Unsuccessful posts....

I'm back. Why do I disappeared for quite a while? This time is due to the technical problem too. I tried to create new post by everytime it's failed. How could the windows not responding while I try to upload pics to the blog? And I am 'force' to close the window and re-login the blogger again. Is that related to my computer or it's the blogger problem?

It's another risk that now I'm trying to type so many things here and end up 'hang' with the screen again...

Fresh N' White

Hi hi, I went to my friend's host family house to celebrate Chinese New Year on last Saturday. As usual, I packed my stuffs in my practical and good looking backpack and dump it into my car.

We have had a great time chatting with each other in the living room after the Malaysian + ang mo dinner. Somebody suggested to play card games. I realized that it's late and I need a shower before I could welcoming my 'doggie new year'.

I went to Yvonne's bathroom. It's the biggest among all au pairs's bathroom I have ever seen. The interior design is classic and looks like 60s or 70s. I like to call it classical cottage. Oh oh...that's not the main point.

The main point is, I saw something "gorgeous" in the toothbrush holder. Guess what is it.

******************************************************* Get it??

It's Fresh N' White!!! Uhooooo! I love it!
I forgot to check what is the favor but its package is in blue. I used to use the one in green, mint favor. That's the only toothpaste I like after my parents period of using Darlie.

I tried the other brand before but it tastes strange for me. People using Darlie always can't accept 'red brand' and those used to 'red brand' always say Darlie is too strong. And I found something in the middle. Not too strong, more affordable, and taste good!! hehe...

I didn't bring any extra toothpaste in my luggage to US. At first, my host mum gave me one but it tastes totally 'STRANGE' for me. I felt like putting overdue food into my mouth. eakkk....!

Then I got myself another brand which is also never seen in Malaysia (May be we do have it there but I too used to Darlie and Fresh N' White). And, it tastes even worse!! Finally I got myself a mint favor 'red brand'. Oh gosh! Why so different? Different from 'red brand' in Malaysia too. I don't like American toothpaste at all! Taste bad and very little bubble. eakk....!!
I don't enjoy brushing teeth now. Now I know why some parents have to get their kids many different favors of kodomo lion, etc.

uhooo...hoooo... a lots of bubble with my Fresh N' White!!
Eat well, sleep well, and brush well !!

Primura Auricula

Bloom bloom bloom ...

I love flowers!

In UK, flowers growing everywhere in Summer and Autumn. Different colors appear at the windows and balconies as well as along the streets. variety colors of wild flowers take place of greenery in different seasons. I saw 'white mountain' in Peak District when I arrived in UK. It changed to yellow after a month and follow by purple, etc. Glenn told me the purple wild flowers named Heather, which is grow fast and strong untill it take place of all other plantation. It's always beautiful but such a headache for the farmers. I always take pictures with flowers untill all my friends in UK know I am crazy for them.

'Purple mountain' in peak district

I like to keep a pot of cactus at home. Forgive me that I have no idea what is the name of the kind that I like. It's green at the bottom and either red or yellow (flowers??) on top. It is so easy to keep this kind of cactus. I almost never took care of them besides pouring some water once in a while. I had one in my room in Alpha condominium and Way Siong bet it would die within a month because I'm so lazy. Surprisingly, it growed well with little care. I gave it to my housemate when I moved. Then, I got another one when I shifted back to Serdang but the naughty mickey mouse thought it was ice creme and God bless it. The third cactus i had in UK. Same, it growed very well and accompany me for a few months before I back home.

Other than that, I always seek for a kind of flower which I didn't know the name untill I found this (as picture) in Boston. I am so surprise and glad to see them in the market. That's what I always looking for! And finally I know it called Primula Auricula.

I had two pots of this flowers during my vacation in Australia. There are in date red and yellow. It is nothing so special from other flowers but what make me love it?

....I learnt something through keeping these flowers. The new sprouts in the middle keep blooming and you have to get rid of those old flowers although you may think it still look good. Same to do with the leaves. Always give enough room to the new blossom so that it flourish well and looks nice. Something for you to think about. Keep a pot of this plant and you may know the meaning.

*May your life flourish with colorful blossom!*

SnOWsssss

A red house in the snow

It's so beautiful !

That's my suite on top of the garage. Everyday when I wake up from bed, I look out from the window and it's so nice to see the woods cover by snow!! The first snow storm in this winter, the snow continue for the whole day and it blocks my window. I couldn't go anyway because the snow is so heavy. I felt so bored to do nothing at home. Suddenly, I saw my hair dryer beside the window. I picked it up and blowed the window. It's fun! The snow the block my window flew away from my window and I made a hole in the snow... hahaa.... that's not bored anymore!!

Sometimes, staying alone I learnt to be entertained myself by doing something noncense.

Happy Chinese New Year!!

I guess all my beloved friends in Malaysia are busy with CNY shopping. Usually, some of you would feedback to my journal or write me emails frequently. But these few days, I hardly heard from you.

People keep telling me Chinese New Year is around the corner but I hardly feel it. Some of my friends in other states are organising CNY party at their host families' house and I am invited. Yvonne's family will do a bonfire in their 'farm house'. I think that will be great because it's winter now and you can do something special in the snow... I consider to join them but a bit lazy to drive for few hours to New Hampshire.

em...anyone of you will escape from KL in CNY again?

Gong Xi Fa Chai to those uncle and aunty, Ang Pao can be posted to:

Lily Pond Road, Boxford. heheee :P

Hurray!! Snowing!!

Ozzy loves snow!!

He is energetic and likes to run in the woods. During the snow days, he loves to play in the yard and dig his head into the snow on the ground.

He won't be bored staying whole day outside palying in the snow. I am too cold and don't feel like soak in the snow today. So, he couldn't stay outside too long too.

He doesn't want to come home yet. Still want to play in the snow. But he would come with me if I say :"Ozzy, chees...". hahaaa..he loves snow, but he loves chees too!

Problem with Windows Explorer

Anyone can answer my questions regarding computer?

Recently when I'm using the Windows explorer to arrange my folders and files in My Pictures, a screen pop up and said that there's some problem and need to close my windows explorer. It happenned everytime when i try to reopen again. Now, it even happen to my internet explorer. I suspect there's a system/software crash between Windows with Real player. It's because I use Real Player recently. Is it possible?

I'm just afraid it affects my photos keeping in My Pictures. I took a lots of efforts to take them and wish not to loose them.

Snow in January 2006

Snow again...

The back yard from media room in 1st floor.

The wood is coating in its white jacket...

The weather forecast annouce the snow storm to be continued untill tomorrow. I can't imagine how thick the snow can be...
The beauty of snowing still touching my heart though it's not my first snow. I love to drive slowly and watching to the snow flakes flying to my windscreen. The country roads are so beautiful when it's snowing!!

But, I'm afraid to drive sometimes if the snow is too much.

Traffic in US vs. Malaysia

Talking about the gas price differences in Malaysia and US. It link me to the traffic system in these two countries.

Some people who have never visited Malaysia would never have idea how busy is Kuala Lumpur. They may think Malaysian are living on the trees or in the jungle. I remember I keep some photos I have taken with a baby elephant in Thailand before I came to US. When I show them to some of my friends from many different countries, I told them that's my pet at home in my country. And surprisingly, they do believe it! Huhh!!

And previously, one of Malaysian au pair in West coast of US was asked to rematch because the family claimed that they need an au pair from a big city who can drive very well. Oh shit!! See what these people think of my country. It is such a shame, isn't it? But after a while, I think it's not our shame but those who have no idea about Malaysia is. Probably they know only things that infront of their doorstep.

Well, there is still some people who know better about Malaysia. I am so glad that our formal Prime Minister Tun Datuk Dr. Mathir's contribution to Malaysia development. His vision created a lot of good names of Malaysia in the world. People knows about F1, Multimedia Super Corridor, Twin Tower (used to be 4th highest building in the world?), and so on. There is some of the aspect we should be proud of being a Malaysian.

But I really want to critic about the traffic system in Malaysia. As I can say, some of the road signs are not installed for the driver to check the direction. It is more for driver to check that they went into wrong exit. Why do I say so? There is some road sign placing either too close to the exit or even after the exit. It's just confusing! What for to place it after the exit? To check whether you drove in to the wrong exit? If you drive in Kuala Lumpur, you definately know how bad is the traffic especially in the morning when everybody rushing to work and leaving office in the evening. What is the real cause of these traffice jam and accidents? Is it because the country is too small but the vehicles on the road is overwhelming? Is this a problem without a solution and hopeless? I doubt how much effort do we put to at least reduce the problem. Could we improve the public transportation or something else? ....

As I'm here for the 5th month, I really love the traffic in US. The land is big and there have enough spaces to build huge highway. Some highways link to each other and some even started from the South to the North, from the West to the East across countries. The highways are really highway. You can enjoy speed driving at least up to 120mph! If you are driving at 65mph, probably you need to spare more hour on the road :)

The country road was so complicated when I first arrive. There is too many roads and if you don't familiar with that area, you will probably lost in the woods. But luckily the road map is so helpful as it is close to 100% details and accurate unless you get an outdated map. The little green road name plate is placing on every begining and end of the road. And the road directions signs are so clear and place at the right position. If you are going to a new place by checking on the map, you will not missed it if you follow the road sign.

Another aspect that surprise me is the efficiency of police in US. In the town I live, you can see the police patroling everywhere and hiding somewhere under the trees or the intersection like they are get ready to arrest those break the rules. So, if you want to speeding, you have to be careful and scanning every potential spot of police's 'favourite'. It's funny but it works well.

I used to be a tough driver in Malaysia but now I almost trained to be gentle. I may have problem to drive in Kuala Lumpur again... hahaa...

Gas Price

What is the gas (petrol) price in KL now?

In Malaysia, we call the fuel using by general cars as petrol and gas for certain taxi. In US we call it gas. The price of gas is different from day to day, sometimes it changes from morning to afternoon and night. Different gas station selling it at different price. It's fun to look around to get a cheaper gas.

When I first arrived in US, the gas price was selling at around $2.20. It was up and down for the past few months. When the price drop to around $1.59, everybody was happy and I can see how big the different was shown by my gas needle in my car.

Unfortunately, the price is going up again. These few weeks, it is more or less $2.33. Filling $30 is like nothing in my Land Cruiser. Too bad!

In US, Mobile station is everywhere. Imagine it's like Shell station in Malaysia. But Shell station is not that much in US. Mobile always selling the gas at highest price here.

Hey, how good if my car always drink water only.

Accident REPORT (2)

The next Monday after the accident, I have to drive again. As usual, I have to drive Kyle to the driveway before 6:50am. Eivind's Land Cruiser is even bigger than my previous Santa fe. I got in to the car, checking everything that's new to me and I asked Kyle whether he is afraight. He said no, and asked me to take it easy. He was not afraid? I guess he might pretend relax and sit back.

On Tuesday, Eivind got his new car, a brand new Porch. I wonder how rich they are and always click on the mouse and then parcels and boxes come to our house. It's the extension of his first Porch. This is much bigger and higer than the 2 seats racing car. He was so excited and so as Chris. I bet that would be Chris's car later because he is allowed to drive in March. He might feel happy because I damaged his Santa Fe... hehehe...just kidding.

On the following days, I drove the Land Cruiser to show Poh Chin around Boston. But I was afraight to drive to Boston Downtown after the crash. So we took the train and subway.

Nowadays, I learnt from the lesson and drive really slow. I drive around 30 - 45mph on the country road when there's snow or wet on the road. The Land Cruiser is bigger but I feel that it's not better than my Santa Fe. The steerling would shake when I am driving on the uneven road. The brake is too old and do not works well. It doesn't show a well performance on the highway when I drive fast though it's heavy. And it consumes lots of gas....

Anyway, one of my friend from Germany said she met an accident when she is 17. And she is happy she is still alive. So we both agree that an accident without injuries in the younger age perhaps is not a bad thing. We learnt from it and more appreciate our life and tend to drive safety.

I am glad that God keep me here. And Kyle is so sweet after the accident. He changed alot, never yell at me again, wake up bed without making noise and always smile. I think he is more appreciate life too!

I hope he will not drive fast when he is able to drive in 3 years later.

Accident REPORT (1)

I am regret that I mentioned about my car accident and didnt describe in details previously. Some of you were wonder how am I and I didn't even reply your email. Here am I to recall the day it happenned....

December 16, 2005 (Friday), 6:55 in the morning.

As usual, I have to drive Chris to school at 7:15am. I woke up Kyle and drove him to the driveway and wait for the bus. But he was late and we saw the girl live next door was driven to school by his dad. So, we thought we might missed the bus again. Thus, he asked me to drive him to somewhere to catch the bus. I was angry because I know he might cheat me and want me to drive him all the way to school again. And I can't do that because I have to drive Chris later. But he insisted that he know where the bus is and so I drove....

It was about less than a mile from house, I told him don't try to cheat me and if we don't see the bus in next junction, I would drive home and wake up his dad. At that moment, I found that my car run fast and I would want to slow down. The car lost control and swayed on the road. I once control it but suddenly the car slided to the left. I tilted back the steerling but the car crash immediately up to the hill and hit a big tree on my right.

I heard Kyle's screaming at the few second when we know we will crash. And both of my hand was holding my head when I see the car heading to the BIG tree. In a few second, I couldn't see anything but I smelled a strong smoke from the explosion of airbag or engine. Kyle was afraid and kept calling my name. When I realize that I am still alive, I am so worry about Kyle and he told me he is fine. I thought the choking smell were from the engine so I ordered him to get off the car immediately. And I did. The door on my side was damaged and I left from another side.

We both were standing far away from the car in the rain and tried to call his dad. A car had stopped and asked if we need help. I guess Eivind might having a big shock again when he answer the call from Kyle. We got back and waited in the car. The car was still standing properly on the road but facing backward on my way. Many cars stopped and asked if we need help.

In about 15 minutes, Eivind arrived and so as the fire dept, polices, and ambulance. The fireman said that is a bad spot and many accident happenned here. And we also been told by the police that the school was delayed for 2 hours due to bad weather. So, what did we rushed for? The ambulance staffs make sure we didn't get hurt and asked if we need to go hospital. I had a minor sore on my neck but i was just worried about the car. It was so bad!!

Later, Eivind drove us back home and I was so exhausted! I went back to my room and couln't stop crying. Everything appeared on my mind was about the crash, the car damage, Kyle's screaming, and I would be sent home.

I heard about many cases that once the au pair crash the car, they have to go home. For me, I dont really do other works besides driving the kids. And I might loose my job because of this accident. And Poh Chin was in the plane heading to America. How could I stop her and how could I show her around without a car? I might have to pay for the $500 deductible of car insurance, and bought a flight ticket to fly home immediately. ... so, I picked up the phone.. and finally I reached my eldest sister. I remember I was crying so bad and told her I have to go home because I crashed the car. And I told her that I have nothing after I pay the insurance and flight ticket. And cried and cried....

She just told me : Come back. We will support you.

And I called Nela and told her about the accident and some of my friends here too. We were suppose to have a farewell party and video recording in my suite that night, so I called them to cancel everything. I felt so guilty and how could I have fun again.

In two hours later, I walked with Kyle to the driveway to wait for the bus. He talked alot to me while we were walking. He told me not to worry about it, he claimed that it was his fault because he asked me to rush for the bus, he asked me not to listen to him again and do it my way next time, he asked me to yell at him if he refuse to wake up in future, he told me about the previous au pair driving and accidents, he told me about Kip's accident and how his parents settled it, he told me his parents are rich enough to scrab the damaged car and buy a new one, he told me that he will tell his parents that's his fault,.... He said if I feel cold, I dont have to come to the driveway in the afternoon, he can walk home alone. And suddenly he asked: "Will you stay here to celebrate Christmas with us?" I kept quiet. And he continue : "What Christmas gift do you like?" I cried again and told him I might have to go home. You know what he said? He said he likes me and I don't have to go home. Sometimes, he yelled but he don't know why because he just feel like to yell and it's not because he doesn't like me.... And, he hugged me many times and told me not to worry. Before he get in to bus, he hugged me again and told me go home and rest. He is so sweet, isn't it?

But I still felt guilty and worried about how my host parents think about this. I guessed Mary will be shocked while she return from France the next day. And, my neck sore were more serious when i woke up bed in the evening.

Eivind asked if I have really fine before he went to work and called home to check if I am okay. When he came home, he told me he would check with the insurance company tomorrow and if it costs too much to repair, he would crab the car and get a new one. I felt so guilty and just standing there quietly. He walked to me and hugged me. "It's okay" he said. He sounds like a dad talking to the frighten daughter. I was crying and said sorry again.....

And, the next evening Mary came back from France. Nela and Avashni were in my room. I told them it's time to be punished before I pick up Poh Chin from airport. So, I went to her room.

The moment she see me, she was holding a toothbrush and she hugged me and asked if I am fine. She was wearing a smile on her face and told me they can get a new car and as long as we are safe, everything is fine..... She didnt asked me to pay for anything.

I ran back to my room with smile and told them about the 'final result'. I guess she must feel sad too because I damaged the Santa Fe which is only 2 years car, still new and good before this. But, she still have to wear a big smile on her face... That's so nice!

Some local people told me that I actually hit the black ice. They told me it was not my fault because it could happen to experience local drivers too. Sometimes, when people aware of the black ice on the highway, they have to pull over the car and even wait for a few hours for the ice to melt or let other car drive on it first. It's like a layer of ice covering the whole road and you wouldn't aware untill you feel you car is 'flying' on the road. And I was the first few drivers who used the road that morning and underestimated the dangerous of black ice.

This frightening car accident was happenned in a flip second. I can't imagine if I hurt Kyle or myself or we might have die. I am so regret that I drove too fast and underestimated the road conditions.

to be continued....

A Lots To Do in WINTER

Snow Sledding @ Amesbury

Dec 20, 2005

This is my first snow sledding. Have this idea to do sledding with Carol and 'her kids' because of Poh Chin's visit. She flew all the way from West Australia to East Australia, from EastAustralia to West America, and finally from West America flew to East America. Therefore, I was so hectic to arrange some 'Resort Excursion' for her. What can we do without spending too much but guarantee have fun? At first, we plan to go for snow mobile but Dynn was sick. And thus we change our plan to do sledding in Amesbury. Without paying a single cent, we enjoy our afternoon with lots of fun!

John was not feeling well and refused to play. "I just want to watch" he says. Ben was so energetic and had fun! I was a little bit afraid before my first try. "ah........................." and I was down the hill already. It's not scary, it's fun!! But Poh Chin scratch her face while she rollover on the snow and she decided not to go skiing in this trip.

Can you see the scratch the scratch mark on her face?

Look at the sunset flame on the snow, it's beautiful!

Sayonara Santa Fe

Santa Fe 2003

31MF14

Dec 16, 2005

This is your last picture before I kill you .

You must be angry at me because I destroyed you and you can't come home anymore...

Though they said you might not performed good in the snow but I think you are well done in other seasons. I felt so comfortable driving you around. I like to open the window on top of the seats and feel the fresh air when I'm driving on the country roads; you allow me to insert 6 CDs at once; your engine can be remoted start and warm up before I get in the car...

I'm sure I will miss you!

I'm still Alive!

The Christmas and New Year is around the corner. Everywhere is smell of the joyous of the festive season. And I am so excited to welcome my friend coming for her first white Christmas in United States.

Everything is gone just because I crash the car, early in the morning today. It's just like a dream and I wake up asking myself is it true. Yes, it is. It's so clear in my memory how the car slides and crash to the tree. And the image of the car damaged so bad, and the bad smell due to the burst of air bag.... It was so so bad!!

I know crying doesn't help anything, but I still feeling sad because I almost kill the kid and myself. I am so guilty and question about my stupidness in making the judgement. If I have to be more carefull and everything might not be the same.

Besides feeling bad and sorry for the family, I also feel bad because Poh Chin is on her way flying to US. How can I tell her that I 'lost' my car and let her to stay at home for the whole week? Instead she spent so much $$ to fly all the way in 36 hours from Australia. How can I show her everywhere? I may be have to pack my stuff and go home with her after 2 weeks...

Well, the kid told me I don't have to worry too much about the crash. He said that's his fault and he told me alot about the previous au pair and his brother's accidents. He told me his parents are rich enough to buy a new car. He told me that he likes me and doesn't want me to go home...... He tried to say many things and hugged to make me feel better. It's touching, isn't it? I am too guilty to 'crash' away the trust from his parents. Even if they don't say anything to blame me, I still feel bad because I 'm sure they will be so disappointed for my mistake.

Oh this might be the real reason if I quit huh..?

* Thanks God for your blessing. I thought I am dead the moment I crash. It was so bad and I am still alive now. I will learn from that and listen to your voice. I might be something you mean to be. I know the kid loves me now. And I know who really care when I am in trouble.

If...I Quit

If, one day I show up myself infront of you, please don't ask me why am I back to Malaysia out of a sudden. I have complained enough about the kid's attitute. That's the only reason may cause me to do that at this moment.

What is it means if I quit this program before the end of the contract? Is it prove that I am not tough enough to stay in challenges? Or is it prove that I just don't feel it's worth for me to stay any longer under such circumstances? Well, I really not sure......

Please help: Problem of Using Blogger

Can anyone tell me a better way to create and publish my post here. I almost fedup and may stop writting to this blog again due to some technical problems. It might be my own human problem which is lack of knowledge in using this blog.

Maybe some of you can answere my querries below:

1) The pop up screen to upload photos is always being blocked and I have to try for many times

before I get it.

2) To upload the photos, I need to do it one by one. If I try to upload more images at the same

time, the possibility of success is very low.

3) Problem does exist sometimes when I try to upload only one photo at a time.

4) Sometimes when I select one of the photo and delete it, all other photos also gone.

5) Difficult to arrange the photos position on the page. For example, if I put the photo on the left

upper corner, I can't to move it to somewhere later.

6) The latest uploaded photos always being inserted on top of all others. For instance, I uploaded

photo 1 and 2. And now, I want to insert photo 3 at the bottom, it will only appear on the top

instead of the place that I intend to put.

7) A new problem found: The icon up here (the alighment of the sentences) sometimes is not

function properly.

8) How if somedays the onwer of this domain decided to remove or make some changes

(charge??) on this blog?

...............................

I am upset of trying for so many times and troubled by the technical problems.

Please help and comment.

Snow - Emergency School Delays or Cancels

It's forsee to has a snow storm started from early in the morning today. So, the schools are cancel and everyone get back to sleep. Yeah!!

But I am sure it's not a good news for those who have younger kids at home because they have to work more if the kids stay at home. My kids are older and I need not to sit beside them nor play with them. I think they wish I rather stay away from them. So, it's good for me. I am going back to my room now and continue my sweet dreams.

See ya!!

*It's snowing, so beautiful!!!

Be careful ..

Have you ever experience that somedays you are impatient and get angry easily? I guess this is common for women due to the hormon influences in our bodies. Someone may experience more serious than the other. And I am not sure how serious am I, but I do have the same effects.

In somedays when I am in the mode of 'quiet', I will just smile back if someone acted impolitely to me or even just ignore it. But somedays, I feel so bad and 'fight' back with them.

I guess I am in the Peak of the day in a month now. I am suppose to get the kid to his Mathematic tuition at 5:15pm. Usually, his schedule is very tight and so am I. So, I told him in the morning that I will pick him up from his friend's house at 4:15pm and go directly to the tuition. As usual, I forsee he is going to fight with me because he has to leave earlier. If he is at home, he would definately ignore me and only get into the car much later than the schedule time. He just does not care about being puncture to attend every functions in his life! Unless playing computer games or chatting online with his friends. So, once he get into the car, he started argue with me that he could only leave half an hour before the tuition start. His rudeness fan on my anger and I asked if he wants to get off the car now. Haha...how could I said so? It's snowing!! But it works! He must be more angry with me that I dare to ask him get off the car. I bet no one has ever did the same besides his mum (I was in the car with them last time and my host mum really pulled over her car and shouted at him to get off the car). After that, I told him with my angry voice that I dont mean to torture him but he always has tight schedule. He has no choice. Then, he started to lie on the window and sleep. I heard some sounds like he is crying, probably?? Haha..dare him to treat me so rude, he should know that he needs to be 'repair'.. :P

I was about to reach the library at 4:50pm. He was sleeping in the car. So, do you know what I did? I purposely missed the junction and spent more time on the road. I guess he doesn't know even if he is not sleeping because he has totally no idea where are we. Haha...normally he is so mean if he knows the ways and see how I did the same to him now....heheheee.....

So, man be careful!

Scrapbook, Papers, Stickers...

Some of you who saw my photo albums in my teenages may know that I enjoy scrapbooking alot. The process of paper cutting and decorating the album is a lot of fun. But after I started working and physically taxing from the terrible traffic in KL, I stop doing anything that is costing too much of time and effort. I stop scrapbooking.

Since I am so free nowadays and wish to do something to record my travel experience in US now, I started looking for scrapbooking materials again. That's make me even miss Malsysia more. As other stuffs, scrapbooking materials are expensive too. A stack of color papers cost around USD8 and it's approximately RM30. I never know that papers are so precious in America (haha..). If I am doing the same thing in Malaysia, I can use many different materials and even bind the book/album myself, everything is DIY and less costing.

Maybe I can make papers myself since there many woods surround me..hahaha...