"In other people's shoes........"

At certain time in life, there are occasions when we wish we are in other people's shoes rather than our own, especially in a situation where the other person is much better off than us; have a very successful career; is very rich; is famous or popular and...... and......

Let me share with you this meaningful article which I received from a friend, hoping that it helps to enlighten us all and enables us to live our life to the fullest and with contentment bearing in mind that 'every lives are precious!'

Click on the article for bigger image

Another visit to The CAT Muesem

Again, I am indeed very honoured to have another opportunity to accompany 3 new visitors to Kuching's very own 'The CAT Museum' today! They are non other than my Uncle Mike who came all the way from England, my mum and my son, Aaron.

As we stroll round the museum, not only do we come across lots of history about cats, but we also have the opportunity to go down memory lane, especially for my Uncle & Mum, who are our elders there. The old photos of Gambier Road, the old Court House area & the railway station is enough to bring us into a deliberating, long discussion - a discussion which includes the days of my late grandparent & father.

This visit and discussion is really a worthy effort as I managed to get from my uncle lots of history not only of Kuching but also our ancestors........ We really need the elders to update us with such family history, or else we will be loosing out all these precious & important informations. What a great day indeed!!

Here's some pictures of cute, adorable & beautiful cats to share..........

And....... here comes the 2 big 'Mother & Daughter' cats...........

"Meow..... Meow....."

A day to honour 'Earth'

Let us welcome this special day............On this special day, let us all strive together to make our Earth a beautiful & wonderful place for us all to live in - most importantly of all, not to pollute it!! May the beauty of the earth brings joys to our hearts and makes each and everyday of our lives more beautiful and meaningful. So, let us all treasure our EARTH and here's to wish all beautiful people out there "A very happy.......

Humor everywhere..........

The month of April started off with 'April Fools' which is on 1st April........ It's a day where people play prank or small trick on others without having to feel offended or even loosing of temper. Not only that, April is also known as a month of 'Humor'. With humor everywhere, it is indeed a month full of laughter and happiness which in return creates unending joys....... So, let's all be humorous and enjoy the very best of all things, which this beautiful, great world have to offer........

"Don't worry be happy!"

Too much stress is unhealthy

We can't deny that STRESS is today's buzzword, especially with the existing rising problems of today's 'global recession'. According to researchers, if we're not talking about it or doing research into it or compiling figures on it, we're suffering from it.

There are people who thrive on it, while others crumble, but the bottom line is that too much stress is unhealthy for everyone. It will not only affects our physical health but also our state of mind.

Recent studies suggest that stress is highly addictive - the more we have of it, the more our body craves it, because of the chemicals released when we encounter it. From what I've read, other research has found that prolonged stress can lead to major weight gain and can even stunt a child's growth.

As stress is affecting most of today's people - young and old, students as well as working people, let me share this important tips which I've read from an old magazine that might be of much help to all. Wishing you all the best my friends.......... let us all beat stress by knowing the ways to deal with pressure.........

10 ways to deal with pressure

1. Learn to relax

It's very important to learn to ease the tensions that accumulate in your body and to know how to switch off. You may not think your body is tense or stressed until you develop body aches and pains. The trick is to relax before the headache starts. Stretching helps release muscle tension. It makes sense to regularly take time out to stretch your arms and legs and rotate your shoulders and ankles.

2. Get a hobby

A hobby you enjoy can help you switch off from whatever be it something creative like painting or a more practical hobby like gardening, you will find it will help you relax and clarify your thoughts.

3. Think positive

Depression is one symptom of stress. Thinking negatively can lead to increased stress. Challenge our negative thoughts and look at them rationally - you will see that these bad feelings about oneself can often be based on unreasonable assumptions and fears.

4. Talk about it

Talking about what is making you feel stressed can help you face problems and work out constructive ways of dealing with them. Don't let your annoyances fester. Express them. Sometimes verbalising your problems can provide a clearer picture of what needs to be done. As the old saying goes, a problem shared with a friend, or someone with a sympathetic ear, is a problem halved.

5. Find outside involvement's

Becoming interested or involved in something that has nothing to do with your stress is a fantastic antidote. It could be a cause you have always been interested in, a local club you could join or even just indulging your love of music or reading. Doing voluntary community or other work can often help you regain a sense of balance in your life.

6. Love yourself

When you are under stress, you need to take time out to pamper yourself. Put time aside to take a long bath, read your favourite magazine or eat your favourite food. Treating yourself to something special during stressful times makes you feel less resentful about the things that are stressing you.

7. Be Assertive

Be clear about your needs and feeling and don't let them be suffocated by everyone else's. Assertiveness is a skill that helps you communicate clearly what you want and makes you feel in control of your life. You might find it valuable to take a self-assertiveness course or buy a book on the subject.

8. Exercise more

It's difficult to deal with life's stresses if you are unfit. If you are physically fit, you are more likely to feel happy, motivated and mentally alert. During exercise the body releases chemicals, including endorphins, which are the body's natural antidepressants. If you find you usually sit down for long periods, put time aside to take a couple of brisk walks a day even if it's only to the end of the street.

9. Improve your diet

Too much sugar, salt and caffeine can exacerbate stress. Processed foods have been shown to interfere with blood sugar levels stress. Eat more complex carbohydrates - which research has shown have calming effect - and more fresh fruit and vegetables.

10. Laugh it off

They say that people who laugh regularly live longer. That's because a good belly laugh releases all sorts of natural chemicals into our body that neutralise stress and anger. If you can lighten up and laugh it off, this can also help put those problems into perspective.

Wake Up! Wake Up!

As usual, everyone is looking forward to another new day, but......... each morning, when the alarm rings how many really wish they have an extra hour or two to continue their sleep???? Guess, that's very common amongst most people, which includes me too!! Haha!! See all those 'Sleepy Heads!!'

Being an ex-worker, I can have all the sleep I want - even till the sun shines brightly into my nice, warm & cozy bedroom, but...........through my experiences, it's better to wake up early and feel fresh & great throughout the day then to wake up late to experience body ache & tiredness through the day.

I prefer waking up early, go for a morning walk at some park nearby, have a shower, breakfast then go on with my daily schedules - this is the best for a healthy mind and body!!! Today, being a bright morning, here's to wish you all in pictorial.............

And also another great & meaningful phrase to share with all. Have a great day ahead my friends.............

A personal Poem for my Late Father

14th April each year is a day to remember my late father, so I've specially composed this simple & 'unprofessional' poem in remembrance of him as well as to honour him.........

Papa,
It's been 29 years since you left us,
Memories of you my Papa,
Can never be erased.

Every time I hear music of guitars,
As well as music of organs,
I remember singing along with you,
This is how my singing skills are developed.

There will always be a place for you.
Deep down in my heart,
Where nothing can destroy,
Or even take your place.

On this special day Papa,
I'm here to pray,
That God grant you eternal life,
Forever and ever, Amen.

"I love you always Papa!"

Hallelujah, The Lord Is Risen!!

Again, it's Easter Time, another big celebration for all Christians around the globe. It is a time for hope, renewal of spirit, rekindling of faith and rejoicing in the triumph of the Lord.

Easter season always reminds us of "Easter Eggs".......... Years back our church used to hide the beautifully decorated Easter Eggs in and around the church compound, and after Church Mass, the children are to search for the eggs. Being kids most of them are eager to get as many eggs as possible, so all children (some accompanied by parents) are busy with their searching. I still remember one of my children (few years old) fell and cried, instead of searching for the 'precious' eggs!! Remembering such incident really brings fond memories back to the days when my children are still small, fragile and innocent.

Hallelujah!
Our Savior is here!
Let us all rejoice in the triumph of the Lord
and renew our hopes..........
May our lives be blessed
With His Love, Peace & Happiness at Easter & always!

Living Life To The Fullest.............

This phrase "Living life to the fullest" is sure to be everyone's motto in life. But how many really live up to a full, meaningful life by the time they reach a certain age, which most probably will be when they retire??

We can't deny that we all seem to run against time each day and most of the days seems to be too short for us! Have any of you ever heard of people around you or even you yourself commenting "How I wish I can have some extra hours to complete this task or to enjoy this holiday or even extra time to do my housework or chores, etc...... etc....... endless wishes".

In most cases, most people tend to postpone their goals which they've set in their life or even their plans....... "when my children enter school I will do this or that" but when the time comes what is said is never done..... "when they further their studies, I'll see to that" again their intention is not materialise........ "when I retire I'll make sure........" finally the Government extend the retirement age for a few more years........."I think I'll continue working or else I don't know what to do either and another thing is I've got the money"........ finally, by the time they come to their senses, it's already too late! It is only then that they come to realise they've missed a lot of things throughout their life and they have not been living life to the fullest!

I've got here a meaningful short article which I received from a friend and would like to share it with all. Enjoy reading friends........

An old, personal "bicycle-tale" to share..........

About a week ago on my way home, while I was waiting patiently for the traffic light to turn green, I happen to see an old man slowly paddling his old bicycle passing through the long line of heavy traffic. Coming to think of 'bicycle'........ well...... it is rarely seen on the road these days, especially at highways!!!

Watching that poor, old man struggling his way through the heavy traffic really brings me back to my old days. Remembering how we (me and my brothers) learn to ride a bicycle, with no adult at our side during the learning process....... no proper straight roads to cycle but round and round in between the trees, such as rambutan, jack fruit, and many others which I can't remember. The 'learning to ride a bicycle' process haven't been easy for us as we have to fall & got hurt uncountable times, especially when the earth is not level due to the roots of the trees. Unlike children today, they have tricycles, but during our days, the bicycle which we learn to ride is an adult bicycle....... can't explain much, but let me show u how it looks like.........

As a small kid, just imagine how big & tall the bicycle is for us....... so, how do we learn to ride it as we can't even get to it's seat????? It's no hindrance to us!! Aha..... we don't have to sit on to ride it...... just paddling while standing - smart right!!! Another thing to share with you all about the bicycle which we use at that time........ "NO TYRES". You might wonder why??? Cos' they are old, unused bicycles of my grandfather, father & uncles. So, by now you all get to understand why I mention earlier that our 'learning to ride a bicycle' process haven't been easy for us! Let me again summarize it: A big, tall, 'adult-man' bicycle, with no tyres on it and cycling through roots of trees!!! Though we learn cycling through the hard way, but we really enjoy those childhood days.

Watching that old man paddling his bicycle brings me back to 31 years ago, which I have this reminiscence to share.

After I completed my Senior Cambridge, I enrolled for my Typing & Bookeeping Classes at the one time famous "Victory Institute". Each morning I have to cycle there (roughly about 20 minutes), carrying an umbrella, if the sun is out. Everything went on fine till one unlucky day, as I was on my way back from class......... As I was cycling through a small stoney road, I saw a lorry carrying long woods (woods sticking out from the back of the lorry), driving along side with me and not bothering of my existence there. Looking at the situation, I gave myself a fast thought "If that lorry turns the woods are sure to hit me"...... sure enough the 'stupid lorry' really turns and the wood hit me and off me and my bicycle landed onto the side which is full of leaves, weeds & grass. Lucky enough there is no drain or else I wonder what will happen as there is no others present at that time. I managed to crawl up, get my bike and push to the road, lucky enough my bike is not damage. With my heart pounding hard & furious, I then headed home with severe wounds on my hand, which was knocked and scratched by the wood. When I reached home & after hearing of the incident my father was very furious and he even lodge a complaint to the owner of the Wood Factory, which is also situated at that area.

This is the type of bicycle which I used at that time........

Today, whenever I see someone cycling on the busy road, memories of the past really flush through my mind, it really reminds me of my 'bitter-sweet' old days!!!

"Do we agree with a pay-cut?"

As I was taking an early morning ride along Kuching City this morning, one of our local Radio Station is discussing on the topic of termination of employees in our country due to the current economic crisis, thus posing the question 'Do we agree with a pay-cut'? In regards to that, quite a number of listeners called in to give their views on it. Some really give a big NO while others give their support.

This question really interest me a lot. Experiencing being an employee for over 25 years and also having the opportunity of collective bargaining for improved terms and conditions with the management while being a Union Official, I believe that the question of having a pay-cut is not as easy as a simple 'yes' or 'no'. It really needs great thoughts, discussions and even calculation for the matter in order to make a wise decision.

For many employees their 'take home pay' each month might not be enough to cover their expenses, which have to further includes their loans, insurance, children's education, tuition fees, etc. With the commitments each family have, I wonder if the question of pay-cut really comes to reality, what will become of those family??? Do they have to stop paying their loans and insurance????? How about their children's education - to continue or not????? All these will really give big headaches and stress to many!

Based on my personal view, I belief that employees can tolerate with no yearly increment or any increased benefits for the time being, as long as they are not receiving less than what they have been receiving, meaning to say 'status quo'. This 'status quo' decision is more on a 'win-win' situation both for the employees and employers. Employers can continue to keep all its employees in this difficult situation without having to incur extras expenses while employees can continue to retain their job. This 'win-win' situation will sure boost the employees' determination to work harder to bring more profit to the company. With the full support from the employees, which ensures the company's strong performance, the company can easily manoeuvre through this moments of crisis. Once the crisis is over, both the employers and the employees will enjoy the fruits of their efforts and commitments.

A Week to 'Laugh'

April 1st to 7th is 'Laugh Week'........ So, do laugh your hearts out to get rid of any unhappiness, unpleasant situations or unwanted 'mixed' feelings and get yourself geared up for a much, much happier, pleasant, joyous, peaceful, loving, understanding and brighter life ahead!

As it is a special week, here's some quotes by popular authors to share with all, hoping that it will bring more laughter and cheers to all.........

"A good, real, unrestrained, hearty laugh is a sort of glorified internal massage, performed rapidly and automatically. It manipulates and revitalizes corners and unexplored crannies of the system that are unresponsive to most other exercise methods"
~ Author unknown ~

"Laughter is an instant vacation"
~ Milton Berle ~

"Laughter on one's lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life"
~ Hugh Sidey ~

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter"
~ e.e. cummings ~

"So many tangles in life are ultimately hopeless that one have no appropriate sword other than laughter"
~ Gordon W. Allpart ~

"A man isn't poor if he can still laugh"
~ Raymond Hitchcock ~