HaPPY NeW YeaR 2008!

IT'S 2008!! Boomm.. boomm... Another year has come and gone. May the past remained behind, and the future be a surprise. What's important now is the present! So, live this year to the fullest and a Happy New Year!

Dan G

THe LaBouR oF LoVe

The heart was wrenching and there was just no mood for talking last night. I was having another marathon hours of working. My body told me I had not recovered yet from the last marathon. And looking ahead I have 2 more marathons, day after another. I was working marathon even on Christmas, Deepavali, both Rayas and now again on New Year. I started to query if it was fair enough for myself when people were actually celebrating these events while I have to work.


Some of the colleagues are selfish to say, because they wanted to celebrate all these events, and ended up, people like me have to work on all FESTIVALS could offer this year end. Then I spoke to myself solemnly, if I refused to work after all selfish people didn't want to work, no one will be working this festive season and the public will suffer the most. So, hesitantly, I took up the job.

I was browsing through the internet reading articles when I came to this article in the star online news. http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2007/12/28/central/19860107&sec=centralfile=/2007/12/28/central/19860107&sec=central . The title was catchy. I started reading and it touched me so deeply. The labour of love. It's so true. And at last, someone recognized us! At least, my work never goes unnoticed.

Many of a time, we don't realize that people who serve us during festival is not a co-incident and they are not robot as well. They are simple people like anyone else who celebrate festivals as everyone. But due to job commitments, they have to work even on holidays to make sure that these holidays go on smoothly. Many just don't notice these details.

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Who would serve you food if the restaurants have no one to work. Who will treat you, if the hospital is closed. Who will come to rescue you if there was a fire and no people are working. It's so easy to obtain the service but these people are like everyone who yearn to celebrate the festivals with their close ones. They, who put service above self and yet gotten any recognition. I don't deny that working on a holiday will get to one's nerve, though professionalism should be maintained. Understanding from the people is very much needed. And if only everyone would be co-operative and discard selfishness, then perhaps everyone can celebrate these festivals in turns. Thus, the systems should be better organized.

My greatest reward last night was when someone said genuinely to my face, Thank you. So, I whispered to myself that at least I was not alone. Then the rings called. Quickly, I put on a smile on my face, left the computer and responded to my work again. Perhaps, it's the labour of love keeps me going on.... So, to all people who have to work on this new year, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Ready for a New YeaR?

Ding, ding, ding... The new year is drawing close. It's gonna be 2008. I am not sure if I am going to get used to it. I have been writing dates everyday and the number at the back was always 07. (ie: __/__/07). So, in a few days time, things will change. I remember when it was 1999. When it came to the end of the year, many were curious of what's going to happen next.


As you can see, the computers were programmed to fit the year by 2 digits behind beginning with 99. So, logically, the following number will be 100. Anyways, that problem was solved. But I was in school then, and it was kinda excited because we gotta start with 00, then 01, 02, etc after getting used to writing 91,92,93... After a while, you get bored with it, hehe.


Alright. So another year has come. But for me, it's just another day. Maybe people like us who work so much, can't be bothered about time anymore, coz we ain't have much time to think about it anyway. Life has become more and more challenging when you get older. The responsibilities and the expectation that's laid on you can be huge.

When I was a teen, I used to celebrate new year by going to crowded places like the town for countdown. It was fun coz you ain't to bother much bout working the next day as it's a school holiday. But then, those were the days. Now, I prefer to stay at home and, watch you shouting and squeezed like in a sardine cans, soaked in salty MSGs, hehe. But wait, ... wait till I regain my youthfulness again, then I shall join the party again! Just joking...


So, how would you celebrate this new year?

What makes a baby?

It's raining and cool outside. I guess it's that one season again when staying home is so comfy. I had marathon working hours yesterday, yes on a Christmas holiday and my head is as light as a feather now. It was one of the hectic working hours I ever had. So, it is a relief to be able to sit down with peace and enjoy the rest of the night.

Let's see...what makes a baby? hmmm... To make a baby involves alot of thinking. I had the opportunity to speak to couples who had just recently have a new member in the family. You maybe surprised that the knowledge of contraception amongst the public is not that impressive. Many new couples don't even know there are other methods except using condoms. But how many of US, ehem, do really use condoms?


And do you know that if only it is used correctly (methods, quality), then that you stand a chance of 3% (3 pregnancies per 100 women during the first year of use) of getting pregnant? That's consider high as many are still not good at using it. There are still other methods like IUCDs, oral contraceptive pills, implants, injections, sterilizations and many more can be used. But people are still so ignorant.


When you ask them to find out more and make a quick decision, they will always give excuses: no time, no money, we have our own methods (??superNATURAL methods??). They always say that they don't want anymore children at the moment but they never put in effort. And the next thing you know, they got pregnant again when their new born is just 4 months old. And the mother has to undergo stress again in the aspect of physical, mental and emotion. Then the newborn will suffer too because lack of care from his mother who is struggling to keep another in her 'tummy'. And then, the father will have to work harder to get more money in order to support the evergrowing family size. This is a typical scenario in the country.

But for certain quarters of people, family planning isn't right. They think that it has to be natural. If you get pregnant, that's fated and a gift. I respect this decision. However, my school of thoughts will include those involve in the process of making baby. Not only parents will be affected but other children will be affected as well if the nuclear unit is not well managed. We progress as a nation who wanted to move ahead and strive for better living, so why are we hindering ourselves from obtaining this knowledge?

Ok, I will leave it to you to ponder about. As for now, I shall enjoy my cup of tea and the rest of the night.

A lil' different Christmas Song

Merry Christmas EveryBody!

Merry Christmas to you guys out there (my family, friends, and blogreaders) who are celebrating the yuletide seasons! HOHOHO...

P.S: Watched this movie sometime ago during the international film festival. Very interesting with three different languages in this same movie. A piece of art! If only we could have a peaceful earth to live on....

Wishes on this Christmas

The holiday season is just around the corner as the people are slowly withdrawing themselves from the city itself. This time in particular, many are taking a long break from work in view of the on going school holidays and the coming public holidays. Christmas has become more commercially celebrated rather than religiously. The good thing about it is that everyone can have fun and celebrate it! It's all about gifts and hohoho.... So, I was asked once, what do I want for Christmas. I remember of getting a gift from my mum, a toy when I was 10. It didn't last long. Many of my old stuff were thrown away because "they were old and space occupying".

I saw madam that night, who was gasping to live in the presence of her crying children and wished I could have more TIME.

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I spoke to Rian who defaulted her baby's treatment because she can't pay, and wished I could have HEALTH.

I heard how much hatred and anger Ade kept towards her friend when she confided in me and wished I could have more PATIENCE and COMPASSION.

I looked into aunty Sari's teary eyes when she told me about losing her sisters to cancer and wished I could have HAPPINESS.

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I listened to Mimi when she told me she was hiding from her husband about giving away her baby outside wedlock and wished I could have FORGIVENESS AND ACCEPTANCE.

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I chatted with missy, a single mother who was feeding her newborn baby and wished I could have COURAGE.

I read about riots going on everywhere in the country and wished I could have PEACE and EQUALITY.

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After a long working hours today, I went out and literally saw birds flying in the sky, monkeys resting on the trees, bees buzzing around the flowers and wished I have more FREEDOM.

Then I paused as I saw the calendar. Christmas is drawing near. It hit my thought again and finally I've got the answer for that question. I wish for...

HEALTH, FREEDOM, COURAGE, PEACE, COMPASSION, ACCEPTANCE and most importantly... HAPPINESS

The Imperfection of the Imperfect

The clock is ticking by,

I wonder what's in your mind,

Your eyes look worried,

Your face is weary.

.

.

Mama,

Are you thinking of me,

The imperfection of all kind,

That no one wants to be,

Keeping behind your mind.

.

Now, as the night is calm,

The time has come,
When both of us,

Confront our fears,

I could hear your heartbeat,

Every second, every beat,

It's so strong,

What has gone wrong?

Then, suddenly there's a halt,

I am here and you are there,

You want me not,

I think don't dare.

Mama,

Why aren't you looking at me?

Am I so really ugly?

The imperfect creature I could be,

That never even look nicely.

Slowly you open your eyes,

I could see right through your mind,

As the tears betray your disguise,

When I die, it's a sign.

.

Mama,

Don't you cry,

Though we both know why,

You are not perfect,

As I may not expect,

You have a piece of me,

As you may not see,

And I have a piece of you,

Forever it's true.

Mama,

I wish we both know how,

but,

Mama,

I have to go now........

P.S: Dedicated to all mothers and their unlived children

Ho Ho Ho....

HoHoHo....Christmas is back in town again! You just can't miss it. Christmas is everywhere. The atmosphere will last at least up till the end of the month. Big and giant complexes are already decorating using Christmas theme. Though there is no snow at this humid part of the country, the songs, the smell and the surroundings are so much like white Christmas minus the snow. The serenity at night plus the coziness and lightings are so soothing.



I was at the Garden and mid valley last night. They were having 2 total different concepts of Christmas decorations. One is more like the western white Christmas, being cozy and quiet; another is more of a grand eastern Christmas party, noisy and crowded. I can't compare both on pictures because I lost that one from the Garden. Sob sob...

I asked a friend what is Christmas to her. She was suggesting that Christmas is FUN. She always wanted Christmas to be different from the conservative ones. While I have a different kinda feel for Christmas. Christmas is friends, wine and fireplace. I may sound mellow but that's how I feel like it. Ehem....

I noticed this lil' dog while walking on a street last night. It was placed in a small cubicle where space is a limit. The dog-next-door was having diarrhoea. It was literally purging out watery stools. So, I guess this lil doggy will be alone for sometime. Looking into its eyes, I wonder what he was thinking about Christmas. Perhaps a new owner?

So, what is Christmas to you?

Mellow D-ay

It started off with a mellow feeling in the morning. The day was so dim, and the clouds were covering the sky. It was just wet, wet and wet outside. While I was only able to view from a distance in the building. I walked passed the longggg corridor with little interest.

It was as if I was living in a soulless shell. The sky was slowly creeping into darkness as my watch ticked quarter past 7 evening. I was just waiting for the course to be over. With a little sigh, I braved through the night. I was working around the clock last night. My head became heavier as I felt the pressure behind my eyes were pushing hard. Obviously, I wasn't that well.

So, I took 2 tabs of PCM and crossed my fingers so that the night would be a quiet one. I went to rest at 12am and I just dozed off until the mosquitoes attack at 0230H. I woke up and felt better after the pills and rest. Then, work went on.......time certainly flies.

It was amazing how we got through most of our days without feeling dreadful. An uneventful day could be a gain rather than a loss. While I was looking out the window this evening, I was wondering if it was going to rain today....

You are either with US, or against US

When there's a will,
there's a hope.

When there's a crowd,

there's politics.

Politics is so common that its existence is quietly absorbed in all corners. Whether one realized it, everyone is part of politics. I was very immersed in politics during high school days, from being committee member of the co-0p society to the editor-in-chief of the school magazine. I held every position that could have existed: president, secretary, treasurer, committee member, etc of various societies and sports club; all at one time. So, my perspective is solely based on personal experience.

When the USA declared war in the middle east, pressure was put to every country possible for support on their delusion that they were the judge, and the judge was always right. There were only 2 options: you are either with US, or against US.

This statement can sometimes be interpreted as a false dilemma, which is an informal fallacy. It is used to polarize situations and force the audience to either become allies or to accept the consequences as being deemed an enemy.

Politics being everywhere can be very cunning. This situation is a way of persuading others to choose sides in a conflict which does not afford the luxury of neutrality. Most of the time, people will divide and associate themselves to a party which will benefit them the most. This decision however is temporary.

As the Chinese saying goes: the wind blows east, the leaves go east, the wind blows west, the leaves go west. In such a situation, one will only gain false trust from others. Most incidence happens behind the scene. Human nature dictates that victory always on the stronger part. If one easily swayed just to be please the situation and self-voluntarily cloud their judgment, the vote will be as labile as their mind.

Betrayal could happen anytime if the situation is not favourable. So it's important to identify the genuine voters around and not count for quantity support but quality. At the end, only true friends will stay.

I have retired from the political arena as much as I desire. Sitting on the fence is not as easy. But I just want to be true to myself and true to others. Afterall, life is more than that.

So, who do you vote for?

I Want to STUDY!

Currently, I am reading on this book called The Diary of MA YAN. The book cover isn't fancy at all and anyone would have given it a pass at first glance. But it appeared twice, so I decided giving it a chance. It was pretty amazing. First 10 pages were so moving. I was so touched and literally had goose pimples.

This book is the moving tale of a young girl who wants to overcome her impoverished life, who prefers to go hungry in order to save money to buy a pen, who feels deeply for the mother and her family. It is the story of an indomitable spirit and a thirsty intelligence told with real passion. Her letter to her mum with the title: I WANT TO STUDY, was handed to a foreign journalist by her mum, and this had changed her life.

How many of us today do appreciate the education that we have? Pens, books, rulers, bags, etc. You named it and you had it all during school days. But many are still taking it for granted. Or shall I say, that's life? Many of a time, we just don't appreciate things that we have and we are adamant to pursue something that is far beyond reach. I guess that's human nature. The more you get, the more you want. Human can never be satisfied.

This book has now been published in over 14 languages throughout the world. It's a simple book. I am gonna try to complete this book by next month. Pardon me, coz I am kinda busy with work at this period of time. Until then, I WANT TO STUDY abit now...hehe

Potato Eaters, The

a PiCTuRe SPeaKs a THouSaND WoRDS

Easy Saturday

Waking up late this morning not needing to think about work was such a pleasure! It was especially true when you worked so hard during the weekdays. Sometimes, we just need that 1 day to recharge ourselves before going back to the battlefield.

The breeze was fresh and the sun was friendly. The water in the pool was so calm and cool.... It was like a paradise!

I walked past a bakery shop this evening when I saw so many beautiful cakes displayed. These were birthday cakes. The birthday cake has been an integral part of birthday tradition in Western cultures since the middle of the 19th century.

The phrase "Happy Birthday" did not appear on birthday cakes until the song Happy Birthday to YOU was popularized in the early 1900s.

Tradition holds that the person with the birthday may make a wish, which will come true if all the candles can be blown out in one breath.

I can't recall if I had received a birthday cake this year. Birthday cakes are usually associated with children. But I think the tradition of having a cake, at least one little one is meaningful. People receive gifts on so many occasions throughout the year, but blowing candles on a birthday cake can only be done once a year.

Not many people are as lucky to receive a birthday cake on birthdays. Many are still anticipating if their loved ones still remember the special date on the calendar, the very date that brings a life to this earth.

Before the clock ticks away to the very last second, there's always still a hope, a hope that someone will be there, to extend the arms, to forward a cake with a candle on top. Blow....and there comes a new wish.

So, have you got a birthday cake this year?

I JUST want to GO ON

I saw a very nice bouquet of flowers on the desk of a sick lady with a card saying: Get well soon. How much do we know about the symbol of flowers?

Flowers are given at special events. Different flowers stand a different meaning. Some flowers are used to express love, romance and appreciation. While the others are wishes for success, happiness or recovery from sickness. Hence, life has different phases.

There are times where one would face a tough time in their career. The working hours can get more exhaustive and energy consuming.

While I try catching my breath for the next event, I literally have no energy and time to think whether I will be able to cope with it.

What I can do is to go along with the flow until at the point where my physical and emotion become the limits. I am not being dramatic but that's the fact.

I know that I am not the only one fighting and there are many people outside there sharing the same fate. The road is still so long. There is so much yet so little time to do.

Sometimes, we doubt our ability. Sometimes, we find fault with our disability. If we search in depth, we will see the hero in us.

Though flowers are just a symbol, it also represents comfort and offer consolation. After a tedious hard work, wouldn't it be nice to receive a bouquet of gratitude. Before we heading a new start, wouldn't it be nice to receive a bouquet of "all the best".

As for what we did, there is always a reason to celebrate with flowers. As for now, a bouquet of courage would be nice. No matter what, I JUST want to GO ON.

P.S: A lil prayer for good health and peace....

ALSO VISIT my homepage at: http://withdang.blogspot.com for the latest entry

If you can't make me thin, make my friends fat!

I reckon a few years ago that I had included a funny comic into my magazine. It was funny but can be true.

It reads:
Please God - If you can’t make me thin, make my friends fat!

I was having lunch with my colleague today when we suddenly brought upon this phrase. My point is being general. I am not speaking of the size but rather the attitude. Some people like to lament about life. When they don't do good in life, they'd rather to see the other counterparts to have the same fate.

But how fair can that be? Consider if one was working so hard to achieve things in life, it would be a norm if he was to succeed. On the other hand, if one was not working at all, what to be expected? That's as simple as 1+1=2.

There are people out there who would try so hard to bring down their friends just because they failed in work, exams, relationship, etc. I am not a counselor but any sane being would think that it's NOT right. Life is more than that.

Why work so hard to bring others down when these energies can be diverted to self-improvement? I believe that hard work will never go wasted. We just need that little bit 'touch' from the 'ONE' above to be successful.

There is a saying: The world can easily change but not one's attitude. So, if you don't help yourself, who would? Wouldn't it be a beautiful world if we cherished each other?

Confucius once quoted: The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has.

So, do you still want your friends to be FAT?

PS: VISIT MY HOME BLOG AT http://withdang.blogspot.com

How perfect can a pair of glasses be?

Two days ago, the glasses just broke apart. I was really anxious because this is the only frameless pair that was available. It was through a soft manipulation of adjustment that the glasses decided to break. It was beyond amendment. How could that happen? I tried searching other alternatives for replacement, and in the end I found something else. But the feeling is different.

There is something else in our lives which was broken, can not be replaced.

For instance, trust.

For some, trust only can be once.
Trust is something that you give and expect to get.
Trust is the reason you hang on to a relationship, believing that things are going to work and get set.
Trust gives you security and to trust, is the highest consented risk you have ever bet.
But for some, trust is the only answer to desperation.
Clouding your judgment and action,
To believe something that you already knew it's not truthful.
To put more hope in order not to feel hurtful.
To run away from reality by masking the insecurity and vulnerability.
Because you don't want to lose after putting in so much time and energy,
into something that you hope one day will come true,
despite all the evidence pointing that it was just a delusion but not true.

Dan G

So, which category do you fall into?

A gathering of peaceful eaters..

While there was a huge gathering preparation going on in town to hand in the petition on Sunday, we were having a small and light gathering at paddington hse of pancakes at 1U last night. I have to say that the environment is much better at the Curve.

So, there was a lot of chatting and catching up to do. Everyone still looked so young and ....ehem. Let us just smile, click!



Ok, I was hungry when I arrived late. My dish was Tokyo... no, not that Tokyo city. It's the food named Tokyo. Chicken ham, popia-like vegetable wrapper, mushroom sauce topping, ?pancakes, mashed potatoes,tomatoes and lots of mustard. Best to my recall. Ok, my fault not taking the the original picture coz I needed a quick gastro resus at that time.

Then, came the dessert: opss I can't recall the name. Just have a look at the picture. Ice-cream wrapped within a thin pancake, strawberries around, cream topping and apple dipped with coconut crust. Yummie... In fact we had another golden 'something' dessert. It was nice too, flooded with caramel topping!

Then there were exchanges of forks and knives battle.






So, this is the after-effect of a violent round of battle amongst the sweet-lovers! Guys, behave yourselves, s'il vous plait...

There was a small concert outside 1U. Pretty girls and boys flooded the whole place. Co-incidentally, ntv7 was having their roadshow there as well.

This is not a subway but the parking paying machine area. A long long queue. Yawn,,, wait until you see the traffic!!