First impression… what do you think? Well, I guess it is rather important. A friend told me, “Wear nicer when you go out. You never know who will see you.” Well, of course, I protest… if someone wants to know me just because I look good… perhaps not good, presentable… then I would think that the person is not really whom I want to know. Yet, I have to agree with what my friend said next. You know the person upfront, from appearance before knowing them personally, deep down. Well, I guess it’s true… so, that is where first impression comes :)
Another example, if you are to go to an interview, and if the interviewer likes you in the first place, well, I guess than you have won half of the battle? The other half, of course, lies at how you fare.
For me, once first impression is set, it is kind of hard to change. Unless of course, something happens that leave another good/bad impression. But the funny thing is usually impression changes from bad to good, instead of good to bad. Perhaps life is where you give benefit of the doubt :)
Well, recently something happened. Someone close to the heart was admitted to the hospital and I was told that an old friend of mine was seen in the hospital. Actually, I do know that this friend of mine is taking medicine in UM. It’s just me who lax and did not keep in touch. Another part that contributes to it was… I used to think that he is kind of eerie, unapproachable… ah… in other words, something is missing and we were never counted as really friends, let alone good friends.
Anyway, something got into my head and I sms-ed him. He was really nice, called me back and asked about this family member of mine who was admitted… telling me that he would pay a visit. I was thinking that was really sweet of him to do so… or probably since he already knew about it, he probably would visit out of courtesy.
However, the thing that really touched my heart and completely changed the initial impression set and stuck in my mind was… he went to visit every day after that. So, there you have it… don’t judge a book by it’s cover. :)
Maybe it’s fate, maybe that is how life wants it to be that I would only know him better after being acquaintance for so many years… but I guess things will never be too late.
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Friday, May 28, 2004
God hears our prayers!
Few days ago I found that a close friend's father was admitted to hospital due to diabetes complications. His condition was serious, he is old, Drs just shoke their heads and told us to prepare for the worst.
SMSes, e-mails flew around to the whole church to pray for him. He doesn't know God.
I was following very closely to this news. Any change, any glimpse of hope, I hope to know. I don't personally know this uncle, but somehow his condition seemed to have captured my attention.
His last strand of hope. His thin, fine line to recovery. His daughter praying. His family's tears. His cry for Jesus' help. The church's prayers. The sweat beads on the foreheads, their downcast eyes as the doctors told them remain to bid their last goodbye. His last night..their last prayer.
Then a mail came to my in-box. He received Jesus as his saviour!
Then another mail came. He is getting stronger, eating and talking. Doctors called it a miracle. Fighting septicemia at such an old age. The rest of us cheered! Our prayers answered. God intervened!
This is the news that should be in the headlines! This is the news where everyone should read!
SMSes, e-mails flew around to the whole church to pray for him. He doesn't know God.
I was following very closely to this news. Any change, any glimpse of hope, I hope to know. I don't personally know this uncle, but somehow his condition seemed to have captured my attention.
His last strand of hope. His thin, fine line to recovery. His daughter praying. His family's tears. His cry for Jesus' help. The church's prayers. The sweat beads on the foreheads, their downcast eyes as the doctors told them remain to bid their last goodbye. His last night..their last prayer.
Then a mail came to my in-box. He received Jesus as his saviour!
Then another mail came. He is getting stronger, eating and talking. Doctors called it a miracle. Fighting septicemia at such an old age. The rest of us cheered! Our prayers answered. God intervened!
This is the news that should be in the headlines! This is the news where everyone should read!
Thursday, May 27, 2004
The eye of the motorcyclist
Why ride motorcycles?
1. It is fast, can beat the traffic jam. Probably cut short the journey by half
Ever seen people whoosh in and out of cars? The first reason is that it does look kind of stupid if motorcycle stopped behind a car when it can actually pass through. 2nd reason is that cars actually do honk at motorcycles if they believe that the certain motorcycle can pass through.
2. Saves petrol, full tank is only about RM 4
Yup, of course RM 4 cannot last you from JB to KL or KL to Perlis. Anyhow, I think RM 4 can last a trip from KL to Bangi… probably further. But you don’t travel so far everyday, do you??
3. Saves $$, don’t have to pay toll :)
Remember I mentioned that travelling from my place to my eldest sister’s actually need to pass 2 tolls? If I take my bike… I don’t have to pay both of them. I think I once read this comic that says, if you have $$ to buy a car, then you will have $$ to pay for toll :)
4. It is airy, at night when there are fewer cars…
Of course, no one ask you to take your motorbike to Puduraya where it is always fumey and smokey. Or park your bike near some garbage truck. But generally, riding at night is more airy and when it is really late at night… windy and cool :)
However, do caution, Malaysia is not very safe at night. Careful….
Why not ride motorcycles?
1. Raining!!
You will get soak wet… water literally dripping from your clothes
Imagine you are walking between two fountains that actually splashes water to side instead of up/down. Also the roads are kind of low – creating puddles. So you get free wash – side (from cars from both side), up (the rain) & down (puddles) :)
2. Potholes!!!
There are so many of them that I certainly think there is no 1 single road in Malaysia that is free from potholes! And somehow I have a very high tendency to cross one.
Let’s see… how many things have dropped from my bike because of potholes – plate number, back lights, screws from nowhere… I can never get it, for instance – Jalan Ampang where you can find embassy yet the road is really that bad… holes in front, side, if not hole, then its not smooth… accident danger point
3. Snatch thieves
Thieves snatching things from your motorbike basket is not an uncommon thing. I even had my jacket grabbed the same way… and imagine that I was riding at 80 km/hr… I admit, Malaysian motorcyclists have high skills.
Actually what got me into writing this was due to the high frequency of me meeting potholes. Gosh, every single time my bike cross over a pothole I would thought, “Luckily I didn’t fall” or “I think it’s about time I check my bike again.” My loyal companion has nevertheless crosses so many potholes that it really has aged… thus, now making sounds every now and then. And of course, my heart do ache, though I know it seem funny… after all it is a motorbike… but it has been with me for so long, that yah, to me it is a very loyal companion.
Also, wanted to write from the view of car drivers too, however, I don’t think I actually qualified to write it as I seldom drive unless really need to. Thus, driving is not my cup of tea currently, but you never know in the near future :)
1. It is fast, can beat the traffic jam. Probably cut short the journey by half
Ever seen people whoosh in and out of cars? The first reason is that it does look kind of stupid if motorcycle stopped behind a car when it can actually pass through. 2nd reason is that cars actually do honk at motorcycles if they believe that the certain motorcycle can pass through.
2. Saves petrol, full tank is only about RM 4
Yup, of course RM 4 cannot last you from JB to KL or KL to Perlis. Anyhow, I think RM 4 can last a trip from KL to Bangi… probably further. But you don’t travel so far everyday, do you??
3. Saves $$, don’t have to pay toll :)
Remember I mentioned that travelling from my place to my eldest sister’s actually need to pass 2 tolls? If I take my bike… I don’t have to pay both of them. I think I once read this comic that says, if you have $$ to buy a car, then you will have $$ to pay for toll :)
4. It is airy, at night when there are fewer cars…
Of course, no one ask you to take your motorbike to Puduraya where it is always fumey and smokey. Or park your bike near some garbage truck. But generally, riding at night is more airy and when it is really late at night… windy and cool :)
However, do caution, Malaysia is not very safe at night. Careful….
Why not ride motorcycles?
1. Raining!!
You will get soak wet… water literally dripping from your clothes
Imagine you are walking between two fountains that actually splashes water to side instead of up/down. Also the roads are kind of low – creating puddles. So you get free wash – side (from cars from both side), up (the rain) & down (puddles) :)
2. Potholes!!!
There are so many of them that I certainly think there is no 1 single road in Malaysia that is free from potholes! And somehow I have a very high tendency to cross one.
Let’s see… how many things have dropped from my bike because of potholes – plate number, back lights, screws from nowhere… I can never get it, for instance – Jalan Ampang where you can find embassy yet the road is really that bad… holes in front, side, if not hole, then its not smooth… accident danger point
3. Snatch thieves
Thieves snatching things from your motorbike basket is not an uncommon thing. I even had my jacket grabbed the same way… and imagine that I was riding at 80 km/hr… I admit, Malaysian motorcyclists have high skills.
Actually what got me into writing this was due to the high frequency of me meeting potholes. Gosh, every single time my bike cross over a pothole I would thought, “Luckily I didn’t fall” or “I think it’s about time I check my bike again.” My loyal companion has nevertheless crosses so many potholes that it really has aged… thus, now making sounds every now and then. And of course, my heart do ache, though I know it seem funny… after all it is a motorbike… but it has been with me for so long, that yah, to me it is a very loyal companion.
Also, wanted to write from the view of car drivers too, however, I don’t think I actually qualified to write it as I seldom drive unless really need to. Thus, driving is not my cup of tea currently, but you never know in the near future :)
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Day's Quotes
I thought of some quotes today. Maybe it could be Quotable Quotes someday.
The more civilized men strive to be, the more savage they become.
The higher men becomes intellectually, the shallower their are personality.
The more advance our technology become, the more backwards is our humanity.
The more complex our vocabularies made, the more simple are our mannerism.
The bigger the things we possess, the smaller our hearts are.
The faster we do our work, the slower things seemed to be accomplished.
How about that?
The more civilized men strive to be, the more savage they become.
The higher men becomes intellectually, the shallower their are personality.
The more advance our technology become, the more backwards is our humanity.
The more complex our vocabularies made, the more simple are our mannerism.
The bigger the things we possess, the smaller our hearts are.
The faster we do our work, the slower things seemed to be accomplished.
How about that?
Thursday, May 20, 2004
What captures your attention?
Today I just found that people are attracted to negative exposures.
Just pick up any papers and you will find headlines stating
'Bridge collapsed and killed millions'
'Murdered in her own apartment after sex'
'So and so voiced out that she is the mistress'
Headlines that caught millions reading, engross with its events. What happen? Where? When?
But I often wonder, what will people react if tomorrow's headlines comes out like this?
'Blind girl manage to secure a job in IBM'
'12 year old boy saves sister from drowning'
'Millions rushing to donate blood for dying child'
Where are all the encouraging news that shouts about humanity, kindness, sincerity, honesty and all that shows that there is still hope for the human race? Why would these news be in the a small corner, where everyone will just missed it?
Shouldn't articles such as these be more important than those that declares "We are all wretched beings, doomed to die and go to hell!"
Just pick up any papers and you will find headlines stating
'Bridge collapsed and killed millions'
'Murdered in her own apartment after sex'
'So and so voiced out that she is the mistress'
Headlines that caught millions reading, engross with its events. What happen? Where? When?
But I often wonder, what will people react if tomorrow's headlines comes out like this?
'Blind girl manage to secure a job in IBM'
'12 year old boy saves sister from drowning'
'Millions rushing to donate blood for dying child'
Where are all the encouraging news that shouts about humanity, kindness, sincerity, honesty and all that shows that there is still hope for the human race? Why would these news be in the a small corner, where everyone will just missed it?
Shouldn't articles such as these be more important than those that declares "We are all wretched beings, doomed to die and go to hell!"
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Interesting concept
It is funny how you will meet interesting people everyday in unexpected places.
Yesterday I met one on the LRT while on the way home. This old man who just came in at Masjid Jamek. So i got up and offer my seat to him. He was surprised and told me that I'm a good Malaysian and said that he will pass the offer. Anyhow, this comment captured another young man's attention and conversation strikes between the two of them. The old man speaks pretty good English and I thought that he is from outside Malaysia. But later found out that he is a Malaysian.
Anyway, what I found interesting is the concept that he has with the world. He was telling the young man, Ames, about this philosophy that he has. The old man's name is Jarius, or that's what I heard. So Jarius was commenting that simple courtesy was lost among the young generation nowadays. Then he further commented that war would not have happen if everyone sees everyone as Earthians not by their colour or creed. And that if we see us as brothers and sisters, as a family, there will not be war happening cause no one would want to kill his own brothers or sisters.
And he told us about something about some only see green and some see only red. Ames was nodding away while I was lost. :) only later I found that he too also don't understand what Jarius was telling.
Anyway, bless the two of them for understanding why the world is happening the way it is.
Yesterday I met one on the LRT while on the way home. This old man who just came in at Masjid Jamek. So i got up and offer my seat to him. He was surprised and told me that I'm a good Malaysian and said that he will pass the offer. Anyhow, this comment captured another young man's attention and conversation strikes between the two of them. The old man speaks pretty good English and I thought that he is from outside Malaysia. But later found out that he is a Malaysian.
Anyway, what I found interesting is the concept that he has with the world. He was telling the young man, Ames, about this philosophy that he has. The old man's name is Jarius, or that's what I heard. So Jarius was commenting that simple courtesy was lost among the young generation nowadays. Then he further commented that war would not have happen if everyone sees everyone as Earthians not by their colour or creed. And that if we see us as brothers and sisters, as a family, there will not be war happening cause no one would want to kill his own brothers or sisters.
And he told us about something about some only see green and some see only red. Ames was nodding away while I was lost. :) only later I found that he too also don't understand what Jarius was telling.
Anyway, bless the two of them for understanding why the world is happening the way it is.
The "Hunchback" of KL :)
I have this habit of shouldering my bag before putting on my jacket. Somehow I have this perception that if other people cannot see, yes, direct visual – see my bag… then the thought, “Hmm… I could very well steal/snatch this bag,” would not occur to them.
Well, you can say that I am paranoid, think too much or whatsoever but I have my share of snatched thief incident, though my experience was a rather peculiar one whereby the thief did not snatch my bag… instead, he went for my one and only aged old Forest jacket. (yes, its not even Nike). Though just to clarify further, I don’t have my bag with me at that time, funny it turned out that the thief would go ahead with my jacket.
Anyhow, back to the initial story… it had never ever crossed my mind on how I look with bag covered with jacket. And I never looked in the mirror when I did so, thus… I never care… until today… this morning…
As usual, I was shouldering my back and wore my jacket before entering the lift to get to work. There is this stranger inside the lift and she was staring at me for quite awhile. Well, I thought, perhaps, I’m new here, she just try to recognise some faces. But heck, I was wrong! Cos she then smiled at me and said, “I thought you are very hunchback”
…. Hahahaha… well, I admit I do slouch a little… er… ok, rather a lot, but guess I shall try to improve my posture now that a dear friend constantly watching behind my back, pressuring me to stand/walk properly. I know, I know, it is for my good anyway.
However, after the encounter with the lady in the lift, I was looking around at other motorcyclists and I noticed that actually, no other people who did what I do every morning and every evening – back and fro to work. Well, I guess I am the lone “hunchback” in KL, at least :)
Well, you can say that I am paranoid, think too much or whatsoever but I have my share of snatched thief incident, though my experience was a rather peculiar one whereby the thief did not snatch my bag… instead, he went for my one and only aged old Forest jacket. (yes, its not even Nike). Though just to clarify further, I don’t have my bag with me at that time, funny it turned out that the thief would go ahead with my jacket.
Anyhow, back to the initial story… it had never ever crossed my mind on how I look with bag covered with jacket. And I never looked in the mirror when I did so, thus… I never care… until today… this morning…
As usual, I was shouldering my back and wore my jacket before entering the lift to get to work. There is this stranger inside the lift and she was staring at me for quite awhile. Well, I thought, perhaps, I’m new here, she just try to recognise some faces. But heck, I was wrong! Cos she then smiled at me and said, “I thought you are very hunchback”
…. Hahahaha… well, I admit I do slouch a little… er… ok, rather a lot, but guess I shall try to improve my posture now that a dear friend constantly watching behind my back, pressuring me to stand/walk properly. I know, I know, it is for my good anyway.
However, after the encounter with the lady in the lift, I was looking around at other motorcyclists and I noticed that actually, no other people who did what I do every morning and every evening – back and fro to work. Well, I guess I am the lone “hunchback” in KL, at least :)
Monday, May 17, 2004
A tiny dot
The other day i was watching this real story about a girl, Liz Murray, a homeless girl who got herself into Harvard with a full scholarship by the New York Times. I think her featured story are being published everywhere in New York.
But it isn't what she had accomplished that made me remember her...oh well, partly, since she does complete her high school in 2 years without previous education.
But in the movie, she mentioned about we are like a tiny dot in the world. That we are not aware of the BIG picture, because we are so concern about ourselves that we forgot that there are more dots, a larger picture out there.
Amazing! How could such a girl, aged 19 this year, without any knowledge, having such hardships in the childhood could have such wisdom. Did some research on the net and found that she believes in God, but not into any religious thing.
Yup, back to her statement. Most of us are such a self centered creatures that we don't know and we are ignorance to the things that really matters. Isn't there much more important things to worry about than the pimples on our face? Isn't there much more things to appreciate than the rushing of our deadline? Isn' there much more thing to dwell than the suffocating matters around us? Isn't there?
I guess it does boils down to this question that each of us must ask once in our lifetime: Why on earth am I here for?
But it isn't what she had accomplished that made me remember her...oh well, partly, since she does complete her high school in 2 years without previous education.
But in the movie, she mentioned about we are like a tiny dot in the world. That we are not aware of the BIG picture, because we are so concern about ourselves that we forgot that there are more dots, a larger picture out there.
Amazing! How could such a girl, aged 19 this year, without any knowledge, having such hardships in the childhood could have such wisdom. Did some research on the net and found that she believes in God, but not into any religious thing.
Yup, back to her statement. Most of us are such a self centered creatures that we don't know and we are ignorance to the things that really matters. Isn't there much more important things to worry about than the pimples on our face? Isn't there much more things to appreciate than the rushing of our deadline? Isn' there much more thing to dwell than the suffocating matters around us? Isn't there?
I guess it does boils down to this question that each of us must ask once in our lifetime: Why on earth am I here for?
Saturday, May 15, 2004
The teacup
There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in the beautiful stores. They both liked antiques and pottery and especially teacups. This was their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.
One day in this beautiful shop they saw a beautiful teacup. They said,"May we see that? We've never seen one quite so beautiful." As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke.
"You don't understand," it said. "I haven't always been a teacup. There was a time when I was red and I was clay. My master took me and rolled me and patted me over and over and I yelled out, 'Let me alone', but he only smiled, 'Not yet.'
"Then I was placed on a spinning wheel," the teacup said, "and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. Stop it! I'm getting dizzy! I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, 'Not yet.'
Then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I wondered why he wanted to burn me, and I yelled and knocked at the door. I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head, 'Not yet.'
Finally the door opened, he put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. 'There, that's better', I said. And he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Stop it, stop it!' I cried. He only nodded, 'Not yet.'
Then suddenly he put me back into the oven, not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. All the time I could see him through the opening nodding his head saying, 'Not yet.'
Then I knew there wasn't any hope. I would never make it. I was ready to give up. But the door opened and he took me out and placed me on the shelf. One hour later he handed me a mirror and I couldn't believe it was me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful.'
'I want you to remember, then,' he said, 'I know it hurts to be rolled and patted, but if I had left you alone, you would have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I knew it hurt and was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked.
I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened; you would not have had any color in your life. And if I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't survive for very long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. You are what I had in mind when I first began with you.
God knows what He's doing for all of us. He is the potter, and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us, so that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Let this story be an encouragement to you and remind you that God has a perfect plan for your life. He may need to place some struggles in your life to strengthen your character so that you may be strong in the days of greater adversity. Don't get disscouraged when you feel like the heat of the struggle is going to burn you. God knows exactly when to pull you out and deliver you from that problem, and when He does you will be much wiser and stronger than you were before. Proverbs 3:5-6) (Psalm 103:13-14)
God will never give to us more than we are able to withstand, so remind yourself that if many problems are coming your way, it is only because God knows your inner strength and ability to be strong even in the midst of a problem.
One day in this beautiful shop they saw a beautiful teacup. They said,"May we see that? We've never seen one quite so beautiful." As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke.
"You don't understand," it said. "I haven't always been a teacup. There was a time when I was red and I was clay. My master took me and rolled me and patted me over and over and I yelled out, 'Let me alone', but he only smiled, 'Not yet.'
"Then I was placed on a spinning wheel," the teacup said, "and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. Stop it! I'm getting dizzy! I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, 'Not yet.'
Then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I wondered why he wanted to burn me, and I yelled and knocked at the door. I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head, 'Not yet.'
Finally the door opened, he put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. 'There, that's better', I said. And he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Stop it, stop it!' I cried. He only nodded, 'Not yet.'
Then suddenly he put me back into the oven, not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. All the time I could see him through the opening nodding his head saying, 'Not yet.'
Then I knew there wasn't any hope. I would never make it. I was ready to give up. But the door opened and he took me out and placed me on the shelf. One hour later he handed me a mirror and I couldn't believe it was me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful.'
'I want you to remember, then,' he said, 'I know it hurts to be rolled and patted, but if I had left you alone, you would have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I knew it hurt and was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked.
I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened; you would not have had any color in your life. And if I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't survive for very long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. You are what I had in mind when I first began with you.
God knows what He's doing for all of us. He is the potter, and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us, so that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Let this story be an encouragement to you and remind you that God has a perfect plan for your life. He may need to place some struggles in your life to strengthen your character so that you may be strong in the days of greater adversity. Don't get disscouraged when you feel like the heat of the struggle is going to burn you. God knows exactly when to pull you out and deliver you from that problem, and when He does you will be much wiser and stronger than you were before. Proverbs 3:5-6) (Psalm 103:13-14)
God will never give to us more than we are able to withstand, so remind yourself that if many problems are coming your way, it is only because God knows your inner strength and ability to be strong even in the midst of a problem.
Friday, May 14, 2004
Death of common sense
Someone forwarded this mail to me and I want to share it with anyone willing to read. :)
The death of common sense
I found this intriguing and thought you'd enjoy it...
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend by the name of Common Sense who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in Bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn't always fair.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are Incharge).
His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student; but, could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Finally, Common sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still know him pass this on; if not, join the majority and do nothing.
The death of common sense
I found this intriguing and thought you'd enjoy it...
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend by the name of Common Sense who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in Bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn't always fair.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are Incharge).
His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student; but, could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Finally, Common sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still know him pass this on; if not, join the majority and do nothing.
Don't Quit
A few years ago, when I was struggling with my thick books, never ending notes & studies in upper 6, I saw the below “DON’T QUIT” on my friend’s table. She saw me looking at it and a few days later, she printed it out and handed me a copy. The copy was always with me… sticking on the wall during the 3 years of my unimpressive university days… but yah… in a way, it’s really soothing… to at least read it when I was tired. When I last moved (yes, to current KL outskirt), I finally left it in the old house, leaving it for future tenants, perhaps students… hoping it would do them much good as it has done for me.
I noticed that a friend seem to smile less and frown more these few days. I dare not ask if something is bothering him… afraid that I might cross over my boundary as a friend, since he did not offer to let me know.
Anyway, friend, this is for you :)
Hope your clouds are full of silver lining.
Don’t Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and debts are high
When care is depressing you down a bit…
Rest if you must, BUT DON’T YOU QUIT!!
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learn
A many a fellow turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out
Don’t give up thought the pace seems slow…
You might succeed with another blow…
Success is failure turned inside out…
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit…
It’s when things seem worst that you MUSTN’T QUIT
I noticed that a friend seem to smile less and frown more these few days. I dare not ask if something is bothering him… afraid that I might cross over my boundary as a friend, since he did not offer to let me know.
Anyway, friend, this is for you :)
Hope your clouds are full of silver lining.
Don’t Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and debts are high
When care is depressing you down a bit…
Rest if you must, BUT DON’T YOU QUIT!!
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learn
A many a fellow turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out
Don’t give up thought the pace seems slow…
You might succeed with another blow…
Success is failure turned inside out…
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit…
It’s when things seem worst that you MUSTN’T QUIT
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Thoughts of the day
Read this in the Star newspaper awhile ago…
Thoughts of the day
Think about these, one at a time. You’ll feel good at the end of each thought.
1. Falling in love
2. Laughing so hard your face hurts
3. A hot shower
4. No queues at the supermarket
5. A special glance
6. Getting mail.
7. Taking a drive along a pretty road
8. Hearing you favourite song on the radio
9. Lying in the bed listening to the rain outside
10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer
11. Finding out the sweater you want is on sale at half price
12. Chocolate milkshake (or vanilla, or strawberry)
13. A long-distance phone call
14. A leisurely hot bath
15. Giggling
16. A good conversation
17. The beach
18. Finding a RM 20 note in your coat from last year
19. Laughing at yourself
20. Midnight phone calls that last for hours
21. Running through sprinklers
22. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all
23. Having someone tell you that you’re beautiful
24. Laughing at an inside joke
25. Friends
26. Overhearing someone say some thing nice about you
27. Waking out and realising you still have a few hours left to sleep
28. Your first kiss (either the very first or a with a new partner)
29. Making new friends or spending time with old ones
30. Playing with a new puppy
31. Having someone play with your hair
32. Sweet dreams
33. Hot chocolate
34. Road trips with friends
35. Swinging on swing
36. Wrapping presents for someone special
37. Song lyrics printed inside your new CD so you can sing along without feeling stupid
38. Going to a really good concert
39. Making eye contact with a cute stranger
40. Winning a really competitive game
41. Bake something
42. Having your friends send you homemade biscuits
43. Spending time with close friends
44. Seeing smiles and hearing laughter from your friends
45. Holding hands with someone you care about
46. Running into an old friend and realising that some things (good or bad) never change
47. Riding the best roller-coasters over and over
48. Watching the expression on someone’s face as they open a much desired present from you
49. Watching the sun rise
50. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day
I would like to add a few though…
1. Having your friend cooking a meal for you (be it lunch or dinner)
2. Going & watching a live football match
3. Getting mails or emails from a long lost friend
4. Accomplish something that you have always wanted to do
5. A good, warm hug from a friend
6. Knowing that you have someone to turn to and a shoulder to cry on when you are down.
7. Watching the sun set
8. Sweet smelling coffee
9. A good book
Thoughts of the day
Think about these, one at a time. You’ll feel good at the end of each thought.
1. Falling in love
2. Laughing so hard your face hurts
3. A hot shower
4. No queues at the supermarket
5. A special glance
6. Getting mail.
7. Taking a drive along a pretty road
8. Hearing you favourite song on the radio
9. Lying in the bed listening to the rain outside
10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer
11. Finding out the sweater you want is on sale at half price
12. Chocolate milkshake (or vanilla, or strawberry)
13. A long-distance phone call
14. A leisurely hot bath
15. Giggling
16. A good conversation
17. The beach
18. Finding a RM 20 note in your coat from last year
19. Laughing at yourself
20. Midnight phone calls that last for hours
21. Running through sprinklers
22. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all
23. Having someone tell you that you’re beautiful
24. Laughing at an inside joke
25. Friends
26. Overhearing someone say some thing nice about you
27. Waking out and realising you still have a few hours left to sleep
28. Your first kiss (either the very first or a with a new partner)
29. Making new friends or spending time with old ones
30. Playing with a new puppy
31. Having someone play with your hair
32. Sweet dreams
33. Hot chocolate
34. Road trips with friends
35. Swinging on swing
36. Wrapping presents for someone special
37. Song lyrics printed inside your new CD so you can sing along without feeling stupid
38. Going to a really good concert
39. Making eye contact with a cute stranger
40. Winning a really competitive game
41. Bake something
42. Having your friends send you homemade biscuits
43. Spending time with close friends
44. Seeing smiles and hearing laughter from your friends
45. Holding hands with someone you care about
46. Running into an old friend and realising that some things (good or bad) never change
47. Riding the best roller-coasters over and over
48. Watching the expression on someone’s face as they open a much desired present from you
49. Watching the sun rise
50. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day
I would like to add a few though…
1. Having your friend cooking a meal for you (be it lunch or dinner)
2. Going & watching a live football match
3. Getting mails or emails from a long lost friend
4. Accomplish something that you have always wanted to do
5. A good, warm hug from a friend
6. Knowing that you have someone to turn to and a shoulder to cry on when you are down.
7. Watching the sun set
8. Sweet smelling coffee
9. A good book
Saturday, May 08, 2004
Touch N Go?
The other day, went out with my sister... the place was rather far...needing to pay for toll twice. Hmm...my sis happily driving heading to the Touch N Go sign (afterall it is suppose to be faster). However, what we did not expect was - the is not enough credit to pay for the toll! Sad that it was only 10 cent short...haha..
However, the machine is not going to know that...so we ended up "hogging" the Touch N Go lane...yes, with lots of cars moving towards us and honking...
My sis was not able to reverse her car as the uncle behind us was not able to reverse his...and so on....
The solution? I was given the responsibility to cross over to the next "stand" (not sure as to what to name the stop where ppl collecting the fee). The toll collector told me to borrow the Touch N Go card from the uncle behind us... and of course, we to pay him back...and there is no other way...
So, me went to the uncle and borrow the precioooousss card. Unfortunately, uncle was rather reluctant as he was not too sure that the card is allowed to pass the same toll twice. After telling him repeatedly that it was the idea of the toll collector, he finally believe me and i got the card!! :)
By then, most of the lining up cars already moving & shifting to other lanes...opps... but i happily touch the card to the machine and ran back to pay the uncle & return him the card....
We were saved by the uncle :)
Well, i guess there are still good, kind Malaysians after all :)
However, the machine is not going to know that...so we ended up "hogging" the Touch N Go lane...yes, with lots of cars moving towards us and honking...
My sis was not able to reverse her car as the uncle behind us was not able to reverse his...and so on....
The solution? I was given the responsibility to cross over to the next "stand" (not sure as to what to name the stop where ppl collecting the fee). The toll collector told me to borrow the Touch N Go card from the uncle behind us... and of course, we to pay him back...and there is no other way...
So, me went to the uncle and borrow the precioooousss card. Unfortunately, uncle was rather reluctant as he was not too sure that the card is allowed to pass the same toll twice. After telling him repeatedly that it was the idea of the toll collector, he finally believe me and i got the card!! :)
By then, most of the lining up cars already moving & shifting to other lanes...opps... but i happily touch the card to the machine and ran back to pay the uncle & return him the card....
We were saved by the uncle :)
Well, i guess there are still good, kind Malaysians after all :)
Home $weet Home :)
Went home the my hometown, the one which recently got an upgraded status...yet, still home sweet home.
It certainly was really nice to be back home...with cheap food (especially) - where can you get char keow teow, otak-otak and fresh orange juice all for less than RM 5 (yes, you still get 50 cents back)... and where else would you get to buy laksa for RM 5 and enough for 4 person to eat? ...haha..that's hometown, not forgetting that there is NO traffic jam. People there referring traffic jam as taking more than 15 minutes to reach your destination using 60 km/hr... :)
Anyway, went home for 2 days and off to Langkawi Island for another 3 days 2 night before taking another 6 hours plus bus ride back to KL. Unfortunately, the sky is not friendly during my stay in the more & more commercialized island. Its was pouring & pouring when we were outdoor but shine when we were indoor at the Underwater World. Funny...
It is only about 75 minutes boat ride from a economy mainland but things there are not cheap...perhaps except for liquor & beer which significantly showed that we are paying a lot for the duty. I think its about 5 times cheaper and its almost like a sin if not drink? ... haha...
anyhow, hols is over...and things back to normal...working 8-5 (if lucky) :)
It certainly was really nice to be back home...with cheap food (especially) - where can you get char keow teow, otak-otak and fresh orange juice all for less than RM 5 (yes, you still get 50 cents back)... and where else would you get to buy laksa for RM 5 and enough for 4 person to eat? ...haha..that's hometown, not forgetting that there is NO traffic jam. People there referring traffic jam as taking more than 15 minutes to reach your destination using 60 km/hr... :)
Anyway, went home for 2 days and off to Langkawi Island for another 3 days 2 night before taking another 6 hours plus bus ride back to KL. Unfortunately, the sky is not friendly during my stay in the more & more commercialized island. Its was pouring & pouring when we were outdoor but shine when we were indoor at the Underwater World. Funny...
It is only about 75 minutes boat ride from a economy mainland but things there are not cheap...perhaps except for liquor & beer which significantly showed that we are paying a lot for the duty. I think its about 5 times cheaper and its almost like a sin if not drink? ... haha...
anyhow, hols is over...and things back to normal...working 8-5 (if lucky) :)
This morning, i have come to a realisation that the one think that got everyone to be superficial is FEAR.
Sometimes, people are afraid of what others think.
Sometimes, we are afraid of that others think of the friends we make.
But why are we afraid I wonder? Why is that need to please others? Why the need to feel acceptable by others?
Because of this thing fear, everyone puts up a mask. A mask to be deceptive to others. Because of this fear. Everyone is being critical towards others. Why? To feel good about themselves?
Why the need to gossip? Why the need to spread other people's dirty laundry to another? To tell ourselves that yup, the rest of the world is at a worse state than I?
How do you conquer that fear? I guess by knowing the Truth. I guess by realising the Truth that everyone is in the same boat. That everyone needed to know the Truth to set them free...
Making any sense?
Sometimes, people are afraid of what others think.
Sometimes, we are afraid of that others think of the friends we make.
But why are we afraid I wonder? Why is that need to please others? Why the need to feel acceptable by others?
Because of this thing fear, everyone puts up a mask. A mask to be deceptive to others. Because of this fear. Everyone is being critical towards others. Why? To feel good about themselves?
Why the need to gossip? Why the need to spread other people's dirty laundry to another? To tell ourselves that yup, the rest of the world is at a worse state than I?
How do you conquer that fear? I guess by knowing the Truth. I guess by realising the Truth that everyone is in the same boat. That everyone needed to know the Truth to set them free...
Making any sense?
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