This poem is by Helen Steiner Rice. Dedicated to all mothers.
A Mother's love is something
that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish
and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it
or take that love away . . .
It is patient and forgiving
when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters
even though the heart is breaking . . .
It believes beyond believing
when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty
of the rarest, brightest gems . . .
It is far beyond defining,
it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret
like the mysteries of creation . . .
A many splendoured miracle
man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence
of God's tender guiding hand.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mommy
Dear Mommy,
Thank you for your kindness
Thank you for your compassion
Thank you for your caring
Thank you for your prayers
Thank you for feeding
Thank you for cooking
Thank you for teaching about the good, bad & ugly
AND above all
Thank you for your unconditional love & believing in me
Of all my crystals & jewellery pieces that I own, mommy dearest, you are the rarest gem in the world and no amount of wealth/money can replace you.
Happy mother's day.
Love, hugs and kisses
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Life
Oh blimey, it is only the month of May and I am overwhelmed with bezillion stuff. Some are tough, some do not seem to be encouraging but life goes on. I am grateful that I still have the courage and ability to go through my daily task (however mundane it can be), put up with trying & tiresome plus ever so crappy characters and those darn KL traffic!!! Essentially, I was reading something that Dr. Maya Angelou wrote. As a fan and admirer of her, I wanted to share her write-up/poem.
In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked, what she thought of growing older. And, she said:-
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."
"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."
"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."
"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life."
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."
"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."
"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."
"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."
"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."
"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn"
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked, what she thought of growing older. And, she said:-
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."
"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."
"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."
"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life."
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."
"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."
"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."
"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."
"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."
"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn"
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Thursday, April 22, 2010
AM
I have not posted an entry for the longest time and here I am writing about something rather sticky...
Why? I just feel like I should...like letting go... It is about AM (Pseudo name).
AM recently wrote to me that her second marriage is heading towards spiltsville. By now, both husband & wife's respective lawyers would be finalising on who gets what etc. etc. I will not get into details, just that the tendency of AM getting into series of massive & some notorious relationships whenever she breaks up with a partner...The tendency is there and has been since our university days and yes, it has started now. It is sad when a child is involved...Imagine the kid having to like someone so much ..and having to restart everything again...Sigh!
I only know AM's side of the story and do not know what her soon-to-be ex has to say. I will not take sides when her soon-to-ex eventually has to say something... It takes 'two to tango'. I will always be there for AM (as I used to when her numerous relationship broke apart).
AM earns decent amount of money and works overseas and is a PR abroad. AM can provide all that money can for her child's education and daily needs and more. However the most frustrating and disappointing thing is that AM is unable and incapable to nurture not only her previous marriage(s) BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY her child's upbringing & well-being...(In fact, anyone close who has tried to advise AM about her one and only child's upbringing, has had been strike off from AM's list of friends).
At the moment AM's kid is being brought up by maternal grandparents. Poor kid...Her current partner (in the process of being an 'ex') maybe a lousy husband but he sure was the best step-father so far for AM's only child.
Why am I still her friend? It goes way back and I still care for AM and will be there for AM. No one's perfect. However, I must take off my hat for AM and despite her short-comings, she is an extremely kind person. Very generous and good with animals too.
In essence, marriage is not just a mere agreement and can be fixed like gadgets when issues arise. A marriage (be it good or not so good) needs nurturing, care, time etc. etc. Marriage is a long term investment and the returns differs from one another. Lots of give and take. Need to forgive and let go (Easily said ... nevertheless it is doable if one is willing to let go 'ego' which engulfs each and everyone of us...). Am not saying that mine is perfect but as we grow and mature, we should more or less be a lot more compassionate & kind and a lot less egoistic in handling matters of the heart. Enough said...
One can be rich, beautiful, lucky, wonderful etc. etc. However not many are kind. To have a friend who is genuinely kind is like locating 'Pandora's Box' in the deep ocean or even finding the Holy Grail.
So, AM, you are and will be my friend (no buts here). Whatever you have decided and even if I may disagree, it is your life and your choices. May God bless and hope that you will find that one true love.
I also very much hope and pray that you will EVENTUALLY learn to nurture your relationship with your one and only little precious child. You may shower your kid with material goods, holiday trips abroad etc. However, when a child grows up, he/she will ONLY remember the time spent with his/her parent/s. So invest in 'time' with your child while you still have got some (before it gets too late). Good luck and May God Bless.
Why? I just feel like I should...like letting go... It is about AM (Pseudo name).
AM recently wrote to me that her second marriage is heading towards spiltsville. By now, both husband & wife's respective lawyers would be finalising on who gets what etc. etc. I will not get into details, just that the tendency of AM getting into series of massive & some notorious relationships whenever she breaks up with a partner...The tendency is there and has been since our university days and yes, it has started now. It is sad when a child is involved...Imagine the kid having to like someone so much ..and having to restart everything again...Sigh!
I only know AM's side of the story and do not know what her soon-to-be ex has to say. I will not take sides when her soon-to-ex eventually has to say something... It takes 'two to tango'. I will always be there for AM (as I used to when her numerous relationship broke apart).
AM earns decent amount of money and works overseas and is a PR abroad. AM can provide all that money can for her child's education and daily needs and more. However the most frustrating and disappointing thing is that AM is unable and incapable to nurture not only her previous marriage(s) BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY her child's upbringing & well-being...(In fact, anyone close who has tried to advise AM about her one and only child's upbringing, has had been strike off from AM's list of friends).
At the moment AM's kid is being brought up by maternal grandparents. Poor kid...Her current partner (in the process of being an 'ex') maybe a lousy husband but he sure was the best step-father so far for AM's only child.
Why am I still her friend? It goes way back and I still care for AM and will be there for AM. No one's perfect. However, I must take off my hat for AM and despite her short-comings, she is an extremely kind person. Very generous and good with animals too.
In essence, marriage is not just a mere agreement and can be fixed like gadgets when issues arise. A marriage (be it good or not so good) needs nurturing, care, time etc. etc. Marriage is a long term investment and the returns differs from one another. Lots of give and take. Need to forgive and let go (Easily said ... nevertheless it is doable if one is willing to let go 'ego' which engulfs each and everyone of us...). Am not saying that mine is perfect but as we grow and mature, we should more or less be a lot more compassionate & kind and a lot less egoistic in handling matters of the heart. Enough said...
One can be rich, beautiful, lucky, wonderful etc. etc. However not many are kind. To have a friend who is genuinely kind is like locating 'Pandora's Box' in the deep ocean or even finding the Holy Grail.
So, AM, you are and will be my friend (no buts here). Whatever you have decided and even if I may disagree, it is your life and your choices. May God bless and hope that you will find that one true love.
I also very much hope and pray that you will EVENTUALLY learn to nurture your relationship with your one and only little precious child. You may shower your kid with material goods, holiday trips abroad etc. However, when a child grows up, he/she will ONLY remember the time spent with his/her parent/s. So invest in 'time' with your child while you still have got some (before it gets too late). Good luck and May God Bless.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Arrival of Black Rajah of Borneo
Today has been one heck of a day.
Why? Our little fury fella's first trip to Kay-el. MAS personnel both in Miri and KLIA have been excellent in handling live animal...Well, I can only speak for my little fella and he came out fine and well. (Note: We did give AL-E some mild sedatives. Amazing he did not bark at all....)
We were expecting our little fella via the excess luggage carousel but instead a KLIA personnel wheeled him to us. Then we had to sort some 'discharge' fee and forward all the 'import & export' documents. Then off to HERTZ counter. Rented a 4WD.
Finally, we got all our luggages loaded and little AL-E released from his crate. He was so excited and was slobbering us with kisses inside the car. Unconditional love as usual.
Reached home pretty fast and without any traffic issues considering today is Thaipusam.
AL-E had quite an adventure on his first day at our Kay-el home...That's story for another day.
Last but not least, I must thank the girl at MAS counter in Miri Airport as well. She was so considerate and she made sure that AL-E is wheeled by ground MAS staff instead of putting him on the carousel. We didn't expect this but it was really nice that our little fella's first trip had been smooth sailing.
Why? Our little fury fella's first trip to Kay-el. MAS personnel both in Miri and KLIA have been excellent in handling live animal...Well, I can only speak for my little fella and he came out fine and well. (Note: We did give AL-E some mild sedatives. Amazing he did not bark at all....)
We were expecting our little fella via the excess luggage carousel but instead a KLIA personnel wheeled him to us. Then we had to sort some 'discharge' fee and forward all the 'import & export' documents. Then off to HERTZ counter. Rented a 4WD.
Finally, we got all our luggages loaded and little AL-E released from his crate. He was so excited and was slobbering us with kisses inside the car. Unconditional love as usual.
Reached home pretty fast and without any traffic issues considering today is Thaipusam.
AL-E had quite an adventure on his first day at our Kay-el home...That's story for another day.
Last but not least, I must thank the girl at MAS counter in Miri Airport as well. She was so considerate and she made sure that AL-E is wheeled by ground MAS staff instead of putting him on the carousel. We didn't expect this but it was really nice that our little fella's first trip had been smooth sailing.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Prepare, Pack, Party
Tall order... To organise move, doing a list, pack for couple of trips and organise a party...
End result have to good, lots of fun and organised. Now I really wish I was born with powers of a 'genie-in-a-bottle'.
End result have to good, lots of fun and organised. Now I really wish I was born with powers of a 'genie-in-a-bottle'.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Two to the Bank
A week ago, I was doing couple of chores for my dear mom. One of it happened to be banking.
It was around 3.30pm and there were a huge crowd in the bank on a Wednesday afternoon. As usual for any transaction done over the counter, one needs to take a number. So mom took a number, while I go look for parking.
The minute I got inside the banking hall, my mom was making a huge fuss about she knowing some officer over the counter and perhaps we could cut queue and get our transaction done sooner.
Note: I can't believe my mom's attitude. She used to be one those disciplinarian and taught us to be patience and here she is being an opposite of all those and above all mom being a 'kiasu'. I was gob-smacked. I told her to wait for her turn just like everyone and just sit back and relax (it won't be long).
Based on our queue number, we probably need to wait for at least ten people to clear their respective transactions.
I have worked in a bank for the past 12 years and even I do not dare to cut queue once a number has been taken. All you do is wait unless prior arrangement has been made a day earlier with an officer over the counter (which most bankers do - all bankers do favors for each other but that is a story for another day).
And now back to my mom, to my dismay (even after I had informed her to just relax and wait), she started to ask couple of people sitting behind a desk in the banking hall if they could help out with her banking transaction. Guess what... let me spill the beans (as to the exact words exchanged):
Mom: Excuse me, you kerja kat sini kan? Boleh tolong auntie?
The person behind the desk: Oh Auntie, sorry lah, saya pun datang buat transaction dan sedang menunggu giliran.
Mom: Oh, sorry lah. Auntie ingat you kerja kat sini
The person behind the desk: Tak palah Auntie. Saya duduk sini sebab tak ada tempat lagi kat depan tu.
It was so funny, like a script from a comedy show. I couldn't help myself (bursting with laughter inside) but I controlled my laughter and told my mom with a 'poker face' to kindly be quiet and sit on her seat till our turn comes up.
In no time (within 15 minutes), we got our transaction done. And the bank (a small branch)were full with people (at least 40 people or more).
Out of curiosity, I asked the female guard at the bank if this is a norm or one off situation. The guard replied that the day before there were people queueing up till outside the banking hall - outside the bank (perhaps about 70 people or more).
After dropping mom off home, I just blurted out laughing all the way back to Bangsar. I was smiling and shouting with laughter like some crazy person (even when I had to pretty much crawl back due to back-to-back peak after office hours jam).
What a day..... Mom dearest, you are the champion of the day! Mommy dearest can definitely make us all laugh. As they say, "Laughter is the best medicine".
It was around 3.30pm and there were a huge crowd in the bank on a Wednesday afternoon. As usual for any transaction done over the counter, one needs to take a number. So mom took a number, while I go look for parking.
The minute I got inside the banking hall, my mom was making a huge fuss about she knowing some officer over the counter and perhaps we could cut queue and get our transaction done sooner.
Note: I can't believe my mom's attitude. She used to be one those disciplinarian and taught us to be patience and here she is being an opposite of all those and above all mom being a 'kiasu'. I was gob-smacked. I told her to wait for her turn just like everyone and just sit back and relax (it won't be long).
Based on our queue number, we probably need to wait for at least ten people to clear their respective transactions.
I have worked in a bank for the past 12 years and even I do not dare to cut queue once a number has been taken. All you do is wait unless prior arrangement has been made a day earlier with an officer over the counter (which most bankers do - all bankers do favors for each other but that is a story for another day).
And now back to my mom, to my dismay (even after I had informed her to just relax and wait), she started to ask couple of people sitting behind a desk in the banking hall if they could help out with her banking transaction. Guess what... let me spill the beans (as to the exact words exchanged):
Mom: Excuse me, you kerja kat sini kan? Boleh tolong auntie?
The person behind the desk: Oh Auntie, sorry lah, saya pun datang buat transaction dan sedang menunggu giliran.
Mom: Oh, sorry lah. Auntie ingat you kerja kat sini
The person behind the desk: Tak palah Auntie. Saya duduk sini sebab tak ada tempat lagi kat depan tu.
It was so funny, like a script from a comedy show. I couldn't help myself (bursting with laughter inside) but I controlled my laughter and told my mom with a 'poker face' to kindly be quiet and sit on her seat till our turn comes up.
In no time (within 15 minutes), we got our transaction done. And the bank (a small branch)were full with people (at least 40 people or more).
Out of curiosity, I asked the female guard at the bank if this is a norm or one off situation. The guard replied that the day before there were people queueing up till outside the banking hall - outside the bank (perhaps about 70 people or more).
After dropping mom off home, I just blurted out laughing all the way back to Bangsar. I was smiling and shouting with laughter like some crazy person (even when I had to pretty much crawl back due to back-to-back peak after office hours jam).
What a day..... Mom dearest, you are the champion of the day! Mommy dearest can definitely make us all laugh. As they say, "Laughter is the best medicine".
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