Poem - True Friendship!

Another great poem to share with all.............

True Friendship!

True friendship is a precious gift,
It is the sincere, tiny seed,
When planted in the heart,
That blooms to fill a need.

The kindly words we say,
The thoughtful acts we do,
Are like a perfect bell,
That sings so clear and true.

The love we see in someone's eyes,
A pressure of the hards,
It charts the sorrow and the joy,
For friendship understands.

A trust that can exist between,
A peasant and a king,
It doesn't ever have a doubt,
On question anything.

True friendship is more than a word,
It is a jewel rare,
To keep and cherished deep within,
And guard it safely there.

Story of Darkie, our Dog.......

In the early years we never rear any dog as we have no time to take care of it and most of all feed it cos' we are always out before sunrise and only back when the sun is about to set.

There are a few stray dogs in our area, so when the female ones gives birth and usually the puppies would be taken by some passer-by. However, when Darkie's mother gave birth to a couple of puppies for the final time, she was then knocked down by a reckless driver. The rest of the puppies are being taken except the lonely Darkie (maybe its female I guess....).

So taking pity on her, I feed her and gradually grows fond of each other, so we adopt her. We named her Darkie because of the dark colour fur, which takes after her mother, except that her mother's fur is short. She has been our pet dog since then.......Darkie before (left) and now (right)

Darkie is possing....... Darkie, Stand, Sit!!

Women Today.........

Today's women are forced to perform a tough juggling act - they are expected to care for the family, excel in their career and still stay in great shape all the time.

However, in their pursuit for a balance between career and family, many working mothers face problems. There seems to be no one right answer or formula. The act of balancing career and family requires a women to keep on working on it, making it a lifetime commitment. As the main subject in this involves people we deal with daily - husbands, children, bosses, colleagues, etc - each of whom has their own personality and hence can easily become affected by external factors.

Whatever it is, women needs to remember the price they have to pay and the benefits they can gain when setting their priorities between work and family. Putting one above the other do require some sacrifices in achieving an ideal balance.

Let me share with you a phrase which best describes today's women......

A hand in the cradle, a foot on the ladder of success.
A child to raise at home, a project to complete in the office.
A home to run, a department to oversee.
In bid to have the best of both worlds, many women have to be content with having less than the best from one or the other.

Because women today have so many areas of life to handle, we sometimes forget to carve out a little bit of that time for themselves. But we really should - Because if we don't re-charge our batteries, how can we hope to inspire our family, friends, colleagues - and the hundred and one other people we meet everyday?????

So, my dear women friends...... always be happy, cheerful & content with whatever we are doing & all that we have.

"Happiness is inward, and not outward; and so, it does not depend on what we have, but on what we are ~ Henry Van Dyke "

"The cheerful live longest in years, and afterwards in our regards. Cheerfulness is the offshoot of goodness ~ Christian Nestell Bovee"

"If you are content, you have enough to live comfortably ~ Plautus "

Poem Collections

I love collecting Poems during my school days...... Whenever I come across any good & meaningful poems (in newspapers, magazines, books, etc) I would either cut it out or copy it, then get it typed out, binded & keep it.

When I view through my collection recently, I come across quite a number of good ones which I would like to share with all friends & readers...... Let me start with Poems....

POEMS!
What are poems to us?
Feelings, expressed in words,
Of joy, sadness and fun,
Or something beautiful unappreciated,
To our very eyes,
But written to describe it.
Poems are not expression only,
But.....
Experiences, sharings and givings...........

A one time popular toy 'Furby'

In appearance, the Furby resembles a giant furry owl with rabbit ears. With simple electric motors and a system of gears close the Furby's eyes and mouth, raise its ears and just an order is necessary to make it 'sleep'!! Not only that, the early Ferby speak entirely Furbish, a language with short words, simple syllables and various other sounds.

According to records, Dave Hampton and Caleb Chung created the Furby in merely nine months (in addition to an additional nine months spent for designing the toy). This cute electronic toy, more specifically, a robot, made by Tiger Electronics (an American Toy Manufacturer) which went through a period of being a "must-have" toy following its launch in the holiday season in 1998. Records also states that, Furby's first public appearance was at the International Toy Fair in 1998.

These Furbies collections are one time popularity at McDonald...... If not mistaken during Chinese New Year. We manage to obtain all the five, and I wonder how many of you have it!!

This Furby is a gift from our Singapore relative during their visit to Kuching to my daughter. It is much bigger than the rest and have all the features as described in para 1 above.

Why so many 'Road Humps'???

Road Humps are meant to slow down traffic and is effective for certain required areas only. BUT I really wonder why there are need for so many to be put up in residential areas where traffic is not that heavy??? It is really causing so much discomfort for both drivers and passengers, especially when they are put so near to each other!! Some are even few yards away from each other...... meaning you slow down, cross the hump, start accelerating then soon after that need to slow down again..... and the process continues.......

Interested to know how many road humps for people who are staying in those areas needs to get through everyday???? If you care to take a car-ride from Sunny Hill Ice-cream (using the inside road - meaning not Batu Kawa main road) till you intersect Stapok Road..... and try to count the number of road humps...... Gosh...... you will be real surprised to note that there are thirteen (13) altogether.

I really think that the authorities concerned need to do a re-survey regarding this road humps.... not only along the areas that I've mentioned just now, but also on the overall..... I believe that whatever that is implemented for the general public is meant to be for good but not to create so much discomfort, nuisance & problems.

'Road Safety', Everyone's Responsibility!

Everyday we heard about accidents happening everywhere....... I think those who works in the Hospital, Police Station, Insurance and Towing Vehicles Company will agree with me.

With the authorities working hard to promote Road Safety, such as through Media Advertisements, Road Safety Campaigns, inculcating road safety activities to school children, etc....etc...... yet.... it is to no avail...... WHY???

If we care to observe while we are driving, especially in Kuching City nowadays...... parents violating traffic rules in the presence of their children:-

• Not following of road signs (No U-Turn but also U-Turn)
• Not following or rushing through Traffic Lights
• Holding a child while driving
• Driving at speed & following too close to the vehicles infront
• Leaving children in the car while attending to some business
• Purposely driving on the motorcycle lane to beat traffic jams
• Drivers of big vehicles behave like they are the KING of the Road!
• Swaying in and out of the lane unneccesarily
• Refusing to use their vehicle's Signal Lights
• And many, many more.........

By right, parents or elders should show good examples to their children as we all know that they learn and take after their parents. Let me share this inspiring quote with you....

"Good manners are like traffic rules for society"

Thus, without good manners, traffic rules, no matter how good those rules are are useless!! As it is the responsibility of the whole society, let's work together to uphold Road Safety for the benefit of all..........

'He that will not reflect is a ruined man'

Kuching City's beautiful, clear-blue sky!

Wow!! It is indeed glad to see that Kuching City is having clear-blue sky with beautiful white clouds today!

As I was driving home a while ago, I observe the beautiful scenery in the sky with white and frothy clouds, like great piles of whipped cream. It can be clearly seen especially with the bright clear-blue sky. Kuching City is free from Haze today..... Oh! what a relief..... and really hope that it will continue to be such.

I couldn't help to get home as fast as possible, get hold of my camera and straight to my house veranda to capture some pictures...... Off late, we have been experiencing a hazy envirionment, so....... to see such a beautiful, clear-blue sky with those clouds is really captivating to me.......

So, let me share with you the pictures.........

See what I mean!! The sky is very clear with no trace of haze. Clouds are everywhere...........and with all kinds of shapes. The blue sky is really facinating......... Hope you all observe it too.....

Singing not as a career but a hobby........ (Part 3)

As a person who loves to sing from a young age, I couldn't help tapping my feet or swaying my body to the music or songs that I heard, especially those that are nice and soothing to the ears.... even when I am driving!

Looking back at the years behind me really brings many sweet, happy and memorable memories of my singing experiences that I've had.........

(Left) Rehearsals at my colleague's house, for a dinner performance (Right) The actual night of the dinner, I presented 3 songs (solo) - Pearly Shells (Engligh); Berilah Kasih Sayang (Bahasa Malaysia) & a Chinese song (Yew Serk Ee Ker Sia Yii Thian)

(Left) Duet with a colleague during a Retirement Lunch for Richard (Right) Duet with my old classmate and colleague during an annual dinner. It is indeed a nice feeling to support a friend who never sing on stage to get up the stage and sing!!

(Top) Solo singing with Live Band during dinner functions
(Left) Group singing during a dinner function

A Traditional Lunar New Year Dish

This dish which I am going to introduce you is one of the Chinese traditional dish which uses different varieties of dried ingredients, and is vegetarian. However, today this dish is also being cooked and eaten by the other races. It is proven by my ex-neighbour, a bidayuh who at one time cooked it and even gave some to my family.

This dish can be cooked dry or as stew/soup. The ingredients used are Shiitake Mushrooms, Beansticks, Woodears, Golden Lily Buds, Glass Noodles & Cabbage. For the original flavour we cooked it with nam yee or fermented red bean curds. Dark Soya Sauce can also be used instead of nam yee, but off course the flavour/taste will be different.

My Mum used to cook this dish on the morning of every Lunar New Year, and when we visit her we will be able to enjoy eating it.

The pictures above comprises of 2 versions..... the one on the left is Mum's & the right is my (daughter's) version........ hehehe.......

Write-ups on Motivating Yourself For Success

Success is a progressive realisation of goals, these goals being completely different depending on the individual's ambitions, ability and expectations.

Personal responsibility is one of the most important aspects of self motivation. It involves making the commitment to a goal, and following that commitment through to ensure that success is achieved. However, if you have no picture of what success is, there is no reason to achieve it. In order to put ourselves on the path of success, we need first to establish what success is to us as individuals. You need to work out what you really want to achieve, what will make you happy, be it a career path, an MBA or simply a happy and healthy family. You need to look inside yourself and work it out. Looking yourself in the mirror everyday and seeing yourself as the person you want to be rather than the person you are today.

Self-trust is the first secret of success ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Let me share with you what success meant to some of my friends........

• "success is achieving my goals within a certain time frame"
• "to be able to have a happy life, be comfortable and able to afford to spoil myself occasionally"
• "having a happy married life"

Motivation is "a force from within that you feel, and the starting point is the motive itself, which is success". Thus, the motivation for success comes from the desire to achieve that success in the end.

Allow me again to share a short and very logical phrase which I've read:

"When we are small, we have big dreams, but when we are big our dreams become small, but there is no reason for us to discard our dreams when we grow up. Even if our dreams seem unrealistic as adults, if we still try to achieve them, even if we fail, at least we can say we have made a commitment to something and we know that we have given it our best"

Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm
~ Winston Churchill ~

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be satisfied"
~ Albert Schweitzer ~

The Sarawak River Cruise

If you happen to be in Kuching City, don't miss the opportunity for a scenic tour which takes you on a journey through the historic Sarawak River.

The duration of the tour is 1 hour 15 minutes and it will embark and disembark at the Kuching Waterfront. The two packages to choose will be 'Romantic Sunset Cruise' or the 'Starlight Dinner Cruise', and off course it is also available for Private & Charter Events.

We are able to view many of Kuching's most famous landmarks such as the Astana, Fort Margherita, traditional houses built on stilts, fishing villages, historic mosque, Brook's Dockyard, "nipah" trees, the spectacular City Skyline, and the breathtaking view of Santubong mountains.

This river cruise is not only popular amongst the tourist, but also Kuching folks. After a tired and stressful work, we might want to take a short break of rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery which our own Kuching City have to offer..........

Let me now introduce you to.......... Kuching's very own 'The Sarawak River Cruise'!!

Haze is back in Kuching!!

Due to the prolong HOT weather in Kuching, it looks like 'Haze' is back!! What a scary situation to think of..........

I wonder?? How many remember the worst haze which strike our beautiful Kuching City some years back????? Well..... I will never forget it! It is in September 1997....... that was the time when our Union is having it's Delegates Conference in one of the hotel, and we are all staying in for the whole period of the conference.

As it is an important meeting, it has to go on despite the situation of the haze got worst...... and in the very midst of our meeting, the Government declared 'emergency'. I still remember very clearly that, once we got the news of it, we all try to call our family using our handphone but the whole thing was jammed!! This memorable photo really confirmed the situation at that time.....
The hazy situation can be clearly seen by taking a look at those tall buildings (Wisma Saberkas, Civic Center, etc). We hardly can see them clearly or visibly..... another thing is by viewing the Gunung Serapi. Now, if you care to take a look at it...... goodness..... it's blur........ covered by the haze!!

However, I am wondering why people still do open burning at this HOT season of the year!!! I really can't understand....... ???? It is excusable for those who really have to burn to do their planting of crops...... but not those living in and around the city....... Let me tell you that one of my neighbour loves burning so much..... almost every evening he will burn something!! I really hope that we will all be responsible citizens......... by helping to preserve our environment, especially in this time of the year. 'Together we can make things happen!'

'Smart' business-minded people

In today's world, everyone is trying to be smarter than others in order to reap more income, especially the business-minded people!!

Just to share with friends...... when we went visiting during this CNY, know what my friend served us???? Surprisingly 'mouse biscuits'....... As year 2008 is the Year of Rat, so the biscuits maker very brilliantly make the biscuits which looks like a mouse - Great idea indeed!! So, here comes the 'mouse biscuit'..........

Oh............ where is the mouse???? Must have crawled into someone's tummy!!!!!

The beauty of NATURE!

"I thank God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes"

~ e.e. cummings ~

The beauty of nature is something which we cannot describe and each person have their own perception regarding it...... some can see it's beauty but others might not.

"Nature and books belong to the eyes that see them"

~ Ralph Walda Emerson ~

Protecting and conserving nature is everyone's responsibility. I would like to share some pictures which we've taken that tells by itself the true beauty of nature..........

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better"
~ Albert Einstein ~

"Natures always wears the colors of the spirit"
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience"
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

'Dinosaurs' come alive Exhibition in Kuching

When I first saw banners being put up regarding an exhibition on 'Dinosaurs' come alive at Dewan Tun Abdul Razak in April, I was then very eager to make myself present there. BUT the sad thing is no one to go with....... I did ask my youngest son to go with me, but he doesn't seem to be interested...... saying it's for small kids!!

It was only untill November, when my daughter came back for her semester break that we decided to go, lucky enough still in time cos' the exhibition ends 31st December.

The two of us anxiously packed our camera, drove there and pay RM5.00 each (for adult) and sneaked happily into the exhibition center...... come to think of it, we are like two small kids....... haha!!

The scenery and decoration makes us feel like we are in the dinosaur world.......

Different species of dinosaurs are being displayed and it looks so real!!

I really can't resist going up the stage to do the 'Dinosaur Dance'...... I wonder, me looks more like a monkey or dinosaur???? Never mind...... just for fun - furthermore...... no one around!! Hahaha! Be careful girl...... it will bite!!!

It is an interesting visit, not only for kids but everyone as we can learn about dinosaurs in a fun way........

The beauty of Fireworks!!

People from all walks of life, young and old, enjoys watching the beautiful fireworks!!

During special celebrations, when fireworks are being displayed, most people will gather to watch.......

However, during the Chinese New Year celebration, you can just watch it through your home window..... and take pictures even, without having to move around. So convenient indeed!! Anyway, CNY celebration is not complete without any fireworks....... guess you all will agree with me...... as it has been a tradition long been observed!

Health & Fitness - Caring For Your Body

Viewing through an old magazine recently, I found a very useful article which must be shared with everyone. I will only extract the important areas of concern for easy reading purposes.

The human body is a wonderful piece of equipment and indeed, a magnificent organism. But amazing though the human body may be, if it is neglected or abused for long periods, it will start to break down. Small pains, slight discomforts come first. These are cries for help. Or warnings. Then, if ignored, more serious symptoms arise, urging you to rectify the problem. Your body sends out a signal to advise you to change your habits, and cease to misuse this precious gift of nature.

Here is a simple guide on how to care for your body. Broadly speaking, there are four areas which you have to consider. Each is important to your physical well being. Each will make a difference, not only to the length of your life this year, next year and right up to the time you leave this earth. The responsibility for your health is yours. The choice between good health and illness is largely your own. A sick person is a burden to family, friends and society. The cost of sickness to the economy of the country is enormous. The pressures put on the medical services are equally great. Much suffering and expense could be avoided by paying attention to the four areas below:-

(1) FOOD
Like putting low grade or dirty petrol in our car, poor quality or polluted food will affect the performance of a human body. Instead of the fuel line, we clog up on our arteries with excessive fats in our diet. We overload our kidneys and liver as they try heroically to rid us of the intake of toxins from alcohol and pesticides on our fruits and vegetables. Our intestines move sluggishly with the lack of fibre in our food causing constipation. Processed food and excess sugar have weakened our immune system. The old adage "you are what you eat" is all too true. You make your body, good or bad, with the food you consume. That is why it is important to consider what we put in our mouth and swallow. Too often, we only consider the few seconds it takes to cross our palate and pleasure our taste buds.

The first rule is to pay attention to what you eat. Food is not just something to fill up the stomach. It is the foundation blocks of your cells.

The second rule is eat less. Most of us living in affluent communities eat many times more than what is necessary for maintaining our bodies. Reducing intake does not mean skipping a meal. It means eating less at each sitting. The stomach is only the size of a rice bowl.

Do not make drastic changes. Slowly reduce your meat consumption (as you probably know, meat is not really good for you) and avoid fatty meats. Always remember, your body is the best judge as to what is good for you.

(2) EXERCISE
Exercise is more important these days because most of us spend our time sitting behind desks instead of working in the fields. We get taxis or drive instead of walking to our place of employment as men and women did 30 years ago. This means our muscles do not get a good workout and are therefore weak. Our lungs seldom stretch to full capacity. Stale air remains within them. It is therefore vital that we exercise our bodies. And, of course, firm flesh and some muscle development enhances our physical appearance.

You do not, however, have to spend hours at the gym, but walking briskly for 20 minutes a day is sufficient. It must be brisk enough to make you pant a little. Jogging on hard roads can lead to damage of the joints but walking is harmless and inexpensive.

(3) THOUGHT
Some of you wonder what thoughts have to do with physical health. Yet many researchers believe this could be the most important factor in determining your future well-being. Every thought you have affects the chemistry of the body. Get angry or scared, and adrenalin floods the body. If you continually lose your temper in traffic jams or with colleagues, you overload the system. Our emotional state will effect our susceptibility to viruses.

Become depressed and your immune system is measurably weakened. This explains why people often fall sick after losing a close family member or getting divorced.

For good health you must cultivate a calm, contented and happy outlook on life.

(4) ENVIRONMENT
Finally, we have to consider the effect of environment on our lives. To some extent, it is outside our direct control. However, we can improve our personal environment. In offices, we can demand that smokers do not force us to inhale cancer forming smoke. Also by sitting as far away as possible from the computer screen and insisting that our employers fit protective screens on computers. Try to avoid living or working in a noisy environment. Sound vibrations have a profound effect on our body.

You have control over your health. If you fall ill, it is probably your own fault. It is hard for us to accept the responsibility for our own health. Yet we are all aware of people who actually fall sick because they feel neglected or have too much responsibility thrust upon them. We do have a choice. We can decide on what food to eat. It can be a health - enhancing choice or a dish that undermines our health.

We can lie in front of the TV, absorbing electromagnetic waves, or do stretching exercises. We can pollute the air by driving around or go for a brisk walk. We can lose our temper and damage ourselves in the process. Or we can develop a more accepting and happy outlook on life.

The choice is yours. Take care of your body and it will perform its tasks nobly. Neglect it or abuse it, and soon the functions will be impaired. So please spare a thought for your body and your health. It is the most precious gift that you will ever have!!

"Look to your health; and if you have it, praise God, and value it next to a good conscience; for health is the second blessing that we mortals are capable of; a blessing that money cannot buy"
~ IZAAK WALTON ~

Bukit Tinggi Resort (Berjaya Hills Resort)

Two years ago we visited the Bukit Tinggi Resort BUT now it is known as Berjaya Hills Resort!!!!

Berjaya Hills captures the essence of the different cultures of the world in a single unique destination!

Just 40 minutes drive from KL and 10km. off the East-West Karak Highway. It covers 16,000 acres of rugged hills and maintains crowned with lush tropical rainforest. At 2,700 to 3,500 feet above sea level, the air is cool, fresh and rejuvenating.

It's many attractions includes Colmar Tropicale 'A French Themed Resort', Japanese Village, Rabbit & Deer Farm, Botanical Garden, Tatami Spa Onsen/Massage, Donkey Rides, Golf Course and many more............. The photos below tells it all..........

The Colmar Tropicale - A French Themed Resort

The Japanese Village/Garden

Botanical Garden - beautiful greenery are everywhere!!

Donkey & me.....

The Rabbit Farm

The beautiful Golf Course

It is indeed a worthwhile visit, though just a day trip......... but have seen and experienced quite a lot in a day....... So, if you haven't been there, don't wait - grab the opportunity!! Personally, I would like to make a return trip there one day!!!