1,350.9km of goodness! Part Three ~

After saying our goodbyes to Haadyai, our next destination was Taiping, Perak. This laid back town used to be one of stops during our early travels up north. Lately, we have been giving it a miss. So, we decided that the lure of big leaf char keuh teow was just too much to resists. So, Taiping became our last pit stop before heading home after some gruelling driving along the Malaysian highway.
As we exited Bukit Kayu Hitam, it was already 3.00pm and we decided that we would have some Seberang Jaya courtesy of char kueh teow with duck egg and some smooth ambla drink! While we were there , we simply couldn't resists the 20 sen crepe sold by this old lady at her stall. We bought almost 70 crepes [ my family bought 30 while Steven bought 40 ] for our snacks!!! Anyway, I marvelled at the deftness of this lady in handling the small hot wok and also the hot crepes.I guess, when you have 30 years of experience in handling these item, you could have mastered the technique of lifting the crepes or her hands were simply numb to heat!

We arrived at Legend Inn, Taiping at about 8.30pm. One of the evening male senior staff wasn't friendly while I could say that he was downright rude and a racist. I guess, if I were a white Mat Salleh or an "angmo", I would have had a better treatment. Honestly, I find it rather ridiculous to have this double standard imposed on us by hoteliers staff like this person. Truly unprofessional and down right disgrace for the hotel industry. BTW, we do make payments for our rooms and they are not FREE yunno! Honestly, I seldom complain of hotel staffs as I find most of them to be friendly, ever smiling and helpful. Only a handful are in this zoo category~! Honestly, I find the accomodation in this hotel nothing to shout about nor extraordinary and the rate charged is RM 108 per night w/o breakfast!

Well, not wanting to make a scene, we just went to our rooms, freshened up and got ready for some seafood dinner in Matang. After some great night driving, searching, scrounging for the route and fun, we arrived at the seafood restaurant. We ordered some steamed prawns, fried belanak fish, tomyam pomfret fish, helicopter [ spiny shellfish ], lala and sweet potato leaves meals. There was so much to eat and the food tasted really good, fresh and it costs us a mere RM 112.00!!!! Can you imagine this ?!!!After a hearty meal, we shared some old childhood stories and enjoyed the fellowship very much.

The next morning, we headed down to have our breakfast before leaving the hotel. Coffee tasted good while the "yue tiao" and other stuff fills our belly! Again, it was really cheap and we really had a good time. Then we went around to Taiping Lake Gardens and Bukit Larut [ Maxwell Hill ] We were really "semangat" in climbing up the hill and we made it........to the signboard. We were actualy told that it woudl take us at least two hours to climb to the apex and so, I guess, our climb to the signboard was good enough. We then checked out from the hotel but this time the staffs [ 2 ladies ] were more gentle and more courteous. Anyway, before we left, one of the ladies tried telling one of the guest that their housekeeping staff had found that one of the green coloured plastic tissue holder was missing from the guest room. Before she could stop him, he dashed off the door, went into the car with his family and sped off. My God! Green colored plastic tissue holder also want to take away! No standard-lar or mere Malaysian mentality!

Then, it's off to Pasir Pinji in Ipoh for some lunch of yong tau fu / assam laksa before we headed off for home sweet home in Melaka. Yes! It was a tiring and gruelling trip but it was worth it. I know that this trip made our family closer to one another. I know too that this trip made me learn more about our friends, Steven & Wan Sin and why they are so special and dear to us. Being able to travel, stay together and spend time fellowshipping with Steven and Wan Sin has been truly wonderful and a real privilege. They are a barrel of fun, considerate and easy-going. Well, ocassionally they are peppered with disagreements and so on but it's only natural for couples to squabbles over decisions and so on. I would be a nut case if I say I didn't have disagreements with SLing during our entire trip. I guess, a lot of give and take makes up for a great fun outing.

To me, I am just thankful that I am able to share trips like this with my family. It is not difficult to see that both JWee and SYuen are growing up while SLing and me are getting older. I still remembered my promise to SLing that I would show her the places where I have been in my life and start all over agan to visit the places I have been with her. I guess, I am fulfilling some of the destinations that I have been with her. I didn't promise the whole world to her but I did promise that she would be happy to experience those times with me. I am keeping that end of the bargain in my long lst of things I want to do with her before I turn 50! It's a nice way to keep you "young" , actually!

As for the children, I wanted them to experience the different kind of lifestyle, the culture and social etiquette, manners & obligation in each of the places we have been. In that way, they could really appreciate the life they have. They would also be able to communicate better with others and also, be able to share their life experiences with their respective spouses later on in life. To me, being able to pass on this lesson of life to my children is indeed a rare thing in our society today. Maybe, some will say that I am from the old school era but it works, yunno. Somehow, whatever I have learnt from dad , I have tried to pass it down to my son and daughter. Pass on the good things in life unto them and you'll know that they are in good hands before you take your final bow on this stage and meet your Creator, God.

For me, it is so satisfying to me that my children and wife have been enabled to go to places such as this. I am not ashamed to say that I've worked and saved up very hard for such a trip. But to me , it is money worth spending on. At least now, they [ the chidren ] won't send me to an old folks home when I am old !!!!!Ha.....ha....ha......... You'll never know, right?

Five states [ Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Perak, Pulau Pinang and Kedah ], 1,350.9km and a budget of RM 1,700.00 [ inclusive of hotels accomodations, food, fuel, toll and shopping - 4 of us ], I am proud to say, I have made it from coast to coast with the family and good friends. It was really worthwhile and the memories we shared will be etched and have a very special place in my heart always !

"Kapkunkaa"! [ Thank you in Thai ]

1,350.9km of goodness! Part Two ~

Now that we've passed through the Thai Immigration, we had arrived at Sadao, Thailand. Bustling town with fresh smell of hawker road stall food and general lawlessness. You could see many people doing their trading at this border town. We had asked our van driver on the duration to arrive at Haadyai. [ BTW, we had hired the van for RM 80.00. ]. He smiled and told us that it would take about one hour or so. Our destination was Asian Hotel at Niphat Uthit 3 Road, Haadyai. I was thinking, " No kidding. It's that far,huh?". Anyway, along the journey, I could see that the scenery were no different from the ones in Malaysia- full of rubber trees and industrial lots all in the Thai signage/language. Anyway, when the driver told us that we would arrive at our hotel in time, I wasn't aware that he was speeding all the way along the highway. I tell you, he was really testing the van to its maximum speed capacity and he was practically sounding his horn every five minutes to ask the traffic in front of him to clear the route. Steven later confided that he thought he has lost his life when he sat at the front seat of the van and the driver was grinning all the way to our hotel!
A little over the hour, we arrived at our hotel, Asian Hotel~ nice, clean and cosy hotel at the heart of Haadyai. [ Baht 800 per night w/o breakfast or Baht 880 per night with breakfast! ]Yunno, I have heard of the notoriety of Haadyai many times before but I thank God that we really had a good time in Haadyai. The people were met especially the tuk-tuk drivers near our hotel were friendly and ever smiling. I guess, the tuk tuk rides were really memorable times because Steven would always call out "toot-toot" from the back and it would make a lot of Thai motorist to laugh and smile. That's Steven speciality! The six of us [ Steven, Wan Sin, S.Ling, S.Yuen and JWee ] really had a great time whenever we sat in the tuk-tuk. Generally, the locals here are quite stingy in smiles except when in humour or when you are paying for your goods! I guess, you see some good genuine smiles sometimes.

One friend used to tell me that if I don't eat the braised pork leg, my stay in Haadyai would be incomplete and unfulfilled! So, we went in search of the braised pork leg rice in Haadyai. I guess, the best we've had was the one stall near a lot of goldsmith shops where it serves good braised pork leg, pork gearbox soup [ very tasty & super duper good ] and roasted pork [ siew yok ]. The queue is long and yunno know it's where the best braised prk leg is served! The best staple food I've ever had. Street food is abundance in Haadyai. Simple sidewalk stall manned by this Thai lady near our hotel selling sweet pancakes/crepe was our favourite tea time special. You've got to taste it to know it. [ Can't describe it - Baht 30 for 8 pieces of crepes/pancakes ] Then, there's our market food stall breakfast at Prachatipat Road where the road is terribly small in size but the hawkers food were in abundance. We had so much food such as phadthai - Thailand version of char kueh teow, Thai bee hoon noddle soup and fried chicken Thai style. I guess, the most memorable for me was when we sat down at a small drink stall sipping our tea and coffee. Surprisingly, the tea and coffee tasted much better than the coffee shop nearby.

Then, it's off to the supermarkets [ Odean, Central, Le Garden, Robinson and many others ] for some shopping. The ladies went berserk on brassiere hunting and rightly so as they are quite cheap especially with sales on. However, we were actually more into sidewalk stalls and we practically bargained like mad in our shopping time. Our best shopping place was the night market near the city bus terminal along Chotwithiyakul 3 Road which was quite a way out from the hustle and bustle of the busier streets in Haadyai. The place is mostly frequented by the locals. If the locals are gathering there, then, the items in sale would have been cheaper, right? Rightly so, we got our best bargains from this place and it was really worth it. We bought 2 three quarter Dickers pants for JWee for Baht 150 [ That's RM 7.50 per pants! ] As for me, I got 3 origigi [ instead of original ] branded jerseys and it cost me Baht 180 each. That to me was a great bargain. Ah! Yes! It was at this place that I had fried grasshopper/locust as night snack together with Wan Sin, JWee and Steven. The taste ~ salty, crispy and not too bad! [ No wonder John the Baptist could survive on these! ] But I didn't have the stomach for the grub and the worm that were on sale. Looked too soft for me, actually.The next best thing to do after a tiring day of walk and shopping is to have a foot massage. All of us actually walked into Sawass Dee foot massage centre to have a foot massage for an hour. The price - Baht 200 each for an hour! It is located in front of Mc Donalds of Lee Garden Plaza where the hub of activity is as it is frequent by foreigners and tourist alike. To be honest, I almost peed in my pants because of the pain that was inflicted during the massage session. Don't get me wrong. The massage was really good but I couldn't stand some of the pain to my leg calves and knees, actually as I had had injuries during my hockey games days. All in all it was a good massage and no hanky panky,actually. What I really wanted was a full body massage as it would be a nice finale to my visit to Haadyai. Anyway, we couldn't find any decent body massage parlour or we don't know where to go and so, we just scrapped the idea and moved on. It was really a fun time in Haadyai. I guess, I would miss the sights and colours of the morning market especially the flowers stands and I would miss the braised pork leg of Haadyai. We really had a great time of fellowship, talking, laughing and having a good time together.

People used tell me that in Haadyai, there are 3 things you must do as Haadyai is famous for it namely " char boar ", " pai sin" and shopping. I'll give it a miss for the first two but the shopping is fine with me. Anyway, my experience here in Haadyai had been braised with lots of fun, garnished with laughter and served with great fellowship.
Again, as we arrived at the border, we were told by the van driver to put in RM 1 for goodwill appreciation for the officer on duty! Niamah! Out of not so good will, we did just that! We want no trouble and so, we just slipped it in our papers and get out of there as fast as we could. Then, as we exited the Malaysia Immigration, we had to pay RM 3.50 toll charges for the ride from the Malaysia immigration post to the no man's land area! Wah! This one is really too much, man! Super duper cut throat! Anyway, it was nice to be back in Malaysia ; breathing Malaysian air and enjoying Malaysian not so corrupt system-loh!

Taiping is up next!

1,350.9km of goodness! Part One ~

1,350.9km was the speedometer clocking after I have completed my 5D4N escapade to Penang, Haadyai , Taiping and back to Melaka. This is my year end rest escapade. My family and I together with our close friends, Steven and Wan Sin started out from Melaka on the bright and sunny morning on 25th December, 2008. By the time we hit Senawang for our favourite laksa, we were hyped with excitement over our trip. We had planned this trip a little over 3 weeks prior to the actual date of travel. I could still remember how excited we were and how I have tried my level best to finish up as much work as possible before I go for this trip. For once, I really felt good and stressless when we travelled on the road that morning.
After some cruising along the highway, we were ready for some good stuff for lunch. So, the next stop was Bidor town where we had "yam siew pau", " herbal duck soup" and "wan tan mee" special in Puh Chun coffeeshop in Bidor. The taste - good, cheap & love it!~ Then it was back to the highway to Penang for our first stop of the day. Our destination was B-Suite Hotel, Penang. We arrived in Penang and checked into the hotel at about 3.30pm. Then, it's off to Queensbay Mall for window shopping before heading out to the nearby hawker centre for some food. At about 10.30pm, we met up with our family in Penang [ BA, Jessy, Alyna, Esther, Deriss,Darien, Alyna's daughter, Deline and John ] for a great time of fellowship over pots of saliva-watering frog and eel moi. It was really great to see these blessed people again and to have a really good time with them. I really felt so blessed knowing them and they gave me Christmas gifts and I really felt so blessed! Thank you so much for your hospitality, love and your caring ways. Thank you so much! BTW, I love B-Suites hotel as the room is really spacious, well-kept and affordable. Three cheers to B-Suites!
The next morning, Steven brought us to his favourite "char kueh teow"shop. He says it's the best in Penang! Yes, it tasted good and we had our first taste of ambla drink! The drink is not bad while the char kueh teow was not too bad too. Then it's off to Bukit Kayu Hitam and then to Haadyai. Our journey to BKH was uneventful while we made sure that we got our money changed from RM to Thailand baht at the so-called Mini Supermarket. It is super duper confusing when it comes to exchange rate. BTW, the rates weren't good at that time [RM 1.00 = Baht 9.703 ] Then it's off to the Malaysian Immigration border which took a while for us to drive in as it was jammed packed with cars from Malaysia and Thailand. In the grand efficiency level of our Malaysian Immigration, there were only two counters open to service hundreds of car that day! Sigh! That's real efficient! Anyway, if you think the Malaysian Immigration is good enough , wait till you hear of the Thailand Immigration! Now, that's a different story altogether!! This I can promise you!

We parked cars at the Duty Free Complex which is located on " a no-man land" area and some Thais were already hot on our heels to hire their vans or cars. You see, as we are on no man's land, they could come in and go out easily within this range and nobody could do anything about this. Finally, Steven found a reasonable van driver , we loaded up and boarded the van. It was a short 2 minutes ride when we arrived at the Thailand border and our first encounter with the Thai Immigration. We alighted from our van, posed pictures and headed to the Thai Immigration passport counter. There were plentiful of counters opened unlike their counterparts. However, it was here that I get the first shock of my life. It was here that I was told to put a RM 1 in my passport as a token of appreciation for the authorities! What? I was flabbergasted at that and I was told that everyone knows about this. An elderly gentleman in front of me was kind enough to explain that that's how things are in Thailand. He even told us that if we did not put the RM 1 in our passport, we are in for a torrid and horrid time. Like it or not, we put RM 1.00 in all our passports as I didn't want to jeopardise my family's & friend's vacation. When it came to my turn, I could see a drawer filled to brim of RM 1.00 on the left side of the booth and the officer didn't give a two hoots to who I was. As I turned to leave the complex with my family and friends, I couldn't comprehend the behaviour and corrupt practise of the people in authority of this foreign land.

Sawadeekap ! Welcome to Thailand, babe!

A RM 7.00 experience....

This morning, I had travelled to an oil mill plant in Segamat for work and I wasn't really feeling good about it. It is actually the last day of work for me before I take a break for the year. I was really more into trying to work out at my table as much work as possible so that I could have a peace of mind when I go off for the holidays. I know that there'll never be enough time to finish all work but the least I could do was to clear as much as possible. I was really looking for a much needed rest.

Anyway, I stopped by at my favourite pit stop at Tong Seng coffee shop for some chicken rice and pau. As I ordered my meal, in came an Indian family of five [ 2 adults and 3 children ]. I could clearly see that they weren't even middle-income. [ No offence intended, actually. ] What I saw touched my heart a lot. The father ordered 3 plates of rice and a small plate of chicken. By experience, you know that it is not enough to feed the family of five. Somehow, the father divided the rice into 5 plates and everyone had a small portion of rice and a small portion of chicken meat. It was a difficult sight for me because I know, the food is just not enough. The father and mother of the family had cucumbers and probably, one or two piece of chicken each.

Yunno, many a times, we are blessed with so much and we still complain of this and that. Like it or not, we are in one way or another guilty as charge on this matter. We procrastinate and grumble too much, right? This little scene in the coffeeshop taught me a lesson indeed.

Again, talking about this till the cows come home won't help one bit and so, I decided to put in action what I felt. I paid for another 2 plates of chicken rice and I asked the proprietor to send it over to the Indian gentleman's table. I told the proprietor that I need not acknowledgement or whatsoever. All I needed is for him to send the food over to them, say it's paid and nothing else. I then took my pau order at the shop front and walked away from the shop. Before walking out, I turned around and caught a glimpse of the smiling faces of the children and the stunned looks of the parents. I quickly went to my car and I left the coffeeshop. Maybe some of you will say that I am a fool to do such thing or even I am a greater idiot for squandering my financial resources. I must say that the plates of chicken rice cost me RM 7.00 but the joy on the faces ~ priceless! That, to me , is totally worthwhile! Honestly, I saw the need and I responded to it. No frills, no hype, no fuss nor frenzy scenario! Be blessed!

A great honour....

Today I was in Malacca General Hospital for an appointment with a doctor. It was for my work and I didn't expect what happened today. Here I was working from the very first step I got into the office and soon, it was time for my appointment. I didn't want to miss my appointment and I really wanted to clear as much work as possible before I go for my much needed rest. So, I arrived at the hospital and I waited for the doctor. Prior to this, I had circled the hospital four times before I could actually have a great car park below a shady tree! I am not choosy but it's just too pack today. Thank you , Lord for the parking faith! I must admit, sometimes , getting a parking in the hospital is like searching for a needle in a haystack ,man!

Anyway, I waited, waited, waited and waited. I had waited from 2.00pm and I was going mad trying to get myself busy by counting the tiles on the floor and on the ceiling. As I waited at the corridor, I could see every human reaction and spectre when they see the doctors! My God! The doctors are also so...........young! Then there's this thing the doctors and nurses do that is coming in from one door and coming out from the other doors. I was kinda in a spin when I saw this happening. Hmmmmnnnn..... probably to confuse the patients or afraid that they might get stabbed by some lunatics running around in the hospital ! It is so hilarious, actually. Coming from Room 1 and exit at Room 5 then coming in from Room 9 and exit from Room 2.

Oh Yes! I actually met a loony today. He was carrying a book and he was practically knocking on all the doctor's door telling them, " Its my last day today! See you soon! " Anyway, it was about 3.30pm that I actually got to meet the doctor. I was about to count the hairs on my legs when the door opened and there stood a young man and I said to myself, " I've seen this face!". Anyway, the doctor greeted me and vice versa. It was at that moment that he introduced himself to me and he told me this, " Sir, I am your student! Can't you recognise me? " I was dumbstruck and then, slowly, I recalled. [ I'm not that bad with faces and characters ! ] Here stood a man - a specialist in his field and a Senior at the hospital. Wow! What an honour! I had the privileged to teach this young man in school and after 12 years, he could still remember me!! [ I wasn't actually the bestest teacher in the school, I must admit! ] I was really honoured and happy to see him being successful in his field. I quickly finished up the work I had professionally and then catch up with my student. I was told a few of them had ended up being doctors in Ipoh ,KL and even Johor Baru. We talked of the good ol'times in school and that had his nurses in stitches at times. He introduced me to his nurses as the bad ass teacher! We had a good laugh, actually. Then, I asked him, what motivated him to be a doctor when I remembered that he wasn't really interested in that field when in school. He told me that there was one day when I had challenged the class to take up a field of work that could actually help the folks in the rural area and also, I had shared on the life I had in Sabah during one of my lessons. He told me, my advices & sharing helped him realised that there so much to do and so much to see around the place. He also told me that my insistence of challenging them to do their very best in their lives helped him and his group of friends a lot. Wow! That humbled me a lot, yunno. I never knew that my life could actually touch lives like that. Most of the time, students would bad-mouthed & spit on the ground when talking about their teachers, right? So, I really felt so blessed that I have made a difference in someone's life. Really, I felt so blessed. I give ALL glory to God! He is the one that has enabled me thus far. Thank you so much, Lord!

So, for all the teachers out there ~ hey! You'll never know the lives you touch with your life! Blessed you, teachers!~

Mom & the Chinese Passover....

I just received a call this morning from my mom asking me to come over to the house for the Chinese Passover celebrations! Yeah! It's "tong yuin" time again! For the benefit of my non-Chinese friends, it's the red and white glutinous rice balls in pandan flavour & gingerly sweet syrup time! [ That's how I like it, actually. ] Nowadays, they would fill the balls with red bean paste and so on. You can get them in season or out season in the supermarkets! This tradition has been with Chinese families for generations and mine is no exception. Honestly, I totally forgot about this and yeah, it's about a month to Chinese New Year! So sweet of mom!~ Love this lady a lot!

Yunno, I am definitely not that kind of guy who would show my affection in public [ seriously, I really can't do it ] but I most definitely can express it through my writing much better.Some say it's good while some say it's not. So, I'm learning to use the middle path, really. A little bit affection and a little bit of writing!

Okay, mom has been instrumental in shaping my life a lot. She is helpful, kind but she has an explosive temper. [ Now, I know for sure where I got my explosive temper!!] She's very concerned about my life but never ever intrude in my life. Mom & dad really gave me a lot of space in my life. I learnt independence early - got into some trouble but mom & dad stood by me every minute of my life. I love mom because she really cares for me and the family. Even though she may be disappointed with me in my early years, she never showed it. Instead, she continually talked to me and got me to think a lot about my life. Yeah! Mom whacks/caned me a lot when I was younger but never abusive. [Yeah! Spare the rod and spoil the kid! ] She treated all of us fairly though her obvious favourite was my youngest brother! She was the one who really took care of our food, our clothes and our daily lives. I want to share one occasion that is very close to my heart regarding my mom. I remembered that dad was working with a very hard boss those days and food was very difficult for all of us. Even on the eve of CNY, dad did not get his salary [ a mere RM 250.00 at those days ] and he somehow managed to get some chicken and some dishes for us. Later in my years, mom confided in me that dad had to sell his favourite working tools to get some money for us to have something to eat for CNY eve. Anyway, as usual, mom was there to cook rice and ensured we had our fill as children and we went out to play. Somehow, as a boy I was always inquisitive and I went back to the kitchen. There I saw mom & dad picking up the scrawny and boney leg part of the chicken [ kai kiok! ] and they had their meal! Those were the only parts that were left. They never complained but quietly eating away. That to me is the epitome of what sacrifice is all about. That stuck in my mind and heart for a very long time. In fact, it impacted me in a way. I learn a lot from those type of experiences from my mom & dad. BTW, we didn't get any new clothes either because dad didn't receive his salary that day. [ BTW, in fact, the boss did not pay my dad for 3 months and it was only when dad threatened to quit that he paid my dad one month salary citing difficult times! Sounds familiar in today's society?! Sigh!] As children, young as we may be, we understood the graveness of the situation faced by mom & dad because they tell us the truth and hide nothing from us. Never mind, if we did not have much to eat or new clothes. We were just happy being together as a family. That was more important to us. There were many incidences of love and sacrifice with mom but suffice to say, she's just a great woman!

Mom really sacrificed a lot when dad had stroke and cancer. But what marvels me was her tenacious will to continue to be with my dad throughout the difficult times and to continue to encourage each and everyone of us to go on with our lives even after his death. Again, she NEVER interfered in our lives and she always reminded me to take good care of my family. She is a wonderful grandmother to my children and my children love her a lot! The other thing that astounds me is her giving heart. Just like my dad, she is always helping out and giving all she could afford. I guess, her good hearted ways and helpful nature rubbed in all of us, her children. She was the one who taught me to speak the truth. She tells me that it is better to tell the truth than continue to speak more lies and get into more difficulties. She also continually reminded me that I am to remain faithful and to constantly protect the family. She never failed to tell me this every time I visit her at home. In many ways, mom is a woman of great courage, a great encourager and most important of all, a mother!

So, as I celebrate the Chinese passover, I just want to express my deepest gratitude and love for my mother, Tan Ah Moy [ I've asked her before "Why Tan Ah Moy? She replied ," Your great grandma says it is easier to remember and it's popular at that time!" ] BTW, she's a great cook ~ Hainanese chicken rice - the bestest!

Mom, Thank you for bringing me up and thank you for your love! You have a very special place in my heart together with dad!

So, to all the great moms and dads out there who had been inspirational & encouragement to your children wherever they may be :- Cheers to you !~

Home Alone...

I am halfway through my "home alone" week as Soon Ling and the children, Joa Wee and Shwu Yuen are at kiasuland errrr..... Singapore. They are at Ting & Yam's place. [ Soon Ling's sis and brother-in-law ] Throughout the days, I've been getting updates from them on the places they have been and so on. Much that I would like to join them, I am at work and it isn't easy not being able to be with them.
How does home alone feel? Well, I must say that uptill now I am okay with it. Generally, it isn't easy but I have managed so far. I guess, I am not used to having a very quiet atmosphere. Almost too quiet that you can hear the pin drop! Anyway, I miss the wifey and the kiddos! So far, the most decent meal I've ever had was on Tuesday night when I went over to Dinesh & Abby place for dinner! [ Thanks guys for giving me really great food and a fun time! ] To be honest, I am quite okay with meals ~ I'm kinda simple on meals. You wouldn't believe what I had for meals, actually. Don't cringe now! I had Cintan mee for dinner on Monday, roti paratha for Wednesday dinner and Maggi mee curry for Thursday dinner. For Friday, I'll probably have bread. By the way, I am really okay with the meals. No problems here! Belly is filled , I go to sleep-lor!

What I miss most is actually having Soon Ling to share my thoughts and so on after a day at work. I really miss talking to her and the children. In a weird sense, I miss sternly "reminding" Joa Wee for staying up too late for TV or having Shwu Yuen make me a cup of Nescafe O. Yeah! It's those little little things that makes it all most memorable.The other thing is that I have been routinely washing clothes and cleaning up the place that I am actually like Soon Ling now! Arrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhh! It's scary! Yeah!Somehow, I have become paranoid with washing clothes and keeping the place swept and cleaned! Ha.....ha........ OhYes! I've even folded the clothes and put them back into the respective drawers and so on. I guess, I must say that I raised a lot of eyebrows when I used the washing machine the other day. I guess, my back row neighbors knew that the wife wasn't around [ coz'normally Soon Ling would be doing the laundry each night without fail! ]. So, when they saw me drying up the brassiere and the undergarments and a pile of clothes, they must be thinking I was having another woman in my home!!! The actual fact was that this was our previous day load and I had to divide the load to two batches! It was fun watching their faces and hearing them talking to one another if I had another woman in my house while my wife was away! I tell you, I couldn't help myself laughing all the way! Humour does find its way in the weirdest of situations!

The other thing was that my young neighbours [ students from the nearby college ] on the right side of my house noted that it has been a few days since they last saw Soon Ling and the children. Finally, one of the lads asked me this morning, "Morning , uncle, tak nampak auntie?" Being naughty, creative and mischievous, I looked sober and replied curtly, "Auntie dah lari sama anak-anak-lar empat hari lepas!" He was like confused, taken aback and politely answered," Oo! Sorry uncle!" Then I started to smile and laughed a little bit. Then he too laughed knowing that he had been had by my morning prank! Then, I told him that wifey and children had gone to Singapore. I could see that he sighed a big relief. Probably, he would have thought that he had asked the wrong question to me this morning. I could still hear the rest of the girls in the house laughed aloud as I turned to my car to get to work. As I was about to get in the car , one of the girls remarked, "Kelakar jugak, uncle ni! "

Well, I have another 3 days to go before they are back. I am surviving this and a little humour does helps along way.~ Cheers!

The Mindset Change...

Have you had days when things just don't seemed to go right? Well, I guess, I experienced one of those days today. It wasn't actually a horrid day but things just down fall into places today. No! I am far from angry, bitter or even frustrated by it. I guess, in more ways than ever I am thankful that at least, I had lived another full day and survived! At my age and at the work I do, I count it a real bonus and a blessing to be able to wake up and face the day. Never mind if the day don't turn out as what I had expected. At least, I get to live a full day and go through what I had to go through. Learn from it and be much much wiser in life. Some of you who know me would probably be flipping over your chairs or even put on the sackcloth and pour ashes over your head like they used to do in the olden times, right?

Well, I guess, in some way or another, when things seemed not to work out the way it was intended, I've gotta stick my face up and smile. That should wake up some muscles in my face and make me look younger, right? Yeah, I've learnt to take in the hard crunch of life in a positive manner. Thanks to good friends like you who took the time to invest, re-invest and re-invest your advices and views to my fragile life. I guess, if I had been my old self, I would have flipped and burnt myself out with anger and the nastiness of life. Hmmmmmnnnnn.......I have changed, haven't I ?
I guess, I've ..................mellowed.................... in a certain sense. I can't change the situation which took place but I most certainly can change my reaction, right? I guess, it took me a while to grasp that idea but hey! It's not too late! Sure! Occasionally, I'll go into the lapse mode but at least, I gave it a try , right? I guess, I want to make a difference with my life and be a part of that good change.

I must tell you, change is hard and it takes a while but when you are at it like I do, you should be able to survive the nasties in life like what happened today when things just don't seem to go right. One thing is for sure, you've gotta to laugh at yourself a lot. That's what I am doing all this while! A lighter moment in the hard curve of life. So, here's to better days ahead!~ no matter who you are, where you are or what you do!~ Stay blessed and be a blessing always!

The Flop L'Enfant Plaza.....

When I read “Pearls Before Breakfast” by Gene Weingarten of the Washington Post dated 8April, 2007, I was captivated by the true life story but most important of all, I learnt that having life lessons from God is far more important than anything else in this world. It started out as a challenge to see if anyone would recognize this 39 year old violin extraordinaire and violin prodigy, Joshua Bell in the midst of the busy DC Metro subway station L’Enfant Plaza, Washington D.C. Again, I must confess that I don't know much about classical music. I must confess that I have heard of Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Jose Carrerras and Il Divo. I should say I do enjoy too pieces from Johann Strauss, Ludwig von Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach and some other names when I was younger. I hope I don't sound like a geek,man. OhYes, my favourite of all time, "Flight of the Bumble Bee" - Maxim.
On Friday, 12th January, 2007, armed with his 300 year old Antonio Stradivari crafted violin called the Gibson ex Huberman made in 1713 worth US$3.5million , donning a long sleeved T-shirt and a Washington Nationals baseball cap, this youngish white man in jeans started with “Chaconne” from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Partita No.2 in D Minor. He played Franz Hubert’s “ Ave Maria”, Manuel Ponce’s sentimental “Estrellita”, a Jules Massenet piece and then a Bach gavotte and it all lasted for 43 minutes. Here was a man whose talents can command US$1,000 per minute Joshua Bell playing the violin in the best way he knew how and what was his bounty ~ US $32.17 with some in pennies! Of the 1,097 people who passed him by that day, twenty seven gave money and only one person recognized him. It was Stacy Furukawa, a demographer at the Commerce Department. She said “It was the most astonishing thing I’ve ever seen in Washington. Joshua Bell was standing there playing at rush hour and people were not stopping and not even looking and some were flipping quarters at him! Quarters! I wouldn’t do that to anybody. I was thinking, Omigosh, what kind of a city do I live in that this could happen?”
What did this maestro has to say? “ It was a strange feeling that people were actually ignoring me. At a music hall, I’ll get upset is someone coughs or if someone’s cellphone goes off. But here, my expectations quickly diminished. I started to appreciate any acknowledgement, even a slight glance up. I was oddly grateful when someone threw in a dollar instead of change.” The awkward times to Joshua Bell is what happens right after each piece ends: nothing. The music stops. The same people who hadn’t noticed him playing don’t notice that he has finished. No applause. No acknowledgement.
For Joshua Bell, he may have been the greatest musician on earth of all times but that day, he was humbled by the people at the L’Enfant Plaza subway station.
So many times, our Father in heaven is just like that. We live our lives in such hurried–hurried manner that we seemed to forget that the greatest musician and healer in our lives seemed to be playing at the side unnoticed just like Joshua Bell. We also need to humble ourselves, lean back against the wall, listen to soothing music of life as belted out by Him and recognize Him for who He is in our lives. Be blessed !

The Voice...

31829 ~ That was the number which was worn by Paul Robert Potts, mobile phone salesman with Carphone Warehouse in Bridgend, during his first audition for the 1st Edition of Britain Got Talent Competition in 2007. This man completely bowled over and won the hearts of the 3 judges namely Piers Morgan, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell plus the 2,000 audiences who were shocked to their brains over his performance. As I watched through the audition on YouTube [ 5,472,132 hits on this piece ] last night, after this guy was specially mentioned by Pst. Ng Kok Kee during church service, [ I was apprehensive at first at the showing of the video clip!] I have nothing but great amazement for such an individual. [ Gosh! God made every one so different but special ] On stage stood a short, balding, shy , modest, crooked & broken teeth with cheap suit, 37 year old man on stage and blowing off the minds and hearts of the audiences!
When Amanda asked him, " Paul, what are you here for today, Paul?", he just simply answered “To sing opera!” You could actually see Piers Morgan looking dazed together with Amanda Holden while Simon Cowell had the “ Here comes another crap!” facial expression. Then, there was about 10 seconds silence before the music goes on and I was also as apprehensive as those people were. But when Paul Potts opened his mouth and sang Giacomo Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma “ from “Turandot”, every one was mesmerized and amazed at his ability to sing opera. When he finished, he completely bowled over Simon Cowell who was clearly amazed by this man’s ability while it brought tears to the eyes of Amanda Holden. What a talent! Anyway, he went on to win the coveted title of winner of “Britain Got Talent” Competition beating 6-year old favourite, Connie Talbot who sang “ Somewhere Over the Rainbow” [ another crowd favourite ]
As always, I did my little research and found out that this piece, Giacomo Puccini's “Nessun Dorma” from “Turandot” is made popular by the late Luciano Pavarotti. By the way, I am no opera expert I must admit but I found out too that “Nessun Dorma” means “None Shall Sleep Tonight”. It is sung by Calaf, il principe ignoto (the unknown prince), who falls in love at first sight with the beautiful but cold Princess Turandot. However, any man who wishes to wed Turandot must first answer her three riddles. If he fails, he will be beheaded.
In the act before this aria, Calaf has correctly answered the three riddles put to all of Princess Turandot's prospective suitors. Nevertheless, she recoils at the thought of marriage to him. Calaf offers her another chance by challenging her to guess his name by dawn. (As he kneels before her, the Nessun dorma theme makes a first appearance, to his words, "Il mio nome non sai!") If she does so, she can execute him; but if she does not, she must marry him. The cruel and emotionally cold princess then decrees that none of her subjects is to sleep that night until his name is discovered. If they fail, all will be killed.As the final act opens, it is now night. Calaf is alone in the moonlit palace gardens. In the distance, he hears Turandot's heralds proclaiming her command. His aria begins with an echo of their cry and a reflection on Princess Turandot:-

Nessun dorma! Nessun dorma! Tu pure, o Principessa, nella tua fredda stanza, guardi le stelle che tremano d'amore, e di speranza!"
(English translation: "None shall sleep! None shall sleep! Even you, O Princess, in your cold bedroom, watch the stars that tremble with love and with hope!")
"Ma il mio mistero è chiuso in me; il nome mio nessun saprà! No, No! Sulla tua bocca lo dirò quando la luce splenderà!"
("But my secret is hidden within me; none will know my name! No, no! On your mouth I will say it when the light shines!")
"Ed il mio bacio scioglierà il silenzio che ti fa mia!"
("And my kiss will dissolve the silence that makes you mine!")
Just before the climactic end of the aria, a chorus of women is heard singing in the distance:
"Il nome suo nessun saprà... E noi dovrem, ahimè, morir, morir!"
("No one will know his name... and we will have to, alas, die, die!")
Calaf, now certain of victory, sings:
"Dilegua, o notte! Tramontate, stelle! Tramontate, stelle! All'alba vincerò! Vincerò! Vincerò!"
("Vanish, o night! Set, stars! Set, stars! At daybreak I shall win! I shall win! I shall win!")

Well, God made every one of us different and He equipped us with many talents. So, remember Paul Robert Potts, don’t judge any one by their exterior and outward appearance. Know that it’s the beauty that is in the inside that is most important. Peace to opera lovers!~

A Clinic Scene...

Today, I went to a clinic where I have a work appointment with a doctor. Upon arrival at the clinic, I immediately informed the nurse on duty that I had an appointment with this doctor and I was told ," Yeah!Yeah! Just sit right there. Others are also waiting for the doctor!"; showing to the row of seats at the clinic. I thought that was rather rude of her but like "all good Christian fella" [ Sigh ! I can be nasty at times but somehow, I just quieten down a bit for once ] , I just plunked down at the seat and looked around me. I saw three couples at the clinic :- one Chinese middle-aged couple, one Malay young couple whose wife was pregnant and one Indian daughter and her mother. I couldn't help but noticed that the Chinese couple was constantly bickering over the high clinic fees and some silly matters [also, money, money, money thingy ] while the young Malay couple were constantly whispering in each other ears, giggling and "manjaing" one another like a pair of bunnies in heat or some fresh new pair of teenagers in heat [ real irritating when I am seating beside them on the long lounge chairs ] while the Indian daughter and mother couple looked unduly worried and agonising look - lines all over their face! You see the range of human emotions in one clinic! That's cool, man.
In all honesty , I don't know the speciality of this doctor and neither have I met him. I was just there to do my work. When he finally arrived, wow! Sure looks, talks and works like a doctor! ~ Ada gaya,man! He had that commanding presence and no wonder there are plenty of patients around. I just could not help but marvel at that "presence", it's like having our Father in heaven's presence in a situation! It's that enigmafying feeling! Anyway, got my job done and I was out of there. I then met up with the doctor's insurance agent [ an Indian guy who just turns, and twist and twirls around the facts when I have already got all the facts in order when I spoke to the humble doctor! ] and I have nothing good to say about him. Like they say, if you don't have good things to say about that person, don't say it at all, right? That's what I am doing right now!~ Have a pleasant weekend ahead, everyone !~ Be blessed!

Flood & Politicians...a weird concoction!

While at work yesterday morning, I was rushed to a flood prone area in Alor Gajah. Together with my colleague, CKGoh and my trusty Proton, I thought to myself, "Here we go again! Mud and stench again. Poor wife had to scrub hard at my clothes again !" As we arrived at Garden of Blue Clouds i.e. Taman Awan Biru, there was a massive jam and plenty of politician cars, police cars and fire brigade tankers lined up along the narrow roads of the taman. This made maneuvering along the road most difficult as I've got to get to some of the houses for my work. Never have I ever seen such a big circus; politician cars, policemen of all ranks, the fire brigade departments, scores & scores of mandors! As I managed to maneuver towards the main road, I was hit smack with the CM's Triton parked right at the center of the road blocking all ways to the houses I am supposed to work on. As I tried asking the driver to move the car to the side a little so that I could squeezed through but I was greeted with an angry wave of hand signalling me that he was not ready to back away the car nor he was going to do anything about it! Yeah! Talk about humility of public servants! My foot! For crying out loud, he parked the damn car in the middle of road, man! Why? Obviously not to soil some politicians shoes who was only there for some publicity stunt! No disrespect to anyone on this matter but parked the car at the side-lar so that there is a free flow of traffic! Undeterred, I reversed my car and looked for another alternative route road and I managed it only to be stopped by two "paku on the shoulder" policemen who took one look at my face and my Proton and waved me on. Some security for CM and the Assemblyman who was in the midst of calming down some very angry houseowners there!
My point is that this is the sixth time these houseowners had experienced the flash flood and mind you, these are low cost house owners, man! I was told that the Assemblyman came by to look into the plight of these people during the flood occurrences earlier - words, promises, hand out some cash and NFA [ No further action! ]. Hello! These are low or sometimes middle income people of all races living here! People who have worked hard and saved every penny they could to buy these houses and the items in teh house-lar. [ I don't doubt that there are some who don't belong to this income bracket, though! ] Have a heart,man! They don't need political sweets! They need well-regulated and bigger drains-lar! They need solutions for the flash flood-not handouts & political sweeteners. As I looked into two families which I have come to know well as I have been attending to their cases, Aslan* [ not his real name - a hardworking Malay man - He works in an electronic factory. ] and Soo* [ not his real name - a Chinese carpenter ] , I have nothing but sympathy for them. Their houses were in a total ruins as the flash flood ravaged their beds, their furniture , their electrical items , their clothes and other properties. It was sad for me personally to see their losses. I would feel devastated too if I were in their shoes right now. If only you people could imagine the trauma these families goes through each time it rains in this part of the town.
I noted with much amusement when I saw the big shots being photographed with some cangkul, digging out dirt from some drains and walking around the taman telling the people that bigger drains would be built. Really publicity stunt show,man! Normally, they are not even seen changkulling their own yard for that matter! [ Sigh! ]. I am usually not critical towards our assemblymen, big shots of the Govt.departments and so on as they are also human beings but what I saw displayed yesterday was pure publicity stunt. These big shots and important people get to go back to the comfort of their homes while the residents of Garden of Blue Clouds looked towards re-building their bleak lives all over again. Look, these are basis amenities and necessities in a taman. Help the people, cut the red tape and the procrastination on who is responsible for what and so on. Get the mad house together and give meaningful lives to these people who had toiled in whatever capacity they are in, to contribute meaningfully to this nation. Look! These are the people who put the big fat "X" in their ballot papers to return the present people to govern. Please repay their good faith with these basic facilities and make their lives more livable in their already small homes. Gosh! Our governing bodies have a moral and social obligation to fulfil these basic facilities. If we continue to be ignorant and constantly filled with a lackadaisical attitude, the people will be disillusioned and that's sad. Even my colleague , CKGoh felt repulsive over what had happened and this was his first experience at the stench-filled mud and unbearable rot smell. This not the type of mud you want for your body therapy ~ this I can tell you!

Anyway, this is my two sens input!~ No offence intended!

An Honour.....

When I wrote the article entitled "A Touch of Lives" on 25November, 2008, I didn't know that a few lines from the article would appear on some special Penang net tv. So , imagine my utter shock and elation in seeing the lines appearing on the special focus main page. I didn't know about this until my good friend, Vive gave me a call and told me about it. Anyway, I give all glory and honour to God for allowing me to feel and write my honest and humble experience in serving in the Big Party in Tabernacle of Praise [ TOP ], Penang. It was truly an amazing experience! An experience I would cherish in my heart always! It was serving God at the best!

Yunno, you can see this special video presentation of the Big Party at : http://www.penangnettv.com/

To me , the pastor, Pastor Geoffrey Yee and the people of TOP who had served diligently at the Big Party are the ones who deserved the most honour and accolades! God bless you, servants of God! Keep up the serving heart and be blessed always!

P/s If you are visiting my blog, please do leave a comment. I would appreciate that a lot.

Ryan...Oh Ryan...

Hmmmnnnn.... I was back in Seremban with the family over the weekend and what can I say about my favourite nephew.........Pure bliss! Funny it may seemed, he seemed to be crying a lot nowadays but he's one intelligent boy. Approximately 15 months now, he is really intelligent coz' he gave us all a spin in the head sometimes with his shrill shrieks of crying but at the same time, his smiles can melt the hardest heart around!!! That's call intelligence and super duper smarty!
Ah Yes! He is virtually stuck to his mother, Jade, like a sticky glue while he is also sticky towards my mother-in-law. Could see him throwing some baby tantrums [ boy, he can really spread his lungs a bit when he screams! ] and so on but overall, he's quite adorable, actually! Yeah, fascinating kid actually. You see, m-i-l was consoling him that it was raining outside but he kept pointing outside with tears streaming down his cheeks. So finally when mil brought him out, m-i-l told him it was raining. At this point , he pointed to the hanging pink umbrella, man! To me , this is one clever dude-lar! But we didn't take him out and so, he screams-lar! I like that, actually! Spunky, smarty and give the lungs some good workout! We consoled him by playing with him but the Barney and friends disc seemed to do it's job most effectively. Between sobs and some baby language, he'll be sitting down to see the Barney show then it'll all quieten down soon after. A few good pat on the back by Jade and soon, he'll be asleep! Then, it'll be some peace and quiet again in our kingdom. Two hours later , the king is back and he roars again before smiling again to his subjects - us, the king's people! Great kid...eerrrr...king with some tantrum issues! Ha.....ha......ha.......
After all being said and done, Ryan is a really wonderful kid. His smiles are captivating and he's really a fun baby to play with. He really is a bundle of energy when you play with him. He can be really a heart wrencher when he takes his small pillow and puts his head down on it as if he's sleeping. That's really nice!
Christmas present.....hmmmmmnnnn...... two and half feet long with 0.3mm diameter and light brown/dark brown in colour item commonly known as "revival of the annual nature" or the ROTAN! Ha..................ha....................ha.........

He has grown up and we are already missing him! Sigh! We miss him!~

Naughty Act.....

While in Tesco superstore during break, I decided to answer nature's call at the Men Washroom. So, there I was together with about 7 to 8 people crammed in a 10'x10' enclosure filled with permeating assorted smells waiting for a chance to douse off our internal fire. I tell you, holding out can be a painful experience but a wait is still a wait. Anyway, together with the men in the washroom came this two tiny tots of probably 6 and 7 year olds joining in the mad pack of men.

These two sneaky boys were practically a nuisance in the washroom ~ knocking on doors and practically trying to touch everybody. [ Tsk...tsk....tsk...where did they learn their manners from, I wonder! ] Incidentally, one of the three hanging urinals was out of order and they actually took a peek at it and laughing their heads off.

Then came the turn of this elderly gentlemen in front of me who took to the front urinal. These two goon boys went over and actually took a peek at his pecker - lar! They then spoke in Mandarin and I translate :~ " Uncle's pecker look like the small sea cucumber!" said one fella while the other fella said and I quote ," Doesn't look like it had a lot of water!" Then they burst out laughing! Imagine in a public toilet, near the urinals and these two rascals were making fun at the old man! The worst part was that they were peeking at the old man's freaking pecker, man ! [ To me, that's private and off limit totally, dude! ] The old man was mad and rightly so too and giving the two boys a good shelling! But still, they were smiling and laughing all the way.

I thought it was funny in a way but major disgraceful in another! Sure would like to meet these boys parents and tell them what their boys did! Embarrassing an old man and making disgraceful remarks! Sheesh! These two goons should be caned hard and so should their parents too! Manners , people! Manners ~ teach the young ones manners!

Where have decency and manners gone too, right? So, the next time you go to the washroom and used the urinals, make sure no one is peeking at your pecker,man! Also, beware of these tiny goons!~

A Reflection....

Last night, Soon Ling and I attended the wake service of one Mr. A.C.Nonis. In all honesty, Soon Ling and I don't know this man but we do know his son, our friend, Dr.Joel and his spouse, Anna. I came to know that Mr. A.C.Nonis was a teacher, a Scoutmaster and a man of few words. I was really astounded by the number of people who turned up for the wake service. I couldn't imagine such a crowd at a wake service. There must be something good that this man had done to deserve such a crowd at his wake service. After mingling and listening to the words of sharing from Dr.Joel, granddaughter, Mariel and Anna. I was awe struck by what I have heard about this man. I was told that he led a very simple life, a man of principles and a man of few words but he was a man where action speaks louder than words. Obviously, he impacted many people's lives by the huge numbers of flower stands with words like "Deepest Condolence " from Class of 57, 69 and so on. I had the opportunity to speak to one Uncle Lee who was a student of Mr. A.C.Nonis in 1957 and he was Uncle Lee's English teacher! He had really good words for this man. Wow! Look what a simple teacher can do to affect the lives of his students!

This morning, I attended the funeral service at St.Peter's Church. Again, a good crowd of people were at the funeral service. An array of young to the old to the very old were at the service. As I was about to be seated , I saw the arrival of Joel's eldest daughter, Fleur, who managed to get back from Germany in time to catch the funeral serving. Yeah! She was weeping all the way. Service went on as usual and I just followed what went on though I couldn't really understand the standing up and the sitting down thing. However, I was really impressed by the Eulogy part which was a great tribute to this man, Mr.A.C.Nonis. The Eulogy was beautifully handled by Mr.Peter Suan. Anyway, I could have sworn that I didn't see any dry eyes this morning as the casket was wheeled out of the church heading towards the crematorium.

I guess, the grieving actually starts when the family goes home later, I know it because I've gone through it. However, as I reflect on the teachers who had been such a tremendous impact on my life, I just want to say thank you to the late Mr. Chua Cheng Chye, the late Mr. K.O.Chandy, Mr.Boon Kim Bock [ thank you so much for encouraging me a lot in my younger days in school, sir! ] , Mr.Wong Swee Lim [ a real encourager ], Mrs.Betty Dorsen, Mrs.C.Navaratnam [ I enjoyed the Chapel service ! ], Mr. Phu Ah Kwee [ my Form teacher who actually took the time to advise me! ], Mr. Alex Lim [ hard man but caring at heart! ], Mr.Seow M.L. [ my Add maths teacher who goes really bonkers teaching me! ] and so many other men and women who had been such an inspiration in my life! Naughty and nuisance I may be but I think, I turned out alright,though!

Today, I salute the man I don't know - Mr.A.C.Nonis. All I know, he was an encourager to many people. He was a husband, a father , a teacher, a Scoutmaster and a real human being. That to me, my friend, is reason enough to salute this man!

Here's a toast to you, SIR! ~ In Memory :- Mr. A.C. Nonis [ 1936 - 2008 ]

Birthday Greetings ... Special People!

At this special month of December, I want to extend my heartiest birthday greetings to BA and Alyna, part of my newfound friend/family in Penang!

God bless you both and may the good Lord blesses you abundantly in all ways and always!

One more thing, I miss you guys a lot ~ BA, Alyna, Jessy, Esther, Darien & Deriss !

Happy Birthday! God bless you all!~

An Interesting Quip....

I was passing by a friend's desktop when I saw these fascinating quips:-

Said Also Don't Listen
Listen Also Don't Understand
Not Understand Also Don't Ask
Ask Also Don't Do
Do Also Do Wrong
Wrong Also Don't Admit
Admit Also Don't Correct
Correct Also Not Happy
Not Happy Also Don't Say

I guess, you've gotta translate this to the Cantonese dialect and you'll understand better ~

Anyway, putting it as plain as possible ~ it's a vicious cycle all over again!

Enjoy this ~

A Friend In Need.....

For the past few days in the midst of hectic schedule and good times, I am also buoyed and distressed by a situation my childhood friend from halfway at the other end of the continent is going through. It is the most dreaded situation and a living nightmare of every married couple ~the prospect of a marriage heading towards the rock.

Prior to this, it was during one of my quiet times that I felt that I needed to pray for this couple and I just obeyed. I have learnt during one of my cell group lesson the need for us to to be sensitive towards the Holy Spirit when we are in our quiet times. [ Thank you so much, Bro.Paul Tiong for teaching us this beautiful lesson! ] It was during this time too that I was able to sent an email halfway through the continent to get the message to this childhood friend of mine. I have met and been with this couple for some time and never in my wildest dream felt that they would face such a dilema today in their lives. In fact, there was a time when this couple was on holiday, they were the ones who advised me to be more concern and not take Soon Ling for granted. To me, at that time, I didn't see that I was not treating Soon Ling right and with respect. I took their advices in good faith and the rest is history. You see, relationship between a couple is a funny thing. You don't see the problems in front of you until some one else highlights it to you.

You bet that I am concerned over what had happened to this couple. I could only offer my limited marriage experience and pray that God will provide the rest. I am glad that my close friend acknowledges the sacred vow of marriage ~ "for better and for worst. Till death do us apart" and that God is our witness during our marriage. I know that my good friend is shattered by the initiation of divorce proceedings while I was informed that the two marriage counselling sessions worsened the situation. Honestly, I am not interested to know who is right and who is wrong because blame for failed relationship should not be shouldered by only one party. Both are equally at fault, as far as I am concerned and there is a need for them to seek the best healer in their lives, God, the Father.

Yunno, sometimes, married couples would have to look deep into themselves to understand the true meaning of the union of two completely different individuals to become one in holy matrimony. Many a times, we bring so much garbage and baggage from our previous lives or relationship and dumps them in our married relationship. We need to learn what is important - forgiveness, truth and death to the word "me" and propel the word "we". Look! Don't start finger pointing games because there is no end to finger pointing! Marriage is about sacrifice, patience, adapting to one another and taking stock of the storms in life. Maybe, you would say to me , "It's easier said than done" but I want to say that it is possible. Give it a try. Work out and iron out the issues in your marriage and learn that your marriage is so sacred. Let no one , no thing nor the evil one to come between your respective spouses. Learn to look at the happier times in your life when sharing your life with your spouses rather than dwell on the difficult times. There must be more good than bad in your relationship. Take the good part and make it better while make the bad times a lesson for a better life ahead.

So, today, I desperately appeal to you, my friends wherever you are, say a little prayer in your quiet times for my childhood friend, P & A [ initials only,ok?] so that God would intervene in their lives and heal their marriage! I really appeal to you ~ thank you so much!

CLAY Cafe Night 2008 ...more pics.

Egg sandwich making

Pizza making factory !

Orders! 2 Pizza, 1 Spaghetti, 2 Soup ! Joker drink on the way, chef !

Nacho dip ready, chef! Arrival of Grand Master Mandor !