A beautiful thought to start a brand new week ahead:

"Lord, bless our week and teach us perseverance".

Moments

It amazing how fast time flies, especially when we are extremely busy. It does feel like we are always rushing to chase things in life. It's already Friday but it's a working weekend for me. It's always a working weekend somehow.

A beautiful thought for a Friday: Every single moment in life is a pivotal moment. Every day has a moment where you can change everything ~ the problem is that we are scared to recognise this moment.

Of Baskin & shopping!

My sister is back home from Syd for a week. I've done nothing but hang out with her the past couple of days. Today we got our hair done, did abit of shopping and ate Baskin's dark chocolate ice cream. It's been a great day indeed. No day can go wrong with Baskins.
We seldom spend time together cos she lives across the ocean. Tomorrow's another day of fun; watching dvds.

Before I end the night, a beautiful phrase by the exceptionally talented Coelho: May love fill your heart, compassion guide your mind and faith rule your soul.

Happy 54th Independence Day, Malaysia. May you prosper for your citizens!

My reminder on Life etc..

It's been awhile since I've written. I've been through quite a month, so many things to get done, so little time. There never seem to be enough hours in a day. This time around, I'm gonna work smart and allow myself some time to unwind every week. Life should be simple.

Today is a supposed to be a quiet lazy Sundays, but I'm reading up on cyberlaws in Malaysia. While reading for work, I like to also read for pleasure...and I found this awesome picture that very much describe how we all should view life. Sometimes we need a reminder cos we often forget how simple life should be. A mantra for all on life.

Muse - Starlight

My first post for June. This has been quite an exasperating month thus far. Trying hard to keep well and sane, the least. Never been a fan of Muse, but this one is real catchy especially after hearing it in the Crazy, Stupid Love trailer. Our hopes and expectations....something to ponder!

solo a tu lado quiero vivir

This song brings back so many memories of the time where I loved watching telenovelas. My love for telenovelas were at its peak a couple of years back. I absolutely love spanish tunes; this one is one of my fave. I tried so hard to learn and sing this song. I managed quite well I must proudly add. My fave line: el amor de mi vida eres tu!

My lesson for the day!

It's only Wednesday, but it does feel like it's been a long and tiring week. That explains why the short nap I wanted to take actually lasted for 5 1/2 hours instead. I must be absolutely exhausted yet I push myself further. I have no choice really, the amount of work that needs to be done is not equivalent to the amount of time I have yet. It's already midnight yet I'm still up preparing slides for lectures, not to mention the amount of grading I have to get done which actually scares me.

In midst of working, I came across such beautiful words of comfort:

"God allows us to experience the low points of life in order to teach us lessons that we could learn in no other way".

God reach out to us in mysterious ways, I always believe that and I have always been showed words of encouragement during time of trials in my life. I take comfort in those words.

Self motivation on a monday morning!

Thought of the day:

If you only walk on sunny days, you'll never reach your destination.

The week that is

There are times when you realise there isn't any need for unnecessary interaction. If people around you can't understand what you are going through and call themselves your friends, then you need to evaluate who your friends are.

My time should be spent with only positive people, not people who belittle my problems. I need spiritual presence in my life, to help calm me down. I need to revamp my life and priorities. I need to do this now.

Johann Pachelbel Canon in D

I remember during my travels in Paris some 10years ago, I heard this tune for the first time in my life. A busker near the subway station leading to the Arc de Triomphe played this on this violin. He was so awesome and I fell in love with this tune. He told me what it was called, Pachelbel Canon in D will be the tune I will use to walk down the aisle one fine day.

The spring shall come!

It's not been a good week, workwise I'm so drained out with the grading of assignments non stop and being ill. But I take courage today in the words of Robert Schuller.

Never cut a tree down in winter time,
Never make a negative decision in low time,
Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst mood,
Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.

Important reminder!

I was reminded of a beautiful phrase today:

We always ignore the ones who adore us, and adore the ones who ignore us.
We always love the ones who hurt us, and hurt the ones who love us.

I've been guilty of such conduct on many occasions and have taken the ones who adore & love me unconditionally; especially mom and dad for granted. May I constantly be reminded of 'always loving and cherishing the ones who love and adore me the most'. And may they always know my love and adoration for them.

Seeking Asylum

After reading this short story (see below) by Gibran. I count my blessings.
I've been ever so blessed to have parents who have allowed me to grow and find my our path and have never forced anything upon me. They allow me to make my own mistakes and learn from those mistakes, no matter how bitter those mistakes are. All they ever do is support me in my choices. Indeed I am blessed. Today especially after reading this story.

Sometimes being in an asylum is the only place where one can experience peace within.

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

A great story by the talented Kahlil Gibran.

I was strolling in the gardens of an insane asylum when I met a young man who was reading a philosophy book.

His behaviour and his evident good health made him stand out from the other inmates.

I sat down beside him and asked:

'What are you doing here?'

He looked at me, surprised. But seeing that I was not one of the doctors, he replied:

'It's very simple. My father, brilliant lawyer, wanted me to be like him.
My uncle, who owns a large emporium, hoped I would follow his example.
My mother wanted me to be the image of her beloved father.
My sister always set her husband before me as an example of a successful man.
My brother tried to train me up to be a fine athlete like himself.

"And the same thing happened at school, with the piano teacher and the English teacher - they were all convinced and determined that they were the best possible example to follow".
None of them looked at me as one should look at a man, but as if they were looking in a mirror.

'So I decided to enter this asylum. At least here I can be myself'.

Carrie Underwood w/ Vince Gill How Great thou Art - Standing Ovation!

When you sing for God, you will sound like an angel.
This video was only uploading 4days ago yet it has received well over 1.6million hits (and counting). Carrie Underwood has always been my fave Idol, but here her spirits trancends towards heaven with every note. I could feel the Holy Spirit. The sheer look of adoration on the faces of her peers says it all.

Simply awesome.

Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) - Chris Tomlin

Unending love. Amazing grace.
Blessed Easter to all.

He is Risen!

Being a Catholic ~ Easter is a day of celebration and reflection on the life of the most important person in the world, Jesus Christ.

Looking carefully at HIS life, we see that, although HE knew that his passion was inevitable, HE tried to give us a sense of joy in every gesture.

May HIS wisdom of HIS gesture inspire us, and be always present in our souls: the spiritual quest is compassion, enthusiasm and joy too.

Khalil Gibran wrote a beautiful poem to reflect Jesus life:

"He was not a bird with broken wings, but a violent storm.

He was not a victim of his persecutors and had not suffered at the hands of his executioners - he was free before all

He came to awaken a new and strong soul, which made every heart a temple, an altar and every human being a priest".

Punctuation saves lives!

As my never-ending grading of papers progresses throughout the day; I find comfort in the little joys of life!

Each to his/her own destiny

We are different people, each fighting in our own way for that which we believe in, and in making the world a better place by our mere existence. How we get there and the rest are mere appearances.

Just like the moon and the sun are different things; each with their own beauty and purpose. You cannot compare the two.

Lionel Richie - Oh No (HQ AUDIO)

My afternoon delight as I grade papers! They rarely have songs like this anymore.

How we allow our dreams to die.

I read an interesting short story, it was about our dreams and how we kill our dreams.

The death of our dreams lies with certainties. Because we don't want to see life as a grand adventure, we begin to think of ourselves as wise, fair and correct in asking so little of life. We look beyond the walls of our day-to-day existence, and we hear the sounds of lances breaking, we smell the dust and the sweat, and we see the great defeats and the fire in the eyes of the warriors.

But we never see the delight, the immense delight in the hearts of those who are engaged in the battle. For them, neither victory nor defeat is important, what's important is only that they are fighting the good fight.

Mindfulness

Most of us have discovered how hard it is to live in the present, and much of our time is spent either regretting our past actions or fearing our future.

Living in the moment is like walking a tightrope. You are bound to fall off, but with practice, you will manage to keep your balance longer and longer.

Basically, there are two strategies to keep your mind on the present:

i) Take as much time as you need to do everything you do ~ Refuse to live your life in a hurry. If you feel there is never enough time; there will never be enough time anyway. Whatever you have to do, tell yourself: My full attention is on what I'm doing. I refuse to hurry!

ii) Practise "Dog Awareness" ~ yup, that's right. Dog awareness. Dogs are wonderfully intelligent creatures, they take time to observe everything around them. Everything is always a new experience for a dog. Dogs live in the present, so should we. Take a walk and see every tree.

Affirm yourself 'I have plenty of time'. An affirmation that is repeated becomes part of our subconscious. When you feel pressed, remind yourself: "I have plenty of time".

The longer we stay on the tightrope, the better life gets. Just find and keep your balance.

Sleepless days

It's been a difficult two weeks, please let things get better for me.
I feel worse cos I can't say anything to vent my frustration.
Here's hoping that time will make things better.

You come to my Senses

A sexy song!

The Seed of Virtue

It's been such a long day; working even though it's a weekend. It hasn't been a good week for me especially at work. I'm questioning my decision and my patience has been tested many times. Despite it all, I still hold onto the believe that Patience is a virtue! While I was working today, I came across an advert for a residential area and there was this beautiful phrases on the advert. I've not seen such beautiful words in an advert to sell homes. Think twice. Good actions are the essence of the human spirit and character. A virtuous person is obligated to act in ways that respect the human dignity, rightly, as he/she should. Possessing a virtue is a matter of nobility, let's be obligated to moral excellence and lead a morally meritorious life.

Missing pieces

Thought of the day:

We often look outside of ourselves, for what we think is missing. When what we should be looking at are the missing pieces inside of us.

Bethany Joy Galeotti - Songs in my pockets

An old song by a talented actress who can sing as well as she can act.

Home is where you are.

Are you a source of joy?

Thought of the Day:

Be a source of joy. Let critics and haters complain about the world.

Love in truth. Truth in love.

An interesting read today;

Love in truth. Truth in Love.
Never one at the expense of the other.
Never the embrace of love without the torch of truth.
Never the heat of truth without the warmth of love.

To pursue both is our singular task.

Sarah McLachlan - I Will Remember You [Official Music Video]

A beautiful song from my all time fave, Sarah McLachlan.

I will remember you
Will you remember me
Dont' let love pass you by
Weep not for the memories

The First One

It was such a long day at work today and to make it worse, I wasn't feeling well. A class of some 150 on my first day of teaching is not an easy task at all. Sometimes I wonder where the strenght comes from. When I think I can't, my ability to perserve takes over to prove me wrong. I come out unscathed; with just a tad exhaustion. Nothing some good sleep can't undo.

I've not had much time to read for pleasure the past week or so except some academic readings for work. Today is good for some words of wisdom to carry with me throughout the week. Great thought this week, courtesy of the great man himself, Lao Tzu:

Rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.

Respond intelligently even to unintelligent treatment.

The words of truth are always paradoxical.
Truthful words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not truthful.
Good words are not persuasive; persuasive words are not good.

Kindness inspires Kindness

Thought of the Day:

Kindness in words creates confidence.
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.
Kindness in giving creates love.

The Last One

Today was the last day of my teaching. Feeling a tad melancholy. I can't help feel this way. I will miss some of them; my colleagues and students. At the same time, I'm glad that it will all be over.
I need to be far away from ill feelings bring thrown my way.
I will be starting anew in less than 4days time. A clean slate is possible. Sometimes it's better when you are unknown. No knows cares and no one talks.

I will miss my beautiful desk, where I've spent many late nights grading. Perhaps my new desk will be as awesome or even better.

Cheers to my beautiful faithful old desk I love.

A simple prayer

Dear Lord, "If I can't have what I want, let me want what I have".

Am I making a difference?

My colleague sent me this story about the teaching profession and how it should be viewed by people. I wonder all the time whether I'm actually making a difference?

One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued,” What’s a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make? (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write.. Keyboarding isn't everything.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know about English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life. (Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant. You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make Mr. CEO?

His jaw dropped, he went silent.

A truly profound answer!!!
Teaching is...the profession that makes all other professions possible!

Why should I listen to my heart?

It's only Tuesday and by far the worst beginning to a week I've ever experience. I can't even comprehend it, maybe I'm over-reacting, maybe I'm not. Can't believe that last week was excellent and now...sigh!!

Whenever I'm depressed I always read to calm down...

A beautiful short story...taken from the Alchemist...............................................................

“Why do we have to listen to our hearts?” the boy asked, when they had made camp that day.

“Because, wherever your heart is, that is where you’ll find your treasure.”

“But my heart is agitated,” the boy said. “It has its dreams, it gets emotional, and it’s become passionate over a woman of the desert. It asks things of me, and it keeps me from sleeping many nights, when I’m thinking about her.”

“Well, that’s good. Your heart is alive. Keep listening to what it has to say.”

“My heart is a traitor,” the boy said to the alchemist, when they had paused to rest the horses. “It doesn’t want me to go on.”

“That makes sense. Naturally it’s afraid that, in pursuing your dream, you might lose everything you’ve won.”

“Well, then, why should I listen to my heart?”

“Because you will never again be able to keep it quiet. Even if you pretend not to have heard what it tells you, it will always be there inside you, repeating to you what you’re thinking about life and about the world.”

“You mean I should listen, even if it’s treasonous?”

“Treason is a blow that comes unexpectedly. If you know your heart well, it will never be able to do that to you. Because you’ll know its dreams and wishes, and will know how to deal with them.

“My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer,” the boy told the alchemist one night as they looked up at the moonless sky.

“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second’s encounter with God and with eternity.”

“Every second of the search is an encounter with God,” the boy told his heart.

“Everyone on earth has a treasure that awaits him,” his heart said. “We, people’s hearts, seldom say much about those treasures, because people no longer want to go in search of them. We speak of them only to children. Later, we simply let life proceed, in its own direction, toward its own fate. But, unfortunately, very few follow the path laid out for them—the path to their destinies, and to happiness. Most people see the world as a threatening place, and, because they do, the world turns out indeed, to be threatening place.

“So, we, their hearts, speak more and more softly. We never stop speaking out, but we begin to hope that our words won’t be heard: we don’t want people to suffer because they don’t follow their hearts.”

Questions & Answers

I had trouble sleeping last night as I was upset with something someone said. It lead to a rather unpleasant morning. I felt a tightness in my chest. I just need to leave this place.

It's funny that I found abit of comfort in a question and answer interview which was carried out for Coelho.

These are some important questions we often ask ourselves but we simply fail to get answers that really change our lives. Hopefully I would be able to learn from the simple answers and change the way I think and in the long run make a beautiful change in my life.

How do you make peace with a negative past and with those who have wronged you?

In order to move from the past to the present you need to accept your scars. But you need to do everything in your power in order to heal them so that the ghosts of your past will no longer barge in your present life.

It is a long and difficult process I grant you – but it’s a way out of guilt and hatred in my eyes.

How does one keep enthusiasm, especially when you meet people who are well.. scary and mean?

It’s normal that we don’t always keep our enthusiasm in front of obstacles. Indeed some people truly make an effort in destroying our plans and hopes and so they appear as evil.

But in these moments, if you are able to remind yourself of the reason of your actions and also see that those that are committed in creating pain around them are actually their first victims – then you may at least find an extra dose of consolation in your path. Ally yourself with those that wish you the best and don’t give strength to those that want to see you down. Don’t even grant them the right to be called your “enemies”.

How do you stop sadness?

By welcoming it and living it intensively for a determined amount of period. In my case I give myself three days to be completely submersed in this feeling.

Once I’ve let sadness pay me a visit, then I kindly ask it to leave. Sadness is then satisfied and leaves.

My birthday

It was indeed a wonderful birthday this year. In fact the past few days, having pre-birthday celebrations with different friends has been nothing but wonderful. And today with a surprise birthday party at work organised by my closest friends & colleagues, I'm blessed to be loved by many.
And to cap the end of my birthday week; a weekend road trip with my lovely girlfriends. What else could I ask for - a ever-loving and supporting parents, family and friends. God has truly blessed me. And in a little more than in a week's time - A new adventure of my own at a new place with new work colleagues, students and new opportunities to grow and progress further in life.

Thoughts In Solitude

Today I was extremely productive at work. After completing my work, I thought some poetry would just do the trick before I leave for the day.

A beautiful poetry by Thomas Merton on "I have no idea where I am going". Thinking of what would be in the next year or so.

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going,
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.

Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.

But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.

I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.

I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

Sara Bareilles - King Of Anything

My theme song; a thought to hold on as I go through a tough couple of weeks. A catchy tune with an even more awesome lyrics.

Who cares if you disagree? You are not me.
Who made you king of anything.
So, you dare tell me who to be
Who died and made you king of anything?

The One Hundred

So it's my 100-post today...what do you say for the 100 that hasn't already been said.

The book The Road Less Travelled began with this line 'Life is difficult'. I was immediately taken with this book cos it spoke of the truth. It said things that should be said. It's my kind of book.

I read an article recently that began with 'Life is difficult and setbacks are common in the great game of life. It was an enlightening read. It focus on the need to continuously strive to be positive in the wake of challenges you face.

Every person has a choice about the attitude he/she brings to his/her day and the action he/she takes.

The article mentions tips that can help you claim your optimism back from any setbacks.

1) Appreciate the healing power of time
One of my favourite quotes is: "This too shall pass". Don't underestimate our power of recuperation from emotional trauma. We might not be able to forget a bad experience but we can always look back with a calmer perspective which only time can provide.

2) Check fears against the facts
It's interesting to note that optimism can be learned. And it's something that everyone should be taught. Try using impersonal facts to maintain a reality-based perspective.

3) Seize the day as a survivor
I learned that as long as I was alive, I always had options. Survivors make the best of the options they have while victims whine about how few they have. There is never nothing you can do; the only question is whether a given action will work and if committed action is worth the investment of the time required to achieve the desired results.

4) Control what you can
You can't control all events that happen, but you can learn how to control your responses to events. You don't control the cards you are dealt in life, but you can learn how to play even a poor hand well. Appreciate the words: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference".
Get busy changing what you can - starting with your own attitude.

5) Move from analysis paralysis into action
Learn to cultivate sense of adventure that searches for and takes advantage of every opportunity. Failure to act doesn't prevent failure, it just turns life into slow death.

6) Master strategic skills you need to prepare for the future
The age of lifelong employment is over. You become an old dog when you stop doing new and improved tricks.

7) Be effective
We are tougher on ourselves than on any other person. Instead of taking yourself for granted, love yourself the way you care about others. Don't forget your little success, write down one success every day.

8) See mistakes as valued lessons
Learn to use self-criticism as a course correction feedback on the road to success. Identify what was done wrong, but put your focus on the future.

Final thought for my 100th post: Optimists hope for more but are not deterred by less.

The Island of Gods

I thought I should start this month's posting with some beautiful photos taken in Bali. As I reminisce on the fun I had some two years ago in this Island of Gods. Bali has some of the most spectacular scenes for everyone to enjoy thoroughly. Bali is truly the Island of Gods.

He still moves stones

It was one of those lazy hazy Sunday where you stayed in bed the whole day. I took the opportunity to read a 'Note from Max Lucado' on Strength.

An example of faith was found on the walls of a concentration camp. On it a prisoner had carved the words:

I believe in the sun, even though it doesn't shine,
I believe in love, even when it isn't shown,
I believe in God, even when he doesn't speak.

I try to imagine the person who etched those words. I try to envision his skeletal hand gripping the broken glass or stone that cut into the wall. I try to imagine his eyes squinting through the darkness as he carved each letter.

What hand could have seen good in such horror?
There is only one answer: Eyes that chose to see the unseen.

Don't Quit

I just finished my classes for the day and decided it's time for some poetry. Edgar Guest wrote a beautiful poem about not quitting. When times are tough, take heart and believe that everything will be alright.

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
when the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
when the funds are low and the debts are high,
and you want to smile but you have to sigh,
when care is pressing you down a bit - rest if you must,
but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns.
As everyone of us sometimes learns.
And many a fellow turns about when he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow - you may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man;
often the struggler has given up when he might have captured the victor's cup;
and he learned too late when the night came down,
how close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out - the silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
and when 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,
you must not quit.

A tough tuesday

Today was judgement day so to speak at work. I'm glad I managed to express all that's in my heart. Just wish things didnt have to go down this way. Perhaps there are no coincidences in life; that things had to happen this way in order for me to move on. It makes me question - Are coincidences in our life part of our destiny?

I remember reading a short but interesting story that pretty much sums up this question.

There was an old man who had a dream one night that he would be protected from a ravaging storm that would engulf his whole village.

The next day, as expected, a terrible storm came to his region. The first day a neighbor of his offered help for him to flee – help that he denied since he was sure God was going to help him.
The second day, when he had to take refuge in the second floor of his house given that the waters had taken over all of the first floor, a rescue team came to his house and offered him to get out of there – help that he again refused given that God had promised him to get out of there.
The third day came a helicopter to rescue him but he was adamant that God was going to save him.
Not long after he drowned and died. Once in heaven he complained to God: “why didn’t you help me as you promised?”
To which God replied: ” I sent your neighbor, a rescue squad and even a helicopter to which you simply declined!”

Things are written, but you need to be attentive to the signs that constantly try to remind you that life wishes you to be “saved”. And salvation is the path that leads you to your dream, your fulfillment in this life.

Hope

Today, my mind is on Hope. The dictionary defines hope as a tendency of the spirit to consider something as probable. Hope is expectation of and desire of receiving; refraining from despair and capability of not giving up.

In Christian philosophy, 'Hope' is one of the theological virtues associated with salvation. Lack of hope may give place to despair or cynicism.

I place my trust in Hope that all will go as I expect it to this coming week. That there will be no endings, only new beginning.

Ancient Greek philosophy tells an interesting story about Hope. In one of the classic myths of the Creation, one of the gods, furious at the fact that Prometheus stole fire and in doing so gave men their independence, sends Pandora to marry her brother Epimetheus. Pandora brings along a box, which she is forbidden to open. However, just as happens to Eve in the Christian myth, her curiosity gets the better of her: she raises the lid to see what is inside, and at this moment all the troubles of the world spill out and spread all over the Earth. Only one thing remains inside: Hope, the only arm to combat the misfortune that has scattered throughout the world.

I dream of you

Today I woke up with a heavy heart. I've not had a dream of Ron since my last birthday. It's almost a year now. Last night he came into my dream...gave me a big hug and spoke to me. I'm thinking why now...after almost a year. What do you want me to know?
Sadly, with the memory I have, I can't recall my conversation with him but I can remember his tight hug and what it felt like. The look on his gorgeous face and his cheeky smile as he looked at me.

This morning I couldn't help myself and I browse through Ron's sisters' photos and came across the latest adorable shots of his niece and his godson. Can't believe they have grown so much and Ron has not been a part of their lives since his passing.

I haven't cried so long for you, Ron. Today I cried. I'm thinking it must be so hard for them for not having you in their lives. Life passes without you in it.
Let me pretend that I never lost you, that I don't long for your touch. I will forever keep you in the pocket of my mind, in the depths of my soul. But I'm begging you for my sanity...
Teach me; let me, let go.

Morning Read

It's a Monday morning...I braved through traffic to get to work bright and early though I'm feeling a tad unwell.

Anyhow, I'm spending my time reading not for pleasure but more for my personal development & also for work. So started reading this article on "the Strength of Media Impact" and discovered that a research conducted by Herrett-Skjellum & Allen in 1996 pointed out that media may be especially strong for the heaviest media users. They argued that television's heaviest viewers (compared to the lightest viewers) are almost twice as likely to hold sexist attitudes.

So spend more time reading and less on tv....

Love your path

After lunch is my favourite time to spend reading leisurely on short stories & phrases, etc, cos it's so much harder to get back to work immediately.

Today I read something that reflect what I've been thinking constantly. It's about the path I have chosen.

The path begins with a crossroads. There you can stop and think what direction to follow. But don’t spend too much time thinking or you’ll never leave the spot. Reflect a lot on the choices that lie ahead, but once you have taken the first step, forget the crossroads for ever or else you will always torture yourself with the useless question: “did I take the right path?”

Honor your path. It was your choice, your decision, and just as you respect the ground you step on, that ground will respect your feet. Always do what is best to conserve and keep your path and it will do the same for you.

Love your path. Without this, nothing makes any sense.

Chester: The Polar Bear

Monday is always a day where we try our best to get back into the rhythm of the working week. Today is especially hard for me cos I had to work during the weekend so I had no recovery time.

I took a break from my work this afternoon and was browsing through amazing Nat Geo shots of animals. They always look so graceful and polished when they appear on the covers of Nat Geo. I wonder why??

That's when I came across Chester: the terribly adorable Polar Bear. Now, he/she is not actually named Chester but I'm gonna name him/her Chester cos he/she does look like an adorable 'Chester' to me & this is my post so I can call this polar bear whatever I wish.
Chester looks so peaceful and I wish I could cuddle up with Chester especially on a cold and rainy day like today.

I was intrigued with Chester and decided a little research is needed to understand 'Chester' and other similar ones.
I discovered that 'Chester' is the world's largest land carnivore and also the largest bear, together with the omnivorous Kodiak bear, which is approximately the same size.

The 'Chesters' of the world are natives within the Arctic circle encompassing the Arctic Ocean, its surrounding seas and surrounding land masses. Male 'chesters' weighs around 350–680 kg (770–1,500 lb) while an adult female is about half that size.
They are huge beyond words, maybe wanting to cuddle them is not a good idea after all, I could be crushed to death.

The polar bear is classified as a vulnerable species, with 8 of the 19 polar bear subpopulations in decline. So if we are not careful with global warming; the beautiful, graceful 'Chesters' may become extirpated within 100 years.

Brida - choosing the path

I wanna share a touching tale that warms the heart especially for those who are confused and are seeking the right path in life. We are always questioning ourselves (I know I do) whether the chosen path is the appropriate one to take. This story reflects this sentiment...

Brida is a real story of a young girl learning to follow the Tradition of the Moon.

Choosing a path meant having to miss out on others. She had a whole life to live, and she was always thinking that, in the future, she might regret the choices she made now.

“I’m afraid of committing myself,” she thought to herself.
She wanted to follow all possible paths and so ended up following none. After her first romantic disappointment, she had never again given herself entirely. She feared pain, loss, and separation.

These things were inevitable on the path to love, and the only way of avoiding them was by deciding not to take that path at all.
In order not to suffer, you had to renounce love. It was like putting out your own eyes not to see the bad things in life.

Ever since time began, people have recognized their true Love by the light in their eyes.

“When you find your path, you must not be afraid. You need to have sufficient courage to make mistakes. Disappointment, defeat, and despair are the tools God uses to show us the way.”

“Don’t bother trying to explain your emotions. Live everything as intensely as you can and keep whatever you felt as a gift from God. The best way to destroy the bridge between the visible and invisible is by trying to explain your emotions.”

“But how will I know who my Soulmate is?” Brida felt that this was one of the most important questions she had ever asked in her life.
“By taking risks” she said to Brida. ‘ By risking failure, disappointment, disillusion, but never ceasing in you search for Love. As long as you keep looking, you will triumph in the end.”

Thought of the day: Nothing is completely wrong. Even a broken watch is right twice a day.

A Student Like Calvin

It's the weekend, my sister left for Sydney yesterday and I'm all alone until she returns hopefully in a couple of months. I spent the day resting and reading before the week begins tomorrow. I was wondering what type of students will come into my life when the semester begins, especially at the new place.

As I was reading Calvin & Hobbes strip, I now know the type I like to have in class. Without a doubt the classes will be very challenging and tiring but never a bore. Everyday would be a surprise and I would not know what to expect with a student like Calvin. He will put a smile on my face.

Different language, different understanding

It was a really cold, wet day at the office since the wee hours. To make things worse, the temperature at the office felt like it was sub-zero.

I found it hard to concentrate on work so I read to keep my mind busy. I'm always looking for opportunities to read for pleasure at work when I should be actually working.

Anyway, read this real funny light-hearted story that put a smile on my face.

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A fervent Buddhist lady made every effort to love others. But every time she went to the market, a merchant made indecent proposals to her.

One rainy morning, when the man bothered her once again, she lost control and hit him on the face with her umbrella.

That same afternoon, she sought out a monk and told him what had happened.
“I am ashamed,” she said. “I couldn’t control my hate.”

“You did wrong to hate him,” answered the monk. ” But life is about communicating our feelings to each other – and you need to understand that people are different”.

“The next time he says something, fill your heart with goodness.

“And hit him again with your umbrella, because that’s the only language he knows.”

Love is Patient. Love is Kind.

I wanna share a very simple, common yet heart-warming words on Love found in the Bible.


Love is patient, love is kind.
Love is never boastful, not conceited, nor rude.
It is not self-seeking, not easily angered.
It keeps no record of wrongdoing,
It does not delight in evil But rejoices in the truth.
It always protects, trusts, hopes, and preserves.
There is nothing love cannot face;
There is no limit to its faith, hope, and endurance.

And now these three remian: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Life is a theatre

I read a very interesting statement today which I like to share...'Life is a theatre. Invite your audience carefully'.

We need to learn to decide who gets to sit in the front row and who should be moved to the balcony of our Lives. If we can't change the people around us, then we need to change the people we are around.

Not everyone is healthy enough to have a front row seat in our lives. There are some people in our life that need to be loved from a distance. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go of, or at least minimise your time with draining, negative, not-going-anywhere relationships and friendships.

A day of absolutely nothing

I love Calvin & Hobbes to bits. Today I spent the day in bed reading and laughing at Calvin's wrong-doings and Hobbes clever responses.

This strip clearly reflects what I did all day..