WM - The Dreamer The Observer The Seeker

A tribute to my Ah Neh

2012-01-27T21:56:00.007+08:00

God saw you getting tired,
and a cure was not to be.
So He puts His Arms around you,
and whispered, "Come to Me!"

Your golden heart has stopped beating
Your hard working hands are finally at rest
My years of growing up with you have been such a blessing
You are my one and only dearest nanny, and the best of the best!

You had lived well, laughed often and loved much...
From you, I've gained and learned so much.
I'm sure you'll be blessed for the many lives you've touched.

One day in some far off place,
I'm sure I will recognize your face.
So I won't be saying goodbye to you,
For I know you and I will meet again.

Until then...Rest In Peace, Be Free, Be Well & Be Happy!

As for me, I will live well and move on with your love and enthusiasm. I will always reserve a special place for you in my heart. And I will miss you dearly.

(Nanny whom I fondly named 'Ah Neh' the minute I learned how to speak, went Home to her Maker on 25th January 2012, having lived to a ripe old age of 99. She had lived life to the fullest...inspiring & touching many lives. She was my earliest and greatest teacher of all time. She had never receive any education...but from her, I've learned that one does not need any degree, diploma or PHD to teach and inspire lives. She had taught me so many values of life which I will treasure and engrave in my heart.
A woman who was so full of love and compassion, she lived by Lao Tzu's principle : Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires. And it had served her well for 99 long years!)

The year that was...

2011-12-31T16:12:00.006+08:00

I've not written for so long...
But before I greet another new year, I would like to look back, take stock, reflect and just be thankful for all the blessings that was bestowed to me. It has been a year of making mistakes and learning valuable lessons. Sometimes I made the same mistakes but I learnt different lessons. For that, I'm still thankful.

Serving & finding meaning...
It is true "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear". Sometimes they appear even when we are not ready, and leave behind lessons for another day. Working in Hospis had brought many teachers to me, each sharing a truth that guided me on this journey. From them, I learned about serving from the heart...
I no longer question whether or not, patients benefit from my efforts, appreciate them, or even understand them; it is irrelevant. It is the elements that make life meaningful that is so important.
I serve because that's what I do...it's how I find meaning.
I've learned that I do not have to be a doctor in order to serve. The opportunity to be of service to others is endless. A phone call answered in a pleasant tone, taking time to listen, helping an elderly cross the road : an entire life can be spent in service.
I serve because that's what I do and I'm happy doing it.

Being grateful
Gratitude is something that has been emphasized to me time and again. It's easy to feel grateful when something good comes our way, but what about being grateful for hardship, for poverty, for cancer?
"The beauty of the sunrise comes only after the darkest part of the night". Sometimes the illness or misfortune is an opportunity to learn or to teach and an opportunity to be grateful for the sunrise that was certain to follow.
Without the 'shortness of breath', one would not have the opportunity to experience a depth of life that health had not.

Running in the present moment...
Some find their present moment amid nature, others in the peace of silence or through meditation. Many find it from clearing of the mind and sinking into the quiet of the soul.
I found my present moment through the joy of running and fellowship with friends.
Yes, I am still running though not competing too much. But that doesn't make me a lesser runner.

In May this year, John & I raced our 1st race of the year in Kuala Kangsar.
I then proceeded to attempt my 1st Half Marathon (after a year's break) in June SCKLIM, wearing a friend's bib no. I clocked a poor 2hr 02mins, losing it to Sofian Triathlete!! The only consolation was I did a personal best for my friend, Eleanor.
In July, John took 28 friends and together we ran the Extreme Grassland Marathon in Inner Monggolia. Agnes Tee & I created history and made many of our running mates happy when both of us took the wrong route and came in last and second last respectively in this race!
In August, we took a mini holiday in Hatyai and ran the Hatyai Nature Run where I clocked 56 mins for the Quarter Marathon.
In September, we ran the Heritage Taiping Half Marathon in the rain. This time, I managed to improve my timing in 1hr 54mins.
In October, I registered for Adidas King Of The Road simply because I wanted to run the NPE 16.8km. It was quite a challenge with the rolling highway as race route. I returned in an hour 38mins.
We ended with the Nibong Tebal Inter-State which covers Nibong Tebal, Parit Buntar and Kedah. I clocked 1hr 59mins in this 21.9km race.
We had chosen to participate in the races above mainly because of friends and the bonding. The journey with them had made running more meaningful and exciting!

A Blessed New Year!
As I approach another new year, I hope to be able to stay fit and healthy, to be able to continue running, learning, growing and to love and live in the present moment.
And as we face the challenges and joys of 2012, I'll like to close with this old Irish prayer for everyone:
"May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always on your back.
May the sunshine warm your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His Hand."

About connecting the dots, love, loss and death...

2011-10-14T20:42:00.005+08:00

Sharing from Steve Jobs' speech...

New York: I am honored to be with you today at your commencement from one of the finest universities in the world. I never graduated from college. Truth be told, this is the closest I've ever gotten to a college graduation. Today I want to tell you three stories from my life. That's it. No big deal. Just three stories.

The first story is about connecting the dots.

I dropped out of Reed College after the first 6 months, but then stayed around as a drop-in for another 18 months or so before I really quit. So why did I drop out?

It started before I was born. My biological mother was a young, unwed college graduate student, and she decided to put me up for adoption. She felt very strongly that I should be adopted by college graduates, so everything was all set for me to be adopted at birth by a lawyer and his wife. Except that when I popped out they decided at the last minute that they really wanted a girl. So my parents, who were on a waiting list, got a call in the middle of the night asking: "We have an unexpected baby boy; do you want him?" They said: "Of course." My biological mother later found out that my mother had never graduated from college and that my father had never graduated from high school. She refused to sign the final adoption papers. She only relented a few months later when my parents promised that I would someday go to college.

And 17 years later I did go to college. But I naively chose a college that was almost as expensive as Stanford, and all of my working-class parents' savings were being spent on my college tuition. After six months, I couldn't see the value in it. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and no idea how college was going to help me figure it out. And here I was spending all of the money my parents had saved their entire life. So I decided to drop out and trust that it would all work out OK. It was pretty scary at the time, but looking back it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The minute I dropped out I could stop taking the required classes that didn't interest me, and begin dropping in on the ones that looked interesting.

It wasn't all romantic. I didn't have a dorm room, so I slept on the floor in friends' rooms, I returned coke bottles for the 5¢ deposits to buy food with, and I would walk the 7 miles across town every Sunday night to get one good meal a week at the Hare Krishna temple. I loved it. And much of what I stumbled into by following my curiosity and intuition turned out to be priceless later on. Let me give you one example:

Reed College at that time offered perhaps the best calligraphy instruction in the country. Throughout the campus every poster, every label on every drawer, was beautifully hand calligraphed. Because I had dropped out and didn't have to take the normal classes, I decided to take a calligraphy class to learn how to do this. I learned about serif and san serif typefaces, about varying the amount of space between different letter combinations, about what makes great typography great. It was beautiful, historical, artistically subtle in a way that science can't capture, and I found it fascinating.

None of this had even a hope of any practical application in my life. But ten years later, when we were designing the first Macintosh computer, it all came back to me. And we designed it all into the Mac. It was the first computer with beautiful typography. If I had never dropped in on that single course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple typefaces or proportionally spaced fonts. And since Windows just copied the Mac, it's likely that no personal computer would have them. If I had never dropped out, I would have never dropped in on this calligraphy class, and personal computers might not have the wonderful typography that they do. Of course it was impossible to connect the dots looking forward when I was in college. But it was very, very clear looking backwards ten years later.

Again, you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something - your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.

My second story is about love and loss.

I was lucky - I found what I loved to do early in life. Woz and I started Apple in my parents' garage when I was 20. We worked hard, and in 10 years Apple had grown from just the two of us in a garage into a $2 billion company with over 4000 employees. We had just released our finest creation - the Macintosh - a year earlier, and I had just turned 30. And then I got fired. How can you get fired from a company you started? Well, as Apple grew we hired someone who I thought was very talented to run the company with me, and for the first year or so things went well. But then our visions of the future began to diverge and eventually we had a falling out. When we did, our Board of Directors sided with him. So at 30 I was out. And very publicly out. What had been the focus of my entire adult life was gone, and it was devastating.

I really didn't know what to do for a few months. I felt that I had let the previous generation of entrepreneurs down - that I had dropped the baton as it was being passed to me. I met with David Packard and Bob Noyce and tried to apologize for screwing up so badly. I was a very public failure, and I even thought about running away from the valley. But something slowly began to dawn on me - I still loved what I did. The turn of events at Apple had not changed that one bit. I had been rejected, but I was still in love. And so I decided to start over.

I didn't see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.

During the next five years, I started a company named NeXT, another company named Pixar, and fell in love with an amazing woman who would become my wife. Pixar went on to create the world's first computer animated feature film, Toy Story, and is now the most successful animation studio in the world. In a remarkable turn of events, Apple bought NeXT, I returned to Apple, and the technology we developed at NeXT is at the heart of Apple's current renaissance. And Laurene and I have a wonderful family together.

I'm pretty sure none of this would have happened if I hadn't been fired from Apple. It was awful tasting medicine, but I guess the patient needed it. Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith. I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle.

My third story is about death.

When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: "If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right." It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.

Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.

About a year ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I had a scan at 7:30 in the morning, and it clearly showed a tumor on my pancreas. I didn't even know what a pancreas was. The doctors told me this was almost certainly a type of cancer that is incurable, and that I should expect to live no longer than three to six months. My doctor advised me to go home and get my affairs in order, which is doctor's code for prepare to die. It means to try to tell your kids everything you thought you'd have the next 10 years to tell them in just a few months. It means to make sure everything is buttoned up so that it will be as easy as possible for your family. It means to say your goodbyes.

I lived with that diagnosis all day. Later that evening I had a biopsy, where they stuck an endoscope down my throat, through my stomach and into my intestines, put a needle into my pancreas and got a few cells from the tumor. I was sedated, but my wife, who was there, told me that when they viewed the cells under a microscope the doctors started crying because it turned out to be a very rare form of pancreatic cancer that is curable with surgery. I had the surgery and I'm fine now.

This was the closest I've been to facing death, and I hope it's the closest I get for a few more decades. Having lived through it, I can now say this to you with a bit more certainty than when death was a useful but purely intellectual concept:

No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

When I was young, there was an amazing publication called The Whole Earth Catalog, which was one of the bibles of my generation. It was created by a fellow named Stewart Brand not far from here in Menlo Park, and he brought it to life with his poetic touch. This was in the late 1960's, before personal computers and desktop publishing, so it was all made with typewriters, scissors, and polaroid cameras. It was sort of like Google in paperback form, 35 years before Google came along: it was idealistic, and overflowing with neat tools and great notions.

Stewart and his team put out several issues of The Whole Earth Catalog, and then when it had run its course, they put out a final issue. It was the mid-1970s, and I was your age. On the back cover of their final issue was a photograph of an early morning country road, the kind you might find yourself hitchhiking on if you were so adventurous. Beneath it were the words: "Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish." It was their farewell message as they signed off. Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. And I have always wished that for myself. And now, as you graduate to begin anew, I wish that for you.

Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.

Thank you all very much.

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/technology/stay-hungry-stay-foolish-steve-jobs-famous-speech-139029&cp

感谢

2011-05-21T10:34:00.010+08:00

I have every reason to be grateful this week.

On Thursday, we took 18 guests from the Day Care out to visit the Prime Minister official residence in Seri Perdana, Putrajaya.
The morning didn't start off very well as one of my colleagues got really upset with me for not informing her about the outing. She showed her 'black face' not only to me but also our guests. (It's our guests because my guests are also her guests).

The 'old' me will probably see me trying to defend myself and we'll end up arguing over trivialities! That morning, I am so glad I was able to hold my peace and walk away from her. I told myself that my focus should always be on our guests, and I will not allow anything or anyone affect my mood and my day, especially when dealing with people who are unwell.

Perhaps, because of that, good things happened...

I am grateful to Soo Chien from Origins who sponsored our nurses with products from Origins on Nurses' Day. I don't know her but when I called, she just said YES to my request and even packed everything nicely for me!
I am grateful to Valentine from Redbox for providing a karaoke room and buffet dinner for the nurses to let their hair down during the nurses' day celebration.
I am grateful to have met a kind soul, Evonne from Mayflower who kindly got her company to fully sponsor us a 44-seater coach complete with a guide and water for our guests.
I am grateful to the management from the Prime Minister's office for being considerate and bypassing some of the house rules in order to facilitate our guests.
I am grateful to the manager of Seri Perdana for sponsoring our guests lunch at the banquet hall. It was a good lunch...with meals that are not oily or too spicy. Guests enjoyed it. Thank you for being so thoughtful.
I am grateful for all the volunteers who turned out to help. Volunteer drivers who had to pick extra guests on that day. One volunteer took leave to come and support us. Another volunteer spent time to prepare some finger food for us to take on the trip.
I am grateful for a supportive husband who voluntarily took the day off to help pick guests and help with the photography on that day.
I am grateful for all the support and help rendered to me by Dr. Felicia, physiotherapist Raymond, nurse Mastura and pharmacist Aidah.
I am grateful to our guests for teaching me patience, modesty and the value of life. For allowing me to learn something new from them every time we met. For showing me their grace and gratitude.

Are these reasons not good enough for me to be grateful this week? But then, there are more...

I am grateful for all that has happened to me in my life. I am grateful for every opportunity I have had to discover more about myself - each event has shaped me in to the person I am.

It has taken me a long while to realise that all the choices I have made in my life have been designed to train me for my future. Each time I have had the privilege on making a decision - right or wrong, on an option presented to me - at that point in time - that was the lesson that I had to learn.

I am extremely grateful for all the people who have appeared in my space - for their designated purpose - and the lessons they have taught me. The ability to think, remember, analyse, learn and grow from every experience is what I most appreciate. I am thankful that I have been presented with experiences and knowledge of others that have helped me to realise my true potential - and to encourage me to grow and improve.

In hindsight - every obstacle and suffering has shaped me - in ways that I had not imagine until I started looking at things differently. I have developed a greater understanding and awareness of my actions and reactions, of my limiting beliefs and I am so thankful for the opportunity to develop this in to a more positive life - each experience has occurred to led me on a path of greater understanding not only of myself - but of others. It is a good feeling.

I am grateful for the ability to choose my reality, and what is true for me. My gratitude extends to all the people I have encountered who have created an experience in my life to learn from - even the negative painful experiences have allowed me to discover inner strength and awareness. I have been able to look inside myself to rediscover ways to live my life that present greater value to all around me.

And now all I can say is 感谢!

A labour of love

2011-05-12T19:00:00.001+08:00

Today is Nurses' Day, and if I don't work in Hospis, I'll never know and perhaps, won't even bother to find out.

Therefore, I would like to pay my tribute to all the nurses around the world today and especially to those unique ones who work, care and help people with life-limiting illnesses.
The entire philosophy behind end-of-life care, often called hospice or palliative care, is really about love, kindness and dignity - learning to appreciate life.
Helping to ease the pain and grief that comes with death is the role of those rare individuals who are willing to work with the dying.
This is a field where a nurse's assistance can really help patients and their families, and it is truly a unique allied health specialty.

It is a labour of love.
So, to all nurses out there...A Huge Thank You!

"There is no joy without hardship. If not for death, would we appreciate life? Those who learn to know death, rather than to fear and fight it, become our teachers about life." - Dr. Elisabeth Kubler Ross on Death & Dying.

From Kitchen Table Wisdom

2011-05-08T17:05:00.006+08:00

I'm sharing this because of my personal encounter with a few patients with life-limiting illnesses last week and had a discussion on subjects related to end-of-life. Although all of them said they are prepared to face death, I do hear their grievances and feel their pain. I often questioned myself what have I got to offer at such a time? Is my compassion enough?

I found and immediately learn from 'Dancing With Grief' taken from the Kitchen Table Wisdom by Rachel Naomi Remen.

“The healing of our present woundedness may lie in recognizing and reclaiming the capacity we all have to heal each other, the enormous power in the simplest of human relationships: the strength of a touch, the blessing of forgiveness, the grace of someone else taking you just as you are and finding in you an unsuspected goodness.

Everyone alive has suffered. It is the wisdom gained from our wounds and from our own experiences of suffering that makes us able to heal. Becoming expert has turned out to be less important than remembering and trusting the wholeness in myself and everyone else. Expertise cures, but wounded people can best be healed by other wounded people. Only other wounded people can understand what is needed, for the healing of suffering is compassion, not expertise.”

“The greatest gift we bring to anyone who is suffering is our wholeness.
Listening is the oldest and perhaps the most powerful tool of healing. It is often through the quality of our listening and not the wisdom of our words that we are able to effect the most profound changes in the people around us… Our listening creates sanctuary for the homeless parts within the other person. That which has been denied, unloved, devalued by themselves and by others. That which is hidden.
In this culture the soul and the heart too often go homeless.”

Listening creates a holy silence. When you listen generously to people, they can hear truth in themselves, often for the first time. And in the silence of listening, you can know yourself in everyone. Eventually you may be able to hear, in everyone and beyond everyone, the unseen singing softly to itself and to you.”

Learning from an 'A' student

2011-05-01T18:49:00.006+08:00

I have been busy and I'm loving it!

John and I have spent our time doing many things and shared many life's experiences together, but we have never studied and went to school together.
For the past months, my weekends had been occupied with attending Korean classes.
Taking Korean lessons created an opportunity for me to learn from John and about John academically.

Well, I heard he was an 'A' student but to what extend I never really knew until recently.
When we signed up for Korean lessons, all I wanted was only to be able to converse and understand. I flipped when I realized that we have to learn to write and sit for the exam!! I hate exams! What more, this time round I had to sit in the exam alongside with a husband who was an 'A' student.
Anyway, however much I hated the exam part, I enjoyed the process leading to the exam eg. having the opportunity to go to school with John, doing revision together and we even took the public bus/LRT to school just to get the 'feel of a student life' all over again!

From John, I've learned all about discipline, diligence and what it takes to be the 'A' student he so deserves. He made sure that he sets aside time to revise his homework every night which means giving up his favourite TV programmes. He wasted no time and always able to find time to study in between lunch or while waiting for his clients. I am exactly the opposite of him...while John was revising his homework, I slept most times!

Lately, we received our exam results and without a doubt, John came up Top student in the class! He is every inch an 'A' student and I'm so proud of him. As for me, fortunately, I did fairly well too and I owe it to his guidance.

"The wise man should be generous in imparting his knowledge to others; for knowledge is not lessened by giving." - Solomon Ibn Gabirol

Poem to my sister

2011-03-17T07:12:00.011+08:00

I found some old photographs of us,
And recalled those moments with much happiness.

I treasure memories of you with love...

I remember who you used to be…
The house we stayed,
The laughter we shared,
The school we went,
The fights we fought,
Childhood games we played,

And I often wonder what you have become…
Where are you now,
Where did you go,
When your body is left behind
And the spirit was released to fly?

Perhaps you are the morning bird
I heard singing in the joyfully at sunrise.
Or the butterfly that dances
so carelessly on the breeze.

Perhaps you are the fingers of the afternoon mist
delicately reaching over the mountains and hills.
Or the final few rays of the setting sun
edging the clouds with a magical glow.
Or the rainbow of colors that brightens up a stormy sky.

In whatever form you have chosen to take,
No matter what you have chosen to be…
I know you are now at peace, happy and free.

Inspired by Kristi A. Dyer

Gratitude

2011-03-12T18:58:00.003+08:00

It's been a week already and I've somewhat settled down...

On Thursday, with 12 patients and 8 volunteers (4 of our regulars went on holiday) reporting at the Day Care, we managed to keep the day running fairly well.

As usual, Lyla checked in early to help clean up and prepare breakfast before leaving for her class and then, she was back again at 2pm after class. This is a true example of commitment which is much appreciated by all.

Most volunteers who were present made an effort to stay the whole day or almost, helping out in whatever ways possible. I’m also thankful that Dr. Gan actually stayed with us until the Day Care ‘close shop’. He assisted us in handling a difficult patient Mr. Cheeng with the massage etc.

At this point of writing, I still feel very blessed that helping hands were there without having even to ask….and then, food was given without having to seek. We had a variety of cakes for tea yesterday which took us a little by surprise. And it’s all from the generosity of these kind souls…
Irene Hoe (patient) brought in pineapple tarts and cookies.
Goh Wan Lit (patient) made an organic banana cake.
And another cake baked by Dr. Tuen
Dorothy (an ex-patient’s wife) made chocolate brownies for us, delivered via Eleanor.
Of course, Helen’s poppyseed cake was a hit. Helen has been contributing food for breakfast or tea every week which we all are so thankful for.

The surprise came when Goh Wan Lit’s friend Ah Lan, came with Tau Foo Fah and soyabean milk which she made for us. She even offered to send us tau foo fah and soyabean on a regular basis if we want. I was so touched by her kind gesture. This refreshment is also a welcome change from our usual ’tong sui’.

We had 2 tables of patients/volunteers playing Rami O yesterday. Gomathi being a little adventurous played ‘congkak’ with Siti Jahariah and Ramah as they were sitting alone and not keen to use the Quiet Room.
Unfortunately for Ramah, although her spirit is willing, the flesh is weak. Although she made efforts to pick up the dices/seeds, her attempts failed. The reason for her enthusiasm? She said congkak used to be her childhood game. Perhaps, it sparkled off some good memories for her too.
As usual, everyone participated in Bingo except for Kok Moi who was feeling very tired yesterday. Our guest/tau foo fah supplier, Ah Lan played on her behalf and struck a bingo!

For me, it was a busy day with some lessons for take home to reflect as well. It feels good just to know that we do have people kind enough to support us in various ways and I must thank each and every one of them.

February

2011-02-28T17:06:00.020+08:00

February this year has been a busy and joyous month for me. Busy merry making and bonding with friends and it was all so good.

Pre Chinese New Year Celebrations with fellow volunteers at Hospis.

Toast to a great year ahead!

Lo Sang with running friends at SKH Riverview Seafood Village.

Reunite with Good Old Colleagues after many years at Purple Cane, Gardens Mid Valley.

New Year's eve at Pek Moi's house.

Where rulers of this country divide, runners unite! Running friends of all races : Malay, Indian and Chinese.

Running on the 1st Day of CNY

Running from Desa Park City to TTDI.

Another gathering with Pacesetters friends at Full House, Sunway Giza.

Sing! It's good for the soul.

Play! And enjoy life!
"It is not how much we have but how much we enjoy that makes happiness."

Something to ponder...

2011-02-17T17:02:00.001+08:00

Someone has written these beautiful words. One must read and try to understand the deep meanings in them. They are like the Ten Commandments to follow in life all the time.

1] Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble; it is a "steering wheel" that directs us in the right path throughout life.

2] Do you know why a car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the rear view mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, look ahead and move on.

3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.

4] All things in life are temporary. If going well enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong don't worry, they can't last long either.

5] Old friends are like Gold! New friends are Diamonds! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a base of Gold!

6] Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!

7] When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.

8] A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision."

9] When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them; and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.

10] WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES; it takes away today's PEACE.

Who's my valentine?

2011-02-14T19:21:00.005+08:00

Every year cupid's arrow-range expands, and anyone can be my Valentine...from my husband, family, friends and in my case today, fellow hospis volunteers and patients.

Yesterday, at a CNY gathering I wore a T-shirt which has a pink heart design and beautifully embroidered on it are the words HAPPY EVERYDAY! A friend commented that she likes the T-shirt and she should wear it so that she can be happy again (hopefully).
I asked her why isn't she happy? She replied, "It's Valentine's Day tomorrow and I do not have my soul-mate around to celebrate with me anymore!" Her husband passed away suddenly while jogging in the park 2 years ago.

We chatted awhile and I comforted her that Valentine's Day is not only meant to be celebrated amongst lovers or spouses, but anyone dear or someone you care for.

This year, I didn't celebrate with John. Instead, I went out with 5 fellow volunteers from Hospis and we bought lunch for a few patients who had been discharged from our Day Care. We touch based and comforted one another.

At the end of the day, the message is clear : Love is as simple as just having a meal together and continuously caring for one another.

"If we stop looking for somebody to love us, we can immediately turn that around and just start looking for people to love."

True Forgiveness Day

2011-02-07T15:33:00.003+08:00

I woke up this morning and ask for forgiveness.

Anchoring the Light Ministry declares February 7th as “True Forgiveness Day” A day to give the gift of True Forgiveness for absolutely everyone and everything in light of unity consciousness. This is the day to “first remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’ s eye.” Luke 6:41-42.

After all…I’ve done it…you’ve done it…they’ve done it…in fact we’ve all committed every conceivable crime there is either mentally or physically because energy and matter are one and the same. And like Buddha said over 2,000 years ago “all is Mind”. Think about it…have you ever killed someone with a thought? Have you ever lied to yourself, robbed yourself of happiness or sucked someone’s energy in order for you to feel better about yourself? I bet that if you absolutely told the truth on yourself, you would see that you’ve done it all and that there is no crime that you’re not guilty of, at least potentially in your mind. No point in blaming anyone for anything anymore because the truth is out; what we perceive to be outside of us is simply our many other selves animating our guilt and our loveless thoughts, words and deeds in the external world. But first, know this it all started in your mind!

The truth is - you are the one you hate, the one you love, the one you judge and attack and the one you close your heart to. There can be no one else out there because there is only one – YOU. In fact you are a multi dimensional being acting on the stage of your life wearing many masks, but playing all the parts. Shakespeare was right when he wrote

“All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts”

And now with the celestial speed up taking place in the world, if we want freedom for one and all we must embrace our lost and lonely selves crying out for love through the process of true forgiveness. We have little time to be finger pointing, so please listen with your heart. There is a Divine plan unfolding in the cosmos that has little or nothing to do with what your ego wants and everything to do with bringing your life and this entire planet back into harmony. Forgive yourself, your life, your country, your neighbor and whatever else you need to forgive and declare that the resurrection power lives in you!

Make this day, February 7th come alive with true forgiveness and feel in your heart that everything in this world is breathing along with you. Know that every man women and child is God in you and that every tree, flower and ocean is God in you. Just know that God soars on the wings of an eagle, and sees through the eyes of a whale. Know that God claims you to be his only begotten Son - light and lover of life. Feel in your heart, His hands reach down from heaven and claim you to be his music and his dance, his artist and his creative mind expressing infinitely throughout the universe. And then above all else, realize that your eyes will only see His hand upon all things when you act with true forgiveness. Learn kindness and give the gift of your Highest Self, the part of you that knows only of peace, joy, light, love and compassion.

Declare this day to be your day; a day that you finally throw off the shackles of resentment and through the selfless gift of true forgiveness breathe new life into your soul by seeing the entire world at peace inside of your heart. The next time someone does something to you stop and ask yourself “would I accuse myself of this”? Then choose always to give the gift of true forgiveness in light of unity consciousness.

Steps to giving the Gift
1. Get up and begin your day with a simple prayer of “Help me Lord”. You need a guide on this journey of spiritual recovery. Don’t kid yourself. True forgiveness requires a Higher Power at work in your life.

2. Think of everyone that you have shut out of your heart and see your face in place of theirs and know that these people are disguised as your many other selves crying out for love and acceptance. Realize that you can set yourself free through the gift of true forgiveness. Say to yourself - I will not cast the first stone, as I see the sins of humanity are also in me. I look inside first with compassion and uproot my own guilt.

3. Be grateful to these people for showing you all the unhealed guilt trapped within your consciousness. Identify what it is the person is showing you about yourself. Know that they are animating a part of you that you’re not seeing. Name the so called sin/mistake so that you can uproot it from your own consciousness.

4. Know that every conceivable sin/mistake ever committed lies as a potential crime in all of us as we are both energy and matter.

5. See your brother or sister as yourself because your brother IS yourself and then practice being very grateful to each and everyone who has caused you to be uncomfortable for they have been sent by God to help you see yourself and the guilt you hold. Say to yourself – “Thank you for showing me my own guilt. I didn’t see it before you came along. Now I can forgive myself and you too because you have helped save me from myself” Claim that the resurrection power is in you!

End the day with a prayer that lets God know that you are grateful for absolutely everyone and everything in your life!

It is my prayer that you choose to make February 7th the first day of the rest of your life by setting your heart spirit free in the name of true forgiveness. Please help us to spread the good word that February 7th has been declared as TRUE FORGIVENESS DAY to one and all.

In the light of peace on earth
with love always,

Dehyana

The rabbit hops in...

2011-02-03T12:47:00.004+08:00

The rabbit hops in today to greet us another new Lunar Year!

This morning, other than Gary, Seah, Chan Wing Kai, Tony, John and I, we were surprised to see a lot more runners gathered at Bukit Aman to do their morning run. There was also Terence and with him were Maybel, Chooi Wan, Dr. Pui San, Dr. Su Mei, Veron, Alexis, Winnie and a few more who are preparing for the coming Hong Kong Marathon.

It is certainly good to know that people are now more conscious of their health and the importance of exercise. A very positive way to begin the new year!

Today is an auspicious day to wish everyone a year brand new.

"Let us look forward to a year of great love, blessings, happiness, improve health and easier finances.

May the challenges that come our way be the ones that will gain us logical insights and realize us into better people.

May all our successes and achievements humble us even more.

May we live with good intention. Practise compassion. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regrets. Appreciate friends. Count our blessings. Continue to learn. Do what we love. And live as if this is all there is."

Cameron Highlands revisited

2011-01-14T17:53:00.020+08:00

My first holiday of the year is made of these...

FRIENDS

RUNNING IN SUCH LOVELY WEATHER

GREENHILL RESORT

YE OLE SMOKEHOUSE

BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS TO COLOUR OUR DAY

VEGETABLES EVERYWHERE...

FRUITS APLENTY

STRAWBERRIES GALORE!

SCONES & APPLE PIES

PASTRIES & TEA

PANCAKES

HAPPINESS IS SHARING A POT OF STEAMBOAT TOGETHER...

AND WITH WINE TO CHEER!

THE BOH TEA PLANTATION

"To him in whom love dwells, the whole world is but one family." - Buddha

Thank You for taking time off to share a moment of your life with me, my dear friends...John, Uncle Hooi, Janet, Lyne & Jenny!

Restart again

2011-01-10T15:14:00.003+08:00

Time flew again, faster than I could imagine which year I'm actually in now.

I was busy tying up the tail ends of a 'warehouse' project for my boss which will end in another 2 days. After that, I'll hit the reset button in my life so that I can drop the past, move on and start again.

I'm not sure what I'll do for 2011.
Making resolutions have become so passe nowadays, yet it is good to have some goals for the new year. For me, I think I'll just list down some basics which I know I can do and gonna achieve :

1. Learn Korean language (Registered. Class commencing on 15th Jan).

2. Take time to enjoy (Just back from a short break to Camerons with friends).

3. Ask for help when I need it.

4. Have a clear conscience and learn to listen to my heart more often.

5. Spend wisely.

6. Eat. Love. Pray.

Letting go old patterns is a huge task but every new year gives me an opportunity to reflect on all my flaws and unfulfilled missions, and set in motion renewed vows again.

2011, I welcome you and look forward all that you have in store for me!

What a year it has been!

2010-12-31T18:19:00.006+08:00

The year 2010 has been a roller coaster year for me. Despite the bumpy ride, I gained some invaluable experiences.

The year opened on a mixed note. I wasn't so sure where I was heading and in a haste, I landed up with a job that lasted me only for 2 months.

Then I decided to play nanny to my niece and nephew who came and stayed with us for a week during the school holidays. It is true after all when they said "Children are great teachers." They both taught a thing or two and it was an enriching experience.

Later, I got a contract to work as a Personal Assistant to the Managing Director in a local company. The position is completely foreign to me and I was thankful to be given the opportunity to even try!

In between the months, I volunteered in running events more than I raced. I've volunteered in Pacesetters 30k, NB15k, Mizuno Wave, SCKLIM, Orange Run, Kordel Walk and Chinwoo Biathlon but only participated in 3 races : Chinwoo Charity Walk, Hatyai Nature Run and Newton Run. Surprisingly, I won! Maybe fewer is better?

During the recent public holidays running buddies Eric and Gary explored a new running route for us to try at Desa Park City and all of us love it!

October : A few weekends spent being care-giver to my sister-in-law Tan In Mee, who is a Down Syndrome in hospital had taught me a few wonderful lessons about love. She has opened up my soul to realize that people with learning disability are special in their own ways. Their talents, innocence and beauty is really up to us to discover them. Goodness, it took me a decade to see and learn these things from her!

November : I attended a Breathworks session with Dehyana and the message of love and forgiveness were once again emphasized to me so vividly. Dehyana also highlighted to me the importance of receiving as in giving. There must always be a balance in giving and receiving.
I was also invited to witness the baptism of Ms. Moey's 91 year old aunt, her cousin & cousin-in-law (who are parents of my friends, Sook Fun, Sook May & Joanne).

December : It's always a month of celebration, reunion and reflection.
Celebrated Susan's 71st birthday and had a good time reuniting with old collegues eg. Jenny Tan, Ven Sze, Chris, Shirlay, Monica, Peony, Veron, Valerie etc.
Former classmates held our Annual Get-Together at Karen's place and the turn-out was fantastic. We repeated our life's stories, recalled some silly old school jokes and it was a whole barrel of fun!
As usual, we had Christmas at Ms. Moey's home with her family and some of her close friends, and it was like a yearly affair for us. The next day, we had late Christmas lunch with my mom, sister and Tan In Mee (my SIL).

On a more serious note, I attended a preliminary round of Hospis home visit with Shafeqsh, a Hospis Nurse (I hope to elaborate on this in another blog later).
I also participated in a workshop for Hospis volunteers conducted by Dr. Edlin, Dr. Felicia, Raymond and Ranjit where topics such as Pain In Palliative Care, Being Non Judgmental in our role as volunteers, the history of Hospis were the order of the day. Raymond taught us on how to deal with the wheelchair (safety transfer, body mechanic and types of transfer) which I often had problems with.

I guess at the end of the training, the questions that I need to ask myself are :
As a helper in palliative care, how am I living my life?
How can I contribute to help improve the patients quality of life?
What kind of awareness can be done to change the public mindset that Hospis is really NOT a place for the dying but a window between a patient and caregiver where compassion flows?

Indeed, it has been a year of trying new things and failing in many aspects.
It has also been a year of making the most mistakes and taking each one as a lesson learned.
It has been a year of personal growth...pushing me to a totally new level where I finally learn to look at life with different eyes, and allow everything to be my teacher and my healer.

Before I close another chapter in 2010, I wish to thank the Year for the giving me all the opportunities to make mistakes and learn, for new friends that I made, for old friends that remain true and for people that appeared in my space, providing me with an opportunity to love myself!

"The people we are in relationship with are always a mirror, reflecting our own beliefs and simultaneously we are mirrors reflecting their beliefs. So a relationship is one of the most powerful tools for growth...If we look honestly at our relationships we can see so much about how we have created them". - Shakti Gawain.

A Christmas Message

2010-12-24T16:28:00.003+08:00

When I received this message from Dehyana, it is quite clear that this message is not just meant for me but for each and everyone of us.
The gift of forgiveness.
It is always so easy to say "I forgive" but have I really forgive to the extend that I can love the person once more?

"As I contemplate the deeper meaning of the birth of Jesus, I drop my mind down into my heart and let the Christ in Christmas be born in me.

It occurred to me this morning as I glanced at the headlines of our daily newspaper, that a life not centered on Christ is a life filled with longings and desires that can’t find their satisfaction in what this world offers. And it’s obvious as I listen to the endless stories of lives gone bad that each one of us carries way too much negativity in our hearts. As the holidays quickly approach, it is my hope that every person alive, regardless of their religious beliefs, takes part in the birthing of pure heart consciousness through a deep and profound willingness to forgive and forget. What a gift each of us can give to all people everywhere; the gift of total and complete forgiveness of this great illusion.

Christmas reminds us that the love of God incarnated and took a body as the one born in Bethlehem. Christ Jesus, wrapped in solar light, demonstrates the hope of glory hiding in each one of us. The Christ in you is eager to use you as the gift of redemption in this world. Are you willing? Do you want to walk the malls this holiday season and enjoy Christmas celebrations with family and friends without judgment, exhaustion, depression and anger? If so, keep the Christ in Christmas alive by forgiving everyone with a pure heart, regardless of past hurts or regrets. The story of Jesus being born on earth is the story of you being born as the son of man, only to rise as the Christ in God. Bethlehem is in you. The manger is in you as the Christ child, a pure heart, the innocent one, forgiveness incarnate, wrapped in the same solar sun of God’s infinite love!

In case you haven’t realized, we all face the same uncertainty about the future of our planet. There is far too much hatred in the world because there remains unforgivness in our hearts. Ask yourself this right now, “Who and what must I forgive?” If you want the redeemer to live in you, then you must release all negativity through radical forgiveness and give only love and acceptance. And if you wish to join with those of us who are working toward unity consciousness, please get out of your head and get into your heart this holiday season by keeping the Christ in Christmas. Forgive, forgive and forgive some more until you are grateful to God for your life and all things in it.

I invite each and every one of you to join with me as we make a conscious decision this holiday season to live always from our hearts. Merry Christmas to the Christ in each one of us, for we are the light of the world.

Ps. if you don’t know what to give someone this Christmas, stop thinking about what to buy them and simply show up as someone who has made a difference in their life!"

God Bless You,
Dehyana

Giving and receiving are one and the same!

2010-12-24T16:17:00.005+08:00

I would also like to share an article which I received from the holiday edition of 'The Key' a newsletter from Anchoring The Light:

Christmas is a time for celebrating, for getting together with family and friends; it is a time for joy, happiness and child-like excitement! And of course, what would Christmas be without all those goodies stacked under the tree?

During this festive time of year, it's so easy to get caught up giving (and let's be honest - receiving!) the perfect gift. With the constant bombardment of a consumer society; commercials, emails, flyers, and apps all advertising the perfect gift, encouraging you to buy buy buy, it's easy to get caught up in the commercialism of the holiday season. This truly is a magical time of year by offering some tips to keep you centred and grounded, while still participating in the tradition of giving during the festivities:

10. Let go of holiday expectations and detach with love.

9. Call a friend you have lost touch with to wish them a happy holiday.

8. Volunteer your time at a local shelter.

7. Give a gift of appreciation for that special someone who serves you, often without recognition.

6. Treat yourself! Often we are so focused on what to buy for others that we forget about ourselves. Give something to you!

5. Make a conscious effort not to get stressed at this time of year by being grateful for what you have and for the people surrounding you.

4. Say a silent prayer every time you purchase a gift for someone.

3. Don't wait for the big day to give. Why not give the gift of a smile…it goes a lot further than you might think, and you can't beat the price.

2. Forgive that person you've been holding a grudge against.

1. Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by remembering that you are light and love.

To build a better world is to build a better you

2010-11-11T16:14:00.003+08:00

Just when I thought that great social problems are beyond our scope these days, I came across an article with this small story :

God said to me, "Your task is to build a better world."

I answered, "How can I do that? The world is such a large, vast place, so complicated now, and I am so small and useless. There's nothing I can do."

But God in His great wisdom said, "Just build a better you."

To Robert Kot

2010-11-05T17:52:00.010+08:00

Dear Robert,

I know I'm one day early but I'll be travelling tomorrow, so I'm writing to you now.

How the years have flown…
It’s been 6 years since you left. I thought it would be good to let you know how much I missed you and how often your name popped up in some of our conversations whenever ‘we’ meet up. ‘We’ are the Clinique alumnis.
Yes, you’ve left that indelible mark on our hearts.

I left company just about the time you went off to your heaven.
I’ve always wonder what would life be after Clinique because in the Lauder family, one is so protected, so pampered and so respected.
Not many, especially those who have worked for more than a decade would even dare to dream of leaving.
My existence there for two decades was a gigantic achievement or so I thought!
But I guess I’m also one who has always been seeking to experience something different.
Although I’m neither adventurous nor ambitious, I’m always curious.

Therefore, I went seeking for something more fulfilling but before I even discover what I’d really wanted, I landed with old Sue again. I helped her develop her businesses and don’t deny that I did gain a wealth of knowledge from all the businesses that she ventured in.
And of course, lessons which I’ve learned from you still stay intact.
They became a source of encouragement for me over the years.
For example, the company’s vision statement of Bringing The Best To Everyone We Touch became a personal motto for me as well.
Remember how you used to challenge me on staffs’ turnover and pressure me crazy over their productivity?
Honestly, I detested it and fought back with questions like, “Why don’t you pressure the HR manager? It’s also her responsibility as well!”
Deep down, only I alone will know the answer to my own question.
You’d wanted me to look beyond myself and grow.

You must've known that by the time I left Clinique, I had succeeded in controlling the turnover and the Brand was experiencing a double digit growth. It matters a lot to me at that time.
Some of the best friends I have now are my own staff, because you’ve inspired me to take it deeply from within and to serve them with the heart.

When I started with Sue, I didn’t leave those principles behind, I actually carried them along with me, much to the chagrin of my boss then.
Although he seemed to be a nice young chap, our working styles were completely different.
I could always feel negative energies from him. I don’t know. I just felt it and it was suffocating my soul.
I endured for 5 years and left.
I left with no regrets because I badly needed time to heal myself.
I need to learn how to let go….

I took a break and spent the last one and a half years, semi-working, reflecting and taking time to seek, to observe, to learn, to serve, to run and to dream a bit more than before. Basically, I need to realign myself back with nature.
Bits and pieces of my interesting encounters are shared in this blog.

Unlike some of my peers, I haven’t made much progress career wise, but I’m not worried. At some point in life, one needs to slow down and take stock of what we have in order to appreciate more.
It was good for me to look at the various aspects of life and learn.
Still learning…

I knew for sure what I wanted to do. I want to work in Hospis! Don’t ask me why. My heart just felt it.
The saying, ask and it shall be given….
Not so in my case, I asked but was rejected several times. I felt upset and discouraged.
Perhaps, it wasn’t meant for me after all.

Therefore, I’m now back to the retail industry which fortunately, I still do have some values. Haha! Friends commented that it is all fated because retail operation remains my forte – I can’t run away from it.
But then, retail no longer excites or drives me like it used to before.
Although the rewards are good but it is not the same as doing something after my own heart. Get the drift?

Guess what? I’m currently engaged with the Bonita Group Of Companies, reporting directly to the MD. He’s very kind man.
In some ways, he reminds me of you. I’m not joking!
Good business acumen, compassionate and down to earth.
But there’s one thing he is of no match to you; his attention to details. I guess you’ve set such high standards that made it so difficult for me to compare anyone with you. Perhaps, that’s the reason why I appear in his space.

Well, Robert. I don’t think I have the guts to tell you all these if you’re still my MD. But now, I’m writing it all down for you.
If you’re still around, I’ll be presenting to you my retail sales plan and we will be discusing about sales vs. target.
Funny, how we tend to talk more privately to people only when they are gone.
Sad, but I supposed life is like that.

Robert, do you remember how we panicked and got all stressed up over that Jeanette Wagner, Fred Langhammer and Leonard Lauder’s visits? Eeee…I certainly wouldn’t want to go through those nightmares again!

And I will also never forget the day when Steph and I were dragged to your office over an ad that we placed in The Star. We were forced to look at our own mistakes and when we couldn’t find it, you pointed out the flaws and taught us about attention to details all over again.
Your eye for details – no one in the company can escape from you!

Well, 6 years and many things have changed.
John and I had run a few more marathons.
Your daughters are all beautifully grown up. I’ve seen them every now and then in Annie’s facebook.
I met Mr. Loo briefly about 3 months ago and he is running Suria Meriang smoothly albeit the normal challenges.
Sue and Madam have both expanded their businesses and doing well.
The politics in this country are growing from bad to worse but you don’t need to know.
We’ve many more malls now and the cosmetics brands have increased 20 to 30 fold!
So are the competitions! It’s certainly not an easy market.

I believe as I mature my priorities change too. The things that are important to me right now are no longer the status, power or winning competitions.
It’s about living a life with love and humour. Love to understand and humour to endure.
It’s about learning to help the less fortunate.
It’s about leading with good intent of the heart.
This brought me back to some of the lessons which have been inspired by you.
You’ve taught me …

- The vision given and aims to aspire
- The pride of doing things well
- The attention to details
- The opportunities of responsibilities
- The power of perseverance
- To respect in order to gain respect
- To practice what we preach
- To deliver what we promise

Different phase in life, we do different things. And soon, I will be taking another leap of faith again.
By the time, I end this letter I already had a job offer from Hospis Malaysia and they are willing to wait for me to finish off my contract with Bonita until next year.
It is for me after all!!
Some people thought I am a bit ridiculous to opt out the security of a lucrative job and be surrounded by people who are terminally ill (directly or indirectly).
But I believe I will find meaning in my role in the palliative care services and the rewards will be much more than the salary package from both Clinique and Bonita put together.

I believe I'll be a better person too because I want to be a better person.

Miss you much...

A celebration, a story and a poem

2010-10-28T10:28:00.007+08:00

I attended my company's Annual Dinner last night, which is the reason why I can afford to be late at work this morning and quickly post an entry...yeh!

The Annual Dinner is held in conjunction with their 20th. year anniversary celebration. By request, I wrote and contributed a piece of poem to the Board of Directors, which was read so badly by the emcee that I almost flew off my chair!!

The poem : THE BONITA STORY

Every story begins with a chapter.
The chapter here is about an ambitious couple.
It all began with one simple journey,
A journey of a husband and wife’s passion for fashion and beauty.

From a humble beginning in Johor Baru way back in 1990,
Mr. & Mrs. Teo Ai Siong started the Bonita Group of Companies.
With diligence and perseverance, the business expanded and grew,
We saw how those sales charts flourished and flew!

When the couple’s desire to expand the business increased,
They ventured into cosmetics to fill the customers’ needs.
Products are that good, affordable and of variety,
Bingo! And the rest they said is history.

The Brand was born 5 years ago,
It is none other than the famous elianto.
To fulfill the needs of women from head to toe,
Today, millions of elianto units are sold.

The birth of Tiamo speaks of Sylvia’s love for fine, elegant fashion and shoes.
It boasts a wealth of designer pieces and jewelleries for customers to choose.
Tomorrow at Gardens Mall, a new Tiamo Concept Store you’ll find,
The concept of designer Ballerina Flats that is first of its kind.

So, it started with one simple dream twenty years ago,
Now we’ve seen that dream beginning to overflow.
An empire filled with handbags, shoes and cosmetics galore!
Also with accessories, time-pieces and many many more.

Bonita Group of Companies - 20 years old.
The chapter of her achievement has now been told.
Yet to unfold are twenty thousands more…
Her success stories still plenty in store.

Mr. & Mrs. Teo (my bosses) are one of the most successful couple in the retail industry and I'm inspired by their humble story. I'm glad our paths crossed.

A worthy comeback

2010-09-27T22:41:00.006+08:00

9 months ago I was lamenting over the physical pain of my back that had gone crooked! 9 months ago I was coping with the psychic pain of not being able to run. Although I know I should give my body a chance to rest and shouldn't rush its healing process, it was tough.
After all the time, energy and miles invested to get into an optimum fitness level, it was difficult to just give up an activity which has been a large part of me for so many years. Then there is always the fear of losing my stamina and my sanity as quickly as I stop running. Therefore, in between times, I walked so that I don't fall into that lazy mode.
For an active person like me, my patience had surely been tried and tested...argh!! However, after 8 months of rest, it is equally important to know how to come back slowly. When I started, I trained with care...taking it slowly on flat roads, avoiding hills and ran the Hatyai Nature Run in August. I started participating in local races just about 2 weeks ago; the Chin Woo 5km Walk and Newton 25km Run where I ran the 12km distance.
As I wasn't quite ready for both events, I adjusted my expectations and took it easy in order not to get frustrated. I didn't get frustrated - instead, I was elated with my feat. I emerged Champion in both the said events, much to the surprise of many and my own!
Perhaps I was just lucky but my results were not bad at all. I managed 30mins for the 5km Walk and 68mins for Newton 12km Run where there were at least 3 to 4 hills to tackle. To be able to taste victory once more when I least expected it, feel just too good to be true.

Now I think the time taken off to rest has given me an opportunity to get to know my body and get it a chance to rest and heal. Perhaps, my body is also thanking me too.
The lesson? Rest is actually good for me. Yup, these 2 trophies had proven to me that the body has the capability to bounce back to form, if I allow her the rest she deserves. It will also serve as a reminder for me to race wisely from now on.

Shanghai!

2010-09-16T16:53:00.024+08:00

We had 4 holidays during Hari Raya and took the opportunity to take a short break ourselves. We were excited. We are supposed to visit the World Expo in Shanghai. But upon arrival, we decided to change our plans.

Shanghai is so crowded. Everywhere we go...it's only people and buildings that our eyes behold. However, we delighted ourselves to the magnificent sights from the Oriental Pearl Tower, the beautiful sceneries in Yu Yuan Garden and in Hangzhou, we found beauty around the West Lake etc.

On arrival at the Arrival Hall, we were greeted by a huge group of fans who were waiting anxiously for their idol. Their greetings took us by surprise as we did not get to see who the celebrity was. We were told that he is a Korean star. However, with all the excitement in cheerings and screamings, it was impossible for us not to feel 'grand' (ahem!)!

We stayed at Citadines Shanghai Biyun, a subsidary of the Ascot. This hotel apartment is cozy and comfortable.

The Oriental Pearl Tower - An outstanding landmark of Shanghai.

A panoramic view from The Oriental Pearl Tower - towering at 468m high, it's the highest tower in Asia and 3rd highest in the world.

Shanghai! Shanghai!

Yu Yuan Garden - An exquisite layout with beautiful scenery. The artistic style of garden architecture have made this garden one of the highlights of Shanghai.

Chenghuangmiao surrounding area - a commercial center where one can taste delicious local delicacies and enjoy some shopping. It was packed with people (both local & tourists).

The busy and famous Nanjing Road known as "first Street in China". It is one of the busiest and most important commercial place. Endless shopping. It's always packed with tourists. Here one can feel the pulse of modern Shanghai.

The Bund

Took a train to Hangzhou.

"Ripping water shimmer on sunny day
Misty mountains shrouded the rain
Plain or gaily checked out like Xizi
West Lake is always alluring." - Su Dongpo

These poetic sentiment leaves one in no doubt of the glory of the scenery that inspired them.

THE BALANCE OF LOVE

2010-08-31T18:09:00.006+08:00

A woman died after living a long, dignified life. When she meets GOD, she asks Him something that has long bothered her. "If man is created in GOD'S image, and if men are created equal, why do people treat each other so badly?"
GOD replied that each person that enters our life has a unique lesson to teach us, and only through these lessons that we learn about life, people, relationships and GOD. This confuses this woman, so GOD begins to explain :

1. When someone lies to you, it teaches you that things are not always as they seem. The truth is often far beneath the surface. Look beyond the mask people wear if you want to know their heart. And remove your own mask to let people know yours.

2. When someone steals from you, it teaches you that nothing is forever. Always appreciate what you have, for you never know when you might lose it. And never take your friend and family for granted because today is the only guarantee you have.

3. When someone inflicts an injury upon you, it teaches you that human state is fragile. Protect and take care of your soul as best you can because it's the only thing you are sure to have forever.

4. When someone mocks you, it teaches you that no two people are alike. When you encounter people who are different from you, don't judge them by how they look or act. Instead base your opinion on the content of their heart.

5. When someone breaks your heart, it teaches you that loving someone does not always mean that the person will love you back. But don't turn your back on love because when you find the right person, the joy that person brings will make up for all the past hurts put together.

6. When someone holds a grudge against you, it teaches you that everyone makes mistakes. Forgive the offender without any pretence. Forgiving those who have hurt us is the most difficult yet the most courageous and noblest thing a man can do.

7. When a loved one is unfaithful to you, it teaches you that resisting temptation is man's greatest challenge. Be vigilant in your resistance against all temptation. By doing so, you will be rewarded with an enduring sense of satisfaction far greater than the temporary pleasures by which you were tempted.

8. When someone cheats you, it teaches you that greed is the root of all evil. Aspire to make your dreams come true no matter how hazy they may be. Do not feel guilty about your success, but never let an obsession with achieving your goals lead you to engage in malevolent activities.

9. When someone ridicules you, it teaches you that nobody is perfect. Accept people for their merits and be tolerant of their flaws. Do not ever reject someone for their imperfection over which you have no control.

GOD tells the woman that man's capacity to love is the greatest gift he has. At the root of all kindness is love, and each act of love teaches us a lesson. As the woman's curiosity deepens GOD once again explains :
"When someone loves us, it teaches us the love, kindness, charity, honesty, humility, forgiveness and acceptance can counteract all evil in the world.
For every good deed, there is one less evil deed. Man alone has the power to control the balance between good and evil, but because the lessons of love are not taught often enough, the power is often abused.
When we enter someone's life whether by choice or chance, what will our lesson be? Will we teach love or harsh reality?
Each one of us has power over the balance of love, use that power wisely."

The above sharing is taken from an old e-mail sent to me by my late sister on April 26, 2005.

Of Friends, Fun, Food and The Hatyai Nature Run

2010-08-11T17:24:00.022+08:00

Looking Forward
If my memory have any measure of accuracy the last time I ran the Hatyai Nature Run was 8 years ago, in 2002. This year - I was looking forward.

Having refrained from running and competitions for an entire 7 months, I was looking forward.

Although my training was conservative; covering merely two 8kms and two 10kms on the Sundays in July, I was looking forward.

I was looking forward until 4 days before the race, I stepped onto a cracked plastic stool while doing some household chores, broke the stool and got cut on my left leg. It took me quite awhile to retrieve that darn leg out of the stool and when I finally succeeded, blood just oozed out as if it was ready to make a donation!
The cut wasn't that serious but it was rather a long, deep and painful one. Anyway, I am a sucker for pain and freak accidents like these happened to me every now and then. So it's no big deal.
John commented that depending on how fast the wound can heal, I may not be able to race. At that point, a brief wave of disappointment washed over me and my spirit was kinda dampened, yet I was still looking forward.

Whether I'm able to run or not, we made it to Hatyai - an 'entourage' of almost 45 of us travelling in a bus and 4 cars. The first day our time were occupied with race registration, shopping, eating and massages. The second day was pretty much the same...running, more shopping, more eating, more massages and at night, it was all about drinking, dancing and singing. In between, we had barrels of fun just by talking and laughing and then, laughing again and talking again!!!

Indeed, this is one of my merriest trips so far.

14th. Hatyai Nature Run
Upon arrival at the Prince Of Songkla University, we met many fellow Malaysian friends: Uncle Sonny and gang, Derrick Yau and friends, Tan Wah Sing and others. At the same time, we found new friends in Dr Au Yong Pui San, Carrie, Dannie and Yum Kin Kok.
That morning, a light drizzle greeted us and we were thankful that it went away as swiftly as it came. While waiting, we were joking and laughing again, being so amused by this Doctor-In-Distress Andrew Tye who is new to our group. All of us were so thoroughly absorbed with the topic of finding him 'his ideal wife' that we've almost forgotten all about time and race.
When we discovered that we were just minutes away to start, we hurriedly rushed to the start line. Then we discovered that we have not registered ourselves and hurriedly ran right to the back to register and then manoeuvred our way back to the pack somewhere in the middle...phew! How chaotic!

As soon as the race started, I was surprised and glad that my pair of legs although half-abused, had miraculously found their rhythm right away. Perhaps like me - they were also looking forward.
It's August now and it's also my first competition of the year, so I should just go easy and enjoy the run. My race distance is 10.5km and I would be happy if I could make it back within an hour but John predicted 55mins for me. Anyhow, I started at a comfortable pace, enjoying the cool breeze that the early morning drizzle had left behind.

At about 3km, I sighted Agnes Tee not far and was instantly motivated. I ran together with Agnes sharing the light-hearted moments which she missed out before the start of the race. We laughed again. When we reached the U-Turn (about 5.2km), Agnes alerted me that our timing was 28mins. It was good enough for me but knowing Agnes' potential, I suggested that she should speed up to catch some runners in front of us. She finally broke away from me at 7km. My pace was rather consistent and I kept at it all the way to the finishing line where I clocked in at 56mins. John's calculation was rather accurate after all. I took 8th placing in the Women's 40 above category and was pleased with it.
Later I managed to witness John sprinting triumphantly to the finishing line to obtain 10th placing in the Men's 40 above category. He ran 21.1km and did great in 1hr 41mins with 9 Thai fellas ahead of him!
The rest did very well too. Amongst the other winners from our group were Agnes Tee & Teresa Goh (both 10.5km), Lian Bee Hoon, Chooi Lin, Carol Low, Tammy, Shirley, Linda and Uncle Hooi (all 21.1km).

True to the very Thai tradition, people are very hospitable, so before and after every race, the food was abundant and everyone had a feast! Free flow of coffee, isotonic and water. Generous supply of porridge with yau char kway (deep fried buns), watermelons, meehoon and kway teow.

This is certainly one of the friendliest and most enjoyable runs!

Acknowledgements
I would like to accord my gratitude and thanks to the following:
- NEW BALANCE & GIORDANO : for sponsoring us the T-Shirt, Travelling Bag & other gifts.
- GARY GOH : his tireless effort in arranging for our transport, accomodation and meals.
- RICHARD TAN : our coach captain cum comedian who never ceases to entertain us with his endless supply of jokes and old grandfather's stories. There's never a dull moment with him around!
- DR ANDREW & PEK MOI : the temporary couple in Hatyai who added so much live and colour to this trip. Thank you for being extremely sporting and for giving us so much laughter and fun.
- AGNES TEE : my shopping and running companion in Hatyai.
- SOOK YING & LYNE TOH : my 2 training partners prior to the race.
- WENDY SOO : for her contagious laughter.
- TAI,GARY & LIM CHIN GUAN : for taking our photographs.
- MRS. HOOI & MRS. LIM - for looking after our bags.
- UNCLE HOOI : for inspiring us all to keep running and stay young.
- JOHN : for sponsoring all my shopping in Hatyai.
- EVERYONE : for spreading their joy, sharing their jokes, telling their stories and imparting us with good memories to cherish.

An enjoyable run, a memorable trip and the journey ended on a happy note...But out there in the elements, the fundamental truth had emerged. Some of the most important things in life really are friends, beauty, love and the journey does matter more than the destination - lessons human beings can evidently learn over and over and never tire.

Krab Khun!

Making Ezra Frech's Dream Come True

2010-08-03T20:40:00.001+08:00

Days of running dangerously

2010-07-19T14:58:00.006+08:00

When they said life is a cycle...it's a true, and there is a law to it - the law of cause and effect.
For the last 6 months I have been paying the price for my days of running dangerously. Now when I think of it, there were those times...
when I fell while racing near the plantation in Bukit Tunggal (Kampung Gajah) with blood dripping to the finishing line...I continue running.
when I hurt my knees at Lake Gardens many years back...I continue running.
when I slipped and injured my back at my office lobby...I continue running.
last year, I fell badly on the uneven pavement along Padang Merbuk...I rested for a week and continue running, and participated in many more races including two full marathons and two ultras (if you consider Maran Walk & 12 hour Walk).

I felt like a hero. A silly one.

The value of patience
Quite often, I thought the way to treat an injury is not to rest it too much, and so I always hope that whatever ails me will be something that I can work through. It doesn't work because I know I can not go against nature. Well, those 6 months had taught me the value of patience.
But then, long distance runners are patient people. We ran for hours to reach our destination - our goal. We trained for months for that one race. We know how to pace ourselves for the long haul. But many times, when our legs are sore and our bodies are begging for rest, we tend to go against it. For a runner, paying the price for not being able to run is even more painful than running a 84km!

Having learnt some lessons, I believe everyone deserve a second chance, including me.

Finding joy in walking and volunteering
It's been exactly 6 months since I gave my legs a break. Those 6 months were long but I managed to group up with "the walking kakis"...Jenny Lim, Jenny Lee, Lynn, Tip and ocassionally Siew Cheng for our Sunday walk.
Other times when there are running events and races, I joined in as a volunteer and tried to gain different experiences in various field of work eg. time keeper, marshal etc. Although I didn't participate in any local races this year, being a volunteer gave me an opportunity to stay connected with friends in the running community and be a part of the event or race itself.
I discovered that I can enjoy myself just as much.

New shoes to mark New beginning
Yesterday my legs decided that it's time for them to start running again. As a celebration of their comeback, John bought them a new pair of running shoes. I've chosen the Mizuno Wave Hawk.

Gathered at Bukit Aman carpark at 6am with running buddies. Wah Chai and Gary had hangovers from their dinner the night before and resorted to walking instead. So I was left to run with Peter Teoh, Tai, Kim, Uncle Yee and Ah Fai. I ran cautiously with them until the bridge before crossing to the government offices. They proceeded to Hartamas while I ran the reverse route back to Lake Gardens.

My first 10km attempt for the year. It was good enough for me. I believe my legs found comfort in their new pair of Mizuno too.

Going to the temple?

2010-06-19T13:01:00.006+08:00

"Go not to the temple to put flowers upon the feet of God. First fill your own house with the Fragrance of Love...

Go not to the temple to light candles before the altar of God. First remove the darkness of sin from your heart...

Go not to the temple to bow down your head in prayer. First learn to bow in humility before your fellowmen...

Go not to the temple to pray on bended knees. First bend down to lift someone who is down-trodden...

Go not to the temple to ask for forgiveness for your sins. First forgive from your heart those who have sinned against you."
By Rabindranath Tagore

Life is short...

2010-06-17T20:12:00.006+08:00

I've been absent from Hospis for 3 months already.
Today I'm glad to find time to visit Hospis again.
The place is still the same. The volunteers and staff are still familiar to me. But the patients I once knew are all gone!
I was told that some have been discharged.
I missed them.
I was sad to learn that CK Loh, Madam Chong, Joe Han and Mr Ong had recently gone Home to their Maker.
But I am happy that at least, they are finally free from all pain and suffer no more...
Each one of them has taught me a life's lesson and I want to thank them for it.

Life is short and so fragile!

"All endings are also beginnings. We just don't know it at the time. The truth is, once you learn how to die, you learn to live." - Mitch Albom

A Wesak Day message and beyond

2010-05-29T17:43:00.003+08:00

Yesterday was Wesak Day. I received the following message from Bodhi Fellowship:

"The significance of Wesak lies with the Buddha and his universal peace message to mankind. He illuminated the way by which mankind could cross, from a world of supersition, or hatred and fear to a new world of light, of true love and happiness."

John and I are not very religious. We only go to the temple during Wesak Day and church during Christmas. We are seriously that simple. Although sometimes we failed in many aspects in life, we always try to make every effort we could, to live as decent human beings while trying to make sense of what being 'religious' or 'spiritual' is all about. Later, I concluded that Religion is the Politics of God while Spirituality is the Grace of God.

Dr. Brian Weiss in his book 'Messages From The Masters' pgs.236-238 wrote this :
"The soul has no race, no religion. It only knows love and compassion. When you dig beneath the surface rituals and customs of various religions, you find an amazing similarity of ideas, concepts, and advice. Even the words are incredibly similar.
In the end, it doesn't matter what sort of church and temple we attend, if indeed we choose at all. Like spokes on a bicycle wheel, all paths dictated by the great religions lead to the same center, to godliness and enlightenment. One path is no better or worse than the other. They are all equal.
To paraphrase a teaching found in all spiritual disciplines, the rain falls on the weeds as well as on the flowers, and the sun shines on prisons as well as on churches.
God's light does not discriminate, neither should ours.
There is not one path, one way, one church, one ideology.
There is only one light."

We can not direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.

2010-05-27T15:57:00.010+08:00

"We talk about the spirit and spiritual laws of acceptance, cooperation, understanding and enthusiasm. But what value are all of these if there are no charity? Charity is the keynote that allows us to function." - John Roger
That afternoon after the Breakfast Run In Memory Of Ngae, a group of 20 members from the Pacesetters Athletics Club made the day more meaningful by paying the elderly at Rumah Victory a visit.

Everyone of us puts in effort to contribute in our own way, be it in kind or cash. This time, instead of the usual tradition of donating money, John and I decided to contribute some items from their Wish List eg. Face Towels, Medicated Oils, Oats and Analgesic Balms for aches and pains.

In addition to that, Gary used some of the money he collected to purchase some food stuff, while Lyn bought vegetables and Tammy donated handrails and ceiling fans.

Lunch was served by us.

Goh See Kwong, John and Tammy rendered some songs to entertain them.

After that, we adjourned to a famous restaurant nearby for a great lunch.

Yes, it does feel so good to have great friends sharing the same passion. Truly it is not how much we have but how much we enjoy that makes happiness!

"How far you go in life depends on your being tender to the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant with the weak and strong. Because some day in life, you will have been all these." - George Washington Carver

In memory of Ngae

2010-05-26T15:13:00.013+08:00

After 2 weeks of gloom and doom, I'll like to think of brighter days ahead.

Last Sunday, Wan Yew Leong our former president of the Pacesetters Athletics Club initiated an impromptu memorial run for Ngae followed by breakfast. The turn-out was overwhelming. Wan commented that it was as good as a 30km practise run that he executed some years back. No doubt about that. Many came wearing their sarongs for the very first time (yours truly included) to run and some even ran barefooted (Ngae's trademark). Not that easy but we did it in memory of this man, our fellow runner and friend. I'm sure Ngae will be happy to know that so many of his friends from all over turned up to honour and remember him this way.

At 6am, the Bukit Aman carpark was already filled up with cars and runners were seen busy putting up our bibs 'In Memory Of Ngae Koh Hieng'. At 6.30am sharp, the event began with a short speech by Wan Yew Leong and a touching message from Ngae's wife delivered by Juliana Ali (Ngae's team-mate during the Langkawi Ironman 2009). We then observed a minute of silence after which, everyone was free to run their own distance.

I chose to walk with Lyn, Jenny Lee, Jenny Lim, Wern Jun, Siew Yin, Kien Ho and for the first time, Sofian's wife Tip joined us. She doesn't come out often and that Sunday, she came because of Ngae. We were unusually quiet in the begining. Perhaps, each of us, has our way of reminiscing our friendship with Ngae. Later Lok Chan Chuen caught up with us and broke the ice.

As we chatted, we realized that most of us shared similar feelings we had for Ngae. Feelings of deep regrets, of shame and of guilt. If only one of us cared enough to visit him...if only someone sensed it coming...if only we bothered...if only we knew.
This is life, very often things happened and we are left with...if only.

On that fateful Saturday, while John and I together with a group of volunteers from Pacesetters were busy distributing the New Balance 15km bibs to runners...
while we were packing goody bags and preparing some other stuffs...
while others were having tea and joking or perhaps, some went on a shopping spree..
There was a man, our friend facing his darkest hour. He was not an ordinary man we know - he had run 100km to raise fund for a kidney patient. He survived a 7 day challenge of the Marathon Des Sable running 243km across the Sahara. He conquered 3 Ironmans, did numerous Triathlons and ran countless marathons (barefooted and in his sarong)! He was an ultra runner extraordinaire.
But that evening he was hit by the pangs of loneliness...in solitude, depressed and confused. Something seemed so wrong! He was just waiting for the right time, the right place and the right moment to act. I wondered what was running through his mind at that moment?
Has he ever thought about the further suffering a fall from a height would cause his family and friends?
Has he ever wondered when his body would be found and shocking news his loved ones would receive?
Has he ever thought about life after death?
No, he was lost in his own world.
Many still struggled to get over this for awhile but the reality is, we had lost a friend.
We will live remembering Ngae as he was. Kind, humble, determined, loud, witty, bold, amiable and full of enthusiasm.

That Sunday morning it took Ngae's demise to bond us and to remind us again the important things in life. It also made us ponder our mortality.

As I reflect, I believe I need to do some soul searching and take a deeper look within myself.

"Life is divided into 3 terms - that which was, which is, and which will be. Let us learn from the past to profit by the present, and from the present to live better in the future." - William Wordsworth

Dedicated to Ngae

2010-05-16T01:44:00.009+08:00

Sat : 15-05-10
Another sad sad day. John and I are saddened by the sudden demise of a friend, an icon, an ultra-marathoner, an ironman and the unique bare-footed runner with sarong named Ngae.
We tossed and turned all night, unable to shake the feeling that it might turn out to be a rumour but it wasn't. While we were both feeling so worn-out from the day's volunteering for the New Balance 15km Run, we couldn't sleep and decided to just stay awake. The news had left our emotions running low and feeling down. I was disturbed.
As a cancer survivor, Ngae went against all odds to perform feats that were beyond him. He overcame the impossible and inspired many runners. To me, he was one superfit strong fella who could sail through every storm and fight anything! So, while I was serving as a Hospis volunteer, it never crossed my mind to visit him although I knew he wasn't feeling well. How thoughtless can I be!
My mind flashed back to some fond memories of Ngae and the one that strike me right now is when he sang this song over the breakfast table at Pasar Rakyat Imbi a long while ago. It was also a song I knew from my youth and I'm gonna dedicate this song back to Ngae.

"I don't know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from its sunshine,
For its skies may be to grey.
I don't worry o'er the future,
For I know what Jesus said.
And today I'll walk beside Him,
As He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand.
But I know who holds tomorrow,
And I know who holds my hand.

Every step is getting brighter,
As the golden stairs I climb.
Every burden's getting lighter,
Every cloud is silver-lined.
There the sun is always shining,
There no tear will dim the eye.
At the ending of the rainbow,
Where the mountains touch the sky."

Ngae, no one knows why but as you return safely home to your Maker, may your soul find peace, comfort and rest. May the sun keep shining on you as you journey to the end of the rainbow where the mountains touch the sky.

You will be greatly missed!

One painful lesson and some favourite things.

2010-05-14T19:47:00.006+08:00

Monday : 10-05-10.
I had the most unpleasant and dramatic day at work. I believe I really need to wake up and come to my senses...
That we now live in an era that encourages us to "polish our bosses' shoes" rather than working hard blindly.
That this is an age where most people make it their life's mission to cut the path of happiness short for others at work.

After today, I've learned that it is wiser to join forces with your opponents than to fight them. But then, I learnt it a little late and thus, became the weapon of my own destruction.
Devastated by the turn of events, I'm still bedevilled by the pangs of uncertainty and I remembered my own version of favourite things. I turned to them for comfort.
Sing with me if you can...(borrowed from Julie Andrews The Sound Of Music).

Sun blocks and lotions and lip balms for sunning,
Trophies and medals and prizes from winning,
Massages, deep heats and Milos they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Hot teas and coffees and waffles with butter,
Long distance phone calls and rooms filled with laughter,
Children at playground and gardens with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the pipes leak
When the bones creak
When the knees go bad
I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don’t feel so sad.

Pacesetters, movies and poetries in motion,
Mountains and beaches and Old Girls’ reunion,
Bundles of magazines tied up in strings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pains, confused brains, and no fear of sinning,
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinning,
And I won’t complain my short shrunken frames,
When I remember my favorite things.

When the joints ache
When the hips break
When the eyes grow dim
Then I remember the good life I’ve had
And then I don’t feel so bad!

She needs a house to put in a home.

2010-04-28T18:30:00.007+08:00

"A military chaplain told me the following story :

"A soldier's little girl, whose father was being moved to a distant post, was sitting at the airport among her family's meager belongings.
The girl was sleepy. She leaned against the packs and duffel bags.
A lady came by, stopped, and patted her on the head. "'Poor child,' she said. 'You haven't got a home.'
The child looked up in surprise. 'But we do have a home,' she said. 'We just don't have a house to put in.'"

Taken from a Sermon by the Reb, 1981. (pg 111 : Have A Little Faith by Mitch Albom)

Views from an unofficial volunteer.

2010-04-06T12:16:00.023+08:00

Conversations, feedbacks and post mortems discussed over breakfast last Sunday had prompted me to write this post.

Having suffered compressed nerve due to my lower back pain had left me with no choice but to take a break from various activities. Running has to take a back seat for now, while racing is totally out of the topic. Yet not wanting to be left out from the running arena, I played volunteer in a few running events and mainly those organized by Pacesetters Athletics Club. I was surprised and pleased to be rewarded with some valuable lessons that volunteerism had taught me.

March 27th.
That evening of the Energizer Night Run, John and I acted as supporters instead. So at around 5.30pm we found ourselves gathered amongst friends who were running the full marathon at Cyberjaya. I looked out for my running buddies and finally spotted all of them : Gary Goh, Peter Teo, Francis Cheng, Tai, Kim, Alan Tiang and Teresa Goh. Joining this ordeal were also Phaik Hoon, Siew Ling, Haza, Chooi Lin, Choi, Frank Chong, Keat Seong, Mr Lee, Lee Woon Khau, Stanley and Steven Ho. Then there were Marathon Maniac Mohan and Catwoman Jenap from Singapore being surrounded by friends as always. It's always a joy to have these two around. We gave them our wishes and at exactly at 6pm, the full marathon runners were sent off unceremoniously into the vastness of Cyberjaya.

This event failed to attract international runners. 95% of them were mainly locals while the other 5% were made up of runners from Singapore and foreigners working in Malaysia. No Thais.

Heat
The glare and heat emanating from the powerful sun had already sent many runners sweating buckets even before the race began! Awhile later, I was shocked to find Kar Yan & Kenny Tan rushing their way to the starting line and called out to them that the race has started. Somewhere, John was riding on his Scott...escorting friends, and hope to lend some moral support and hydrating aid.

Water
While waiting for the 21km to start at 8pm, I helped some volunteers set up a last-minute water station. It was last minute when the organizer realized that Powerbars were given without any water! There were actually cartons of water lying around, and some inconsiderate runners opened up the 1 liter bottle, only to drink a few sips and threw them on the ground! Shortly after that, the organizers managed to get paper cups and we started distributing water to runners. I was rather annoyed at how rude and ungrateful some runners can be. They disposed used cups everywhere and mixed them up with the new ones. Some even had the cheek to complain and asked why were they served with warm water? Well friends, when you're really thirsty and there's water, you just shut up and drink - you don't complain!

Earth Hour
At 8pm, lights were out for a moment, runners were all given an Energizer headlamp beforehand. I was thankful to obtain a headlight courtesy of Tomatoman earlier...I put it on and continued my duty together with Wen Jun and Siew Yin (both superb children of Jenny & Lee Woon Khau). Elsewhere, I heard some runners got stranded at the carpark due to shortage of shuttles. Oh no, they'll be late for sure.
We ran out of water supply about 8 minutes before the start of the 10km Race, which was not so crucial.

Time-Keeper
Soon after my 'water task', I rushed to the finishing area to help as time-keeper for the Men Senior Veteran category and was on time to register Don Khor as the champion for this category. Volunteers at the finishing area had their share of frustration as the area was not well-litted. We could hardly read the runner's bib number. The situation became even more choatic when the 10km and 21km runners were making their way back. It was hard for us to identify the top ten runners from the different categories. Somehow we managed.

Between Wong Kar Yan and Tan Wah Sing...
At one point, I got myself all messed up when John called me to announce that Kar Yan was approaching the finishing line soon and I was to take her picture. I was all ready with the camera until I saw the barefooted veteran Tan Wah Sing sprinting towards the finishing line as well. My duty was to register Tan Wah Sing as the 1st runner-up for the Men Senior Veteran, so I had to abandon Kar Yan for him. The excitement came about because it was Kar Yan's first sub-4 marathon and she is also the Champion in the Women's Open category. Her goal was to finish a sub-4 and she achieved it in 3hrs 55mins. That night belongs to Kar Yan...she was so happy she could fly! Well done!

We left the marathon site at almost 10.40pm and headed to a nearby stall for a light dinner. Then we caught Gary Goh and Alan Tiang jogging alongside each other. John alerted them that they still had 2km ahead of them, motivated them to move on and left Cyberjaya.

Now, the feedback which I'm gonna write below is solely based on my own observation, and with no intention of pointing fingers and critising anyone. What should have been the Energizer Night Race(ENR) had turned out to be Everything Not Right.

What exactly was not right?
Collection of Race Kits
The venue at Melia Hotel is smack in the heart of the busy Golden Triangle where the traffic flow is heavy most times making it very inconvenient for some runners, while for those working around that area actually thanked their stars. Parking is usually difficult and expensive.

Vest sizes
Many runners lamented over the sizes being too small or too big (as always!) This has been a perpectual problem in most running events. Well, the bottom line is that there is NO PERFECT SIZE. In overseas where we ran, you just take it or leave it. Period. No one complains or maybe there were complaints but what we don't know won't hurt us.

Race Village
Cyberjaya may be a good place to run but logistically, parking is limited and the roads are narrow. There were no proper signages directing runners to the race village.

Car Park
Parking area is too far away from the race village. The arrangement of shuttle buses by the Organizers were not efficient, not sufficient, resulting in some runners reporting late for the race. After the race, runners had to wait for the shuttle bus to ferry them back to the car park.

Starting Line
Many runners approached me asking for the Start Line which I myself were so unsure. Later I realized that the arch is black and it was difficult to see it at night.

Race Course, Route Markers and Marathon Distance
Race Course - Too many turns. Good for some and bad for others.
Route Markers - Lack of route markers. Again, good for some and bad for others.
Marathon Distance - According to runners who wore their Garmin, the full marathon distance was shorter by 2km. This is huge for some, while others who aim just to complete couldn't be bothered.

Finishing Line
Dark - Volunteers find difficulties capturing top runners at the finishing as the area wasn't bright enough.
Narrow Lane - The lanes were very narrow. Fancy, 42k runners sharing lanes with 10k is a bad joke! Some runners were confused where to finish as the directions were not clear at all.
Digital Clock - How can the digital clock showing runners their race time be missed out? Normally, runners would want to look at their official finishing time shown on that digital clock above the finishing arch.
Finishing Arch - Banners indicating the different categories were lacking at the finishing arch. Some runners zig-zagged their way through and found themselves finishing at the wrong lanes. Poor Tan and Ken Kan had to direct every runner to take the correct lane using their hands and mouths!!

Vehicles
I was actually shocked to find that vehicles were allowed to enter into the finishing site while runners were already making their way back to the finishing line. When questioned, they claimed that they are VIPs or main sponsors of the event. To me, the VIPs for any running event is none other than the runners themselves. Period. It's a fact and the public must learn to respect that. Can you imagine a runner running triumphantly after 42km or 10km or 21km only to realize that he has to share the finishing lane with an inconsiderate Honda or Proton? This is absolutely uncalled for.
There were two occassions where the ambulance was desperately finding a way to get out to that narrow lane filled with runners from the various categories dashing their way back!

Baggage Tent
Some said it was quite a distance and they had to search for it. I agreed cos' I was helping Siew Cheng locate it as well. It was about 1km from the starting line into the center.

Prizes
Many podium finishers felt they were being short-changed even until today. Winners were promised Cash Vouchers worth RM___but instead they were given 2 months or 6 months Free Membership at a Fitness Center. They were also rewarded with Adidas gift vouchers worth RM50 redeemable with purchase of RM250 running shoes. I find this very misleading indeed!
But then what was written in The Sun was something else. It is stated that winners were awarded with cash prizes worth RM___. Cash, cash vouchers and gift vouchers are all totally different altogether.

A bottle of water, please!
I believe it's very important that every runner be handed a bottle of water at the finishing (regardless of whether he/she needs it). An exhausted runner may not have the strength to walk another few more steps to line up for water. The Organizers obviously haven't learned the lesson from Gary who collapsed and passed away during Adidas King of The Road 2009. Or perhaps, they didn't take his death seriously? Or they could've forgotten all about it? So he died in vain. sigh!

Enough said about what's not right. Please pardon me if I sound like such a smart alec. But then, the truth has to be told and this is only my 2 cents worth. From my heart. Without any bad intentions whatsoever.

What went well?
Water Station / Gatorade
Ample water stations and Gatorade to keep runners hydrated.

Water Sprays
Water sprays from the Fire Brigade came as a refreshing surprise to many. Most runners welcomed it.

Medal
The medal is very nice and worth running for. Something a runner would be so proud to display and to keep for a long long time.
(pix courtesy of runwitme)
Volunteers / Organizing Committee
Whatever the event had turned out to be, the people who worked their butts off behind the scenes should be applauded. Personally, I know of these people who are so committed in putting their best effort for runners to enjoy a great race. But then again as always, they can't please everybody.

It's not easy running a marathon, let alone execute a running event.
Last Sunday, I mentioned to some friends from the Organizing Committee that they should not ignore critisms and complaints but to take them to the next level and improve on it for future events. We all keep learning. Perhaps those who made a big hoo-ha out of this should also try helping out in such event one day. It is not that easy, believe me.

Learning and contributing
During the recent NB30k Run, I remember being scolded by some runners the minute we ran out of Finisher T-Shirt. What do we do at times like this? Do we run away from accountability because we are just a volunteer? It is our responsibility to put things into perspective. Runners are customers too. Being a sales person, this is an area where I can, at least contribute my bit and put my skills at work - Customer Service.

Finally, may I suggest that everyone should consider being a volunteer at least once in their lifetime. Only then, will we be able to truly understand the frustration as well as the fun of being a volunteer or organizer. Only then, we will be able to learn to appreciate more and complain less.

He sleeps in a storm

2010-03-29T21:44:00.005+08:00

Glad, I still managed to squeeze in some time to read.

I've just learned something from my favourite author Mitch Albom in his latest 'have a little faith.' I'll share here :

A man seeks employment on a farm. He hands his letter of recommendation to his new employer. It reads simply, 'He sleeps in a storm.'
The owner is desperate for help, so he hires the man.
Several weeks pass, and suddenly, in the middle of the night, a powerful storm rips through the valley.
Awakened by the swirling rain and howling wind, the owner leaps out of bed. He calss for his new hired hand, but the man is sleeping soundly.
So he dashes off to the barn. He sees, to his amazement, that the animals are secure with plenty of feed.
He runs out to the field. He sees the bales of wheat have been bound and are wrapped in tarpaulins.
He races to the silo. The doors are latched, and the grain is dry.
And then he understands. 'He sleeps in a storm.'

My friend, if we tend to the things that are important in life, if we are right with those we love and behave in line with our faith, our lives will not be cursed with the aching throb of unfulfilled business. Our words will always be sincere, our embraces will be tight. We will never wallow in the agony of "I could have, I should have."
We can sleep in a storm. And when it's time, our good-byes will be complete.

Taken from a Sermon by the Reb, 1975 (pg.93 Have A Little Faith by Mitch Albom)

Nostalgia

2010-03-18T18:26:00.007+08:00

It's been 4 years since my sister Jennifer left us...seriously, that's how swiftly time passes by.
I realized that I still think and talk about her often and then, I know just how much I missed her. Her fiery outburst, her infectious laughter, her fighting spirit, her warmth...

Some glamorous job titles...

2010-03-13T21:17:00.010+08:00

It's been a week since I started working. I hope I won't end up in the rat-race again. I don't know. I only hope.
I think I'll probably not talk about my new job until I'm more settled. It is not very different from what I've been doing. Just different products, different boss, different people and different working environment and it's all a matter of adjusting myself. One of my new collegues here happened to be an old staff of mine...15 years ago! It is indeed such a small world!
My first week at work was a breeze. The team is few and new, and there are still some recruits reporting in next week and some next month. Therefore, getting to know one other is easy. The other day, my boss was about to print my name card and she asked me what title would I like to put in my card??? Ha! how funny...My previous boss actually asked me the same thing before!
I am a very practical person and am least concern with a job title. I am more concern about my job scope or the pay package.
Later I learnt that your job defines you as much as your gender and upbringing do. I was told that it gives an insight to your level of education and lifestyle. In other words, having a glamorous job title actually carries more weight especially when you have to deal with people of higher ranks later. Not true.
Hence, a janitor can also be called as a "Custodial Engineer". A man who fixes toilets can be known as "Latrine Specialist" instead of a plumber. Housewives are now famously known as "Ministers of Home Affairs", while "Eco-warrior" is a perfect job title for the gardener or environmentalist. An "Apparel Expert" is also totally acceptable for a tailor. Well, I've also came across a nurse who named herself as a "Helping Angel" and the physician, a "Facilitator of Hope". Some nutritionists even have "Wellness Master" on their name cards while financial planners are calling themselves "Wealth Analyst". Now even an encofineer is calling himself the "Director of Solemn Ceremonies"!
Whatever that be...
I told my boss that I will humbly adhere to the unglamorous and straight forward "Sales Manager". But it is "Retail Operating Manager" that she suggested for me. Well, please don't ask me exactly what I operate...

Two sides of a coin.

2010-03-07T19:37:00.006+08:00

As I write this, I feel truly blessed.
And I've got to sincerely thank my husband John and my sister June for it. I thank God for them. Because of them, I was given a whole year to rest and to do what I've wanted to do. Because of them, I was able to free myself from the stress of the working world and live a life.

John and June are the only ones who understood why I needed the 'break' while the rest of the world just watched and assumed, "Ah, that woman has already made her bucks! That's why she can afford not to work!"
The truth is I am not loaded at all. I don't purchase branded goods, drive a luxury car or dine in expensive restaurants. As a matter of fact, those who made that assumption are far more loaded than me.

The saying, "If you fall from grace, you'll know who your friends are" is very true. I don't think it's a disgrace when one stop working.
But I did encounter an unpleasant experience where I bumped into an old staff who completely ignored me when we met. I heard she got promoted recently. A few years back, I would get upset over a situation like this but not anymore now. People like this do not bother me anymore...the rythmn of life goes on no matter how well or how badly we went through our own. Along the way, I've also met new friends whose lives inspired and shamed me. I've learnt great lessons from them.

Ah, fortunately there are always two sides of a coin.
It is touching to have friends who face so much themselves and yet always put time aside to care.
Then there is a teacher, now a busy CEO who remembers me in her prayers and never failed to invite me over for Christmases and birthdays.
A fellow volunteer whom I just got to know but cares to text me when I was ill and down.
A young boy with learning disability sends his love every now and then even when I do not ask for it.
A few good friends who never forget to have dinner with me on my birthday year after year.
An old nanny who always welcome me to her home anytime I urged for some good home-cooked meals.
A group of running buddies who share not only my running passion but also ready to offer advice and concern when needed. Thus making my Sunday morning run more meaningful.
A husband whose shoulders I know I always can lean on anytime.

What more can I ask? With them, it is so easy to be grateful in the midst of trying to be useful. With them, it is not difficult to remember what is good. And to them, I want to say a Big Thank You from the very bottom of my heart.

The knowledge of life that I gained from the past one year were enormous and the rewards are boundless. At least I feel a better person from it.

So now, after a year it's time to get back to work again - tomorrow. It will not be easy and I had mixed feelings, but I will go with an open heart, a clear mind and some faith in myself.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." - John F Kennedy

The -

2010-03-05T17:39:00.008+08:00

There are poems which I can read over and over again and not get tired of reciting it. This is one that I like very much. It defines the dash between our birth dates and our "expiry dates". The dash is our life, our legacy. And our decisions define our legacies and the lives we touch. It also serves as a good reminder for us to live our life. I'll just share it here...

THE DASH by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but we said that mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth...
and how only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars...the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left.
(You could be at "dash midrange").

If we could just slow down enough
to reconsider what's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
and show more appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved them before.

If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile...
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read
with your life's action to rehash...
would you be proud of the things they
say about how you spend your dash?

Conversations over a cuppa...

2010-02-26T17:53:00.016+08:00

Every year during the Chinese New Year, I looked forward to those very meaningful ads. by the late filmmaker Yasmin Ahmad. Something's definitely missing this year. I recalled this one being aired in 2006. It's one of my favourites.
The scene opens in a yard where four elderly women were sharing some stories and discussing their offspring. The first boasted of her successful businessman son whose clients include Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau.
The second scorned at this and talked about her surgeon son who makes 20,000 pounds an operation.
The third bragged about her auditor son who makes half a million a year.
Yet the happiest of them all turned out to be the one whose son came with just an Iswara and drove his mother home to celebrate Chinese New year with her.
This clip reminds me to think about my own life. What is the right balance between chasing riches and living a life? When I gave up my job last year, I tried really hard.
The first challenge I need to deal with was to overcome my dependence on a lucrative salary, perks and lifestyle that came with my job. I managed to let go and learned that life is actually very short and simple. There are many things I can live without.

Sometime back...I had tea with some former colleagues. They remind me about the same scenario on Yasmin's ad. We talked about our families, careers, health issues and trends.
One boosted about purchasing a special edition Armani bag which costs her RM5,000.
The other boasted to us that 'so and so' was overjoyed that she got her Hermes bag at RM14,000 and now the price has gone up to RM18,000!!
Then there was a comparison of whose house is larger etc.
As much as I enjoyed catching up with these friends, I detested those trivial conversations that we discussed. I realized that I just coudn't blend into some of their topics anymore. I was being extremely truthful when I pointed out that whether owing a RM5,000 or RM14,000 bag is a sin (to me)! And that my husband and I feel very comfortable staying in our humble abode. They may have thought that I'm just being a sour grape when I made such a remark just because I couldn't afford to own one myself.
But wait,...the amount of money used to purchase a branded bag could feed many meals for the poor, shelter for the homeless or someone seeking funds for medical aid. Then my friend was quick to reply that she did her part in charity as well. No doubt. But again, what is RM1,000 donation compared to a RM14,000 bag? I am not sure. I feel that charity should always come from the heart and not from obligation or the feelings of being guilty.

As I approach the 3rd month of the year, may I remain to be truthful and conscious and not forget those who are less fortunate.

Annual Affair

2010-02-25T17:16:00.006+08:00

For the last few years, my Chinese New Year routines had become truly mundane and it has repeatedly become so, yearly.
It is basically...
- Buying cookies, mandarin oranges, pineapple tarts etc.

- Packing angpows, Give angpows, Receive a few angpows too.

- Neverending Dinners : Reunion Dinner, Lo Sang Dinners, Chap Goh Mei Dinner, Open House Dinners etc.

- Running with buddies on the 1st Day and then 2nd Day as well.

- Watching TV from noon till night, if at home.

- Giving & Receiving : Visit some relatives and friends with bagful of goodies and came home with bagful of goodies!

- Finishing up all the mandarin oranges and cookies in the cookie jars.

- Wait for the next Chinese New Year and repeat the same old routine. Sigh!
GONG XI FA CAI!

Sleepless at Putrajaya through the eyes of an observer...

2010-02-09T17:47:00.018+08:00

During the 12hr walk last December, my husband John sacrificed his precious sleep to support his wife all through the 12 hours. I must admit that my walk would not be any easier if he wasn't there to cheer and motivate me.

It was the 1st Putrajaya Night Marathon last Saturday, and thousands of runners took Putrajaya by storm! This time, I decided that it was my turn to play the supporting role. Although I didn't register for the race, I could feel the excitement of those participating. The response was overwhelming - perhaps, it's because it was the very first night marathon ever held in Malaysia. While waiting for John, I followed the 7.7km race and ran together with the other runners at 9pm.

The overall event was well-organized and rated as good:

- Ample parking space.
- Convenient toilet facilities.
- Sufficient sponging and water stations (both water & isotonic).
- Generous supply of power bars before and during the race.
- Staggered start time for the different categories to avoid confusion.
- Distance markers placed at every kilometres with arrows to indicate directions
- Professional road marshalls to guide runners and some were roller-blading to assist slower runners to ensure safety.
- Friendly volunteers who acted as cheering team as well.

What could've been better was the atmosphere during the entire marathon. The roads were somewhat dead. No cheering team. Basically, it was just the runner and the road.
It was boring and so lack of 'live'. The atmosphere at the race village was no better. By the time the full marathoners arrived, the atmosphere was drab. The Milo and 100Plus stations were gone. Suggested that the full marathon to start at 7pm instead of 8pm in future.

Being an observer that night, I witnessed the pain all the marathoners went through and I can confirm that running a marathon at night is not any easier than the day. The weather was hot and humid. The rain earlier that evening did not help clear the stale air. It was dull, lonely and boring especially after the half marathon where most runners were left to run their own pace. Cheering team is not popular in Malaysia at all. So, it's always the runner and the road. In the dark (although the streets were well litted that night) runners have to rely mainly on their mental strength to stay motivated in order to overcome any pain or fatigue.

At about 10pm, I was already at the finishing line together with Gail to cheer and welcome the half marathon runners, while waiting for John. I assumed he'll be back at midnight.
The first male marathon runner arrived at 10.28pm (2hr 28mims). Later Jenny Lim and her kids joined me to cheer other runners. We saw and congratulated Don Khor for crossing the line first in the Men Senior Veteran Category with a remarkable time of 3hr 10mins. And then Amutha for being the first Women full marathon runner finishing her first marathon at 3hr 32mins.

Everyone who reached the finishing line heaved a huge sigh of relief and with pain written all over their faces and bodies as well! So glad that they eventually made it. Ah, this feeling is familiar to me! I looked at my watch again and it was past midnight - there was still no sight of John. I was getting anxious...did he injure himself? maybe he had cramps? I was so anxious that I cheered the wrong runner whom I had mistaken for John (embarassed)..argh!!!
At 12.25am, he finally made his way...

See, not bad - as usual, he kept his cool and still able to keep his 'trademark' smile as he ran towards the finishing line. Yet behind that smile was a very worn-out body that only he himself could feel. 4hr 25mins may be a dream to some runners, but for John it was not a good race. He succumbed to fatigue and boredom half way through the race. I guessed his body wasn't prepare to take the stress of a night marathon. Still, I am so proud of him. He had managed to pull through another marathon and not surrender. For him, it was an experience which he aptly puts it "THE PUTRAJAYA NIGHTMARE MARATHON"!

Not a single soul I knew, achieved a PB (personal best). Many runners performed below par and for some, a PW (personal worst) yet they can not claim that they did poorly because running at night is different.
Every runner ran the same 42km route and endured the same pain, but each one has his/her own story to share. It is truly heart-warming as I listened to different runners sharing their experiences, and all I could say was no matter how long it took for them to finish a marathon, every runner who finishes the marathon is a winner.

Running a marathon is no easy feat. It takes loads of courage and determination. Running a night marathon is even harder. It is punishing, lonely and boring. Boredom can kill a runner's desire to continue in a race. Many times a runner really needs to psyche himself/herself to keep going no matter how tired he/she maybe, and to fight the urge to quit.

As we were strolling to the parking area at around 2am, we saw many runners still on the road struggling hard to complete their race and we both knew just how painful that journey can be.

Poem : Playing God?

2010-02-03T17:02:00.003+08:00

If you play God, play God at tennis,
A strict code of conduct is expected.
Clear lines must be drawn in the sand.
The ball will be either in or out.
At times there is talk of love.

If you play God, play God at chess,
All decisions must be black or white.
They are ways for Him to be kept in check.
Bishops are available for consultation.
There is the possibility of mating.

If you play God, play God at cards,
There is a clear opportunity for cheating.
You might deal from the bottom of the pack.
Aces can be hidden up your sleeve.
The joker should be specially marked.

If you play God, play God at darts,
He will dislike their resemblence to nails.
An acceptable target must be provided.
There is a fine line he will not be permitted to cross,
Cursing should never be allowed.

If you play God, play God at monopoly,
Everyone is expected to take turns.
He must sit at a table like everyone else.
You might refuse him a room at your inn.
He is certain to be feeling overconfident.

This poem is taken from the book 'Playing God' by Glenn Colquhoun. He is a doctor and his revealing poems are mainly conversations between his doubt and his indoubted love for his work. He feels like a fraud, he knows he can not fix everything. He said he is a human being with a little bit of science and a lot of doubts. Yet he is admired for his honest voice, dry sense of humour and a quiet instinct for tapping deep emotions.

Running into 2010....in Xiamen

2010-01-26T12:07:00.053+08:00

Almost a month has passed and we are coming into the 2nd. month of 2010. This is the first year I ushered a new year away from Malaysia. John and I went on a vacation with 11 other friends to Xiamen where we also ran the Xiamen International Marathon.

I was informed that the Xiamen International Marathon is one of the 2 leading marathon competitions in China, co-organized by The Xiamen Municipal Government & Chinese Athletic Association. It is held on the 1st Saturday of January every year. This year - it was on 02-01-2010.

The marathon course runs largely through the scenic sections of the coastal city and large landscaped areas, which are almost flat and considered to be ideal for running the marathon. This year, The 5th C&D Xiamen International Marathon attracted entries from 50,000 runners...drawing runners plus tourists from across the nation, the region, Asia and beyond.

At guntime, we were experiencing temperatures between 13-15 degree Celsius. Cold for some while others felt it was just perfect for racing. The race started at 8.30am for all categories. Although the full marathoners were given the privilege to move ahead first, it didn't really make much difference. Needless to say, I was sandwiched amongst the thousands and by the time I reached the starting line I guessed I was easily 5-7 mins behind. It was difficult to even start running with such an overwhelming crowd, therefore I resorted to a jogging mode.

After 3km, it got better and I heard my name being called. It was from Seow Kong, a Malaysian runner residing in Shanghai. He was running the full marathon. Like some of us, Seow Kong enjoys travelling and running abroad for races. I remember we first met during the Honolulu Marathon and then Pattaya etc. Throughout the race, I was amazed by the number of spectators and supporters that came out to cheer us. And they really cheered runners with all their hearts! As I am absolutely lousy at manoeuvring my way through the multitude of runners, I asked Seow Kong if he'll allow me to just jog along side with him. He obliged and we took the oppportunity to chat and catch up a bit and soon, Seow Kong alerted me that we'll be arriving at 21km. It was the half way mark for him and for me, I was required to turn right and run to the 21km finishing line. I wished him well at 20km as he was aiming to do a sub-4.

As I was on the way to the finishing line, I was surprised to meet John who intentionally waited for me there and we ran the last 500 metres together. I believe my official time to be 2hr 03mins (my personal worst so far but it was okay as I took it as part of my training during a vacation). The rest of my friends didn't fare too well either but who bothers?

The men marathon was won by Ethopian Feyisa Lilesa at 2:o8:47 while women champion went to Batya Atseda with 2:28:53. That evening, we went for foot massage and had dinner joined by Seow Peng, Luc, Seow Kong and wife. I was happy to learn that Seow Kong eventually finished his race at 3hr 57mins. He must've sped like crazy soon after he left me at 20km. Congratulations!!

What was GOOD about this marathon?
It was a Carnival - the loud display with 150,000 pots of flowers decorating the route added colour and life to the event. Dancers, drummers, bands and mascots certainly made one 'feel' that he/she should be part of the event.

Strong Media Campaign - everyone in Xiamen was aware of the event. The Hotel where we stayed put up a board to welcome runners and specially prepared breakfast for runners from as early as 5.30am. The whole event was telecast 'live' on TV with repeats of the recording throughout the day in one of the local stations. It was also broadcasted 'live' on radio.

Great Supporters - the highlight of the event! I was so overwhelmed by the supporters from the very young to the very old who came in busloads. We were cheered and greeted by them throughout the race...from the start line to the finishing line. No one will miss their cheerings and motivation. These people really cheered us from their hearts : for the guys they got, "Suai Ker Jia Yu!" (Handsome, keep going!) for ladies we received "Mei Ni Jia Yu!" (Pretty Lady, keep going) and older folks like Uncle Hooi and Francis were greeted with "Yeh Yeh Jia Yu!" (Grandpa, keep going). Oh, I love this!

Race Course - There were no traffic, roads were closed and there were polices and marshals everywhere which made running very safe and comfortable.

Others - There were ample water supply and the medal is nice. Returning of the timing chip was hassle-free for marathoners. Certificates with personal results were distributed almost immediately after the race.

Some shortcomings...
Starting Line - Too congested at the start line. Should stagger the guntime for the different categories.

Timing Chip - Time was not recorded during the guntime which I believe was due the capacity of runners all starting together. Time was only taken at the finishing line.

Finishing for half marathon and 10km - The finishing was in the middle of the marathon course. Runners had to make their way back to the marathon site themselves. There were no sweeper bus. I took a taxi back to the hotel with John and Agnes and it was not easy.

Toilet facilities - There were not many mobile toilets along the way. Should provide enough toilets to avoid the long queue since there were about 50,000 runners and a great number of volunteers and supporters.

The rest of our time were well spent at Xiamen. We toured the famous Tu Lou Hakka Village and Gulangyu Island. Tasted very good authentic local cuisine. We had a very patient and accomodating guide Mr. Kua, who took us to where we wanted to go, what we wanted to see, to buy and to eat. Overall, it was one of our most enjoyable trips...good company, good food, decent hotel located at convenient spot for us to move around and everything else was almost flawless save for the weather that went incredibly cold some days.

Credit goes to John for making all the necessary arrangements. And to all our friends travelling with us on this trip...Thank You!

Reflections of the year

2009-12-30T13:15:00.010+08:00

Besides Christmas, New Year is my favourite occassion of the year. It'd better be.

Although I do have some mixed feelings about the coming year, the prospect of starting over brings hope that things will get better. As usual, no resolutions from me but a chance to pursue dreams, begin new journeys and bid goodbye to the negative things of the previous year. It is also a time to count my blessings and be thankful for every little thing that I'm are blessed with.

Life is one big adventure and the choices we have are abundant but not without endless forks on the roads too. When I made the decision to take a break from work this year, I thought my world will come to a standstill for me but oh no, I was wrong. I have learnt some of life's important lessons that I never imagine I would've experienced at work.

Caught in the rut of everyday life, I was so consumed with worry and anxiety, that I have forgotten about my true nature. In April, I left earthly comforts aside and together with some friends, we joined The Pilgrimage Walk from Batu Caves to Maran covering 204km for 3 days. The journey was an eye-opener.
The Lesson : I should try to shift my values more towards people and relationship and less towards accumulating things. There are many things in life I don't really need. I've become more aware of what I take with me and what I don't.

Then I had another mind blowing experience at the Silent Retreat at Lucky Valley with breathworks and this time, witnessed a past life regression from Kim who travelled with me there.
The Lesson I learnt did not come from Breathworks or a past life regression. It came from the phrase 'LISTEN TO YOUR HEART'. But at times, I asked myself again and again "how do I know if the 'leading' is right?" Many times, I've got to learn it the hard way.

And there at the Hospis Daycare where I served as a volunteer, I met a group of new friends. I learned from patients and fellow volunteers the new meaning of life. Cancer patients who continue to battle so tirelessly in order to light up the lives of others and serving as an inspiration to always celebrate life - no matter how tough the going gets, humbled me.

I attended my first workshop with Hospis Malaysia on Palliative Care in August where love and compassion was once again emphasized to me. I learned the signifance of talking less and listening more, as Epictetus so aptly puts it, " Nature gave us one tongue and two ears so we could hear twice as much as we speak".

As for running, this year I ran two full marathons in KL and Pattaya. A few more half marathons but the ones I enjoyed most must be The Ocean to Ocean Relay Run in Thailand, JW Cameron Run, Penang Bridge Run and Powerman at Lumut (where I went just to support John and my other friends). And closing the year with a little boost for me was the recent Putrajaya 12hr Walk.

There we go...as we enter into a brand new decade, may we continue to count our blessings, big or small.

"It is good to have money and things that money can buy, but it's good too, to check up once in a while and make sure you haven't lost the things money can't buy." - George Lorimer

Of December, Birthdays, Christmas and the politics of presents...

2009-12-25T17:30:00.005+08:00

I love December. It's my favourite month because of my relationship with Christmas. You see, I was born in the month of December and I thought sharing the same birthday month with Jesus and Ms. Cooke (my former Headmistress whom I adore and respect) is great!
My parents hardly celebrate birthdays. My pa never had his birthday celebrated, not even until the day he died. My sisters and I did a birthday bash for mom on her 60th. birthday and that was it. So, when we were young, we witnessed other kids celebrating their birthdays in grandeur while ours remained just another ordinary day. Yet we made no fuss about it. And personally, December remains as my favourite month because it's also school holidays. Less traffic jam!

I love Christmas - I love the colorful, blinking lights, the pretty ornaments that decorate a X'mas tree, Santa and his reindeer poised for flight from some rooftop.

I enjoy singing Christmas carols and listening repeatedly to the nativity of Christ, for it has a place in history.

I revel in the spirit of gift giving - a symbol of joyful celebration of birth and hope.

I am warmed by the traditions that surround the season - giving and receiving presents at the same time.

BUT the things that give me pleasure cause me great tension too. For whom will I get presents? What gifts should I buy? If I give someone a present and they don't have one for me, what does that mean? What if someone has a present for me and I don't have one for her? How does that feel?

Oh, the politics of presents!

I loathe how commercialized Christmas has become as I fall prey to some fashionable items too. As the years drift by, Christmas has lost its religion appeal (not that I am so religious). Still experiencing the economic gloom, I feel there's fear among those who struggle to find the extra cash to shop for gifts.

I am sad to find the meaning of Christmas now buried in the barrels of bath accessories, bottles of perfumes and the spread of food at the buffet table. As the year is coming to an end, perhaps it's time to reflect and contemplate. To spare some thoughts to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Some children who may be still looking for a pair of shoes to wear. Some poor souls who had gone without food for days. Or someone who is mourning for the loss of a dear one.

So this season - instead of worrying about what gifts to give, where to have Christmas lunch or dinner or what to wear, may we just give thanks for the simple things in life that we are blessed with...good health, family, friends and holidays!

The Spirit Of Christmas

2009-12-24T09:24:00.003+08:00

As Christmas approaches, and without taking any stance for or against the occasion, those who celebrate may experience Christmas and the days leading up to it as stressful. What was originally meant to be a time of stillness and peace has been made into its opposite by the human mind. The occasion we are celebrating at Christmas is, of course, the birth of Jesus two thousand years ago. In a deeper sense, however, Christmas represents the birth of Christ within the human soul, the arising of who you are in your essence – stillness, the unconditioned, timeless dimension of consciousness.

Just as Christmas is the celebration of light arising when the darkness is greatest and the nights are longest, the spiritual birth in the human soul often happens at a time of great despair and suffering. This is the dark night of the soul that often comes before the spiritual awakening. Once the awakening has happened, most people undergo a process during which the darkness within them, the unconsciousness of the ego, is seen more clearly and dispelled by the light of consciousness, the light of Presence. In other words: living in the Now dispels the darkness!

Collectively, Christmas comes to symbolize the spiritual birth on earth, the arising of a new consciousness in humanity. This is what lies at the core of all religions: the realization of enlightenment, the Christ within, or your Buddha nature.

Excerpt taken from Eckhart Tolle's newsletter.

May the spirit of Christmas deepen the stillness, love, peace and joy that we are.

Almost there!

2009-12-20T13:12:00.013+08:00

This is my 3rd 12-hour walk competition but my first experience walking in Putrajaya. The previous two races were held in Penang where I completed 76km in 2002 and 80km in 2007. This time, my goal was to better those records. Therefore I decided to go for an ultra-marathon distance which is 84km.

A 12-hour walk works exactly just like the tortoise-and-hare race. It rewards the patient and penalizes the overeager. It takes a lot of perseverance and patience and certainly not a sport for sprinters. Each race (be it a 12-hour or a 24-hour walk) has taught me some valuable lessons over the years. I’ve learned discipline, modesty and self-control amongst other things through such an endurance game.
Putrajaya : December 13th. 2009
On arrival at Putrajaya, I could feel much excitement in the air when I saw the many tents being set up. Some non-competitors were there simply to have fun and decided to camp at the site while giving moral support to their families or friends. I was greeted with so many familiar faces including my friendly competitors from Hong Kong and France. It was also like a mini reunion when I met old friends like Shew Keng, Nan Yang and I was surprised to see Wai Keen (one of Julie’s student from the Supported Living Programme) present there. When I asked if he remembers me, he was quick to respond, “Yes. Yap Wai Mun!” He was there to support Julie and to prove that people with learning disability do have the abilities beyond their reckonings, given the chance. He succeeded by completing 28km which is indeed quite a feat.
Like Wai Keen, I believe there were many who came with their own personal objectives. Some were determined to better their previous record – some were just curious to find how walking for 12 hours feel like, and where it would take them – some came to walk with their family or spouse, merely to bond. Of course, some were there to win the prize money! Whatever it is, the fact that they have the courage to take on this challenge made them all winners with their own rights.

At about 7.45pm, more than 700 walkers gathered at the starting line. After a short briefing which no one paid much attention to, the race began….everyone was rushing and moving very fast especially the Kenyans. This is nothing unusual particularly in the early hours when everyone is still fresh and lively. I reminded myself to control my pace, preventing myself from walking too quickly or ‘over-performing’.
4th hour: 8pm – 12am
Although I found the right rhythm and started walking at a decent pace, I felt uncomfortable. I was battling with my inner self as I wasn’t sure if I had it right. But then, why should I feel this way? After all, this game is a personal one, ultimately there’s only one walker who really counts – ME. Then, I remembered I had John. My heart was filled with deep gratitude for John who sacrificed sleep to be there for me, as my manager and supporter. Well, let’s face it: how many husbands would do that for their wives? I look around and count myself so blessed and fortunate. While many spouses consider their ‘other half’ extremely insane to indulge themselves into such a crazy activity, John was at the race course throughout, monitoring my progress, checking results, attending to my every need and was never short of words of encouragement to cheer me up. The results revealed at 12am showed that I was ranked 6th position and had covered 27km after walking for 4 hours.
8th hour: 12am – 4am
After twelve, the atmosphere became somewhat quiet; the number of walkers was reduced as some had decided to retire or catch their 40 winks at their respective tents. Some walkers went to reunite with friends and refresh themselves while others were just resting their poor tired feet. With a goal in mind, I was relunctant to take any breaks. I was still concentrating to be as consistent as possible and entertained myself with a little old chorus in my heart: “Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning. Give me oil in my lamp, I pray. Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning. Keep me burning till the break of day!” But it was still too far away from day break…
Due to an early dinner, the pangs of hunger hit me at around 1am and I made a request to John for some light snacks. I am normally not fussy with food but this time, I’ve got to admit that the food was lousy. However, I managed to grab half a hard-boiled egg and half a banana to last me until the end of the race. I was disappointed there wasn't any coffee when it was just about the only thing we needed most to help us stay awake! I took a sip of barley drink which tasted nothing but sugar water - yuks! Kilometers after kilometers I walked, almost imperceptibly at first and then finally passing Kenyan IrineJeptoo and my Malaysian compatriot Norazilah, both of whom I guessed were beginning to concede to the indiscretion of their earlier pace. I was thankful to friends eg. Adnan, Pheik Hoon, Teresa, Terence, Alex and Christina who kept my spirit alive by cheering and encouraging me each time I passed them. Later, Billie Kwok from Hong Kong (last year’s women champion) walked pass me and told me that she’ll be stopping at 50km and not continue anymore as she was tired. She was already at 2nd placing then. However, she encouraged me to keep moving. This is truly the spirit of sportsmanship and I embraced it!
By then, I was aware that the shock of each step radiating from my knees up to my hips and the strain slowing creeping from my spine, penetrating into my every nerve and sinew. Every kilometer took a little away not only from my legs and muscles but everywhere else. In spite of that, I was glad to be able to maintain an air of sangfroid. I motivated myself by drawing inspiration from whatever positive quotes that I could recall. “Every step you walk will get you closer to the finishing line.” “If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. Do what you have to do. Just keep moving forward and never, never give up.” – Dean Karnazes.

It is certainly not easy, trying to overcome pain and exhaustion with clarity, alertness and stoicism when your brain kept telling you it’s time to sleep. Perhaps, this is what this game is all about. It aims to highlight to us the value of trying, enduring, persisting and fighting life’s hardship and that we can be victorious when physical and spiritual resources are mobilized. Sad but true that agony is part of this game. Yet it always humbled me to think that during a race like this, all of us are in this together regardless of age, gender, race, religion or nationality. We all struggled and suffered the same pain. But as an individual accustomed to pushing my physical limits, I had learnt not to be overwhelmed by pain, but to overcome it. Therefore I made up my mind to push myself to the edge of my pain threshold until I felt it no more.
12th hour: 4am – 8am
No results were being produced for the past 6 hours. I didn’t know why. There were some technical confusion or so it seemed. I had no idea where I stand and lost count the distance I had walked. Anyway, John advised me to just keep moving and I adhered to it.
By now, the pace I had been going at for the last couple of hours was entrenched in my legs until they now felt the need to maintain at that pace. After all, it still hurts just as bad no matter what speed I chose to go, so I might as well walk fast if I could.
Francis Hobert, Sports Physiotherapist for Kora Bouffilert from France instilled some confidence in me when he gave me a thumbs-up and a smile. I returned that smile to discover how powerful it has turned out to be. Suddenly all the tension seemed to ebb out of my aching body; every cell in my entire being were awaken!! Now with another 3 hours to go, I decided to increase my pace slightly.
When the results were finally released at 6am, John had already gone for his morning run around the vicinity of Putrajaya. I continued walking and was pleased that my legs were co-operative. When I saw some participants limping and afflicted with blisters, I thanked my own two feet for carrying me this far. Then Wendy Soo signaled to me with the latest results that I was at second placing. But it was Mohd Hanizam (the 4th 24-hour walk champion) who fed me with the details, he said, “At 10th hour, you are ranked 2nd having walked 70km with Isaac So from Hong Kong behind you covering 68km.” He advised me to maintain at that pace.
Final countdown : 7am – 8am
Finally, the daybreak and I felt lifted and refreshed...it was so good to be the first to watch the sunrise while the rest of the world slept. Having walked for 11 hours and realizing that I still have enough energy stored in my body to finish strong has to be one of the greatest feelings at that time. The ultra-marathon distance seemed achievable and I tried to do my own calculation to walk another 14km within the two hours that was left. Alas, I had forgotten what a failure I was when it comes to mathematics!! At 8am after walking diligently for 12 hours, I finally arrived at 83km; 1km short of my target of 84km. The ultra-marathon distance seemed so near yet so far.
Final results
1. KORA BOUFFILERT (FRANCE) : 94KM
2. YAP WAI MUN (MALAYSIA) : 83KM
3. ISSAC SO (HONG KONG) : 81KM
4. NORAZILAH (MALAYSIA) : 79KM
5. IRINE JEPTOO (KENYA) : 76KM

I believe that in every race there is a defining moment for everyone. Some tend to think of that moment as being the first to cross the finishing line, for some it is to achieve a personal best, while many others find it absolutely satisfying just to complete the entire journey. My defining moment at the end of the 12 hours still remains a very personal experience for me. With age catching up, I found renewed strength both mentally and physically. And I also found comfort in knowing that I had fought well.

“The important thing in the race is not winning but taking part. The essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.” – Pierre de Coubertin

What price great run?

2009-12-01T16:11:00.018+08:00

This is a delayed report on the Ocean to Ocean Relay Run which I participated on November 1st. 2009. This was the 5th Ocean to Ocean Run in Thailand, and my second year joining 3 other teams of 24 runners from Pacesetters Malaysia. Previously, we ran from Songkla to Satun but this year, the race course has changed from Lang Suan to Ra Nong. This relay run covered an approximate distance of 120km of which the 8 runners from each team took turn to run 3 times, each time about 5-6km.
This year - apart from Malaysia, the Run drew participation from other countries eg. UK, Singapore and Korea. Perhaps this is something the Thais should be proud of.

Prelude to the Ocean to Ocean Run
The bus journey from KL to Hatyai took about 8 hours with pit stop in Ipoh for supper. We had breakfast in Hatyai while waiting for the respective vans to come and pick us to Lang Suan. We boarded the vans based on the teams we belong and travelled together to the starting line at Lang Suan for registration. The journey from Hatyai to Lang Suan took us another 5 hours. It was indeed a long and tiring trip.
Upon arrival at Lang Suan, our team leaders : Gary, Peter Lim and Phua registered the teams namely : Impossible Team 1, 2 amd 3. We were warmly welcomed and treated with dinner. Organizer Dr. Ou Chai then briefed participants on the race's rules and regulations and what to expect. Although many of us are familiar to this event, I soon learned that it still pays to just listen.
Soon after dinner, we checked into PN Resort nearby and discovered that there was another party happening. Some of our team members joined in, helping themselves with a second round of dinner and beer by the beach while enjoying the breeze from the Pacific Ocean. We had some light-hearted moments together until about ten before calling it a day.

Let the relay began...
We checked out from PN Resort at 5am to the starting line for breakfast, provided by the Organizers. In Thailand, we were usually served with porridge, 'yau char kwai' or crispy bun, soya bean and coffee for breakfast. Each team was then given an ice box loaded with ice and water bottles.
The race started at 6am sharp with the first runner of each team dipping their baton into the Pacific Ocean. My team members were : Francis, Felix, Tai, Kim, Richard, Peter Teo, Gary and Nancy who came as a supporter.
As expected, the weather was as sunny as can be. Throughout the entire race, we shared jokes and had lots of fun teasing and supporting one another while competing friendly at the same time. We made friends with other teams from Thailand as well. Besides food and snacks, we were blessed with friendly faces, lots of smiles and laughter along the way which certainly made running under the hot sun bearable.

A scene which touched me was when we arrived at a little shop (hut) during one of our pit-stops and Kim decided to have her lunch there. Lunch was packed and provided by the Organizer. Since she was eating the packed lunch at this little shop, she was obliged to order a cup of coffee. To our surprise, the shop owner offered her coffee for free. He even offered chairs for all of us to rest there. And a huge bucket of ice water was placed in front of the shop for runners passing by to wash our faces or simply to cool down. I had been to Thailand many times yet never cease to be amazed by their hospitality especially where running is concern. While running along the way, runners can stop by at any of their shops or houses and we were welcomed to use their 'hong nam' (toilet). Some even treated us their homemade delicacies.

All of us ran through different routes, each one taking his own course covering about 5-6km each time. The running route could be rather challenging and more often than not, we need to tackle an uphill, sometimes more. As the fourth runner, I was fortunate to take one with the least hills and covered the shortest distance amongst my team mates.

Last 1km...
At sunset, we soon reached the last check point where the baton was being passed to Gary our last runner. The rest of us were to meet him at the last 1km and together, all of us ran towards the finishing line - the Indian Ocean where the baton was dipped into the ocean signifying the end of the relay. We were the 8th team to arrive at 12hr 44mins in the Mixed Team Category. Our other teams : Impossible Team 1 was placed 6th with the time of 11hr 54mins, while Impossible Team 3 came in at 13hr 28mins taking the 9th position.
I guess everyone enjoyed the race as much as I did. Like me, I'm sure running is another outlet for them to get through life's challenges and celebrate life's victories. In this particular Ocean to Ocean Relay Run, it is also a celebration of friendship.
There were no prize money. However, all runners were awarded with a beautiful medal, a nice jacket, running vest, dinner, interesting stories to share and lovely memories to take home .

Acknowledgment
I would like to thank Gary Goh for organizing and arranging everything from transport, accomodation, meals to race registration, van rental and massage. He did a superb job! We also enjoyed our stay in B.C.Badin Resort and the hot spring at Ranong. Many thanks!
My appreciation also goes to Krishnan for sponsoring a set of quality Adidas vest and shorts to each runner.
To my travel/team mates : I have no idea if we can still do this together again in another lifetime...THANK YOU ALL for the care, camaraderie, teamwork and another good memory for me to treasure in this lifetime.

What price great run?
A friend once asked me why do I have to pay to travel all the way to Thailand and to 'suffer' under the hot sun and then travel all the way back knowing there's no prize money? The same question was being posed to Dr Tan & Ngae who travelled all the way to run The Sahara Desert...they paid to suffer, didn't they? It's quite difficult to explain the 'feelings' to a non-runner. What price great run? Only an athlete will understand.

Penang Bridge revisited

2009-11-29T14:19:00.009+08:00

It's been 6 years since I last ran the Penang Bridge Run. Running the bridge had always hold bittersweet memories for me; for it was here I recorded my worst personal time of 2hr 13mins and it was here, I achieved my personal best time of 1hr 49mins for a 22.3km run. And it was also here that I DID NOT START (DNS) my first marathon race ever after training hard for it. I soon learnt that I had 'overtrained' myself and succumbed to fatique and fever just the day before the race. To Penang I went - but to the clinic instead of the starting line! How awful!!
Later, I went back to run and race year after year the Penang Bridge Run with impressive timings and often with prizes, until they ceased organizing it some years back. However, PBIM was back again and this year, they made tremendous improvements over previous years!

The Penang Bridge International Marathon is by far the largest marathon in Malaysia and probably the most famous one too, not just because it is a run over one of the world longest bridges, but also for its captivating view of the sea on both side of the bridge with the sunrise on the distant horizon. This is the second year the marathon is organized by the Penang State Government under the revamped format.
As the Bridge needs to start its operation by 9am, the organizers brought the full marathon start time to 2.30am, while the half marathon at 3.30am. Honestly, I had never ran a half marathon at such an ungodly hour and I am game to try.

Pre Race Day
Unlike previous years where we drove to Penang ourselves, this year John and I decided to car-pool with Francis, Gary and Vijay (since we were all sharing a suite as well). On arrival to Penang, we headed straight to Queensbay Mall outdoor carpark to collect our race kits. Collection was a breeze and very efficient. After that, we checked into Krystal Suite which is located 500m from Queensbay Mall where the marathon would start.
Krystal Suite is huge; covering 950 square feet complete with a king size bed, a spacious lounge with sofa, tv and a study. The kitchenette is equipped with a microwave oven, mini fridge, coffee making facilities and dining table. However, there is only one toilet. Still, the rate of RM100 is dirt cheap! I would like to thank Agnes for helping me with the bookings.

In the afternoon, Kelvin Loh (a local runner/friend) gave us a surprise when he invited a group of us to his new house for tea. It was a Big Tea! We had such a great time filling our stomachs with his homemade dumplings, yam cakes, curry with special buns. Later, we even got to view a DVD on our recent Ocean to Ocean Relay Run brought by Amelia.
Then it was FOOD again for dinner and we spoiled ourselves with a variety of hawker fare. In Penang, it's all about food and hawkers food are too good to resist! At about 10pm, we decided to call it a day while John and Francis pampered themselves with a much needed massage.

Race Day
We gathered at the lobby at 2.45am and took a stroll together to the marathon site. By then the full marathon had already started. At exactly 3.30am, the half marathon male runners were flagged off by the Chief Minister YAB Lim Guan Eng. The Women categories started 15mins later.
I ran without any goal or expectation as I was still recovering from a very sore body and am under nutritional medicine. I took this trip as a 'Makan Angin Run' and as usual, started very conservatively. The weather was extremely good with cold early morning breeze and it certainly made running comfortable. The further I ran, I realized that I was going faster and overtaking many runners who had surged ahead of me earlier. The feeling was pleasant!
After taking the U-Turn at the bridge, I stumbled upon an excited and kind uncle who cheered me on so madly. He even alerted me on my placing. According to his observation I was the 17th female runner then. He encouraged me to run faster and chase the two female runners ahead of me. Suddenly, I realized that I was running a real race and not just a 'makan angin' run. Fortunately my feet could carry me fast enough to be able to catch up with the two ladies in front, only to realize that one of them is my friend, Agnes Tee. I paced with Agnes for about 2kms and towards the last water station, I signalled to Agnes to move ahead in order to pass another 2 runners in front of us. She did and so did I.
Just minutes later, the sight of Queensbay Mall appeared down the avenue and the finish gantry waited just around the corner. As I was running towards it, I was cheered by my husband John, Lok and son. Agnes finished 11th, with me slightly behind her taking the 12th position. This time, to be able to maintain my time of 1hr 54mins was not disappointed because I came without even a thought of making it to top 15. With a poor physical condition, I am therefore convinced that the mind is greater than the body most of the time. I was awarded RM200 plus a phiten Rakumaki tape.
At that moment no dish from the local cuisine is too rich for any proud finisher. On the way back to KL, we stopped at Sauk (off Kuala Kangsar) for a sumptous lunch.

Credits and Feedback
Overall, the event was well-organized. Firstly, the Chief Minister YAB Lim Guan Eng has our respect for being there as early as 2.30am to flag the marathon. Normally, runners had to wait for these 'big shots' who called themselves ministers but they are often late or don't show up at all. Sometimes they'll send their 'assistant' to do the job while preaching to public about living a healthy lifestyle through exercise!! But this Chief Minister arrived early and stayed until as late as 9 or 10am for the prize giving ceremony. He has certainly earned respect from the 20,000 runners who were present there on that Sunday morning.

I was very impressed with the mobile toilets. Not only were there many, they were clean. This is really something rarely expected in races. A cleaner was stationed there to ensure that the toilets were cleaned and sanitized from time to time. There were no queues and for the very first time, runners had the luxury of having clean mobile toilets. A Big thank you.

There were adequate refreshment stations. In fact, I found it a lot of wastage to be handed with a whole bottle of water during the race. Runners don't drink the whole bottle of water. Feedback were given to the organizers to use paper cups instead.

After the race, runners were treated with a hearty breakfast. Generous servings of spaghetti were replenished to ensure enough helpings for even the late runners.

Collection of race kits were swift and smooth. Some participants who paid a fee of RM10 had their race kits delivered to their house a week before the event.

The upgraded timimg chip system made it very convenient for runners. Runners do not need to return the chip after the race like we used to. Imagine..after having run 42km the weary runner has to bend down to remove the chip and then line up to return it and get our money refunded?? With this new ChampionChip, the hassle of returning the chip or getting the refunds had all been eliminated.

To the Organizers of The Penang Bridge International Marathon - Thank You and Well Done!

Where God is...

2009-11-18T12:55:00.003+08:00

At a morrocan village, an imam was thinking about the only well of the entire region.

Another muslim approached him and asked, "What is in there?"

"God is hidden in there."

"God is hidden inside this well? That is a sin! What you may be seeing is an image left by the unfaithful!"

The imam asked him to get closer and lean out on the edge. Reflected on the water, he could see his own face.

"But that is me!"

"Right. Now you know where God is hidden."

God is in each of us.

Taken from 'Traditional Sufi stories'.

Remembering Robert

2009-11-06T16:19:00.008+08:00

I remember today...5 years ago.
The late Mr.Robert Kot was my ex-Managing Director of the Estee Lauder Companies where I used to work for the past 20 years. I remember he used to 'pick' on me and how I detested him yet deep inside, I treasured it. My General Manager used to tell me that "Robert only picks on people he likes, so you should feel damn fortunate!" Indeed I do, because all those 'pickings' had ultimately taught me so much more than I'd ever imagined. Many times, whenever I think of him...I missed him.

Today, I happened to clear some files and stumbled upon a hilarious poem that I presented to him on his 10th anniversary with the company. And memories of Robert came surging back as though it was only yesteryear and so alive!

ROBERT KOT
He came from a trading background, we were told,
Into this company where cosmetics are sold...
To keep women from getting old.

10 years ago..
He entered into the world of the beautiful and the bold,
With Clinique the silver and Estee Lauder the gold,
Sales just grow and grow!
This is what we hope the future will continue to hold.

Our Managing Director, Mr Robert Kot.
A fortune-teller he is not,
Yet his forecast always seems on the dot.
Although he has ideas of all sorts,
We often hear him said, "I should be your last resort!"

When it comes to sport,
He enjoys bowling and golf.
Play with him and you'll be caught!
Of women, he is surrounded by a lot,
But only one he managed to tie the knot!

We sometimes called him,"Papa, Ah Sook or Ah Yeh"!
He looks serious but he actually cares.
Yet to make him angry, we never dare.

Every month we all dread...
When Marketing Meeting is near.
The answer are ready, so what have we to fear?
Like, "Sorry Robert, but the market is really quiet out there!"
Then try to act stupid and gave him that blank stare!

Then beware..when Robert stalks around!
Looking for boxes on the ground.
A penalty on every box to be found..
Pay to the Sports Club, you are bound.
Oh, what a Boss we have around,
Takes your money even when your every cents count!

If Robert ever were to go crazy,
It definitely will be very likely..
To be due to his friends, Fred and Barney.
Also known as Ling-ling and Allan Chee,
The three stooges go hand in hand,
Their laughter never end.
From jokes they made amongst themselves,
Only they can understand and no one else!

Now...
Have you heard what we heard?
That Robert when young likes to flirt..
So, Annie can not be his first!
Anyway he married her with a cert.
Come on, let's just pass the word..

Such was one of the scenes in our office,
Everybody just gossip as they pleased.
Then, a knowing twinkle appears..
Thank goodness and three cheers!
For our undeceived MD understands,
That gossiping in Lambang Padu is impossible to withstand!

Often in his life, we bring him glee.
We are all very thoughtful, so he'll see.
Like a zoo, we sometimes may sound,
So that he knows we are around.

No other company can he find like ours,
Women who are unique in our powers.
We maybe infuriating or irritating,
But never sneering and always forgiving.

The moments that we hold dear,
Is when our Boss is very clear.
To him, we are family and peers,
That he has shown in the last 10 years..

As the Brands all increase in quantity,
Surely his meassage for us would be..
That we all stay in unity,
As one big family!

"Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime;
And departing leave behind us..
Footprints on the sands of time." - HW Longfellow

Let fun & frolic freely flow...

2009-10-30T17:14:00.006+08:00

Another week have passed and I believe I'm getting better although the pain still hit me every now and then. After some tests, Dr. Thong confirmed that my 'erratic' hypertension is the culprit. My medication have changed from Diovan to Co-Diovan and I've seen some improvements. Well, at least I'm spared from the terrible migraine which has been haunting me every morning for so many weeks.

Of late, we also made a new discovery...that I've an enlarged heart. And due to my high blood pressure it is not good at all. Nothing can be done, so I just have to be careful, that's all. My 92 year old nanny has an enlarged heart too. My god, we have so many similarities in terms of personality, character and even zodiac sign that at times, I can't help but believe that she had been my mother in one of my past lives! Now we both have a BIG HEART! But one thing she has, which I don't is patience. She has loads of it - I can't even come close to that. Anyway, I'm proud to be like my nanny. She has a KIND HEART and I know I have one too.

Yesterday I posted this on my face book : Wai Mun is letting fun, friends, food and frolic freely flow at the Ocean to Ocean Relay Run this weekend.
Yes, that's exactly what I'm gonna do. Live life, enjoy and embrace it!

Restlessness of the soul

2009-10-20T18:55:00.009+08:00

For reasons unbeknownst to me, I've been physically suffering with pain for more than a month now. Body aches, migraine attacks, sinus infection, menstrual cramps and allergies were whacking my entire being all at almost the same time! No joke, some days the pain could be quite unbearable and was unremitting like the relentless bombardment of an abssessed tooth. I supposed as we age our body goes through a gamut of changes and these could be the sympthoms.

Then there's what was told to me, the perimenopausal stage or midlife crisis where the body temperature ascend without any apparent reason, creating bouts of hot flashes! Yes, at times I felt as if I'm on fire and yet my internal body temperature didn't change. I guess what heated up was just the temperature of my skin! As the name implies, natural menopause starts without my intervention; that's why it's sometimes called "spontaneous". But does every woman pass through the same menopause milestones?
My monthly cycle have certainly gone haywire, with twice a month and then missing the next but the following month came heavy flow, lasting for days. Then the cramps of my youth returned to attack me with a vengenance! I try every effort I could to avoid painkillers. After all, I'm allergy to NSAID.

Another issue is my blood pressure that became increasingly erratic. It went 155/103 one morning and 103/64 the next, and 166/83 another day.
Being an active person and one with a high threshold for pain, it is sometimes difficult to determine if this pain and hypertension my body is going through is normal and just part of the 'menopause package' or something else.

Within a week, I've consulted a GP and an ENT Specialist, and went through a series of medical checks : endoscopy, scan, chest x-ray, blood test and dozes of antibiotics that left me in a rather alpha state now. It didn't work well for me (the medication) cos' I woke up this morning with another full-blown migraine! But thought this was good enough to make me ponder, "Do I really need to go through this agony in order to understand the pains patients at Hospis are going through?" "Is Nature trying to mirror back something to me?"

The Chess Game

2009-10-15T19:15:00.003+08:00

A young man said to the abbot from the monastery, "I'd actually like to be a monk, but I haven't learned anything in life. All my father taught me was to play chess, which does not lead me to enlightenment. Apart from that, I learned that all games are a sin." "They may be a sin but they can also be a diversion and who knows, this monastery needs a little of both." was the reply.

The abbot asked for a chessboard, sent for a monk and told him to play with the young man. But before the game began, he added, "Although you need diversion, we can't allow everyone to play chess the whole time. So, we have the best players here; if our monk loses, he will leave the monastery and his place will be yours."

The abbot was serious. The young man knew he was playing for his life and broke into cold sweat. The chessboard became the center of the world.

The monk began badly. The young man attacked but then saw the saintly look on the monk's face; at that moment he began to play badly on purpose. After all, a monk is far more useful to the world.

Suddenly the abbot threw the chessboard to the floor. "You have learned far more than was taught you," he said. "You concentrated yourself enough to win and were capable of fighting your desire. Then you had compassion and were willing to make a sacrifice in the name of a noble cause. Welcome to the monastery because you know how to balance discipline with compassion."

The above story is taken from Warrior of Light

Weekend getaway - part 2.

2009-10-08T16:50:00.005+08:00

Our run was to start in front of the Century Pine Resort at Tanah Rata.

Since it's not a race. John and I ran casually, enjoying the cool morning air that money can not buy. Yet at the same time, struggling at certain part of the running course that took us uphill and downhill.

We finished together.

And we love this 'Strawberry Medal'. One gold and one silver - a perfect duo.

Overall, it was an enjoyable trip with good company, good weather, good run and good food. Couldn't ask for more.

Weekend getaway - part 1.

2009-10-07T15:35:00.030+08:00

This is not my first trip to Cameron Highlands, but it is my first trip to Camerons with John. This trip is a short weekend getaway and the fun part is; it came with a 12km run as a package!

On the way to Camerons.
Brunch at T Cafe.

T Cafe is located at the main road of Tanah Rata above Marrybrown restaurant. This cafe's claim to fame its listing in Lonely Planet, the backpacker's bible. No wonder there were so many cards written by tourists complimenting on their food.

Yes, the food is delicious and very reasonably priced.

We chose :
Strawberry fruity scones
Banana Pancake
Apple Pie
Chicken Pie
Vegetable Soup and Teas; Strawberry & Highland

The cafe is also vegan-friendly and the needs of those with dietry restrictions can be met here. I also noticed that a variety of fresh fruit juices and milk shakes from the beverage list.

The lovely decor gave T Cafe a cosy atmosphere. They have books, magazines and scrabble too.

"Since business has been good, why have the Cafe's name change?" we asked.
Co-owner and manager, Terese Karon explained to us why T Cafe will be named Lord's Cafe, "It is to give glory to the Lord for His Blessings. Lord's Cafe is named to glorify His Name."
Amen to that.

We had noon tea at Ye Ole Smokehouse. Built in 1937, this Tudor-style hotel has a colonial feel.
The Smokehouse Hotel reminds me of a fine English country inn, especially with its latticed windows, wooden beams and comfortable furniture.

The oldest hotel in Cameron Highlands, the Smokehouse serves hearty English fare and is probably one of the most expensive places to eat in Cameron Highlands.

We ordered the famous Devonshire cream tea set which came with two hot scones, house-made strawberry jam and cream.

We were seated at the garden, feeling so relax and serene with the cool wind slightly carressing us...
We set camp at Star Regency Hotel & Apartment in Brinchang. The apartment is even bigger than our own, and we shared with other runners from Ipoh and PD. Unfortunately it has not been well maintained and rather dirty. But it is convenient as the Saturday Night Market is nearby.
Dinner : Steamboat
Carbo load : fried rice.
Dessert : moon cake

If in October you do marry...

2009-10-02T16:46:00.010+08:00

The Chinese believe that after the month of the Hungry Ghosts in September, it is now auspicious to call for celebrations; be it birthdays, weddings or starting a business. John and I were not left out when it comes to weddings and this month, we received quite a number of invitation which will certainly burn a hole in our pockets!!

Nevertheless, it is still good to know that we still have many young friends. Hey, after all, we are still young (at heart)!
I found an old english poem in my drawer few days ago and thought it appropriate to post it here. Before brides had to juggle career schedules, availabilities of caterers, hotels, florists, musicians or airline tickets to find an agreeable wedding date, they may have used this traditional verse, author anonymous, as a guide.

WHEN TO MARRY
Marry when the year is new,
Always loving, kind and true.

When February birds do mate,
You may wed, nor dread your fate.

If you wed when March winds blow,
You'll be blessed with plenty of cash flow.

Marry in April when you can,
Joy for maiden and for man.

Marry in the month of May,
You will surely rue the day.

Marry when June roses blow,
Over land and sea you'll go.

Those who in July do wed,
Must labour always for their bread.

Whoever wed in August be,
Many a change are sure to see.

Marry in September's shine,
Your living will be rich and fine.

If in October you do marry,
Love will come and riches guarantee.

If you wed in bleak November,
Lovely joy will come, remember.

When December's snow falls fast,
Marry and true love will last.

Turning shit into fertilizers?

2009-10-01T16:56:00.006+08:00

This workshop is about facilitating hope in advanced illnesses, which I attended in August courtesy of Hospis Malaysia.

Facilitating Hope in advanced illnesses
Advances in medicine do not always ease the burden of suffering and may also cause despair to patients and families. Many still succumb to their illness despite the best medical intentions.

HOPE
Hope is a multi-dimensional dynamic life force characterized by a confident yet uncertain expectation of achieving a future good, which, to the hoping person, is realistically possible and personally significant.
Hope is the bridge from the experiences of the past, accepting the reality of the present and taking the next step to the future to an achievable goal.
“If I can’t sit with despair, obviously I can’t facilitate hope.
If I don’t know how to use the medicine of hope for myself, how can I do it to others?
If I can’t change the situation, then I’m challenge to change myself.”
Ask, “What gives me hope? What motivates me?”

Here, we explored how we can facilitate hope, visiting all the 4 quadrants:
Physical – experience the world with security.
Emotional – experience the world with feelings, with self.
Intellectual – experience the world through good judgment.
Spiritual – experience the world with intuition. to find purpose in life. to have inner peace.
Hope blossoms with:
1. Presence of meaningful relationships.
2. Ability to feel light-hearted.
3. Clear aims.
4. Courage, determination and security.
5. Ability to recall positive moments.
6. Having one’s individuality accepted and respected.
7. Spiritual beliefs.

Yet if all else fails and there’s really nothing else left to say, it would be wise to just keep silent and lend a listening ear to the patient.

“If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain.
If I can ease one heart the aching or cool one pain,
I shall not live in vain.” – Emily Dickinson

One of my experiences came the day when Madam Tan Loy, a cancer patient at the Day Care Centre especially requested for me to massage her. The first thought that came to my mind was, “Ah, my massage must be good and making her so comfortable that she asked for me…” Pride swept over me immediately. While I was massaging her, I suddenly realized that my massage was no big deal. The big deal was Madam Tan Loy needed to talk to someone. The big deal was Madam Tan Loy needed someone to listen to her. At the end of our conversation, she told me that she will not be attending the Day Care for the next couple of months as she will be going for her treatment.
It was not by accident that Madam Tan Loy chose me. I'm sure she was there to show me an important lesson. Thank God, it did not take me too long to learn this lesson. To be a good listener is an art. I felt humbled by the experience and so much more.
Indeed, I’ve learned so much from patients themselves and they just do not have any idea how much they have actually healed me.

“A thousand words will not leave so deep an impression as one deed.” – Henry Ibsen

Topics of the heart

2009-09-29T20:03:00.003+08:00

Last August, I was very privileged to be given an opportunity to participate in my first palliative care workshop organized by Hospis Malaysia. It was held at Wijaya International Medical Centre and was facilitated by Dr. Susan Marsden, a Palliative Care Specialist from New Zealand and Ms. Liese Groot-Alberts, a professional Grief Therapist also from New Zealand. Participants comprising mainly of doctors and nurses came from various parts of the country.

I was a little anxious when Eleanor, another volunteer who was supposed to attend this workshop with me couldn’t make it. I would be the only volunteer there. Later, I was relieved to meet some familiar faces: Harbans Kaur from Kasih Hospice, Mei Queen from Breast Cancer Women’s Association and all the nurses I knew from Hospis Malaysia.

Understanding Grief and Suffering
This workshop dealt with understanding the process of grief and suffering, the risk factors, managing anticipatory grief, dealing with patients as well as our own response to loss. Grief Therapist Liese shared with us her experience on grief when she lost her 3 year old daughter just 3 days after the arrival of her baby boy. Do friends congratulate and send you condolences at the same time? How does one actually cope with such a complex situation?
“If you want to help people who are grieving, you must first deal with your own grief.”
The morning was spent on understanding the human personality (ourselves). Dr Susan Marsden divides the human personality into 4 quadrants:
Physical – as how we know or interact with the world with our 5 senses.
Emotional – as how we know or interact with the world with the self and how relationships are developed.
Intellectual – as how we know or interact with the world with reason.
Spiritual – as how we know or interact with the world with our intuition and how we know our purpose.

Burn out and Compassion fatigue
Many times, we get too involved or engrossed with patient’s problems that we tend to forget about our own self. Compassion fatigue comes when we became burn out and too tired of being compassionate.
Sometimes, too much pain gets in the way and we can’t stay in the truth anymore.
We can also get burn out by the administration or structure with patients.
We went on to discuss the symptoms of compassion fatigue from the 4 quadrants:
Physical – bodily aches, allergies, migraines, tired, itchy eyes, sleep disturbance, low energy etc.
Emotional – temperamental, angry, aloof, stressed, anxious, frustrated etc.
Spiritual – negative, hopelessness, despair, confused, curious, lack faith, spiritual war, lack inner peace etc.
Intellectual – forgetful, lost focus, lack passion, under perform, procrastination etc.

The caregiver’s journey
More than an hour was spent reflecting on the journey of the caregiver. Doctors and nurses shared their experiences on their journey as care-givers. Their hopes and dreams. Their encounter with their first patient, remembering an important lesson and the impact or difference it made in their career. Later, they were asked to picture that patient writing to them reflecting on the care-giver they have become today.

On the second day of the workshop, we stormed our brains on understanding and exploring suffering. Suffering of families and others. The practical aspects of working with patients and families, and at the same time learning some communication skills.

Towards the end of this session we were required to discuss and ponder over the following questions:
1. What if the suffering is related to treatment decisions?
2. Does treatment increase suffering?
3. Does cure and increased survival reduce suffering?
4. Does over treatment and investigation cause more suffering?

It is absolutely apparent that although many healthcare workers are trying their best to deal with illness, they do not receive sufficient exposure in dealing with the aspect of grief and loss. Like me, I’m sure the rest of the participants have benefited from this module. Personally, I find this workshop extremely enriching and stimulating as it has opened my eyes to see the world at a different perspective. It has also taught me that the heart never lies – I have to learn to listen to my heart more. With this, I hope to be able to serve and help those terminally ill at Hospis in a more professional manner.

“What is as important as knowledge?” asked the mind.
“Caring and seeing with the heart.” answered the soul.

The power of non-violence

2009-09-15T16:10:00.002+08:00

Dr Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and founder of the M.K.Gandhi Institute for Non-violence, in his June 9 lecture at the University of Puerto Rico , shared the following story:

I was 16 years old and living with my parents at the institute my grandfather had founded 18 miles outside of Durban, South Africa, in the middle of the sugar plantations. We were deep in the country and had no neighbors, so my two sisters and I would always look forward to going to town to visit friends or go to the movies.

One day, my father asked me to drive him to town for an all-day conference, and I jumped at the chance. Since I was going to town, my mother gave me a list of groceries she needed and, since I had all day in town, my father asked me to take care of several pending chores, such as getting the car serviced.

When I dropped my father off that morning, he said, "I will meet you here at 5:00 p.m., and we will go home together."

After hurriedly completing my chores, I went straight to the nearest movie theatre. I got so engrossed in a John Wayne double-feature that I forgot the time. It was 5:30pm before I remembered. By the time I ran to the garage and got the car and hurried to where my father was waiting for me, it was almost 6:00pm.

He anxiously asked me, "Why were you late?" I was so ashamed of telling him I was watching a John Wayne western movie that I said, "The car wasn't ready, so I had to wait," not realizing that he had already called the garage.

When he caught me in the lie, he said: "There's something wrong in the way I brought you up that didn't give you the confidence to tell me the truth. In order to figure out where I went wrong with you, I'm going to walk home 18 miles and think about it." So, dressed in his suit and dress shoes, he began to walk home in the dark on mostly unpaved, unlit roads. I couldn't leave him, so for five-and-a-half hours I drove behind him, watching my father go through this agony for a stupid lie that I uttered. I decided then and there that I was never going to lie again.

I often think about that episode and wonder, if he had punished me the way we punish our children, whether I would have learned a lesson at all. I don't think so. I would have suffered the punishment and gone on doing the same thing. But this single non-violent action was so powerful that it is still as if it happened yesterday.

That is the power of non-violence.

Things are to be used, People are to be loved.

2009-09-15T15:29:00.003+08:00

While a man was polishing his new car, his 4 yr old son picked up a stone and scratched lines on the side of the car. In anger, the man took the child's hand and hit it many times not realizing he was using a wrench. At the hospital, the child lost all his fingers due to multiple fractures.

When the child saw his father.....with painful eyes he asked, 'Dad when will my fingers grow back?' The man was so hurt and speechless; he went back to his car and kicked it a lot of times. Devastated by his own actions....sitting in front of that car he looked at the scratches; the child had written 'LOVE YOU DAD'.
The next day that man committed suicide. . .

Anger and Love have no limits; choose the latter to have a beautiful, lovely life & remember this: Things are to be used and people are to be loved. The problem in today's world is that people are used while things are loved. Let's try always to keep this thought in mind: Things are to be used, People are to be loved.

When in doubt...

2009-09-06T17:38:00.004+08:00

When I am in doubt
I talk to surgeons.
I know they will know what to do.

They seem so sure.

Once I talked to a surgeon.
He said when he is in doubt
He talks to priests.
Priests will know what to do.

Priests seem so sure.

Once I talked to a priest.
He said when he is in doubt
He talks to God.
God will know what to do.

God seem so sure.

Once I talked to God.
He said when He is in doubt
He thinks of me.
He said I will know what to do.

I seem so sure.

Taken from Playing God by Glenn Colquhoun

Silence is the language of God

2009-09-01T16:01:00.016+08:00

Having missed the Winter Soulstice in December last year, I was privileged to join Dehyana for the 2009 Summer Soulstice Retreat at Lucky Valley this June. I had no idea what the Summer Soulstice Retreat is all about but I was told that Lucky Valley is a place with excellent qi and a perfect retreat for the body, mind and soul.

I managed to hitch a ride from Chee Wah at the eleventh hour and we arrived at Lucky Valley in the afternoon. After a hearty organic vegetarian dinner, we assembled at the Pyramid where we were greeted and hugged by Dehyana. She was like a goddess, ever so radiant and warm. After the introduction and a brief 'getting-to-know-you', the session was opened for us to share our purpose of being there. For me, my heart is open to learn.

The session ended at 12 midnight and we were each given this note:

Dear Retreat Participants,
The purpose of your visit to Lucky Valley Retreat is to learn and grow and listen with ears. Talking inside the Temple(pyramid) is okay because it is where we meet each day to learn and to grow through group participation. However, before a session begins if you wish to be in Temple, please maintain Sacred Silence and only speak when necessary. We're here to learn to communicate with our divine Self through the act of Sacred Silence.
When on retreat, we want to listen, with not only our natural hearing, but also with the "ears of our heart." We need to listen to the interior sounds and words of God within. To do this, we need to be quiet and silent. Therefore, there are times and places when it is good to talk and sing and laugh. There are other places and times when we need to respect the gift of quiet and silence.
The lunch room, our bedrooms, corridors, outside near any of the buildings; these ought to be places for quiet and silence. Sound travels easily through walls and windows, so we ask you to be sensitive to others who may be trying to rest or meditate or pray. If you have a cell phone, please turn off the ringer and set your phone to silence or vibrate. As an added courtesy to your fellow retreatants, please use earphones if listening to a CD or MP3 player.

Thank you kindly,
Dehyana

Oh my God, this is a Silent Retreat!! No talking for 3 days.

Why Silent Retreat?
When we are silent, we can listen to the silence of our soul. Our inner being speak to us and we can discover ourselves. Listening is a skill and it takes time to develop such a skill. We rarely take time to listen. How can we hear if we do not listen?
Only when we practise being quiet, going within, taking time to listen and creating the space to listen, will we hear.

What is a Summer Solstice?
A Summer Solstice is when the sun’s path across the sky, the length of the daylight, and the location of the sunrise and sunset all shifted in a regular way throughout the year. The solstice happens at the same instant for all of us, everywhere on earth although our clocks say different times. So it resulted in early dawn, late sunset, longest day, shortest night.
It is an astronomical event, caused by the Earth’s tilt on its axis and its motion in orbit around the sun. Because the Earth doesn’t orbit upright (tilted on its axis by 23.5 degrees), Earth’s northern and southern hemispheres trade places in receiving the sun’s light and warmth almost directly.

Lucky Valley
Lucky Valley is situated in this God forsaken land in a small town of Pahang called Muazzam Shah.
The retreat is nestled admist 500 acres of fruit orchards, vegetable plots and herb gardens, cultivated on a previously virgin jungle (which still lines the perimeter of the land) lies a remote haven called Lucky Valley. It is also known for its abundant natural healing qi and alkaline water. Surprisingly, the retreat frequented by foreigners and local groups who normally come on organized energy-enriching retreats. As the qi is suitable for meditation, it also attracted many Tai Chi, Qigong or Yoga enthusiasts.
(pix:see these energy balls?)
Qi
The magnetic field in Lucky Valley is extremely strong. The centre piece of Lucky Valley retreat is the pyramid or temple. It is specifically built to harness the powerful orgone energy into the pyramid. Those who are sensitive to energies will be very aware of these energies, as well as other spiritual energies that are available there. Believe it or not, I could actually feel myself ‘floating’ while standing on the centre piece.

Food
Food grown here are organic and free of pesticides. Our meals were vegetarian and wholesome. Oh, I love every meals here! Everyone is required to wash their utensils after every meal.

Lodging
Lodging is as simple as can be. It is back to basics with no television, no hair dryer, no hot shower, no air-condition. We have an option of twin sharing or dormitory. I chose the latter and was glad to share space with Lynette (KL), Kam Lye (Ipoh) and Janet (Malacca). We each had a bed with a small pillow and blanket and yes, that’s about it.

Lessons
KNOW THYSELF
Briefly, the Summer Soulstice Silent Retreat is about getting to know oneself. How well do I actually know myself? It is to stop looking at my neighbour's life and look at what is in front of me. Then I began to discover that everything is a mirror image of my mind and I carry with me along my life.
In the words of Thomas Dreier, he said "The world is a great mirror. It reflects back to you what you are. If you are loving, if you are friendly, if you are helpful, the world will prove loving and friendly to you. The world is what you are."

to be continued

Freedom...

2009-08-26T19:53:00.009+08:00

My version of freedom and being free is...when you're given the liberty to do the things you enjoy doing anywhere, anytime and at the same time, get others to join in. And freedom could be just a few minutes of light hearted moment dancing at the train station!!

This video was made in the Antwerp, Belgium Central (Train) Station on March 23, 2009 with no warning to the passengers passing through the station. At 8:00am a recording of Julie Andrews singing 'Do, Re, Mi' begins to play on the public address system.
As the bemused passengers watch in amazement, some 200 dancers begin to appear from the crowd and station entrances.
They created this amazing stunt with just two rehearsals!
Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k

Okuribito

2009-08-25T19:58:00.005+08:00

I borrowed this DVD from my friend Derrick and watched it twice before returning back to him. 'Okuribito' or 'Departure' is a touching movie about a cellist in an orchestra who has just been dissolved and found himself jobless.

He decided to move back to his hometown with his wife to look for a job and to start all over again. He answered to a classified advertisement entitled "Departures" thinking it is an advertisement for a travel agent, only to discover that the job is actually for a "Nokanshi". "Nokanshi" is a funeral professional who prepares deceased bodies for burial and entry into the next life. While his wife and friends despise his job, Daigo takes pride in his work and begins to perfect the art of "Nokanshi" acting as a gentle gatekeeper between life and death, between the departed and the deceased family.

'Okuribito' is a profound and sensitive journey into the heartland of Japan and an astonishingly beautiful look at the sacred part of Japan's culture and heritage. It also uncovers the meaning of life and living.

- It has taught me that every death matters, every person counts and grief, which is as inevitable as death can be beautiful and gracious.

- It has taught me to look at every job / task with respect. No job should be seen as unclean or disgraceful...even the lowliest task, if executed with reverence will ultimately be glorified and find its own rewards.

- Daigo the "Nokanshi" touches me with his kindness and courage. Although he initially really dislike his job, one could see and feel that he still performs with all his heart. When his wife persuaded him to quit and look for a normal job, he replied, "Death is normal. Everyone will die one day. You will die, so will I."

Finally, I fell in love with this instrument called 'cello'. Just listen quietly to this beautiful theme music by Joe Hisaishi : departures

Soli Deo Gloria

2009-08-21T21:19:00.017+08:00

Soli Deo Gloria is an Italian word which means everything is done for the glory of God. It was the theme of Ms. Moey's birthday; celebrating her 60 years of joyous living begining of this month. One couldn't find another better theme that fits her so well. For Ms. Moey is certainly such person.

Her birthday celebration was held at Equatorial Hotel with family, relatives, close friends, church members and a few students which made up to a hundred people. John and I felt privileged that we were in her guests list. I am extremely extremely fortunate that our paths crossed. She has been my teacher, my friend.
I heard so much about Ms. Moey during my primary school days from my neighbours who were all taught by her. I finally met her in Form 1 where she taught me Bible Knowledge. My God, how she made us all memorized the Book of Luke and The Acts of the Apostles!! Yet she made it so easy, for I began to understand that she wasn't teaching a religion, she was actually teaching me principles of life. Ms. Moey always emphatized, "to teach is to serve, to teach is to touch lives forever, to teach is to touch eternity". And she has certainly lived by those words.
Therefore, how can I thank someone who has taken me 'from crayons to perfume'? I just can not thank her enough.
I recalled when I first step foot into the cooperate world, my company sent me to Kuantan for a sales conference. Although it was only a brief domestic flight, it was my first time boarding a plane. I was excited and rang Ms. Moey. The first thing she asked me was, "How are you going to the airport?" I told her that I'll just call a taxi. Without a second thought she proposed, "Come and stay with me the night before. I'll send you to the airport. It's too early for you to get a cab."
Can anyone imagine this? Yes, I did stay with her. She did send me to the airport. Then my colleagues all thought she was my aunt or sister. When I introduced Ms. Moey to them as my teacher, they all confirmed that I was very lucky to have such a teacher. She also took me from the airport when I returned from Kuantan. From that very day, everytime I take an early flight, my heart is always filled with gratitude and never cease to give thanks to a teacher who has demonstrated to me how easy it is to be humble, how simple it is to be kind. Indeed I am so blessed to have been touched by her.

To me, Ms. Moey has created an infinite influence in just one lifetime. The way she lives her life actually influence me to want to do the right thing - without even realising it. I believe this is certainly the most profound and indelible mark a teacher can leave on a student. And that influence ripples on...

Ms. Moey has always a special place in my heart right from the begining because she didn't just teach me, she inspires me, she has touched my life!

Pictures of the heart

2009-08-12T15:49:00.030+08:00

My first week of August kicked off with a big birthday bash for a great teacher and friend Ms Moey, the biggest ever school reunion and my first workshop in palliative care. It felt like going back to school and going back to work again. Of course, the highlight of the week was the long awaited BACK2BBGS alumni.

When one leaves school, one would think a chapter of one's life has come to an end. So I thought.
The BBGS alumni took place on the 4th. of August at the Bintang Circle, Pavilion Concourse where my Alma Mater used to sit once upon a time. It all goes back to September 2001 when she was torn and demolished to make way for the current shopping mall called Pavilion. I remember how BBGSians lamented and made a big fuss over it because it isn't just about saying a simple goodbye. Question like, "with no more school, will the BBGS spirit become a thing of the past?". Well, when I witnessed the crowd from as old as 80 to as young as 20 that gathered at the alumni that day, I instantly know in my heart that the BBGS spirit lives on. In corridors of every heart that she has touched...
For years now, the hazards and the necessities of life have taken us all down to different paths, yet many had taken precious time off their work and household commitment and travelled from all corners of the globe just to be back to BBGS. The feeling of pride in each of us is totally evident and can never be wiped away...
BBGS, we pledge to thee! But then, it wasn't just a pledge. It was this unshakeable feeling of love and loyalty to her that brought us back together, as Miss Moey so aptly mentioned in her speech. It was this desire to still honour and pay tribute to this great school that had shaped our lives. And if there's one thing my parents did right was they sent us (I am so sure my sisters will agree with this too) to BBGS.
One day my husband asked me, "Why? What's so special about BBGS?" It was a place where every student was given a place, a sense of belonging regardless of rich or poor, black or white, race and religion. It was a place where teachers were taught to love, to teach and to touch lives. It was a place where flaunting one's wealth or rank was frowned upon and humility encouraged. It was a place where we learned about love, simplicity and human kindness apart from Mathematics, Science or History. And a million more...
It is the place that taught us 'to bear the yoke in youth with steadfastness and careful truth. To delight in simple things. To forgive freely and love all men...as we take our place as loyal women with our race.'
Of course for me, it is also the place where I met Ms. Cooke and Ms. Moey, both women of substance who had played such an important role in my life till today.
The arrival of our beloved headmistress Miss Cooke. As I stood in front of her to have her picture taken, she waved weakly to me. When I moved over, she asked me, "where have you been?" I was so shocked! "Does Ms. Cooke actually remember me? Maybe especially having built a notoriously infamous reputation with her, I guess it's difficult to escape her memory." But I just didn't know what to say to her, it was as if I had this big lump inside my throat. Ms. Moey helped me and told her, "This is Wai Mun." Even with that, I still stood there, speechless. In the end, all I did was held her hands and gave her a little hug. I don't understand why, but I count myself EXTRMELY fortunate to be able to get this close, while there were hundreds struggling and waiting for an opportunity just to say hello to Ms. Cooke. And that scene have been stuck in my mind for the entire week...honestly, I was just so thrilled!Every BBGSian rose to their feet and stood at attention as we sang the school song with pride. As the anthem filled the entire mall and voices soared in unison, precious memories of the school came surging and I thought for a moment my heart would burst. It was as if we were schoolgirls not too long ago, we sang the school song at our assembly every Monday. Ms Cooke would pace the stage, looking out for anyone who didn't know the school song by heart. Not only that, we had to make sure we shaped our words properly with our mouths or we might end up singing the school song or the national anthem over and over again like twenty times or more!
Reviving the Choral speaking conducted by an old girl Cheong Wei Lin.
Choral Speaking was an old BBGS tradition and trust me, it could only be heard at the grounds of BBGS. I remembered so vividly when Annual Speech Day approaches every year, every class could be heard practising Choral Speaking with utmost religious fervour. We were made to memorize the poem and recite it every day and night until nothing but perfection came out of it. Every pronunciation must be so precise and if anyone burps or sneezes, the whole class had to recite the whole poem all over again. Oh my God, we had so much fun!
Look at these loving hands...How weak and wrinkled they have become! Yet these are the humble hands that taught me, brought me up and moulded me in my growing years. They will always remain precious and special because these are the loving hands that left an indelible mark in my heart and in my life, and they mean the world to me!
Indeed, BBGS had given to me a warehouse stored with rich and happy memories in this lifetime which I will never forget and I will cherish forever.

No distance (markers)

2009-08-03T18:40:00.014+08:00

I was still in sleeping mode when the Adidas King Of The Road started at 6.30am. So I decided to just run comfortably as I was pretty much on my own that morning. I had a ball of my time the night before at Ms. Moey's "Soli Deo Gloria" birthday celebration and slept late. I've always love spending time with Ms. Moey and John and I were so privileged to be amongst her chosen guests. It's amazing how once I was just one of her students and not even a good one and now I became her friend.

With some inspiring episodes from the celebration still lingering in my mind, I trotted along with the multitude to run 22.7km. I had no intention of running fast; so got myself into an easy pace and kept at it until I met YS Lee. It was a relief to meet him in a race cos' his pace and mine are rather close; usually with only a difference in few seconds to a minute. As I ran along side by him, he reminded me that the distance for this race is 22.7km and not the usual 21km. His GPS showed that we were only at 6.5km that time and therefore, he advised not to use up my energy too soon. I heeded to it and ran with him for quite sometime until I sighted a few lady runners in front. My legs were longing to overtake them (after all this is a competition). I left YS Lee to pass 4 or 5 ladies and also Patrick Lee.

Then Peter from Klang Pacer appeared out of the blue and he ran some 2 - 3kms with me. As the traffic were rather crazy (despite having traffic police on duty, they weren't very controlling), Peter very kindly guided me each time we reached a roundabout or cross-road. Thank you very much, Peter!

There was not a single distance marker found in this race, so I had not the slightest idea of how far I had actually run. As we were approaching the last roundabout or so, I met KK Onn who told me to chase a Thai lady runner in front. I left Peter to pass that Thai lady and ran all the way until I saw Tesco and a sea of runners from other catagories (11km & 8km). It was also here that I stumbled upon a worn-out Lee Woon Khau and I asked him if he has any idea how far we've run. When he mentioned about 1 to 2km, I tried to surge ahead but alas, the slope towards the finishing was not a short one and I couldn't push any faster than I hoped to.

Passing the tunnel into the stadium always gives me an incredible feeling. I passed by Cheah Mei Mei on the way but she overtook me again 20 metres to the finishing line! I was just seconds behind her and finished at 1hr 59mins. In the name of good sportsmanship, we congratulated each other and headed towards the water station that was overflowing with thirsty runners. I was lucky I managed to hijack 2 cups of 100 Plus.

Well, I guess I didn't fare too badly for a 22.7km and the fact that I didn't put much effort in pushing myself made it felt good. I came in 21st overall and 6th position in the Malaysian Women Open category. But I had the most chaotic time with the prize collection where my patience really stood the test of time. The time took to wait for our prizes were longer than running the half marathon...so, I leave it to your imagination!!! In all honesty, it was THAT terrible! The past 2 years had been bad...but why must it gone from bad to worse?
Elsewhere, there were a few casualties that morning. Our friend Lian Bee Hoon suddenly fainted at about 300 metres to the finishing but she managed to regain her equilibrium later although it was not her first time. Then we got news that a 22 year old runner by the name of Gary collapsed at the finishing line. He was carried away by the paramedics to the medical tent. Then he went missing. This morning it was reported that his body was found at the basement carpark. I'm confused (???).

I am absolutely horrified by the news. My physician John Lew used to advise me not to run if I can help it (due to my high BP and so on), I know he meant well but how I detested him for saying that. Later, I came to realize that what he meant was actually run if you must, but always listen to your body, your mind and your soul. Don't go beyond what your body can perform...

After spending a few days at the Summer Retreat in Lucky Valley last June, I've learned to run with reverence or for a higher purpose and I'm embracing it. Yes, after 2 months of endless marathons and competitions, our bodies are telling us that they need to rest - so John and I will be taking a break. To our fellow runners and friends, life is fragile - run safely.

Shape / Men's Health Night Run

2009-07-28T21:21:00.016+08:00

After a very successful event last year, Shape and Men's Health Run is back again. This year the event was held at night at Putrajaya. This is my second run at night in Putrajaya, the first time was just a couple of months back when Pacesetters had a fellowship run there.

The response for this run was overwhelming judging from the tremendous increase in participation from 2,000 runners last year to 4,000 this year.
I registered for 11.5km instead of 7.7km which is supposed to be for the veterans. I am lousy with speed, thus running short distance is not for me.

It was hot and the air that night was extremely humid. The condition worsened when runners were instructed to gather inside the crowded gantry half an hour before the race start. So we were all couped up and trapped there. I could see sweat trickling down John's neck. He was already drenched, so was everyone else.

So soon as runners of the 11.5km category were released, everyone started running at full speed...while, I was still trying to search for some space to move away in order to inhale some oxygen. After that, I was struggling to find my rhythm. At the beginning, the running course was rather flat until I reached the slope at PICC (Putrajaya International Convention Center). It was here that I managed to pass a number of runners and regained a little confidence. The rest of the route was running the ups and downs of the roads of Putrajaya and crossing three beautiful bridges. But honestly, I haven't the faintest clue of where I was heading to cos' I was unfamiliar with the vicinity of Putrajaya. Furthermore, it was rather dark with only dim street lights.

Before I realized it, I was running with this Caucasian lady Carmen Robinson (the name I only got to know after the race). We were pacing each other - with Carmen taking the lead downhill while I took over on the uphill. Looking back, although it was quite a task trying to keep up the pace, it was fun and added some light to an otherwise dark and dull run. After the second bridge (Seri Saujana Bridge, if I'm not wrong), I was so surprised to meet who else but my dear husband..."Is it him?" Of course, I was the one who pinned his number on the belt. "What went wrong?" As soon as he sensed my arrival, he told me not to worry - just concentrate my race and keep the pace. I understood his message, obeyed and tried to break away from this Carmen lady with the assurance that John would assist me. But before he attempted anything, the lady eventually slowed down and gave up. I surged ahead, still trying my very best to run as fast as my legs could carry me.

Now with John pacing me from behind and then side by side, I managed to catch up with some more runners and with another 2km to go, we stumbled upon Ang Chee Kiang. When Ang saw us, he picked up momentum and ran even harder..Ha!Ha! As we were approaching 11km, John alerted me that we had only 500 metres and assured me that there were no lady runners behind me. Right after he said that, I asked him the silliest question if I could rest first and it became the joke of that night! What, with just 500m to go and you wanna rest - Yap Wai Mun must've run out of her mind!!! No, no rest for the wicked - I gave my last ditch effort and pushed towards the finishing line, holding hands with my pacer to secure 7th. position. At least, I made it below an hour.

The finale was exhausting but sweet. We were bursting with sweat and were drenched from head down! I remembered the Shape Run last year, I was so privileged I had a sub-3 marathoner senior veteran Lee Keng Boo to pace me so that I could secure a top ten placing. It was not planned for. This year, I was even more fortunate to have my own husband pacing me at halfway. This was not planned either.
There's no denying a good team permeate collective energy that engulfs one another where without exchanging a word, we inspire, encourage and cheer each other on. This contagious collective energy usually brings us together and forms a special vibe that's so raw, rare and pure. With this, I would like to thank John with all my heart for pacing with me; not only in a race but he paces me everyday in our journey in this lifetime.

Apart from a goody bag worth RM300, for 7th placing, I was awarded with heaps of goodies said to worth RM2,400.
1. Clark Hatch 3-month Titanium membership - RM500
2. 6-month subscription of Shape magazine - RM33
3. Origins products - RM1,000
4. Eclipse NatureCare Contoured Pillow - RM240
5. Nature Valley health bars - RM200
6. Sweet Sweat products - RM200
7. Clear Shampoo - RM100
8. Nuvafemme / Cartilamine supplements - RM150
9. Fruitz Organic Snacks
10. Tripo-X products
At least this time, runners were not being short changed.

P/S Picture courtesy of Lynn Guan.

Pattaya Marathon 2009

2009-07-24T16:04:00.031+08:00

Prelude to Pattaya Marathon
It was during one of our Sunday morning runs that we were chatting about running overseas and the Pattaya Marathon came into the topic. After our run, we asked around to check if the other runners were interested and we got in 20 names almost immediately! We booked our flights on that very day and on 19th July 2009, 11 of us made it happened. As the days drew nearer, half of our group decided to cancel the trip due to the H1N1 and ultimately, left 11 of us : Gary, Uncle Hooi, Francis, Teresa, Agnes, Chooi Lin, Patrick, Peter, Lena, John and I. We travelled to Pattaya, ran, ate, enjoyed ourselves and came home in one piece!

Pre Race
We landed on Bangkok soil on Friday evening via Air Asia and immediately boarded the coach to Pattaya which took about 2 hours. Had dinner - checked into our resort and headed to a much needed massage. By the time we finished the massage session, it was close to midnight but everyone seemed happy!

The next day, we had a good breakfast spread provided by the resort. Sunshine Garden Resort is situated at a prime location at the corner of North Pattaya Circle. Therefore, it offers easy access to almost anywhere in Pattaya and especially for us, it is walking distance to the marathon venue.

After breakfast, half the group went to collect our bibs and race kits while the other half opted to take a cruise to Coral Island via speed boat. The sea was rough that morning making the ride extremely choppy. At one point, I thought my heart almost fell out!! Then my raging hormones became confused and started to play a joke on me at the wrong time! Yes, the untimely menstruating...how frustrating!
Anyway, activities in the island had not changed much compared to my trip 20 years ago - the usual parachuting, banana boat ride etc.

On arrival at the Pattaya beach, we moved on to the marathon site and joined our friends there. It was a joyful occassion when we met our bunch of friends from Singapore and we took a group photograph together. Although Thailand is just our friendly neighbour, it's always good to meet people you know in a foreign land.

The 'Pre Race' occassion was like a carnival with lots of happenings, sales and promotions. Rows and rows of stalls carrying various brands of sports gear from running to cycling or treking were on sale.

The Thais never let go the opportunity to promote futures races eg. Khon Kaen International Marathon (Jan 24, 2010). Pretty ladies were there to promote The Blackmores Sydney Marathon in September. A huge contrast to races in Malaysia unless it's organized by our Running Clubs. Otherwise in big events, most of the organizers either do it to make some fast bucks or for some political reasons. Sad..so sad!

After spending sometime at the site, we went for lunch. It was then, I was hit by a sudden nap attack! I slept in the bus on the way to lunch. I almost slept over lunch. I slept after lunch on the way to the so-called World's Largest Gem Factory. The excursion was quite impressive and educational where we were taken by tram into the tunnel where gems were found and made. Reminds me of Disney theme parks but then, I slept too. Later while the rest were still shopping at the factory, I dozed off on the couch and allowed my coffee to sit on the table.

The rest of the afternoon was siesta for me. Some of our friends followed the tour to Nong Nouch to observe some Thai cultural shows. In the evening, we were invited to a Pre Race Beach Party at the marathon site where they served all kinds of Thai delicacies and food. I could see many international runners especially the Kenyans carbo-loading with rice and meat.

I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the Thai organizers. They really have deep respect for runners in any race and always feel that it is their responsibility to serve us and ensure that runners are well treated. The people actually cooked the food continuously at the site so that runners were never short of food and drinks. They took accountabilty so that every race is executed with reverence and passion. The volunteers were mainly school children but heck, they did a great job! In Thailand, John and I had participated in the Hatyai Nature Run, Songkla Marathon, Chiangmai Marathon and Ocean to Ocean Relay (from Songkla to Satun) and we could only applaude them!

Race Day
At about 3.30am, Patrick, Francis, Teresa, Chui Lin, Uncle Hooi, John and I started walking from Sunshine Garden Resort to the marathon site. The Full Marathon was to start at 4.30am. At the start line, we met up with Mohan, Terence and all our dear Singaporean friends and had another round of photo session. The one that stood out was my friend Jenap from Singapore. Jenap used to run with many colourful wigs and this time, she was dressed as CatWoman.
It was very humid that morning and so much so that we were already perspiring profusely at the start line. There were about 800-900 runners running the full marathon distance. The race course is a mixture of highways and beaches where rolling hills and strong breeze were the order of the day. It was exhausting and at 26km, I was losing form (perhaps due to heavy menstrual flow)...I wished I was just running a Half Marathon instead. After that, I started hydrating myself at every 2km to keep myself out of oxygen debt.

When I arrived at 35km, I was quite pleased that I had actually come this far - I bumped into Patrick and sensed that something had gone amiss. I asked if he was alright and he murmured that he has already 'knocked out'. I moved on and went ahead only to find a steep hill in front of me! By now, I was so physically spent but kept telling myself that with each step, I am actually getting closer to the finishing line. Yes but not until I had to tackle yet another hill and passed through that long stretch of beach where the winds kept hitting me from the sides.
Soon, I saw the 1km to go marker but that 1km always seemed like eternity! Then, I sighted Gary somewhere at 300metre taking photo and all I could offer was a faint smile. I just want to finish the race, that's all.
Eventually, I did. This time in 4hours 20 mins.
Conclusion
The Pattaya Marathon is not an international marathon but it provided ample evidence of the current healthy state of running in Thailand. The reason for their success is simple : the organizers put up the event with their hearts and with passion. Just as runners. A lot of runners ran with their hearts and minds too. I know I did.

No strings attached...

2009-07-13T19:35:00.010+08:00

I must say that the Seremban Half Marathon is the only running race in Malaysia where the medal is the exact same medal that was given out to runners ever since the race was first organized, like two decades ago!! And it is the only medal (in my collection of medals) with no string attached. Boring!!
John and I had actually ban this race from our running agenda for a few years because it was so poorly organized. This year, we decided to give it another chance after hearing about some changes and improvements being made in the route design etc. However, we didn't set any expectation, in fact John reminded me to prepare for the worst and treat it as another 'training' run. So it came as a pleasant surprise for us when we experienced the following improvements :

New Route Design
At least 60 percent of the running course have changed...taking runners to some residential area which I enjoyed most because it's traffic free. The race route is like a roller coaster - hills after hills, which is fine for me.
The other 40 percent of the running course is back to running with the traffic and there were parts where we still had to run side by side with a lorry or a car and inhaled nothing but carbon monoxide!!

Adequate water/isotonic stations and sponging stations
Those days there was only 1 miserable water station at 11km and along the road, hawkers were selling drinking water @ RM1. Today, we had 4 refreshment stations and still plenty of it after the finishing race.

Speedy prize money collection
There is no need to wait for speeches after speeches. There is no need to wait for anouncements. There is no need to line up (like stupid FTAAA always made winners do so) to the podium. We went straight to an officer in charge of our category, present our ID and running bib for checking and that was it. Fast...no time wasted at all...I like this very much.

Fuss-free lucky draw
Yes, I've got coupon which said that I won a mystery gift. With that, I went to the Lucky Draw booth and draw my prize. The prize was half a dozen cans of 100 Plus and a Hotlink pack. Normally, a lot of time were wasted in getting a VIP to draw the lucky number and then waiting for the numbers to be called (not once but several times over), then waiting for the lucky person to check his/her number and then waiting for the person to slowly move to collect his/her prize. And it can go on and on until thy kingdom come...

Overall it was pleasant morning for me. The weather was superb - cooling and breezy. I enjoyed running the rolling hills. I won some prize money and received a small lucky draw without wasting any time waiting. I had a good breakfast with John, Lok and Agnes and headed home, happy!

This one's for you, Mom!

2009-06-29T16:06:00.012+08:00

Everything about this marathon didn't seem quite right...from the launch, the collection of race kits, the mess during the race day until even after the marathon where runners need to queue for medals etc. Surprisingly, John and I weren't affected by any of these at all.

Running for mom
I guess my intention for this Marathon is right after all, and I ran with reverence in my heart (something which I just learned from my Silent retreat lately).
A few days before Race Day, I called Mom and told her that I'll be running in a competition. You see, 4 years ago Mom has mild Alzheimer and has became very aloof since. Therefore, I was moved when she wished me well and said, "Run well, ya. Be careful. Look at the road." I was so moved by her response...she spoke just like she was my mom before Alzheimers.
Then I realized that it was not really her problem, it was mine too. I had stopped telling her about all my running competitions for 4 years. I decided to dedicate this marathon to mom.

Race Day
We arrived at Dataran Merdeka as early as 3.45am and found Francis already there. Gradually we met up with all our friends who will run the Full Marathon distance and as usual, exchanged pleasantries. Aha, about 15 mins before the gun off, the heavens opened and sent down early showers.
We sought shelter at the nearby tent until we were advised to get ready at the start line. Fortunately, it didn't take long for those showers to reduce to drizzle and personally, I welcomed it.
As the marathon is for mom, I intend to remember all I have forgotten about her during the entire race and it was not difficult...

Remembering all that I have forgotten about Mom:
1KM - 3KM
I forgot that you breastfed me when I was an infant.
4KM - 6KM
I forgot the love you poured on me when I was young.
7KM - 9KM
I forgot that you taught me how to walk when I first took my baby steps.
10KM - 12KM
I forgot the sleepless nights you had when I had my asthma attacks.
13KM - 15KM
I forgot the worries that you carried when I sat for my exams.
16KM - 18KM
I forgot that you cooked for me.
19KM - 21KM
I forgot that you kept the best food for me.
22KM - 24KM
I forgot all the pretty clothes that you sewed for me.
25KM - 27KM
I forgot the nice feeling when you cleaned my ears.
28KM - 30KM
I forgot all the advise you gave me and took it for naggings instead.
31KM - 33KM
I forgot to look beyond your wrinkles and age spots - I helped put them there.
34KM - 36KM
I forgot that you care and you cried for me when I was down and lost.
37KM - 39KM
I forgot the freedom you gave me to run and live my own life.
40KM - 42KM
For all the things that I have forgotten that you've done for me - I wanna Thank You and I Love You!!

Finishing line
After 4hours 16mins of running and contemplating, I finally arrived at the finishing line. It was that moment that I could feel the exhaustion and thirst. As always, my husband John who finished earlier in 3hr 48mins was there - waiting for me. We hugged and kissed each other before strolling lazily to collect my medal and finisher T-Shirt.

Running a marathon is quite a feat. It isn't about beating anyone or winning the prize money. It's about dealing with the distance as best we can, where the competition is with ourselves. And anyone who doesn't give up is a winner.
Having believe in this, we decided to stay back until 12noon to support and cheer those who are still running on the road. Especially to some of my friends who ran their maiden marathon that day, they certainly deserve our applause and respect.

Official Result :
Net Time 4:15:28
Finish Time 4:16:14
Position 033 (008)

Story from spiritual-short-stories

2009-06-17T18:56:00.006+08:00

A Hindu saint who was visiting the river Ganges to take a bath found a group of family members on the banks, shouting in anger at each other.

He turned to his disciples smiled and asked, "Why do people in anger shout to each other?"

Disciples thought for awhile, one of them said, "Because we lose our calm, we shout."

"But, why should you shout when the other person is just next to you? You can well tell him what you have to say in a soft manner." asked the saint.

Disciples gave some other answers but none were satisfactory.

Finally the saint explained,
"When two people are angry at each other, their heart distance alot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other to cover that great distance.

What happens when two people fall in love? They don't shout at each other but speak softly, because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is either non-existent or very small..."

The saint continued,
"When they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak, only whisper and they can get even closer to each other in their love. Finally, they don't even need to whisper, they only look at each other and that's all. That is how close two people are, when they are in love."

He looked at his disciples and said, "So when you argue with your loved ones do not let your hearts get distant. Do not say words that distance each other more, or else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return. They may end up in divorce, for instance."

NB Klang Pacers Half Marathon 2009

2009-06-09T18:27:00.012+08:00

It's been weeks...I caught the flu bug twice last month and recovered from it.

The weather is still bad. Extremely hot, humid and hazy. Last Sunday seen me on the road racing for the third time this year. The New Balance Klang Pacers Half Marathon is another running event organized by runners for runners. Having said that, one can expect a certain degree of quality in this race. Indeed, we were not disappointed at all.

This year the race organizers decided to introduce an entirely new race course instead of having it in Klang like in previous years. Setia Alam is a new township - a huge housing estate along NKVE, between Shah Alam and Klang. As the running route was within Setia Alam itself which is mainly residential and almost zero traffic, it made running safe and free.

The race started in front of the Setia Alam Welcome Center. I was quite impressed with this new venue. Ample parking space, clean and comfortable toilets and many mobile toilets too (extremely convenient for women..hehe!).
The morning air was stale and covered with haze. However, it didn't dampen the spirit of runners. The race course was challenging - typical Shah Alam route with numerous U-turns (which is never my cup of tea). Refreshment stations were adequate and power gels were handed out at 10km. There were no distance markers although ribbons were given at check points every 5km. Plenty of fruits and light refreshments were provided after the race where runners could eat and drink to their stomach's content while bonding with friends and fellow runners. Coupons were not required - something other race organizers need to consider.

I ran conservatively, passing a few ladies from the Women Open Category, and managed to just secure 7th placing in the Women Veteran Category within 1hr 55 mins. The designs of the medal and trophy are attractive too. After this, I am looking forward to run the next race end of this month - the SCKLIM.

Apart from a slight chaos before the race, the Klang Pacers did put up a great event with minimal flaws!

Marathon Blues

2009-05-13T16:07:00.011+08:00

Whoo! For the last 5 weeks or so, we've been experiencing extremely hot and humid weather with minimal or no rain at all. This alone could easily make one succumb to flu and I became one of the victims.

Thank God, the showers came this afternoon and we finally breathe a breath of fresh air!

While my running buddies and many other runners did their 30km LSD (Long Slow Distance) training last Sunday, I had to settle for a mere 25km with John. Currently, I'm feeling a little anxious because every runner I knew seems to be going 'ga-ga' and busy preparing for their Standard Chartered KL International Marathon and I, was not as excited at all. Somehow that "competitive chromosome in my body" have vanished!

I do not remember precisely when it happened - maybe, it was around the time when my age and my buttock became one and almost the same...LOL Ha!Ha!Ha! Then one morning I awoke and just realized that I no longer possessed the body of a 20 year old! Gravity had begun to exert a sneaky pull on me - a bump here, a sag there, a vague thickening over here. Hmmn...you know what I mean.

Obviously the days were gone when I could maintain a casual jog and still look reasonably fit. Gone, too were days when I could rely on my body's indestructible resiliency to recover from my exertions in just a matter of hours. Now it takes days! The once-effortless diversions, were enough to reduce me to a hobbling mess.

Many times I gave myself the excuse that it's just age catching up on me. But then again when I observed how persistent Uncle Hooi and Francis ran and live their lives, I am instantly inspired. Both of them are in their seventies; living life to their fullest, running marathons after marathons and hardly complaining, simply because they enjoy running. I sincerely admire and salute them!

Still, exercise - especially running remains as one of my valued routines. Over the years it has helped release my tension, reduced my stress level, cleared my sinus etc. Sure, I am still keen in endorphin rushes and so on. But right now, I guess I need to inject something more meaningful in order to perk me up and give me a reason to return to peak performance and run the race of my life again. Just like I used to.

Running in Bidor

2009-04-29T16:33:00.010+08:00

Although Bidor is not my hometown, running in Bidor always gives me a nostalgic feeling. I felt transported back in time to my childhood days growing up in a little squatter area in KL with my nanny and her family. We stayed in a wooden house which housed about 3 to 4 families. Friendly neighbourhood - everyone seemed to know and care about everyone. Nowadays we're all wary of strangers and quite rightly so.

While I was running, one old fashion yet evergreen song came to mind which aptly describes my feelings then.
WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD BY LOUIS ARMSTRONG
I see trees of green...red roses too
I see them bloom for you and me
And I think to myself...What a wonderful world!

I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed days and dark sacred nights
And I think to myself...What a wonderful world!

The colours of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands, saying "How do you do?"
They're really saying, "I love you!"

I hear babies cry...I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll never know
And I think to myself...What a wonderful world!

Yes, I say to myself..."What a wonderful world!" - Louis Armstrong

There are a few reasons why I enjoy running the Bidor Half Marathon :
Organizers
This marathon is organized by Bidor Runners for runners and it's friendly. Friendly because there's no prize money but I could still see smiling faces everywhere. I was told that the numbers grew from 200 participants few years back to 1,600 last Sunday. The increase in number of participants surely speak for itself of how a race in small town is being so impressively managed. Bidor Runners certainly deserved the support. Bravo!

Race Course
The race course is good and never boring. Running pass kampungs and estates, it brings runners closer to nature. It is also a good escape for me to get out of running in the city. Distance markers were placed at every kilometre and refreshments were adequate.

Post Race
Everyone who finishes the race gets a medal and it is one medal that I would care to collect and keep. Over the years, the Organizers put a lot of thought and effort into creating the design of the medal. Every year we get a different one and the collection get better and better. Thumbs up to them for creativity!
And I also received a trophy for finishing 6th. Thanks!
We were all treated with a generous post breakfast after the run and unlike other bigger races in the city, they do away with the coupon system. I honestly feel the coupon system is a waste of time and lack common sense. Of course, after a good workout we can all eat to our heart's content but how much more can a runner consume immediately after a race?

Well, Bidor is a town famous for its food...duck soup noodle, wantan mee, Pun Chun yam puffs, chicken biscuits etc. It is also famous for all kinds of hybrid jambus and fruits like guava, mango etc. 90% of Pun Chun, the shop that we ate were occupied with runners that Sunday.

It was a good weekend outing for us and more so, when we got to watch London Marathon 'live' on Astro when we got back that evening.

Run - Eat - Sleep - Watch TV. Ah, what a life!

Passage To Maran - Video & Pictures

2009-04-24T08:42:00.002+08:00

Below link, courtesy of Runwitme:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUFOtfeLiTU

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=69805&id=694864164&l=7bd4c89419

EASY but DIFFICULT

2009-04-18T11:33:00.007+08:00

The little things in life have a strange but often pleasant way of reminding us of the big things. Sometimes a brief moment is all that is needed to shift our focus and align us back on course. Yet many times, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
Few days ago I received this from a friend via e-mail, hear this if you haven't:

Easy to occupy a place in the telephone directory
Difficult to occupy the heart of somebody

Easy to judge the errors of others
Difficult to recognize our own errors

Easy to hurt those whom we love
Difficult to heal those wounds

Easy to forgive others
Difficult to ask for forgiveness

Easy to exhibit victory
Difficult to assume defeat with dignity

Easy to dream every night
Difficult to fight for a dream

Easy to pray every night
Difficult to find God in the smallest of things

Easy to say we love
Difficult to demonstrate it everyday

Easy to criticize everybody
Difficult to better ourselves

Easy to think of improving
Difficult to stop thinking and really do it

Easy to receive
Difficult to give

The 'right' road to Maran - Part 2

2009-04-15T14:46:00.009+08:00

Day Three : My cup runneth over
Bangun! Bangun! (Wake up! Wake up!)…this was repeated over and over again like an old tape recorder by our dear priest Samy. As soon as he woke up, he started walking round the hall to ensure that everyone is awake. It was only 1 am. I meant to sleep in for another half hour but when I saw that Amelia was already up and getting ready, I got up. Samy was so persistent with his morning call “Bangun!” that I could even hear it while I was brushing my teeth outside!
At 2.30 am the police truck arrived to chauffeur us to Mahamariamman Temple at Temerloh to join the rest for Breakfast. While waiting for the flag-off at 4 am, the skies show signs of a shower coming. We decided to go into the temple to put on our raincoats and suddenly the heavy downpour! Later, I was informed that this (shower) seemed to be happening every year and it is considered as auspicious. Many just braved the rain and started with their journey but the officials advised us (about 50) to stay behind as the rain was getting heavy.
Since we only slept for 3 hours last night, we did not hesitate to continue our sleep on the cold floor in the temple hall. I chatted with some of the aunties there who offered me a space to squeeze in between them. Just as curious as they were about my presence there, I was also curious about theirs. They shared with me their purpose for participating in this walk which they have been walking for the past 10 years. Incredible!
At about 6 am, heavy rain was reduced to drizzle and we were all advised to start our journey for the day. The police truck then sent us to the first pit stop for some light refreshments and to join the group who started their walk earlier. So began my journey for day 3. It was still drizzling and the gloomy skies were certainly a welcome change after being burnt by the sun for the past two days. Having said that, the sun came out and started roasting us again! On arrival to the stop at Jengkak, it was only 10.40 am and we were told to rest and wait for lunch at 12 noon.
Based on Julie’s experience, she advised us not to wait but to continue walking and have lunch on our own later.
The final stretch was another grueling long section heading towards Maran. We followed the signboard which wrote ‘KUIL SRI MARATHANDAVAR 16km’ but wait, as we walked quite a distance further it said ‘Kuil Sri Marathandavar 17km’ Ah…16km or 17km? Anyway, never trust distance markers in Malaysia – they are often misleading and a waste of time if we depend on them too much. Julie, Pueh Tian and I took a short break at one of the stalls to have lunch while Amelia had walked way ahead and could not be stopped. Ahead of us was another 13km…On a normal day, 13km seem pretty easy for me. But presently, walking with 6 blisters on the heated tarmac road seemed quite a task. After coming so far, I thought I can overcome anything but not until I got to know that we need to walk barefooted for the last 4km. Ah..with my blisters???

Last 4km
Ha! Ha! It was another relief after having completed 13km. We joined all the devotees and assembled beside the river bank to walk the last 4km together, barefooted. Well, as observers, my friends and I have decided to part take the whole process with the others.
Everyone had to walk down the river to ‘cleanse’ ourselves from top to toe. (In the end, Samy suggested that we can also use mineral water..hehe! he is humorous!) As we walked forward, the priest blessed us by applying some white powder and a red little dot on our foreheads. Then, we formed a line with other devotees. Some aunties who were observing us were joyous to see that we followed this ritual. They offered me a place in the queue next to them but I told them I will stay behind the line to observe this time. After 20 minutes of prayer, we picked up one of the milk pot covered with a piece of yellow cloth that was placed on the ground and followed the group as they chant and marched to the main temple. Oh yes, we walked barefooted carrying the milk pot on our heads.

One of the St. John’s volunteers was very helpful, he dressed and plastered all my blisters so it lessened the pain. Thanks a million, Kwan!
Carrying the milk pot on the head was rather difficult as it was heavy. I placed it on my shoulders instead. As we drew nearer to Sri Marathandavar temple, one of the priests advised me to put the milk pot on my head. He explained that when the milk pot is placed on the head, you could feel the heaviness. You then transfer this heaviness (the heaviness of our burdens) to Lord Muruga. Another officer who was walking beside me said, “Today is an auspicious day for you. When you handover this milk pot to the priest, remember to make a wish.”
It was without a doubt, the people surrounding me were all willing to share their culture and beliefs and we need to respect that. I was made to see that everyone on this planet can actually live together in harmony if we make enough effort to treat each other as human beings by not looking at one another in contempt, and discriminate because of skin color, gender, race or rank.We finally arrived at our final destination…I sighted the majestic Sri Marathandavar Temple! There were already thousands of devotees gathered there to celebrate Pangguni Uthiram festival (a celebration for Murugan devotees) and almost similar to Thaipusam. Some devotees carrying the kavadis, some went into a trance, rolling on the floor, dancing etc.
There was a huge bazaar with more than a hundred traders selling all kinds of everything. It was indeed a very colorful carnival.
We walked around the temple 3 times before entering the sacred place. And when my turn came to hand over the milk pot to the priest to pour on Lord Muruga, I made a universal wish: that all of us will be blessed with good health and that man will learn to live in peace. After pouring out the milk, the priest handed the pot together with a coconut, banana, powder and some flower petals to me.

Sri Marathandavar Bala Dhandayuthapani Temple
Situated in Maran, Pahang this temple is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus in Malaysia. It is 121 years old today.
The legend goes that a large tree was marked for falling to make way for the KL – Kuantan road but as the blade of the axe struck it, the tree began to bleed. Lorries were overturned and one of the Tamil workers suddenly went into a trance and pleaded for the tree to be spared. When the authorities refused, they saw a figure of a child appearing on the tree trunk. The supervisor immediately changed his mind and then re-laid the road to avoid the tree. The place became sacred and the temple was constructed around the tree. Many who came to worship were bestowed with good fortune in their lives and they returned to the temple from time to time to offer thanksgiving to Lord Muruga.
After the ceremony, I went searching for my bags at the tent outside the temple and was surprised to discover a big mess! Hundreds of bags were scattered all over and I wondered if it’s ever possible to find mine?! Well, took me awhile but eventually I managed to locate my bags. Then I realized that my shoes and slippers were missing and still in the police truck. I went searching for the truck which was parked some distance away from the temple. I was absolutely worn-out this time especially walking around barefooted until these words suddenly came to mind and struck me: I complained I have no shoes until I saw a man without his feet!
Gratitude, haven’t I just learn?
Next, when I got to know that there weren’t any place to shower, I decided to go home with Amelia. I hastily made arrangements with the St. John’s team after learning that they were also leaving for KL that night. Mohan and Suresh from St. John’s are some of the nicest people I met here. They drove us back.
By now, my legs were screaming of fatique, my blisters were shouting in agony and my whole body began to sore and ache due to the excessive sunburn, otherwise I would have stayed back. When we were leaving Maran, it began to rain and later, I was told that the whole place was flooded. I slept all the way from Maran to KL.

As ravaged as my body feels, the overall experience is just too extraordinary to lose sight of. Now still recovering from all the aches, sunburn and record-breaking blisters, I did not regret making my foot-steps from KL to Maran.
Will I do it again? When the time comes and there are still lessons to be learned, I will.

Indeed, sometimes we can be at the right time, right place and miracles happen.
For me, the lessons I learned throughout this entire journey itself is a miracle!

The 'right' road to Maran - Part 1

2009-04-13T20:17:00.015+08:00

Sometimes we can be at the right place, on the right time and miracles happen. Other times we might find ourselves at the wrong place, at the wrong time and everything else seemed so wrong! Well, sometimes lucky and at times, not so.

KL - Maran Walk ( 5th – 7th April)
I believe it was the right time and not by chance when I made up my mind to walk this ritual walk from Batu Caves to Maran with my friends Julie, Amelia & Lim Pueh Tian. It was Julie who introduced us to this event which she has been participating for the last 4 years. She provided us with a detailed programme so as to equip us for the event.

The walk from Batu Caves to Maran covers 204km in 3 days. This event has been happening for the last 32 years and rather popular amongst the Hindus. And all these years I never knew that non Hindus are allowed to participate. The purpose of the walk is to celebrate the birthday of Lord Muruga. It is believed that devotees who make a pledge during this pilgrimage journey will receive blessings from Lord Muruga and have their wishes fulfilled. Many came to seek blessings.

Upon arrival at Batu Caves at 12 midnight, we were welcomed by some fellow “walkers” to join them. This year, there are more than 250 participants from all over Malaysia. As it was not a race, there were no specific rules. I was there to experience a different event and respect the Hindu culture and I decided to have fun and enjoy myself.

Day One : The Walker walketh
We loaded our bags onto the Police Truck and only carried with us some basic belongings eg. raincoat, torch, slipper and water bottle. After a light supper and prayer, the walk was flag-off at 3.15 am. I was informed that Day One is the toughest and longest and indeed it was.
After walking 30km or so, the first blister visited me. I managed to meet Julie at the stop near Genting Sempah and got some Vaseline from her. We then continued our journey to our next stop which was another 20km at Hutan Lipur Lintang. We stopped here to refresh ourselves and had lunch. Our meals were all vegetarian throughout the entire 3 days. Being a prescatarian, I have no problem with that at all. In fact, our Hindu friends seemed happy when they observed that we followed their culture – eating with our hands.
After lunch, we continued walking on the tar roads on the highway with the blazing sun right on top of our heads. In between, we had tea, fruits and jelly aplenty. The support was good : 2 Police trucks, 2 St. John’s Ambulance, 20 Rela members, a Midnight Express Van (to entertain us with Indian songs) and a host of dedicated volunteers escorting us throughout and at various spots.
About more than 10km before reaching our final pit-stop, the heavens suddenly opened up and poured. It was a heavy downpour and so sudden that I wasn’t given time to put on my rain coat. The winds were so strong that it almost blew my rain coat away! I ran and took shelter at a nearby stop. Here, I met Amelia and several other walkers. I was drenched! We waited for the rain to subside and then, 2 other guys asked Amelia and I to walk together with them to complete the walk of the day. By now, we had already walked 71km – what is another 10km? So I thought and I was so wrong! When you are so physically spent, the last 10km were nothing but an absolute torture and a never-ending journey (for me).

As it was still drizzling, my shoes were all soaked making my legs heavy and the walk became more and more unbearable. My blisters were hurting too. However, those 2 guys kept encouraging me, “We are actually getting closer already. The temple is just round the corner.” Well, round the corner was actually 2 km away and what seemed like eternity! It was like we were never going to reach there!
My, I was exhausted beyond words but kept motivating myself to be patient…it’s just a matter of time, I will arrive there eventually. When we finally arrived at the Mahamariamman Temple at Karak, we were greeted by Julie and Pueh Tian who had both hopped onto the police truck earlier.
Instead of waiting for dinner to be served at 8pm, we decided to eat at the mamak stall nearby. We had a quick bath in the open as bathrooms and toilets were really limited. Our sleeping area was in the temple hall where all slept on the cement floor with either a mat or sleeping bag (depending on which one you bring). With more than 100 ladies, we just had to squeeze ourselves into any space we could find and therefore, Amelia, Julie and I slept separately.
I had the least problem as I can sleep anywhere, anytime and not for long, I succumbed to fatique and slept the sleep of the just.
Today, I walked 81km and the distance is nothing to be so proud of. However, I am proud because I have learned PATIENCE all over again today. As I evaluated myself today, I knew that all the time, I was in a hurry…rushing from one place to another and most times, wanting to be the first to get there. Rushing to talk to people and sometimes, never really listening to them. Many times, I got frustrated especially being caught in a traffic jam or even while waiting for the lift. Yet today – I overcame the sun, the rain, the blister and walked all the way from Batu Caves to Karak. 81km is certainly no easy feat but it was patience and perseverance that got me thus far. If I have the patience to endure such long and hard journey, why can’t I be a little more patient in my everyday life? Why can’t I be a little more patient with people and circumstances?
After the pain is gone, I hope to live never forgetting what today has taught me.

“Often we allow ourselves to be upset by small things we should despise and forget. We lose many irreplaceable hours brooding over grievances that, in a year’s time will be forgotten by us and by everybody. Instead we should devote our life to worthwhile actions and feelings, to great thoughts, real affections and enduring undertakings." - Andre Maurois

Day Two : The Seeker seeketh
Today was another much anticipated “long sunny day”. Temperatures forecasted to be even higher than yesterday.
I slept fairly well last night despite the noises around me. Anyhow, it is impossible to expect peace and quiet in a hall with 100 over ladies…ha!
My shoes are still wet from yesterday’s rain and I knew I made the biggest mistake for not bringing a spare with me.
We were treated with biscuits and hot tea for breakfast before the flag-off at 4.10 am. It was pitch dark. I switched on my torchlight and tried to stay close to a group. I decided to walk slowly and carefully and most of the morning, walking and talking with Julie. Along the way, we met the priest Samy (not his real name) and we walked some distances together with him. He became my inspiration today. Samy is 80 years old and has been walking for the last 32 years without fail! He puts many of us to shame. At his age, I’m amazed that his walking pace is very consistent. He explained to me that the road conditions those days were far worse than current. I also observed that he doesn’t eat much – only enough. Yup, over a meal I sat with him and he reminded that we don’t need to eat a lot – only enough to fill the stomach. And I agree with him.
My walk today was dreadful. My legs felt like lead, only heavier. The blazing sun was so unforgiving especially when you had to go through it for 12 hours in 36C with no breeze or shade (I did put on a cap, though). There was a long stretch of road – a desolate sector where trucks roar through the intersections and the only businesses for miles is a poor petrol station and it’s the only place we could go to ease ourselves.
With another 5km to the next temple stop, the Police caught a few of us and requested us to board the truck as we were behind time for lunch. On board the truck, I saw my friends Julie and Pueh Tian and Samy were there too. Ha! Ha!
Upon arrival at the Mahamariamamman Temple at Mentakab, I went to seek medical attention to treat my blisters which had increased from 2 to 4! I decided to give lunch a miss and rested instead.
The journey to the next temple stop was another 17-20km away. Along the road, some villagers were very kind, they offered us refreshments which they prepared from their heart. An elderly lady treated us ginger tea and some cakes which she made herself. Throughout this journey, I only saw kindness and generosity in the people whom I often discriminated and judged as unreliable. Oh God, I was so wrong!
The next pit stop was at Temerloh. My skin was terribly burnt while my fingers and feet were swollen and sore due to the stagnant blood flow. Furthermore, new blisters had developed adding it to six now, I decided to call it a day. After a short break, Samy told me that he would continue and asked me to catch up with him later. This really puts me to shame because I knew I was not going to walk any further today and I was too embarrassed to tell him that. My mind was determined while my body was protesting wildly.
Therefore, my mileage today was only 46km which is already more than a marathon distance. We set camp at Mahamariamamman Temple at Temerloh. This temple hall is extremely small and again all 100 over ladies had to cramp into whatever space we could find to sleep. Needless to say, we were all like packed sardines! Elsewhere, the guys were getting no better. In fact, their hall could not even accommodate them all. When we got news that the Organizers had decided to transfer 40 of them to a newer temple that is still under renovation, we asked if we could follow the guys. Fortunately, they obliged to our request, “Well, if you don’t mind putting up with 40 guys, you may join them.”
Without hesitation, we quickly moved and packed all our belongings and boarded onto the police truck to transfer there. It was raining again that evening but was glad that this temple is so much spacious compared to the one earlier. We found a spot and without wasting time, took our precious 40 winks!

Today I learned about GRATITUDE for I know what it really feels like to stay in a Refugee Camp. Today, I will appreciate and value the little things in life more than before. I count my blessings and remember to be grateful for whatever I am given.
Back home, I sometimes complained about dirty toilets and bathrooms, here we took our shower in the open.
Back home, once in a while I made fuss over a bed that has lost its bounce and softness, here we slept on cold and hard cement floor.
Back home, I sometimes got annoyed over stain cutlery, here we ate using our own hands.
Somewhere in this world, such are the everyday lives of the poor and the homeless and being able to experience just a small part of it has once again humbled me.
We actually spent so much on things we don't really need when they are people out there who are fighting poverty and hunger and have no idea when their next meal is coming from.
I began to see that everything has a wonder to it. The tiniest of flowers, the lowliest of creatures or perhaps, the faintest of a smile…they all have a purpose, they have a place in this world. It is up to us to discover their reason of being and be inspired by the wonder of it all.

“If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey

Final Day (to be continued)