Singapore or even Metro in UK and Europe.

I am not really interested in the history of Harvard University. I never wish to study in Harvard. I know that I am not the "stuff" for it, and I know that I am not rich enough for me to study in such a reputable and EXPENSIVE charges university. So, what for I listen to all the enrollment procedures and history? But picture, of course I need to take more...hahaa....

Anyhow, study in Harvard is a life time experience. Though the tuition fees is superb expensive, one subject will cost more than USD700. With that amount, I can travel to West coast and enjoy my California vacation happily. It will be a hard decision to choose between travel or study in Harvard. If I don't travel to California, do I still have the opportunity to come back to America again? I am not sure. But I am sure, I have very little possibility to come back to America and stay long enough to study in Harvard again. Thus, my current decision is: Study in Harvard. I will pick a course to study in Harvard in Spring, to leave myself a unforgettable and precious memory!

Snowing!!!

It's snowing! It's snowing!! yahoooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oct 29, 2005 (Saturday) 9:50am Boxford, Massachusetts
I came out from the Boxford Post office after drop a postcard to Singapore. And I am so excited to see the first snow in my life! The snow is as light as feather floating in the air before it touches the earth, so wonderful!

I picked up the phone and called my friend from South Africa, Andell was still asleep and didn't believe me. It's true! Nobody believe the snow is so early and not even come to November yet. The snow falls to the pine trees and also the windscreen of my car, It makes me feel like the Christmas is around the corner.

Oh, I must grap my camera and get out of the house again.... See ya!

Snow! I am coming!!!

DVD/VCR/MP3/Windows Media Player

Broken Vs. NEW one
A week ago, Nela and I went to blockbuster to buy a VCR. We found a old movie called "Rush" and it looks funny. So I spent $5.7++ to bring back the VCR to my room.

While we were going to insert the VCR to my VCR player. Nela stop me qith a question :"Did you use the VCR player before?" "NO" I answered. "Oh oh" both of us come out the same words at the same time. After a few minutes, we both disappointed but laughing at our stupidity. I have never check on the VCR player before we buy the VCR. And she was really shock that I didn't curious at everthing, didn't try to use everything once I arrive. Hehee.... that's me. I will only touch that thing when I need to use it.

So I asked Eivind to help. After a 20 minutes of trial, we decided to leave it. The VCR is still stucking in the player till to date. But they just brought me a new one yesterday. I am so happy and can't wait for them to connect it for me tonight. I did it by myself!

It's awesome! It is not only a DVD and VCR player, it can also play MP3 and Windows Media. I can view my photos using my TV and also play my songs in my room. Yahooo!! Save my own $$$ to buy a speaker now. TSI, please dont send me speaker. hahaha.......... :)
But how turn off the TV screen when I listening to CD? I remember last time Wei Wei taught Chuan to do that. Please teach me.

Exploring North of Massachusetts - Newburyport

Newburyport
Oct 18, 2005 Shower Tuesday

Once a wealthy seaport on the Merrimack River with profits from shipbuilding, fishing and foreign commerce, Newburyport still maintains its stately old mansions and the historic Market Square shopping district. The town is only a few miles from beautiful local beaches and the New Hampshire border.

Newburyport Downtown

Unique, original and beautiful describe the items found in Newburyport's ecletic shops. Shop for the person in your life who's hard to buy for, or find a one-of-a-kind item that's perfect for yourself. SHopkeepers and building owners throughtout the downtown complement these baskets with colorful and creative window boxes, filled with flowers, herbs, vines and other greenery. These displays have become a signature of Newburyport's downtown.

Sculpture Park

(Above) KhaiYing and I visited to Newburyport on Oct 18, 2005 (Tuesday)

Boardwalk

Prince of Whales

Newburyport's Waterfront Boardwalk in the heart of downtown offers the punlic a chance to view the boating activity of the harbor such as whale watching cruises, deep-sea fishing/party boats, public docks, sunset cruises and harbor tours. There are numorous yacht clubs and marinas within a short distance of downtown.

Bird Watching

and much more.....

Exploring North of Massachusetts - Newburyport

Newburyport Oct 16, 2005 Sunny Sunday
The first day when I meet Mary, she told me it's rare to have rain in Massachusetts. Probably due to the global warming and the changing of global temperature, it was raining everyday since my second week in Boxford. Most of the time, I stay indoor and eaglely hope the rain stop soon so I can step out the door to breath in some fresh air.

I woke up from my comfortably bed at 8:30 in the morning. The first thing I did was checking the sky from my little window. I saw a reflection of sun from the lamp post right infront of my window. Oh! What a sunny Sunday! Let's wake up!

Carol was staying with me in Saturday night and she pulled out a big map to show me the directions to her house. Anyway, I was driving in my own car and tailing her car all the way to her house. It is easier than my expectation. We passed by Haverhill, Merrimack and enter to Amesbury. The weather is gorgeous as it has a good mood and so am I. I looked around the scenery while I am driving and it is so impress to me! I really like to stopby in some places like Kenoza Lake, Merrimack Library and Amesbury Town. It took about half an hour to reach Carol's house.

I left my car in her house and we started out one day trip to Newburyport. First, we went to a Chinese Restaurant in the town. This restaurant serves Chinese, Thai and Japanese foods. I have my very first pot of Chinese tea in US. I cant tell the name of the tea but it's so good. I feel like I am in Malaysia.

Of course, I did not order Chinese foods nor Japanese foods. I can always cook chinese foods by myself and I dont think it is any good for Chinese food in Western countries; normally they westernise the taste. And why not Japanese foods? Well, I ate alot of nice cooking from Arai san and I think it will never be better if make by others. So, I had a Thai seafood TomYam and steam rice. Carol order a plate of spring roll and it's not bad. The waiter is a Chinese from Fujian, China. We spoke Mandarin, Cantonese, and a little of Hokkien. It's so nice to meet a Chinese and listened to Chinese songs in restaurant in US.

After fill in our stomach, I started explore Newburyport. I think Carol has heard enough for my praise for this lovely place. So far, It is the most beautiful place I have seen in US. Yeah, it's truely a New England. All the streets are so nice like I am back to England again. The window displays, and the flowers at the window added the beauty to the town.

People in Newburyport are friendly as I guess it is probably because of tourist industry here. Touring around Newburyport, you can take your own sweet time to spend a whole afternoon to survey the jewelleries shops, boutiques, gift shops, or even bookstores along the streets. Some important festivals like Halloween, Thanks giving, Christmas, and New Year are around the corner. The next festival is Halloween. Thus, the Halloween displays are everywhere in the shops as well as along the streets.

........to be continued

Live in Boxford

About my family ....

A life lesson that I learnt - "everything happened for a reason". There's no free lunch for everything.

The home is far away from the shops. It takes at least 15 minutes drive to get to the shops area in other town.... If you wish to walk out the street and meet people, buy a pack of noodle, no way! you must drive...

Some other au pairs told me their host parents said Boxford is a Rich people area... American call it vacation home! But I think this is crazy! Too quite! Chinese said: “ask sky, sky not answer; ask earth, earth not answer too!” hope you understand, (I think the Equine suhailas will understand. hahaaa....my direct translate.

My host parents are nice persons. My host mom is so helpful and she took a day leave on last Friday just to bring me to another town to apply for a social security number (as I/C number) because I faced some problem when I tried to open a bank account last Wednesday. And they bought me my favorite food in the supermarket!

Yup, the second shock is the stuffs are so EXPENSIVE in this area. Everything are “Wao” double and even tripper price in Malaysia. It’s out of my expectation. Daily stuffs and clothes in UK and Australia are cheaper and nice quality, and this is not applicable here. Too bad! I didnt brought enough clothes and stuffs for myself! :(

The first day I reach here, my host dad tested my driving skill. This is the first time I drive in a huge car and drive on the other side of the road. Scary man! I told him that I am nervous but I try my best to be steady. And I did it! I did it! But it’s tense! so tension!

The roads are extremely, typically narrow! If I drive in the speed 30mph, the car coming from the back, I cant let it take over me, because the road is only allow for one car each time! It’s even bad when I don’t recognize the directions. If I missed a junction, I have to go all the way straight and look for a safe place to turn back.

The first day I drove the youngest kid to school, I lost in the county on my way home. I took more than an hour to reach home and my host parents were anxious! hahaa.... I can laugh now, that time I was so helpless and felt want to cry! It’s so hard! I thought it’s relaxing to be here, but it’s so hard.... everything are so new to me.... never ever come across in my life!

One of the day last week, a korean girl came all the way from another town to visit me. I am so happy to have my first friend in my cluster. She is so kind to open her hand for me, when I am in the ‘dark’... When we were chatting in my house, tears flow from my face and I start crying.....
And day after day, I went to library by my own, opened a bank account by my own, drove to North Andover (another town) by my own, meeting new friends by my own (like a blind date), come back from somewhere by my own, and I am fine now.... at least I am getting better! Now I am crying, for those barriers that I gone through!

I never mentioned about the kids? Oh ya, they are 13 and 16 year-old. The 16 years old boy is polite and respectful. At least he knows how to say hi and thanks, answer me politely when I talk to him, smile when answering....

The 13 years old boy is a very hectic! He yell at his mum, throw things, broken the gate,....refused to bring his course materials, teasing me, testing on my patience,...
He gives me a new challenge everyday!

One morning, I ask him to keep a form in his bag, he said NO. And I ask him does it matter if he doesn’t submit. He said NO. And I ask him just to put in the bag and return to teacher, he said NO. And all the NO NO NO.... The first word I learnt from him - NO. And he tried to cheat me and thought I can’t read English! Oh Damn boy! I read the sentences in front of him and told him: “Don’t you think I can’t understand English?” Please bring it. And he was shock and after a second, he said he will do it tomorrow. “Well, I trust you for this time, you have to do this tomorrow.” I said.

I thought, if he refused to do it the next day, I will tear it and throw it in front of him. But he did it the next day. I don’t understand why he can’t do it the first time. Oh, hectic.....

That’s about me in America. Too long and bored to read? Oh, just forget it.
I met so many au pairs last few days. Most of them admire me because I have older children and need not to work like a hell. I have a lot of free time to do my own things, I have my own suite..... well, having younger children at home may be happier?? They are more attach to the family if the little kids love them... I also heard about some crazy host mother, screaming all days and under medication,.... compare with them, I am luckier?


Yesterday is Mooncake festival. I have a cluster meeting in my community counselor’s house. I gave all au pairs a Tang Lung and Malaysia handmade bookmarks. They were so happy and fight for that! I gave the same to my host mother too and she is fascinating about the Tang Lung.

I look at the sky and found the moon. It’s bright, especially in this county, the reflection on the lake looks so amazing.... Were you looking to the same moon in other end of the world? I miss you so much!

Fire! Fire! Leave the house immediately!

October 07, 2005 (Friday 1:15pm)

"Dong dong dong dong....... Fire! Fire! Leave the house immediately!" the fire alarm turns off!

What's wrong? What happen? Ozzy is barking loudly in the kitchen... I picked up my bag and ran directly to the kitchen..and called Mary for help.

There's nothing wrong in the house, no cooking, no smoke... while I am checking every room in the house, my host dad, Eivind call me. I tried to reset the alarm according to Eivind's instruction... Oh, so scarry! I wonder what happenned just now and the house is so big and many rooms to check. Luckily Ozzy is with me, my dear mate.

15 minutes later, the efficient Boxford Firemen arrived. They checked the house and told me : "We found (pause for a second) nothing." "That's the bad thing." another fireman said. "So if next time the fire alarm turns off again, just leave the house, and wait for only 10 - 20 minutes for us to come. Dont reset the fire alarm as we can't trace the problems because everything will gone when the alarm is being reset." Oh, I learnt the same when I am staying in the campus hostel in UK - - Leave the building immediately. How come I forgot?? I was too nervous! My heart beat increase XX times than normal while the alarm turns off... where got time to think?

After everything is okay, the fireman leave the house. I wish to take a pictures of them...but so shine leh.... I am so sorry, I didn't take it... so , no pics attached

A big house in the WOODS

Depart to host family in Boxford
In Saturday afternoon, we all say goodbye to each other and depart to our own family. I took a train from Connecticult Stamford Sattion to Boston. My host mother, Mary came to pick me up in South Sattion, Boston.

There are seven of us in the same train. We were tired but also excited to meet our host family a few hours later. We took pictures in the train, talked about our countries, .... some of the girls get off before me...

We met a friendly staff in the train. When we arrive the South station (last station), the staff ask whether we want to put our luggage on the trolley pulling by beltman. We are so happy and three of us throw all our luggages into the trolley quickly.

Right after that, a lady shouted my name: “amy, hi amy!” Oh! she is Mary! I am so happy to meet her! And you guess what happen later? I saw her folding a piece of ‘paper’....hahaha....it’s money, a tips to the trolley puller. Haha! We forgot about paying tips!

And finally, I am home! in America home.... a new life begins here............

About the house......
I am so shock when I reach home!

This is a country home, far apart from city! I live in the woods!!

Well, try to imagine while I am painting the picture in your mind. Are you ready?

Let’s start!
..... After many left and right turns, we finally reach a very small track surrounded by tall trees, after about 200meters, there’s a big wooden house (all house I saw are wooden made). Mary stopped the car in the garage, and we walked up to my private suite. I have my own room fully furnished with kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, air-conditioning system, TV, VCR player, sofas, Dining table, Fridge,..... sounds good huuh?

Part of the house

Entering to another side of my family house, a big living room with brown leather sofas and sound surround amplifier system, walk through the living room, there’s a spa room on the left. Hahaa...this is the swimming pool I have been told through the phone when they first call me. It’s an exercise pool and a Jacuzzi tub, some gym machines and equipments.... and a bunch of smelly ice hockey stuffs belongs to the children. Walk straight to the walkway, the second door on the right, a guest’s bathroom and a work room on each side. Okay, come back to the walk way, go straight, there’s a kitchen and a backyard after the door. Go straight again, you are entering to the lobby of the main door. Another living room at the end of the other side.

Walking up the stairs, be carefull... you are entering to second floor which is the host parents master bedroom and their bathroom. Before that, you will reach a play room, again, with computer desk which I am sitting here, a TV room for the kids, and their bedrooms and bathroom. A laundry room is next to it. Walk up the stairs again, wao! this is the third floor which is the eldest kid’s room. He is staying in a dormitory in his college, a freshman in college. His room is so so Big!! But this is definitely not my territory because I need not to take care of him.

Of ya, I forgot there’s a under ground playroom with a few playing tables for example pool table, hockey, .... a bathroom, a bedroom, and so scary...because underground..... eik!
And I also miss a guest dining hall,...I forgot where is it,...too many doors and rooms...I always lost during my first few days..... I dare not to “luan luan pao” (mandarin).

And this house, surrounded by woods (treesssssssss) beside that, are trees too! And this house is well furnished with all advanced technology system like alarms, spring water system, mosquitoes killer system, fire and smoke alarms.... Good, but I caused the fault alarm right the 2nd day I am here. Early in the morning, I have to remove the alarm before let the dog go out to ‘peep’.... but I forgot that door are alarmed and hahaaa.... the alarm was on and my host mother came downstairs, and the officer from the Security center called us and find out what happened.... so scarry, I make a mistake oh...

The backyard, looking out from kitchen

GLOBAL meeting

Orientation
*AuPair in America*

Amy in the orintation @ Hotel

The orientation in NewYork started from the second day and end on Sept 10, 2005.

I thought I am coming to America for a year long of relaxing vacation. But the orientation reminded me that I am coming to work in America. Taking care of American children seems not an easy job. The kids are the little king of the house, the most important aset for the parents. Taking care of teenagers seems even more difficult than younger kids. They are entering to an pre-adulthood, fight for freedom, wanna to be an adult... but mentally still a like a kid.

The four days orientation really benefit us, who are going to stay in an American family and taking care of their children. We learnt a lot of things included Red cross emergency rescue methods. I don't really remember everything, but I remember the trainer keep mentioning: “If you can't handle it, call 911 ...” That’s all. You can even call 911 when you fail to stop the kid from crying..huh! it's serious!

In general, it’s fun. We wake up in 6:30 every morning, get ready and have a breakfast in the hotel restaurant, and start ‘school’. Lunch taken at around 12pm, then continue ‘school’ for the rest of the day. We had free time at night.

Yup, it’s like what Sze Chyng said : “The orientation is just like Miss World competition, and all of us represented our own countries. Participants came from 55 countries all around the worlds. Em.. I would like to called it a GLOBAL meeting!

I am proud to be a Malaysian, speak ‘good English’ among all other au pairs. Hahahaa.... it’s true. I make many friends from different countries but closer to three girls from Canada. Why?
Because we speak the same language - English. hahaha..... no wonder people said language is the bridge to understand each other.

Halo America !

Arrival
Arrived in John Kennedy International Airport in the noon of Sept 7, 2005.
Not really excited before I have check in through the custom.
In fact, I was afraid I would be denied for entry after 22 hours flight all the way from Malaysia to US via London. Thanks God! Everything is fine! And I am now standing outside the airport waiting for the hotel to pick me up!

While Annie and I walk out from the custom with our huge luggages, a black lady shouted to us: “Au pairs, this way!” and she walk very fast towards another side of the gate. After a few minutes walk and train, we stood in front of the Exit and I start chatting with her while waiting for the hotel driver. She is so friendly! The first American, the first black lady I met in US!

In about 15 minutes later, a huge black Mercedes Benzes stop in front of us. “lady, get in to the car, leave all the bags to him.” the lady said loudly.

Wao! such a big car! and both of us have special treatment coincidently (most au pairs are taken by bus). Feels good!

The hotel is not bad, clean and tidy. Two double bed and a single bed. I am the first who came to my room so I have a double bed. Haha..!
Oh bed! I need you so much now!

After a shower and an afternoon nap, I had my first American dinner in the hotel restaurant.
No great meals but it's fine! We can't wait to finish and walked to the library to access internet.

huh! I forgot that the traffic rules is different from my country... cars come from my left but I look at the right!! em..adjust my brain quickily... be careful! always look at the left and right and left!

Yahooo! That's my first day in America!

Bon voyage

September 7, 2005 - my 26 years old birthday.
At last, I finalise my luggage packing and pull them out from my house and place them in my little and cutie Atos! (WLW5246 in case I forgot the #)

The little angel from the next door (Xin yee) ran to me. She has a lot of words that never say from her mouth, but I can read from her face... She just staring at me, she is sad for my leaving...
And I saw her grandma also staring at me with ther tears in her eye... I really wish to stay back for a little longer, but I have to go now...

Thanks Sook Ping and your papa mama for cooking a delicious meals to celebrate my birthday and farewell with me. I am sure my sister and nephews were glad to meet your family too. Thanks for the little girl and your mum to pray for me and bless me before I started my journey! It's touching!

Thanks for praying to Buddha and all your advices (Arai san, Vincent, and Elise...)

Thanks for everyone that celebrate my birthday in advance (Sam, Kweeli, Samantha, Yen, Afu, Wei Wei, Kim Chuan, Xiao Bai, Alvin, Kwai, TSI, ...).

Thanks for Equine's S&M and Credit Admin Dept for the farewell lunch and the nice snowing hat! Thanks for Equine's A&P Dept for the creative, unique, and the "hou dai sei" farewell cards! (Aemy, Stephanie x2, Ah Chi, Anna, Fazlina, Vivian, Lansern, Angelia, Celine, Joey, Laura, AiLeen, Ivan, Sharen, Kit, ....... )

Thanks for coming to KLIA (Anna, AiLeen, Selina, Xiao Bai, Wei, Katie, TSI, Sam, Marcus ...)
Thanks for calling me from far (Chuan, Chin, Rechelle, Yanni, Sow Ping, Cheewai,.....)
Thanks for coming back all the way from Singapore and clean up my mess at home (my dearest sister)....
Thanks for taking care of my car and my house (Hoong and Sook Ping)
Thanks for you FRIENDSHIP!


GOODBYE my dearest friends!

Au Pair in America, are you sure?

"Yeah! I have submitted my application to Aceglobal today." I was telling my friend one day in the early of June 2005. I remember how your feedback showing on your face and doubted about this program. It's unbelievable?

Oh I am here in America now... The program is genuine ...

It took me a long time to decide to participate in this program. The moment I submit my profile, I am so sure and know how much I would want to go America!
Why? Nothing else, just to see the world!
The dull and boring daily routine life needs some excitment!
So I sat for a CPI test in Aceglobal, interviewed by the agent in Singapore via web cam, accepted by AuPair in America UK office,..everything was so smooth!

I get my first call in July 4, 2005 from a family in Michigan the second day after I have been accepted by this program. It was so surprise as I didn't expected to answer a call so soon. I was trying to delay the date of departure to spring 2006...so that I can depart almost the same time with Michelle.

I didn't match with Lisa's family in Michigan, due to my uncertainty to arrive America in September. So I said :"I believe in God's arrangement."

A second after I click my mouse on the "send" button, my hand phone rang.
An enthusiastic and happy women voice on the line. She introduced herself and her family...... and ask me if I am happy to be the guest in their family. The first impression is good!
She was considerate about me, bear in mind about things that I mentioned in my profile, and shows that they really like me. She also tolerant about my departure date due to my own reason.... and after a long chat, we matched!

The next step, is to wait for the confirmation and acceptance package from UK office. And it didn't let me wait for too long. So I have an interview appointment with US Embassy on August 3, 2005. So excited!

"I failed the interview... they declined my visa..." and I was crying in the car. It's a big shock for everyone. No one predict that would happen! A big wave just brushed away all the beautiful dreams ...

August 2005, an extremely busy month in my life.
I busy at work, busy in collecting all neccessary supporting documents, busy in practicing my oral for second visa interview,... busy for some other personal matters.... My house became so messy as I have totally run out of time. So sorry to my housemate. Please forgive me for the mess!

This time, nobody thought I could get my visa, I could feel that strongly!
I prayed, I talked to "My Gods" I talked to Buddha, I talked to my parents...asked them if they think I am suppose to go America, please help me. If I am suppose to stay in Malaysia, there must be a reason behind... I tried my best, nut leave the answer to my God...

Oh! if I could record the process of my interview, I would definately show it to you. It was so tense and took me nearly an hour to convince the consular to issue me a visa. A big accomplishment in life! I no longer afraid of being doubted why I have been refused for visa to enter USA in the future... I still want to travel, definately!

huh! Happy? Yeah, for some reasons...But I was too busy to think about the excitement! I had no time to sit down quietly to be sad for leaving my family and friends; I was too busy and no time to jump around to announce I am going to America. What I ought to do is still working and packing my luggage. I am so sad that I even lack of time to farewell with most of my friends......

.....and the departure date is coming soon!

Oh friend, a new 'you'

Sze chyng,

I get to know about this au apair in america program since you sent me your first email from America 2 years ago. I was so surprise about your changes in life.

In my impression, you are introvert...not really had good times in your life, rare to smile, not interested in exploring life at all.... Oh! I might be wrong.

You took a first step to change,...expecting a new life in America...and it all begins in September 2003 when I am reading your email in learning center in SHU, UK. We once were good friend in our first year of secondary school, and we become strangers to each other...do u remember?

Follow by your first email from America, our new friendship began again.. :)
There's up and down in your life, full of excitement, happiness, sadness, confusing, ... but you are fine now. Aren't you? I am glad to see your changes after you came back from America... you are now a cheerful person!!

And I am begin my life in America now... searching for the answer .. of life........