Big Blue Marble

Brother

2011-02-11T18:22:00.003+08:00

Little brother,
Big brother,
Which one is better?
Little brother,
Big brother,
Can we compare?
Little brother,
Big brother
Which one should I have?

Iwan wrote and dedicated this poem to me, :-).

I asked him "How can you possibly get a big brother?"
Iwan said "We can adopt one!"

Ha ha.

2010-12-23T19:14:00.002+08:00

Yesterday afternoon, just after 2pm, I was driving along Jalan Telawi, narrow road with congested 2 way traffic. I was proably going at about 40 kms max and as my car passed a couple walking by the roadside, the man decided to step into the path! The side mirror snapped closed with loud thud and I could see his shirt up closed via the front passenger window…..I stopped the car and the couple and I exchanged looks, I was in shocked and I trust they were too!

I was not sure what to do, I moved my car forward a little and pulled to a stop by the side. Placed on my emergency lights and got down with Iwan. By then the couple had gotted into their car which was parked illegally by the road side. I approached the car and tapped on the driver's window, the lady screened down. I asked if the man was alright and if he needed medical attention. The man said he is ok and the lady said he is fine too. I saw him removed his right shoe and was massaging his leg. I guess he could have lost his balance and hurt his leg.

I am still affected by the incident, how much others can affect your lives. No matter how careful you are you need others to do the same. You could be doing what you deem is the right but others could change things in a blink of an eye. I hope the man is alright.

And they called themselves.....The League of Treasure Hunters

2010-04-03T18:23:00.006+08:00

Dear Aidan, Andrew, Ash, Beth and Iwan,

This is a quest that can only be completed as a team. There will be no single winner but if all of you work together, you will all be winners at the end of this journey.
Simple rules that you will have to remember at all times,
1. No shouting
2. No pushing
3. No crying
4. No running
5. Take good care of each other
Good Luck! You may now open the envelope labeled Quest No. 1

Quest No. 1.
Discuss and agree on a NAME for your team. A name that will make all of you champion treasure hunters!
Once you have decided on a NAME, there are nametags on the round table in front of the TV in the living room.
Each member will get ONE tag. Write your team name and your name on the tag. You may now wear this tag bearing your name.
Once all the members are ready please ask politely for Quest No. 2 from Uncle George.

Quest No. 2.
Look out the window. You will see a magic tunnel in the garden and a tent at the end of this tunnel.
Your task as a team is to get all members safely thru the tunnel, one at a time. Once you are outside the tent, ONLY the OLDEST amongst the 5 of you can enter the tent to uncover the next quest.

Quest No. 3.
Congratulations! So far so good….enjoy the ribena drinks….:-)
Now, a riddle for you….
the coldest place behind a door,
two you can find in different size,
drinks stay chill, fruits are stored,
this is where water freeze to ice.

Quest No. 4
Well done, well done team! You are now onto Quest No. 4.
Your next clue is in the hands of a person you know.
He is a good looking man,
He wears glasses and he works for a bank,
His wife has long hair and he has 2 children,
His youngest child is a girl.
If you know who he is, please send the youngest amongst you to ask him for your next quest…..

Quest No. 5.
Did you say Thank You to Uncle Ronald for the clue? I hope you did. Remember to be polite at all times.
Saya ada bunyi,
Saya boleh menyanyi,
Kamu semua suka sekali,
Ibu akan memarahi,
Jika menonton setiap hari,
Di bawah tersimpan surat rahsia yang satu lagi!

Quest No. 6.
Hello team! Now it is time to do a little mathematics. Simple, no sweat for all of you I am sure!
How old will all of you be this year? Now add up all your age this year to find the answer to this quest. Once you have the answer, send your team member with 4 letters in his / her first name to Uncle Shaun to get your next clue, remember to ask politely and say thank you.

Quest No. 7.
Look for a stack of newspaper piled up high. Work together as a team to remove the newspaper to reveal your next quest.

Quest No. 8.
Do not touch me
As you read me
Treasure oh treasure
Where can you be?
Secret is a key
Hanging from a tree!

Quest No. 9.
The end is very near, where all your efforts will be well rewarded or at least I hope so, ha ha.
I hope you have all enjoyed yourself and coming this far would mean you have all worked well together as a team. Great Job!
Find the “X” mark on the place in the front porch.
Now, facing the gate / car, stand is one single straight line, descending order in height, with the tallest of you on the most right and the shortest most left.
Pass the key to your tallest member. Don’t do anything yet! Read until the end first….
All must stand very still and do not move or make a noise when your tallest member counts ONE, TWO, THREE and presses the button on the key that will open the door to your treasures!
ENJOY!

Then and Now....

2010-01-23T18:41:00.006+08:00

Wheels of "Fortune"

2010-01-20T03:11:00.004+08:00

Peggy Ee

2009-10-02T08:44:00.004+08:00

22 July 1950 - 26 Sept 2009
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal - anonymous

Sky

2009-07-30T09:58:00.013+08:00

Nov 22 2008, it must have been love at first sight for Iwan...a cloudy Saturday evening, while waiting for Daddy living his dreams in a football game, we met Sky. So tiny, helpless and all alone. I am still not sure what made me agree...Iwan's compassion or my need as a Mom to walk the talk...it was nevertheless a good decision, Sky became family.

Sky came our way unplanned, so overnight we learnt about litter boxes, immunizations, milk and food......do we keep her in doors, where would she sleep.....and the list went on. Sky's distinct limp disappeared and she thrived over the weeks and months, from a little scrawny, wearied and scared looking kitten into a beautiful, lovely, young cat. But somehow Sky kept her distance, definitely very playful but she was never overly affectionate, cuddles, mewing, patting, stroking, those of what is expected of a feline were not her cup her tea.

As she grew she was not short of suitors, where her younger days sees her bouncing back on the dot just before bedtime, the last couple of months, we had to track her down and most likely cut short her "partying" to have her home in the nights. We have never been big on pets nor do we have great love for animals so with Sky controlling population was constantly on our mind and spaying her has always been on the agenda.

Spaying, was this the trigger of it all? Probably. Was it inevitable? Probably as well. These are conflicts within me since, but will I ever find an answer? Probably Not. It was a decision that let to truly unexpected turn of events and a heartbreaking end.

Close to a week after the procedure, Sky does not look like she was any where near recovering, in fact she has developed very laboured breathing, she has not eaten, she drank very little and was hardly moving around. By the time I sent her to Healing Rooms, Dr Loh said she was in bad shape....I broke down, I was not able to decipher what that meant then. Dr Loh said possibly FIP and is terminal. I agreed to a series of test, chest x-ray, blood tests...knowing all too well that they may do Sky more harm than good. Fluids were in her lungs and that made breathing difficult. I can't recall any episode in her younger days where the coronavirus would have infected her....and now it has mutated and Sky is dying....we brought her home to give her a better life so how could this be?

Dr Loh called at 7pm, Alina and Anita were visiting, Sky was not doing well and Dr Loh thought we should make a decision. I was torn if I should tell Iwan, I eventually decided to. He cried all the way to Healing Room. Anita said she will come along and I am thankful she did. Mom, does Sky have H1N1? Why so short, she is less than 1 year old? He cried his hearts out and it broke mine. Dr Loh gave us a few minutes bid our farewell, she was on drips so her paw bandaged, she was panting for breath, the basic act of life.

July 21 2009, it must have been one of the saddest experience for Iwan and I for that matter, another couldy evening, we bid farewell to Sky. Just as I had to make a decision back in November 2009, this time though I am not sure if it was a good decision and I guess I will never know, I decided to end sufferings which can no longer be made good. We cried some more.

Friends of The Andaman

2009-06-09T16:47:00.002+08:00

2009-05-02T09:42:00.003+08:00

Letter to my husband....

2009-04-30T11:25:00.003+08:00

29 April 2009

We have passed the 10th year mark of being legally married and it is about 3 weeks to our 10th wedding anniversary. It has been a long long time since I bought you a gift. I want to commemorate this milestone with something special. I have since decided on a pair of watches. A little corny maybe but I have my reasons.

Watch represents time, the past 10 years was without its challenges but I would not have walked a different path….In deciding which watch, I did not choose the latest design, nor “sporty” ones that you have been talking about, neither did I consider your minimum standard for a watch (you know what that is). Instead I settled for something simple, timeless and classic. I chose Month Blanc because it is quality that with some hard work I can afford, it will be painful to keep up with one I cannot, the like of a relationship.

Simple, timeless and classic to hopefully mirror what we have in our marriage, the past 10 years, now and always. I have yet to purchase the watches. I wanted to tell you first. Transparency, setting expectations are important in a marriage. Respect because I will be paying with our money :-) and respect is what marriages should be build on. I needed to ensure a good purchase (a feel good thing), so I made an offer which they countered for what deemed final. It should be “worthy” to symbolize what we have. I left it to fate to return if it is meant to be….that is how two people stay together, because it is meant to be.

Above everything else the gift simply represent my love.

Of writing...

2009-03-09T19:29:00.006+08:00

Iwan has been inspired to be an author when he grows up....:-). His first 5 master pieces.....

Once upon a time, there was a bird that always wished to be friends with the sun. One day, he flew up to the sun and talked to it. It didn't reply. So the bird went home feeling very sad. He never thought about it again. THE END. IWAN.

Once upon a time, there was a planet called Pluto. There was an egg monster called the egg plotter and all the other egg monsters on planet Pluto were scared so they left. The egg plotter won and soon he went to the planet next to Pluto, the planet earth.
Then he scared everybody except the people who knew that he was the egg plotter. So they made friends and lived happily ever after. THE END. IWAN.

Once upon a time, there were some planets called org Mosket and Maximus. There were aliens that wore power bars in Maximus. There were aliens that wore mosquitoes in Mosket. And there were aliens in org that wore other aliens. THE END. IWAN.

Once upon a time, there was a boy that lives in Mars. The boy's parents were named egg yolk and egg white. The boy's name is egg sauce. They were a happy family. They helped each other out, especially when other aliens attacked them. And their food was egg. They were the egg family. THE END. IWAN.

Once upon a time, there was a table that helped people. It helped with washing, cutting and more. The people were grateful so they fed him, washed him and helped him. A few years later, the people where not grateful so they didn't help him. He was mad, so he destroyed everything. The people were sorry, so they helped him again. But he didn't forgive them. THE END. IWAN.

KONSERT ALAM MUSIK MNASIR

2009-03-02T08:19:00.001+08:00

Favourites...

2009-02-14T22:59:00.004+08:00

Budding photographer or paparazzi???

2008-10-03T16:23:00.018+08:00

Ray and Kok Wai and family came by yesterday...Kok Wai of course was armed with his latest "passion", :-) his Nikon DSLR. With just our home and so few "subjects" to satisfy the insatiable clicks a digital...he could pass for a paparazzi!

Nevertheless some great moments were captured, sealed in time.....

Quest of a Primary 1 (5)....

2008-09-28T19:12:00.004+08:00

Wow Mom! How much did you buy the cheque book for?

Huh?

You mean you can write how much you want?!!!

Ha Ha!

Remembering Fiona (2)

2008-09-08T17:51:00.007+08:00

"I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith."

2Tim 4:7;

thamspace.

Remembering Fiona

2008-09-06T18:13:00.006+08:00

Her hugs;
Introducing Wendy, who became a wonderful wonderful friend;
Amusing skills of putting on eyeliner and lipstick without a mirror;
Curry noodles with extra "see ham" and extra noodles!;
Her need for shoes to be prefectly lined up at her doorway;
Tenacious, persistent and innocently pushy colleague;
The past 6 years of determination and extraordinary fighting spirit;
Her love for Jeff.

Wendy and I had lunch with Fiona end July 2008, when we dropped her back home, we hugged goodbye. Till we meet again Fi.

Quest of a Primary 1 (4)....

2008-08-03T17:54:00.003+08:00

Why don't we take a vacation to Heaven and check out if we like it there mom?

Hmmm dear, we can't coz they sell only one way tickets.....

Quest of a Primary 1 (3)....

2008-07-22T09:31:00.003+08:00

Mom, Indiana Jones bought over Sri KL and his daughter is studying in Standard 2!

Who told you that?

Vishnu.

Of Cupcakes and Scones....Marmalade, BV

2008-07-22T09:28:00.004+08:00

Silk Road @ Pavillion, KL

2008-07-22T09:17:00.003+08:00

All American Boys Chorus

2008-07-22T09:15:00.002+08:00

Drum Slices III - Rythm Ride

2008-07-22T09:14:00.006+08:00

KL Sing Song 2008

2008-07-22T09:13:00.004+08:00

Bali Hai, Penang....Simply Yummy

2008-07-22T09:06:00.005+08:00

Neroteca...Great food Great service

2008-07-22T09:02:00.005+08:00

Simply "Charm"ing

2008-06-07T20:30:00.013+08:00

Quest of a Primary 1 (2).....

2008-05-30T19:43:00.002+08:00

Mom, if God rides a motorcycle does he needs to wear a helmet?

Quest of a Primary 1 (1)....

2008-02-14T07:55:00.004+08:00

The one on packing school bags....
Iwan : There its done!
Mom : Huh? Why do you have so many books for tomorrow?
Iwan : Oh I pack for Thu and Fri as well. (beaming with pride)
Mom : You can't do that Iwan...why?
Iwan : So I don't have to pack tomorrow!

The one on twins...
Iwan : They look the same, but I know Esther is the shortest girl in class and Eunice is the second shortest.
Mom : How do you know?
Iwan : When teacher call Es-ther, then Esther will go up and when teacher call Eu-nice than Eunice will go up. But you know mom - twins look the same but they cannot have the same name. You know why? Because when teacher call then how? Who go up?
Mom : :-)

of AngPow.......

2008-02-10T11:36:00.002+08:00

In anticipation of every new lunar year, organizations and businesses in Malaysia and many other nations that observe Chinese New Year will print AngPow (red packets) for their client base and to a large extend the Chinese population in general. Killing 2 birds with 1 AngPow, keeping their clients happy as well as promoting their brand name.
It has however evolve to not be in all red only but with touches of gold and many other vibrant colors. These AngPows are filled with a token (money) and given to the children (by married couples) during this new year celebration, it is also a tradition and customary to give to the elderly.
I have a soft spot for admiring nice AngPow designs, personally over the past few years, OCBC has done well, great designs, contemporary, building in finer details of the meaning of Chinese New Year, both thru phrases and meaningful graphics and most important always with a touch of class in support of this tradition.
“Nice” does not stop at the visuals but also the size and quality. Big does not mean better – it has to dignify the accompanying token. Going green is the way but it is important for the quality to be maintained – a measure of the strength of the bond and sincerity of this token.
“Turkey” of this new lunar year would have to be Maybank and DiGi – who gives Maybank the right to change the very essence of Ang, literary meaning Red of this custom? And DiGi ended up designing a logo for some Chinese medicinal ointment!

2008-01-30T09:12:00.003+08:00

This photo was taken on 3rd Jan 2008, Day 1 of Standard 1. A new school to Iwan as he went to a different pre-school. Believe me the smile and confidence that you see in the photo did not last long. It took me a while to decide to pen this down as the next 2+ weeks that follows are experiences that parents would gladly lived without. Then looking back at what I have stored as memories in this blog, I believe it have been subconsciously edited to include only the better times, so I decided to share this, tough as it has been – I still love every inch of my little babe, that I am certain!

Crying bouts started a couple of week before school actually – at Aunty Julie’s house, oh, Iwan has sometime in Oct started with a new babysitter as Aunty Ho has moved to Putra Heights. We have known Julie for some time now, a friend from church. Reason for crying – I want mommy or I want daddy. Hmm sweet but simply incomprehensible!

So starting a new school with hours till mid afternoon did not make things better. Into Day 2 Iwan was already at the Principle’s office as his crying was interrupting class. Assistant Principle called, I told him if I go today he will be seeing me every day, so please to let him cry it out. Although my heart ache I was glad I decided it that way. But guess what? Dad ended up at the school, hah, good for him as this sees him having to drop by every day for the next few days. :)

Reasons remains the same, I want mommy and I want daddy. It was like living with Mr Hyde and Dr Jekyll, when I pick Iwan up in the evening he was totally different and indifferent to what happened earlier…

Mom : did u cry today?
Iwan: got la a bit

Mom : why did u cry?
Iwan : Coz I want u…but mommy my friend..bla bla bla bla bla…

Mom : do u like school?
Iwan : Yes

Mom : will you cry tomorrow?
Iwan : I don’t know. I will try not to cry la.

Hmmm…that went on for about a week and a half after which Iwan came down with flu. He was at Aunty Julie’s and 4th granduncle’s house but NO his crying attack did not stop. I have not seen his eyes so swollen before. That not being enough, to compliment his crying attack he went on hunger strike at the same time! Can you beat that? Prefect meaning to rebel without a cause.

It was very tiring for both mom and dad. We would get calls in the middle of meetings to a crying kid and a screaming babysitter! Threats, scolding, reasoning, nothing works. Miraculously the third Friday of school, Iwan decided not to cry. It has improved significantly since and I am keeping my fingers crossed. We are still coaxing him to eat. Every day mom needs to create an interesting lunch box to spark some interest.

Over and above everything we are very lucky and thankful to have supportive teachers and babysitters and the great “sms” technology, :).

New found interest...

2008-01-30T08:07:00.001+08:00

Azman Hilmi

2008-01-29T13:24:00.001+08:00

Tang Hong Lee

2008-01-29T13:21:00.001+08:00

Ode to Art....

2008-01-21T21:52:00.001+08:00

George has always like Lui Cheng Tak, I am lukewarm about his works. Then again, falling for a painting is all so personal and always to each his own. Over the last couple of years I have learnt to appreciate original paintings, it being “the one and only one’ work of the soul in existence…somehow the admiration for the beauty of art in its original form is unexplainable.

I have earlier blogged of my appreciation for the works of Ibrahim Hussein and Yusoff Ghani, I will still at this point need to admire it from afar.

We have been looking around for paintings to own, I have somehow known that we will have a Lui Cheng Tak at home and yes we do now. Cheng Tak to me is pensive, serious with the ability to lock the details of the past in an antic and nostalgic manner.

We also have a piece of Lim Ah Cheng, and of course it has to be one from his "horse" series. Very elegant and strong abstract strokes, I find his paintings mature beyond the age of the artist himself.

Close to a decade ago, I bought a watercolor of Alex Ong. Delicate, pleasant, relaxing...

Azman Hilmi, we have 3 pieces from his Underworld Destination Series. Azman Hilmi will equate colors, vibrant, abstract – when I first show his works it seems to tell me that there is always a different way of looking at life and it can be great, complicated but great!

Our latest additions would be the 2 pieces of Tang Hong Lee’s work. I adore his My Village series. It simply shouts happy!

The accompanying photos of the artists' works are NOT pieces from our private collection.

Along the way we also learnt that buying paintings can be addictive, therefore we made a pact to stop visiting galleries, at least for a while...

Definitely many more that I would love to own – Phan Thu Trang, a young Vietnamese artist would top the list. Of course there are Jehan Chan and many many others.

The Ultimate Indulgence...

2007-09-11T10:24:00.001+08:00

The Spa, The Andaman....

Luxuriate
Foot Polish
AromaTheraphy Massage
Body Scrub
Flower Bath
Facial
Foot Reflextology
The ultimate indulgence....

The Andaman

2007-09-04T11:22:00.001+08:00

Even as the Fokker plane glided down to the runway of Langkawi International Airport, the vast difference of the skyline and landscape from that of KL is immediately noticeable. I have not enjoyed the presence of so few cars (on the ride to the Andaman) for a long time, not to mentioned the trees and greens that have been allowed to exist in its natural form in comparison to the impeccably "human-landscaped-gardens" of that back home. The air and the sound of nature were all so refreshing!

And ah The Andaman, how do I begin to describe it - luxurious, sanctuary, relaxing and because we checked in on a weekday it was all so personal and perfect and expensive! The beach was wonderful, with few guests it was almost like a "private" getaway. The sand host a very fine texture and the water a clear green, the weather without the scorching sun accompanied by the sea breeze perfected the stroll by the beach in the evening.

This is life!

Quest of a 5-year-old...(2)

2007-09-04T11:09:00.001+08:00

Mommy, if you eat a lot and your stomach grows really big then we can have a baby!

Of dreams...

2007-02-22T09:30:00.001+08:00

mommy, last night I had the greatest dream...I dreamt I was in outerspace playing with the moon!

Kuching, 2006

2007-02-21T14:20:00.001+08:00

Singapore, Dec 2006

2007-02-21T14:16:00.001+08:00

Quest of a 5-year-old…(1)

2007-02-21T14:14:00.001+08:00

I am a big boy so I have to sleep in my own room, what about mommy and daddy? They are so big why they have to sleep together?!

2007-02-21T10:36:00.001+08:00

It has been a long long while since I have written, since Aug 2006!…working on our new home, moving and settling in, christmas and new year came and went, managed to squeeze in a short trip to Singapore some time in between and believe it or not today is already the 4th day of the year of the piggy!

Gong Hei Fatt Choy!

2006-10-01T20:42:00.001+08:00

For what seems like a blink of an eye, my baby turned 5 and crazy over strawberry shortcake!

My Young Artist...

2006-08-31T18:35:00.001+08:00

In the midst of my new found appreciation for the work of Ibrahim Hussein and Yusof Ghani, Iwan is also into Arts...he or rather "we" have recently checked out Art Attack at 1Utama where he can spend an hour to unleashed/cultivate his artistic talents.

Personaly, Art Attack provides an all too well orchestrated environment to really cultivate raw creativity, nevertheless it gives Iwan an hour to mess around with colours and stuff and I get to browse the MPH next door without my "hyperactive screaming honey drench in sweat".

Here is one of his proud work of art. Pirate Octopus!

Latest dining craze

2006-08-31T18:11:00.001+08:00

Bakerzin at 1Utama new wing...

Menu
ClamPasta
Fresh Strawberry Juice
Strawberry Short Cake

Both Iwan and I are crazy about it!

My Young Reader...

2006-08-31T17:49:00.001+08:00

McD's Filet-O-Fish
"Mom can I order Filet-"Zero"-Fish?"

Bakerzin's Mango Mousse
"Hmm the Mango "Mouse" looks yummy."

Kookaburra
Reading my first big book of words, "In the wild, ...parrot, monkey, "kookoobird", koala.."

The King and The Boss

2006-08-31T17:46:00.001+08:00

Aunty Ho asks "If daddy says yes but mommy says no?"
Iwan answers "Then no la, coz daddy is King and mommy is Boss."

:)

Covershots

2006-08-12T19:33:00.001+08:00

We had lots of fun at our recent family photo shoot at Covershots.

Family Photo 2006

2006-08-12T18:56:00.001+08:00

2006-06-12T13:32:00.001+08:00

The "men" in my life....Golden Sands, Penang, June 2006.

Jogoya

2006-05-19T10:21:00.001+08:00

We went to Jogoya’s buffet brunch for an early Mother’s Day celebration, last Friday, 12 May, and since neither my mom nor George’s mom was in KL, I was the “celebrity”. I have dropped so many hints of my interest in checking out Jogoya that it would be almost cruel if my husband has not made that effort to bring me there.

I did not have my camera with me that day, photos are "courtesy" of Makan Kings.

Reasons of my interest in Jogoya being - my lastest passion and constant craving for Japanese food; more specifically, high quality salmon sashimi and deep fried softshell crab as well as the fact that this buffet is possibly the most talked about eatery in town this past couple of months.

What I “fancy” about Jogoya – Definitely the selections, those who thrive on "variety is the spice of life" will find this place fulfilling for the soul, mind blowing selections with good quality. The oysters, salmon sashimi, soft-shell crab and miniature coconut drink were simply divine!

Beautifully designed and well positioned buffet counters, space, space and more space, this definitely beats many other buffets where grazing elbows, rubbing shoulders and playing footsie with your neighboring table seems to be a culture.

Excellent presentation of dessert; small, elegant individual serving of everything, how clever! This beats digging into a big unidentified mess of “could it be” cheesecake?!.

What I didn’t “fancy” about Jogoya – Service was purely focused on efficiency; little to hope for or rather non-existence “personal touch”.

You pay even before stepping into the premises of Jogoya, they measure the height of your child to decide how much to charge for him and they leave subtle messages on their cards and brochures that you need to get out within 2 hours as they could be running full house! (I understand they also make general reminder announcements, although this did not happen when we were there.)

So stuffed your face to the brim, get your money worth it and move on! Ha, ha, having said that I guess one would not go for buffet for the better of “personal touch” so it is acceptable.

Will I go back? Yes, I think I will, although it is not kind to the pocket, it will be good for those days when I need re-training on decision making from too many choices in life and I believe it would be an experience in itself for those who has not been there.

On the same floor as Jogoya, Relish, Starhill Gallery, I was extremely tempted by the inviting exterior of Gonbei! That will be next on my list.

Prague

2006-05-18T17:22:00.001+08:00

If you are looking for a relaxing get away and is ok with a long haul flight – lovely walks, sights to behold, arts and architecture that take your breath away, doing next to nothing in a beautiful, beautiful world, Prague should be your destination.

It is amazing how these medieval treasures have been preserve in its most glorious form for us to enjoy today; the doors of buildings, the windows even the manhole is worth stopping by for a closer look. The churches were overwhelmingly beautiful. Intricate, delicate and the finest of workmanship that emanates pride from the heart are prevalent even in the air!

The colors of autumn when I was first there makes every detail more prominent, and I wanted so much to “boxed” it up and to bring it home to share with George and Iwan.

Mother's Day - A Tribute to Aunty Ho

2006-05-18T10:36:00.001+08:00

I am a working mother and if I have to rate the most important person to me, it will have to be my babysitter – although it is never said in so many words of thanks or appreciation, what would life be without her, I dare not even begin to imagine.

Aunty Ho has been taking care of Iwan since he was 4-months old and over the years she would have “mothered” Iwan’s waking moments more than I would have! And the adorable bundle of “rascal” that he is today is much owed to the tender loving care that Aunty Ho has showered upon him unconditionally.

And if Iwan knew the order of importance, I would not be surprise if Aunty Ho tops his chart as well. Sometimes I believe he is afraid if he is all grown up he will not get to go to Aunty Ho’s house anymore and I have to continuously reassure him that for as long as he wants he will always be able to go to Aunty Ho’s, although there were subtle threats here and there that if he is “too much to handle” Aunty Ho may grew tired of him. :)

I remembered when he managed to win a level in Feeding Frenzy (computer game); the first person he wanted to announce and share his victory was with Aunty Ho!

I believe Mother’s Day is not confined to the honor and appreciation of biological mothers but to all those who has unconditionally loved and cared for a child from the heart.
Thank you Aunty Ho.

Seems like yesterday...

2006-05-17T19:17:00.001+08:00

Patrina, 2003 - This photo was taken at Subang Parade when we met up with Beng Ho during her visit back here.

Genting, 2002 - Hmmm, this was a day before Iwan's first birthday, he was already walking then!

Dylan, 2002 - Baptism

Baby Shoalin, 2002

For women over 40

2006-05-17T17:54:00.001+08:00

Rachel recently send me this entertaining piece written by Andy Rooney from CBS 60 Minutes and in the spirit of sharing I am reproducing it here...Andy Rooney wrote....

As I grow in age, I value women who are over 40 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:

A woman over 40 will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.

If a woman over 40 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And, it's usually something more interesting.

A woman over 40 knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom. Few women past the age of 40 give a damn what you might think about her or what she's doing.

Women over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get away with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.

A woman over 40 has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women. Women over 40 couldn't care less if you're attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won't betray her.

Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 40. They always know.

A woman over 40 looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women.

Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 40 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right! off if you are a jerk if you are acting like one! You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of 40+, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year-old waitress.

Ladies, I apologize.

For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free." Here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage, why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire Pig, just to get a little sausage.

A feast for the eyes...

2006-05-17T14:30:00.001+08:00

Ever since I was introduced to Pamela, I have been going back to her the past 4 years for every cake that I needed.

It started when I wanted to get a cake for Iwan’s first birthday, and I was intrigued by the 3-D cakes that I have seen at some parties.

Annie gave me Pamela’s contact; unfortunately she was not able to fulfill my order that year as she was working on a “multi-tiered” wedding cake!

She referred me to a friend and I got a “football” cake that year. Subsequently there was the “Choo-choo train”, “Thomas the tank engine”, Winnie Pooh” and “Sponge Bob” and also Mommy’s Birthday cake last year which were all from Pamela.

The excitement is in the sight of the cake, 3-D and beautifully decorated, Sponge Bob even held some miniature balloons! It is usually butter or sugi cake as the weight is needed to obtain a good 3-D form.

Pamela works out of her home in OUG and is definitely a master in this trade; she has a huge collection of different designs to choose from and often resulted in “ooohhhhs” and “aahhhhs” from her patrons. Most of her moulds are from the US and she has loads of magazines with latest designs that keep her inspired and up-to-date!

Quest of a 4-year old...(6)

2006-05-17T13:49:00.001+08:00

The one on childbirth...
Mommy, last time when I was a baby, how did I come out from your stomach?.........hhaaaaaaa....you mean I come out from your butt butt??? Then I dropped where?.....I thought they cut open your stomach to take me out!

The one on siblings...
Yes I would like a brother or sister BUT you have to marry again.....marry daddy la!

World Cup 2006?

2006-05-12T16:53:00.001+08:00

Rush Hour

2006-05-12T09:33:00.001+08:00

You are the ice cream truck stuck in traffic, the challenge is to get out before the ice cream melt!

I find this game by Think Fun challenging, both for children and adults, do check it out. CAUTION - It may deflate your ego if your 4 year old can solve it and not you!

They come in 2 version, Jr for 6 - 8 years old and another for 8 - Adults.

Kueh Bengka Ubi

2006-05-12T09:05:00.001+08:00

George's all time favorite, Bengka ubi is a baked kueh of tapioca mixed in sweet pandan-flavoured custard. The kuih is yellow in colour but has a dark brown crust at the top caused by the baking process.

Happy Mother's Day

2006-05-11T19:33:00.001+08:00

This beautiful card and Iwan's singing greeted me as I reached home from work today, :).

"Happy Mother's Day to you,
Mommy I love you,
M-O-M-M-Y
M-O-M-M-Y
M-O-M-M-Y
Mommy you're the greatest,

Mommy I cannot remember."

Have a wonderful weekend to all the mommys!

The Sarod

2006-05-10T10:03:00.001+08:00

I had the opportunity to witness Amjad Ali Khan’s brilliant performance, together with his sons (Amaan and Ayaan) at the Dewan Philharmonic PETRONAS on Monday night.

Amjad Ali Khan is synonymous to Sarod as is Ravi Shankar to the Sitar. Renowned as the master of Sarod, Amjad Ali Khan portrays music as spiritual, sounds are what connect us to God, he said.

I was "wowed" by the Tabla and the player, Sandeep Das; Sarod may not be as versatile as the Sitar (in my personal opinion) and on its own, but accompanied by the Tabla the renditions are transformed into beautiful music which is almost magical and hypnotic.

It was amazing how Amjab Ali Khan’s expressions thru the Sarod captivates the audience thru an inspirational experience, truly experiential as it is unique at that point in time, and can never again be rendered in the exact same manner.

I then wished we had the “OSIM” chairs at the Dewan Philharmonic!

Quest of a 4-year old...(5)

2006-05-08T09:00:00.001+08:00

The one on school...

mom: Good morning Iwan.
Iwan: What day is it today?
mom: Monday
Iwan: Oww, my throat is painful! Level high. Do I have to go to school?
mom: Let me see (feeling his forehead). Hmmm I think there is no fever darling, yes you are going to school.
Iwan: You think only mom, need to check, where is the thermometer?
mom: OK. Lets see. (placing the thermometer in the ear). 36.3. No fever.
Iwan: CHECK THE OTHER SIDE!
mom: ok ok. Don't get upset dear. (place the thermometer in the other ear). 36.3. No Fever.

mom: (showering)
Iwan: (KNOCK KNOCK)
mom: Yes dear?
Iwan: I just check it is now 36.4.
mom: NO worries darling, fever is only at 37.6.

mom: (continued showering)
Iwan: (KNOCK KNOCK)
mom: Yes?
Iwan: (excitedly) I just check again. It is 36.6. It is going UP!
mom: NO worries, it is very far from 37.6.
Iwan: (Plonked himself on the bed). Whoaaaa Whoaaaaa My throat is really painfully, sob sob...
mom: It is ok. No fever means the virus are gone. Pain is ok, just make sure you don't shout too much, drink lots of water and you will be fine.

mom: (Driving)
Iwan: I am worried mom.
mom: Why? Iwan: I will have lots of homework coz I was absent last week.
mom: Well, take the homework home and do your best to complete them.
Iwan: (Sigh). OOOK.

Good try my darling!

Blast from the past!

2006-05-04T14:16:00.001+08:00

Andrew showed me
some photos of Iwan
taken in 2003

...definitely blast from the past...thanks Andrew!

Quest of a 4-year old...(4)

2006-05-03T10:13:00.001+08:00

Quest of a 4-year old features a collection of funny and heartwarming thoughts of and conversations with Iwan.

The one on today…
Mommy, before tomorrow is today right?

The one on growing up…
Mommy, I don’t want to grow up…..*whooaaaaaaa *sob *sob *sob (wailing and sobbing)…I don’t want to grow up. *Sob *sob…how, how can I not grow up?

"Gameboy"

2006-05-02T21:56:00.001+08:00

for the LOVE of penang food

2006-05-02T11:32:00.001+08:00

Dedicated to my cousin, Jennifer..

We headed back to Penang, impromptu, last Saturday knowing very well that all the hotels by the beach are fully booked for the Labour's Day long weekend. So what can one do in Penang over a short visit of a couple of days without the sunny beaches? Of course, EAT and EAT and EAT!

This is not meant to be a food review so you will not find familiar names such as Sister’s Char Kueh Teow or Air Itam's Laksa, instead these are personal favorites, places that we duly pay homage to on every trip that we are back in Penang.

The interesting thing about eating in Penang (notice I did not write dining) is not about the ambiance, is not about the service and definitely not about catching up with family and friends over a meal.

These are places that you visit purely to satisfy your sense of taste, often in the madness of the tropical heat, perched on a stool with room just enough to maneuver the gestures of feeding oneself, not to mention in a coffee shop that has a coat of cooking oil over its flooring instead of varnish and hanging cobwebs that may possibly “peppered and salted” the dish in front of you! The next customer do not wait at the entrance to be seated, they will hover over you while you gobble down your food. Having said all that, these are what give the food its character, the taste our pleasure and an experience well worth.

We are “morning” people so usually our day will begin at about 8am, a walk to the Chai Leng Park market where George’s mom has her Banchang Kueh stall, a type of Chinese pancake, crispy crust with peanuts and sweet corn on the inside. She also has a variation of Apam, another type of pancake, soft and often with a slice of banana inside. Opposite her stall is the “rival” pancakes of Indian origin, also known as Apam, it is crispy on the outer circle and softer on the inner circle. All these pancakes are round in shape and folded into half when it is ready. These are “sweet” options that Iwan prefers for breakfast.

After which George and I will make our way to Xin Feng Coffee Shop in Taman Inderawasih for what we deemed as the best Hokkien Mee (Prawn Mee) around. Uncle Goh has been selling Hokkien Mee since he was a kid, learning the trait from his father. He has since branched out on his own some 28 years ago and says that over the years he travels far and near to try other Hokkien Mee in his effort to perfect the art. To me he has perfected the art. George will usually have his bowl of Lor Mee, while I will have a bowl of Taugeh (Bean sprout) Soup with extra small prawns (conscious of my carbo intake). A perfect start to the day!

Lunch will definitely be my favorite Duck Rice at the Swee Leong Coffee Shop in Chai Leng Park, the specialty in not in the duck but in the small bite size that it is served and the yummy sauce filled with chilli padi. We will also not miss the Chai Boey, one big bowl for each…

We will make our way to the island in the early afternoon, in time for afternoon tea at Genting Coffee Shop in Island Glades, this time it is for George’s favorite Chee Cheong Fun, Penang version where the magic is in how good the prawn paste sauce is. We will normally share a plate of Duck Egg Char Kueh Teow, sinfully yummy!

Of course there are others that we sometimes miss, as there are just so much we can eat in a day, Gurney Drive has excellent Parsembur (Indian Rojak) and the best Bak Moi in Kampung Malabar, trust me the art of selling this bak moi itself is an amazing experience to observe. We sometimes end the day with supper at Pelita Nasi Kandar, not the rice for me just 20 lady’s fingers (okra) in curry sauce.

And believe it or not this will be our routine for the next couple of days that we are back here!

Where did our "little babies" go?

2006-05-02T08:52:00.001+08:00

Mommy's 70th Birthday

2006-04-28T15:36:00.001+08:00

I was going thru some photos...We celebrated Mommy’s 70th Birthday (Chinese age) last January, two days before Chinese New Year, as her Chinese birthday falls on the on the 8th day of the 1st month of the lunar calendar. For the first time after many years we had a gathering for our relatives at Golden Phoenix, Equatorial Penang, mostly aunties, uncles and first cousins from both my father and mommy’s families. Audrey came with her children as James was in India, Eng Chin Koko and his family were there, Si Kuk, Nelly Cha and Chong Koko, Eng Chi, Ong Koko and Jensen, Tony Koko and family, Jimmy Koko. Cheong Koko and his family and all of Mommy’s usual Penang family “gang”, a few of her friends, George’s parents and Dog and his family.

It was good to see everyone, how times has fly as we played with the “younger” generation, which were once us!

Singapore Zoo

2006-04-28T15:29:00.001+08:00

Quest of a 4-year old...(3)

2006-04-10T18:53:00.001+08:00

The one on Prophet Mohamad's Birthday...
Its a holiday mommy, can I go to his birthday party and give him a present?

The one on precious teardrops...
Next time when I cry, can you capture my tears and put it in the freezer? You think it will turn to ice?

2006-04-10T16:20:00.001+08:00

The "men" in my life....Apr 2006, Bukit Tinggi

Quest of a 4-year old...(2)

2006-04-10T13:48:00.001+08:00

The one on parenting...
You know if next time when I have a son, I won't just drop him off at school, I will go down and stay till the assembly is finished and after he sings the "Negaraku" song.

It amazes me how my 4-year old has the ability to practice "reverse pyschology" on us as we drove him to school today. He has been bugging me to pick him up from school (Aunty Yeoh is his official transporter). I usually dropped him off in the morning on my way to work and a school teacher will let him into the school compound. Well, he definitely shows traits of being a more dedicated parent for sure!

2006-04-10T11:15:00.001+08:00

Kakak Ratuni di Bukit Tinggi

Pramoedya Ananta Toer

2006-04-05T08:28:00.002+08:00

....Dihargai Dunia Dipenjara Negeri Sendiri. Ia bagaikan potret seorang nabi, yang dihargai oleh bangsa lain tetapi dibenci di negerinya sendiri. Pramoedya Ananta Toer, seorang pengarang yang pantas menjadi calon pemenang Nobel. Ia telah menghasilkan belasan buku baik kumpulan cerpen maupun novel. Kenyang dengan berbagai pengalaman berupa perampasan hak dan kebebasan. Ia banyak menghabiskan hidupnya di balik terali penjara, baik pada zaman revolusi kemerdekaan, zaman pemerintahan Soekarno, maupun era pemerintahan Soeharto. Di zaman revolusi kemerdekaan ia dipenjara di Bukit Duri Jakarta (1947-1949), dijebloskan lagi ke penjara di zaman pemerintahan Soekarno karena buku Hoakiau di Indonesia, yang menentang peraturan yang mendiskriminasi keturunan Tionghoa.... tokohindonesia

Read this vivid and touching novel set in 3 days 3 nights, Keluarga Gerilya, as part of STPM syllabus in 1989.

Snowflower and the Secret Fan

2006-04-05T02:45:00.001+08:00

By Lisa See, intricately revealing...of how a perfect bound feet of 7cm will find you the richest husband..of how traditions and believes determine the destiny of your fate...

...Lily is haunted by memories - of who she once was, and of a person long gone, who defined her existence. She has nothing but time now as she recounts the tales of snowflower and ask the Gods for forgiveness...

Crab Version "Iwan"

2006-04-05T02:02:00.001+08:00

My baby drew this (he referred to a picture), still its the best looking crab!

Quest of a 4-year-old...

2006-04-04T15:29:00.001+08:00

The one on sibling…
Mommy, how ah? How do you think I can get a brother or a sister?

The one on marriage…
Mommy, if I have a sister I will marry her…oh we cannot marry our sister or brother? OK la then I will marry Carmen.

The one on beauty…
Carmen is pretty because she ties her hair.

The one on sleeping arrangement of our visitors…
Can Dylan sleep with me on my bed and Uncle Raymond sleep in between you and daddy on the big bed?

The one on sweet nothing…
Mommy when I see a rainbow I will take it for you.

The one on ambition…
When I grow up I want to work in a tau-foo-fa shop.

Amazing Literature

2006-04-04T14:04:00.001+08:00

The Arrow and The Song

2006-04-04T13:49:00.001+08:00

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow..a peom we chose for our wedding invite.

I shot an arrow into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For, so swiftly it flew, the sight
Could not follow it in its flight.

I breathed a song into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For who has sight so keen and strong,
That it can follow the flight of song?

Long, long afterward, in an oak
I found the arrow, still unbroke;
And the song, from beginning to end,
I found again in the heart of a friend.

the curious incident of the dog in the night-time

2006-04-04T11:23:00.001+08:00

By Mark Haddon, an absolutely delightful book written in the prespective of an autistic teenage boy...

Kueh Ko Chi Santan

2006-04-04T03:30:00.001+08:00

My personal "top" rating amongst all nyonya kueh...usually packed like a miniature "otak-otak", it is a green dumpling stuffed with shredded coconut in brown sugar (gula melaka) and topped with coconut milk (santan) on the outside...to better describe it YUMMY!

Only in India...

2006-04-03T14:50:00.001+08:00

In my recent trip to Bangalore, I boarded a Jet Airways flight to Chennai with this boarding pass, as my flight was delayed and I had to make a connecting flight on MAS back home!

An all time favorite

2006-04-02T13:04:00.001+08:00

Her last wish is for us to celebrate her life…

2006-04-02T09:58:00.001+08:00

My Tua Kim celebrated her 75^th birthday on 16 March 2006 with the people she loved most - Say Leong, Ai Lian, Mei Fong, De Xian and Hui Min – complete with a birthday cake and lam mee, then early the next morning she passed away. She was diagnosed in the late stages of liver cancer; stomach cancer as the primary, 12 days prior. Anyone who had known my Tua Kim would know that she is a woman in control, petite and well groomed, she is someone who indulges in and who knows how to appreciate the finer things in life, from clothes, food to everything else. She is also known to lavish others with the same – the finer things in life. I did not say goodbye in person but I had her family shared the last days of her life with me at the wake, it touches me in an indescribable way. I was and still am not sure if it is because it relates to the taboo subject of death but the only words I could use to describe it was “beautiful” and there is a strong need for me to pen this down.

She requested for her family to not to cry for her, death is inevitable. She said she has been praying to Mother Mary and would like to be baptized as a Catholic at a specific church. Her family arranged for that. She distributed her heirlooms and keepsakes to them explaining the stories behind each precious piece to the new custodians. She played a part in planning her funeral, who to call after her departure. She requested for a sea burial and she must have chosen her attire cause she looked beautiful! She wrote her will and did other “little” things in life that seems unimportant. Above everything else she and her family had the chance to communicate things that may on an ordinary day seems trivial. Till the very end she was in control and ready to move on but understands that only the lord can take her life, and so true is her obituary…

....She exemplifies a woman who enjoys life and beauty to their fullest, who attracts people to her, is adaptable and strong-minded, and while at times stubborn, is always forgiving and who loves adventure and a good laugh...Her last wish is for us to celebrate her life...

Adventures Of Isabel

2006-03-10T19:06:00.001+08:00

Isabel met an enormous bear,
Isabel, Isabel, didn't care;
The bear was hungry, the bear was ravenous,
The bear's big mouth was cruel and cavernous.
The bear said, Isabel, glad to meet you,
How do, Isabel, now I'll eat you!
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry.
Isabel didn't scream or scurry.
She washed her hands and she straightened her hair up,
Then Isabel quietly ate the bear up.

Once in a night as black as pitch
Isabel met a wicked old witch.
The witch's face was cross and wrinkled,
The witch's gums with teeth were sprinkled.
Ho, ho, Isabel! the old witch crowed,
I'll turn you into an ugly toad!
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry,
Isabel didn't scream or scurry,
She showed no rage and she showed no rancor,
But she turned the witch into milk and drank her.

Isabel met a hideous giant,
Isabel continued self reliant.
The giant was hairy, the giant was horrid,
He had one eye in the middle of his forhead.
Good morning, Isabel, the giant said,
I'll grind your bones to make my bread.
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry,
Isabel didn't scream or scurry.
She nibled the zwieback that she always fed off,
And when it was gone, she cut the giant's head off.

Isabel met a troublesome doctor,
He punched and he poked till he really shocked her.
The doctor's talk was of coughs and chills
And the doctor's satchel bulged with pills.
The doctor said unto Isabel,
Swallow this, it will make you well.
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry,
Isabel didn't scream or scurry.
She took those pills from the pill concocter,
And Isabel calmly cured the doctor.

Ogden Nash

Timbuktu

2006-03-05T11:04:00.001+08:00

The fad of humanising animals...simply delightful!

Cartoon Network

2005-12-31T17:16:00.001+08:00

I went over to Aunty Ho's house yesterday evening to fetch Iwan home, he climbed into the car and we said hi and as usual I will asked him about his day, whether he has been eating a lot of chocalates, blah blah blah.

Sometimes when he feels like it he will response sweetly, sometimes he may budge in with questions or stories of his own ignoring my questions and the other times he may just ignore them.

Yesterday was a one off time (as least I hoped so)..without warning, while I was in the middle of a sentence addressing his day, Iwan, my dearest 4-year-young, shouted "Shut up!".

As the car came to a stop in front of our gate, I asked Ratuni to get down and Iwan to stay. I asked him what did he just said, he looked at me innocently and answered, "I can't remember." "Of course you do." I said. After a few times of probing and subtle threats, he finally said, "Can I whisper to you?"

He came very near and whispered, "Shut up...". I asked him why he said that, he was silence. Then I aksed him where did he learn the word from? He whispered, "Dexter.."

OK, ok, ASTRO Channel 62 (Cartoon Network, Cable TV), is banned for my little rascal!

Serious Campers

2005-09-24T10:02:00.001+08:00

The 1st year

2005-09-22T10:29:00.001+08:00

Time flies, in 10 days it will be Iwan's 4th birthday, I still remember when we celebrated his 1st birthday at Lemon Garden, Shangri-La. He had a football jersey and a football cake but I believed the daddy wanted it more than him, :-).

He actually befriended some kids that we did not know at the lobby and they seems to get along very well.

Faith

2005-09-22T09:25:00.001+08:00

I was baptised Faith, Easter 2002.

When I walked down the aisle in church on my wedding day, 22 May 1999, God was there because I remembered my challenge to him a few years earlier in a mamak stall in Jalan Ipoh. Annie, a good friend of mine was sharing her faith with me, I was definitely in the "low" of my life then. When Annie told me to talk to God and that he will listen, I said to her, well I have spoken to him but I have not felt his presence in my life and I then I added, if God really exist then let him show me thru my husband, let me marry in church. Annie may not remember what I said but that day on my wedding day, I remembered....

God has been kind to me and my family and many a times I forget to thank Him. I named my son Iwan, which carries the meaning, God is gracious.

Wannabee wanna car

2005-09-22T08:15:00.001+08:00

It must have been since time inmemorial that my dear husband had wanted a volvo, that is how my wedding car was a volvo; a volvo 122; i liked it - although it was more "in" to have been a S class or 7 series, i liked it. I must remember to insert the picture in when I get it scanned, back in 1999, we did not own a digital camera (oh yes! instead of a diamond ring I got a Nikon F70 for my wedding). We have since sold the car.
Six years later, after a toyota, a fiat and a proton and after Jane bought her S40 and Amran his S60, he finally pruchased another volvo, this time a S80...with a broken mirror, stained interior and apparently belonged to a director of a company. We bought the car under duress - a call from my babysitter that Iwan is having high fever and asking us when will we be back. For a man who sometimes can't make up him mind what to eat for dinner, he was surprisingly confident in spending a 118K on a 4 year old piece of metal on wheels in under 20 minutes. I said a silent prayer as we again sold our soul to the bank. Wanna bees buying a Jones's car with 110% loan, ha ha ha, seriously he took a little less than that.
Above everything else, I can sense his happiness and satisfaction, (you can say "shiok sendiri"), can't remember him being this happy, not even on our wedding day! I am actually glad because I think he has worked hard and he deserves it. I always believe we need to be happy in whatever we do, and if there is something we really want, never ever settle for second best, life is too short. Well, happy till the next "bill" for owning a continental car comes along, that is! And will I ever get to drive the volvo?

Away from my baby

2005-09-22T07:20:00.001+08:00

I was recently in Scottsdale, AZ for work, that was the longest I was away from my son in almost 4 years. I was both excited and apprehensive of what to expect.
I missed him teribbly and I still woke up in the wee hours of the morning all ready to make his bottle of milk. What I learnt from this trip however was not how much I missed him, or that I am sorry for being upset with him for being naughty at home and that I should spent more time with him....rather a happy thought that he will be well cared for with or without me by a lot of people who love him.

Boon Pin in Melaka, 2000

2005-09-21T22:10:00.001+08:00

Khalil Gibran - The Prophet, on marriage

2005-09-21T20:45:00.001+08:00

Then Almitra spoke again and said,
'And what of Marriage, master?'
And he answered saying:
You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when white wings of death scatter your days.
Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
Love one another but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together, yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.

Across the fence

2005-09-21T18:58:00.001+08:00

Aunty Ho, Uncle Bob, Adeline cha cha and Cheryl cha cha used to stay next door till Iwan was 2 years old. Iwan adores Aunty Ho and she loves him dearly. Now they stay a few lanes away and they are still Iwan's 2nd family.

This photo was taken across the fence early 2002.

2005-09-21T16:06:00.001+08:00

The "men" in my life....Aug 2005, Penang Mutiara

Iwan and Dylan

2005-09-21T16:02:00.001+08:00

Khalil Gibran - The Prophet, on children

And a woman who held a babe against her bosom said, "Speak to us of Children."
And he said:
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.

Puncak, Indonesia 1999

2005-08-24T12:54:00.001+08:00