Friday, May 27, 2011

when the going gets tough

I heard so much complaints from so many people recently that if I haven't known better, I would have thought that the world was one huge bleak and sorry place to be. People complain about the rising cost of living, their lack of material posessions, their jobs...the list is endless! Yeah, times are hard now but is complaining about how tough things are getting on the best way to deal with it?  I would like to believe that the best way to overcome the tough times is to be optimistic about things. To think positively despite the negativity. To be creative with the limited resources that we have.  To be prudent in our spending and wise in our decisions.  Of course, there're old habits to break and new habits to learn, too.  I know as I'm going thru my own major adjustment - from a working person to a stay at home wife.  Honestly, it was not an easy adjustment but all it takes is perseverance and a whole lot of faith in God for providence.  I'll like to think I'm still a work in progress but am glad to go through this with the right attitude.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Appreciating teachers - 16 May celebration

Mrs Thompson's Lesson

by Unknown Author

As she stood in front of her 6th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children an untruth. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. However, that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.

Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he did not play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. In addition, Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big 'F' at the top of his papers.

At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.

Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, 'Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners... he is a joy to be around..'

His second grade teacher wrote, 'Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle.'

His third grade teacher wrote, 'His mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't show much interest, and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken.'

Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, 'Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class.'

By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem, and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one-quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, 'Mrs.Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to.'

After the children left, she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children. Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of her 'teacher's pets.'

A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in life. Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honours. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favourite teacher he had ever had in his whole life.

Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favourite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer. The letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD.

The story does not end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he had met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit at the wedding in the place that was

usually reserved for the mother of the groom. Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. Moreover, she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together.

They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, 'Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference.'

Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, 'Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you.'

"Sejuta Impian" - A Million Dreams

I caught a show called “Sejuta Impian” over TV3 last Sunday evening. From what I gathered in that short half an hour, the show's aimed at financially supporting young people with great aspirations to achieve greater things for Malaysia. The fund was held in trust by 1MDB and it seems that there's a lot of money to be disbursed to deserving people who genuinely want to make a difference in this world. Now, I understand the concept but I don’t quite understand the rational on granting some funds by the panel jury.  And, I couldn’t believe how atrocious some requests were.


For example, there was one request which I wasn’t able to fathom the rational for a grant. A youngster came forth to present his case. He believes that he deserves financial assistance to be trained internationally for – of all things– skate boarding!! His dream is to then return to Msia and build a skate boarding “school” to "teach" Msians how to skateboard. The juries deliberated and finally at the end of the show, they’ve concluded that RM10k (sponsored by TV3) will be given to the youngster to learn skateboarding internationally and another RM10k will be given out of the fund from "Sejuta Impian" when he is back from his training. This second RM10k is to assist him in setting up a place, purchase of equipment etc to realize his dream. Now, who has heard of sending someone to be professionally trained in skateboarding? Isn’t it just a hobby that one can hone one’s skills simply by more practice? What can skate boarding contribute to Malaysia’s society and economy? Don’t get me wrong. I’m not against skateboarding. Skate boarding as a hobby – hell, yes. But, skate boarding as an investment – don’t think so! It didn’t seem to have any solid return of investment.

Ok, so once funds are disbursed, how are we to measure the return of the investment, then? Will 1MDB pick the people they sponsor randomly and check on them? What measures do they have in place to ensure the investments do not go in waste? How will they measure the success of every dreams and aspirations "Sejuta Impian" has funded? How will 1MDB hold all who have received the financial assistance accountable?

Again some questions were swirling in my head as I watched the show. Wouldn’t this fund be more useful for other needy purposes? There are equally, if not, more important and pressing matters which can benefit from additional funds. How about improving the education system? Or improving the public transport services? Or even ensuring quality food for children in schools to curb obesity? Or providing free English lessons to all so we could all improve our command of English?

I am sure the noble intention here is to help young aspiring Msians to achieve their dreams, but I guess for an ordinary Msian citizen like me, who’s hard pressed with the rising cost of living and limited income, the fund should be used for other more important matters which will lessen our burden and bring us immediate and tangible results.

Monday, May 23, 2011

It's a jungle out there!

OMG! It’s a scene right out from jack and the beanstalk, except in this case, it’s more like “ahmad and the pokok kacang” and the stupid beanstalk isn’t leading to anywhere good. Look how messy the backyard is? How can they allow this to happen? Just because they are renting the place does not mean they can get away with the responsibility of keeping the backyard clean, tidy and ultimately safe. Their solution is to simply never open the back door and venture out to the backyard! Out of sight, out of mind! Almost anything and everything grows and lives there now. Snakes, small squirrels, ants, lizards, rates and a whole host of disgusting creepy crawlies. Aren’t they worried about safety especially when there’s a baby in the house? Oh gosh, I could almost scream at them for being such irresponsible and ignorant neighbors. But, I feel so helpless. All I can do now is to tirelessly keep cutting and fending off the crawlies from invading my home. If only they could take up the responsibility to keep their own backyard clean.

Messy ... messy... messy

where did it begin and where does it end? Horrible, creepy crawlies!

Living with inconsiderate neighbors are darn trying and taking my patience to its limit. Not only do I have to endure this irresponsible immediate neighbor who do not care about what happens to their own backyard, I also have to contend with one neighbor who lives two doors away and who sets up a Burger Ramly stall right in front of their house! Now, this was a shocker as the family are evidently well to do, owns a Toyota Harrier, a Kia and MyV. So, we really didn’t think that they will need this extra cash by selling burgers. But, whatever their reasons to start this business, as neighbors we accommodated graciously. Ok, so first we had to put up with the incessant burger smell every day. Then, they started to discard heaps of trash under a nearby tree next to my immediate neighbor’s house. That’s too much! I mean logically since my immediate neighbor’s house is famously messy, no one would complain about the additional pile of rubbish in front of their house, right?



unsightly pile of rubbish 



Eekkk!! Wrong!!!! “Melampau benar!!” How can people be so uncivilized? I mean, let’s face it. People would normally expect these people to be considerate and civic minded, after all their “agama” preaches much of these. Then why does this happen? Is it just pure selfishness? Clearly, they possess a mentality that it’s OK to mess up and dirty up other people’s place but not my own!

What about authorities? Is there anyone we can complain to? Who can help instill some moral and civic consciousness into these people? Is there a possibility to take legal action against them? I don’t think they even have a legitimate license to operate the burger stall to begin with. Surely there must be someone who can help us? Heck, these neighbors are really driving me crazy… I hope it’s not too late to teach these people some civic mindedness!!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

icky worm in a bar of chocolate

Sometime last year (i think around Sept 2010), I bought a bar of chocolate but it turned out to be an "interesting" buy.
Who would have thought of being greeted by a fat and lively worm from a bar of chocolate? Utterly disgusting… The chocolate’s still within the expiry date, so who’s to own up to this lack of responsibility? Will it be the manufacturer or the hypermarts who stock them up? Really. I would have expected a decent hygienic control over a simple bar of chocolate. Not being petty here, just being real. As consumers, we all deserve better.


back in church

Hubby and I finally returned to church today after 3 long weeks. Yeah, after what seems like a really long period of absence, we finally managed to overcome my crazy hormones, tiredness and lack of sleep to drag ourselves to morning service. Believe me, sleep is difficult to come by at 8 months of pregnancy.

Back in the church, everything suddenly seemed a little foreign, even the worship songs seemed a little new. But we enjoyed learning new songs nevertheless.  There were also new faces in the church, too (Praise the Lord for that).  What I missed the most was probably the people in the church. Sorry pastors, I know I should have mentioned that I missed your brilliant sermons here, but it's the people that actually made the difference in any church. I was looking forward to be back in touch with friends.  It was invigorating to meet our friends again and catch up on what's going on in their life and feel the warmth of genuine fellowship. 

Having said that, I can't help but feel that there are some who have suddenly become indifferent towards us.  These people just walked by and did not bother to say a simple hello. Hah! Not even a smile was offered. Surely, it's not because you haven't been to church for some time, they tend to forget about you and would not bother to extend simple courtesies? I'm not being overly sensitive here - you know when you are being treated differently.  What's worse, they seemed to create cliques now and move comfortably only in cliques. They are oblivious to anyone else outside their clique.  Now, if I, an old member of the church could feel it, imagine what the new comers to the church will feel?  How can churches be able to draw more people to it when this is the kind of attitude they condone? Don't we need to change our mindset and be more outward looking? It is afterall about building God's church and see it transform the community we are in.  Don't we need to ask ourselves, is something missing in the life of our church? 
I remembered having read Ken Blanchard & Phil Hodges' "The Most  Loving Place In Town".  It addresses the very problem a church will suffer if we lost our first love and passion, which is God.  After having read this book, I have gained an honest insight into myself, my church and the loving relationship I enjoy with Jesus and with one another. Of course, it will be ideal to have the entire church read it too, but  perhaps we can start with baby steps by first finding our love for God again and let His unconditional love flow to people around us.  So, I am going to start with ME. Yes, me. Since i read the book, and surely cannot claim ignorance on this matter, I shall take this step to start something good.


Wednesday, May 18, 2011

I've got it in me!

Last but not least for today, I came across this cute little pup giving me a huge encouragement for my next phase of life.  Yeah, I know I can do things right.  Even if I fail the first time, I can get back up and do it right the second time.  I am a smart, confident, charismatic, energetic woman and I can embrace all new challenges with God's help.  I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me!  

home cooking experiments

Since I took a break from work, I tried my hands on some dishes. Not exactly perfect , but edible and quite a good effort I shall say ;p




this is baked Kailan plus baby corn and potato.

This dish is one of my hubby's fave.  Roasted chicken wing with baked potatoes and baby corns. Soup however, was from the canned, Campbell Mushroom soup.

This is my specialty.  Dried prawns chilli paste ('sambal').
Meticulously blended dried prawns with onions and chilli. Very nice to eat this with Maggie Mee, noodles or any other dishes.  
ABC soup with asparagus. Healthy choice....

There were some more efforts but didnt manage to capture all the pics. 
My hope is to be able to learn some Foo Chow cooking from dad in the future so I can dazzle my family with delicious Foo Chow dishes..... 

what's gotten into me?

What's gotten into me?  as you probably realized now, i am blogging excessively today. Bear with me.... so much to show and tell.... well, better do it now than procrastinate till the next year ...ha ha ha...

OMF

This was a place we visited back in Oct 2009. It is actually a retreat home for missionaries and christian workers - a place where they can unwind and recharge themselves for God's labour.  It is a peaceful, homely and serene place - perfect to seek God and reflect on our own journey with Him.  The weather was great and the food was divine! Our cell group held a retreat in this place and it was a memorable trip.


The way up to Cameron Highlands accompanied by heavy rain and fog.

OMF - front view

OMF - view from the big spacious garden
Kids loved the big space here to run around. Also there's a mini playground with slides and swings.

Superb cookies. Home made ones, baked by the caretaker. Ooh, btw, she made the BEST scones ever!!
Have to try the scones with strawberry jam. Tasted so heavenly :)

Mini pantry with generous supply of coffee and tea.

Comfortable living room with a piano.

Dining place - where we have our breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner and supper!

krabi Jan 2010

Had a brilliant escape to Krabi with hubby back in Jan 2010. Yeah, after a year only I'm posting this, so that really shows what a sloth I had become. Anyway, it was a trip worth our every penny. It was nice, cheap and just what we needed to breakaway from our hectic schedules.

We had our initial apprehension of going to Thailand, but alas, we chose Krabi as we learnt that it is a much better place (more family friendly) as compared to Phuket and less busy than Bangkok.  Furthermore, I have just been to Phuket end of 2009 for a company trip and thought perhaps Krabi will make a great next destination since both are not too different. So, we promptly booked our holiday with AirAsia Go Holiday and off we flew to Krabi for a couple of days of sheer bliss.

The hotel was not too bad. It is within walking distance to all the shops and restaurants.  Also the rooms were nicely decorated, with these 2 elephants greeting us in the hotel room.

I had my massage in the room too :) so much pampering during the trip. Totally relaxing.

Bath towels folded into beautiful elephants greeted us in the room!



 We ventured out to a nearby town for our dinner and ta da!! found this gem of a place.  The dinner was really nice.  We found a simple restaurant serving Thai food and had a generous sample of delicious Thai food at a very reasonable cost.

Mango and orage juice - decorated with orchid flowers

The restaurant and its simple decoration

rice served star-shaped on our plates :)

Yummy!

More food followed the next couple of days.  And, it was walking along the stalls and shopping, shopping and shopping :) 


2nd day dinner - seafood buffet for THB250 per person - nice, too!

In one of our walks, we caught this by the beach when it's low tide...

ah, our contented faces :)

studying again?


Just recently, I was tempted to go back to studying.... can I do it again after all these years of leaving the maddening process behind?! I seriously don't know. I am not sure if I can bear the stress of exams, paper work, thesis, attending classes, etc... That aside, I have the financials to think about, too... where can I cough up that kind of money to pay for a MBA programme?  Any Masters programme is not cheap. Easily RM20k - RM30k with a local University.  The money I've saved can be used for many other unspoken needs - larger house, children, etc. It is certainly not easy for a thirty something year old married woman to think about studying again..... BUT THEN AGAIN, everyone knows that the best investment is in oneself! Investing in your own future! Well, well, well, I guess I better not rush into things and pray for God's direction!

insulting infomercial

On 1st May 2011, I caught an “interesting” infomercial on the television. It showed a Malay lady and her daughter having conversations at home and at the hypermarket while doing some grocery shopping. At the end of their shopping trip the mother, while pushing her shopping cart, asked around to get the parking ticket paid. Lo and behold, the strangers (note, the strangers are adults) she approached looked puzzled as if they did not understand what she was asking! It was then that the daughter stepped in to ask the strangers in Bahasa Malaysia (BM) that only the stranger understood and promptly responded in BM where to get the parking ticker paid! And, the infomercial ended with the song “Gunakanlah Bahasa Kebangsaan kita, marilah amalkan ramai ramai…”

I was shocked! What an incredulous way of encouraging the use of BM! The mother asked a simple question “Where can I pay the parking ticket?” I do not think this question is too difficult to understand by an adult! It is after all basic conversational English. And, to think that this infomercial was produced by our ministry to encourage the use of BM! Why encourage the use of BM by bringing down and demeaning the use of English? Or, mock the people who are practicing English in their everyday life? Just when our whole nation is gearing up to improve the use of English at all levels, here comes this “brilliant” infomercial to “help” achieve this goal. Well, good job at shooting yourself in the foot!

The powers that be should remove this infomercial. It is an insult to our intelligence and an embarrassing representation to the world on how serious we are at improving our command of English. I am sure there are better ways to promote the use of BM, but until they find the right strategy, please do NOT educate the public this way. It will only be detrimental to our future.