Champions and Friends

A friend posted in her FB on her elation when her school won the netball championship for U18. She is the Headmistress of the school. What made it even more exhilarating is that its the first win after like more than 10 years. What joy it was to beat the all time champion and snatched the trophy from them!!!

It really reminds me of my school and college days where I was an active netball player too. Right from primary school to secondary school and even into my college days. Mind you, I was an awesome Goal Shooter, even if I say so myself. Hee....

Actually, its not just the joy of winning that made me so into the game. Its the people you meet along the way. It was so much fun meeting other players from other states, making new friends and exchanging phone numbers and jerseys at the end of the championship. As I am writing this, a few games flash by my head. Picture memory of me playing on the primary school field, the game that I played for UMNO Batu Pahat in JB when I should have been attending the 3 days Induction Course for overseas students (yeah, I know, I could have been struck of the list but hey, I have UMNO to vouch for me. Ha ha!) and the first time I played for my college thinking that I would be the shortest player among the 'minah sallehs' but found out that there was another girl shorter than me. Hee...

I gave my children all the encouragement to be involved in their school sports and extracurricular activities. I always reminded them that later on when we look back on our school days, the one that brings back fond memories are the stuff that we did together with friends. The fun and silly things that we did. The joy and tears of winning and losing in competition.

And at the same time the games and activites would be able to teach them to work in a team and they will learn to help each other out. A good traits to have in the long run.

All in all, I must say that I have good memories of my school days and whenever I meet up with any of my school friends we never fail to relive the fun that we had.

I am looking forward to the reunion of my college friends tomorrow!

Travel bug.

Oh gosh! It must be the age. In fact I hope that it is and not something else that is wrong. It took me 3 days to recover from the HCM trip. In fact some parts of my body is still under protest. Ha ha...

Nevertheless I am still feeling the europhia from the trip and am already looking forward to my trip to Korea next week. This time it will be free and easy except for day 1 so it will not be so hectic.

I am told that it's still cold in Seoul at the moment. Oh no! Does that mean the cherry blossom will not be in season yet? But that's one of our main agenda for the trip! We can only hope and pray that the weather will be on our side by the time we get there.

Whatever it is, this trip will be the last trip for awhile until year end. By then I will be able to travel with my two girls as both will have semester break at the same time. Yeay! It has been sometime that we had a family trip.

Meanwhile, it's my first trip to Korea and I am looking forward to it. It will certainly add another chapter in my travel log.

Rain or shine, I am sure that we will have fun!

Memories of HCM city

My memoirs of Ho Chi Minh from this visit (from top left clockwise):

1. the Cu-chi Tunnel. It was surprisingly an interesting visit and made me realised why the Vietnamese are so resilient. I would certainly recommend all first time visitors to spend their half day tour here.

2. the landmark for the Ben Thanh market. No matter how many times you go there, there is always something more that you feel worth buying! Just watch out that you don't go over board or you will have an excess baggage!

3. typical shape of the building there. A lot of french influence I am told.

4. the number of motorcycle during this time of the day is unbelievable. The shop at the background is a popular ice cream shop for weary shoppers to quench their thirst. Popular among the locals too.

5. and of course, the pretty Vietnamese girl in her traditional outfit. She opened and closed the door of the hotel the whole day long with a sweet smile on her face. I can't help feeling fat whenever I see her though.

On our arrival, we went to straight to a tour of the city where we made a quick stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral and the grand Post Office. Both are historical and displayed awesome architecture. I couldn't help taking photos of the ladies selling souvenirs in the area. They didn't look too happy about it tough.

  

On Day 3,  on our free and easy day  I opted to go on the Mekong River tour. While my friends were pampered with spa and massage, I joined the others from another bus for this trip. And it's worth it. Its pretty adventurous, by my standard. After one and a half hours bus ride, we took a short ferry ride to an island (don't ask me the name of the island, I totally forgot). A short stop at a cottage industry making coconut candy before we were transported on several horse carriages (its not the horse carriage that you see in the park in Malaysia, mind you. Its an old traditional kind) to another location. Stop over at another cottage industry, this time production of honey. There we were served hot tea sweetened with fresh honey and fresh fruits. We were also entertained by the local folk songs. Thereafter was the real reason for the trip. A twenty minute ride on a little boat on the Mekong River. Although I was initially nervous, by the end of the journey I was wishing for more! Another recommendation to the first time visitors!

Last night in HCM city

I must confess. I did not think that I would have as much fun. After all it's not my first time here in Ho Chi Minh city. It's actually my third. But like I said, this time it would be different because of the large group that I came with.

In the first place, apart from a slight confusion with the bus at the airport upon arrival, the rest went on smoothly. The group of 200 odd people came in two separate flight staying in two diffrent hotels and went on tour in 4 separate coaches with 4 tour operators. So my worry was totally unfounded. (do refer to my last post in this so you understand better).

Secondly, we went to almost all the places that tourists do when they are in the city for the first time. The city tour, cuci tunnel, the war muzeum, the mekong river ride and the puppet show for some. All these that I never did in my earlier two visits to the city. And I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. I would certainly recommend them to those who plan a trip here.

And of course there is the shopping. I think even the guys seemed to be spending a lot of time on this particular activity. I wouldn't be surprise if they had as much fun as the ladies who are natural shoppers. I just hope that we don't have problem with excess bagage tomorrow. I am just too scared to even think of it.

But most of all, I believe that what makes the whole trip thoroughly enjoyable is the company. Yup. It really works. It brought the feel-good feeling and comraderie among the team. The spirit is high.

Lastly, I am pretty sure that everyone will go home tomorrow with a greater passion and fighting spirit to do even better this year so that we can go on another trip next year.

Let's do it team!

Live Life

You know what? I have two girls who are 3 years apart born from the same womb as result of the union of the same two persons and yet they are so different from each other.

Have you ever wonder how that could be? You would think that since they came from the same parents they would have similar features and if not similar characteristic at least? No?

Yeah. I know I know. There is a biological explaination of all this.

So how do you explain this? They are raised the same way and in the same house, watched the same disney movies, went to the same school, instilled the same values, and yet as they grow up they are different in their views, preferences and perceptions. For example, they like different colours and clothes and music. They may laugh at the same joke or cry over the same sad movies but they are frighten and brave over different situations.

Just goes to show that it's no wonder that you and me would have different personalities and opinions while even siblings are not the same. And because of that we will react differently in the same situation. As the saying goes, one person's meat may be another person's poison. That's what makes the world an interesting place to live in. I definitely would not want my two girls to be the same.

And all in all, it can never be explain fully because it is all in the hand of our Maker. Only He knows what is best for us.

Love Life

I found this poster and it reminded me of an earlier post that I have written. I agree whole heartedly with the statement.

To me even if we don't succeed, at least we are happy with our life as we are doing something that we love and what we believe in. And that is priceless!

Anyway, what IS the definition of SUCCESS afterall?

Pack that bag!

Ever had that feeling of brewing excitement prior to an up-and-coming event? I am having exactly that. I have two trips coming up. And I am so looking forward to them.

The first will be next week, an office trip to Ho Chi Min city. Even though I have been to HCM city twice before, I am still excited because it will be different this time. There will be 250 odd people on that trip on two flights. I wonder if there will be chaos among the group or everyone will follow instruction and go about in an orderly fashion. We will see. Hee...

The second trip will be in early April, this time it will be to Korea. A small group of 4 friends. This is one trip that I am so looking forward to. Not only it will be my first trip to Korea, but I also hope to catch the cherry blossom. Yesss!!! At last. But! The problem with cherry blossom is that it totally depends on the weather. So we may be a tad too early or too late. So, all of us are praying hard for it to happen when we are there.

I know that the best place to catch the cherry blossom is in Japan but somehow Japan is not in my list of places to travel. Korea sounds more fun. And much cheaper too! I know a few who goes there every year! But they are also hard core K-pop fan. Oh no! I am not one of them! Ha ha!

(Speak of the devils! Suddenly Starworld is talking about k-pop on Astro right this minute. OMG! K-pop Star Hunt? Another reality talent program. Never knew there is such a show).

Anyway. Hopefully I will be able to post some photos from my trip as soon as I am back. If I am lucky I will be able to post some update on the blog while I am travelling. I wonder if there have good wifi network in HCM. I know Korea has one of the best communication network in the region. Oh yeah!

So till then, I will leave you with this quote:

“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” -Samuel Johnson

True Friends - Part 3

I couldn't get the hyper link to work on my last post so here is a screen shot of the article.
(Update: on 17 March 10.00 pm - Managed to get the link up folks!)

True friends - Part 2

Perhaps you may want to know the profesional definition of true friends. Feel free to read from this website:

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-in-world/201002/what-makes-true-friend

True Friends - Part 1

How do you define a true friend? This question was asked in my earlier post about 'Best Friends Forever'.

Well, first of all, in my opinion even if you google the definition on the internet, it will still differ from one person to another. This is because everyone has a different set of expectations from their friends.

Yup. The key word here is EXPECTATIONS.

Some people would expect their best friends to give them priorities over other friends or even anyone else. Expect them to understand their moods. Expect them to be around every time in time of needs. Expect them to like what they like. Get the drift?

To me true friends do not have any expectations of each other. You are there for each other because you want to, not because you have to, or are expected to. When one says 'let's watch a movie tonight', the response should be a spontaneous 'yes, let's' or 'can't make it tonight, because...' without feeling guilty that she couldn't go. It should not be answered after a pause and a mental debate 'if I don't go she will be disappointed with me'. True friends are honest with each other and sincere in their action.

I feel that this is the most important factor in a friendship. True friends anyway. The type that will last forever. Even when they go on their own way after awhile or separated by distance. When they meet again, they can easily get along from where they left off.

Apart from that of course it helps that close friends share common interest such that there is always something to talk about. No. Scratch that. There is always a never ending flow of animated conversation. Sometimes it seems that everyone wants to speak at the same time. Ha ha!

Well, I am not sure if you agree with me here. Nod if you do, and write your protest if you don't!

I sure like to hear from you!

Mind over Matter

I guess it's natural. We do things better when we are happy. When we are happy we will be in a good mood. A good mood to do anything.

I found that when I was in the hospital last week even though I have time in my hand, I was not in the right frame of mind to write (the blog). Not that I was worried or anything like that because I knew that we were in good hands. Still, I guess unconciously and psychologically I still have that niggling feeling at the back of my mind. You know what I mean?

I recall in the past when I was working in KL Tower, many times prior to major events even when I told myself that everything was fine and well taken care of, but still I have trouble sleeping. I had two or three sleepless night prior to the first KL Tower base jump. The first ever base jump done in Malaysia. It was a bold decision and the 'make or break' kind of situation. Alhamdulillah it went pretty well. And had a pretty good coverage in the media and a good publicity to the Tower. Which was the purpose of the whole thing. But it could have been a disaster if anything went wrong. Although some would say good or bad, its still a publicity. But I for one certainly did not want that kind of publicity.

Actually, come to think of it, I had a lot more sleepness night while I was working in the Tower than any other job that I had ever been assigned to. There are many reasons for that but I will not go into the detail right now.

So, going back to this subconscious mind that we don't have control over. I must say that I have improved a lot since those days. Because even though I could not write, I did have good sleep on those two nights on the hospital sofa bed!

I must say that's a major improvement, don't you agree?

Reprieves

It's been sometimes since my last post and the lapse is longer than usual. I wonder if anyone missed me. Hee....

Nope. It's not that I have run out of things to say. I have been away. Sort of.

Away from the normal routine. Taking care of a loved one in time of needs. Spending most time at the hospital. Sleep over at the hospital (P.S. the sofa bed was pretty comfortable actually). And trying not to disrupt work as much as possible.

Alhamdulillah, all is well now and I am back on track. The patient is back home almost as good as new. With a bag full of medication and a follow up in two weeks.

So folks, for those who missed me, you will be seeing me more soon!

Best Friends Forever

While I was writing the last post I was trying to recall who were my childhood friends. Sadly, I lost touch with most of them. I know a friend who still meet up with her kindy friends. How nice that would be.

I still can recall my childhood friends from my neighbourhood. Boy, did I have wonderful memories of all the fun stuff that we used to do; from playing with dolls and 'masak-masak' to catching spiders and flying kites.

I still see one or two of them during Hari Raya sometimes. And we would have a good laugh at the old times.

Other than that I am still in touch with a whole bunch of my upper secondary school friends and a few of my college friends.

I met new friends when I started working and there are those who remain fast friends until today while some come and go.

As we go through the phases of our life our circle of friends changes. But every now and then an old friend turned up again in our life and we continued to be fast friend again as if there is no break in between.

I believe that true friends will pass the test of time and will remain good friends even when we dont see each other as often as before.

I guess thats why it's fondly known as Best Friends Forever.

BFF

I always love the time spent having coffee and chat with family or friends on a week end. I just love these moments when I can hang out and let lose with my hubby, with or without our two girls, or my siblings or my best buddies. Sometimes the topic of conversation can be so serious like the world economy while at other time it can be hilariously funny subject like what we used to do in school.

After one of these sessions usually I would be smiling all the way while I was driving home. During one of these drive home, I realise how important relationship is to a person. I don't think life would be complete without a relationship. And it doesn't really have to be with people. It can be with animals too like your pet kitten or dogs or even a horse. Preferably, animals that you can hug and almost talk to (hee...) and who would also love you back. I don't think a pet fish count. But I do know someone who enjoys playing with her hamsters. *Grin*

But of course, having a relationship with another human being is a different level altogether. It can totally change a person. It can be full of joy and laughter but it can also be filled with pain. And it can totally change our perspective in life. Nevertheless, it will help us be a better or stronger person. At times it is what makes us to be more human or even humane.

And it doesn't have to be a long term life partner kind of relationship either. To me everyone needs to have a best friend or a few best buddies. (Now popularly known as BFF), even if you are married. There are subject matters that can only be discussed with your girlfriends than your husbands or even your sisters. But of course there are those who has their sisters or mothers as best friends.

Whatever it is, I am sure many would agree that it's always good to have at least one close friend who you can count on. Who would be there in time of needs and whose shoulder you can cry on.

The Young Ones.

Does your job require you to understand the younger generations? I am talking to the baby boomers and the senior gen X here. If you find that its difficult to understand them, I don't blame you. This is simply because we are raised in a totally different environment and culture altogether.

I think the teachers and educators are in the worse positions. If they don't keep up with time ie: technology, they may find that they are far behind from the students and they may find that they will lose control in an argument if they are not careful. This is a result of advance technology and the availability of internet almost everywhere. One can find the answer to any question at a click of a button.

[Side track: That reminds me of a graffiti I saw: "Unless your name is google, don't pretend that you know everything!"]

So to those whose line of work involves 80% of these gen Y (and Z), do find the time to understand their profile and behaviour. What excites them, what motivates them, what bores them and what makes them happy enough to stay in the company longer than 3 months. In another words, what makes them tick.

To teachers and educators, do get into the techology gizmo or you should not sign up to stay in your profession till the age of 60. (please also be reminded: there are 3 flight of stairs that you have to climb to get to the 3rd floor class rooms. Unless you are still healthy and fit after the age of 55, please ignore this reminder)

And for young parents, here is my advice. Spend time watching your children's favourite cartoon shows or movies together with them. Otherwise you will find that you don't understand the lingo that your children use among themselves.

For parents with teen age children, do participate in their hobby as much as you can. That way they will always think that they have 'cool' Mom and Dad because you like the same things that they do.

Most important of all, I do believe that children need to trust their parents. Never ever break a promise. They would always remember. Even when they are young, they would remember. You may dismiss it as unimportant but it actually means a lot to them. Something as simple as 'we will buy some ice cream later' but never did.

And its worse if you don't keep your word once they are older. You will just lose their respect.

So then. I ask you. If your children or students or young employees are not listening or responding to you, who is to be blamed?

Love and Trust

I am sure that many of us has gone through the pain and regret of being betrayed. If not, the feeling of being betrayed. It hurts, right?

But what really hit me was the time to get over it. Even after you say that all is forgiven. It will never be forgotten. The phrase 'Forgive and Forget' is certainly not applicable. Its easier to forgive but harder to forget. Well, maybe over time it will. One day. But that one day is a long time. That niggling feeling of regret remains almost forever albeit with less pain.

And worse of all, the trust for the person who caused the ruckus became minus sub zero. It will take awhile to restore the relationship. Faster if the person means a lot to you but otherwise its as good as deleting his/her name from your contacts and FB. State of non existence.

Sounds harsh? Maybe so. But to me if a person can be so mean to you it only goes to show that he or she doesn't deserve to be called a friend. So why bother?

But of course once you are older and wiser, it is easier to look at matters in a different perpective. You can just forgive, forget about the whole thing and move on. With or without the so call friend.

It is still a wake up call though, who you choose to be your friend.

Love for Chocolate

Everyone knows that I have sweet tooth. At least my close friends and families. I would rather not eat the main meal and opt for the desert anytime. Hee...

Before you ask, yes, of course it has an effect on my weight. In my younger days I used to be able to lose quickly what I gained by just skipping the sweets for a month. But not anymore. Now that my metabolic rate has slowed down, its not so simple. I have to work harder. Not only that I have to reduce my carbo intake I have to also do extra exercise.

So far I have successfully reduce my passion for cakes and pastries. But not chocolate. This is still my weakness. That is why I was more than happy to help out when a friend organised a chocolate charity sale. Imported chocolate mind you! At a lower price than the retail price in the local shop. And it made me happy that friends who bought the chocolates enjoyed the chocolate as much as I did.

And most important of all we killed two birds with one stone. Enjoy a good premium imported chocolate while doing our bit for charity.

Feel-good feeling.....

Love for Books

Have you read a good book lately? I mean a story book. As in fiction. Not a management or self improvement book. No? I guess not.

I used to read tons of story books. When I had a good book, I could hardly put it down once I started it. And sometimes I would even stayed up to finish it, even though I knew that I would be groggy going to work the next day. The hobby of reading story books started early in my childhood and I used to love mystery books. I started with Enid Blyton and Nancy Drew books. Later on I got really hooked on authors like Agatha Christie and Sherlock Homes. Those days I remember that I was quite a tomboy. Only when I got into my senior high that I moved on to the Mills & Boons and Barbara Cartland. Tee hee....

I continued my passion to read fiction books into my college years (in England) and expanded my list of authors. Dean Koontz was one of them. For the life of me, now I can't think how I enjoyed his books. Of course those days, there was no TV in our small and cold room hence I found solace in story books. Snugged under the warm comforter and my trusted radio softly playing songs broadcasted by the DJ Tony Blackburn on Radio Caroline. (Who? Weird, I know). And books were cheap then as I could buy them for only a few pence from the used book store at the Market Place.

And when I was in my confinement, books was my only way out into the outside world. I remember I had post natal blues after the delivery of my first baby. It dawned to me then why its called confinement; I found myself totally confined in the house. Being stuck at home with limited activities put a cramp in my active lifestyle.

Later on I have instilled the same passion in my two girls. When they were young, I used to read to them before they went to bed until they can read on their own. And when I potty trained them I would make them sit on the little potty with a book in their little hands. That habit carried on until today. Yup, both of them. Hee..

Nowadays, I hardly spend time reading. Usually I would wind down by watching TV and lately I find that I enjoy putting my thoughts on this blog, while watching TV. Especially since both my girls have gone off to college. I would probably laugh my self silly when reading my post again say in 10 or 20 years, if I live long enough.

But given the chance, you know what I would like to do? Sit under a tree with the warm breeze from the ocean couple with the sound of the wave on the beach and a good book in my hand.

Bliss......

Love and Relationship

How do you repair a broken relationship among siblings? No, not mine. I have a wonderful relationship with my siblings. We visit each other, call one another and communicate via FB too! We help each other in time of needs and we remember each other's birthday.

But not everyone is like that. And when you are caught in the middle of a family 'fued', you feel helpless because you don't understand how it came to be like that in the first place. You know what I mean? It happened to me.

I don't know why they are not talking to each other. I don't know why they are not helping each other out. I don't know why no one seems to bother at all.

And it bothers me.

I wish I could help but I don't know how. How do I begin to help repair the broken relationship. Is it too far gone to be repaired?

Sigh. Well that's me. I hate clutter and this is one clutter that I may have to try hard not to let it bother me too much.

I know that I don't have control over everything but I do wish I know how to make it better. The only thing that I can do is offer a helping hand whenever I can.

Sigh.

Happily Ever After

Have you noticed that most marriage couples do not really share common interest? I notice this a long time ago. Take an example of a good friend of mine. She and my husband has a lot more in common while her husband and I share the same interest in terms hobby and food. And later on I notice the same with another couple.

Well, maybe that's how it's supposed to be. God wants us to have a partner who is different so that we can learn from each other. At least we learn to be more patient.

First of all, I can't pin point exactly how a couple is attracted to one another in the first place. My theory is that we all develop our opinion or specification while we grow up base on how we are raised or brought up.

Secondly, the term 'Love is Blind' is totally true. At the beginning of a relationship at least. During the courting period, usually we are blind to the quirks and flaws of the person whom we have 'fallen' for (I wonder why we use the word 'fallen' as if its an accident!). After a few years of marriage then the true test of the relationship will come forth.

That's when certain habits that used to be so cute suddenly become irritating. What used to be oh!-that-was-so-sweet becomes, what-the-heck-was-that-for! Yup! The romance is over.

If couples pass this stage with flying colours, then the marriage will last till the end of time. Couples have to accept each others' flaw as afterall no one is perfect. There has to be lot of give and take and there should never ever be a count of how many 'gives' versus how many 'takes'.

Then they will live happily ever after.