There is this ceremony that is supposed to be held in two weeks time! Yours truly is trying to get a group of us to do a skit or something 'fun' so we would be visible. I can tell you the response is really deafening!
Why? Apparently tomorrow is the dateline for handing in the all unmarked assignments of graduating students. Well, there are a few of us who are waiting... Waiting to see if we could make the grade for the ceremony! Again, the agony of this waiting is so deafening! Can I equate this silence to our humility?
Yup, it is our fault in the first place. Now there will be no reprieve nor time for us to make ammends! We should plan well ahead. But then there is the Murphy's Law at work! We only need one clog in the wheel not to work as expected!
I like to think that Murphy's Law is really due to human nature. We can't blame it on God you know. Nor claim it to be God's will!
____________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
two weddings in a day...
Had a busy weekend!
Attended two weddings hence two dinners! What a lot of food and eating!
Had a conversation with a chinese educated cousin, Tham Sang, who I have had always enjoy talking to! He does comes out with some of the most brillant comments and observations! We were talking about how we need to rush from one wedding to another! He has three that night!
We Chinese has this thing about the date and time we were born ie 'pat-chi'. It is supposed to influence the type of life we will have. In the olden days when marriages are arranged, the male and female's date and time of birth must match, in order ensure a compatible and fruitful marriage.
Tham Sang observed that it is all rubbish and definitely not relevant any more! Why? If each couple has their own matching date and time, there must be millions of combintations of 'pat-chi'. But it cannot be, that for all the millions of Chinese couple, the auspicious day has to fall only in the eight month of the lunar calendar? What happens to the other eleven months in the year?
There are only 5 weekends in 2009. Can you imagine the number of 'angpow's that has been dished out? Apparently all the hotels ballroom and other restuarants have been fully booked in the Klang Valley! Thank God for the idioscycrancies of one culture! Otherwise there would not have been much reprieve, for the hoteliers, from the current economy and H1N1 etc .
A poolside wedding!
A traditional chinese dinner!
___________________________________________________________________________
Attended two weddings hence two dinners! What a lot of food and eating!
Had a conversation with a chinese educated cousin, Tham Sang, who I have had always enjoy talking to! He does comes out with some of the most brillant comments and observations! We were talking about how we need to rush from one wedding to another! He has three that night!
We Chinese has this thing about the date and time we were born ie 'pat-chi'. It is supposed to influence the type of life we will have. In the olden days when marriages are arranged, the male and female's date and time of birth must match, in order ensure a compatible and fruitful marriage.
Tham Sang observed that it is all rubbish and definitely not relevant any more! Why? If each couple has their own matching date and time, there must be millions of combintations of 'pat-chi'. But it cannot be, that for all the millions of Chinese couple, the auspicious day has to fall only in the eight month of the lunar calendar? What happens to the other eleven months in the year?
There are only 5 weekends in 2009. Can you imagine the number of 'angpow's that has been dished out? Apparently all the hotels ballroom and other restuarants have been fully booked in the Klang Valley! Thank God for the idioscycrancies of one culture! Otherwise there would not have been much reprieve, for the hoteliers, from the current economy and H1N1 etc .
A poolside wedding!
A traditional chinese dinner!
___________________________________________________________________________
Friday, September 25, 2009
under performing
I have been bothered by a few things. But this blog is no longer my diary, so it seems I have to be careful what I write.
So 'Under performing'... recently I heard that a pastor was not given a posting because he has been 'under performing'! One cannot defrock or un-ordain a pastor. Does not having a posting means that one will not be paid? Does not being paid a salary means that that particular pastor is 'sacked'.
To qualify myself. Fortunately or unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to be trained as one nor be one. Again, fortunately or unfortunately, neither did I take enough modules on and about the role of a pastor. So how does one judge that a pastor is under performing.
In the secular world, if we deem a staff to be under- performing in a particular position, we must provide training. In spite of that, and staff still does not seem to be interested we need to be seen to be 'assisting' by providing another position in another department. If the employer really wants to 'get rid' of the staff, as staff is not a team player, hence a political issue and not performance issue, the employer will still need to show cause by giving three warning letters.
So an employee in the secular world is protected by various labour laws. What about pastors? Does the church abides by the law of the land? Does the church abides the law of the kingdom of God?
George Ladd defined the relationship between the church and the kingdom as: “while the church is not the kingdom, the kingdom creates the church, the church witnesses to the kingdom, the church is the instrument of the kingdom, and it is the custodian of the kingdom".(George Eldon Ladd, Λ Theology of the New Testament [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1974] pg.111-19).
Second time round, we are not bothered any more. Only good thing is I have learnt of God, through the various courses! Then again, have I found the answer to why some people viewed that it is not necessary for lay people to pursue further theological study?
Half baked, thinking pseudo-theologicans are surely a dangerous thing!
__________________________________________________________________________
So 'Under performing'... recently I heard that a pastor was not given a posting because he has been 'under performing'! One cannot defrock or un-ordain a pastor. Does not having a posting means that one will not be paid? Does not being paid a salary means that that particular pastor is 'sacked'.
To qualify myself. Fortunately or unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to be trained as one nor be one. Again, fortunately or unfortunately, neither did I take enough modules on and about the role of a pastor. So how does one judge that a pastor is under performing.
In the secular world, if we deem a staff to be under- performing in a particular position, we must provide training. In spite of that, and staff still does not seem to be interested we need to be seen to be 'assisting' by providing another position in another department. If the employer really wants to 'get rid' of the staff, as staff is not a team player, hence a political issue and not performance issue, the employer will still need to show cause by giving three warning letters.
So an employee in the secular world is protected by various labour laws. What about pastors? Does the church abides by the law of the land? Does the church abides the law of the kingdom of God?
George Ladd defined the relationship between the church and the kingdom as: “while the church is not the kingdom, the kingdom creates the church, the church witnesses to the kingdom, the church is the instrument of the kingdom, and it is the custodian of the kingdom".(George Eldon Ladd, Λ Theology of the New Testament [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1974] pg.111-19).
Second time round, we are not bothered any more. Only good thing is I have learnt of God, through the various courses! Then again, have I found the answer to why some people viewed that it is not necessary for lay people to pursue further theological study?
Half baked, thinking pseudo-theologicans are surely a dangerous thing!
__________________________________________________________________________
Thursday, September 24, 2009
food, glorious food... !!!
It has been a busy weekend!
For the weekend that passed, it was meal after meal and food after food. I have not eaten three full meals for a long time. Once upon a time, we could actually burn up the food and energy very quickly. Now if we have three meals a day, it just sits in our stomach and intestines.
But then, 'eating' was not just about consuming food. Eating has become a 'fellowship'. So it has been a long continuous round of fellowship and gathering, though at a much more leisurely pace.
Incidentally, we are now smack in to the eighth month of the Lunar Calendar. Good and lucky month to be married in. So there will be wedding dinners almost every weekend. This will stop for another three weeks ie the eating! Which will hardly give us enough time to 'loose' some fat before the Christmas and New Year celebration and binge comes around!
Sigh! What a good problem! I am not complaining! But it is a bit too excessive(?), especially so when we think of the number of people who are starving!
___________________________________________________________________________
For the weekend that passed, it was meal after meal and food after food. I have not eaten three full meals for a long time. Once upon a time, we could actually burn up the food and energy very quickly. Now if we have three meals a day, it just sits in our stomach and intestines.
But then, 'eating' was not just about consuming food. Eating has become a 'fellowship'. So it has been a long continuous round of fellowship and gathering, though at a much more leisurely pace.
Incidentally, we are now smack in to the eighth month of the Lunar Calendar. Good and lucky month to be married in. So there will be wedding dinners almost every weekend. This will stop for another three weeks ie the eating! Which will hardly give us enough time to 'loose' some fat before the Christmas and New Year celebration and binge comes around!
Sigh! What a good problem! I am not complaining! But it is a bit too excessive(?), especially so when we think of the number of people who are starving!
___________________________________________________________________________
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Selamat Hari Raya..
I wish all our Malay neighbours and friends - Selamat Hari Raya..Aidil Fitri.
Yes, it is a long weekend. The roads are quiet and KL is so peaceful.
There is so much I would need to do. Yet, it has been raining cats and dogs over for the last few days now. It is so nice to laze around in bed. It is so cool, a natural aircond. Okay, will take an afternoon nap later!
Anyway, last night I attended a 'play'. I call it a play as it is held in KLPac with proper 'free' brochures. Play was organised by a group of Sai Baba followers! Performance has many flaws. Then again performers are amateurs and it is totally voluntary.
It is still admirable by its objective of expressing whole hearted devotion to their founder. It could be heard in their 'songs' and chants. Only time 'God' was mentioned was 'to love our parents as gods? It could also be viewed as their 'outreach' effort.
One of the many questions and comparisons which arises is what would happen if the founder is no longer alive. Would there still be such devotion. What would his place be in this universe? Prophet or saint?
Invariably there is a comparison to what I believe. I believe in a Trinity, a Christ and God, which we could not touch and see, especially in this Post modern society. I subscribe to Wesley's Quadrilateral which draws from four different sources:-
* Scripture - the Holy Bible
* Tradition - 2000 years of history of the Christian Church
* Reason - rational thinking and sensible interpretation
* Experience - a Christian's personal and communal journey in Christ
Wesley's tradition refers not only to past Church traditions and theological writings that we accept blindly. It also refers to immediate and present theological influences which contribute to a person's understanding of God and of Christian theology. In retrospect, this was my journey, belief and objective that was achieved, in the course of my studies!
____________________________________________________________________________
Yes, it is a long weekend. The roads are quiet and KL is so peaceful.
There is so much I would need to do. Yet, it has been raining cats and dogs over for the last few days now. It is so nice to laze around in bed. It is so cool, a natural aircond. Okay, will take an afternoon nap later!
Anyway, last night I attended a 'play'. I call it a play as it is held in KLPac with proper 'free' brochures. Play was organised by a group of Sai Baba followers! Performance has many flaws. Then again performers are amateurs and it is totally voluntary.
It is still admirable by its objective of expressing whole hearted devotion to their founder. It could be heard in their 'songs' and chants. Only time 'God' was mentioned was 'to love our parents as gods? It could also be viewed as their 'outreach' effort.
One of the many questions and comparisons which arises is what would happen if the founder is no longer alive. Would there still be such devotion. What would his place be in this universe? Prophet or saint?
Invariably there is a comparison to what I believe. I believe in a Trinity, a Christ and God, which we could not touch and see, especially in this Post modern society. I subscribe to Wesley's Quadrilateral which draws from four different sources:-
* Scripture - the Holy Bible
* Tradition - 2000 years of history of the Christian Church
* Reason - rational thinking and sensible interpretation
* Experience - a Christian's personal and communal journey in Christ
Wesley's tradition refers not only to past Church traditions and theological writings that we accept blindly. It also refers to immediate and present theological influences which contribute to a person's understanding of God and of Christian theology. In retrospect, this was my journey, belief and objective that was achieved, in the course of my studies!
____________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Crankly old man
I want to go home. But I am sitting in the office. I just had a phone call from my colleague, who told me not to attempt going home yet. The traffic is at a stand still and all roads on both side of the highway are chock-a-block
We just had a thunderstorm about an hour ago. The sky was totally black and heavy with moisture. Like any developing countries, we do not have good road planning or drainage. So when the sky decides to pour buckets of water down on us, our drainage cannot handle it.
I want to go home to see my parents! Yup, I was home on Monday. But this email just came in.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in country New South Wales, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value.
Later, when the nurses were going through his meagre possessions, They found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.
One nurse took her copy to Melbourne. The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas editions of magazines around the country and appearing in mags for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem.
And this old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.
Cranky Old Man
What do you see nurses?.. What do you see?
What are you thinking.. when you're looking at me?
A cranky old man,..not very wise,
Uncertain of habit..with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food. . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice ..'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice ..the things that you do.
And forever is losing .. a sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not ...lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding...The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? ..Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse .. you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am .. As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding .. as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten .. with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters.. who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen.. with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now.. a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty.. my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows... that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now.. I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide.. And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty .. My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other.. With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons .. have grown and are gone,
But my woman is beside me...to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more ..Babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children ... My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me .. My wife is now dead.
I look at the future .. I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing .. young of their own.
And I think of the years..And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man .. and nature is cruel.
It's jest to make old age .. look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles .. grace and vigour, depart.
There is now a stone . where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass..A young man still dwells,
And now and again.. my battered heart swells
I remember the joys .. I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living ..life over again.
I think of the years.. all too few.. gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact .. that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people .. open and see.
Not a cranky old man..Look closer .. see .. ME!!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It doesn't matter whether the story/poem is genuine or not. Sure reminds me when I next see an older person, I should not brush them aside without looking at the young soul within .... we will all, one day, be there, too!
_____________________________________________________
We just had a thunderstorm about an hour ago. The sky was totally black and heavy with moisture. Like any developing countries, we do not have good road planning or drainage. So when the sky decides to pour buckets of water down on us, our drainage cannot handle it.
I want to go home to see my parents! Yup, I was home on Monday. But this email just came in.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in country New South Wales, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value.
Later, when the nurses were going through his meagre possessions, They found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.
One nurse took her copy to Melbourne. The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas editions of magazines around the country and appearing in mags for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem.
And this old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.
Cranky Old Man
What do you see nurses?.. What do you see?
What are you thinking.. when you're looking at me?
A cranky old man,..not very wise,
Uncertain of habit..with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food. . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice ..'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice ..the things that you do.
And forever is losing .. a sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not ...lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding...The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? ..Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse .. you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am .. As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding .. as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten .. with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters.. who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen.. with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now.. a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty.. my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows... that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now.. I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide.. And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty .. My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other.. With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons .. have grown and are gone,
But my woman is beside me...to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more ..Babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children ... My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me .. My wife is now dead.
I look at the future .. I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing .. young of their own.
And I think of the years..And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man .. and nature is cruel.
It's jest to make old age .. look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles .. grace and vigour, depart.
There is now a stone . where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass..A young man still dwells,
And now and again.. my battered heart swells
I remember the joys .. I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living ..life over again.
I think of the years.. all too few.. gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact .. that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people .. open and see.
Not a cranky old man..Look closer .. see .. ME!!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It doesn't matter whether the story/poem is genuine or not. Sure reminds me when I next see an older person, I should not brush them aside without looking at the young soul within .... we will all, one day, be there, too!
_____________________________________________________
Monday, September 14, 2009
sweet reminder..
We are brought up in an environment, where we are expected to be always achieving, moving up the ladder, as high as we can, in our career. We get caught up with learning new things, keeping up with developments, trying to be one step ahead of competition. After years of wheeling and dealing, I honestly forgot the simple pleasures of what I used to enjoy when we were young; junior staff.
As if I needed to be reminded, two things happened this weekend to remind me of the simple pleasures we have long forgotten.
So I have had volunteered to help put on make-up for members of a Choir. As it is a fund raising do, I have to do it myself, instead of paying some make-up artistes. Initially, I admit I was nervous that I would have lost my touch, after years of absence! Guess, like riding a bicycle, once we get back on one, we find we have not forgotten. Okay, so I have not forgotten the skill. But I have definitely forgotten how enjoyable and satisfying it has been. I should volunteer for more!
Then, in the short period, rushing between duty in church in the morning, and picking up what's needed for the second make-up session of the day, I noticed something red among the pots. This water lily of mine bloomed. It has been dormant for years! I have not ignored it, nor given up. It became a habit - the repotting, fertilizing and even talking to! I had a distinct thought that I have truly forgotten how beautiful and red it is.
Today's sermon was on the 'Blessed one'! Yes, I have been been blessed. But I need to be reminded. Most of all, I must not forget what I 'used to' enjoy.
______________________________________________________________
As if I needed to be reminded, two things happened this weekend to remind me of the simple pleasures we have long forgotten.
So I have had volunteered to help put on make-up for members of a Choir. As it is a fund raising do, I have to do it myself, instead of paying some make-up artistes. Initially, I admit I was nervous that I would have lost my touch, after years of absence! Guess, like riding a bicycle, once we get back on one, we find we have not forgotten. Okay, so I have not forgotten the skill. But I have definitely forgotten how enjoyable and satisfying it has been. I should volunteer for more!
Then, in the short period, rushing between duty in church in the morning, and picking up what's needed for the second make-up session of the day, I noticed something red among the pots. This water lily of mine bloomed. It has been dormant for years! I have not ignored it, nor given up. It became a habit - the repotting, fertilizing and even talking to! I had a distinct thought that I have truly forgotten how beautiful and red it is.
Today's sermon was on the 'Blessed one'! Yes, I have been been blessed. But I need to be reminded. Most of all, I must not forget what I 'used to' enjoy.
______________________________________________________________
Saturday, September 12, 2009
indulging..
Whilst I was in Penang, we had a wonderful buffet dinner at E&O. E&O is a very old hotel first built during the colonial times. It has been refurbished, with some of its suites named after famous guests: Sir Noel Coward, Rudyard Kipling and Herman Hesse. It is one of two hotel in our country, that I know of, that still has the old antique lift. The one qualification one needs to be a lift operator is to be at least 6.4ft tall. This is so one could reach the 'buttons'.
Front view of lift.
Of course, it serves sea food - Norwegian Salmon and fresh oysters freshly flown in from New Zealand.
Dessert has to be be marshmallow dipped in a chocolate foudue..
Vanity, vanity, all is vanity - a good excuse to indulge occassionally!
____________________________________________________________
Front view of lift.
Of course, it serves sea food - Norwegian Salmon and fresh oysters freshly flown in from New Zealand.
Dessert has to be be marshmallow dipped in a chocolate foudue..
Vanity, vanity, all is vanity - a good excuse to indulge occassionally!
____________________________________________________________
Friday, September 11, 2009
brrrrrr.... brrrr..... brrrr......
brrr... brrr.... brrr...brrr....
Cor there is such a racket every morning. My neighbour is having renovation done. And you wouldn't believe the workers! They start work at 8am sharp! So you could say why are you still in bed? Long story!
But, the noise and drilling is really loud. I have had been able to still tolerate for an hour. Today being the third, I discovered something. My brains actually vibrates! Believe me it does. Is this part of what of what constitutes the 'out of body' experience?
Oh well! The positive side is - I am now at work by 11am!
__________________________________________________________
Cor there is such a racket every morning. My neighbour is having renovation done. And you wouldn't believe the workers! They start work at 8am sharp! So you could say why are you still in bed? Long story!
But, the noise and drilling is really loud. I have had been able to still tolerate for an hour. Today being the third, I discovered something. My brains actually vibrates! Believe me it does. Is this part of what of what constitutes the 'out of body' experience?
Oh well! The positive side is - I am now at work by 11am!
__________________________________________________________
Thursday, September 10, 2009
much ado over nothing....
I know this is a famous play by Shakespeare. However, the statment keeps popping up!
People seems to be running around in circles over small things. Things which has happened days and weeks ago, is nothing but history! Are we not suppose to clear our 'baggage' every day! Not easy, I acknowledge, as we have to live in it. But we do have a Jesus we can leave our 'baggage' with and to carry. Then, all one only needs to do is to take a moment, stop and watch the world go round - and we could see things quite clearly.
Once I was told this story, by a taoist:-
a. Imagine a tea-cup filled with water. Drop in a pebble. The pebble settles down immediately. However, the water took some time to settle.
b. Then we introduce a drop of ink, the black ink swirls gently around, with the pebble still unmoved.
c. Then we stir the water. The ink mixes with the swirling water. The water turns black. However, the pebble remains a pebble - unmoved.
Guess what am I trying to say is - hei, we are what we are! Don't get pulled into the circumstances around us. If (a), (b) and (c) represents a level of test, and we are everything but the pebble, we are lost!
BE the pebble! Sticks and stones will break our bones! But not us! We only need to remember that the 'little' pebble in us is the 'Rock of all Ages', a most solid Rock and Foundation, indeed! How else could we find a more perfect way to carry on in this 'Paul's world'?
Haiz! So simple! So hard to do, meh?
_________________________________________________________________________________
People seems to be running around in circles over small things. Things which has happened days and weeks ago, is nothing but history! Are we not suppose to clear our 'baggage' every day! Not easy, I acknowledge, as we have to live in it. But we do have a Jesus we can leave our 'baggage' with and to carry. Then, all one only needs to do is to take a moment, stop and watch the world go round - and we could see things quite clearly.
Once I was told this story, by a taoist:-
a. Imagine a tea-cup filled with water. Drop in a pebble. The pebble settles down immediately. However, the water took some time to settle.
b. Then we introduce a drop of ink, the black ink swirls gently around, with the pebble still unmoved.
c. Then we stir the water. The ink mixes with the swirling water. The water turns black. However, the pebble remains a pebble - unmoved.
Guess what am I trying to say is - hei, we are what we are! Don't get pulled into the circumstances around us. If (a), (b) and (c) represents a level of test, and we are everything but the pebble, we are lost!
BE the pebble! Sticks and stones will break our bones! But not us! We only need to remember that the 'little' pebble in us is the 'Rock of all Ages', a most solid Rock and Foundation, indeed! How else could we find a more perfect way to carry on in this 'Paul's world'?
Haiz! So simple! So hard to do, meh?
_________________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
farmville...
Cor... I was just introduced (last Tuesday) to farmville.. game in facebook.
As I am writing this blog, I am actually waiting to harvest my strawberries. It is currently 96% ready. I planted it just over three hours ago!
Had a walk-about! Came back to continue and lo behold! I have just harvested my strawberries. Now I must stay online for a little while more. My brinjals are 96% ready for harvest. This has been planted about two days ago!
Not sure if this is a good thing! However, I now am beginning to understand why one does not need to go out and can be glued to the computer. As it is I have been invited to Mafia Wars and others. Glad I did not accept.
Yup, just had news today that Greek 2 is starting on the 6th of October! Surely that would be a better alternative to this? At least my adrenalin will be going must faster than this!
____________________________________________________________________
As I am writing this blog, I am actually waiting to harvest my strawberries. It is currently 96% ready. I planted it just over three hours ago!
Had a walk-about! Came back to continue and lo behold! I have just harvested my strawberries. Now I must stay online for a little while more. My brinjals are 96% ready for harvest. This has been planted about two days ago!
Not sure if this is a good thing! However, I now am beginning to understand why one does not need to go out and can be glued to the computer. As it is I have been invited to Mafia Wars and others. Glad I did not accept.
Yup, just had news today that Greek 2 is starting on the 6th of October! Surely that would be a better alternative to this? At least my adrenalin will be going must faster than this!
____________________________________________________________________
Monday, September 7, 2009
Bettas..
Okay got my first batch of betta babies after a long while....
No, this is not the alpha and beta of Greek, but our Malaysian fighting fish.
Yes, I need to stock fish to avoid mosquito larvaes developing in my water-lilly pots! Though one could actually buy the excess baby carps, rather cheaply like RM1.00 for 10, they have had been disappearing, literally! Why? Simply because there is a 'resident kingfisher' and a pair of Magpie Robins, who have had been feeding off my supply.
So in one of my trips to the fish shop, I saw an 'uncle' who was sitting there admiring his purchase. They were totally red female bettas. To meander, I decided to pick up some. Of course, Uncle and I got chatting. He was so surprised that I would know or even remotely be interested. Well, like I told him, my Granddad sparkled our interest. Many years ago, after breeding three generations, I went as far as trying to find out how to market them...
To cut the story short, not sure how the babies will turn out... cause I don't know the lineage... but extremely happy over my babies bettas.. be they red, blue, black or white!
This is almost like the male 'daddy' betta. (Image from bulletbetta.com)
This is the almost like the 'mummy' betta. (Image from oneworldinternetcafe.com)
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No, this is not the alpha and beta of Greek, but our Malaysian fighting fish.
Yes, I need to stock fish to avoid mosquito larvaes developing in my water-lilly pots! Though one could actually buy the excess baby carps, rather cheaply like RM1.00 for 10, they have had been disappearing, literally! Why? Simply because there is a 'resident kingfisher' and a pair of Magpie Robins, who have had been feeding off my supply.
So in one of my trips to the fish shop, I saw an 'uncle' who was sitting there admiring his purchase. They were totally red female bettas. To meander, I decided to pick up some. Of course, Uncle and I got chatting. He was so surprised that I would know or even remotely be interested. Well, like I told him, my Granddad sparkled our interest. Many years ago, after breeding three generations, I went as far as trying to find out how to market them...
To cut the story short, not sure how the babies will turn out... cause I don't know the lineage... but extremely happy over my babies bettas.. be they red, blue, black or white!
This is almost like the male 'daddy' betta. (Image from bulletbetta.com)
This is the almost like the 'mummy' betta. (Image from oneworldinternetcafe.com)
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Saturday, September 5, 2009
night forage....
I was trying to take a picture of my pink night bloomer - a water-lily. As the name denotes, it only blooms at night! Looks like it would be another night before it will bloom.
So instead, look who I found! My resident toad! Yes, it is a cool night, and he was sitting there serenading for his love! At least he was, till I rudely interrupted him!
You think he would turn into a prince - if I dare to give him a peck on his warty skin? Then again, he is toad and not a frog!
Yup! I am enjoying myself. Doing extraordinary things! But you see, I have just about a month. Yes, I just heard that Greek 2 is starting, probably early October!
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So instead, look who I found! My resident toad! Yes, it is a cool night, and he was sitting there serenading for his love! At least he was, till I rudely interrupted him!
You think he would turn into a prince - if I dare to give him a peck on his warty skin? Then again, he is toad and not a frog!
Yup! I am enjoying myself. Doing extraordinary things! But you see, I have just about a month. Yes, I just heard that Greek 2 is starting, probably early October!
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my mum's garden
Took a friend to meet my mum and for a tour in her garden. Ashamed to say that I did not know most of the plants - there are herbs and organic vegetables. It has provided the occasional dish for the dinner table.
Holy Basil - Our Malay neighbours love to fry with eggs! Or Mum boils it with ginger and onions to sooth a cough or two! I just infuse it with hot water and honey!
Most of us would think this is weed! Well, the Indonesian contractor, for whom my mum boiled soup for, swears by it! Preventive medicine for kidney stones and painful blocked urinary tract!
Yes, this is real. Not sure what species or where mum got the seeds from; but the ladies finger is at 11 inches and still growing!
A-ha! this is the flower of the ladies finger plant!
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Holy Basil - Our Malay neighbours love to fry with eggs! Or Mum boils it with ginger and onions to sooth a cough or two! I just infuse it with hot water and honey!
Most of us would think this is weed! Well, the Indonesian contractor, for whom my mum boiled soup for, swears by it! Preventive medicine for kidney stones and painful blocked urinary tract!
Yes, this is real. Not sure what species or where mum got the seeds from; but the ladies finger is at 11 inches and still growing!
A-ha! this is the flower of the ladies finger plant!
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Friday, September 4, 2009
peaceful week....
This week has been strange! Strange because it was relatively peaceful.
Peaceful as it has been raining in the morning. It is one's tendancy and so tempting to just roll over and sleep instead of rushing to work.
Peaceful especially if one drops into any of the shopping malls. Listen to the promoters, and one hears of 'no customers and no sales'. It is also time to close the account for month of August too! If we are lucky, it is peacefully flat! Doesn't help with the 1st September increase in the price of petrol. It has hit home hard to many.
Though various experts have said that their economy have bottomed out; the bottoming out period will last for the rest of the year! This is not a prophesy; but talk to the retailers and they will tell you that this 'peace' will last for a while yet. The 'buy one free one' is no longer attractive. Why? People have already bought for so many months. They will need time to consume their purchases!
Yes, it is a quiet and ominous peace, to the point of eerie-ness! It is not a pleasant sort of peace! And definitely, not the peace and joy that our Lord Jesus provides!
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Peaceful as it has been raining in the morning. It is one's tendancy and so tempting to just roll over and sleep instead of rushing to work.
Peaceful especially if one drops into any of the shopping malls. Listen to the promoters, and one hears of 'no customers and no sales'. It is also time to close the account for month of August too! If we are lucky, it is peacefully flat! Doesn't help with the 1st September increase in the price of petrol. It has hit home hard to many.
Though various experts have said that their economy have bottomed out; the bottoming out period will last for the rest of the year! This is not a prophesy; but talk to the retailers and they will tell you that this 'peace' will last for a while yet. The 'buy one free one' is no longer attractive. Why? People have already bought for so many months. They will need time to consume their purchases!
Yes, it is a quiet and ominous peace, to the point of eerie-ness! It is not a pleasant sort of peace! And definitely, not the peace and joy that our Lord Jesus provides!
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Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Malays speaking without fear...
This is an article which represents the 'new wind' that is blowing. This 'new wind' is a by-product of the last 20 years of growth, opportunities and education provided by our government policies! We need more of such eloquent, educated, young Malaysians. They are the future of our country! It is especially so, if we, at all hope to achieve the recent, new tagline of '1Malaysia', touted by the current Prime Minister.
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'Malays speaking without fear' by Nurul Izzah Anwar, MP for Lembah, was published on August 31, 2009, 5:37pm.
I can’t say that I know Datuk Zaid Ibrahim very well. Our past encounters have been limited to a fleeting hello in front of the steps of my alma mater, the Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies in 2006, another chat during a reception in honour of Datuk Ambiga Sreevanesagan in June and, most recently, at the PKR’s recent EGM. It’s amazing, but perhaps unsurprising that he has in these three years evolved from an ambiguous reformist in UMNO into the conscience of all Malaysians.
I had always been impressed by his outspokenness, and his willingness to fearlessly voice out his views on issues of national importance is nothing short of inspirational. Zaid does not mince his words where many hesitate to call a spade a spade, especially where it matters the most.
An articulate Malay speaking out for a multiracial and progressive Malaysia is terribly important in this current political climate. For our own community, Zaid epitomises how the Malays might redefine ourselves, to re-imagine a world where we do not think that we are inferior or threatened but are rather confident in whom we are.
In reading Zaid’s book Saya Pun Melayu, I sense the need for Malays to embrace a new paradigm on what it means to be Malay. Many indeed are doing so and this is a heartening. “Malay” need no longer carry connotations of dependency on the state, insecurity, or the crippling feeling alienation and the lack of self-worth.
The word “Malay” can and must eventually mean a call to embrace a broader Malaysian identity, along with a true, inclusive nationalism that is proud of who we are individually but also in what we have accomplished together. We can be sure of our identities and yet still be a part of something greater than all of us — and this is something all the ethnic groups in Malaysia ought to aspire to.
Zaid’s book highlights that fact that we need to look beyond the stereotypes and take an objective, albeit positive look at our community’s accomplishments. We have made great strides in business, the arts, education and the professions. Our success extends from Lembah Pantai where Malays own vibrant businesses selling products made by Malays to the flourishing nasi lemak stalls in Kota Baru.
We attend leading universities throughout the world, increasingly through our own merit. We can count internationally recognised choreographers, painters, cartoonists, writers, and film directors amongst our numbers.
Beyond these markers, our success can more often that not be seen at home through our everyday acts of compassion and sensitivity to others, which spread to our fellow Malaysians to become a national virtue. The kindness shown towards our children, parents and neighbours is perhaps one of the most important signs of who we Malays are as a community. These are real achievements that no one can or would want to take from us.
I’m not denying that we still have a long way to go in moving our community forward, nor am I unmindful that a lot of our successes would not have been in possible without the NEP and its institutions. However, it has become patently obvious that these structures are now holding the Malays back, and that the world has changed since then.
The Malays and, as a-matter-of-fact, all Malaysians need to change as well if we want to remain relevant in this world. We need to step away from our obsession with all things racial and realise that the project of nation-building is not a zero-sum game. Malaysia can never succeed until and unless its entire people feel like they are truly a part of it.
Why then does the old paradigm of ethnic insecurity persist? Why does suspicion and acrimony towards our fellow Malaysians and they towards us still linger? Why are mainstream newspapers calling for ethnic conflict, accusing minority communities of all sorts of ludicrous plots?
The sad reality is that these myths are being perpetuated by UMNO and Barisan Nasional for their own gain. The fact is that UMNO wants to keep the Malay community under its suzerainty forever. They do this by focusing on what we have supposedly not achieved, rather than acknowledging our gains and potential.
They claim to want to protect and uplift the Malay community, but all they have been doing for the last few years is playing on their fears and prejudices. The same can be said for the Barisan components with the non-Malays. This glass-half-empty mentality is being used by UMNO/BN to protect each other and to ward off challenges to their stranglehold on power.
We’ve seen from the case of Zaid of how UMNO demonises anyone who steps out of the pattern of complete loyalty to the party and who have different ideas on how to improve the livelihoods of Malays and Malaysians. We have also as of late seen their scare tactics in action. They have labeled people as “traitors” for calling for a new path of development for Malaysia. They prefer to protect their interests rather than allow the Malaysian people — especially the Malays — to benefit from reform, less corruption and more inclusion.
UMNO also regrettably perpetuates the myth that the Malay community is perpetually under threat from their non-Malay counterparts, and that UMNO is the only party that can save them from this supposed “servitude”. This, rather than anything else, is why race relations have gotten worse in Malaysia.
You cannot expect harmony in a country where its largest ethnic group is constantly bombarded with the message that the minorities are supposedly out to get them and take away their rights. Yet, they chose to follow this tactic since they believe in the short term this will strengthen UMNO and bring Malays back to the party.
They use these “attacking” tactics because they cannot offer anything else. They have shown that they would prefer to entrench those in power rather than allow new ideas and reforms to increase our chances for greater success. There is a real danger that their short-sightedness may cost future generations of Malaysians dearly.
The fact is that Malays have nothing to fear. We are demographically the largest ethnic group in Malaysia and the birth rate is going to keep it that way. Our position in the constitution is enshrined and this isn’t going to change either.
That is what UMNO and the Malay extremists do not get, and what the community as a whole needs to understand. The non-Malays and Malays who challenge UMNO are not seeking to reduce the position of the Malays in anyway, but to defend and uplift all Malaysians. We have to understand that we are all tied together and that we all have a stake in the land. We cannot survive individually as Malays, Chinese or Indians but as Malaysians.
Our non-Malay fellow citizens are not “challenging” our rights or “insulting” or culture and religion — rather they are calling for our nascent nationhood to be allowed to achieve it’s full potential than for us to remain stuck in our ethnic and mental ghettos. The liberals and moderates amongst the non-Malays also suffer from the depredations of extremists within their own communities — they deserve our support as well. The wave of reactionary politics that is engulfing us can only be turned back if progressive Malaysians stand firm against their threats and untruths.
While it is true that much more needs to be done to address those who have not benefited — for all Malaysians — the focus on what we don’t have rather on what we have accomplished only undermines us. We need to imagine a better future, for Malays and Malaysians — this will incidentally make it easier for all of us to achieve what we might lack.
The Malaysia of tomorrow cannot be one in which we are blinded by fear and negativity. The first step in imagining and defining a better future for all of us is to open our eyes and speak out like Zaid and others like him.
__________________________________________________________________
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
'Malays speaking without fear' by Nurul Izzah Anwar, MP for Lembah, was published on August 31, 2009, 5:37pm.
I can’t say that I know Datuk Zaid Ibrahim very well. Our past encounters have been limited to a fleeting hello in front of the steps of my alma mater, the Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies in 2006, another chat during a reception in honour of Datuk Ambiga Sreevanesagan in June and, most recently, at the PKR’s recent EGM. It’s amazing, but perhaps unsurprising that he has in these three years evolved from an ambiguous reformist in UMNO into the conscience of all Malaysians.
I had always been impressed by his outspokenness, and his willingness to fearlessly voice out his views on issues of national importance is nothing short of inspirational. Zaid does not mince his words where many hesitate to call a spade a spade, especially where it matters the most.
An articulate Malay speaking out for a multiracial and progressive Malaysia is terribly important in this current political climate. For our own community, Zaid epitomises how the Malays might redefine ourselves, to re-imagine a world where we do not think that we are inferior or threatened but are rather confident in whom we are.
In reading Zaid’s book Saya Pun Melayu, I sense the need for Malays to embrace a new paradigm on what it means to be Malay. Many indeed are doing so and this is a heartening. “Malay” need no longer carry connotations of dependency on the state, insecurity, or the crippling feeling alienation and the lack of self-worth.
The word “Malay” can and must eventually mean a call to embrace a broader Malaysian identity, along with a true, inclusive nationalism that is proud of who we are individually but also in what we have accomplished together. We can be sure of our identities and yet still be a part of something greater than all of us — and this is something all the ethnic groups in Malaysia ought to aspire to.
Zaid’s book highlights that fact that we need to look beyond the stereotypes and take an objective, albeit positive look at our community’s accomplishments. We have made great strides in business, the arts, education and the professions. Our success extends from Lembah Pantai where Malays own vibrant businesses selling products made by Malays to the flourishing nasi lemak stalls in Kota Baru.
We attend leading universities throughout the world, increasingly through our own merit. We can count internationally recognised choreographers, painters, cartoonists, writers, and film directors amongst our numbers.
Beyond these markers, our success can more often that not be seen at home through our everyday acts of compassion and sensitivity to others, which spread to our fellow Malaysians to become a national virtue. The kindness shown towards our children, parents and neighbours is perhaps one of the most important signs of who we Malays are as a community. These are real achievements that no one can or would want to take from us.
I’m not denying that we still have a long way to go in moving our community forward, nor am I unmindful that a lot of our successes would not have been in possible without the NEP and its institutions. However, it has become patently obvious that these structures are now holding the Malays back, and that the world has changed since then.
The Malays and, as a-matter-of-fact, all Malaysians need to change as well if we want to remain relevant in this world. We need to step away from our obsession with all things racial and realise that the project of nation-building is not a zero-sum game. Malaysia can never succeed until and unless its entire people feel like they are truly a part of it.
Why then does the old paradigm of ethnic insecurity persist? Why does suspicion and acrimony towards our fellow Malaysians and they towards us still linger? Why are mainstream newspapers calling for ethnic conflict, accusing minority communities of all sorts of ludicrous plots?
The sad reality is that these myths are being perpetuated by UMNO and Barisan Nasional for their own gain. The fact is that UMNO wants to keep the Malay community under its suzerainty forever. They do this by focusing on what we have supposedly not achieved, rather than acknowledging our gains and potential.
They claim to want to protect and uplift the Malay community, but all they have been doing for the last few years is playing on their fears and prejudices. The same can be said for the Barisan components with the non-Malays. This glass-half-empty mentality is being used by UMNO/BN to protect each other and to ward off challenges to their stranglehold on power.
We’ve seen from the case of Zaid of how UMNO demonises anyone who steps out of the pattern of complete loyalty to the party and who have different ideas on how to improve the livelihoods of Malays and Malaysians. We have also as of late seen their scare tactics in action. They have labeled people as “traitors” for calling for a new path of development for Malaysia. They prefer to protect their interests rather than allow the Malaysian people — especially the Malays — to benefit from reform, less corruption and more inclusion.
UMNO also regrettably perpetuates the myth that the Malay community is perpetually under threat from their non-Malay counterparts, and that UMNO is the only party that can save them from this supposed “servitude”. This, rather than anything else, is why race relations have gotten worse in Malaysia.
You cannot expect harmony in a country where its largest ethnic group is constantly bombarded with the message that the minorities are supposedly out to get them and take away their rights. Yet, they chose to follow this tactic since they believe in the short term this will strengthen UMNO and bring Malays back to the party.
They use these “attacking” tactics because they cannot offer anything else. They have shown that they would prefer to entrench those in power rather than allow new ideas and reforms to increase our chances for greater success. There is a real danger that their short-sightedness may cost future generations of Malaysians dearly.
The fact is that Malays have nothing to fear. We are demographically the largest ethnic group in Malaysia and the birth rate is going to keep it that way. Our position in the constitution is enshrined and this isn’t going to change either.
That is what UMNO and the Malay extremists do not get, and what the community as a whole needs to understand. The non-Malays and Malays who challenge UMNO are not seeking to reduce the position of the Malays in anyway, but to defend and uplift all Malaysians. We have to understand that we are all tied together and that we all have a stake in the land. We cannot survive individually as Malays, Chinese or Indians but as Malaysians.
Our non-Malay fellow citizens are not “challenging” our rights or “insulting” or culture and religion — rather they are calling for our nascent nationhood to be allowed to achieve it’s full potential than for us to remain stuck in our ethnic and mental ghettos. The liberals and moderates amongst the non-Malays also suffer from the depredations of extremists within their own communities — they deserve our support as well. The wave of reactionary politics that is engulfing us can only be turned back if progressive Malaysians stand firm against their threats and untruths.
While it is true that much more needs to be done to address those who have not benefited — for all Malaysians — the focus on what we don’t have rather on what we have accomplished only undermines us. We need to imagine a better future, for Malays and Malaysians — this will incidentally make it easier for all of us to achieve what we might lack.
The Malaysia of tomorrow cannot be one in which we are blinded by fear and negativity. The first step in imagining and defining a better future for all of us is to open our eyes and speak out like Zaid and others like him.
__________________________________________________________________
Balloon Buzz..
I should give some acknowledgement to my siblings' business. It's all about balloons!
And I must record this real story. My Dad invited his friend into the shop! They are both octogenarians! After walking round the shop, the friend asks my Dad: sell 'fie-por' (hydrogen filled-balloons) also can? Reason for such unbelief is due to the fact that balloons are not necessities but an indulgence! This is especially so during the Octogenarian's generation, where every little penny is frugally spent on food or saved!
Balloon business is big in the United States and UK. Malaysia is catching up, too! As our country's middle class grows there is a demand for more novelties! Giving a bouquet is an alternative to giving flowers! Balloons especially foil balloons last longer! Balloons also adds to the decor during festivities and celebrations!
Yes, it has been doing well for the last 10years! So check it out!
Be creative! Give Balloon bouquets instead of flowers!
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And I must record this real story. My Dad invited his friend into the shop! They are both octogenarians! After walking round the shop, the friend asks my Dad: sell 'fie-por' (hydrogen filled-balloons) also can? Reason for such unbelief is due to the fact that balloons are not necessities but an indulgence! This is especially so during the Octogenarian's generation, where every little penny is frugally spent on food or saved!
Balloon business is big in the United States and UK. Malaysia is catching up, too! As our country's middle class grows there is a demand for more novelties! Giving a bouquet is an alternative to giving flowers! Balloons especially foil balloons last longer! Balloons also adds to the decor during festivities and celebrations!
Yes, it has been doing well for the last 10years! So check it out!
Be creative! Give Balloon bouquets instead of flowers!
____________________________________________________________________
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