Miss Malaysia / World 1976

Christchurch Geophysical Survey

2011-06-03T22:38:00.000+12:00

Foods That Help a Low Platelet Count

2011-03-22T16:40:00.002+13:00

My Son is going through another round of Chemotherapy.This is his 3rd time in 4 years. This time round after the 2nd cycle his platelet count is almost zero. I google to get help on how to increase platelet count and came across this article.Not sure whether it works but is currently following the suggestions given. Any feedback or views please!.

Itp – Foods That Help a Low Platelet Count

Author:

Maggi Pier

If you have a low platelet count, either from Idiopathic thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) or some other immune system disease, please consider what it is that you are eating.

Besides being aware of all the foods that you should not eat, surprisingly there are some wonderful super foods available which can surely help if you have a low platelet count.

First you should eliminate from your diet all foods that act as irritants to your system and which cause inflammation such as sugars, refined grains, saturated fats, fast foods, processed foods and sodas to mention a few. These common, but harmful foods will just aggravate a low platelet count.

Then you need to introduce an abundance of raw, fresh, preferably organic, healthy foods to your diet. There a many super foods available to assist with your ITP and low platelet count. These wonder foods will decrease inflammation and help your body heal, which in turn will increase platelets . I must stress though that just by eating these super foods to increase platelets, may not work as well as you would like if you don\'t in fact eliminate completely all of the bad foods in your diet and also take into consideration any other contributing factors that may contribute to your low platelet count, such as a virus, parasites, acute allergies etc.

The following are some of the super foods that will help with your low platelet count.

All food that contains Omega 3\'s – 'the king of all fats' these include wild salmon, flax seed oil, cod liver oil. I found these especially useful in overcoming my daughter\'s ITP disorder. Just why are these so super and why do they help with a low platelet count? Omega-3 fatty acids, which are not produced by the body, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, increase your ratio of good to bad cholesterol, and may lesson the risk of cancer.

Omega-3\'s definitely boost the immune system and will strengthen it and help build up low platelet levels.

Organically grown tomatoes – these nutrient powerhouses are jam packed with antioxidants such as lycopene not commonly found in may other foods, they are also loaded with vitamins and minerals such as potassium and vitamin c.

Berries – All berries, especially blueberries, just bursting with phytonutrients that neutralize free radicals (agents that cause inflammation in the body as well as aging and cellular damage), these tasty little morsels pack a punch when you are trying to build up your low platelet count.

I found that diet was a main contributing factor to my daughter Vivianna\'s ITP blood disorder, and educating ourselves regarding proper foods to eat was crucial to her recovery.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/itp-foods-that-help-a-low-platelet-count-746244.html

About the Author

Need to learn more about ITP? Discover seven of the life changing steps we took to overcome Viv\'s ITP naturally, avoiding harmful drugs and scalpel.

Download your FREE ebook now.

Go to http://CureITPnaturally.com

From the island of Guam, to the bush of Australia, to an island in the Caribbean, then the middle of Georgia, Maggi has taken her lifetime interest in health and wellness seriously. But it wasn\'t until her teenage daughter Vivanna\'s diagnosis and of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, that what once was initially a strong interest in natural health and wellness, soon became a burning passion for knowledge of natural healing. Through all her research and efforts, she healed her daughter and is now an accomplished wellness coach, studying for her degree in Naturopathy. It is her life\'s mission to help others live a naturally abundant and healthy life.

‎"Unless a tree has borne blossoms in spring, you will vainly look for fruit on it in autumn."

2010-11-11T01:05:00.002+13:00

This is our first spring in this new house.We bought the house brand new direct from the builder in winter 09. As such we don't have existing plants to inherit. My husband had a clean canvas to work on.He had a field time buying the types of plants he fancy and fruits and vegetables that the family likes!!.Plants that was planted last year begin to display their first blooms this spring. Thanks to my hubby who did all the planting and the pruning!!!. We also have an amazing vegetable plot at the back of the house. Not forgetting fruit trees like berries, plums,apples, pears and grapes.....well we will see the fruits 2-3 years time. Meanwhile we have the flowers and the organic vegetables. I had a wonderful time recording the works of god, Enjoy!

“MAKE ME FAMOUS” perhaps again......

2010-10-06T15:11:00.003+13:00

Wendy Palmer ….organized a pre birthday party for my 55th birthday!

2010-10-04T08:26:00.001+13:00

After lunch we went over to Wendy’s house for a girly time together. Afternoon tea, spas, manicure, hand massage and make-up sessions! what a fun day! Thank –you Wendy and my girlfriends for such an amazing day.

View Full Album

New zealand earthquake 2010 Video of Damage

2010-09-19T20:20:00.000+12:00

Canterbury earthquake

2010-09-19T20:17:00.000+12:00

Canterbury Earthquake: Photos of the devastation in the Christchurch CBD

2010-09-19T20:15:00.000+12:00

The Arts Centre after the quake

2010-09-19T20:10:00.000+12:00

Canterbury Earthquake - first flyover of fault trace

2010-09-12T16:15:00.000+12:00

Canterbury Quake 040910 time 4.36am

2010-09-06T21:28:00.007+12:00

I have not been seriously blogging for about a year.Today I have an urge to share a short message about my experience of an earth quake.
Two days after and reflecting back I could not believe that I live to experience the country's most damaging earth quake 7.1 magnitude with no lost of life.
A miracle in Christchurch..truly is! No casualties. Haiti quake with magnitude 7 recorded about 230,000 people dead!
My husband was thrown off the bed and started to wake me up screaming earth quake....I replied "Are you sure"? The whole house was shaking I stood up quickly,it was dark,I found my footing and ran into my son's room, woke him up ,took some blankets and ran out of the house together!.
The humming noise was horrendous. The house shock violently..felt like a train running into your house - it was really intense!.
After standing out in the cold for about an hour with our neighbours we decided to get back to the house.
I expected to see the whole house in chaos ..to my amazement not a single painting or pictures drop off from the wall. All the cutlery, glasses or bottles in my pantry were not moved at all. I only had two broken vases located at the entrance. Some of my son's model plane fell off the shelf. The mirror on my laundry room wall and the TV in the lounge fell off from the wall and were not broken.Everything else in the house were untouched!.

Believed it or not there must have been a supernatural hand or an angel holding on to my house.A miracle!
I thank god for we are all good!
Note:- On Friday a day before the earth quake I noticed lots of earth worms surfacing in my garden and in front of the walk way.It was unusual! On the hind sight obviously the earth worms knew!.

audrey cooks: Herbal Wonders : Foods Recipe, Cooking, Malaysian.

2010-06-24T16:43:00.000+12:00

audrey cooks: Herbal Wonders : Foods Recipe, Cooking, Malaysian.

Mother my mother

2010-05-09T17:21:00.002+12:00

Happy Mother's Day
I dedicate today's post to my mother, Aminah Abdullah, who continues to amaze me with her positive attitude, strong tenacity and capacity for love.

Thank you, Mom and love you lots. Although I am far away I think of you everyday!!!

2010-04-27T08:33:00.000+12:00

Beads Jewelry Supply

Angela Taituma appeal

2010-04-14T14:41:00.001+12:00

I am donating the sale of 4 crystal necklaces to Angela Taituma to help fund her medication for her cancer treatment .Read her story at http://www.fightingspirit.co.nz.

You can buy them at http://www.artfire.com/users/CrystalsnBeads

CrystalsnBeads Artisan Studio ArtFire Buy & Sell Handmade

2010-04-11T23:52:00.001+12:00

CrystalsnBeads Artisan Studio ArtFire Buy & Sell Handmade

NGO launches Bone Cancer awareness programme

2009-11-07T16:15:00.000+13:00

NGO launches Bone Cancer awareness programme

Approved+lymphoma+drug+shows+promise+in+early+tests+against+bone+cancer

2009-11-07T16:10:00.000+13:00

Approved+lymphoma+drug+shows+promise+in+early+tests+against+bone+cancer

Praying for a miracle

2009-02-18T19:26:00.007+13:00

I believed in the power of prayers. I am praying for a miracle. My heart bleeds when I have to go through watching my youngest precious son ,Richard going through a biopsy again today. He has been in remission for almost a year and all seems well . He is looking forward to his university studies starting on Monday.However today we were told that lesion on one of his Ribs does not look good and abiopsy was arranged instantly. Results will be on Monday. Please help me pray for this courageous , bright, young 19 year old boy.
Thanks and Hugs to all.

Valentine day 14th Feb......its suppose to be the most romantic day of the year

2009-02-14T09:38:00.010+13:00

Wow! Its Valentine's day . Nowadays Valentine day is so commercialised . Prices of roses cost 5 times more and dining out is not so affordable. Well in my opinion its not so special too because its every other couple day out as well!. The romance surrounds it Valentine day has also evolved through time. Today ladies are getting more practical so instead of flowers its ok to give shoes! It don't have to be Jimmy Choos.......
Take a look at this Valentine advertisement

I have been married for only 25years, just celebrated our 25Th wedding anniversary on 24Th December 08. We have never celebrated Valentine's day.....to us, if we are in love with each other, every day is our Valentine day.We don't need a designated day given by someone and commercialised by retailers. Doesn't sound very romantic eh! For us every day is a celebration of love or else ,why stay married and get stuck with each other. I get surprises , countless over the years, flowers at any day of the year or a loving card, mutual exchange of love notes numerous times in a year. Romantic dinners at home or at our favourite Swiss restaurant anytime of the week.
So for me Valentin's day is another day, no mass packaged flowers, no mass produced Valentine cards,no mass menu dinners, not even shoes!
Funny thing though we do received Valentine day cards from our sons! It read " Happy Valentine's day Mom and Dad" .
I begin to wonder what is the true celebration of Valentine day. I just check it out in Wikipedia. Its such an interesting read about what (origin) and how Valentine's day is being celebrated throughout the world. ( Thanks! Wikipedia for the valuable information).
I like to highlight this interesting fact."Thanks to a concentrated marketing effort, Valentine's Day is celebrated in some Asian countries with Pakistan, Singaporeans, Chinese and South Koreans spending the most money on Valentine's gifts .

"Life is adventure, not predicament."
Live the Adventure
(James Broughton, American Poet, Filmmaker and Teacher)

Bargain Gifts at Amazon.com for your Valentine

2009-02-01T01:12:00.002+13:00

Check out these interesting gifts @
88 Hot Gifts

Rhododendron trial at Ilam Gardens

2008-11-05T19:53:00.009+13:00

A surprise await me when I first visited Ilam Gardens at the grounds of the University of Canterbury. I was so amazed at the spectacular sight that greeted me at every step I t00k.The beauty is simply breathtaking and the scent unforgettable. Its my Garden of Eden !. I regretted not having my camera with me. The whole night my dreams were of the colourful rhododendrons and azaleas flowering on the river banks and reflected in the water. I woke up feeling peaceful and happy. I pack my camera and spend the whole morning walking through the Rhododendrons and Azaleas trial at Ilam gardens again.

Below are some of the beautiful blooms that I have taken:-

Today in History

2008-10-01T15:29:00.003+13:00

01-10-1955 an incredible event happened in Malaysia then Malaya........the story begins like this
Sorry folks I decided not to write this story. I plan to do it after completing the writers' course at the University of Canterbury. Watch out for my Ist Novel........Yes I can!

Birthday Dinner Celebration with Book Club Members

2008-10-01T00:56:00.003+13:00

Sheila our book club President arranged a great birthday dinner for four of us "LIBRAS" at Tutto Bene, Papanui Road opposite Merivale Mall last wednesday. Birthday girls recieved flowers from Sheila's garden and Orchids from Joan's garden.I gave handmade earrings. The evening was enchanting with wonderful Italian cuisine and great fellowship.
Great fellowship
from Sheila's garden

from Joan's garden

CanTeen's annual appeal is Bandanna Challenge, 20 - 31 October 2008

2008-09-20T10:42:00.003+12:00

Bandanna Challenge in New Zealand

Staff of CANTEEN is seeking help to sell bandannas in your areas in NZ. This could be in your school or business, or you could volunteer for an hour or two for our street collection or one of our mall stands. If you would like to help us in one of these ways please call the office in your area or 0800CanTeen. We look forward to meeting you!

Friends worlwide can also purchase bandannas online by credit card all year round. Just go to http://www.canteen.org.nz/

CanTeen members are really encouraged when they see people sporting a CanTeen bandanna. Thanks for showing your support for young people in New Zealand living with cancer!

Side Effects From Cervical Cancer Vaccine

2008-09-10T01:37:00.002+12:00

I recieved an email from my friend Sally living in Australia. She wrote to highlight about the side effects of the cervical cancer vaccine. I guess with all vaccines you need to have a consultation with your GP about side effects vs its benefits etc before making the decision.
Its great that Sally shared the effects her girls had when they were given the vaccine .Below is an extract of her mail
"You know the free cervical cancer vaccine has already been offered to the girls(at school) over here. Both my girls have it done. Like most vaccine, there's also side effects and some parents are concerned about the effects. Very rarely, will there be complications.........the arm gets quite sore after the injection for a few days and some people might have a fever......."
Thanks Sally for your sharing!.

Handpainted Silk Scarf

2008-09-01T17:44:00.002+12:00

Latest!
I am offering Beautiful handpainted silk scarf online at affordable price.
Click here for details.
Happy Shopping !

Cervical Cancer Vaccine

2008-09-01T16:48:00.003+12:00

Free Cervical Cancer vaccine for young woman aged 17 to18 years in New Zealand. Although I have no daughters, I am happy to hear that such a vaccine is available for young women for FREE!.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. According to morning news, approximately 160 women in New Zealand are diagnosed with cervical cancer yearly, and 60 women die from it.
Young women aged 12 to 18 years will be offered the vaccine, through schools next year.

Climate Change

2008-08-22T21:10:00.005+12:00

Research on global warming - Energy Demands of Buildings in a Warming Climate

My Eldest son William is an undergraduate student, doing a double degree in Civil Engineering and Economics at National University of Singapore. Currently he is at The California Institute Of Technology (Caltech) participating in the SURF program. He just completed his Research on "Energy Demands of Buildings in a Warming Climate " He presented his project at SURF public Seminar today. It was very well received and he was highly praised for his work.
I am indeed very proud of his work and here's to share it to my buddies. Enjoy ! it's quite technical.

Handmade4Charity

2008-08-21T20:39:00.001+12:00

View my page on Etsy For Charity

Sponsor a child

2008-08-21T09:13:00.008+12:00

Sponsor a child

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

On monday my son walk out of his room beaming with happiness. He told me he had achieved one of his life goals. He sponsored a 11 year old African child with his pocket money. With just NZ$40 per month he helps provide the child with education access, healthcare , clean water and a brighter future.
I am really proud of my 18 year old boy. A young man full of love and compassion. I told him he will be able to meet the child one day and help lots more.That instant when I look at his handsome face I could feel his sense of happiness and satisfaction.
He actions put me to shame as I have been thinking of it but never got on to doing it! What are we waiting for ladies....stop buying a pair of shoes per month ( I am a shoe addict) and we can help a family!.

http://www.worldvision.org

English tea or Japanese Green tea

2008-08-15T11:07:00.005+12:00

Yesterday I hosted our second Rosedale book club meeting. Two of our dear members were unable to attending, Sally lost her voice and Gaynor is on holiday with her family. There were six of us and we had a terrific time .

We took turns to share our views and opinions of each of the books and the writing style of the writer. It’s a very enriching and educational evening.

Sheila our Chairperson presented each of us a group photo taken during our inaugural meeting held on Thursday 10th August 2008. She then introduced the new books that I had bought for the second meeting.

We also got to know each other better through this beautiful fellowship. Three of our dear members migrated from England to New Zealand so it was indeed a very well mixed of experiences and culture.
As I am the only Asian, I decided to present the evening with a fusion of the east and west evening tea.., I laid out an English setting with my “rose theme” tea sets. We then seep English and green tea, with eastern fried dumplings and western blackberry crumble.

What a delightful evening, we then selects our next books to read ……until we meet next month which will be hosted by Joan who leaves on prestigious Cashmere hills
Each member was ask to choose a book mark (handmade by me)a gift of friendship and visiting my home for the first time. My grandma will be very happy and proud that I am keeping up with family traditions.

Interested in bookmarks click here please.

Something Blue

2008-08-13T00:22:00.008+12:00

Something Blue

Less is more!A beautiful, simple yet elegant necklace made of blue quartz beads. They are natural quartz that has been heat-treated to produce a fabulous rainbow of blue and green hues. On each strand, you’ll find smooth, glossy beads in hues of turquoise, cobalt, light aqua, mint green, and jade green.Faceted round 12mm.The necklace is 17" long . The beauty of the blue quartz are enhanced with white glass pearls.There is a matching pair of earrings( 2"length)and a bracelet (8" length).

2008-08-11T10:44:00.002+12:00

http://clothbutterfly.blogspot.com

"Beijing 08"

2008-08-09T16:24:00.001+12:00

The opening ceremony 2008 Beijing Olympics was mind blowing, simply spectacular!. Midway watching the program I was inspired to created a figure 8 pendant.
I name it "Beijing 08" . A lucky pendant created on the 08/08/08 with a figure 8 formation made by my fair hands!.

Cleverly twisted gold plated wire in the form of the figure 8.This is a symbol of luck and the wearer will be blessed a hundredth fold as the figure 8 is further enhance with an olive jade faceted nugget 10x14mm and 8 small red seed beads top with a Czech red opaque renaissance glass . For real luck.
Price at US$18 - means to prosper every day. An auspicious pendant to wear or carry with you as a handbag charm .
Interested Click Here
(Sold on 11-08-08)

From Facebook to My Online Shop

2008-08-06T13:44:00.009+12:00

Last year I watch my sons, nephews, nieces and cousins and their friends all having facebook accounts and having fun getting touch with each others. Knowing in detail what others do, sending high hives, drinks, flowers creating network etc.
Last October ('07)I decided to embark on having a facebook account myself. I love the idea of my son’s friend commenting how cool I am and I will reply proudly that I have Bebo, Friendster, multiple and I am Blogging too!
Over the months I grew tired it. So I decided to just maintain Facebook and my blog. Last month I realised I am spending unproductive time (hours in fact) on facebook, viewing friends’ album after album, sending silly messages to each other at my age.
So one day in July ('08) I decided not to open my facebook for the day.
An account on how I spend that one day day:-
1) After sending my son to school, I got home and did 30 min of exercising with WiiFit. I did 5 mins of yoga, 10mins jogging and the remaining time on table tilt.

It’s so additive so I decided to stop and had a hot bath in the freezing winter.
2) Soak myself in hot water and bubbles and browse through Creative Beading magazine. 3) Sat down for a cup of coffee and read a book recommended by my friend. Finished reading half the book (an easy book to read). Decide to keep the remaining pages for the next day. 4) Wanted to do something physical so decided to rearrange and spring clean my kitchen drawers and the fridge ( very satisfying indeed)
5) All the above activities were all accomplish from 9.00am to 1.00am, got a call from my son to pick him at the library at 4.00pm.
6) Since he won’t be home for lunch, I then make a bowl of steaming hot and spicy Korean instant noodles.

7) Restless I just stare at the jewelries I made and decided to try some on. While fiddling with some earrings almost instantly I decided on creating an online shop. For the first time of the day I switched on my computer, checked my email and a beautiful friend Heidi recommended to me about buying gemstones and findings at esty.com. (Talk about timing!) While browsing through the site instead of becoming a buyer I decided on being a seller as while. So that afternoon, my first online shop http://clothbutterfly.etsy.com/ was established.
To date I have 22 items up for sale!
8) Looking back on that faithful day, I decided to maintain facebook with my family, some friends and classmates whom I have accepted earlier. From today onwards, I am sorry to say that I will not include any new friends or network. It’s more productive to keep in touch by email, a letter or a call. It’s more personal and bonding. No wonder my sons and their friends are addicted to the computer from facebook to youtube!Look at my day when I moved out of facebook!.

My latest creation bookmark!

anyone interested check out http://clothbutterfly.etsy.com/

From this day onwards, my days are productive and each evening before I retired I will recall one benefit for which I am thankful.

Waiting for Spring in Christchurch

2008-07-28T11:35:00.008+12:00

It was freezing cold yesterday, wet and gloomy. I spent the whole day indoors creating some jewelries . I call it the" Garden of Eden" the spring range. Proceeds from the sale of this range will given to CANTEEN New Zealand- (Cancer For Teenagers) supporting young people living with cancer. Below a re a few of my handmade creations . They are mostly made of pearls, Czech glass bead and crystals.

Brazilian Sodalite and cultured pearls

Rosedale Book Club

2008-07-15T13:03:00.001+12:00

Sheila Johnson a good friend of mine had wanted to join a Book Club for sometime however she decided to have a go at starting one up. The aim is to share books that have been read in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. We had 7 members for our first meeting. We decided to give our club a name- it was not difficult to decide on Rosedale as we had our first meeting last Thursday at her house in Rosedale place. As such we all decided on “Rosedale Book Club”.
We meet once a month, every 2nd Thursday @ 7.30pm of each month. Each member is to take a turn hosting the evening (glass of wine/juice/water to begin with then later cake and coffee/tea).
I will be hosting the second meeting next month at my house! Really looking forward to it.
We also had an arrangement whereby each member is to contribute $10 each month towards next set of books. The person hosting the next meeting will buy books of their choice.
For our First Book Club meeting each of us brought one or two books that we could it lend to our members.
I selected “The Bonesetter’s Daughter” By Amy Tan highly recommended by our member Rosa-Jane French.

It’s a dramatic tale of love, loss and betrayal in provincial China. I am now half way through the book and my mind kept flashing back to my own grandmother’s tale of her life in china as a child bride and how she escaped in the middle of the night with my mom who was then only 7 years old on a horrendous boat journey to Malaya. I really have to sit down and write down her memories before I forget them!

Thank God for heat pump, under floor heating, double glazing and thermal curtains and a cup of hot Nescafe!

2008-07-10T23:49:00.003+12:00

Last Saturday I sat down with hot cup of coffee on a lazy boy and watched the scenery unfold from my window.
Hail stones as big as marbles, sleet, snow, gale-force winds and rain fell in a polar blast.
In the morning we had a couple of hours of sunshine. At midday thick and heavy clouds took over and the whole scenery was grayish, and then came the strong gale –force winds followed by rain, hail and snow. It snowed and snowed and the violent gale wind kept blowing the snowflakes. I felt like I am in a glass bubble with snow flakes circling around me, spoilt by the haunting sound of the wind creeping through my garage doors… its so creepy !!. Then blizzards, rain and more rain throughout the night... Christchurch never had so much rain and snow in one day for a long time.

Well four cups of coffee in the glass bubble in the middle of polar blast ……… I created sunshine, snow and wind

Sunshine

Snow

Wind

The day after the Polar Blast........................................................

A taste of beading

2008-06-11T10:25:00.008+12:00

Last Month while in London I learned the art of Beading from Cousin Peng . I was so thrilled when I managed to created my first coral necklace and ring. It was indeed a great feeling . I am the "buy and wear" type of person. Never in my wildest dream , that I will think of making my own jewellery as I am not a creative person. Now I am hooked. I have discover a new hobby and passion. I share some of my first few designs. Thanks Peng for sharing your skills. You are indeed a great teacher.

Red Coral Necklace

Golden pearls and Swarovski crystals

Swarovski Crystal necklace and earring set

Swarovski Crystal ring
Cat's eye necklace and earring set
Pearls and Crystal necklace and earring set
Glass bead Swarovski crystal earring
Pearl necklace and earring set

Adventurine Earrings

Necklaces

Winter wonderland in Christchurch

2008-06-08T23:28:00.003+12:00

Its simply magic watching the snowfalls from my window.Its equally amazing to watch the whole landscape transformed into a "white winter wonderland".

Spinal Surgery @ the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital, London

2008-05-10T20:09:00.004+12:00

Months of fear and anxiety over my precious son’s spinal surgery are finally over. Today is exactly 3weeks after the successful T5 vertebrectomy and spinal reconstruction from T3 – T8 surgery. This highly skillful surgery was performed by the talented and brilliant Dr Stewart Tucker a spinal consultant at the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital (RNOH) without any incidence.
This month is a year since the diagnosis of osteosarcoma, as a mom hiding away my tears and fears were really very taxing. Finally I feel so relived that all is over and Richard can go on and live his life to the fullest. He is such an amazing young man after going through chemotherapy, serious infections (3 X), operating theaters (9X) Blood Transfusion (10X) Hundreds and hundreds of pokes and two major surgeries (his beads of courage speaks for itself), he has not at one time ask “WHY ME”. He took it all as his challenges in his life and conquers all his hurdles with triumph. Truly “Richard the Lion Heart!”
One week after the spinal surgery he was discharged from RNOH and has started to plan for his university studies. I just know (mother’s instincts that he will be great man and he will touch and inspire millions of people as he already has. I thank my god, my creator for all the healing and the miracles for my son. My prayers `were answered at every stage of my son’s treatment and recovery process. God works in miraculous ways including directing the right doctors and surgeons.
There is one very special person that we are very fortunate to meet in our life’s’ journey. He is Mike Sullivan a brilliant pediatric oncologist (consultant) @ Christchurch Hospital. His professionalism and his willingness to listen and consult with other medical experts to get the best cure facilitated the highly successful treatment and recovery process. He is indeed a simple man with a heart of gold. He told us that he will search the whole planet for the right spinal surgeon. He not only did that, he went all out to get the necessary approvals and funding for Richard’s surgery. How many doctors in Malaysia will do that in fact not many in the world? There is no wonder that his patients under his care are so strong and positive.
To us he is not just a doctor but one of god’s chosen healers as well. It is just amazing how our life were directed at the right time to be in New Zealand.
Last year's Mothers day is like doomsday to me. This year is one of the best days I ever had. I am so blessed with three great sons and a wonderful husband. Happy Mother’s Day!

2008-04-12T01:34:00.000+12:00

Leaving on a jet plane.... in London for six weeks.

Conquer your hidden fears of prospecting and create an unstoppable mindset!

2008-03-31T09:21:00.002+13:00

I was reading an article about "The Two Core Fears and the Fear of Success" by Lisa Jimenez, M.Ed. I would normally share it to my friends usually over afternoon tea at Regent Hotel ,Kuala Lumpur. Since I am so far away , the best sharing is through blogging. Happy reading people!

Fear of commitment, fear of responsibility, fear of loss, and fear of confrontation are all symptoms of the two core fears. All of these surface fears fall into two categories which are the core fears: Fear of Failure and Fear of Success.

If you experience fear of commitment, responsibility, growing up, or change, your core fear is the fear of success. If most of your anxiety comes from fear of rejection, confrontation, or not measuring up, your core fear is the fear of failure.

Let´s talk today about the fear of success. The fear of succeeding and then having to maintain that success can be daunting. The fear of success is the most powerful fear over most people because it relates directly to the three inborn fears we talked about the other day. Fear of falling, fear of loud noises, and fear of abandonment.

The fear of falling represents the belief that once you've achieved success; there's no place to go but down.

The fear of loud noises correlates to sudden change. Perhaps you've been working toward something for months, and then, overnight it seems, something comes through and suddenly you are successful.

The fear of abandonment is very real to a person on the journey of success. You might lose friends when you become successful. They might be jealous of your success, view you as arrogant, or feel that you just don't fit in to the "old group" anymore. We have sayings like, "It's lonely at the top," and your inborn fear of abandonment is challenged.

These three fears are inborn and naturally reoccur from time to time. You can counter them by replacing them with truth. Discover your truth about what success means to you and live your life based on these truths. Then you will silence these inborn fears and conquer the dream busters.

Face Your Fear of Success

"Helping people breakthrough hidden fears and self-limiting beliefs to live a more outrageous, faith-filled life."

Lisa Jimenez has helped thousands of top salespeople shatter their self-limiting beliefs and finally get the breakthrough success they want. When it comes to personal productivity and creating unstoppable momentum - there is no one better for you than Lisa. Lisa penetrates the hearts of your audience when she reveals her own experience of how she broke through self-limiting beliefs and turned them into the driving force behind her success. Then used these new beliefs to sign a six-figure consulting contract just 9 months later.

no words

2008-03-31T09:03:00.007+13:00

When I was a little girl, my mom used to tell me - To think before I speak “As words that are spoken ,you can’t take it back”. You can simply eat anything but WORDS you can’t simply say it without knowing the true meaning. I was guided by this basic principles of my mom!

My principal at my primary school ( Marian Convent Ipoh , Malaysia)always ends the school assembly with :-remember children “If you can’t say anything nice, say nothing at all”.

And during my days at the Bank my favorite quote was “If you don’t open your mouth, I don’t say you are dumb!” – Direct translation from my great grand ma’s favorite quotation.

My Chinese Grandma from China used to remind me that : “The most poisonous thing in this world is the mouth; beware of the words that you use. Remember do not curse others as a 100 curses will come back to you”.

When I relate them to my three sons, now and then, they always had a good laugh at my directly translated Chinese quotations, that were hand me downs from my great grand ma days!

Nowadays, I use western quotes, some of them are:-

"Words do two major things: They provide food for the mind and create light for understanding and awareness." Jim Rohn

"It is with words as with sunbeams, the more they are condensed, the deeper they burn." Robert Southey

"Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs." Pearl Strachan

"We have too many high sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them." Abigail Adams

"Refuse to criticize, condemn, or complain. Instead, think and talk only about the things you really want." Brian Tracy

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." Mother Teresa

"Never talk defeat. Use words like hope, belief, faith, victory." Norman Vincent Peale

Remember the song "Words" by Bee Gees,
You think that I don’t even mean a single word I Say. Its only words and words are all I have, to take your heart away. Bee Gees

How meaningful!
No words - just Make it a Great Day,Week, Month, Year !

Rain or Shine, The Show Must Go On !

2008-03-20T11:42:00.005+13:00

That's the spirit of the New Zealanders, most of them braved the rain and the cold to attend the " Lantern Festival" held at Victoria Park , Christchurch recently( 2 Sundays ago). This has been an annual affair for four years to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Some artistes are flown in from China, the local performers are from the Asian communities in Christchurch. Malaysian students from University of Canterbury gave a stunning Malay dance performance complete Malaysian costumes.
The Lantern on display at the Park came in various shapes, sizes and colour.The whole park was transformed into a magical land.
The Crowd with rain coats and umbrellas.
Later into the night , when the rain subsided the park was packed.

" Gold Fish Floating on The Avon River"

The Sheep and the Cow....Symbolic of New Zealand!
Blue and White Ming Dynasty Lantern Vases
Almost Like The Real Thing
The "Water Dragon" The Moon and The Stars

Child Cancer Foundation Street Appeal 2008

2008-03-15T10:45:00.007+13:00

Today I volunteer my time to help the Child Cancer Foundation Street Appeal 2008. This is the first time in my life I stood outside a mall collecting to support children with cancer and their families. The first hour I had mixed feelings from anger to self pity but as the donations poured in by the passer-by, I became emotional. I teared at every dollar or coin put in the box by the generous people.I know we are not alone (which I often felt before)on this journey there`are thousands supporting us. People whom we may not know but has generously given to the foundation.
We had great support from the Child Cancer Foundation New Zealand when our child was diagnosed with cancer.When I came back home I went straight to the shower and cried my heart out ( I had held on to my tears the last 9 months) . I felt so calm and its so healing. I felt good being able to contribute as a volunteer to help others as others have help us. It is so therapeutic.I have decided to be a permanent volunteer for any event in the future.
I realised that my contribution to raise money helps the foundation to provide vital services to children such as financial assistance , including assistance`with travel, food and accommodation, children's education (often disrupted with treatment), fund research programs on childhood cancer.

Do visit the foundation website for more information: http://www.childcancer.org.nz

Funds raised in 2007 were used to introduce the Beads of Courage Programme in paediatric oncology wards throughout the country. Each small and colourful bead signified a different treatment of every child’s courageous battle with cancer, whether that be braving another injection, surgery,x-rays, scans, hair-loss, isolation room, clinic visits, radiotherapy sessions or completing a chemotherapy session.

My son's "Beads of Courage"

The new face of appeal for 2008 is Beautiful PETRA HANCOCK
Five and half year old Petra Hancock exudes personality. She's cheeky, she’s affectionate, she’s got boundless energy and she just loves to play.

HELP US HELP BRAVE KIDS LIKE PETRA AT http://www.petrasbeads.co.nz

The 2008 Child Cancer Foundation Annual Appeal is now underway and we are seeking your generous support to help us raise funds to support kids with cancer, their families and the health professionals who care for them. Please visit www.petrasbeads.co.nz and add another special bead to Petra’s necklace by making an online donation.

The Dance Of Passion

2008-03-12T11:42:00.002+13:00

I just finished watching the TVB Series Dance of passion (recommended by my aunt in Melbourne)The Dance of Passion is a tragic tale about the lives of two clan families in the mountains - the Yim’s and Sung’s. In the town in which they live, everything is based on law and tradition. There is no freethinking or reform. It is all about preserving the will and customs of the ancestors. They uphold men’s superiority, women’s inferiority and sole purpose to produce children, and condemn all who defy tradition. Their town was formed on a code of chastity, so faithfulness is an utmost for them. Women must protect their purity. Any woman is who impure (whether she was raped, in the hands of other men, or had an affair) is condemned and killed to preserve the purity of the town.
Living in such a town is Ka Chun Fan (Charmaine Sheh), a woman with the poorest of fates.

I just love the subsong "Lover On Golden Sand" by Charmaine Sheh

The day after the Malaysian Election 2008

2008-03-10T08:49:00.005+13:00

Flash News

Lim Guan Eng son of Lim Kit Siang will be sworn in as the Penang chief minister on Tuesday.
At the press conference, Lim pledged that the new state government will pursue an investor-friendly policies to ensure Penang retained its edge as the leading industrial and manufacturing region.
Newly-elected Air Putih state assembly person Lim Guan Eng will be sworn in as the Penang chief minister on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters today, Lim said that the outgoing CM Dr Koh Tsu Koon wanted to be present at the swearing in ceremony but he would not be able to attend if the function was held tomorrow.
Camera & editing: Ng Kok Foong
Reporting: Beh Lih Yi & Chua Sue-Ann
Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today his successor Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has "destroyed" the ruling coalition after disastrous weekend elections
He suggested Abdullah should resign, and said he had made a mistake in selecting him as prime minister.
Mukhriz son of Dr Mahathir, member of Umno's powerful youth wing who was elected to parliament for first time on the weekend, urged Abdullah to "do the right thing".
"It is yet to be seen what he will do but I think it's a very clear message that there is wholesale dissatisfaction with the prime minister for the way he has been running the country these four years," he said.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has no plans to resign, his spokesman said today, despite leading the ruling coalition to its worst ever election results.
Barisan Nasional chairperson Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will seek an audience with the Agong at 6pm today to inform him that the BN has won the general election. Following that Abdullah is expected to be sworn in as the Prime Minister tomorrow morning at 10.30am.
On March 8, MIC president S Samy Vellu turned 72. It was also the day the curtain fell on his political era.

After nearly three decades in power, the politician who commanded a cult-like following in his party was defeated in the fortress where he reigned for nine terms.

It was a cleansing of MIC's top echelon. The casualties included deputy president G Palanivel, vice-president S Sothinathan, Youth chief S A Vigneswaran and Women's wing chief P Komala Devi.

Three menteri besar from PAS, one each from DAP and PKR
Azizan Abdul Razak, 64, Kedah PAS Commissioner, is expected to be sworn in as the state Menteri Besar today. Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat,77-year-old PAS Spritual Leader, is almost certain to helm the Kelantan government.
Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, PKR secretary-general has emerged the front runner to be the new Menteri Besar of Selangor. .

Source Malaysiakini

A Forgotten Cancer - Sarcoma

2008-03-09T12:50:00.004+13:00

Do you know someone with sarcoma? This video gives basic information about a rare cancer called sarcoma and about the Team Sarcoma Initiative.

The Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative
helping to improve the quality of life for people dealing with sarcoma, a rare and dangerous cancer.
For Those who are able, please help fund Research as it will ultimately lead to a cure for sarcoma.
http://www.sarcomahelp.org/

True Malaysians

2008-03-02T09:10:00.000+13:00

Make - a -wish Foundation New Zealand

2008-02-26T16:10:00.005+13:00

A big Thank-you to Make - a -wish Foundation New Zealand for Granting wishes

The Teaser

The Real One..A Kawai Upright Piano

Thank-you for granting and organizing Richards' wish.We would like to express our deepest appreciation for all who have contributed in making Richard's wish a reality. The Piano has ignite Richard's passion for Jazz.

An account of the days event!

Although the Piano did not arrived at the scheduled time,( 21/2 hours delayed) Liz and Bee says we should carry on with the arrangement. So we had lunch in the house at 12.30 with his school friends. Liz and Bee brought balloons and gifts of musical books, cap and backpack.

Richard's Dean,Paul Johnson and his wife Sheila and grandson Thomas joined in the surprised of a baby piano in the form of cake . Liz was so thoughtful to bring a piano cake and it was indeed the teaser for the day. All the guests hid in the garage when I brought Richard back from school. He got a good surprise!! You should see his face.

The Children went back to school and came back again @3.00 to view the real piano. His Dean came back again, Koral and Prudence from canteen brought cakes and muffins for afternoon teas . Richard fill the room with jazz pieces. The atmosphere is incredible so healing......

At 4.00pm Richard had to go back to hospital for his interferon injection. We came back at 5.15 with Liz and her waiting camera.

The whole house was filled with Richard's music from evening till midnight. While getting ready for bed Richards says he is so happy and wished that the whole event could be repeated. The delay was a blessing and meant to be as the surprise never ends!.

The next morning I woke up to the sound of the piano and it just brought tears of happiness to me . Its seems like yesterday when he was well. Music really heals......now I plan to upgrade his skills by looking for a jazz teacher.

Richard says he plan to keep the piano for generations as it has a story behind it.

Once again Thank-you....... simply no words. Truly an eventful day.

"Just Change" - DAP 2008 Election Campaign Song

2008-02-25T15:13:00.004+13:00

English Version

Lyrics: Tony Pua
DAP WINS!!!

From:dapvideo

Summer Never Ends

2008-02-24T16:27:00.010+13:00

Double Happiness

On the 16th of February we received two good news in a day!.Yes, double happiness.

Firstly its from Dr Mike Sullivan a brilliant Oncologist @ Canterbury Hospital informing us of my son's excellent response to chemotherapy.The whole bodyF-18 FDG Pet scan results shows a complete metabolic response to chemotherapy. This is indeed the best news ever.

Later I told my son that the treatment success its all due to his effort. 50% is the extraordinary treatment from the awesome medical team @CHOC the other 50% is his positivity, motivation , strength , patience , tenacity and his faith in God to endure the tough treatment protocol. His confidence in the medical team and strong belief that he will recover fully facilitated in the recovery.

We just help him through this tough journey in his life.

Second is a call from Make-a wish foundation, New Zealand informing him that his wish for a piano is granted. Later two volunteers from the foundation came to visit and confirm the arrangement.

At last , I knew the harsh "Winters in my heart" has finally come to an end . From this day forward it's the begining of "Summer Never Ends" in our family.

Thank God for all the blessings and miracles. Thank-you friends and relatives for your prayers, love and concern -it has been answered.

Our deepest appreciation and gratitude for all the Nurses, Registrars ,Consultant @ CHOC for their professionalism , dedication and first class medical care, you are "simply the best".

My advice to my champion son:-
" Don't look down upon yourself because you had cancer as others look up to you for motivation and inspiration 'coz you beat it!"

Famous TVB actress Lydia Shum Din-Ha died on 19 February 2008 of liver cancer

2008-02-19T23:52:00.005+13:00

RIP
Lydia Shum was affectionately nicknamed by her fans "Fei Fei" which means "fat" and "hoi Sum Kor " means "happy fruit" in Cantonese because of her plump physique and comedies.

I was introduced to her by my aunty during my primary school days. She was then a child star. Since 1965 my aunty will watch every single movie of hers . She will have to take me along otherwise my grandma would not let her go alone or with her other friends.I became fluent in cantonese language through movies. Since then she became one of my favourite cantonese actress. She must have made more than 100 movies!

My all time favourite is the TVB variety show 'Enjoy Yourself Tonight' hosted by her.
She had audiences not only in Hong Kong but in mainland China and Chinese communities around the world. She is indeed my favourite TVB star who had brought lots of laughter into my life, with a career spanning more than four decades.

The actress is survived by her only child Joyce Cheng and her former husband -- actor and singer Adam Cheng Siu-chow.

Would you turned down the chance to become a millionaire?

2008-02-09T15:55:00.000+13:00

This time of year everybody dreams of a wealthier future... a healthier new year... a more fulfilling and richer life ahead...
But only a few of us actually follow through to make those dreams come true!
There is one person, Prof. Dr Ryuta Kawashima, a Japanese neuroscientist known to video game players for his appearance in the Brain Training series of video games for the Nintendo DS.

He is not only successful and famous in his work, he also earn millions in royalties. He is currently a resident Professor in Tohoku University's Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Japan.
Who in this world, you may ask….. in the right frame of mind would refuse a fortune from royalties worth millions from his own work .Well Rather than accept them for himself, , Prof. Dr Ryuta Kawashima used the royalties from the game (estimated in 2.4 billion yen) to build two laboratories on Tohoku's campus.

He would rather be working on project “to study brain development in children “than accepting and enjoying his fortune!
What an honorable,amazing , simple and talented man. No wonder god made him so talented and known to about millions of gamers worldwide.
He is simply out of this world......my full respect.

"Man is not the sum of what he has but the totally of what he does not yet have, of what he might have." -- Jean-Paul Sartre

"Brain-training" game software for Nintendo's DS portable video game console.

Ratty year

2008-02-07T01:42:00.000+13:00

‘smell a rat’ , ‘as cunning as shit-house rats’,‘as flash as a rat with a gold tooth’,‘go the rat’etc..etc
iT'S gOING tO bE a rATTY yEAR!

4706

2008-02-07T00:47:00.000+13:00

Spring in my heart

2008-02-07T00:16:00.000+13:00

As the silver of winter gives way to spring and a new year dawns,
May it bring new hope, new joy, new inspiration and a whole new beginning blessed with joys all through.
Rays of happiness shine always
A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step........chinese saying

May this lunar new year be a step forward in leading us to new roads of happiness, success and prosperity!.
Good times are here to stay.

Winters in my life

2008-01-25T14:24:00.000+13:00

"The game of life is the game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later, with astounding accuracy." -- Florence Shinn

In May 2006, I remembered advising a young man,Edwin about studying abroad. He is in the mist of preparing for a 3 year business degree at the Canterbury University, Christchurch.

His mom brought him to see me to give him some motivation and pep talk. He is the eldest and is well sheltered and protected throughout his 18years. Leaving home for further studies overseas is the biggest decision he had to make! His parents had high hopes for him.

I can feel his reluctance to leave the comfort of home. He is not prepared to experience the cold winter in Christchurch. I started to tell him about the 4 seasons and how in Malaysia we had only one season, tropical climate, sunny whole year round. However our daily lives is full of challenges just like the four seasons.

I told him that when he graduates, he would have learnt the "seasons of life" and if he ever encounter winters in Malaysia, he will realized that :- no problems are impossible to solve!. Most of us have a life path that is like the four seasons, sometimes is beautiful like the flowers in spring and at other times it's like winter, cold and depressing.

With overseas exposure, living and learning about the different cultures, color ,creed , climatic conditions coupled with quality tertiary education , he will be a better, stronger, sensible and a wiser person.

He left for Christchurch and within a week he came back home to the disappointment of his family especially his parents.

His a reason " I can't stand the cold winter in New Zealand."

"The seasons do not push one another; neither do clouds race the wind across the sky. All things happen in their own good time." Dan Millman
Reflecting back what I have told him, I realized that I have been in New Zealand since January 2007, the winter season had not left us.

It is summer now, yet my life and that of all the members of my immediate and extended family- it is still winter.

We are waiting for sunshine! Summer is yet to come to our family.

The winter we had is almost 8 months. It has been a long and harsh winter.

Today is the last day…….Tomorrow will be my family’s first day of spring.

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." Anne Bradstreet

King Abdullah University Of Science And Technology (KAUST) Names Professor Choon Fong Shih Founding President

2008-01-24T18:40:00.000+13:00

My Eldest son who is currently doing a double degree at the National University of Singapore (NUS) just told me he has been nominated by the NUS for a research project at California Institute of Technology whose mission is to expand human knowledge and benefit society through research integrated with education.

I was so excited and ask him, when he's going. " Not yet mom, I have to wait for Caltech acceptance of me !" at same time he told me that Professor Choon Fong Shih, President of NUS has been made the fonding member of King Abdullah University Of Science And Technology(KAUST).

KAUST is a world-class graduate level science and technology research university located on the Red Sea at Thuwal. Opening in September 2009, KAUST welcomes exceptional researchers, faculty and students from around the world.

Well! I have very high regards for this man as he is widely recognized as a global leader in academic and corporate scientific research. He has made NUS one of the top universities in the WORLD. Congratulations Singapore!

Below I share more news of the appointment of this extraordinary man.

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (PRWeb via PRWeb) January 14, 2008 –
After an extensive international search among top academic research leaders, His Excellency Minister Ali Ibrahim Al-Naimi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Board of Trustees, today announced that Professor Choon Fong Shih will be the Founding President of KAUST, the new world-class, graduate-level scientific research university now under development in Saudi Arabia. He is expected to assume his duties on December 1, 2008.

Currently the president of National University of Singapore (NUS), Professor Shih, 62, has broad expertise and experience in both academia and private industry as an eminent scientific researcher and educator.

He is known internationally as a dynamic and visionary leader of a major research university. H.E. Minister Al-Naimi noted that Professor Shih has played a critical role in enhancing scientific and technological capacity at NUS, making it one of the top research universities in Asia and the world.

H.E. Minister Al-Naimi also said, "Professor Shih is a man of purpose, conviction and cultural sensitivity. He has shown himself to be a 'builder of bridges' across peoples, disciplines, institutions and cultures. With his experience in building NUS as a global research university with an entrepreneurial dimension, Professor Shih has
the vital attributes to facilitate the synergy between science and technology transfer.

Working with the private sector, KAUST can be an engine of innovation and economic growth, providing greater opportunities to diversify the Saudi economy.

We are confident that under his leadership KAUST will become a global center of scientific research that brings benefits to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond."
H.E. Minister Al-Naimi added, "The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has shared his vision for KAUST to be a new House of Wisdom, which will deliver 'its humane and noble message in an ideal environment, with the help of God and the minds and the ideas of enlightened people, who will participate in this educational mission without discrimination.

' Professor Shih is the right person to fulfill this noble vision."

Professor Shih said that he was honored to meet the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz yesterday, and that he was grateful for the trust shown in selecting him to be part of the King's bold and noble vision for the Kingdom and the world at large.

Professor Frank Rhodes, president emeritus of Cornell University said: "The appointment of Professor Shih as the Founding President of KAUST represents a major step in the realization of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' vision for creating a great new university of science and technology.

A celebrated scientist, whose achievements have been widely recognized and honored, Professor Shih brings a wealth of international leadership experience in both the industrial and academic worlds.

As a senior professor at Brown University, as a research group leader at General Electric, and as an extraordinarily entrepreneurial and successful president of National University of Singapore, Professor Shih has demonstrated an outstanding commitment and dedication to building successful alliances to promote the advancement of knowledge and to extend its benefits.

He is superbly suited to lead this new institution and his appointment will be widely celebrated. The trustees and the university are to be congratulated on making an outstanding appointment."

Dr. Karen A. Holbrook, former President of The Ohio State University, added, "Professor Shih is a person of high energy, optimism and integrity, a perfect combination of personal assets for anyone with the task of building a project of such scope and complexity as KAUST.

Knowing him personally, I can see readily how Professor Shih has accomplished so much in his career and most recently at National University of Singapore. His enthusiasm for the task at hand, his ability to instill confidence in others and his collegial approach of working collaboratively with everyone around him - all this suggests to me that KAUST could not have picked a better person as its Founding President."

His Excellency Dr. Khalid Al-Sultan, rector of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), said,"I have come to know Professor Shih through his work as a member of KFUPM's International Advisory Council.

We have also worked together as members of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology's International Advisory Council. I believe that his participation on both councils reflects his distinguished academic career and his accomplishments as a scientist.

In addition, I would like to point out his role in transforming the National University of Singapore. Under his leadership, it has rapidly become one the premier institutions in Asia and indeed in the world. In my opinion, KAUST could not have selected a better person to be the University's Founding President."

During Professor Shih's tenure as president, NUS has been transformed from a respected teaching institution to a research-intensive university. It now stands in the top 50 universities worldwide, and has set a goal to build 10 great programs or departments in 10 years.

NUS has successfully attracted top talents from world-class research universities. It has built strategic alliances with leading research universities around the world, and is a member of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), and APRU World Institute (AWI). On June 13, 2007, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between KAUST and NUS to collaborate on programs to advance scientific research, graduate education and
technological development in fundamental and applied chemical sciences.

Professor Shih said, "I am deeply grateful to His Excellency Minister Ali Ibrahim Al-Naimi for this great honor and responsibility as the Founding President of KAUST. With His Excellency's support, I look forward to helping build KAUST into a global knowledge enterprise, whose discoveries in science and technology will bring
benefits in your lives, your children's and their children's also."

To the wider scientific community around the world, Professor Shih said, "I am excited about building a university of global standing, adopting best practices and appointing global talents, encompassing all faiths and cultures.

KAUST represents a paradigm shift - an intellectual and organizational innovation - to conduct high impact research unconstrained by disciplinary boundaries, to create a new ecosystem for research unfettered by organizational strictures, and to build meaningful partnerships across communities, cultures and continents.

All for the larger purpose of serving humanity by finding scientific and technological solutions to the problems facing the Kingdom, the region, and the world."

My concern is what happen to our 20plus universities. Once upon a time University Malaya was at par with NUS.
Lim Kit Siang says:- "Malaysian educators should have an edge over an Singaporean as both Malaysia and Saudi Arabia are members of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) and the Islam Hadhari concept propagated by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, but clearly these “affinities” were not enough when it is a test of excellence and meritocracy." How true.

Malaysian educators has alot of catching up to do!!!

"Happy 18th Birthday"

2008-01-23T10:04:00.000+13:00

The Greatest 18 yr old on earth.

18years ago today at half past one I gave birth to a bouncy baby boy .Dad and two older brothers were at home sound asleep. It’s me and baby at the hospital until daylight when they got the news.

Today 18 years later, it’s me and baby, now a young man in hospital together. Dad and two older brothers at home. Same scenario, different circumstances at a different place.

We waited until twelve midnight, I gave him a big hug, kiss and wish for good health. He wanted to know how he was born and was it very painful for me.

I remember clearly, It started when I had spotting at 10pm, got a shower, pack and off to the hospital. While there, at about 12pm the nurses ask Dad and brothers to go home. They told them, “It won’t be that fast properly the next day”. About one and the half hours later baby came along. It was fast and an easy birth.

How painful is it Mom? I just can’t remember the pain. I can only remember the feelings of great joy when I held him in my arms and the first time I look at the beautiful face.

Today I look down at the same beautiful face that had grown into a young sensible man. We talk for hours about everything from being born to future career planning.

The most important advice don’t choose a career your parents want. Look inside your heart and feel your passion, follow your heart and just go for it. I will guide him to achieve it.

When I was a young girl I use to read romance book and they always describe the hero as “tall, dark and handsome”.

Well this 18year old, hero of mine is “Tall, tan, brilliant, loving, strong and handsome.” The world is at your feet son! You are now a young man, follow your heart and may your dreams come true. God will guide you and bless you in your life journey.

Happy 18th Birthday! Enjoy life and live strong.
With love always from mom.

Lost

2008-01-17T23:34:00.000+13:00

Which way.....I am lost

The Series?!

Paris' Spring 2008 fashion week.

2008-01-17T22:42:00.000+13:00

New York's Spring 2008 fashion week.

2008-01-17T22:39:00.000+13:00

Milan Highlights: Spring 2008

2008-01-17T22:35:00.000+13:00

The windows to your soul

2008-01-17T13:19:00.000+13:00

A few days ago someone came up to me and says" You are smiling, a beautiful smile...but there is so much sadness in your eyes."

I was taken aback by the comment and when I got home, I went straight to my bedroom and had a good look at myself in the mirror.Really !I can't recognised the pair of eyes that are looking back at me.

I remember my GFF used to tell me ' If a picture paints at thousand words, a face launch a thousand ships, your eyes rocked a thousand hearts!.

I recall many a times, my course participants says my eyes could laugh and talk to them even in silence.

If you had to go to bed with sadness in your heart and wake up with tears in your eyes each day for 8 months....now they are talking sadness that I just can't hide.

The pair of eyes are truly the windows to your soul. They speak the truths in silence!

I am going to change that. I am going to get the sparkle back into my eyes.The sadness of 2007 has gone. In 2008 I am going to get out of the circle of sadness. I am going to focus on activities and projects and stay happy.Everyone is well. We are all moving forward. Be courageous and "LIVESTRONG"!

Bacteria Infection

2008-01-12T13:37:00.000+13:00

The New Year greeted our household with a Bacteria known as "PSEUDOMONAS" caused by any of several types of the gram-negative bacteria .

These bacteria often invade the blood of people with burns and those who have cancer. Without treatment, an overwhelming infection can lead to dangerously low blood pressure (shock) and death.

Serious Pseudomonas infections are difficult to treat. Malignant external otitis, internal infections, and blood infections require weeks of intravenous antibiotic therapy, usually with a combination of antibiotics.

The bacterium is naturally resistant to many antibiotics.
In hospitals the organism contaminates moist/wet reservoirs such as respiratory equipment and indwelling catheters.

The doctors made a decision to removed the "Hickman line" immediately.The Next two days is centred around managing blood pressure, wriggles and shivers.

A combination of antibiotics meropenem and ciprofloxacin were used to treat the bacteria for 7 days. A new line "PICC"was inserted for the remaining intravenous medication.

Our "Lion Heart" fought off the Bacteria, bounce back and now he is home watching the series " LOST" and at the same time brainstorming with all of us on the courses he would like to apply for his University next year.

His uncle Patrick just call to speak to him, after a good long conversation with him , he said to me :--he is a "Wonder Boy".

Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to climb the highest mountain in the world

2008-01-11T16:57:00.000+13:00

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Sir Edmund Hillary, the unassuming beekeeper who conquered Mount Everest to win renown as one of the 20th century's greatest adventurers, has died, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark announced Friday. He was 88.

Well George, we finally knocked the bastard off."
– Hillary's first words, to lifelong friend George Lowe, on returning from Everest's summit

Edmund Hillary took this photograph of Tenzing Norgay as they became the first human beings to set foot on the summit of Mt. Everest, the highest point on earth.

(I had always remember Edmund Hillary, the first man to climb the world's highest mountain- Mount Everest. One of our teachers got us interested by telling us about him. As`we were not born then, this particular teacher of ours is so passionate about mountain climbing as such she discusses the mountain and the man during our geography classes. My two other friends and I got so interested . We were so inspired and started to build a scrapbook about him. We felt as if we knew him and wanted to be like him . From then on we had always harboured an inner desire to climb Mount Everest too. Two years ago when we met again, we were still laughing at our dreams about climbing the mountain.)
Sir Edmund Hillary was born in 1919 and grew up in Auckland, New Zealand. It was in New Zealand that he became interested in mountain climbing. Although he made his living as a beekeeper, he climbed mountains in New Zealand, then in the Alps, and finally in the Himalayas, where he climbed 11 different peaks of over 20,000 feet.

At 11:30 on the morning of May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa guide Tensing Norgay were the first humans to reach Earth's highest point: the summit of Mount Everest in the Himalayas. Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit, 29,028 feet above sea level, the highest spot on earth. Climbing back down from the peak was another feat.

Edmund Hillary (left) and Tenzing Norgay were the first men to summit Mount Everest
(1919-2008 RIP the most famous New Zealander in the World ... an explorer, a champion , a hero and a legend . You are one of the few people in the world that I admired.)

Two Zero Zero Eight

2008-01-01T00:24:00.001+13:00

"Good-bye 2007! Hello 2008".

2007-12-31T16:18:00.000+13:00

2007 Oh! What a year it has been for my family.

I taught 2006 is really a bad year for me loosing my only brother and my grandma. My only brother's death is like a bullet train crushing into my heart.

Well '07 is a real nightmare, emotionally challenged, roller coaster year.

My heart is like it had been stabbed by a thousand daggers, still bleeding yet beating away! that's what '07 is like for me.

Over the months the daggers are out but the scars remained. You need to have a strong heart to help your child through cancer.

HE BEARS THE SCARS THAT ARE VISIBLE, MINE IS SCARRED INSIDE!

I use to make a list of new year resolutions year after year, from having more money to loosing weight and so on and so forth.

Reflecting back, year after year its the same resolution! It never materialised so ironically you make the same one very year.

I try to recall what resolutions have I really made for '07....honestly I can't remember. How many of you can?

This coming 2008 ,I have to be strong and courageous.

Without courage you're not living, you're hiding!.

Courage is what moves you forward; it's the muscle that makes your faith work. Faith by itself can be nothing more than a set of beliefs.

Courage is what activates those beliefs.

MY NEW YEAR RESOLUTION :- "BE COURAGEOUS"

Who cares about problems they come and go, year in year out.Without them we are out of this world...having problems denotes we are alive, so welcome problem, have the courage to face them and solve them and move on.

Hello 2008 ! Its another year to put things right and livestrong.

The Beautiful Glamorous Face of Pakistan - Benazir Bhutto

2007-12-29T00:30:00.000+13:00

We always remember her famous gestures......beautifully adjusting her head scarf

I was shocked to hear of Benazir Bhutto death.She was killed in a bomb blast.Her life indeed was cut short. She is only 54 years old.
Being half Pakistani myself, I have always admired her tenacity and being the first woman to lead a Muslim nation in modern times.We often teased our youngest sister as Benazir Bhutto lookalike. She indeed have an uncanny resemblance.
I remembered clearly she was a feminist heroine.In the early years in her campaigns, she advocated new services for women and opposed sexual discrimination, during her tenure as president. Serving two terms as prime minister between 1988 and 1996.
She was respected in the West for her liberal outlook and determination to combat Islamic extremism. For me I respected her as a woman who gave ordinary person a voice !.
She is indeed a very brave woman.

Benazir Bhutto Assassinated - RIP
1953-2007

Pakistani Tradition ----Continuing the family dynasty
Bilawal Bhutto
Benazir Bhutto's son Bilawal , 19-year-old Oxford University Student with no political experience has been made the leader of the PPP. He has now reportedly decided to go ahead and contest the January 8th elections extending Pakistan's most enduring political dynasty .
My blessing for this young man.

2007-12-27T11:42:00.000+13:00

Doxorubicin (pronounced docks-e-rou-bi-sin) last cycle on boxing day. It has been a long haul.

24th Wedding Anniversary on the 24th of December

2007-12-24T20:30:00.000+13:00

I was married on the 24th December 1983. For the past 23 years its always a big celebration with friends and relatives either in Ipoh or in Kuala Lumpur.Today we celebrate 24 years of wedded bliss with our 3 sons at our christchurch home.

Second son made a nutritious and healthy breakfast .....Toasted Seed and Grain bread with olive oil and manuka honey.

Hubby cooked lunch..... Lobster noodles

As for dinner we are in for a surprised menu arranged and cooked by our 3 sons. Got to go dinner is being served. Bon Appetit !

After watching "Hells Kitchen" on television ,The boys creating hell in our kitchen. Note the recipe book!

The youngest baby , he's camera shy. He made a fabulous starter " Oven baked Portebello Mushrooms " really fabulous, simply unforgettable!.

AS THE SAYING GOES " To dream of mushrooms denotes fleeting happiness, to dream you are gathering them, fickleness in a lover"

The end result.....Boneless Steak with potato wedges. Real yummy..as its cooked with love.

Dessert...Strawberries on stracciatella classics ice cream with fresh cream. ( just melt in the mouth)

" Cooking for someone is like love....it should be entered into with abandon, or not at all"

Season's Greetings

2007-12-24T15:45:00.000+13:00

All Relatives, Friends and Bloggers
Here's wishing you & family ,a "Blessed Christmas" and may the New Year bring good health, happiness, love and peace to you and family.
Merry Christmas

And

A Happy New Year
Another year for us to get things right!!

Keeping a Journal

2007-12-19T00:09:00.000+13:00

I came across an article on "How to Keep a Journal" audio series by Jim Rohn. I am so convinced that I have started keeping a proper journal today.I like to share and below is an excerpts from "How to Keep a Journal" audio series by Jim Rohn.

Keeping a Journal- One of the Three Treasure to Leave Behind If you're serious about becoming a wealthy, powerful, sophisticated, healthy, influential, cultured and unique individual, keep a journal. Don't trust your memory. When you listen to something valuable, write it down. When you come across something important, write it down.

I used to take notes on pieces of paper and torn-off corners and backs of old envelopes. I wrote ideas on restaurant placemats. On long sheets, narrow sheets and little sheets and pieces of paper thrown in a drawer. Then I found out that the best way to organize those ideas is to keep a journal. I've been keeping these journals since the age of twenty-five. The discipline makes up a valuable part of my learning, and the journals are a valuable part of my library.

I am a buyer of blank books. Kids find it interesting that I would buy a blank book. They say, "Twenty-six dollars for a blank book! Why would you pay that?" The reason I pay twenty-six dollars is to challenge myself to find something worth twenty-six dollars to put in there. All my journals are private, but if you ever got a hold of one of them, you wouldn't have to look very far to discover it is worth more than twenty-six dollars.

I must admit, if you got a glimpse of my journals, you'd have to say that I am a serious student. I'm not just committed to my craft; I'm committed to life, committed to learning new concepts and skills. I want to see what I can do with seed, soil, sunshine and rain to turn them into the building blocks of a productive life.

Keeping a journal is so important. I call it one of the three treasures to leave behind for the next generation. In fact, future generations will find these three treasures far more valuable than your furniture.

The first treasure is your pictures. Take a lot of pictures. Don't be lazy in capturing the event. How long does it take to capture the event? A fraction of a second. How long does it take to miss the event? A fraction of a second. So don't miss the pictures. When you're gone, they'll keep the memories alive.

The second treasure is your library. This is the library that taught you, that instructed you, that helped you defend your ideals. It helped you develop a philosophy. It helped you become wealthy, powerful, healthy, sophisticated, and unique. It may have helped you conquer some disease. It may have helped you conquer poverty. It may have caused you to walk away from the ghetto. Your library -- the books that instructed you, fed your mind and fed your soul -- is one of the greatest gifts you can leave behind.

The third treasure is your journals: the ideas that you picked up, the information that you meticulously gathered. But of the three, journal writing is one of the greatest indications that you're a serious student. Taking pictures, that is pretty easy. Buying a book at a book store, that's pretty easy. It is a little more challenging to be a student of your own life, your own future, your own destiny. Take the time to keep notes and to keep a journal. You'll be so glad you did. What a treasure to leave behind when you go. What a treasure to enjoy today! by Jim Rohn

"Follow your instincts. That's where true wisdom manifests itself." Oprah Winfrey

Live your dreams... I am learning to!

Gone with the wind

2007-12-15T09:59:00.000+13:00

Its 9.00 am , I turn on the TV just in time for the weather forecast. Wow! its 23 degrees and sunny all day.

Thank god! I don't have to use the dryer.I just loved to hang out my washing in the sun ,which I look forward to each day.

Back home, we take the sunshine for granted ,here it is a luxury. Now I understand why people love sun bathing when you don't get sun the whole year round.

Truly Malaysia is so blessed. I took my own sweet time hanging the clothes on the line at the same time enjoying the sun's warmth.

Three hours later I hear the howling sound of the wind through the garage door. I rushed out to bring the clothes in. You see I overlook to hear about the wind forecast for the day.

The southerlies was so violent and cold. The clothes were all flapping threatening to loosen from the clothes pegs.

As I struggle with my clothes I saw my favourite silk scarf blown away by the wind.I just stood helpless looking at it flying off.... so easily carried by the strong wind and floated away.

I watch with tears in my eyes. The hand painted Trengganu silk scarf was a momento given to me when I help launch the opening ceremony of Menara Maybank in the 80's.

Later , while folding the clothes my memories float back to those times. We work hard in the bank but we had fun. At least memories can't get blown away.

Yes, memories are so precious it will always stay with you. I remember my schooldays in the 60's and the 70's. friends of all races always gathered together in one big circle during recess time . We had our food , share our stories, understand and help each other. Those were real wonderful memories.Malaysians than, in general are not so rich as today but we were real happy.

In the 90's when I send my sons to school, I see many groups , the Malays one side, the Chinese one group and the Indians another. Rarely do you see a mixed group.

Who's fault.....the children, the teachers, the parents , the various medias??. I don't have the answer, But I personally taught my children that we are all humans and we are all Malaysians . We are one big family.

The scarf is gone my sweet memories remain!

Hickman line

2007-12-05T17:58:00.000+13:00

The first Hickman line insterted in May was taken out end July due to "Enterovacter Aerogelas" Bacteria. Doses of antbiotics were not able to save the line. A second line was insterted , currently a new bug "Gram negative bacilli"is found and treated with antibiotics Tazocin ,Merrin IV AND TARGOCID. Temperature has been stable for 24 years. Praying for the line to be saved for the remainder of the treatments.

A Hickman line is an intravenous catheter most often used for the administration of chemotherapy or other medications, as well as for the withdrawal of blood for analysis

31 Years ago I stood up against Apartheid

2007-12-03T10:46:00.000+13:00

In 1976 representing Malaysia and her multi cultural citizens, I boycotted the Miss World event too voiced against apartheid. The presence of a black Miss Africa South and a white Miss South Africa, caused 9 countries to withdraw their contestants in protest against South Africa's apartheid system.

I remembered the contestants were in tears when told to withdraw but I DID NOT. Although I am from a small country and, my voice is small but I am standing on a big platform, our actions - headlined in major dailies in 60 countries.

Now looking back, I had my regrets. I regretted not seeing that moment of time as my calling to continue to help championed for Human Rights with other worthy organisations.Instead I become an ordinary middle class Malaysian having a career and a family.I admire Marina Mahathir,( ex Prime Minister's daughter) for championing for Aids and cancer and for voicing up for all Malaysians in her column Musings. As the sayings goes " The Pen is mightier than the Sword!" She knows her calling.

Many had asked me even until today what is Apartheid. Apartheid means apart..ness in Afrikaans language.
The enactment of apartheid laws in 1948, racial discrimination was institutionalized. Race laws touched every aspect of social life, including a prohibition of marriage between non-whites and whites, and the sanctioning of ``white-only'' jobs.

In 1950, the Population Registration Act required that all South Africans be racially classified into one of three categories: white, black (African), or colored (of mixed decent). The colored category included major subgroups of Indians and Asians.

The laws restricted the limited right of black Africans to own land, entrenching the white minority's control of over 80 percent of South African land. Other laws prohibited most social contacts between the races; enforced the segregation of public facilities and the separation of educational standards; created race-specific job categories; restricted the powers of nonwhite unions; and curbed nonwhite participation in government.

Today I am temporarily - oceans apart from my homeland, yet I begin to feel for those who came in thousands in supporting Bresih (for electoral reforms to ensure that the next general election is clean, free and fair and the election results are not marred by electoral abuses, fraud and other malpractices) and Hindraf (Hindu Rights Action Force, highlight the political, social and economic backwardness of the Indian community in Malaysia).

I don’t know whether Hindraf will be successful in getting any
Compensation from the British, what I did know is internationally they are being heard and all are aware that despite a modernize Malaysia we have extreme poverty at our backyard under BN (Barisan Nasional). I salute all the thousands who got drenched by “water canon charge” chemical laced water and tear gas.
(Scene at Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur)

Sometimes I wonder about the expensive taxi fare (RM100m) to send one person to space recently, that sum could have uplifted thousands of families!!!.

I am impacted by these events. For months I have put up a strong front fighting a battle in my household … Cancer. I am beginning to burnout, tired being a caregiver, while trying to get some motivation within family circles to keep going. Ironically seeing pictures of the thousands of Malaysians coming together gave me renewed strength. I know we will win the war soon! 4 more treatment and a surgery.
Then life will change for me…….. for sure I will know my calling this time round.

LIVESTRONG

2007-11-29T13:59:00.000+13:00

Concluding November, I like to share about the books I have read in the past few months..
The first book entitled "IF at First" chronicles the little known stories of personal struggle behind some of history 's most famous achievers. The underlining message behind thirty inspiring biographies is "The secret of success is learning to recognise the importance of failure"

The next is "Foods that Fight Cancer"(I took six months to finish this book, and read it over and over again) Now I am prepared to pass it on. It clearly explains how different foods work to protect the body against different cancers and show which foods will be effective.

I took so long because in the past months, I been trying out recipes combining those foods with Asian herbs and Asian style of cooking.
My son who is under going chemo is enjoying my cooking. Most days he ask for supper too.The dietitian is very happy with his progress because he has not lost any weight.

In fact he looks very good. I have used varies ingredients, lot of love and common sense in my cooking. Some mothers have been asking for my recipe.
I plan to write it down properly and blog it for all to share.
One regret ,I OVERLOOK taking pictures of the dishes. Never too late, I will start from today.
I will post it on my blog once its ready!

The 3rd book "LIVESTRONG" is a compilation of inspirational stories from cancer survivors- from diagnosis to treatment and beyond...... This book inspires me to keep reading it. I bring along to every hospital visits.

I can memorises and repeat all the cases.Whenever I get the chance I discuss the strength determination and the positivity of all survivors to my son.
I want to constantly reassure him of his own strength , his own motivation and his positive attitude.

He is fondly call the Lion Heart in VI for his organisational and leadership skills, Some Friends call him the brave heart.

His classmates at Riccarton High fondly called him "Wonder Boy". Last week he was given a new nickname ,the nurses fondly called him " The Amazing Kid".

Amazing because despite his condition he is currently sitting for his NCEA exams.(Equivalent to STPM).He missed school for 7 months, did his own studying when he feels good and prepared himself for the exams. Some papers are taken in hospital during chemo sessions, this few days his Maths and physics test is done at home because his neutrophils are too low to start the next chemo. He will have one more paper tomorrow .

Everyone here admires his strength and his intelligence.
To me he is my son and he is a genius!. I am so fortunate that I have a great boy. Yes he is truly amazing a born leader ... a class monitor from primary one to three, school prefect from primary four to six and Head boy as well. A Prefect in Victoria Institution .

As one teacher puts it" This Chap is going to accomplish great things in life, he already did."

Looking at kids back in Kuala Lumpur where parents spends thousands of ringgit on tuition money just to get straight A's. I just felt so lucky, but then again I can't blame the parents!?....

....Reminds me of what Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang says over the shocking collapse of the RM4.5 million Perak state park corporation's two-storey building in Belum.

Quote "Lim said the incident adds to the list of growing evidence that under Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the country is degenerating from 'First-World Infrastructure, Third-World Mentality' to 'Third-World Infrastructure, Fourth-rate Mentality'.

Well The building is tangible, the intangible is our Education System,( I personally felt the collapse!!) the effect can be felt decades later..... in the form of the quality of engineers, lawyers, doctors and politician etc...like our Information Minister or worst ?

Well! time will tell.....I wear yellow every Saturday(Bersih march for electoral clean up) for our children the future leaders. Its our responsibility to prepared them for our great country like our fathers and fore fathers did for us.

I am confident Malaysia will turn out well for our future generations.

So lets LIVESTRONG!

A rare voice of reason "Bersih march for electoral clean up"

The end of John Howard......Rudd first labor leader since 1983

2007-11-25T11:33:00.000+13:00

Kevin Michael Rudd
In my dream two nights ago, John Howard shouted at me to get out of the Royal Albert Hall London.On hind sight, after reading today's news, the dream interpreted that John Howard was voted out of power in favour of the labor leader.Australia has voted for the first time in more than a decade making Kevin Michael Rudd to become the first labor leader to seize power since Bob Hawke defeated Fraser in 1983.
My goodness the power of dreams and the underlining message. I remember dreaming about the collapse of Menara Maybank. I was then the Head of Consumer Banking, I shouted to all my staff to run out through the car park ,where we were safe as I watched the building shocked and fell .I woke up telling my staff the next day about the dream and told them if it did ever happen... run through the car park. We all had a good laugh and forgot about it.
About three months later, the Highland Towers collapsed, I had been visiting my sister who lives in one of the block!!!.
And many many more minor coincidences to think of it. Do dreams carry messages .... should we learn to interpret them... I don't know , do you?

What about Mahathir that gave me a smile at the door at Royal Albert Hall London .... any significance. I remember we were at the same flight home from London in 1976. He` was then the Education Minister. I remember one of his children getting my autograph during the flight.
Oh dear , I am beginning to remember old times. Is it the start of Alzheimer disease!....?.

Royal Albert Hall London

2007-11-23T15:57:00.000+13:00

A few hours ago I was chased out of Royal Albert Hall London by John Howard.I was there to deliver my campaign speech but instead I rattle on about " How to sell cars'. My audiences were the`well- heeled, rich and famous. While convincing the crowd about "Basic Selling Skills" to a packed audience, John Howard came right up to me and ask me to get out!. Out!I ran as fast as my legs could carry me amidst the thunderous laughter. I bumped into Dr Mahathir at the door, he just gave me a smile I scream and felt hot flashes and sweats. I woke up, its a dream.Thanks goodness its a dream, I turn and look at the clock its 3.00 am the exact time for the last three months, I get my hot flashes and night sweats. That's menopause!! says my friend - when I relate it to her a awhile ago.
I couldn't sleep the rest of the night thinking of my dream. Yes ! during the day I did watch the Prime news about John Howard's election campaign this weekend. I did read about the 10 worst performing cars in the US in the yahoo news.And I did read Marina's blog about her father's recovery from heart surgery. All these activities during the day cultivated into a weird dream. But the venue!!! why the Royal Albert Hall London.I was there 33 years ago but that was such a long time. Maybe its in my inner desire to visit Royal Albert Hall London again...... I don't know. All I know is I am a very very tired woman.

Falling Off The Stage

2007-11-22T14:31:00.000+13:00

Alzheimer disease "Memory Test" .........enjoy your game and keep score

2007-11-17T09:50:00.000+13:00

I find this game simple and fun. A good one for brain exercise. May help in the prevention of Alzheimer disease! Exercise as often as you like when you are bored.
Do you remember your birthday? Do you remember your cats name? Do you remember what you had for lunch 3 years ago this coming Tuesday? Well then you're qualified to play this game! It's just like you remember as a kid. Click the cards, match the cards... match all the cards and win!

Employers Looking For Employees With Positive Attitudes

2007-11-16T15:46:00.000+13:00

I came across this ARTICLE about "A Positive Attitude Definitely Increases Productivity and Employability" by Connie Podesta and thought how true. The main message is:-
You may not realize it, but your performance has the power to make or break your organization. Your attitude can be your greatest asset or your greatest liability. Unaware of that, employees often say, "My job is hard work. And my organization doesn't even try to motivate me to do my best."

Today's organizations realize that it is not their responsibility to motivate employees because motivation cannot come from the outside. Motivation is "an inside job."
This means that employees should not have to be coddled or coerced into working hard and doing an excellent job. A valuable employee, the kind an organization would work hard to hire and retain, is self-motivated.

The bottom line is that today's employers are looking for employees who:-- Want to work;
-- Enjoy what they do;
-- Take pride in their organization, their products, and their services;
-- Care about their customers and their co-workers;
-- Are the kind of team player others like to be around;
-- Make work a better place by their good humor, dependability, integrity, and their ability to be a positive influence through their words and actions.

And finally, consider this: employers from all over the country believe that attitude is contagious. If that's so, is yours worth catching?

(Connie Podesta is an author, counselor, educator, humorist, playwright, consultant, songwriter, actress and trainer.)

Direction of life

2007-11-15T18:22:00.000+13:00

Have a good laugh ......learning English

2007-11-13T22:29:00.000+13:00

Sometimes Language is a problem !!!
This is a true story from the Japanese Embassy in US!!!

A few years ago, Prime Minister Mori was given some
basic English conversation training before he visits
Washington and meets President Bill Clinton.

The instructor told Mori "Prime Minister, when you shake hand
with President Clinton, please say "how are you?".
Then Mr. Clinton should say,"I am fine, and you?" Now you should say 'me too'.
Afterwards, we, translators, will do all the work for you." It
looks quite simple, but the truth is....

When Mori met Clinton, he mistakenly said "Who Are You?"
Mr. Clinton was a bit shocked but still managed to
react with humor: "Well, I am Hilary's husband, haha..." Then
Mori replied confidently "Me too, hahaha.."
Then there was a long silent moment in the meeting room.

(written by Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers. Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers was born and raised in the USA and moved to Japan in 1984. He has worked as an independent writer, producer, and personality in the mass media for nearly 30 years.)

Beware of Garbage Trucks

2007-11-13T22:17:00.000+13:00

This meaningful article was sent to me by my friend U Lian.Happy reading and be happier!

Beware of Garbage Trucks
By David J. Pollay

How often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive colleague ruin your day? Unless you're a robot, you are bound to blow your top off. However, the mark of a sucessful person is how quickly he or she can get back his or her focus on what's important.

Sixteen years ago, I learned this lesson. I learn it in the back of a New York City taxi cab. Here's what happen ed .

I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We were driving in the right lane when, all of a sudden, a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car's back end by just inches!

The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling bad words at us.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really friendly. So, I said, "Why did you do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!"

And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now called, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck'.

Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of f r ustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. If they happen to dump it on you, don't take it personally.

You just smile, wave, wish them well, and moved on. You'll be happier if you did that rather than fight them.

So this was it: 'The Law of the Garbage Truck'.

I started thinking, how often do I let garbage trucks run right over me? And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other people: at work, at home, on the street? It was that day I said, "I'm not going to do it anymore." I see garbage trucks everywhere and everyday. I see the load they're carrying. I see them coming to drop it off. And like my taxi driver, I don't make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on.

Good leaders know they have to be ready for their next meeting. Good parents know they have to welcome their kids home from school with hugs and kisses. Teachers and parents know that they have to be fully present and at their best for the people they care about.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. What about you? What would happen in your life, starting today, if you let more garbage trucks pass you by?

Here's my bet. You'll be happier.

So ... love the people who treat you right.
Forget about the ones who don't.
Believe that every thing happens for a reason.
If you get a chance, TAKE IT!
If it changes your life, LET IT!
Nobody said it would be easy ....
They just promised it would be WORTH IT Cheers!

"Life is short. Enjoy the journey."

Life and Living

2007-11-10T21:25:00.000+13:00

A Beautiful Pot of White Orchid- Phalaenopsis

2007-10-26T13:27:00.000+13:00

This beautiful pot of white Phalaenopsis popularly known as the "Moth Flower" was given to me by Richards' Teachers - Mr Holstien, Mr Johnson, Dr Potter, Ms Wendy Palmer and Mrs Vicky Walker.A wonderful thought and what a coincidence, it's the same species given to me by my friend Pam Gan for my wedding . Thank-you ,I just love it!.

There is no question that the phalaenopsis is an extremely beautiful orchid as compared to other orchid varieties. The predominant colour is white.

Phalaenopsis are available in three grades 3A, 2A, A.Stem Length: The length of the stem varies according to the grade. The higher the grade the longer the stem. Stem length ranges from 30cm to +60cm.
Blooms per stem vary according to the grade of the stem. The higher the grade the more blooms per stem. On average the number of blooms per stem range from 5 to 9 blooms.
The flowers should have a life expectancy of more than 3 weeks.

Hatred

2007-10-26T10:09:00.000+13:00

Incredible Talent

2007-10-25T18:49:00.000+13:00

Desperate Housewife

2007-10-18T17:24:00.000+13:00

HOW TO CLEAN THE HOUSE

1. Open a new file in your PC .

2. Name it "Housework."

3. Send it to the RECYCLE BIN.

4. Empty the RecycleBin.

5. Your PC will ask you, "Are you sure you want To delete Housework permanently?"

6. Calmly answer, "Yes," and press mouse button firmly......

7. Feel better? Works for me!

How I Feel Today

2007-10-14T11:56:00.000+13:00

A day in a life at Children Haemotology Oncology Centre, Christchurch Hospital , New Zealand .

2007-10-09T23:40:00.000+13:00

Children Haemotology Oncology Centre, Christchurch Hospital , New Zealand . Many Friends wants to know what kind of sofa bed that I sleep on and is it comfortable. ( beggars can't be choosy!!) Well people, this is a tour of the hospital unit known as Children Haemotology Oncology Centre, Christchurch Hospital , New Zealand . This is the sofa bed. When its open up its not bad at all. Quite comfortable.

A dear message from wonderful friend Haniza Ros.......I miss my kebaya

2007-10-07T23:10:00.000+13:00

At Eon Motors Raya Open House 2006

Dear Cik Puteh,

It takes me a while to write to you as I really didnt know what to say. I did send you a bday greeting to your local maxis though.

Anyway, I figure God has prepared you long enough to face this trial from him and therefore all the strength you're displaying. I really wish to fly to you now, just to give you a hug and whisper to you that your LOVE will beat everything else comes your way.

Just to divert your attention a bit, attached a pix I always treasure and I hope you eat good despite your agony so that you're able to fit into this kebaya nicely again.

Love always,
Ros

My Card From Richard Reads: Mom We Beat Cancer! Yes! Indeed We Did

2007-10-06T18:23:00.001+13:00

Its 4.04 am , 1st Oct 07(NZ time) I can’t sleep. It’s my 52nd birthday. I woke up in a familiar room yet it’s not my bedroom nor is it my home. I switch on my hand phone and there were several greetings from my friends. So where am I? Many of my dear friends had weeks ago emailed me requesting for latest update.
Since I can’t sleep I am sending all of you (including my schoolmates) this mail.
Well I have been sleeping on a sofa bed and next to me is my 17th year old handsome son Richard. I am sleeping in a single room at the Children Haemotology Oncology Centre, Christchurch Hospital , New Zealand . My son receiving his chemotherapy treatment and I am beside him 24/7 giving him my motherly support. This has been our home since May. We spend more time here than in our house.
Looking at Richard, I told myself this is a beautiful day. Although there will not be any flowers, cakes, party or candlelight dinner. Being with my baby is the greatest gift of all. I am happy because my prayers have been answered.
At 52 years old I found out “Prayers do get answered”. I told myself, in my career as a Trainer, I have changed thousands of life for the better. The skills that I have imparted and shared to make them ‘shine’ in their careers. The motivational and development sessions I gave to encourage and instilled positive attitudes in those who have attended my training sessions. I know I have touched many lives; I just need someone to touch my son’s life.
Prayers do get answered! My son Richard is only 17years old diagnosed with Osteosarcoma left distal femur with T5 metastasis. I prayed for a successful treatment. God send angels into his life in the form of Dr Michael Sullivan and Rob Corbett Paediatric Oncologists and Dr Gordon Beadel Orthopedic Surgeon. Richard was also invited to sign up to in a study group “A randomized Trail of the European and American Osteosarcoma study group to optimize treatment strategies for resectable osteasarcoma based on histological response to pre-operative chemotherapy (known as ERAMOS 1) for 16+years of age. (Not available in Malaysia or Singapore ).
Today 5 months into treatment and after successful Total Knee Replacement Surgery (TKR) on the 16 August performed by the talented and brilliant Dr Gordon Beadel, Richard left leg is back to normal. The surgery took 10 hours but I know he is in good hands. Later I found out from the nurses that he was so meticulous in removing the entire tumor and brilliantly reconstructed the TKR.
Today when he wakes up in the morning, Richard will signed part 2 of the ERAMOS 1 Trial. Part 2 is for patients with good tumor response to induction therapy. It’s another prayer answered. I pray for a good response and for the entire tumor to be killed. Well goods news the histological results showed a good response to MAP therapy with more than 95 % of tumor cells killed. He is now eligible to be randomized to get more of MAP Chemo or MAP Chemo plus Pegylated interferon alfa2b. This is to help make sure the tumor cells do not return later. Thanks and credit given to the oncologists, he is really brilliant. Chemistry does works. I should have paid more attention to chemistry in school!
So what more can I ask for? All the right people came to treat my son. It is indeed my best birthday present.
At 52 years old I am blessed with 3 great sons and a wonderful husband. I own an extensive extended family, they are my property. My beautiful sisters, Sis –in-law , bro –in – law, uncle , aunt, cousins ,nieces and nephew. They gave me the greatest support when I needed it most.
My friends esp. the ones I met in the 70’s in the bank, they are really true friends (you know who you are ha! ha!) simply awesome.
Richard isalso very fortunate to be enrol in the best school - Ricacrton High School in Christchurch. His Dean and his teachers gave him so much support , and his new made friends were simply great.They all find time to visit him . Getting support from his school esp his Dean and Teachers means so much for Richard . They have contributed tremendously to the healing process because Richard just love schooling. I know he felt wanted and is eager to get well to get back to school.
I turn and glance at Richard; he is really “Richard the Lion Heart”. A brave young man who at 17years fought his cancer and won. He is a real champion ever so confident and positive. A very intelligent, bright human being with a charming personality. What a gift and joy to have him as my son.
What more do I need I am contented and happy. To add to my happiness during this tiring time, I discovered the maturity, sensibility, strength and compassion of my two elder sons. Together they supported Richard through his difficult times. The brotherhood they shared is envy to many parents. They are not just bright students taking double degrees in reputable unis but two young man with fine qualities of a gentleman. They are unspoilt, ambitious and focus in their goals in life.
Yes! What more can I ask for. I possess 3 precious gems. That’s my gift given to me for life.
Well, my husband what can I say. No words can describe him. I know I am the love of his life. I can’t ask for more……I am contented.

Well, email is good therapy; Writing this mail made me cry and cry.Not of sadness but happiness that my son is saved. I don’t have to count sheep. I am going back to my sofa bed.Good nite

CHANGE/CHOICE

2007-09-29T18:59:00.000+12:00

"What it lies in our power to do, it lies in our power not to do." -- Aristotle

"Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me." -- Carol Burnett

"Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice: It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." -- William Jennings Bryan

"We must either find a way or make one." -- Hannibal

52 years old......what do I wish for?

2007-09-29T15:59:00.000+12:00

On Monday 01-10-07 I will be 52 years old. Every birthday I used to wish for good health and world peace. This year , what can wish for.......? I pray everyday to god.

Please GOD heal my youngest son Richard Yap Jun-Woh of cancer. Guide him in his life journey and the great plans you have for him. Protect him from all harm. You have created a brilliant son . He is an extraordinary person. He wants to be an oncologist . He needs your blessing and guidance.
For my eldest son William and my second son Alexander- my wish and message for them is to "follow your heart and live your dreams". May God protect you both always.
My wish for my husband is- always be happy.
My wish for my mom and two beautiful sisters -"May they enjoy good health,wealth and happiness .
For my departed brother- " May his soul rest in peace"
For me .... I wished for "all my wishes to come true"

Remember the words of Napoleon Hill - "Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit." Believe it, it is true!

Happy Birthday to me !

The "C" Word

2007-09-01T16:59:00.000+12:00

The 'C' word scares people, but it can be overcome. With good medicine and strong hearts, it can be overcome."

http://www.mayoclinic.org/osteosarcoma