A word from the 'editor' of this blog.........

Well..... well...... it's been four days since my last blog and also Christmas!! Roughly in about two days time, it will be history for the year 2008, and all mankind in this whole wide world will be waiting to usher the coming of another new year 2009!!

I wonder what will be my new year resolutions, as well as all you great people out there????? As it's only about two short days for us to think, we really have to give it a fast thought, or else....... guess, we'll be out of the race! Another thing about resolutions is........ we can have many, but can we really achieve it, that's another thing.

Have to admit that this is always the busiest time of the year, so have to slow down my writing and hope to catch up later, which most probably will be after the Chinese Lunar New Year. Know what???? Am busy preparing for a family New Year Eve Dinner Party, so lot's of shopping and marketing to do - it sure will be a great & memorable evening for us all, especially having some family guests around during this season of the year.

Till then, regards to you all and have a wonderful year end for 2008.........

Merry Christmas!

Finally, Christmas is here........ Though it's rather quiet, but having and experiencing the peace and joy in my heart makes me feel great! This has been the time of the year that most of us are waiting for, not only a time for celebration, but also the birth of Christ, which makes us to be renewed in Him! Praise the Lord!!

"May this Christmas greet you all......
With all it's good tidings
&
Warmth!"

Have a great holiday ahead & God Bless!!

Baptism before Christmas......

When Alice, an old, close friend called me one day, I was wondering - what 'wind [chinese translation]' makes her to call??? especially, after being silent for quite a while???? Met her & family since last Christmas Open House.

Being told that she is in for the 1 year RCIA program in Holy Trinity Church, and she is badly looking for a 'God Mother' or now known as 'Sponsor'. Finally, she thought of me......... upon asking me, I accepted it out front without giving it any consideration, as knowing very well that I have all the time I need. Second reason being........ this is my first time being a God Mother, that is experiencing something new - so...... why not!!! I still remember from the tone of her voice how happy she is when I told her 'YES'!

Finally, the group of 35 people were baptise on 13th December 'Praise The Lord!' It is indeed a great experience for me, especially being a "First Timer". Wanna share some photos taken during the ceremony at Holy Trinity Church, Kenyalang Park, Kuching @ 6.30pm, Sunset Mass.

Congratulations to all & welcome to the Catholic family!

A 'Christmas Tree Light Day!'

A Christmas Tree without lights is considered incomplete!! So, let's all ensure that it's lights are up, though not earlier but at least must be by today, 22nd December. You might wonder why????

Well....... today is 'Christmas Tree Light Day!' What a day indeed!!!! Guess, decorating the Christmas Tree with sparkling lights is a beautiful part of the entire Christmas celebration........ no one would want a tree that is dark or without lights.

Let me share with you my home Christmas Tree for this year...........

Left: Before the decoration & lights
Right: After decorations & lights

On Christmas Tree Light Day,
Here's wishing..........
Your Holiday Season:
Glows with joy......
Sparkles with smile.....
And glimmers with merriment!

An Important Chinese Festival

The Winter Solstice Festival is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Chinese and other East Asians during the dongzhi solar term on or around December 21 when sunshine is weakest and daylight shortest.

Traditionally, this festival is also a time for the family to get together and one activity that occurs during these get-togethers is the making and eating of 'Tang Yuan' or balls of glutinuous rice (which comprises of white & pink color). This day also symbolize family unity and prosperity.

One belief of the chinese on this day is that: if on the early morning of this day there is rain, then the first day of Chinese New Year will be bright & sunny, however if it shines, then it will be vice versa. Though some might say its just a superstitious belief, but....... I've been monitoring it year in and year out since I was a child, and it seems to be very accurate!!

Another thing to share about this day, regarding eating the glutinous rice balls......... my mum used to prepare it every year when we were young and insist that we all MUST eat it or else 'you won't be a year older'. Being children, we all love to be a year older, so we all becomes good boys and girls, obediently follow our mum's request, thinking that it is really true!! As we becomes parents, then we come to realise that the reason is not such, instead, this glutinous rice balls are tasteless and most children won't want to eat, so..... mothers used it as a trick to make us eat - reasonable enough though!!! Guess, modern mothers today doesn't need to use this trick anymore as most of them are too busy to even think about preparing it OR....... whether the modern girls & mothers know how to prepare??????

Here's a bowl of my home-made 'Glutinous Rice Ball' to share with all......... Have a nice day!!

World Peace Day!

21st December, being World Peace Day, is a day for everyone to observe all over the world and to promote the message of peace and non-violence. So, let's all sew the seed of peace through the tender hearts of every human being in this whole wide world as it is not the responsibility of one, two, neither a group of people, BUT All!!

On World Peace Day........
Let's join hands
To bring peace and joy
To our beautiful, great-big world!!

A Christmas Carol Day to all.........

19th December is "A Christmas Carol Day". As the name of this day speaks for itself, then why not play Christmas Carols as well as singing along with it to welcome this festive season. It will sure fill our hearts and home with warm and merry moments with Christmas Carols..........

"Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh, hey!!"

Here's to wish you all a Holiday Season that spills over with loads of fun and sweet surprises!

Seventeen years ago..............

This is a "tale-in-photo" of a sister & brother........ Though they are of five years age difference, when they are young, most people (especially friends & teachers) say they really looks alike, but they aren't twin!!! After seventeen years, I thought their look-alike figure have faded, but....... it still haven't. Still people commented that they both still looks very much alike - "the brother is a male version of the sister!!"

Let me share with you three of their many photos which were taken together..........

Top left: When brother Aaron is still a baby
Top right: Sister Karen is 7, while Aaron is about 2 years old
Bottom: After seventeen years........

The best time of the year...........

It is no denial that December is always the best time of the year, with the coming of Christmas (which is the coming of Christ for the Christians) and also the New Year!!

What I pictured in my mind are the Santa Claus......... snow...... the beautifully decorated Christmas Trees....... Rudolf the reindeer........ Snow sledge......... etc, etc. Even though most of those things which I pictured cannot be found in our surroundings, but....... that's what Chrismas is all about....... guess, most of us who are celebrating Christmas are also having the same feelings as me. Another great thing we normally do at this time of the year is SHOPPING!!

Not to rule out........ this seems to be also the best time of the year for 'spring cleaning'. It is indeed a nice feeling and sensation to have our house and surroundings clean to welcome and usher the New Year but....... off course a dislike for the 'body ache or pain' after the hard work!! Hahaha!!

Let's put aside and forget about the body ache or pain....... instead, think of the joys, peace, love and happiness that is awaiting us all......... "Happy Holiday" to all.........

Greetings to all neighbors........

No one can deny that neighbors, though always near to us but haven't got that much time to spend with, as each and everyone seems to be busy with their regular hectic and busy schedules.

So, 11th December being "Hi Neighbor Day" ....... this will be the best time to say.........

Geography has made us neighbors.
History has made us friends.
Economics has made us partners,
And necessity has made us allies.
Those whom God has joined together,
Let no man put asunder.

~ John F. Kennedy ~

A Glamorous Christmas Sensation at "The Spring"

Around this time of the year all Shopping Centers and Malls are seen beautifully decorated to await not only the coming of Christmas, but as well as the New Year!!

The Spring in Kuching City, is one of the most well decorated Shopping Center, both on the outside and inside. Previously, we have to travel to KL or Singapore (which are the two nearest place to visit) in order to experience 'A Glamorous Christmas Sensation' during this season of the year........ but now, Kuching folks can enjoy such an experience without having to travel.

Apart from it's gorgeous decorations, shoppers are also being entertained to music and songs which are being performed live, and also different activites being organised for the children as well as the whole family. If you like to have your family photo taken with "Santa Claus", then you are most welcome there!

Top left: A Christmas Tree which stretches from 1st floor to the 2nd floor of the building
Bottom right: The beautifully decorated pond on the ground floor

Happy Shopping to all..........

A favourite vegetable "The Cauliflower"

How many can resist buying home this cauliflower?? It's freshness is sure to tempt many families in getting some home while doing their marketing........ off course, not to mention its many nutrient contents!

Cauliflower is low in fat, high in dietary fiber, folate, water and vitamin C, possessing a very high nutritional density. As a member of the brassica family, cauliflower shares with broccoli and cabbage several phytochemicals which are beneficial to human health, including sulforaphane, an anti-cancer compound released when cauliflower is chopped or chewed. In addition, the compound indole-3-carbinol, which appears to work as an anti-estrogen, appears to slow or prevent the growth of tumors of the breast and prostrate. A high intake of cauliflower has been found to reduce the risk of aggressive prostrate cancer.

Cauliflower can be eaten raw, boiled, fried or steamed. The most common dish which most families prepare would be the simple stir-fry "Mixed Vegetables with Cauliflower". The other vegetables to include in this dish of mixed vegies are broccoli, green peas, young corn, lotus roots, leek & red carrot - depending very much on the taste-buds of each individual family. Other ingredients to include are mushrooms, chicken meat, prawns or squid - to obtain a more tasty flavor.

Personally, I've seen cauliflower only of white colour but surprisingly I come across an article of orange and purple cauliflower........ wanna see how it looks like????

Guess, some of you might have seen it in other countries, but I haven't seen cauliflower of such color yet....... hoping to see them one day!

Article on Gout

Most people today are suffering from Gout due to high Uric Acid in their blood. Thus, I believe that this article which I'm about to share on 'Gout' might be useful to all, even those who are not suffering from it as 'Prevention is better than cure!"

What is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis. It can cause an attack of sudden burning pain, stiffness and swelling in your joints, usually toes. These attacks can happen over and over unless gout is treated. Over time, they can harm your joints, tendons and other tissues. Gout is more common in men.

What causes Gout?

Gout is caused by too much uric acid in your blood. Most of the time, having too much uric acid is not harmful. Many people with high levels in their blood never get gout. But when uric acid in your blood are too high, the uric acid may form hard crystals in your joints. Your chances of having gout are higher if you are overweight, drink too much alcohol or eat too much meat and fish that are high in chemicals called purines.

What are the symptoms?

The most common sign of gout is a nighttime attack of swelling, tenderness, redness and sharp pain in your toes. You can also get gout attack in your foot, ankle or knees. The attack can last a few days or many weeks before the pain goes away. Another attack may not happen for months or years.

How is Gout treated?

The goals of treatment for gout are rapid pain relief and prevention of future gout attacks and long-term complications such as joints destruction and kidney damage. To reduce the pain, swelling, redness and warmth of the affected joint(s) in an acute gout attack:

• rest the affected joint(s)
• take pain relievers such as Tylenol or other more potent analgesics to manage the pain
• take one or more of the following medications at the first sign of a gout attack as prescribed by your family doctor. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen or indomethacin can be prescribed to decrease joint inflamation. Avoid aspirin because it may abruptly change uric acid levels in the blood and may make worsen the symptoms.

How can you prevent Gout from happening?

Below are some sensible steps that can be taken to prevent gout from happening. Likewise these steps can also help to lessen the frequency and severity of gout attacks:

• limit foods that are high in purines, especially meat, seafood, and beer to help reduce uric acid levels in the blood. Since purines are converted by the body into uric acid, purine rich foods should be avoided. The risky foods are such as anchovies, herring/sardines, mushrooms, peas and beans, mussels, kidney, liver, heart & brain, gravies, sweetbreads, broths & consomme.
• eat a healthy diet that provides the nutrients you need and helps you control your weight. Weight reduction can be helpful in lowering the risk of recurrent attacks of gout. This is best accomplished by reducing dietary fat and calorie intake combined with a regular aerobic exercise program.
• drink plenty of water and other fluids. This can help your body get rid of uric acid. Adequate fluid intake also decreases the risk of kidney stone formation in patients with gout. Alcohol is known to have diuretic effects which can contribute to dehydration and precipitate acute gout attacks.
  

A day & month to show our compassion.........

Today, 1st December is World AIDS Day & the month of December is World AIDS Month. This day & month is observed worldwide as a sign of compassion towards AIDS victims and to forge a sense of social tolerance.

For this, I would like to share two beautiful cards from 123Greetings.com with all readers and friends, which in turn is to be shared with others throughout this whole wide world.......

It's World AIDS Day.......
And I want to say.......
Life is precious.......
Take good care of it!