What a teenage can teach you

This happened quite recently.  I was in the car with my daughter, on our way to her school, one final time, to collect her UPSR result.  Honestly, as most moms would, I felt more nervous than her.  I was not expecting a great result, but one thing I prayed was for her to get the best result that would best define her effort, which I could see towards the final month before the exam.

To ease the pressure, I made a small talk with her.  The conversation went like this:

Me:  How do you feel?  Are you nervous?

Nicole: Not really. I just hope that I won't get 2 E.

Me: Haha...I know, it must be for your Math and Science.  Don't worry, you have tried your best.  Whatever your result will be I am sure it is the best for you.  I am still proud of you no matter what.  But, I still am expecting A for your English.

Nicole:  I think I get A for English.

Me: How can you be so sure?  Was the question easy for you?  Did you check your grammars?

Nicole:  I just know.  And yes, I did check my grammar.

Me:  Do you think Fanella will score the highest in UPSR?  Isn't she the smartest one in your school?

Nicole: I think so. She is very smart.

Me:  Are you and her close friends?

Nicole: Not that close.

Me:  She looks like a nerd.  Don't you think so?

Nicole: No. Why do you say she's a nerd?

Me: Because it seems like she doesn't mix around and doesn't have that many friends.

Nicole: She has friends.  I don't think she's a nerd. Why do you think that?

Me: Because well...she LOOKS like a nerd.  (I mean, because the way she carried herself around, dressing and specs...but I didn't say this out loud).

Nicole:  You can't judge a person just by looking at her appearance.  Do not judge a book by its cover.....

Then I stopped her before she went on and on and on about being judgmental towards others.  I told her that finally I understood why her teacher chose her to be one of the peers counselors.  And that was a valuable lesson to always keep in mind.  Should that advice came from an adult, the impact wouldn't be as much.  Coming from a younger person, well that hit right in the chest. BTW, her result was way beyond my expectation.  God blessed us with the gift which I am sure, is just one of the earliest ones, I know more and more blessings will come in the future.  Thank God for this, and for everything we have been given up until today. 

Just a little please..........

Just a little respect would be nice. This thought continued to haunt my mind the whole night that it robbed me my sleep and much needed rest.  Yesterday was Mother's Day, and for the first time in a few years, I became the most ignorant person I've ever been in my last decade.  Not that the day itself was a glory above everything else, it was just that I had let my mom wish me Happy Mother's Day first, and adding to the wound I surely caused my mom was, my indifferent reply to her.  I was too busy attending to my own life that I forgot the one person that made my existence possible.

I needed to redeem my mistakes.  My brother's suggestion to have a  Mother's Day dinner at nearby steamboat outlet was seen as a great way to do it.  As  much as I really wanted to make up for the lost training sessions during the weekend, I decided to give way to the one thing that possessed higher priority, have my rest.  That lethargic body, regretful mind and guilty heart, added to the indifferent response I got when confirming the dinner booking, led to quite a heated night.  

I might not be the most punctual person on earth, but when it came to family on occasion such as last night, and considering they made the effort to come all the way to a place nearer to us considering our need to retire early that night, the room for tolerance was much less than the usual thin ones. The last minute withdrawal, delivered with such a 'jolly and easy' way that was so wrong in terms of time and occasion, caused an explosion almost greater than the nukes during the WW II.  What came out was just small sparks, but still I knew it delivered greater impact than the full explosion.  Needless to say, the night went not that smoothly.  I was still unable to redeem my sin, in fact, I added more to the list by departing without a word of goodbye, not even a handshake.  I felt really, really bad.  Actually I couldn't even describe it at all.

Despite the bad things I had done, I didn't want to close my eyes without saying sorry to those I might hurt earlier.  I sent a message conveying my regret and apologize for the wrong.  I know it went straight through her without any impact whatsoever, but I needed to let her know anyway.  There are other things that I wanted them to know as well, that I wish they could understand, if not now, maybe someday.  Here you go..."Dearest, I know who I am to all of you.  Rest assured that I have never intended to replace anyone in your life.  I am here for who I know God assigned me to.  It's okay if you could never love me or look up to me the way you should to your parents.  That's exactly the very thing that you should do.  I never ask for your love, or trust.  Those are the things to be won, not asked.  I may sometimes act as your guardian, be it against your will, but my care isn't forced.  You are, for me, my family, even though you don't share the same perspective.  That's okay.  However, there is one little thing I ask from you.  Please have a little respect.  Although you may not consider my family as yours, as much as I wanted you to, just please, a little respect would suffice.  Sharing the same roof and yet I feel like I am a total stranger to you. Please, don't be.  You are never obliged to attend all the family occasions, though I would really hope and love that you will.  Whenever you don't feel like you want to, just please, have a little respect by telling me, politely, that you won't be there with us.  I hope this is not asking too much.  And I do really hope that if not now, someday, you will understand the importance of what I am asking here, to me, and all others like me."

Well, it is time to give another shot at getting my few hours of sleep.  I hope I will be lucky enough this time.  Good night.

A bit of reflection and a peek into the future

2017

It was a good year, supposedly.  I had been given so many things, experiences and opportunities that I never thought I would have.  

In life, challenges were as tough (if not tougher) as they were before, I assumed the responsibility as both mom and dad at home, meaning not only I had to be soft, emotional and empathetic, but tough, hard-headed and strong at the same time.  My own daughter is getting bigger, she's officially a teenager now.  That's a different phase I need to deal with, and handle with care.  So are my other teenagers at home.  I had to learn a totally different approach so as to engage them and keep them afoot without putting them off with too much 'parenting'.

In work, I had been demanded more than I thought I was capable of rendering.  There were times I thought it was easier to give up, especially when things became difficult and I was hit, bashed and criticize more often and harder than ever before.  I learnt new way of handling things, or to accept hit after hit.  I am hardened and made more durable day by day.  It wasn't an easy feat, I am learning even until today.  Mounting responsibilities, tighter deadlines, and many more to come this year.  Me and my team managed to finished 4 out of only the standard 2 projects.  Unfortunately, 2 were rejected. My team ended up branded as a failure despite what I considered a remarkable achievement for a small team of 3 I had.  

The good thing was, I was given the opportunity to shoulder a huge responsibility, being part of the backbone for an international project which gave me the chance to travel (be it just work travel) to Hanoi, Vietnam in November 2016 and Kuwait City, Kuwait in April 2017.  It really opened my eyes to the outside world, and erased my phobia to go beyond my country's border.  Those luxury came with huge responsibilities though, which will be continued right up to this moment. Only God knows how heavy it is, added with my responsibilities at home, in business, in my family and self, and above all in my relationship with my ultimate provider, my God.

The businesses that I had with my partner went quite smoothly.  The gym was a good investment.  With His help, I managed to add in my share to the business, little by little closing the gap of shareholding with my partner.  At least I am no longer just a very, very small shareholder.  It gave significant change to the way I view the business.  God's interference in our gym business proved to be potent from the very beginning to the end.  There were many competitions, but we survived, so far and we know, it was Him all along.  We managed to improve the gym condition, a bit, and added in a few pairs of new dumbbells and plates.  We are currently expecting an additional machine for the comfort of our customers.

The plastic business was not doing as well as gym.  The first 5 months of operation conceded loss to us.  Though it was expected, we are running out of time to rebound from the loss.  We are praying and trying hard to recover from the loss.  We believe God will show us the best way, decision to take as we continue to try our best to survive and rise above the water.

My personal relationship with Him suffered yo-yo trend.  There were times it was strong, and times when I barely remembered Him in life.  Despite that, He never left me, not even a single second.  That I am sure.  This year, with all the blessings he bestowed upon me, I pledged my entire year towards renewing my vow and strengthening the bond I always have with Him.  This year is a year of realizing His presence in my life, and sharing the blessings with others without any strings attached.

My relationship with my friends.  Well, what can I say?  I had been less present and available for friends the entire year.  For this, please grant me apology, I had been one bad friend.  My birthday sucked, it was one of the worst day in my life.  My friends needed me, but I wasn't there for them, not as much as I really wanted to.  By the end of the year, the very first friendship I had was on the edge of destruction, and I don't know what to do about it.  I was at lost and the only thing I could do was watch.  As heart breaking as it was, I just don't know how to handle it.

My personal goal (apart from my spiritual life) was to gain mass, and I think I succeeded.  Managed to get certified as Personal Trainer.  The winning strike continued from 2015 until 2017, where physical and fitness goal achieved successfully.  This year the goal is higher and harder, more effort to be exerted and know what, I think I am up for the challenge.  God wills.

Family and friends, I will try my best to be better than I was last year.  Forgive my shortcomings, please remember I am trying my best and there will be times when my best won't be good enough.  Just remember that I am trying, all the time.  Dear Lord, please, never leave me for I need You more and more everyday.  I won't survive a day without You.  I promise I will open my eyes and ears and heart, wider to see and grab every single opportunity You show me to share the good news to everyone around me. 

There you go.  A summary of past and present and future, all in a single entry.  Till the next update, God bless us all.

Weekend Getaway at Homestay Aki Sarapung

Vesper Sharing

It was an unplanned weekend getaway for all of us, families and friends.  We needed time off, away from the crowd, the city and just be closer to nature, and let the steam off of our system.

It was almost the end of mid-year school holidays.  The kids hadn't had their share of the holiday, being home everyday, went out just once for a rare late night movie and a game or two at the pool table.  

After going to and fro along Tambunan Road, finally we reached the homestay at almost 9pm.  It was Sabbath Eve.  We took time to settle down, preparing our dinner and just chilled out.  When everything was ready, we began our night with vesper.  We had decided to have our Sabbath service there, and we did, from the Vesper, to the morning worship, until the Sabbath service.  

We had a very peaceful worship, being the only occupants there, we had all the huts for ourselves.  Accompanied by small guitar, we sang songs and shared God's words.

The Congregation

Our dinner was very simple.  Roasted everything, chicken wings, fish and vegetables.  We couldn't control our appetite when all the delicious simple and traditional foods served at once.  Finished everything quite late, at the time when we usually already drifted to sleep at home.  There, the adrenaline was still pumping, and the kids just couldn't wait to have a dip in the man made pools, one was 3 feet deep, the other was 4-feet.  I am not a fan of water, so I ended up being the cheerleader and a photographer, and of course the guitarist for the whole Sabbath.  It was great though, to see my friends and families having fun without having glued to each others' phone.

What left of our dinner

 That night was one of the night where we stayed really really late, out of bed.  Usually it was time to just have our fingers active, scrolling the web, social media or whatever it is, in our bed.  Here, we were just hanging out, chatting, singing...whatever it is that we felt like doing.

Bedtime was quite hard for me...literally.  The homestay had only 6 beds, double deckers.  There were 10 of us.  So, 4 of us had to share 2 beds, while me and my friend Betty had to settle for harder bed,  Me on the bench, while her on the floor...the balcony floor.  At least she had a mat to sleep on.  I couldn't sleep in that position, so I settle for only a blanket to help me a couple hours of sleep.

Girls are having late nite fun...why not?

We started our morning worship early to avoid interruptions and distractions.  Had our morning worship and a bit of foot massage to let those blood flows nicely afterwards.  Then the morning beginning to be quite busy. Visitors started to flow in.  We were confined to only the house since all huts were occupied aka rented. After a light breakfast we headed to the pool for final splashing session.  I went in, just to be a good sport.  It wasn't that bad, but it could be a lot better if only I know how to swim. 

Our lunch was mighty, I may say.  Everyone was full to the brim.  It was quite amazing too, 

Okay, those feet were aching....ouch...

 since one of friend who had stomach problems for months, ate a lot, a lot more than she had in months.  She said the weekend was so relaxing that she felt so good, it increased her appetite.  Well, good for her...and thank God above, we know He was behind all these good things.

We checked out at around 2pm, after Sabbath sharing and prayer, feeling satisfied, relaxed and sleepy too...ready to hit the sack once we were home.

All in all, it was a great weekend.  Thank you friend for coming up with this great idea.

View from the house, towards the pool

 Will definitely come back here someday, in the future, when the whole area is completed.

Enjoy the rest of the picture.

This was my bed...

In case you are wondering...it worth it.

Final pose before going home

Another one

The homestay..

Recognize them..

 22nd November 2016.  It was not a very historic day in itself.  I was away due to work demand, in Hanoi, Vietnam.  Just a week before my flight to Vietnam, I received a letter from Nicole's school informing me that Nicole was one of the award recipients for the coming school's event.  Frankly speaking, it was not such a big award, unlike many others I know who clinched the Best Student in their school.  Nicole's was just a small award.  However, since the first day she went to school, she has never received such letter.  Yes, the achievement that she was going to be awarded in her latest school was nothing new, she achieved that almost every exam, but never did she was recognized.  

When she showed me the letter, I told her, very much to my regret, I would not be able to attend the ceremony, for I would be away.  She tried to sound very light about it, telling me not to worry, because she could just be there herself.  But not before asking me, "Can auntie make it? Replace you to the ceremony?"  Well, it was not possible, because on the very same day, she had to attend the same ceremony for her son, who graduated from his primary school, flying colors.  I told her, "She would love to, but unfortunately she couldn't."  The same questions for the other two sisters at home, the same answer she got.  Finally she gave in, and just smile, "It's okay mom, I can go by myself."

 Then, along the ride home, she asked me, "Are you proud of me, mom?"  Well, of course, what do you expect?  I am her mom, how else would I feel?  Then she said wishfully, "It feels good to receive an award.  I have never been awarded before, not in my kindergarten, nor in my Chinese primary school.  I feel so happy."  

That was it.  I was touched.  Yes, the award was small, but for her it was big.  She craved for that recognition, it was a motivation for her.  And to have someone to witness it was very important to her.  I knew that, I realized that.  I felt so sad I couldn't do anything about it.  

Yes, it was okay, there were other students whom their parents couldn't come to witness.  If you could only read between the line and understand how it feels and what I mean, then you will understand how important it was for her and her spirit to have someone to be there for her.  After asking my siblings, I thank God that finally my sister in law's niece saved the day.  She was kind enough to take all the troubles to come and accompany Nicole on that day. God bless her kind heart.  

Gadie (nickname) went and be her guardian angel that day.  She was such an angel, helping a girl's heart from crushing, that she would not feel neglected.

Point is, it was not about the award, how big or small it was, it was all about how you recognize it, the effort they put into it.  Different child perform differently, be fair, recognize each and every one achievement they got, show them love, give them support.  I understand all the people I asked would love to come, but circumstances was not in their favor.  

On the very same day, my friend's son, whom I said was graduating primary school in flying colors, I feel very proud of him.  He is the son that I never had.  His effort paid off.  Above all, God helped them all, Nicole, Vaxter, Kyra...and I pray, Vall too.  All of them are under our roof, we pray that they all perform accordingly, and grow stronger in Him.

I thank God for every single blessing He gave us.  May He continue to guide and guard us. Amen.

Building and repairing project

Digging hole for toilet

Lately, I have been forced to stay out of my comfort zone.  It wasn't that I was literally forced, what I meant to say is that the situation forced us to think outside the box, to get out of our routine and do the extraordinary, for most people, at least.

My friend bought a temporary land with an ill-fated house on it.  It was meant to be a short term investment, but in order to make it work just like an investment should, we needed to do extra restoring work.  The house badly needed repairs, basic utilities to be built or added in, those physical works that usually men supposed to do.  Some of the more technical works were outsource to others, but most of the time, it was us who had to do all the works.   Well, honestly, I assist more than actually do the work due to my limited knowledge in this area.  All the training in gym definitely used to the fullest here.  I catered the physical works, sometimes it made me want to quit, but I did not.  

Drenched in sweat, almost passed out

Finally, after almost a month our weekend spent wholly on this project, it was finished and the tenants moved in more than a week ago.  It wasn't neat, our workmanship was not perfect, but it was doable.  I think one can stay quite comfortably, with the very very affordable rent she charged.  Thank God for His help, the project was a success, in our own interpretation.

And it is ready for the next stage

Mixing cement and sand.  Did it twice. Great back workout

THe Cats Story

And here I am again after almost a year disappearing.  Let's start with much lighter topic, shall we?  A new adoption, kitty cat named Mutin, just a twist from our existing cat Mitun.  Female, stripey grey, cute with huge eyes and very naughty and active kitty, we welcomed her in March this year.  Original intention was  to be Mitun's partner, but then, we changed our mind, she'll be forever 'just playing partner' for Mitun, not more than that.  

She added smiles and warmth to our hearts with her naughty demeanor and soft furs and body.  Caressing her brings such a soothing effect for me.  I don't think her joining our family did Mitun harm, for now he has a friend of his own to play those kitty games without having us sabotaging his development as a real cat, whatever that means.  So, welcome to our lives, Mutin....

Our Favourite Activities

Just a little outing last Sunday.  It was an impromptu one.  It just happened that I was home, and 2 kids were left home while the others had their own outing program.  So, feeling like these two should have their own piece of outside air, I decided to bring them to just a walk outside our home.

We went to a mall nearby.  Set the route beforehand, so that we wouldn't get confused once we reached there.  We started out with a visit to a couple of toys shop, one for the educational toys, the other just toys, I guess.  Then, a bookstore, stopped to pick a couple of DVD and spent some time at our must-visit place, entertainment arcade.  Our favorite game, the drum.  Though none of us could play well, we just enjoy the game very much, all 3 of us.  

 

 

We ended the little outing with dinner, then off we went back home.  It was a short outing, less than 3 hours, but I hope it went well with the kids.  A little time spent with them, focused only on their wants, it was the least I could do for them.  I love them so much.  I pray they will grow up in God's ever protective and guiding hands.

A Brief but Fulfilling Outing

The state of life I am in lately limit my ability to go for an outing like this these days.  I had the opportunity last Sunday and I grabbed it without hesitation, leaving whatever unsettled matters at home and headed out, just the two of us.

I noticed that while the venue and destination was still the same, our conversation changed, quite significantly.  I felt like I wasn't talking to a toddler or little kid anymore, it was like talking to a teenager.  Well, of course she is coming to 9 year old this coming December, but with those talks and never ending negotiations and interrogations, I felt like talking to a high school girl.  How time really flies, I can barely notice changes that are happening right under my nose.

I thank God every single day for this very little family that I have.  We being there for each other, it means the world to us, and we leaning every thing that we have to the Lord above, every single second of our life, means ever greater to our being.

We had a little stroll, had our lunch, a little bit of shopping for a thing or two, then joined other friends for another karaoke session, while Nicole and friend glued to PC games, all in the same place.

All in all, it was a simple day, yet very fulfilling in every sense.  Thank You Lord for Your blessings.

Happy Retirement

Today is the last day of work for my right hand woman, the iron lady, I'd love to call her, Ms. Chen.  She is the best colleague, workmate anyone could find.  Highly efficient, her work always is of a very, very excellent quality.  Actually, she deserves the best appraisal marks, because I have yet to see anyone work as hard and diligent as she is. It is safe to say, our Section depended heavily on her.

As hard as it might be to lose a very good subordinate, her time is up, it is time for her to relax and enjoy life to the fullest, enjoy the fruit of her years of hard work.  So, we (10 of us, plus Nicole) celebrated her birthday, and ushered her into relaxing retirement, at Little Italy Restaurant, located below Capital Hotel, opposite of Wisma Merdeka.  For years I have been eyeing this little restaurant, making a mental note that someday I would dine there.  Today is the golden opportunity.  We chose this because it was her favourite restaurant.

 

The dishes are very Italian, and will satisfy those who love Italian food, to the fullest.  Heaven for those with big appetite.  Me, I thought the portion would be the same as the standard Italian eatery outlets I had dined before, so I ordered Beef Lasagne.  Nicole went for Ai Quattro Formaggi Pizza, all cheese pizza.  Other orders are tomato based seafood soup, various sauced spaghetti, two other kinds of pizzas, with complimentary garlic bread and soup.  

The foods are superb, and yes, in a different and better quality than other Italian food outlet.  Worth every ringgit.  However, it was the drink that really stole the show.  The lemonade, wow...excellent.  Probably just normal for everyone else, for me, I could drink a large glass of it.  Delizioso!!!  Before I forget, if you want to come here, please keep in mind, the portion is slightly (if not significantly) larger than other outlet.  Simple example, I ordered small sized pizza, thinking the size as small as in Pizza Hut.  Turned out, it was a Regular, hmm, so much for ordering small.

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY...and Happy Retirement, Ms. Chen.  Wish you all the love and happiness in the world. God bless you today and days after.

My Year End 2014 in Sandakan

And it comes a little bit late this year.  

So, I am happy to share that this year, 2014, my year end holiday spent in laughter and happiness, surrounded by people I love, who love me in return, unconditionally. 

At the nursery, tho only 1 orangutan in sight

I went back to my hometown, with my family (now I know my friend is actually A FAMILY...through my Dad, and her, through her mom).  Drove the long way home on 26th December, very early in the morning, 4.00 am, reached Sandakan around 9.00 am.  The early arrival allowed us to take the opportunity to visit Sepilok, a place I haven't visited for years, I think the last one was in....I don't even remember when.

Lucky for us, it was the right time, the feeding time, which is at 10am and 3 pm every day.  The ticket was affordable, RM5 for adults and RM2 for children.  My only and biggest regret was, I forgot my DSLR at home.  A regret I doubt I could ever forgive myself.

Then, we rested on Sabbath.  Sandakan was in its wet season again.  Luckily, the sky was considerable enough to let us have our chance to explore Sandakan, at least to enable me to fulfill my promise to bring my family for a stroll around, as far and much as we can.

Sunday, 28th Dec. 2014, we spent  half of it at home.  Then towards the other half, we went out and had our  share of Sandakan's air at the top of the famous hill, the Temple.  Sorry, I forgot the name, but it was the only and most famous temple on a hill in Sandakan.  Probably not much luck on our side, the inner side was inaccessible for visitor, there was a praying session went on inside.  As for the outside, renovation was still ongoing, it has been for more than a year now.  Couldn't make a complete round stroll around the temple, the gazebos down the hill (the park, we called it) were in a very sad condition, no wonder the gate was closed.

Then, I drove us to town, shop a bit at Wisma Sandakan.  Fellow Sandakan friends, don't laugh.  The parking was easy there.  On the way back, we stopped at War Memorial at Mile 7.  The last time I was there was back in 1995, my Form 5 farewell party.  Hmm, what a memory.

Monday, we spent the whole day at home.  Not resting, no, not at all.  From the moment we woke up, we put on our battling gear, and went towards the back of our house, clearing weeds, and planting vegetable and corn.  It lasted until well past lunch.  Then immediately after that, we went on to pickling Kedondong.  Google this please, if you don't know what fruit it is.  A big bag of it.  I called an early night that night, I was tired and beaten flat, but satisfied, nonetheless.

Tuesday, huge thanks to my Dad, we went to a fishing beach at Kg. Kuala Gum Gum.  My job was starting a fire for the freshly caught fish...for our lunch.  Glad I still and always have that magic touch with fire. Nicole didn't want to join, well, she would be a good company for my mom at home.  The trip was fun, and educating too, to the kids who know how to appreciate good experience.  And, the lunch, superb.... The freshest fish ever, the grilled fish was mouthwatering, even until now.  Nothing compares to it.  Back home at about 1pm, without any rest at all, we continued to clean the fish, and in the evening, I went on to give one of the kids a very brief driving lesson, from my old school back to my house.

31st Dec. 2014, morning, after another batch of Kedondong was ready to be pickled, we went for the final and last minute shopping at Mile 8, for the New Year's Eve celebration that night.  The celebration cum camping happened at our church, starting around 6.30pm.  Set up 4 camps, and the audio system then the celebration began, devotion, prayer, birthday celebration, games, songs and laughter.  At the strike of midnight, came the splashing session.  It was cold, there was drizzles all night, but that didn't stop us from running around like kids.  Felt like a teenager once again. Had a very late and little sleep in the old church, the camps we set up ended up being occupied by my mom and my childhood friends.  

1st Jan. 2015, the games continued, despite drizzles and occasional rain.  Managed to finish all the planned games, and my group was crowned the champion.  Immediately after the final lunch, we went back home, all tired and totally beaten, more than ever before.  Still, we woke up at 4.30am, got ready and started our long journey back to KK at 5.30am on the 2nd. Jan. 2015.

There you are, a very long but satisfying holiday, a complete week at home, in Sandakan.  Thank God for the great year end, for the blessings poured upon us all.  We pray for His continues guidance and protection for this brand new year, and years after. 

Courtesy and kindness aren't dead

Just this morning, I was almost 10 minutes late....sending Nicole to school. A very last minute effort in trying to help Nicole with her Chinese homework. Nicole scolded me hard for not helping her last night. I admit...it was my fault. My bad. I am sorry. 

Anyway, we were very lucky since her classmates were just about to queue up for morning assembly. Nothing amiss...it seemed to me. 

What was interesting to me was how her classmates reacted to Nicole being late. They cheered her....to get into the line faster while I helped to carry her backpack up...just as far as to the door. Then quickly two of her classmates, boys, without saying anything...without even being asked, carried the Nicole's heavy bags inside. 

Courtesy and kindness do exist....even in young children of this age. Thank God....Hallelujah for that. I am glad I can still witness such simple act of kindness in our children. 

A Family Potrait

This is so very long overdue.  The family picture was taken in early March this year.  It was time to update the family photo, with all the additions and latest developments.  Thank God for the blessing He has poured upon us.  Sorry for the poor quality, this is the best that I could get, since the soft copy was still with the studio.

Nothing much to say, just that....I love my family, very much.  

Thanking them for everything.

Happy Birthday Dad, and Bro. Harry

End of February, early March, our plan to capture a family photo in a studio in Sandakan finally materialized, after so many delays and change of date.  I drove back with Nicole and my closest friend cum family with her youngest daughter, from KK to Sandakan, at 2 am in the morning.  Managed to reach the church just in time, before 8.30 am.  I really missed this church, always.

Well, the studio photo shoot happened in the evening, which followed by dinner at the famous grilled fish market.  When finally every one was home, almost 11pm, if I am not mistaken, we decided to celebrate my dad's and Harry's birthday, which fell on 2nd and 4th of March, respectively.  Although everyone was tired and sleepy, we hanged on for another hour and celebrate this special day before going on our separate ways the next morning.  

I guess, it's best to let the photos tell the story I couldn't convey in words.  Don't bother searching for the smaller kids, they were too tired and already slept by this time. Happy Birthday and God bless you both, abundantly...dear Dad and Bro. Harry.

Birthday Boys....

Feeding time...big bro

My turn

Yo mum....good boy pat..

Dad..rare opportunity

Small bro?

Sis in law...Sis Pynah

Sis in law, Salmee

Extended family, Betty

Future?....

Happy Birthday, dearest Nicole

It's the end of the year, and it is my daughter, Nicole's birthday.  7 years ago, at exactly 4.57 am, she was born, to my heavily sedated body and eyes, one look at her, the nurses had to 'assist' her to cry her first cry  for my greatest reward, before carried her to other room.

My original plan was to have a very personal and quite celebration with her, just the two of us, Nicole and me, a quiet outing here at this small town.  I have already told her the plan, she said okay, but being a little child herself, she couldn't help but ask, where's my birthday cake, by noon today.  I guess she had already forgotten the plan, completely.  My brother and sis in law were busy preparing food for the new year celebration at her childhood home tonight, and I didn't want to bother them at all.

To my surprise, after baking 2 big cakes for their party, my sis in law set aside a small mixture and baked a small chocolate moist cake for Nicole.  She even decorated it too, and baked a regular-sized pizza for the kids.  It was a very personal celebration, the one that I didn't have any hand in it, at all.  Felt guilty, but thankful, nonetheless, for their care and effort to celebrate Nicole's birthday.  Of course it was different from what I have had in mind, but it was equally great and...what can I say, I am thankful beyond words here.  The cake tasted great, just like the one bought from bakeries, even better. Moist and delicious.

So, happy 7th birthday, my dearest Nicole.  May God be your ultimate guide and protection, all your life and coming years.  May you grow ever more faithful and strong in Him. May your life shines His love to all around you, from inside you.  May God bless you incessantly.I love you with all my life and my heart.  You are a blessing from God Himself.

The Cute Lil Birthday Cake...Thank you so much, Sis Pynah.

Nicole and her honourable guests, Jordan and Ashley

Be the big bro, help light the candles, Jordan

The Birthday Girl

Cutting Cake, from the front?