Slip sliding into Christmas

Title: Scenic view of the lake surrounded by evergreens and snow-capped mountains
Artist: Raymond Gehman

As much as I envision snow completing the Christmas season, with snow-capped mountains and crystal blue lakes reflecting the beauty around as I snuggle up by the fireplace in a cabin with rustic furnishings, or perhaps slip slidding down the slopes ... Christmas isn't about any of that at all.

Well, let me digress and tell you about my little mishap on the mountains many years ago ;-)

Slip slides happen to those out of control ...
I once tried skiing during winter holidays in Nevada. Prior to that, the sport that I really ever knew was ballet. Needless to say, I was very flexible and walked with turned out feet (some say, like a duck!) The ski instructor said I should have no problems with skiing since I already danced and was flexible. I might as well dance on the slopes as well!

Let me be the first to tell you that dancers definitely don't make good skiers. Skiers' stance is completely the opposite from dancers. They form a wedge (with turned in feet), and adjust their feet, depending on which direction and how fast they want to go down the slope.

Skiers bend their body forwards with knees bent to keep the balance. Dancers pull up their bodies and create a invisible line from head to toe. They stand straight. They walk tall.

After the initial basic lessons on skiing, I was put on the ski lift and journeyed up the mountains. It was difficult enough to muster the courage to get on the lift and now I had to get off the lift. I couldn't the first time round, and they stopped the lift because everybody gets off.

When I finally did, I had to quickly ski around a tree (like doing the U-turn except this one's to the left!). After turning around, I immediately fell right into a pile of snow. Not wanting to embarrass my instructor and friend, I quickly got up and told them to go ahead down the slope ... I will eventually get there!

I tried going down the slope. My feet were naturally turned out, and I struggled to do the wedge, but each time I pushed off with the poles, my feet would naturally move away from the wedge and I find myself going downhill fast with feet in parallel - a nice compromise between turn out and wedge!

With my un-natural extended feet and skis, and the indecisiveness of my body - whether to stay turned out naturally or forcing the wedge - it wasn't far down on the slope before I fell into a heap. Laying on the slopes facing skyward but my legs somehow behind and next to my body.

The skis were still attached to my feet. No matter how flexible, I was not able to untangle myself. Luckily, nothing was broken. Feeling incredibly awkward in a twisted sort of position.

The kids noticed my distress and came around to see how they could help. I was eventually dis-entangled by ... what must have been eight to 1o year old kids! One of them even muttered, "How in the world did she get into such a position!" I was silent, face flushed.

The boys had to take the skis off my feet and help me bring one leg at a time around the side and place my legs back in their natural position. Needless to say, it took me awhile before I was able to put on my skis again.

By then, my friend must have come up the slopes again and slowly skied down the slopes with me ... I don't even remember if I skied some and walked sideways down the slopes from there on ... but I did make it down eventually to be able to tell you this story so many years later!

And no, I have not skied since!

The Miracle of Friendships, Relationships
Much like my attempted ski experience, life has been full of adventures. Some experiences were foreign to my nature and required much courage to get off the lift and get going.

Once the journey begins, it requires self discipline and manouevring to get things moving in the right direction. There were times when the speed picks up and things seem to get out of control.

And there are times when you end up in a heap, exhausted, and in temporary paralysis. This is where I experience God's goodness somehow - that in a state of hopelessness, many whom I had not noticed or paid much attention to (but who have been there all along) would come around and rally around you.

They come as friends, sharing their stories and their lives. Whether they were conscious of it, they were in fact helping me out of my entanglements and getting me back up on my feet again. They walk alongside me and together we sojourn through life together in this season.

On Christmas Day, On the road to recovery
I re-discovered the true meaning of Christmas and why this has got to be the most important season of any and every year.

Yes, I am thankful for my family, my friends, and newfound friends
I am thankful for having all that I have, for the new adventures, for growth
But most of all, I am thankful for the gift of Jesus Christ.

And it all begins with the heart ... my heart ...



Christmas isnt Christmas til it happens in your heart
Somewhere, deep inside you, is where Christmas really starts
So, give your heart to Jesus, youll discover when you do
That it's Christmas, really Christmas for you.

Jesus brings warmth like a winter fire, a light like a candles glow
He's waiting now to come inside, like He did so long ago
Jesus brings gifts of truth and life and makes them bloom and grow
So welcome Him with a song of joy, and when He comes you'll know

That Christmas isnt Christmas til it happens in your heart
Somewhere, deep inside you, is where Christmas really starts
So, give your heart to Jesus, youll discover when you do
That it's Christmas, really Christmas

Christmas, really Christmas
Christmas, really Christmas for you!

Contrary to what I had planned, Christmas turned out to be a very eventful day of feasting and the re-kindling of friendships. I thoroughly enjoyed the conversations and being part of their family. It was good. It was very good!

What of the journey ahead?
Will it be like going downhill on the the ski slopes? Will I find life going by too quickly? Or will I find myself crashing and forming a heap - a sign of the need to slow down? Or will it make up of all those experiences?

What I would rather do is learn to ski properly and get to the bottom of the slope gracefully. I would then like to go back up the slope and ski down again and again.

This should be my next adventure after I have learnt to scale the heights!

The turning point

Thanksgiving was a turning point. While still in Shanghai, we each took turns around the table to offer a prayer of thanks to God for the one or two things that we were thankful for in this past year as tradition dictates.

Having given thanks for my family, friends, new classmates and new adventures, I returned to my room that evening only to be greeted by the still small voice that whispered in my heart, "Would you still thank me if you didn't have all these people or the adventures in your life?"

My heart lept.

I had slipped slided away from the One who made all the difference in my life ... unknowingly in the midst of busyness, while continuing in the fellowship of the saints, and yet drifting further and further away with each assignment.

Oh God, I pray that my heart would be fully contented with you and you alone
That the very reason I should be thankful today and everyday of my life is because of you
It is not about the gifts, nor the adventures, nor the people (although I do thank you for everyone of them!)
But it is about you, and who you are.

You've given me life that I may live
Through the valleys, where tears are shed
I learn the most I grow up fast
And my character made strong
Through the peaks, where I marvel at your creation
And easily offer thanksgiving and open worship
Where the world is my oyster

But through it all, it is because of the life I now have in you
That I am able to see, through ups and downs
Your hand working in and through my life
It's all about you and because of you
I am thankful for you.

I look forward to the Christmas holidays, where I will be able to spend time re-kindling my friendship with God.

Shanghai Express-ed!

Back from Shanghai and jaded by my experiences there, it has taken me some time to recuperate and allow my thoughts and impressions to settle. Contrary to all the wonderful pictures I captured, I was feeling worn out by the overall academic rigor and social experiences ... or was it the bad pollution, the congested traffic or just being cooped up in the conference hall from 8am to 6pm for almost two whole weeks.

In counting my blessings, the Shanghai experience was not all bad after all.

I did get a chance to see the coveted Tennis Masters Cup semi-finals on my first weekend in Shanghai. Although it took us more than an hour outside the stadium to obtain our dirt-cheap tickets, it was worth it when we sat at the Djokovich camp and rooted for the eventual champion during his semi-final match with Gail Simon.

I did eat some of the best-tasting Chinese and exotic foods in Shanghai. My favorite remains the Shanghai dumplings (xiaolongboa). There was also the seasonal hairy crabs, though messy to eat was thoroughly enjoyable when waitresses de-shelled the crabs for you!

The Szechuan food was either impossible to eat due to extreme spiciness or incredibly delicious. I particularly enjoyed the frogs, rabbit, pork ribs, as well as the python (pictured right).

The only exotics that I didn't eat were the dogs and pigeons, though one classmate did comment how there were no sightings of either animal on the road or bird in the sky while we were visiting Shanghai!

There's also the street foods such as the Shanghai pancakes (pictured right), which were my favorite breakfast foods while there.

I did meet up with my friend Lily to catch up on most things under the sun. It is always good to be able to reminisce, exchange experiences, and share with one another the ups and downs of life, our hopes and dreams while knowing full well that God's eavesdropping ;-) Yes, it was great having the chit-chats and falling asleep during the oh-so-wonderful Chinese foot massage that cost me only RMB120 for 90 minutes.

Perhaps, the experiences that truly drained me were in negotiating for good bargains with Chinese nationals and being immersed in a dishonest culture.

Negotiating with Chinese Nationals @ Fake Goods Market

As a foreigner in my ancestors' homeland, I partook of the infamous bargaining at fake goods markets and any other street corner stalls available. I would pick up something I liked and ask "How much?"

The seller would name a price.

My classmates advised that I should knock it down by 70 percent and so I did.

The seller would shake his/her head and say "No way. That is even less than my cost. How can I live on that?"

I would shake my head, at my friends' advice, and say, "No, no, I know it cost you even less than that."

If the seller does not budge, I was advised that I shouldn't either. What experienced bargainers (especially foreigners) would do at this point is walk away.

And as the story goes, the seller would run after the foreigner and say, "Don't go. Don't go. How much you want? ... OK, I give you your price! Cheap! Cheap!"

I must admit this trick does not work with all foreigners, more so for foreigners like me who look Chinese but speak broken mandarin. I think some of the sellers actually referred to me as "farang" ... *embarrassed* ...when they realized I had fully exhausted my limited vocabulary of Chinese words within the first two sentences of our conversation.

Well, I did attempt to walk away from a few stalls but shockingly, no seller came after me!

Feeling rejected (plus I really wanted that souvenir item, too!), I would humbly head back into the shop and pay them a little bit more.

There were also quite a few times when the seller would lower his/her price to match my asking price. I would purchase the goods and then be hit with the winner's curse - walking away having the feeling that I have overpaid for the products because the seller settle easily or quickly.

After several doses of the winner's curse and the deep sense of dishonesty and deception at work in Shanghai, I was ready to get out. I felt out of place and drained after interacting with Chinese nationals in Shanghai. I accept that perhaps, I am just not very good at negotiating offers down to cut-throat prices and depriving others of the opportunity to make a living.

After Thoughts ...

A classmate asked if I would live and work in Shanghai. While I was open to the possibility of living in Shanghai for a few years at the time of the question, the truthful answer at this point in time would be "no" ... unless God had a greater purpose for me to be there.

Hard as it may be to admit this, I don't think I am cut out to live in deep-rooted dishonesty. Plus, I now have a growing sense that the huge fake goods industry is a reflection of the Chinese people and their history of survival.

With further thought and the divine work-in-progress on my fragile heart, I would one day come around to openly embrace Chinese nationals and realize that as strong as the Chinese appear to be, they are in reality vulnerable people with many layers of protection against exploitation.

Will I see the day when the Chinese people will walk in God's redemptive purposes for their lives and their nation and be a blessing to all those who visit their nation.

Meet Joe Black ... well HELL-O!

With the realization that my day off was coming to an end, the stress of still having stacks of articles left unread welled up. I found myself parked on the couch multi-tasking between typing out a project proposal on my laptop and watching the 1998 movie Meet Joe Black on Astro TV.

The movie had already been playing for slightly more than an hour. The storyline was interesting but I didn't completely "get it" because I had missed the beginning; I continued to watch the movie anyway. I would normally have switched channels or moved on to something else.

Truth is, I couldn't keep my eyes off the principal character Joe Black. Actor Brad Pitt, then 10 years younger, with his boyish good looks was just too difficult to dismiss. He seemed to have the best of pretty boy Rob Lowe and handsome Robert Redford ... and was completely mesmerizing. Breathtaking like a saint, and yet, he played the character of Death/Angel of Death.

A brief synopsis of the movie for those of you who have yet to see this old movie:

Joe Black and Bill Parrish enter into a most unusual gentleman's agreement. Wealthy media tycoon William Parrish leads a charmed existence until Death comes calling with an extraordinary proposition - he'll delay Bill's imminent demise in exchange for a tour of life. Innocent, enigmatic and often hilarious, Joe disrupts Bill's world of privilege and corporate intrigue. But when he falls for Bill's beautiful daughter, Joe threatens to change the rules. Now Bill must fight not for his future, but for those he loves in this bittersweet tale of life and death.

Written by Robert Lynch

Well that's not all, the movie ends with two of my favorite songs - combined into one theme song - Somewhere over the rainbow / What a wonderful world.

• Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

More Israel Kamakawiwo'ole music on iLike

Now, back to the books ... .

Dancing Seniors

Happy Senior Citizens' Association
Annual Dinner & Dance 2008
Eastin Hotel, Petaling Jaya

Dance: Doors of Life



I want to be like Mom, when I grow up!
She is so graceful and looks smashing.
*grins*

Being Christian

I generally ignore and delete spam emails. This one, however, paints a true perspective of a Christian that is often missed.

The reality is we were born into this world just like everyone else. Along the way, we made our mistakes, picked ourselves up, and may even fall again ... but somehow, the divine encounters change us and continue to change us forever. During such encounters we humbly admit our need for Him and receive what we do not deserve. We commit to walk the straight and narrow path, though sometimes straying, we eventually make it back. Life is full of "sometimes it goes well, but other times, not" and requires our perseverance in the midst of great trials and testings.


BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER
by Maya Angelou

A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin,' I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain... I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

I have a dream

Saw the movie Mamma Mia! while I was in San Diego recently and immediately recognized the songs from ABBA. Loved the songs and would definitely want to catch the musical when it comes to Kuala Lumpur in December.

This song is by far the most meaningful and is quickly becoming a seasonal favorite ...



I have a dream, a song to sing
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
You can take the future even if you fail
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I’ll cross the stream - I have a dream

I have a dream, a fantasy
To help me through reality
And my destination makes it worth the while
Pushing through the darkness still another mile
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I’ll cross the stream - I have a dream
I’ll cross the stream - I have a dream

I have a dream, a song to sing
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
You can take the future even if you fail
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I’ll cross the stream - I have a dream
I’ll cross the stream - I have a dream

Two weeks in LA

The first three days felt like weeks. The second part of the first week was still manage-able. By mid-week, the stress resulted in musical therapy, so I went to see Wicked and did all sorts of other non-study related activities.

Now, on to the second week ... life's crazy as ever - just like this "I love Lucy" video:



The video was shown to us by our Accounting professor right about when we first began classes a week and a half ago.

Just yesterday, our Statistics professor told the class, "Anything that does not kill you will ...?" And I thought, "... make you stronger?"

No. "Anything that does not kill you will leave you horribly disfigured!" ... LOL ... And that's exactly what Lucy ended up looking like ... funny how our professors' jokes seem to blend as the courses do from time to time.

Of true love and life

I just came back from a hectic week in Bangkok, a city of surprises, warmth & hospitality, and indulgences of sorts as well. Will tell you about a couple of interesting observations and conversations I had another time ...

But the story I received below is so true and good for the record. Read on. I hope you will find some gems that englighten this difficult path we share called Life ...

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80s arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.

On examining it I saw it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors and got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.

The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.

I inquired as to her health.

He told me that she had been there for a while! As she is a victim of Alzheimer's disease.

As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.

He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me but I still know who she is.'

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life.


It appears that true love is neither physical nor romantic, but an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

Peace is seeing a sunset and knowing who to thank, according to the author.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

Life isn't about how to survive the storm but how to dance in the rain.

The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family.

You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called The Almighty God, you will make it to a place called Success.

Here's to our quest for a meaningful and fulfilling life. Cheers!

Are you a Carrot, Egg or Coffee Bean?

Still on the subject of developing the right attitude that makes a positive, lasting impression among those within your sphere of influence, here's an email I received from a Nigerian friend.

The story reminds me of a few things that I have been contemplating of late - on matters of the heart. Of values and principles that help shape our attitude towards life. On how an insignificant person like myself (when compared to the majestic vastness of this universe) can possibly make a lasting contribution.

Carrots, Eggs & Coffee

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again. A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see.'

'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?' Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor.

If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

The Young and the Restless

The title suggests one single person having youthfulness and restless energy. It can also describe two separate individuals - one who is young in age with little experience in life, and another who is restless and seeking to experience more of life.

In the course of more than a decade of professional work in the marketplace and having stuck through the good and bad times, my younger friends check in with me from time to time, seeking for some perspectives on their thoughts and struggles regarding their challenging situations.

Just the other day, I came across this quote and it made me think about the various conversations I have had with my friends ...

The error of youth is to believe that intelligence is a substitute for experience,

while the error of age is to believe that experience is a substitute for intelligence.

Many of these young professionals are incredibly bright and exhibit great thinking abilities. Many of them are also restless and gripe about why they are not moving up the ranks fast enough. Many seem to have the right skills and deliver well at their level but somehow don't seem to be moving up as fast as they had envisioned.

I don't have all the answers really, but in my years of work with multinational companies - both with foreign and local management, small to larger groups of employees, I have come to realize a few things ...

Sometimes, it's not about what you can or cannot do (the hard skills) rather it's about the values, attitude and behavior (the soft skills). The latter is very difficult to learn - it all depends on whether you have a teachable heart, and it becomes more difficult for the proud or older ones who think they have seen it all and done it all to learn/possess. It's not something you pick up from a textbook. Some might say, it can't be taught, it can only be caught (when you spend enough time with that parent, teacher, or mentor.)

In other instances, it may be who you know. Being at the right place at the right time and with the right people is important. It's about being discovered by the people who need your skills and are able to appreciate the value you can bring to the table.

The downside of completely relying on who you know and not allowing yourself time to acquire knowledge and build the right skills is that you may not be selected based on merit. This can cause many side effects such as being promoted to one's incompetence, losing the respect of your colleagues and associates, not being taken seriously for your work, or possibly be the subject of bad gossip.

Yet other times, it may be that there just isn't a business reason for the promotion. And of course, what we all would not want to hear is "you are just not ready for the next level." Sometimes, that can be true; while other times, you will wonder ... do keep wondering and perhaps, it really may mean that it's time to move on, especially if you do not feel you can grow within the same scope of work and in the same company.

What I do know is that each individual is called to different things and grows at different paces/times. Some people have growth spurts while others take time to blossom. Some may get it right the first time (luck maybe) but others may be called to take the path less travelled - to master the basics (mind you, this will take many, many years of life!) so they can think outside the box and be great innovators.

To master the rules, one has to "stick it out" for as long as it takes. Such would be the times to grow in character and maturity. Think of it this way, a very tall building ought to have an equally deep foundation; otherwise it would not stand. Without the depth of character that comes from persevering through time, one would at worse be a miserable creepy crawler (I am sure this has another name but I can't recall at this time!) - shooting up fast by relying on support from more sturdy branches or structures for that short period of time. Without others, they would never stand because they have not stood the test of time and allowed deep roots and strong foundations to be built into their lives.

Therefore, determine this day what kind of professional you will be ... one who aspires to become a very tall building (with deep foundations) that will withstand the test of time or the creepy crawler ... likened to buildings made of sand (a dime a dozen perhaps) that would dissipate and blow away into oblivion with the winds of change?

Having thought through this time and time again, a few questions have helped me work things out within myself and come to terms with current situations:

1. Am I growing in knowledge, skills, and character (and faith) through this experience

2. Am I at the place where I need to be for the grander scheme of things (this is usually my question to God - am I where I need to be and mutually benefiting from relationships in your grand plans?)

3. And finally, if I am still restless about the current situation and cannot find an acceptable resolution, then it really may be a good idea to explore other options that would seek to meet those needs (preferably, in a prayerful manner for those who are in faith).

Whatever those options may present themselves to be, consider that while they may look good in the short run, they can possibly set you back a few years in the long run ... so choose wisely.

In parting, here's a nice quote:

Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered,

you will never grow

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

What I take this to mean is don't be jaded with the current situation. Determine to get out of your boredom. Challenge yourself to see a different perspective. Seek to create a different approach to the current work or situation. And make the best of your situation ... or at least as long as you are there.

And if all else fails, yes, we hope that the One up there also agrees with us that it's absolutely time to move on to another area of expertise or another work environment all together.

As this is not a post about me having all the answers (as I certainly don't), I welcome feedback on other thoughts and advice that may help me (and perhaps others) think through the situations, as opposed to reacting to the instability of emotions or dire needs waiting to be met!

Time for some comic relief ...

Golly, it sure has been extremely, heart-breakingly stressful ... hard-pressed, shaken-up and completely running over with all possible negativity and attacks from all aspects of professional and personal life ... I think I have gone almost completely mad!

But laughter never fails to be the panacea for the downtrodden ...

Joke of the day:

An English university creative writing class was asked to write a concise essay containing the following elements:

1) Religion
2) Royalty
3) Sex
4) Mystery

The prize-winner wrote:

'My God,' said the Queen,
'I'm pregnant. I wonder who the father is.'


Another one closer to home would read ...

What is the latest brand of instant noodles in Malaysia, the land where all things can become possible?

The incredulous answer is ... and all Malaysians chime ...
"SO DO MEE!"

As embarrassed as I am and for my beloved nation, I really cannot help but burst out laughing ...

In case you are not aware, do read this article on the laughable talk of town.

Goodness, it does seem like many are having a hard time of late ... may God never allow those destined to rise be suppressed and wiped out before their time. There is a calling for a few to stand up and be counted ... for such a time as this.

OK, so much for the comic relief, I now return to the battlefield of Goliaths.

Oh when the saints go marching in ...

In my quest to enhance my intellectual knowledge and skills, I have had to face some very tough challenges in the midst of juggling work, studies and other personal commitments.

Good quotes by past leaders inspire and cheer me on in this journey - the most difficult by far with emotional highs, lows and nervous anticipation for the things just 'round the corner ...

It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows achievement and who at the worst if he fails at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt

The Sandpaper of sandpapers

Of course, I absolutely just love my friends, don't I? We have decided that we would be like sandpaper to one another ... you know, like iron sharpens iron, and all ...

I was told that we need such friends from time to time. Fortunately or unfortunately, this one is just a "ping" away ... LOL.

It looks like I just took home the trophy on this one. My loyal friend "pings" me and dedicates these wonderfully written lyrics to me ...

You Are The Sandpaper Of My Life
You’re the sandpaper in my life
That's why I'll always be in pain,
You are the finger in my eye,
Forever I wish I was slain

Although this is the beginning,
In truth it feels like a million years,
And if I thought my grief was ending,
I'd find myself laughing in my own tears

You’re the sandpaper in my life
That's why I'll always be in pain,
You are the finger in my eye,
Forever I wish I was slain

You must have known I needed sanding,
Because you came and scrubbed on cue,
And I know that this feels like heaven,
How could so much grit be inside of you?

You’re the sandpaper in my life
That's why I'll always be in pain,
You are the finger in my eye,
Forever I wish I was slain

[Background]
Pain has joined us,
Grace has joined us,
Let's think refining.

The above lyrics are to be sung to Stevie Wonder's "You are the Sunshine of My Life")



Awwww, thanks J. You're so thoughtful to have spent all this time writing this just to remind me what a sandpaper I am to you ... I don't know whether to be flattered or what.

As always, I am just laughing out loud ... :-D

Mrs. Ruth Sala of Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa

I was tickled when I received an email from a dear friend detailing a sarcastic response to a spam email. Spam mails usually don't get past the "opened and read" stage, and I was amused that my friend actually took time to respond to a suspicious person by the name of Mrs. Ruth Sala.

My accomplished friend, who is usually filled with all manner of grace, social etiquette, and great wisdom that can only come from above, finally succumbed to exhibiting annoyance and used the mighty power of the pen to reply Mrs. Ruth Sala.

Before, we get to my friend's response, it is best to read Mrs Ruth Sala's "solicitous" mail first ....

-----Original Message-----From: Mrs. Ruth [mailto:mrs.ruthsala2@elefant.nu] Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 8:04 AMTo: mrs.ruthsala2@elefant.nuSubject: Saint Raphel's Hospital

Saint Raphel's Hospital
Agboville Abobo.
Abidjan . Cote d'ivoire
West Africa

My dearest One,

After a deep consideration that I am writing this letter to you. I am Mrs. Ruth Sala Mudu a nationality of Cote d'Ivoire and wife of the deceased Mr. Sala Mudu.
My Late husband, who was a contractor with the government of Cote d'Ivoire before he died during the heat of political crisis here in my country.

While he was alive, he made a security deposit of $10,500 million in a Security Insurrance Bank in Cote d'Ivoire for foriegn business engagement.
This moment, the money is still in this Security Insurance Bank here in Cote d'Ivoire . My Doctor told me that it is very likely that I will die of cancer of the blood (LUCKEMIA) in 3 Months.

Because of the war and unstable political situation in my country, I want you to help me transfer this money to your country and to take care of my son Godson and his education.

please reply with my yahoo mail box (mrs.ruthsala0@yahoo.fr)
I await your message for more explanation.
Thank you,
Mrs. Ruth Sala.


And my friend's response ...

My dear fictitious Mrs Ruth,

If indeed you are dying of LUCKEMIA, that is really bad luck, pardon the bad pun!

Sadly the world is full of crooked contractors, and we are not without them in my dear old country of Malaysia either. However, to have purportedly stashed away $10.5 billion in one of Africa ’s most dirt-poor countries takes quite some effort. He must really have screwed the country dry! May the good Lord have mercy on his soul, and I sincerely hope he managed to repent before he passed away to meet his Maker.

As for you, what can I say? Having a billionaire for a husband, who hasn’t left you a dime, and you have to trawl around the internet looking for some poor dumb schmuck to rob, no doubt by depositing ‘fees’ to start a bank account to transfer these fantasy funds to. Have you considered getting an honest day’s work and not prey on gullible but greedy people that use the internet? Maybe by turning over a new leaf the same fate that met with your ‘husband’ won’t be visited upon you.

And good luck with the LUCKEMIA, by the way.

Your dearest One,
Nottodaythankyou


I didn't share in my dear friend's anguish at having received such a ludicrous email first thing in the morning. Rather, I burst out laughing so hard that I cried.

It was a great way to end the day really - after some good exercise from climbing, a healthy dose of laughter, and then to slumber.

I hope you enjoyed the laugther, too!

And here's a parting quote ...

Anybody can become angry, that is easy; but to be angry with the right person, and to the right degree, and at the right time, and for the right purpose, and in the right way, that is not within everybody's power, that is not easy.
- Aristotle

Wise Words ...

Seeing much,

suffering much,

and studying much,

are the three pillars of learning.

- Benjamin Disraeli


There are no secrets to success.

It is the result of preparation,

hard work,

and learning from failure.

- Colin Powell


And to wrap up the day ...

Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones;
and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task,

go to sleep in peace.

God is awake.

- Victor Hugo

Go FIGURE!

On to the third week since I returned from the first residential segment of my studies, I find myself sleeping well again and no longer suffering the effects of jet lag eventhough I was only a hop, skip and a throw away in Singapore.

Last week, the 10kg FedEx box arrived at my home. I gulped, realizing the next three courses' reading materials have arrived, and I was still procrastinating on the final post-module assignment for Economics. When I opened up the box, I found two very thick textbooks on Financial Accounting and Statistical Analysis. I swallowed hard. I got to the bottom of the box, and out came a third file, thankfully half the thickness of the first two on Marketing Management ... a sigh of relief ... but oh, the nervous energy is welling up once again.

Within this season of new adventures lies many hurdles I need to overcome. Among them, the fear of figures.

***************************************

Dinner was a pleasant evening with the usual family chats at a quiet coffee shop in our neighborhood. I enjoyed the conversations and laughter with Mom and Dad. Among the topics discussed was my seeming fear of numbers and having to understand them.

Dad jokes.

In a coffee session with his equally successful friends, a Partner of an accounting firm said he enjoyed observing his employees.

They would come to work in the morning
Sit down, take out the figures and undress them
They would look at figures and even stare at them
And eventually go to sleep with the figures.

What an interesting way of making a usually boring profession exciting. I hope I would be able to see Financial Accounting and Statistical Analysis the same way. These courses, of course, exuberate such opposite energies from the dynamic movement, colors, and sounds that I have grown up with at the ballet school, the creative arts education, or the everyday vibrance of a PR/Marketer's life.

Contrary to how accountants view figures, my thoughts are quite the opposite at this point in time as I think about the preparation required for the next session of suffering (oops, I meant "studying"!)

LOS ANGELES, You are not only thousands of miles away
It would take me a whole day and more just to be with you
I am to climb many mountains, endure numerous valleys
Soar the skies, cross the oceans just to be with you.

If that were not enough, it would take all that I've got
All my money, every waking hour, every drop of life
Just to figure out the figures
Before I cross the oceans to be with you, Los Angeles

You did say "I will never leave you or abandon you"
So tell me then, where are you - disguised as the chartered accountant
To help me figure out the figures?
Before I cross the oceans to be with her, Los Angeles.

Pieces of the jigsaw puzzle ...

It's been so long since I posted an entry on my blog, so much so that it's difficult even to write one now. It's as if my mental energies have been diverted to something else that is so powerful that it has difficulty refocusing on the here and now ... or is this human nature's response to the pressures of post-module assignments that beg the much-needed attention.

The full-time learning environment at the National University of Singapore was a breath of fresh air. Having met 44 others from the United States, Denmark, Egypt, Hong Kong, Taiwan, The Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, and Singapore, the wealth of knowledge and a combined hundreds of years of experience makes the learning environment an incredibly rewarding one. This is indeed one of the unique selling propositions of the Executive MBA Program from both the Business Schools of the University of Singapore and the University of California, Los Angeles.

I wrote in my last post ...

While I see and understand, I also sense a burgeoning vision of great expanse that I am humbly aware that I actually don't see clearly and don't understand fully ...

Let me see your vision, dream your dreams
And paint them across the wide canvas of limitless skies
Thy kingdom come. Not my will, but yours be done ...

Pieces of the jigsaw puzzle began to fall into place during my two-week residential segment at the National University of Singapore. I admit there are many, many more pieces that are still making their way to the huge big board but isn't that how God is ... he reveals bits of information at a time and will eventually create a masterpiece of our lives. He doesn't reveal it all at once lest restless souls like mine get bored in the process of fulfilling our destinies.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Peace for a 1,000-mile journey

Without this, there's not a chance for me to get through this 15-month educational program in a meaningful way. I just knew in my heart that I was where I needed to be at this point in my life. This knowledge gave me the courage and strength to move forward ... No matter how tired I was from all the late nights or early mornings of studying, a certain peace silenced the fears and seeped into the depths of my heart and soul. Along with this, my appreciation for my classmates, lecturers and the topics of study increased with each passing day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Handpicked to be blessed

I loved how he brought like-minded people from all over the world to seek, knock, and find him in the midst of academia. In the midst of discussing our presentations, case studies, and concepts, he seemed to be actively working in our lives to reveal and remind us of who he is - our Father, Brother, and Friend who provides and stands by us to comfort and care for us. It did not matter how trivial or major the issues may be in our lives, he cared for them all just the same. And not to mention, the laughter that never fails to keep us alert and engaged in class.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gifted to be a blessing

Everyone had a role to play. Each bringing his or her gift to the table. Each complementing the other to provide a more complete picture of what we were to learn from the Marketing, Leadership or Economics classes. I loved how he used newfound friends to reaffirm the gifts he has placed in my life. To be reminded that teaching is the ability to identify with the audiece's needs and communicate ideas in a way that helps them understand, appreciate and apply the concepts in their lives.

Just the other day, as mom and I journeyed to my office at the Twin Towers, she reminded me of my daily habits upon returning from primary school many years ago. I would quickly throw off my uniform and don my Tees and Shorts, dash to the green chalk board and begin scribbling the questions from my classes and textbooks. I would then teach my imaginery students, reading out each question, pausing and waiting for student responses. I would discuss the possible answers, and wave my large ruler in the air ... the thought of me doing this just cracks me up ... LOL!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Enjoying the journey

And not to mention, the little things that makes the overall new adventure exciting ... the first Spanish wine tasting session ... the first dinner at Jumbo Seafood Restaurant at Riverside ... the first Mojito at the Cuba Libere bar at Clarke Quay ... and many more to come ....

P.S. I Love You

A friend and I were chatting about my most recent blog entry and asked whatever happened to the post about the second movie. I must admit so much has happened since I posted the last entry that I can hardly process my thoughts and emotions fast enough, let alone put them on paper (or rather on the net).

As a result, I feel restless, numb, excited, tired ... all of these together that I feel like I am about to explode.

It has been exactly two weeks since I saw the movie P.S. I love you. And now that I am able to post this entry, I must admit, I can hardly remember the poignant moments of the movie that stirred my heart or moved me to tears ... or perhaps, it's difficult to write a post about love because there are just way too many dimensions to it.

For those of you who have not seen the movie, here's a plot summary from Wikipedia, so you know roughly what it's about ...

Set in Ireland, Holly Kennedy is beautiful, smart and married to the love of her life--a passionate, funny and impetuous Irishman named Gerry. So when Gerry's life is taken by an illness, it takes the life out of Holly. The only one who can help her is the person who is no longer there. Nobody knows Holly better than Gerry. So it's a good thing he planned ahead.

Before he died, Gerry wrote Holly a series of 10 letters that will guide her, not only through her grief but in rediscovering herself. The messages are Gerry's way of informing Holly life goes on. The messages include various tasks and treats Gerry has left for Holly. This is his way of letting her know he will always be there for her.

In the months that follow, more letters from Gerry are delivered in surprising ways, each sending her on a new adventure and each signing off in the same way: "P.S. I Love You." Holly's mother and best friends, Sharon and Denise, begin to worry that Gerry's letters are keeping Holly tied to the past, but, in fact, each letter is pushing her further into a new future.

With Gerry's words as her guide, Holly embarks on a journey of rediscovery in a story about marriage, friendship and how a love so strong can turn the finality of death into new beginning for life.

Seeing the movie was an experience in itself. Going through what would take place in the ensuing weeks has made my jaw drop over and over again.

I am a total wreck and yet not a wreck at all ... it's a season of contradictions. While I see and understand, I also sense a burgeoning vision of great expanse that I am humbly aware that I actually don't see clearly and don't understand fully ... sigh ... I know, I am sounding like a raving lunatic. When will I ever be almost all-knowing ... ? No, no, I am totally bursting with energy, yet I am tired. I want to speak, yet I am silenced.

I will admit that this post is not going to fully articulate the depth of love that I saw between a man and his wife, or the thoughts and emotions that awakened in me that evening because the story has gone from television screen to real-life incidences, many of which I am still grappling to fully understand in the midst of uncertainties.

The movie paved the way - mentally and emotionally - for the events that would take place that Labor Day weekend. The story of broken dreams, of suffering and of despair. Of honesty and transparency giving way to new life, new hope, and new vision. It is the story of learning to love more deeply and let go more quickly.

My thoughts are still racing. Along with it the restless spirit that seeks to burst forth. Into what exactly, I don't fully know. The emotions are raw. They contemplate vulnerability and wonder if baring all would indeed be embraced by cushions of love.

Oh God, have your way in my heart, in my life.
Unravel the bandages that sought to protect the wounded heart once upon a time.
That now, inhibits the heart of great passion, love and desire
That blurs the vision yearning for more to life than this

Oh restless spirit, rest not from your duty
But find rest in doing that which he bids you to do
Break forth into the greater realms of unwritten dreams
Like his when first he created our world

Let me see your vision, dream your dreams
And paint them across the wide canvas of limitless skies
Thy kingdom come. Not my will, but yours be done.
P.S. I Love You, too.

Of friendship ...

In the midst of an extremely busy season of work, studies and extra-curricular activities, I chanced on two movies that seem to highlight areas that have been on my mind of late - that of true friendship and of love.

The first was The Kite Runner (view trailer).

Here's a synopsis that was taken directly out of the author Khaled Hosseini's site:

Taking us from Afghanistan in the final days of the monarchy to the present, The Kite Runner is the unforgettable, beautifully told story of the friendship between two boys growing up in Kabul. Raised in the same household and sharing the same wet nurse, Amir and Hassan nonetheless grow up in different worlds: Amir is the son of a prominent and wealthy man, while Hassan, the son of Amir's father's servant, is a Hazara, member of a shunned ethnic minority. Their intertwined lives, and their fates, reflect the eventual tragedy of the world around them. When the Soviets invade and Amir and his father flee the country for a new life in California, Amir thinks that he has escaped his past. And yet he cannot leave the memory of Hassan behind him.

The Kite Runner is a novel about friendship, betrayal, and the price of loyalty. It is about the bonds between fathers and sons, and the power of their lies. Written against a history that has not been told in fiction before, The Kite Runner describes the rich culture and beauty of a land in the process of being destroyed. But with the devastation, Khaled Hosseini also gives us hope: through the novel's faith in the power of reading and storytelling, and in the possibilities he shows for redemption.

The depth of true friendship

I loved the way friendship - true friendship - was depicted in the movie. There was a scene where the two young boys' friendship became very evident. They were as close as brothers ...

Here's a conversation the boys had while waiting to retrieve a kite:

Hassan popped a mulberry in his mouth. "It's coming," he said. I could hardly breathe and he didn't even sound tired.

"How do you know?" I said.

"I know."

"How can you know?"

He turned to me. A few sweat beads rolled from his bald scalp. "Would I ever lie to you, Amir agha?"

Suddenly I decided to toy with him a little. "I don't know. Would you?"

"I'd sooner eat dirt," he said with a look of indignation.

"Really? You'd do that?"

He threw me a puzzled look. "Do what?"

"Eat dirt if I told you to," I said. ...

His eyes searched my face for a long time. We sat there, two boys under a sour cherry tree, suddenly looking, really looking, at each other. ...

"If you asked, I would," he finally said, looking right at me. I dropped my eyes. To this day, I find it hard to gaze directly at people like Hassan, people who mean every word they say.

"But I wonder," he added. "Woudl you ever ask me to do such a thing, Amir agha?" And, just like that, he had thrown at me his own little test. If I was going to toy with him and challenge his loyalty, then he'd toy with me, test my integrity.

I wished I hadn't started the conversation. I forced a smile. "Don't be stupid, Hassan. You know I wouldn't."

Hassan returned the smile. Except he didn't look forced. "I know," he said. And that's the thing about people who mean everything they say. They think everyone else does too.

And my favorite line from the movie ...

was in response to a friend, who was as close as a brother to him, little Hassan would promise when asked to retrieve a kite for his friend - For you a thousand times over.

The simplicity of life, people

It takes the Monday Blues to help one appreciate the simplicity of life and people. I must confess, the thought of the long checklist of to-dos and a failing memory can cause undue stress at the beginning of the week.

People come in all shapes and sizes ...
On top of that, we meet all sorts of people in the corporate world. Not everyone is a friend - some are your "friends" because of the seat you are currently in or what you can do for them to help them fulfill their own agendas; others seem to be "lost in space" most times, like me during peak seasons. Thankfully, there are a few good friends, too, who are there for the simple joys of being who they are - a friend, a colleague, and a blessing.

No connectivity = The Simple life!
Connectivity was poor today. As a result, I was not able to stay connected for a few hours ... that too, was stressful.

So what did I decide to do?

Given the current shortage of useable cars at home, Dad agrees to drop me off at the nearest Starbucks after lunch so I can get connected and send along the many emails that piled up over the few hours of non-connectivity.

Along the way, the car tyre goes flat. Dad gets out of the car and confirms that we have a very flat tyre. There was no doubt we had to stay put and change the tyre.

Skeleton in the closet ...
My heart skipped a beat as this was going to further delay my sending out the emails in my Outbox.

Another confession - I have worked in an automotive company for 2.5 years and am ashamed that I still don't know how to change a flat tyre. I asked Dad if I could be of any earthly use at this point.

He shakes his head.

"I can help you carry the good tyre from the trunk, or you can just tell me what to do with the car jack and I will do it. You have a bad back ... just let me help!" I said.

He shakes his head again. Somehow, Dad exhibits his stubborn streak at the oddest times. He chooses to put his frail five feet 10-inch frame (maybe shorter by 1 inch now!) through the torture of bending down to inspect the flat tyre and fittings for the car jack.

Light drops of rain started falling as we stood along the side of the slopy road just outside the famous Sunrise duck rice shop at Paramount Gardens.

Within seconds, large raindrops pelted on our heads and bare arms. By this time, Dad was working faster while I grabbed an umbrella from the back seat ... and still feeling terribly helpless.

Modern-day Samaritan
Out of the blue, a gentleman came by and said, "Uncle, do you need any help?"

My almost 70-year-old Dad shakes his head and said "No need. I can handle this!"

The gentleman said, "Uncle, it's raining. Better to have two pairs of hands to get the job done faster."

Thankfully, my Dad agreed and the young gentleman took over. Dressed in corporate attire, he rolled up his shirt sleeves, bent down and began unbolting the tyre.

It was raining cats and dogs by then. Dad and I stood under the old golf unbrella, trying to stay dry while also trying to keep the gentleman from getting wet.

Water was gushing down the side of the sloped street. It was obvious the man's leather shoes were pretty much ruined, while Dad and myself were drenched from ankle up.

A young lady comes to the rescue and brings her medium-sized umbrella to provide more coverage but to no avail. Water was coming through our old umbrella with tiny holes.

(We have so many good umbrellas at home. I don't know why we still have an old umbrella sitting in Dad's kinkety-kank Bimmer!)

A good 15 to 20 minutes later, the job was done with the good tyre in place and the bad tyre in the trunk.

... still raining heavily ...

"Thank you so much for helping. I don't know what I would have done otherwise ..." Dad said.

To our suprise, the gentlemen replied, "That's what Christians are supposed to do ... to help one another ..."

And the thought that completed the gentleman's response came to me ...

"If people of faith cannot be the blessing whom God has called them to be, how then will the world know and experience God in our midst!"

I don't even know the gentleman's and lady's names. They were the good Samaritans who parked their light green Proton at the side of the road just so they could give us a helping hand during our time of need. They were a blessing and did not expect a single thing in return. They were like God's angels sent to comfort Dad and me today.


Godliness with contentment is great gain ...
This incident reminds me of how precious and simple life can be ... if only we can be nicer to another, if only we can be gracious with our words and seek to be a blessing to the other without seeking material or worldly gains in return, the world would be a much nicer place to live in.

In celebration of the simple miracles in life, I am contented to just stay home tonight. To enjoy a very simple dinner, and post this entry.

(Photo) Malaysian delicate snacks made of flour, sugar, corn bits and ground peanuts coupled with a wheat cereal drink.

Thank God for reminding me of the things most important in life - to have good relationships with God, with loved ones, and friends; to be obedient to God's purposes and plans, and to do good works so that God's rule and reign on earth can be experienced by peoples.

Thank God for all he has done and all that he is about to do.

What a wonderful world - Part 2

Once in awhile you stumble upon things that makes you smile.

A friend sent me this link in response to the earlier post titled "What a Wonderful World."

I am absolutely blown away by the talents that lie within God's creation. We must certainly be God's pride and joy for Him to give us such great gifts. I think this is an example of a talent developed and refined to bring joy and happiness to others - to make people smile, laugh, or even cry in awe and wonder of God's goodness ...



Yet, to date, nothing beats this little one - a prodigy and star in the making ... seven-year-old Connie Talbot singing because she likes to make others happy.



May we see this wonderful world through God's eyes ... and learn to enjoy the beauty that He has created in each of us and around us.

What a wonderful world

I've been feeling under the weather for almost a week now. Being the active person that I am, I've probably out done myself again - doing too many things and everything from climbing to knitting to working to making time to build friendships, and definitely not getting enough sleep.

Why am I rushing through life, seeking to do everything in the shortest time possible as if there's no tomorrow? ... Well, I guess the reality is there will come a day when there will be no tomorrow ... the question is when?

Since coming up with my resolutions for 2008, I am pleased with my progress with climbing. Having completed 10 private lessons with Mehdi from Camp5, the once impossible vertical routes or sometimes overhanging walls are now possible to climb with proper techniques. I still have a long way to go to build power and endurance, but I am glad I have basic techniques to better enjoy climbing and achieve greater heights.

The pursuit of furthering my education, though, seems delayed for the time being. As I wait for the check from the Employee's Provident Fund (EPF) to come through, I was thankfully comforted by an email titled:

The 'L I T T L E' things .

As you might know, the head of a company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten.

Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.

One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident.

One of them missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.

One's car wouldn't start.

One went back to answer the telephone.

One had a child that dawdled and didn't get ready as soon as he should have.

One couldn't get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.

Now, when I am stuck in traffic,
miss an elevator,
turn back to answer a ringing telephone ...
or wait for weeks on end to hear from the EPF on a loan ... and finally receive a check in the mail only to find out that they got the currency and amount completely wrong (what in the world ...)
all the little things that annoy me.

And I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am midway through a nasty throat infection, cough and cold. The last two days, which happened to be Easter weekend was really tough going. I had in mind to go for Easter sunrise service this year before heading to the Sepang International Circuit to host colleagues and clients alike at the AT&T Williams Suite at the Paddock Club. (It was such fun at last year's Malaysian Grand Prix!)

I had to give it all up ... no Easter sunrise, no paddock club pass for the sickly poor me! Ended up catching the rather mundane Malaysian Grand Prix on telly. No skids. No out of control cars. And worse of all, no rain!

It's rather unbelievable for a country like tropical Malaysia to not experience rain in all but one of its 10 years of Malaysian Grand Prix races at the Sepang International Circuit.

Even the telly commentators said that it was remarkable that a country that experiences rain throughout the year with monsoon seasons and all remains dry every single year, without fail, when the Formula One race comes to town.

Our "Visit Malaysia" motto says it all - "Malaysia, truly Asia!" Where we are uniquely Malaysia. Where the all sorts of things can happen - just read the newspapers on the repercussions of the nation's political tsunami that took place on International Women's Day (8 March 2008). The seemingly impossible can become possible ... in wonderful Malaysia!

I digress ... back to the Malaysian Grand Prix. My favorite driver Lewis Hamilton of McLaren Mercedes didn't make a podium finish although he won the race a week before in Melbourne. Finnish Kimi Raikkonen from Ferrari Scuderia finished first, his second Malaysian Grand Prix win; the first being in 2003 when he was with McLaren Mercedes.

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I drove along aimlessly on the streets of Petaling Jaya today, just to get out of the house. Even my stuffed nose and watery eyes deserve a break from the four walls ;-)

I hear this play on Lite & Easy, and I couldn't help but sing along in my sexy, raspy voice ... oh, what a wonderful world ...



What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do
They're really saying I love you.

I hear babies cry, I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll never know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world.

...

If I look hard enough, I just may see

My country through God's eyes and sing

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

Yes, I think to myself, you're wonderful Malaysia ...

*sigh*

To be or not to be ...

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing
- Edmund Burke

I read a forwarded e-mail today that made me realize how important it is to be counted and to have done the necessary and right thing in order to make a positive difference in the society in which we live.

A portion of the email content reads:

It is a matter of history that when the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, General Dwight Eisenhower found the victims of the death camps, he ordered all possible photographs to be taken and for the German people from the surrounding villages to be ushered through the camps and even made to bury the dead. He did this he said, in words to this effect; "Get it all on record now - get the films - get the witnesses - because somewhere down the track of history some ******* will get up and say that this never happened.

This week, the UK removed the Holocaust from its school curriculum because it "offended" the Muslim population because they say it never occurred.

This is a frightening portent of the fear that is gripping the world and how easy each country is giving into it.

It is now more than 60 years since the 2nd World War in Europe ended. This e-mail is being sent as a memorial chain, in memory of the 6 million Jews, 20 million Russians, 10 million Christians and 1,900 Catholic priests who were murdered, massacred, raped, starved, burned and humiliated while German and Russian people looked the other way!

Now more than ever, with Iran among others, claiming the Holocaust to be a myth, it is imperative to make sure the world never forgets.

I realized that either way, our actions or non actions will make a difference. The question is what sort of difference would we want to make.

I am also reminded that we each have our convictions on various matters. Each may not share the same convictions as the other.

Consider the story of Esther and how God placed her in places of influence where she could and thankfully, did get counted. Yes. She shivered. She feared. She fasted. She prayed. She did all she knew and had courage to do. God worked through a life submitted to him and she made a difference for a people and a nation ...

"If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14, NIV)

May righteousness and truth prevail. May the kingdom of God that stands for love, joy and peace come, and God's will be done. May we find courage do what is right for such a time as this.

Disclaimer: This is not a post about race or religion, rather it's about certain values and principles that I believe cultivate a positive and progressive people and nation.