Life's journey.......

Each and everyone's life's journey differs from one another - some enjoys a fruitful, happy, healthy, prosperous and an easy life with everything served on a golden platter; whereas some are just on the average, having enough food on the table each day, clothes to wear and a roof over the head and manage to have some savings but couldn't go too much beyond the day to day necessities; and unfortunately for some they live a suffering life with not enough food, clothes and a proper shelter!!

Whatever it is, everyone's life is precious, we must continue to live life to its fullest within our own means. Do not compare our life with others or else it will make our life more difficult! No matter what situation we are in, it is for this simple reason that life must go on and for that to happen we must hope for the best, for.....

If only we dare to move on, and not letting any opportunity slip by, there is possibility that chances are there for us to dwell into a better life, as......

I believe that most of us have heard of this simple saying "Life's a Game!"

It is indeed true that our whole life is like a game, some knows how to play it well while for some when they fail, they really fall hard and some even can't get back on their feet again. I believe in the saying 'those who never fail never try anything'. So, in life if we fail we should try, try again! It is through failures that we grow more mature, wiser and successful. The birds gives us a very good and logical example.....

One who fail and try again is much better off than those who never try at all! In life there are such kind of people, one who always takes a short-cut in life. These people never realise the importance of the need to do something which makes their life more meaningful. They prefer lazing around, enjoying the things they like most, never bother about anything around them, never wanting to keep their mind into deep thinking or even too lazy to move around even in getting some chores or work around the house done!! They will only move out of their comfort zone if its something which is of benefits to them or else they couldn't be bothered or rather making excuses......

Responsible and wise people will prefer to keep themselves busy than being stagnant. Having something to do each day will bring us to achieve greater heights -be it at work, in studies or even those home-makers, as well as getting towards a healthier life.....

The meaningful phrases below, which describes the 'Life Lessons from a Butterfly' is a good example for us all to follow.......

If only we live the life of a butterfly then life would be more meaningful. We must always remember that our life is a gift from God, thus we must live life well.......

As we all travel our life's journey each day, have we ever give it a good thought "which steps have we reached today??"

Those who stop to think will strife more in life as compared to those who never bother to give it a thought! Keeping one self busy is better off than being lazy, so let's all move on with our life's journey............

Once Upon A Time........ [Part 3]

Great changes takes place after my father bought a new single-storey house at Poh Kwong Park, off Green Road in the beginning of year 1970. How I wish I could remember the actual date of our moving from our care-free and run-wild life to one that is of limited space and having to get acquainted with our new surroundings and new people that we are to meet.

It's sad to leave behind friends from our surrounding neighbours, but both me and my elder brother gets to stay on in our old school for another couple of months. Staying on means we need to wake up much earlier in the morning as we have to walk a long way to school. Taking the main road is not safe with the heavy traffic and having no pedestrian walk path, so we have to get the safest means which is going through the rubber estates. Though its a long walk for us both each day, but being children we seem to enjoy ourself, especially after class. As we don't need to rush home we always take our sweet time walking, strolling and picking the rubber seeds! Until today, I still remember how those rubber seeds looks like, which I believe today's children have never seen one before!! Happy memories also comes along with some scary memories. In the old days, whenever a new bridge is to be built there is always the spreading of the news of 'potong palak!' Whether it's real or rumours, well no one can confirm! It was during that period of time that the out-break of such news spread like wild fires! Even today, whenever I recall this chapter of my childhood days, I can still imagine how scared we are and the chills that runs through our backbones! The reminders of my mum as we bid goodbye each morning still rings in my ears "do come home straight after school, don't stop to pick any rubber seeds and be extra careful!"

The good and scary moments seem to pass by without much thought though, and we managed to get our school transfer sorted out and we both check in to our new school, Green Road Primary School during the starting of the 3rd Term in my Primary 3 year. It's a BIG relieve for both me and my elder brother as that's the end of our long walk to and from school each day, no more trespassing through someone's rubber estates and free from the so-called 'potong palak' fear!

Everything seems to start off well in our new home and with new friends in our new neighborhood and lots of new games emerged soon after that.......

Our 1st CNY in our new home 1970

My personal perception of SUCCESS!

This seven-letter-word, may be easily understood by most people, but different people do have a different perception of their understanding of it in terms of standards, influence, up bringing, and many other external factors.

The first principle which I strongly believe is this simple phrase....

In working life many people fought their way up the corporate ladder, or for some, even pushing themselves through promotions by all means, and by the time they achieve their aim they just sit back and relax, letting their subordinates to do the work!! Personally, I consider this type of people as having a 'short-term' thinking. They never bother to think further, as being promoted and holding a higher post would mean more heavier commitments and responsibilities, thus he or she must look further ahead than sitting back and relax! Such a person looks on SUCCESS as a destination, not a journey!! No matter how much we have achieved we still need to move on, for what lies ahead is another long journey to travel. The quote below is a good reminder to us all.....

One very simple phrase which I always bear in mind is "success never comes easy!" If we leave it stagnant and don't bother to pursue it further, never think of achieving it. The next quote below proves me right!

I wonder how many have heard of the saying "there is no short-cut to success"???? It needs endless efforts and many a times we need to forgo something in order to move towards achieving it. Working mothers for example, needs to leave their children at Nurseries or Day Care Centres while they are at work while many have to swallow their guilts of not spending enough time with them! I trust that not many working mothers manage to achieve a good balance between work and family.

I believe that those who climb up the corporate ladder from the 'grass-root level' can achieve more in their work as they have the experiences in all areas as compared to those who are put straight to the top level. An experienced supervisors who work their way up from the bottom tends to understand their subordinates more as well as their situations.

From my past working experiences, I do come across those who achieve success through hard work as well as those who goes through other means!! In any offices I believe that such situations do happens!! Whatever the situation maybe, I still feels that success through hard work brings real contentment in one's life, which generates real happiness and joy!

Though the quote above is absolutely correct, but it's just that situations doesn't work as such at certain time! Well, it all depends on each and every individual - how they think and what they prefers, cos' no one knows!

The sweet and loving memories of my late mum-in-law

My mum-in-law, the late Kee Song Ing was born on 16^th November 1942 and grew up into a beautiful, sweet girl......

A mother by example, she brought up all her children with loving tender care and discipline as well as her many guidance and good examples which she have imparted to us, children and in-laws. Her endless teachings upon our children, which are her grandchildren have brought all the good qualities upon them – Thank You Mum for everything! It is through all your efforts that our children grew up to be what and who they are today!

It is no denial that we do share some differences, but it is through respect and care that brought our relationship to achieve great heights. I always believe that ‘no two persons with different characteristics, behaviors and thinking can be equally the same!”

Your endless support and tips have prepare me well to be a good and responsible grandmother – you have indeed help me ‘sharpen my skills’ to take care of Brendan, my grandson, who is your great-grandson. It is through you mum, that grand parenting comes much easier for me with everything well prepared.

Today, 29^th February, we celebrate your 49th days of passing. Though you left us in person on 12th January 2012, but your spirit will forever dwell in our hearts!

Here’s a flashback of some of her great moments – moments to be cherished and well remembered……

Our family photo with Mum in February 1997 - CNY

- Grandma's first tea ceremony from her grandson, Alex & Choulyee- 13th December 2009

- A group photo after the wedding receiption at Lok Thian Restaurant

- The Kuek Family photo with Uncles & Aunties after a family reunion in Dec. 2009

Mum with 3rd Uncle (her 3rd brother) in Singapore - having our Skype conversation (May 2010)

(Left) Family potluck at Mum's place

(Right) Kuek siblings 'makan laksa' at sis. Michelle's place

10th August 2011 - Aaron treat grandma for dinner at Lok Thian Restaurant, after his first pay cheque (temporary work during semester break)

July 2011 - Kuek family potluck at sis. Michelle's place with Uncles & Aunties

(1st row left) - Grandma with her grandchildren

(1st row right) - Our family with Mum

(2nd row left) - Grandma with her three grandsons

(2nd row right) - Grandma with her six granddaughters

(Bottom) - The Kuek Family photo

28th August 2011 - Dinner at Mum's place

Great Grandma holding and looking at her first & one and only great grandson, Brendan

Grandma's 70th Birthday celebration - October 2011

This beautiful poem by Patricia D. Nunn is specially dedicated to my dearest Mum-in-law - 'A beautiful poem for a beautiful mother!'

A mother's love is consistent

and patient, it will never fade.

A mother's love is warm and

compassionate, even in the

shade. A mother's love will

always help you through the

weakest hours. A mother's love

is always like a bouquet of

flowers. A mother's love is

strong and will never steer

you wrong. A true mother's

love is beautiful in many ways.
A mother's love is sincere

and it takes a mother's love to

conquer our fears. A true mother's

love knows the depth of love.

A true mother's love is contentment,

just like God's love. My mother's

love is absolutely all of the above.

Taking a long break......

I am back!!!

Though it doesn't seem long but calculation tells that I have taken a long break of nearly two months!!

Time really flies..... it seem like we are just welcoming the new year and who could imagine that the month of February is coming to an end, Oh! My!!

Too long a break makes me feel lost and not knowing where to start. Whatever it is I need to get going or else my daughter's comment some time ago "mum, your blog is dead!" will be materialise hahahaa..... This positive comment of hers have given me the positive energy to move on, despite all odds.

Wishing everyone out there, the best of cheers and health ahead and take care!

A late LANDAS SEASON

As usual the yearly Landas Season will normally start end of November or early December till January, BUT this year is exceptionally abnormal, so to speak!

I still recall telling my mum-in-law in mid December "this year's rainfall is less". Surprisingly, it's not less but just that it came late! Rain started to fall right after Christmas Eve or on the very early morning of Christmas Day!!! It reminds me of a beautiful Christmas Song "Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow" but for our situation it's "Let it rain, Let it rain, Let it rain".

It has been raining very heavily since the early morning and there seems to be flood in most places including the heart of Kuching City. As usual the flood is mainly caused by the poor drainage system which we've had. Year in and year out the same problem arise but yet no one can fix it, so SAD!

Whatever it is, I sincerely pray that in such a situation everyone will be road worthy and road conscious so as to stay safe. Practicing good road safety habits is not one persons responsibility but the full responsibility of everyone! God bless us all and have........

"HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012"

Another year is drawing to a close, in just roughly about one and a half short hours. Whatever the Year 2011 brings, let us treasure the good but let go of the rough ride and may we all welcome the New Year with an open heart and pray for the best of another year......

Wishing everyone out there......

May the good Lord bless us all abundantly!!!! Cheers for a wonderful, great, happy, successful, healthy and prosperous year ahead!!!

It's CHRISTMAS!!

The most awaited season of the year is finally here, it's CHRISTMAS!!

At the dawn of Christmas morning, rain start to pour in Kuching City. To me personally, it's not much of a problem..... being not able to experience 'White Christmas', "RAIN" is fine for me!!

Despite the rain St. Peter's Church first Mass on Christmas morning seemed to be over-crowded. The happy faces of everyone present there seem to boost the Christmas mood - Love, Peace, Joy and Merriment fills the air.

To everyone out there.......

The Chinese Dongzhi Festival

"Children, let's eat the Glutinous Rice Ball Soup or Tang Yuen Soup which mother has prepared, so that you can all be a year older!" I believe that this has been a very common phrase which our mother said to us when we are young. Whatever it is, as children we love to grow up but by the time we reach a certain age, we hope that we will stop growing or be young again. Mainly its because being young children there is no worries and no huge commitments to take care of, except enjoying a carefree life.

Though today's parents do not instill such 'old days knowledge and practice' to the younger generation, but to me personally, my mother's words would still rings in my ears when on this day, 22nd December, where all Chinese celebrate this Dongzhi Festival or commonly known as Winter Solstice Festival.

Most importantly, on this festival most Chinese will still prepare the Glutinous Rice Ball Soup or Tang Yuen which symbolizes family unity, love, peace and harmony. For those busy working people they can just purchase the ready made ones in any cold storage outlets at any supermarkets or shopping malls.

This simple gesture of the family gathers together for a simple Glutinous Rice Ball Soup will go a long way in helping to preserve our Chinese cultures and customs. Here's to share with all my home-cooked Tang Yuen.....

"Happy Dongzhi Festival to all......."

CHRISTMAS is just 'Round The Corner!'

CHRISTMAS is just 'Round The Corner!' This magical season always reminds us that the year is coming to a close, soon we will be entering into another new year. Year in and year out nothing seems to change much, except that we are getting 'a year older' which is most definitely 'a year wiser'.

Though Christmas in Kuching City is much quieter as compared to the previous years, but we can experience love, peace, joy and happiness in the air as well as the warmth of the season.

Our 5-feet tall Christmas Tree has been put up in the heart of our sweet home to make alive the cheer of Christmas, with some simple decorations......

As our grandson, Brendan is experiencing his first Christmas, Yea Yea (grandpa) puts up extra decoration and lights at the stairs. He seems to be enjoying the twinkling lights.......

The Christmas decors at The Spring Shopping Mall is very impressive too.....