A Good Show is about to Play

Hugues and I had the second rehearsal of Carmen for two hours this morning. In less than one week, Hugues manifested his determination to perform "Toreador, en garde" to the best of his ability. He remembered the entire lyrics by heart, he sang with power and passion. His debut French opera will wow the full house of guests at Lydia's birthday party Saturday evening, November 5th.

In order to sing along with Hugues to achieve the theatrical effect, I studied "Toreador, en garde" with interest. And it reminded me of "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway in 1926 about the Festival of Fermín in Pamplona to watch the running of the bulls and the bullfights.

Votre toast, je peux vous le rendre, senor, senors, car avec les soldats
Oui, les Toreros, peuvent s'entendre;
Pour plaisirs, pour plaisirs, Ils ont les combats!
Le cirque est plein, c'est jour de fete! Le cirque est plein du haut en bas;
Les spectateurs, perdant la tete, Les spectateurs s'interpellent a grand fracas!

Apostrophes, cris et tapage Pousses jusques a la fureur!
Car c'est la fete du courage! C'est la fete des gens de coeur
Allons! en garde! Allons! Allons! ah!

Toreador, en garde! Toreador, Toreador!
Et songe bien, oui, songe en combattant
Qu'unoeil noir te regarde, Et que l'amour t'attend,

Toreador, L'amour ! L'amour! t'attend!
Et songe bien, oui, songe en combattant
Qu'un oeil noir te regarde,
Et que l'amour t'attend,
Toreador, L'amour t'attend!
L'amourL'amour!
Toreador, Toreador! L'amour! L'amour t'attend!

Toreador Song
Your toast, I can give it to you, Sirs, sirs, for along with the soldiers
Yes, the Toreros, can understand; For pleasures, for pleasures, They have combats!
The arena is full, it is the feast day! The arena is full, from top to bottom;

The spectators are losing their minds, The spectators began a big fracas!
Apostrophes, cries, and uproar grow to a furor!
Because it is a celebration of courage! It is the celebration of people with heart!
Let's go, en guard! Let's go! Let's go! Ah!

Toreador, en guard! Toreador, Toreador! And dream away, yes, dream in combat,
That a black eye is watching you, And that love awaits you,
Toreador, love, love awaits you!

And dream away, yes dream in combat, That a black eye is watching you
And may love await you, Toreador, love, love await you!

Love! Love! Love! Love, Love, Love, Toreador, Toreador, love awaits you!

Cross Strait Peace Agreement

The cross strait peace agreement proposed by President Ma has been a heated issue recently. As a citizen of Taiwan, I’m obliged to know more about the bilateral talks between Taiwan and China in the past and their impacts to people at both sides of the Taiwan Strait in the future. I was excited to deliver Project 2 speech The Successful Negotiator at Taipei Metro Toastmasters Club Thursday noon, October 27th.

I didn’t know about the Toastmaster Advanced Manual on Interpersonal Communication till I attended Division A Advanced Training Wednesday evening, August 31st. After I listened to Toastmaster Lester Lin's introduction and interpretation of the said manual, I knew at once that it was it. I wanted to finish five projects in year 2011.

For some reason, people fear negotiations almost as much as they fear speaking in public. This probably has to do with a fear of being rejected, or maybe a fear of lawyers. By honing the negotiation skills, we can communicate more effectively, we can influence others, we can improve our ability to speak and listen.

When it comes to negotiation, listening to the verbal and non-verbal communications of other side and understanding the other side is critical to success. By taking the time to prepare before negotiations to understand and to learn the position of the other side can determine the success or failure of the negotiation process. Speaking is the other side of negotiating; it is how we influence others. It's important to remain confident and objective at all times. It is also important to be clear during negotiations.

To create a Win-Win situation for any given negotiation, negotiating is supposed to be a process where both parties make concessions towards each other in order to achieve the goal of obtaining what they desire. It is a give-give situation. When both parties are satisfied of the outcome, knowing that neither has taken advantage of the other, both have benefited from the agreed transaction.

I was happy that Toastmaster Lester Lin agreed to role play with me for 3 to 5 minutes during the second half of my speech. We had a lucky draw before the role play. He was the Chief Negotiator of Taiwan (ROC) and I was the Chief Negotiator of China (PRC). Frankly speaking, I knew little about Taiwan's cross strait policy, except the three NOes — No unification, No independence, and No use of force — the three pillars for Taiwan to maintain the "status quo" across the strait. I knew less about China's cross-strait policy, except the propaganda of "unification". Therefore I didn't play my role to the satisfaction of my evaluator Toastmaster Neal Quentin Stovicek.

Both Neal and Lester have been helpful with Project 2 speech in the past week. Neal and I had an early Tuesday morning meeting over coffee to go through my introductory speech for 4 to 5 minutes. Lester arrived at the meeting venue in advance Thursday to work out the details, not to rehearse (it is not allowed). As for my presentation, my evaluator Neal complimented my hair-do and my outfit. Lester suggested I pace myself under control, make it "plant" during my presentation to be more authoritative as a negotiator. I thank Lester and Neal both from the bottom of my heart.

For the summary of Project 2 speech, I invited President Gina Cheng and President Roger Chen to sign the symbolical cross strait peace agreement on behalf of Grand Toastmasters Club and Taipei Metro Toastmasters CLub. It was one of the most memorable moments in my Toastmasters life.

After the delivery of Project 2 The Successful Negotiator at Taipei Metro Toastmasters Club, I'm more eager to participate in every negotiation opportunity at work and in life, to become a better listener, better speaker, better negotiator, and a better person.

Signal Flags

There are 3,000 to 6,000 languages in the world, not to mention various codes of signals. When I visited the Evergreen Maritime Museum yesterday morning, I was amazed at the colorful signal flags for the ships to communicate with each other at sea.

The system of international maritime signal flags is one system of flag signals representing individual letters of the alphabet in signals to or from ships. It is a component of the International Code of Signals (INTERCO).

The Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) is a set of key phrases in the English language, supported by the international community for use at sea and developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). They aim to explain: 1) external communication phrases – ship to ship & ship to shore communication, 2) onboard communication phrases – communication within the ship.

Divison H Humorous Speech & Evalaution Contests

I was happy, I placed at both Division H Humorous Speech and Evalation Contests Saturday afternoon, October 22nd! I was the first runner-up of evaluation contest and the second runner-up of the humorous speech contest.

A joy shared is a joy doubled. I am grateful to my Toastmasters family members behind me to give me support and encouragement! They are the cheerleader group from Grand Toastmasters Club, President Gina Cheng, Area H1 Governor Erin Ke, and her husband Joel Wright, and two new members Brian Wu and May Huang.

Before the contest, President Gina Cheng arranged a mornig tour to visit the Evergreen Maritime Museum, we followed a veteran tour guide who had worked for the Evergreen as a captain for more than three decades. He told us many stories about life at sea with passion and enthusiasm. He instilled in me a good dose of excitments about public speaking to convey the messages and believes in life at SEA. Upon our request, the knowledgeable and friendly tour guide told a humorous story about the light house. Gina, Erin, May and I burst into a big laughter.

Coincidentally, there is an article "survival at sea" by paul Sterman in Toastmaster Magazine October issue, about the police chief Charles Gibson drew strength from self-talk after fishing boat sank. While he was in a bone-chilling situation, the police chief thought at one point: Boy, this is going to make a great Toastmasters speech.

After the buffet lunch at the Cafe' Hatsu at the Everygreen Maritime Museum, I was ready to take the stage at the Division H humorous speech and evaluation contests.

Being a little nervous, I went to my toilet before my turn. But I couldn't find my way back. I heard people calling my name at far, and I tried to answer them in the labyrinth of the basement. Fortunately, I made it in time and I took the advantage of my being lost in my speech of my aging experience. I won a full house of laughter.

After the contest, Gina, Erin, Joel, May and I had a cheerful and joyful gathering at the Subway Cafe' for a couple of hours to discuss about the coming Division H Christmas Party in December. Wow, year 2011 is about to come to an end. I must rush to realize the 2011 new year resolutions as soon as possible.

One Day in My Life
Sherry Li, ATM-B
First Runner-up of Humorous Speech Contest
Division H, District 67

I just turned 56, Yes, I know I look younger. But, aging .....

Aging is irreversible, inevitable, and obvious, gray hair, reading glasses, and dementia. I forgot what I did yesterday, I forgot what I did one hour ago. At home, I search for reading glasses for hours only to find them on my forehead. At work, I write things down on a piece of paper, but I forgot where I put the paper. I even forgot I am married when I am with handsome men.

Last Monday I woke up early. I was excited about the outing with four lady friends to visit the skywalk in Taoyuan. We agreed to meet at Taipei Train Station at 8, be there or be square. Being an early bird, I got into my car and drove happily!

When I turned right at the red light, I was caught by two policemen ambushed behind a tree!

"Driver's license, please!"
"Do I have to get a ticket? Please I just got fired and I'm late for my job interview!"

"Haven't you seen the red light?"
"I saw the red light, but I didn't see you!"
"In toastmasters, when we see the red light, we have thirty seconds leeway.」

"Okay, Obasan, we will let you go this time, but please drive carefully and stop at any red light!"

"Yes, young man, thank you." Do I look old? I must have forgotten to put on the make-up!

When I passed the Mos Burger, I stopped for a cup of coffee. While I waited for my coffee, I went to the lady's room to put on the make up.

After the morning coffee, I felt recharged. I walked to my car.

"Oh my god, where is my car key? Not in my hand bag, maybe I left it in the lady's room," I rushed back to the lady's room of the Mos Burger, I couldn't find my key.

"Maybe I left the key in my car," I rushed back to the parking lot, nope, not in my car, either.

"Did I throw it away with my coffee cup at the Mos Burger?" I dig the entire trash bag, I found my key.

What, seven thirty! I must rush, I ran the yellow lights, ran the red lights, ran the green lights, arrived at Taipei Train Station at 8. There was nobody? How come? Did I mess up the gathering place? Where could it be? I waited, I waited, I waited. It was 8:15, nobody showed up?

I called Mary.

"Hello, Mary, are you still at home? Aren't we supposed to go to the skywalk today?"
"Sherry, is that you (yawning)? But we have the outing tomorrow. Today is Monday!"

What? What happened to me? But think twice, isn't it wonderful to gain an extra day in life? By the time I got home, it was 9. I checked emails. There was one from Mary, saying that I might have AAADD--Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.

My husband was concerned about my losing attention of him. He gave me a big photo of him to put in my wallet. He urged me to see a doctor. After I told the doctor about my symptom. I can't remember where I put my car key. I forgot if I answered a letter. I forgot why I was here and there. The doctor gave me a big smile and told me to pay him in advance.

Life is a journey. Everyday we learn new tricks. Everyday we face challenges. I'm 56 with gray hair, poor eyesight, hard hearing and AAADD. I cherish everyday to be inspired and to inspire people, and to bring laugher to people around me! Contest Chair

ROC 100 Celebration Party

On the eve of ROC 100, Grand toastmasters Club members held a celebration party at my brother Jimmy's place. Among 8 party goers, four were Grand's ladies presidents, three past presidents and one incumbent president. Yvan invited her mother and her brother to join our gathering. Yvan's mother is also called Sherry, 11 years senior to me.

It was an entertaining and educational celebration party, featuring eating, drinking, laughing, and a workshop on i-phone and i-pod. Yvan just bought an i-pod for Sherry Senior. And Sherry Senior was eager to learn all functions of the portable Apple. On the new i-pod, we watched the inspiring commencement speech Apple Founder Steve Jobs delivered to the graduates at Standford University in 2005.

It was after Area H1 humorous speech and evaluation contests when I decided to give a celebration party the following day (also my birthday) for my winning of the first runner up at both contests. I was eager for the input from Grand's members how I can excel on stage at Division H humorous speech and evalation contests two weeks later.

I was extremely happy that Yvan's brother Richard came to the party. Richard suffered a severe hemorrhage in his brain when exercising in his office in April 2010. With the good care of Yvan's family, Richard is standing up again, actively participating in the community courses in his neighborhood accompanied by Yuvan's mother. Because of the damage of the prefrontal cortex, Richard has poor short term memory and relies heavily on his mother.

Sherry Senior told us that she led a more meaningful life after the accident of her son. She was more active in learning new tricks each day for her son, her daughter, and herself. I was so much inspired by her spirit to live her life fully and to face her destiny positively. Sherry Senior was pround to tell us that Richard was good at music. Richard has a good memory of melodies and lyrics. When Richard sang two songs in Taiwanese on i-pod, I was overwhelmed at the power of music.

In every corner of ROC, there are families of victims of major illness/injury. I am also one of the families. When Sherry Senior showed her determination to convert sadness to joy, I saw in her a motto, "if we shed tears when we miss the sun, we also miss the stars." Thank you, Sherry!

After the ROC 100 celebration party, I rewrote my humorous speech.

****** Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder ******

I just turned 56 this month (hand gestures of five and six), Yes, I know I look younger. But, aging .....

Aging is irreversible, inevitable, and obvious, gray hair, reading glasses, and dementia. I forgot what I did yesterday, I forgot what I did one hour ago. At home, I search for the reading glasses for hours only to find them on my head. At work, I write things down on a piece of paper, but I forgot where I put the paper. I even forgot I am married when I am with handsome men.

Last Monday I woke up early. I was excited about the outing with four lady friends to visit the skywalk in Taoyuan. We agreed to meet at Taipei Train Station at 8, be there or be square. (look at the watch), "I am an early bird," (Put on Helmet, Hop on scooter, speed up! Bu bu bu)

Red light, Right turn, oh, two policemen ambushed behind a big tree!

"Driver's license, please!"
"Do I have to get a ticket? Please I just got fired and I'm late for my job interview!"

"Haven't you seen the red light?"
"I saw the red light, but I didn't see you!"

"In toastmasters, when we see the red light, we have thirty seconds leeway. Toastmasters is blablabla communication, blablabla leadership, ...."
"Okay, okay, Obasan, we will let you go this time, but please drive carefully and stop at any red light!"
"Yes, young man, thank you very much. Toastmasters is good for you!"

When I passed the Mos Burger, I smelled the good coffee. Yes, I have time for a cup of coffee. While I waited for my coffee, I went to the lady's room to put on the make up.

After a good cup of morning coffee, I felt recharged.

"It's good to be an early bird. I have a big day in front of me," I thought.

"Oh my god, where is my scooter key? Not in my hand bag, not in my jacket, maybe I left it in the lady’s room," I rushed back to the lady's room, I couldn't find it.

"Maybe I left the key in the trunk of my scooter," I rushed out to check the trunk, nope, not there, either.

"Did I throw it away with my coffee cup at the Mos Burger?" I dig the entire trash bag, I found my key.

What, seven thirty, I hopped on my scooter again, ran the yellow lights, ran the red lights, ran the green lights, arrived at Taipei Train Station at 8. There was nobody? How come? Did I mess up the gathering place? Where could it be? I waited, I waited, I waited. It was 8:15, nobody showed up?

I called Mary.

"Hello, Mary, are you still at home? Aren’t we supposed to go to the skywalk today?"
"Sherry, is that you (yawning)? But we have the outing tomorrow. Today is Monday!"

What happened to me? Why me? But think twice, isn't it wonderful to gain an extra day in life? By the time I got home, it was 9. I checked emails. There was one from Mary, saying that I might have AAADD--Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.

When I posted my AAADD status on Facebook, I received 20 responses, all from senior Toastmasters, comforting me with their similar conditions. Oh, I was not alone. We can charter an AAADD toastmasters club. Members will forget the nervousness, forget the stage fright, forget to show up.

Steve Jobs passed away this month at age of 56 (hand gestures of five and six). His commencement speech to the graduates at Stanford University in 2005 was inspiring. He urged the students to live everyday as it was the last in our life.

I'm 56 with gray hair, poor eyesight, hard hearing and AAADD. As I live one day, I shall cherish it as the last day in my life, to join the speech contest to inspire Toastmasters, and to bring laugher to people around me. Contest Chair!

Area H1 Humorous Speech & Evaluation Contests

Being funny is not easy. For the past month, I've been working hard on my humorous speech for the contest this afternoon. I hope I can be funnier each day, I hope I can bring more laughter to people around me.

I was the first runner up for Area H1 Humorous Speech and Evaluation contests 2011. I was excited with another chance to hone my public speaking skills at Division H Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contests Saturday afternoon, October 22nd!
****** One Day in My Life ******

I am 55, going on 56 tomorrow! Yes, I know I look younger. That's what I wish to hear from you. Aging is irreversible, gray hair, reading glasses, and dementia. I forgot what I did yesterday. I forgot what I did one hour ago. I forgot I am married. I forgot why I am here.

After I get retired, I become busier in life. At home, I search for the reading glasses for hours only to find them on my head. I look for the house key for hours only to find them in the grocery bag in the refrigerator. I write everything down on a piece of paper, but I forgot where I put the paper.

Last Monday morning, I was excited about the outing with four lady friends to visit the skywalk in Taoyuan. We agreed t meet at Taipei Train Station at 8. I woke up at six o'clock. (look at the watch), "I am an early bird, I can take it easy," (Hop on scooter, speed up! Bu bu bu)

Red light, Right turn, oh, two policemen ambushed behind a big tree!

"Driver's license, please!"
"Do I have to get a ticket? Please I just got fired and I'm late for my job interview!"

"Haven't you seen the red light?"
"I saw the red light, but I didn't see you!"

"In toastmasters, when we see the red light, we have thirty seconds leeway, before the bell rings."
"Okay, we will let you go this time, but please drive carefully and stop at any red light!"
"Yes, SIR, thank you very much."

I am a Toastmaster. I am a communicator. I got myself free of the hook and saved NT$1800, wow, more than enough for Toastmasters semi-annual fee!

When I passed the Mos Burger, I smelled the good coffee. I am an early bird. Yes, I have time for a cup of coffee. While I waited for my coffee, I went to the lady's room to put on the make up.

After a good cup of morning coffee, I went back on the road again, Oh my god, where is my scooter key? Not in my hand bag, not in my jacket, maybe I left it in the lady’s room. I rushed back to the lady's room, I couldn't find it. Maybe I left the key in the trunk of my scooter. I checked the trunk, nope, not there, either. Did I throw it away with my coffee cup at the Mos Burger? I dig the entire trash bag, I couldn't find it. Just about I decided to give up, the lady employee at Mos Burger showed the key I left at the counter.

What, seven thirty, I hopped on my scooter again, ran the yellow lights, ran the red lights, ran the green lights to Taipei Train Station. There was nobody? How come? Did I mess up the gathering place? Where could it be? I waited, I waited, I waited. It was over 8, nobody showed up?

I called Mary.

"Hello, Mary, are you still in bed? Aren’t we supposed to go to the skywalk today?"
"Sherry, is that you? But we have the outing tomorrow. Today is Monday!"

What? After all these hustles and bustles, why me? I am a Toastmaster. I must think positively. Isn't it wonderful to gain an extra day in life? By the time I got home, it was only 9. I checked my emails. There was one from Mary, saying that I just had AAADD, triple A and double D. It is not an alcoholic organization, it is not a drink either. It's Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder. What a day in my life, a series of problems, a series of experiences, a series of discoveries! I found the topic for my humorous speech.

Tomorrow is my birthday. I have three wishes, forget about the past, I can't change it. Forget about the future, I can't predict it. Remember the present, you give me today for being here to laugh with me. Contest Chair!ing

Remember and Mourn Steve Jobs

I have neither an i-phone nor an i-pod in hand (I love to have them, but they are just too expensive), I admire Steve Jobs, his spirit, his enthusiasm, and his public speaking skills. The commencement speech delivered to to the graduates of Stanford University in 2005 was inspiring. He talked about getting fired from Apple in 1985, life & death.

On October 5, 2011, Apple posted an obituary:
"Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."

Bill Gates released a statement saying, "I'm truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs' death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work. Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives. The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely."

Clicking on the website of Apple in Taiwan, there is a huge photo of Steve Jobs (1955-2011). A giant has left us for good!

Grand Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contests

I won both in-house humorous speech and evaluation contests at Grand Toastmasters Club this evening. For the humorous speech contest, there were only two contestants, Incumbent Presient Gina Cheng and Me. For the evaluation contest, there were five contestants, Tina Liang, Victor Chu, Jimmy Wu, Jimmy Chang, and me. The test speaker is Nailing Liu, she delivered a humorous speech to compare top model Lin Chi-ling and me. It was entertaining and inspiring.

****** I Believe I can Fly ******

Fly, fly, fly, I need the wind beneath my wings.（bang, jump from a chair）！I believe I can fly. And I got shot by FBI. That was my previous bird life!

Last Monday, early in the morning, (look at the watch), it was six o'clock. I was an early bird! Worms everywhere, mmm, mmm, yummy! Early birds got worms who stayed up late and got drunk! I felt dizzy~~

I was excited about the outing with four lady friends to visit the skywalk in Taoyuan at 8. "I am an early bird, I can take it easy," I thought to myself. (Hop on scooter, speed up! Bu bu bu)

Red light, Right turn, oh my god, it was too late when I saw two policemen ambushed behind a big tree!

"Driver's license, please!"
"Do I have to get a ticket? Please I just got fired and I'm late for my job interview!"

"Haven't you seen the red light?"
"I saw the red light, but I didn't see you!"

While I showed the policemen my license, I made a protest, "In toastmasters, when we see the red light, we have thirty seconds leeway."
"Okay, we will let you go this time, but please drive carefully and stop at any red light!"
"Yes, SIR, thank you very much."

Being an old Toastmaster bird, I used the advanced manual--interpersonal communication with success, I got myself free of the hook and saved NT$1800, wow! Am I not a good negotiator?

When I passed the Mos Burger, I smelled the good coffee. I really needed a cup coffee to wake me up after eating so many drunk worms. While I waited for my coffee, I took time to powder myself in the lady room.

What a good refreshing morning coffee break！ It's so nice to be an early bird! I can enjoy the splendid morning hours.

Back on the road again, Oh my god, where is my scooter key? Not in my bag, not in the truck, not in my pocket, where can it be? Maybe I left it in the toilette. I couldn't find it. Maybe I threw it away with my coffee cup. I dig the entire trash bag, I found a pair of reading glasses, a set of false teeth, and my scooter key. It's unbelievable, so many alzheimer birds flock together.

(look at watch) What, seven thirty, (bu~bu~bu), I speeded up all the way, ran yellow lights, ran red lights, ran green lights, (oh, oh, oh, move forward)!

There was nobody? How come? Did I mess up the gathering place? It was over 8, not even half a bird showed up?

I called Mary. "What? We have an outing tomorrow. Today is Monday!" If I could play the angry bird now, I could retrieve thousands of eggs stolen by evil green pigs. But think twice, isn't it wonderful to gain an extra day in life?

When I was a little girl, I loved bird watching. My father gave me a book to paint the birds. I didn't know how. I waited, waited, waited until one day my father told me to take the first step to draw the first bird.

"Everything starts from zero," he said.

I took his advise and I drew my first bird, and second, and third, one bird at a time. One day, to my surprise, I saw a whole garden in front of my very eyes. From then on, I did things with the bird story in mind. I believe in me. I believe I can fly. I believe I can do it!

Fly, fly, fly, fly high to see the whole garden. YES, believe in ourselves! Believe we can can fly. Watch out FBI! Everyday is an extra day in our life, everyday is a garden in our eyes!

Habanera from Bizet Carmen

I saw Bizert's Carmen at Opera National de Paris in Bastille in July 1993. After I left the post as the secretary geneneral of Taiwan Pharmaceutical Industry Association in April 1993, I gave myself a present--a vacation in Europe. Where in Europe? Of course, it was none other than France. I studied French diligently at home for three months before I embarked upon my journey to France.

I joined a three months language tour in France, one month in Paris, one month in chambery, and one month in Cannes. In the morning, I studied the French langauge at school. I visited the museums in the afternoon, and I frequented the bars at night. La vie en France was exhausting, but fulfilling. France had so much to offer, and I had it all!

Bizert's Carmen in Paris in 1993 was splendid. I bought the book of Carmen, opera-comique en quatre actes as a souvenir. It rested on my shelf ever after. I would have never thought that one day I would be reading it again after 18 years.

It all started when Hugues agreed to join the dinner party at Jimmy's place last week. In order to impress my golden ladies Toastmasters friends, I borrowed five Basic French textbooks and numerous attached CDs from Taipei City Library. I crammed as much as I could and I did my best to recap what was left in my memory of those happy days in France.

At my birthday party, I spoke less than a dozen French words. Hugues gave me a birthday surprise by agreeing to perform Carmen with me at Lydia's 60th birtday party in November. It's not only a challenge to my French proficiency, but it also is a giant leap in my acquisition of the French language and my appreication of French arts, music, and theater.

Why French in the first place? If not destiny, what could it be? New Orleans was my first foreign city where I was a graduate student at Lousiana Satate University Medical Center in 1979. When I first studied French in New Orelans, I didn't know what the future had in store. It took me three decades to bring together a few piece of puzzles in my life.

French Text of the Habanera

L'amour est un oiseau rebelle
Que nul ne peut apprivoiser,
Et c'est bien in vain qu'on l'appelle
S'il lui convient de refuser.

Rien n'y fait, menace ou prière.
L'un parle bien, l'autre se tait.
Et c'est l'autre que je préfère.
Il n'a rien dit mais il me plait.

L'amour! L'amour! L'amour! L'amour!

L'amour est enfant de Bohême,
Il n'a jamais jamais connu de loi.
Si tu ne m'aimes pas, je t'aime.
Si je t'aime, prends garde à toi!

Si tu ne m'aimes pas, si tu ne m'aimes pas, je t'aime,
Mais si je t'aime, si je t'aime, prends garde à toi!

L'oiseau que tu croyais surprendere
Battit de l'aile et s'envola.
L'amour est loin, tu peux l'attendre.
Tu ne l'attends puis, il est là.

Tout autour de toi, vite vite,
Il vient, s'en va, puis il revient.
Tu crois le tenir, il t'evite.
Tu crois l'eviter, il te tient.

L'amour! L'amour! L'amour! L'amour!

L'amour est enfant de Bohême,
Il n'a jamais jamais connu de loi.
Si tu ne m'aimes pas, je t'aime.
Si je t'aime, prends garde à toi!

Si tu ne m'aimes pas, si tu ne m'aimes pas, je t'aime,
Mais si je t'aime, si je t'aime, prends garde à toi!

English Translation of Habanera

Love is a rebellious bird
that nobody can tame,
and you call him quite in vain
if it suits him not to come.

Nothing helps, neither threat nor prayer.
One man talks well, the other's mum;
it's the other one that I prefer.
He's silent but I like his looks.

Love! Love! Love! Love!

Love is a gypsy's child,
it has never, ever, known a law;
love me not, then I love you;
if I love you, you'd best beware! etc.

The bird you thought you had caught
beat its wings and flew away ...
love stays away, you wait and wait;
when least expected, there it is!

All around you, swift, so swift,
it comes, it goes, and then returns ...
you think you hold it fast, it flees
you think you're free, it holds you fast.

Love! Love! Love! Love!

Love is a gypsy's child,
it has never, ever, known a law;
love me not, then I love you;
if I love you, you'd best beware!

Carmen [GeLan / Grace Chang 1960]
Carmen [A-Mei 2008]

愛情不過是一種普通的玩意兒　一點也不稀奇
男人不過是一件消遣的東西　有什麼了不起

愛情不過是一種普通的玩意兒　一點也不稀奇
男人不過是一件消遣的東西　有什麼了不起

什麼叫情　什麼叫意　還不是大家自己騙自己
什麼叫痴　什麼叫迷　簡直是男的女的在做戲

是男人我都喜歡　不管窮富和高低
是男人我都拋棄　不怕你再有魔力

愛情不過是一種普通的玩意兒　一點也不稀奇
男人不過是一件消遣的東西　有什麼了不起

愛情不過是一種普通的玩意兒　一點也不稀奇
男人不過是一件消遣的東西　有什麼了不起

L'Amour L'Amour L'Amour L'Amour

什麼叫情　什麼叫意　還不是大家自己騙自己
什麼叫痴　什麼叫迷　簡直是男的女的在做戲

是男人我都喜歡　不管窮富和高低
是男人我都拋棄　不怕你再有魔力

什麼叫情　什麼叫意　還不是大家自己騙自己
什麼叫痴　什麼叫迷　簡直是男的女的在做戲

你要是愛上了我　你就自己找晦氣
我要是愛上了你　你就死在我手裡

The Proud MC

He who hesitates ... is lost.

To my surprise, I received a email from Harry and Lydia early this morning, inviting me to be the MC of Lydia's 60th birthday party. They made my day by giving me the honor. I had a sound reason to buy another fancy party costume! Let's keep the birthday ball running!

"I think Sherry needs at least six costumes for your birthday party," Toastmaster Trini Ding joked immediately after she received the invitation email from Lydia to me, CCed her. Trini announced an auspicious number SIX for my costumes. As far as I can remember, I often change costumes at the party, but as many as SIX costumes. I'm delighted to follow the suit to break the record. Fortunately, I just bought two new dresses from Toastmaster Eva Liu last week. I can have two new chipaos made when I'm in China next week. As for the rest two costumes, I'm obliged to shop around in Taipei!

To be honest, I felt so much relaxed When Trini gave her consent to take charge of the slide show for Lydia and Harry agreed to be the party organizer. With the helping hands of two DTMs at the beginning of the party planning, I foresee a memorable party. Being an action taker, Harry drew a tentative party plan at once as follows,

1. Golden ladies group dance
2. France opera by Sherry/Hugues
3. Kate/Gina perform Chinese opera
4. Lydia will dance
5. Singing from Church
6. Henry/Mary will lead a line dance
7. Eva will sing (to confirm)
8. Tim Huang will lead ball room dance (he confirms)
9. Bill Wan willlead group dance (to confirm)
10. KTV singing...
11. to develop...

It was Harry who took the initiative to throw a birthday party for his better half-Lydia who will soon become 60, a milestone in her life. Harry decided to hire a professional camera man to document the whole event and to prepare DVDs for every guest to the birthday party.

Coincidentally, I received an email from Hugues, saying that he agreed to perform Carmen with me. I felt flattered to be on stage with him after being apart from him for 18 years! With a few exchanges of emails, Hugues and I came up the tentative proposal. I attempt "Havanaise: L'amour est un oiseau rebelle", and Hugues works on "Toreador, en garde" (II,2). I'm sure we shall wow the golden ladies Toastmasters, as well as many Toastmasters in District 67.

The Cooking Toastmasters--Chapter Three

I felt like being transcended back to Chia-yi in the 60's when I showed the dinner guests to MRT Dapingling station Saturday evening, October 1st. I remember vividly, when I was ten years old, my parents gave me a big birthday party. I was allowed to sit between them at the head table to welcome family and friends. I was the birthday star. I was the happiest person in the world.

I was born on the 9th of October. It was the first time I celebrated my birthday one week in advance in 2011. Why? My husband will be out of town on my birthday. Virginia will be in China on my birthday. Pamela will be in the US on my birthday. In the end, Virginia and I had a splendid joint birthday party at my brother Jimmy's place. We reached an unprecedented party decibel when all guests were excited talking about their life stories in big voices under the alcohol effect--five bottles of red wine! Can you hear the laughter, chitchat, singing, wowing at the opening of the birthday presents?

Firstly, I must thank Jimmy for hosting the birthday dinner party for me and Virginia. He spent quite some time working on the menu for the cooking Toastmasters Chapter three. Secondly, I was touched that Chef Jo Shih of the Cooking Toastmasters--Chapter One and Chef Gina Cheng of the Cooking Toastmasters--Chapter Two also came to support the cooking Toastmasters dinner gathering. Lastly, I wish to thank all my friends for coming to my 56th birthday and made it a very special day for me!

Aperitif
Korean Sweet Paste noodles
Japanese Yaki Sanba, Chawanmushi
Mongolian Chicken Soup
Chinese starters, stir-fries
Birthday Cakes (carrot with cinnamon and cheese homemade by Pamela)
Fruits
Digestif

Being an early bird this morning, I was the first customer to have my hair done at a hair saloon in my neighborhood. Then I walked to Jimmy's place back and forth to make sure everything was in order. Time flied twice faster when I was excited about what was about to happen. Before long, it was dinner time.

The dinner party started at five. President Gina Cheng of Grand Toastmasters Club was the first guest to come, she needed to leave before seven to see a Flamenco show at the National Theater. Pamela was the second guest to come, she arrived with two freshly baked birthday cakes right out of oven. Jo came with two gorgeous Swarovski bracelets, one for me, the other for Virginia. Many golden ladies came one after another and gave me a big red envelop. Toastmaster Caroline joined the party after eight, she volunteered to perform a traditional Chinese song to lead the birthday party to the climax.

When will be the next gathering for golden ladies Toastmasters? Lydia will be celebrating her 60th birthday Saturday, November 5th. In the meantime, there will be a birthday party for Kate and many rehearsals for Lydia's 60th birthday party.

In Chinese culture, the 60th birthday is a landmark life event. It is an age to be proud of. Sixty years makes a cycle of a life and 61 is regarded as the beginning of a new life cycle. Hooray, let's give Lydia a super 60th birthday party to make her the happiest person in the world!

Remarks:
人生如四季，零至二十歲是春天，生趣盎然；二十至四十歲是夏天，熱情奔放；四十至六十歲是秋天，看透世事；六十至八十歲是冬天，給人溫暖，以豐富的人智慧啟發世人；八十至一百歲是春夏秋冬。