I like the prayer which was on Christine @ Mariam's page (http://mariamaisha.blogspot.com/), therefore, I would like to share it with all of you:
Lord,
Teach me to be generous,
Teach me to serve You as You deserve,
To give and not to count the cost,
To fight and not to heed the wounds,
To toil and not to seek for rest,
To labour and not to seek for reward,
Save that of knowing I do Your most Holy Will
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Selamat Berpuasa or Happy Fasting
Today marks the first day of fasting for all my Muslim friends. Therefore, wishing everyone, Happy Fasting and may this holy month of Ramadhan brings peace and solitude to all those who are seeking for it.
May it also bring us all closer to one another - after all, we are all human beings, brothers and sisters, who, by God's grace, were given a chance to live on the Earth.
May it also bring us all closer to one another - after all, we are all human beings, brothers and sisters, who, by God's grace, were given a chance to live on the Earth.
Do You Have What It Takes To Be A True Leader ?
An excerpt taken from an email... I think this is very true, and all of us should reflect on what is happening in our beloved country now.
China is coming up, India is coming up, Vietnam is coming up and now even Russia is on the rise. In this flat but wired world regardless of whether we are Malaysian Malay, Chinese or Indian, if Malaysia fails to progress, all of us will become history of this country.
Without the Malays, Chinese could not do well in the country and without the Chinese, Malays will not do well either. Both have to work together to uplift Malaysia and mitigate the acute impact that is being brought about by globalisation.
A true leader is someone who has the vision that focuses not just on one particular ethnic group in the country but instead nurture the future for everyone. A good leader is someone who knows what the biggest threat the country is facing and directs the people to stave off that threat. A good leader is also someone who is impartial in his ability to promote harmony in the country for as long as possible.
China is coming up, India is coming up, Vietnam is coming up and now even Russia is on the rise. In this flat but wired world regardless of whether we are Malaysian Malay, Chinese or Indian, if Malaysia fails to progress, all of us will become history of this country.
Without the Malays, Chinese could not do well in the country and without the Chinese, Malays will not do well either. Both have to work together to uplift Malaysia and mitigate the acute impact that is being brought about by globalisation.
A true leader is someone who has the vision that focuses not just on one particular ethnic group in the country but instead nurture the future for everyone. A good leader is someone who knows what the biggest threat the country is facing and directs the people to stave off that threat. A good leader is also someone who is impartial in his ability to promote harmony in the country for as long as possible.
Joke For Today - Nationwide
NATIONAL EXCUSE FOR HAIR LOSS:
Ajinomoto
NATIONAL INSTANT FOOD :
Maggi Mee
NATIONAL BREAKFAST :
Nasi Lemak
NATIONAL LUNCH :
Nasi Ayam
NATIONAL SUPPER :
Roti Canai & Teh Tarik
NATIONAL EXCUSE FOR BEING LATE:
Traffic Jam
NATIONAL FRUIT FOR INDUCING MENSTRUATION :
Pineapple
NATIONAL APHRODISIAC DRINK:
Stout. Many Malaysian men swear by it. But then after a few pints they start swearing at everything.. .
NATIONAL FAKE ILLNESS FOR GETTING MC (MEN):
Food Poisoning
NATIONAL FAKE ILLNESS FOR GETTING MC (WOMEN):
Menstrual Pain
NATIONAL EXCUSES GIVEN BY WOMEN WHEN REFUSING SEX:
Everything on earth..
NATIONAL EXCUSES GIVEN BY MEN WHEN REFUSING SEX:
None. Malaysian men never refuse sex.
NATIONAL CURE FOR DIARRHOEA :
Cap Kaki Tiga.
NATIONAL CURE FOR HEADACHES:
Panadol.
NATIONAL CURE FOR DIZZINESS:
Minyak Angin Cap Kapak.
NATIONAL CAUSE OF DIZZINESS (FOR YUPPIES):
Happy Hours.
NATIONAL INSTANT CURE FOR DIZZINESS (FOR YUPPIES):
The sight of a police road block.
NATIONAL RICE COOKER :
NATIONAL Rice Cooker
NATIONAL RUBBISH DUMP:
Anywhere. As long as it is not your house.
NATIONAL MOST MIS-PRONOUNCED NAME:
Carrefour.
NATIONAL ANSWER FOR 'WHERE ARE YOU?':
On the way.
NATIONAL OFFICIAL TIME FOR BEING LATE:
10 minutes
NATIONAL REASON FOR PRICE INCREASE:
Petrol naik
NATIONAL REASON FOR PETROL INCREASE:
Still cheaper than other country
NATIONAL EXCUSE FOR CAUSING TRAFFIC JAM:
There was accident on the other side of the road
NATIONAL REASON WHEN REJECTING INVITATION :
'I got some work to do..u all go first'
NATIONAL REASON FOR COLLAPSED BUILDINGS & LEAKY PARLIAMENT ROOFS:
An act of God.
NATIONAL EXCUSE FOR IRRESPONSIBLE POLITICAL STATEMENTS:
None. We were misquoted.
NATIONAL MINISTERIAL REASON FOR INCREASING TOLL RATES:
Lu ingat ini jalan saya punya bapak punya kah?
NATIONAL EXCUSE NOT PAYING SAMAN ACCORDING TO DUE DATE:
Government will give discount one of these days
NATIONAL EXCUSE TO BRIBE:
Minum kopi
Ajinomoto
NATIONAL INSTANT FOOD :
Maggi Mee
NATIONAL BREAKFAST :
Nasi Lemak
NATIONAL LUNCH :
Nasi Ayam
NATIONAL SUPPER :
Roti Canai & Teh Tarik
NATIONAL EXCUSE FOR BEING LATE:
Traffic Jam
NATIONAL FRUIT FOR INDUCING MENSTRUATION :
Pineapple
NATIONAL APHRODISIAC DRINK:
Stout. Many Malaysian men swear by it. But then after a few pints they start swearing at everything.. .
NATIONAL FAKE ILLNESS FOR GETTING MC (MEN):
Food Poisoning
NATIONAL FAKE ILLNESS FOR GETTING MC (WOMEN):
Menstrual Pain
NATIONAL EXCUSES GIVEN BY WOMEN WHEN REFUSING SEX:
Everything on earth..
NATIONAL EXCUSES GIVEN BY MEN WHEN REFUSING SEX:
None. Malaysian men never refuse sex.
NATIONAL CURE FOR DIARRHOEA :
Cap Kaki Tiga.
NATIONAL CURE FOR HEADACHES:
Panadol.
NATIONAL CURE FOR DIZZINESS:
Minyak Angin Cap Kapak.
NATIONAL CAUSE OF DIZZINESS (FOR YUPPIES):
Happy Hours.
NATIONAL INSTANT CURE FOR DIZZINESS (FOR YUPPIES):
The sight of a police road block.
NATIONAL RICE COOKER :
NATIONAL Rice Cooker
NATIONAL RUBBISH DUMP:
Anywhere. As long as it is not your house.
NATIONAL MOST MIS-PRONOUNCED NAME:
Carrefour.
NATIONAL ANSWER FOR 'WHERE ARE YOU?':
On the way.
NATIONAL OFFICIAL TIME FOR BEING LATE:
10 minutes
NATIONAL REASON FOR PRICE INCREASE:
Petrol naik
NATIONAL REASON FOR PETROL INCREASE:
Still cheaper than other country
NATIONAL EXCUSE FOR CAUSING TRAFFIC JAM:
There was accident on the other side of the road
NATIONAL REASON WHEN REJECTING INVITATION :
'I got some work to do..u all go first'
NATIONAL REASON FOR COLLAPSED BUILDINGS & LEAKY PARLIAMENT ROOFS:
An act of God.
NATIONAL EXCUSE FOR IRRESPONSIBLE POLITICAL STATEMENTS:
None. We were misquoted.
NATIONAL MINISTERIAL REASON FOR INCREASING TOLL RATES:
Lu ingat ini jalan saya punya bapak punya kah?
NATIONAL EXCUSE NOT PAYING SAMAN ACCORDING TO DUE DATE:
Government will give discount one of these days
NATIONAL EXCUSE TO BRIBE:
Minum kopi
They Pisses Me Off !
I hate people who don't owe up that they have made a mistake. And I further dislike people who blames others without knowing the actual fact.
Most of all, I dislike people who threaten others.
I am offended with these behaviours shown by the local sub-contractor. They really pisses me off.
Most of all, I dislike people who threaten others.
I am offended with these behaviours shown by the local sub-contractor. They really pisses me off.
Brooch 'n' Bracelets Closet - SALE
In conjuction of the month of Ramadhan and Syawal, we are pleased to announce that Brooch 'n' Bracelet Closet will be having a SALE.
Purchase any 2nd item for a 50% discount. Purchases above RM100 will get FREE DELIVERY SERVICE.
Hurry and get your favourite brooch and bracelets now. Terms and conditions applied.
Terms and Conditions:
Purchase any 2nd item for a 50% discount. Purchases above RM100 will get FREE DELIVERY SERVICE.
Hurry and get your favourite brooch and bracelets now. Terms and conditions applied.
- To enjoy the 50% discount, minimum purchase of 2 item is required.
- Discount on the 2nd item will based on the lower price between two items.
- Free delivery applied for purchases made above RM100.
HCD Approval Status - Update
Finally got my approval yesterday.
And guess what - I was allowed to travel and present paper to both the conference. One is the 61st International Astronautical Congress which will be held at Czech Republic, and another conferece is the 26th Space Simulation Conference, which will be held at Annapolis, Maryland, US.
Ok, this certainly comes at a surprise, for I kinda expected that I'll have to forego the Czech Republice one.
So, once again, I thank my lucky star (which, in this case, I thank God) for giving me the opportunity.
Yahoo ! I get to present my paper after all !
But my colleague's application was rejected, because he travelled quite a number of times already for this year. So sad and frust for him.
And guess what - I was allowed to travel and present paper to both the conference. One is the 61st International Astronautical Congress which will be held at Czech Republic, and another conferece is the 26th Space Simulation Conference, which will be held at Annapolis, Maryland, US.
Ok, this certainly comes at a surprise, for I kinda expected that I'll have to forego the Czech Republice one.
So, once again, I thank my lucky star (which, in this case, I thank God) for giving me the opportunity.
Yahoo ! I get to present my paper after all !
But my colleague's application was rejected, because he travelled quite a number of times already for this year. So sad and frust for him.
The Biggest Loser (Couple Season)
I was watching Biggest Loser Couples Season 2 (I think), which was shown last night on Hallmark channel. These reality shows always put me to tears as I was so touched by the commitment they are putting in in order to change their lifestyle.
Last night's show was the 2nd last episode where they were down to four - Tara, Helen, Mike and Ron. And last night's show was the show that made me cry the entire time. They were given the final challenge - marathon. A whopping 26.2 mile was the distance they have to run, and marathon was never in the list of exercise and not even contemplating to do marathon at all. So, for all the finalists to be able to realize that they can actually do it and finish it was amazing. Tears rolled down as I saw each and everyone of them finishing the race. Some ran, some walk and they all had people cheering them on, running alongside with them.
I was pratically sobbing the way I see how determined Ron was to finish the marathon. Though he was the last in the group, and with an injury to the knee, plus blood pressure shoot up as he was at 9th mile, he continued. It may took him 13 hours to finally finish the race, but for me, I dare say, he had won that night. Knowing that he can't go on, he did. Knowing that his injury will hampered him, he marched on. Waiting on the other end was his son, Mike, also with tears rolling down.
I began to realized that only strong determination can pull us through. And whatever that happen in our life, our families and loved ones are there to anchor us. And that's all that matters. No matter who tries to bring us down, we will stand up again with the support of our family.
Last night's show was the 2nd last episode where they were down to four - Tara, Helen, Mike and Ron. And last night's show was the show that made me cry the entire time. They were given the final challenge - marathon. A whopping 26.2 mile was the distance they have to run, and marathon was never in the list of exercise and not even contemplating to do marathon at all. So, for all the finalists to be able to realize that they can actually do it and finish it was amazing. Tears rolled down as I saw each and everyone of them finishing the race. Some ran, some walk and they all had people cheering them on, running alongside with them.
I was pratically sobbing the way I see how determined Ron was to finish the marathon. Though he was the last in the group, and with an injury to the knee, plus blood pressure shoot up as he was at 9th mile, he continued. It may took him 13 hours to finally finish the race, but for me, I dare say, he had won that night. Knowing that he can't go on, he did. Knowing that his injury will hampered him, he marched on. Waiting on the other end was his son, Mike, also with tears rolling down.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Perfect Living '10
My two sygs and I were scouting for new sofa last week. We spent 4 hours in and around Bukit Tinggi, into 8 or more shops, looking for a new set of sofa that we both like.
And this weekend, I am planning to go here :
And this weekend, I am planning to go here :
Purpose ? To scout for more bargains and designs. Our choice seems to be fabric sofa (due to budget constraint), so hopefully we manage to find one that we both love. Hehehe...
Syg, syg, we go on Sat ah... ;)
Monday, August 2, 2010
HCD Approval Status
Am still awaiting approval status of the long submitted HCD.
Da la lambat proses, now they are questioning me of being so active in submitting paper for conference. Since I went overseas last year 3 times, so this year they don't allow me to go so many times. Since there are two of my papers were reviewed for approval (mind you, those papers were already been accepted to be presented at the conference), they are asking me to choose only one.
The other one - "Ask your co-writer to go and present la" was their reply. I penat-penat tulis, senangnya you suruh orang lain untuk present kan ?
Sakitnya hati ku.
Da la lambat proses, now they are questioning me of being so active in submitting paper for conference. Since I went overseas last year 3 times, so this year they don't allow me to go so many times. Since there are two of my papers were reviewed for approval (mind you, those papers were already been accepted to be presented at the conference), they are asking me to choose only one.
The other one - "Ask your co-writer to go and present la" was their reply. I penat-penat tulis, senangnya you suruh orang lain untuk present kan ?
Sakitnya hati ku.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Cameron Highlands - July 2010
Just came back from Cameron Highland last weekend and it was really a superb holiday. First of all, kudos to Mr Mohd Khairul Hisham Ismail and Mr Abadi Azhar for organizing the trip for all of us - Pusat Angkasa Negara colleagues. The idea was definately a brilliant one, and not only we get closer in relationship among us, but also we can get to meet the family members as well. A truly enjoying weekend I would say.
Here are some of the pictures that we captured during the trip. Of course the pics are all about Daniel, me and syg... Hehehehe.... Enjoy ...
Syg didnt get to take much photo of himself coz he was busy snapping photos of others.
It was an honour knowing all of you, and I am glad to be working with so many wonderful people... God bless everyone.
Here are some of the pictures that we captured during the trip. Of course the pics are all about Daniel, me and syg... Hehehehe.... Enjoy ...
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| My favourite pic of all time. Daniel looked so cute with his face puckered up. |
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| Strawberry Park Resort - Daniel getting ready to run |
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| Still at the Strawberry Park - I looked so old ! Oh my gosh, I need facial liftment.... Hahahhaa |
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| My two favourite guys in the world... |
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| Daniel is really having a blast ... |
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| Good boy look - I fell in love with this look. What about you ? |
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| Attempting to dance away... |
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| Just arrived at the Big Red Agro Farm |
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| Daniel's fav car. He didn't like others at all. |
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| Daniel's first taste of strawberries... He luv it until I decided to let him try the one with chocolate. Looks like he doesnt like sweet stuff. |
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| Trying to reach for the grapes (more like trying to step on mymmy's face) |
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| See those nice strawberries ? I ate 6 packets in 2 days... Dasyat or not ? |
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| Rose behind those torns ... Hahahah... |
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| Daniel looking at the fish or are those fishes looking at Daniel as food ? |
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| Taking a break while trying to decide which potted plant I want to buy... |
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| At the Butterfly farm (not so nice compared to the KL Butterfly Park if you ask me) |
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| At Equatorial with the rest for buffet dinner. |
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| Jessica and her husband, Weng |
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| Daniel trying to mengurat Aqeela, Asni's daughter. Kici-kici so pandai already |
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| How nice of everyone to celebrate our (Hamid and mine) birthday at Cameron.... |
Blessed Day Today
Its such a blessed day today, receiving so many well wishes from families and friends, and most important of all, I felt blessed for I am still alive till this very moment... Thank you God.
Thank you to Syg for his never ending love, to little Daniel for his unconditional love, and most of all, thank you God for all the blessings that You have showered onto me ...
Thank you to Syg for his never ending love, to little Daniel for his unconditional love, and most of all, thank you God for all the blessings that You have showered onto me ...
Monday, July 26, 2010
Yoke of Faith
I once knew a woman who called herself "a recovering Catholic." It seems that as a child, she was taught a religion that was all about guilt. Impossible demands were placed on her requiring strenuous efforts that were doomed to frustration. Turn the other cheek. Don't even THINK about romantic flings. Love your enemies.
Attempting this by sheer willpower was all too much for her, leading to an abiding sense of guilt. No wonder she rejected such a religion.
But clearly, what she rejected was not the religion of Jesus Christ. It rather resembles the approach of the Pharisees, who laid heavy burdens on people's backs, but did not lift a finger to help.
In Matthew 11:25-30, Jesus appeals to those who experience life as one unending chore. He offers rest and refreshment. His yoke is easy, he says. His burden is light.
Note though, that following Jesus does mean that you are foot-loose and fancy-free. To be a disciple means to come under the discipline of a master. It means voluntarily putting a yoke on ones shoulders, and walking in a direction set by the master. It just happens to be the direction that the master knows will lead to pasture, refreshment, and happiness. But when oxen are told to move, they can't necessarily see the pasture at the end of the trail. All they see is a long, dusty road leading to nowhere.
There are some masters that are harsh and overbearing. When the oxen slow down due to fatigue or stubbornness, out comes the bullwhip. The journey turns into a guilt trip. The Pharisees were such masters. But Jesus is not. He is gentle. Gentleness does not mean whimpiness. He is strong and decisive, insistent on the direction to go and the pace to keep. Yet his strength is quiet, loving strength that builds up rather than tears down.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus uses the image of the yoke? At least two oxen are hitched together by a yoke side by side. Oxen are called "beasts of burden." So why he calls his yoke easy, his burden light?
Because he humbly yokes himself to us. Simon of Cyrene helped carry his cross; he helps carry ours. And he bears most of the weight, if we let him. That's why his yoke is easy. And he gives us His Spirit within (Romans 8:9-10) to give us the inner strength to bear our share of the burden, which is, of course, the far lesser share to begin with.
Easy yoke, light burden. You may reply that it sure doesn't feel that way most of the time. This could be for one of two reasons. What we are carrying may simply not be the Lord's yoke. Sometimes we deliberately disobey the Lord (that's called sin) and allow a tyrannical master to dominate our lives. No problem. That's what the sacrament of baptism is all about. Renouncing an oppressive Pharaoh in favor of a liberating Lord. If we've betrayed our baptism and gone back to the fleshpots of Egypt, we have the sacrament of penance to bring us back across the Red Sea to the Promised Land of Freedom.
The other reason the yoke may seem heavy is because we are not allowing the Lord to carry the weight. Or because we are not keeping his pace. We could be dragging our heels or racing ahead of him. Either way, we are chafing and straining. Perhaps we need just to quiet down for a few moments in the green pasture of prayer and adoration to attune our ears once again to the voice of the Master. The solution is easy: Let go and let God.
Source: http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_article/644/Yoke_of_Faith.html
Attempting this by sheer willpower was all too much for her, leading to an abiding sense of guilt. No wonder she rejected such a religion.
But clearly, what she rejected was not the religion of Jesus Christ. It rather resembles the approach of the Pharisees, who laid heavy burdens on people's backs, but did not lift a finger to help.
In Matthew 11:25-30, Jesus appeals to those who experience life as one unending chore. He offers rest and refreshment. His yoke is easy, he says. His burden is light.
Note though, that following Jesus does mean that you are foot-loose and fancy-free. To be a disciple means to come under the discipline of a master. It means voluntarily putting a yoke on ones shoulders, and walking in a direction set by the master. It just happens to be the direction that the master knows will lead to pasture, refreshment, and happiness. But when oxen are told to move, they can't necessarily see the pasture at the end of the trail. All they see is a long, dusty road leading to nowhere.
There are some masters that are harsh and overbearing. When the oxen slow down due to fatigue or stubbornness, out comes the bullwhip. The journey turns into a guilt trip. The Pharisees were such masters. But Jesus is not. He is gentle. Gentleness does not mean whimpiness. He is strong and decisive, insistent on the direction to go and the pace to keep. Yet his strength is quiet, loving strength that builds up rather than tears down.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus uses the image of the yoke? At least two oxen are hitched together by a yoke side by side. Oxen are called "beasts of burden." So why he calls his yoke easy, his burden light?
Because he humbly yokes himself to us. Simon of Cyrene helped carry his cross; he helps carry ours. And he bears most of the weight, if we let him. That's why his yoke is easy. And he gives us His Spirit within (Romans 8:9-10) to give us the inner strength to bear our share of the burden, which is, of course, the far lesser share to begin with.
Easy yoke, light burden. You may reply that it sure doesn't feel that way most of the time. This could be for one of two reasons. What we are carrying may simply not be the Lord's yoke. Sometimes we deliberately disobey the Lord (that's called sin) and allow a tyrannical master to dominate our lives. No problem. That's what the sacrament of baptism is all about. Renouncing an oppressive Pharaoh in favor of a liberating Lord. If we've betrayed our baptism and gone back to the fleshpots of Egypt, we have the sacrament of penance to bring us back across the Red Sea to the Promised Land of Freedom.
The other reason the yoke may seem heavy is because we are not allowing the Lord to carry the weight. Or because we are not keeping his pace. We could be dragging our heels or racing ahead of him. Either way, we are chafing and straining. Perhaps we need just to quiet down for a few moments in the green pasture of prayer and adoration to attune our ears once again to the voice of the Master. The solution is easy: Let go and let God.
Source: http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_article/644/Yoke_of_Faith.html
Melaka - July 2010
As I had mentioned earlier in my posting, Syg had to attend a course in Melaka. So, being a jakun, me, mummy and Lai Yenn decided to tag along. I have never been to Melaka Heritage City even though it is only about 2 hours drive from KL. So, all four of us went to Melaka on Friday night (16 July 201) and stayed at Baba House, right in the middle of the Heritage City Walk a.k.a Jonker Street.
The famous Melaka cendol - very delicioius and yummy....
Mummy, Daniel and Lai Yenn at the Stathuys...
The clock tower, right at the center of the Heritage Site
The building of Christ Church in the background
Eye of Malaysia and 'Flora de La Mars' overlooking the Straights of Malacca
Little Daniel was excited to be at the top of the hill
Walking up to St Paul ruins. This hill was called St Paul hill, naturally.
What used to be a Catholic Church (Church of Our Lady) when the Portugese were here, was turned into a Protestant Church, namely St Paul
In the Malacca Sultanate Palace - a replica palace actually. Daniel looked so cute kan ?
Flora de La Mars - It actually has another 2 stories below the upper deck where it potrayed all the history of the Portugese, Dutch and British invading Malacca
The famous restaurant - Nasi Ayam Hoe Kee, which sell its speciality - Chicken Rice Ball
The tired little boy who had not had any rest at all since 8.30am till now, which was about 3.30 pm. No wonder he dozed off the minute this pic was taken. Poor little boy...
Pantai Tanjung Aru - Mei 2010
This is a long awaited post. Remember we went back to Sabah in May 2010 ? So, the entire family (10 of us adults, excluding children) packed up in 2 small cars and drive down to Tanjung Aru beach. This is Daniel's first time to the beach. So, most of the pictures are all about Daniel, Audrey and Erwin... I didn't had the time to post these pictures up as Daniel got infected with the RotaVirus. So, here are they - playing happily together. And this is what family is all about...
Children - they grew up so fast, kan ? The last time Daniel was just a baby, learning how to walk, now he is running and we had do catch him. I wishes he wont grew up that fast .... Wanna enjoy his innocence for a little longer.
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