Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.........

After a month of fasting, the muslims are waiting to welcome their 'Hari Raya' celebration tomorrow. Every family must be busy doing their final preparation - food, decorations, new clothings, curtains, etc.......

If you happen to pass through their houses or kampungs during this season of the year, you are sure to observe the beautifully lighted & decorated houses and compounds.

To all muslims, friends and strangers alike, I would like to wish you all.........

"Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri"

and

"Happy Holiday"

Balancing our daily lifestyle........

Much have been written and said about striking the perfect balance in our daily life. In this modern world, where both spouses are pursuing their careers, there are many things which needs to juggle - work and family. Great efforts are needed in order to get all things in place.

I've read a simple and brief article regarding the right equation for the right balance in our daily lifestyle sums up to between the food that we eat and the amount of exercise we get. Here's to share with all........

Making exercise a part of your daily lifestyle is important in order to maintain your health and fitness. But how often have you said, "I can't find time for exercise because I'm stuck at the office all day!" The solution? Reprioritise your life and make time! After all, regular exercise causes the body to produce endorphins, chemicals that make you feel relaxed and fit - and this can help you work more productively.

Healthy eating involves making smart choices about what you eat every day. Since different food provides different combinations of energy (calories) and nutrients (carbs, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and fibre), a variety of both is the best way to achieve a balanced nutrition.

My 200th Post!!

Three months ago, on 21st June, I was writing my 100th Post - but today...... it's indeed a pleasure to write my 200th Post!!

I would sincerely like to thank you all for your support, for without them I know that I won't be able to go so far........

I really hope that the articles which I've written in my blog won't bore you - if any, please don't hesitate to give me positive comments so that I can improve on it.

Hope I'm able to bring cheers to you all wonderful people out there..........

"The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up."

and.......... continue to smile................

Poem - LOVE!

LOVE

Love is patient and kind:
it still has patience
after having said something a hundred times.
Love is kind,
envies no one
and is not jealous:
it does not try to compete with another person
it does not attempt to copy someone else.

Love is never boastful, conceited or proud:
it does not show off;
it does not say: Look what I brought,
into our relationship!
It does not emphasize it's own achievements
and it is not too proud to ask for forgiveness.
It never says: Without me you would be nothing!

Love is never rude or ill-mannered
because the other person
is always seen as a creation of God,
as a thought of God.

Love is not selfish:
you exist for him
and he exists for you
and you both exists for God
- only in that way will you find yourselves.

Love is not irritable or resentful.
Love is not quick to take offence:
it does not say: This is the last time.....
or If you do that again.....
it forgives and persists.
It is not dependent on the love of the other.

Love does not keep a record of the wrong of the other person:
love can forget:
it gives the other person a new start;
it does not weigh down the other person
with prejudices and accusations
it does not chalk up words said in anger
and it does not use silence
to force the other to act.

It does not counter one wrong with another.

Love is not happy with evil
but is happy with the truth:
it does not cover up the wrong
but clarifies, solves and forgives.
Love does not sell the truth
just to obtain peace.
It is never unjust
and for love there is no truth without love.

There is nothing love cannot face:
it can face the person it does not understand;
it can live in circumstances it cannot change;
it can face the inevitable.

Love believes everything:
it accepts the word of the other,
even if it is exploited at times.
Love is not ironic:
it means what it says.

Love has a limitless hope:
it does not give up hope for the other person
and when there is talk of a weak character
or of the power of heredity:
Love places God's powerful changing love
opposite to these.

Love endures everything:
it can bear the impossible;
it can bear the unjust:
and when everything in life seems to topple
- family, faith, profession and friends-
Love blossoms like a great hope above the ruins.

Love will never come to an end.
Never will love come to an end.
To an end love will never come.
Love will never end!!!

I would like to say "I love you always" to my hubby, who is also my best friend - before, now and forever!!

Parent's Unconditional & Equal Love For Their Family

Haven't been attending movie in cinema for quite a while, but last night watched "Money Not Enough II". Since it has been shown for quite a while, so the Cineplex was rather empty - only few of us in the whole room, so there is free sitting!!

It is a touching story, which reflects today's scenario -- the older generation (the grandmother), the middle-aged (which is the parents) and finally, the younger generation (grandchildren).

The part which really shows a parent's unconditional & equal love for her family are:-

1. The mother willing to take out her whole life saving from the biscuit's tin to give it to her children during their difficult times
2. Dividing the money equally to all her three children
   
3. The mother agreed and promised to keep this 'money business' a secret, among the siblings
4. The mother pretending not to hear what is being said and discussed by her children and wives when her situations goes hay-wire due to her old age
5. The poor mother never complains, even when the sons do not give her a proper room to sleep, but instead on the kitchen floor near the toilet, whereas the other son, worst still - in the toilet (even have to sit on the toilet bowls eating her meals).........
6. The mother acknowledge her son that she will accept him as he is, even when he is no more a 'manager'
7. Finally, she decided to give her life up to save the life of her granddaughter who needs blood, being involved in an accident - this last pack of blood is supposed to be meant for this old woman.
8. Off course her decision to give up her life is to lessen the burden of her children in paying for her hospital charges ($8,000.00 per night)

Even when she is gone from the world, she still watch over her children and family and she continued to help them and making sure that they don't suffer - through striking of lottery!

This is what parent's love is all about........ unconditional, equality and unending......... As parents, we never stop worrying and thinking of our children's affairs, even when they have grown up! The only thing we wish from them when we grows old and useless is "they will still remember us.........."

"Do Not Judge A Book By It's Cover"

While I was driving this morning and with my car radio on, a question was being posed to listeners by one of the favourite radio station "Whether or not to judge a book by its cover?"

Personally, I fully agree that we should not judge a book by it's cover! Anything that we see from the surface of it cannot tells what is actual or real. If we were to judge a person's heart only from the face, then it's totally unfair - but this is what most people do!! A person having an unfriendly look doesn't mean that he/she is not good or friendly and likewise a person who can "sweet-talk" doesn't necessarily mean that he/she is good and sincere from the heart! Many a times it turns out to be the opposite instead!

Being in the working life for more than 25 years, and having lots of opportunities to meet and get along with all types of people really makes me more wiser. That is why I really agree to "Do not judge a book by it's cover'!! The cover of the book is just like a "masquerade", covering a person's inward appearance, habit, character, behavior, etc.....etc...... It can be just pretending!!

A quote from Ahmet Zappa "I picked books by the covers - the worst the cover, the more I wanted to read it" is very meaningful and seems to go along side with what I've shared above.

A Day For Chocolate Lovers!!

Hey Chocolate Lovers.......... today is your day!! 23rd September is Chocolate Day, so go grab your most favourite types of chocolate and spoil yourself with it!! Don't feel sinful - only for today!!

As today is special, then let me share with you a short article on 'Dark Chocolate'.

The darker the chocolate, the better. Dark chocolate contains cocoa phenols, compounds known to lower blood pressure, as well as an antioxidant called flavanol, which helps neutralise cell-damaging substances known as "oxygen free radicals". Italian researchers found that volunteers who ate 100g of dark chocolate daily for 15 days had lower blood pressure levels.

But remember that dark chocolate is also rich in fat and calories, and may contribute to unwanted weight gain when consumed in large quantities.

There you are friends...... it should be alright only for one day, but not everyday........ haha! My earlier blog dated July 12th is also about Chocolate, in case you want to know more. Allow me to present you pictures of chocolates, just to make your mouth waters, then go get them for yourselves........ Enjoy your chocolates friends...........

Fruits for 'health-boosting' [Part 2]

Guess how many of us have ever heard of the fruit named "Pomegranate"? I've not really seen this fruit being sold in market, but have been planted in home gardens instead. Let me show you how the fruit looks like.........

Apart from being a 'health-boosting fruit', it's leaves are also of great use by the olden Chinese. They believe that if a baby or child is unwell or tends to cry unnecessarily, letting them bath with the leaves of it will help heal them. Though this is a superstitious belief but what I understand is, it does help. Wanna try???

Regarding it's fruits, let me share with you all an article which I've read........

Pomegranate

In ancient Babylonian mythology, the pomegranate was regarded as an agent of resurrection. Latest scientific evidence shows that the fruit does have restorative powers.

Offering higher antioxidant activity than red wine and green tea, it's no wonder studies have shown that is may prevent skin cancer and kill cancer cells. The fruit is rich in antioxidants that have been said to protect LDL "bad" cholesterol from oxidation.

An Italian study showed that the juice reduced the effects of stress on blood vessel cells by stimulating nitric oxide production. This chemical helps keep arteries open and blood flowing.

But if you're on medication, talk to your doctor first. There is some concern that it may lower blood pressure when combined with certain medicines.

The 'Honourable' DOGS!!

How many do agree that Dogs are man's best friend?? Dog lovers will sure agree to this phrase but for those who dislikes Dogs, am not sure of it, but it will then depends on each individuals.

As Dogs selfless service are seldom matched by anyone else, so we have this week to honour them - a special friend of all dog lovers!! 21st to 27th September is Dog Week. It is indeed a great honour to have this opportunity to give special attention and thoughts to our lovable pet dogs at home.

On this Dog Week, I would like to wish all dog lovers out there "Have a warm, cuddly & good time with your pet".

Let me share with you some cute photos/pictures of dogs with you all........

Wanna see a 'couple-dog' in their wedding suite and dress??? I just received these pictures from a great friend Lena, who is also a dog lover yesterday......... Sure you all love these cute pictures!

Fruits for 'health-boosting' [Part 1]

Like vegetables, most fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals - all the good stuff for our bodies. Recent research has cast new light on certain fruits that pack a punch with not only their great taste but is also health-boosting and contains disease-fighting benefits. So, we should all try to add them to our diets now........

The fruit that I would like to share for now is KIWI and I wonder how many likes it?? Can it be because of its small seeds?? Let me share with you all an article which I've read about Kiwi Fruit.

A Rutgers University study shows that kiwi is the most nutrient-dense fruit - meaning it contains more vitamins and minerals per gram than 27 of the most commonly consumed fruits. University of Oslo researchers also found that consuming three kiwis daily can reduce clotting and lower fat in the blood that can cause blockage.

Another study by the renowned Rowett Research Institute in the UK showed that eating a kiwi a day can speed up the repair of DNA damage, as well as provide protection against free radical damage that can cause cancer.Kiwis also contain substantial amounts of vitamin E and lutein, a carotenoid pigment found in green and yellow fruits and vegetables. Lutein is essential for maintaining healthy vision as we age. It reduced the risk of cataracts and mascular degeneration, the leading causes of blindness in older people.