Thursday, 28 February 2007
I have written about watching movies on the big screen on the 9 January 2007. And here I go rambling again!
My daughter has been wanting to see '"Dreamgirls" for the past week and we finally saw it tonight at the TGV (Tanjung Golden Village) Cineplex.
I am so glad that Lian's friend got us tickets to watch the movie at TGV (Tanjung Golden Village) Cineplex because this would be my first time watching movie at TGV Cineplex. And interestingly, the cinema is the largest TGV cineplex in Malaysia. It is located on the 3rd floor of the Suria KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) shopping complex.
I have watched 3 movies at the Golden Screen Cinemas (in Kota Kinabalu - Sabah, Leisure Mall - Cheras, Kuala Lumpur and Berjaya Times Square - Kuala Lumpur). And interestingly, the GSC in Kota Kinabalu is the first GSC to operate in Malaysia. It was opened on the 14 July 1981.
'Dreamgirls" is a Broadway musical film, released on the 22 February 2007 on the GSC. I enjoyed it. Thanks to Lian. "Sound of Music" - my favourite musical film happened to be from Broadway too!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
Ang Pow
Saturday, 24 February 2007
*Ang* in the Hokkien dialect means "Red colour". *Pow* in the Hokkien dialect means
"Wrap". The world knows that *Ang Pow* means "Red Packets". It means $$$.
If it is a white coloured envelope with donation inside it, it is not called *Ang Pow*. it is called *Pek Kim*. *Pek* in the Hokkien dialect means "White" and *Kim* in the Hokkien dialect means "gold". That is only given to bereaved families, who have lost a loved one to death.
For the Chinese, the colour Red is associated with happiness, power and triumph, while the colour white is associated with saddness, defeat. That is why we don't use red (and yellow) during a funeral ceremony.
Anyway, talking about *Ang Pow*. In my last visit to Kota Kinabalu last month, Chee Yun casually told me that she collects Ang Pows. I asked her why? Isn't that a stupid question? Just
because I don't have the interest to collect doesn't mean nobody else collects!! She also casually told me that if I get back to Miri, bring whatever I can spare to her.
I search through and kept 1 of each design. I did the same here in Kuala Lumpur, with what the children already have and what they were given during this festive season. I am going to give them all to her in less than 2 weeks' time! I know she would be very pleased.
I know what I have done and give will definitely bring a glow to her face because it is her interest and it makes her happy.
*Ang* in the Hokkien dialect means "Red colour". *Pow* in the Hokkien dialect means
"Wrap". The world knows that *Ang Pow* means "Red Packets". It means $$$. If it is a white coloured envelope with donation inside it, it is not called *Ang Pow*. it is called *Pek Kim*. *Pek* in the Hokkien dialect means "White" and *Kim* in the Hokkien dialect means "gold". That is only given to bereaved families, who have lost a loved one to death.
For the Chinese, the colour Red is associated with happiness, power and triumph, while the colour white is associated with saddness, defeat. That is why we don't use red (and yellow) during a funeral ceremony.
Anyway, talking about *Ang Pow*. In my last visit to Kota Kinabalu last month, Chee Yun casually told me that she collects Ang Pows. I asked her why? Isn't that a stupid question? Just
because I don't have the interest to collect doesn't mean nobody else collects!! She also casually told me that if I get back to Miri, bring whatever I can spare to her.I search through and kept 1 of each design. I did the same here in Kuala Lumpur, with what the children already have and what they were given during this festive season. I am going to give them all to her in less than 2 weeks' time! I know she would be very pleased.
I know what I have done and give will definitely bring a glow to her face because it is her interest and it makes her happy.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Valentine's Day - 2007
Wednesday, 14 February 2007
A good friend sent this to me last week. I asked whether I could copy this interesting story to my blog. What other day is more appropriate than posting it today, since it is Valentine's Day here in Malaysia.
his place. They found an appropriate choice in Valentine, who, in AD 270 had been beheaded by Emperor Claudius.
Happy Valentine's Day!!
A good friend sent this to me last week. I asked whether I could copy this interesting story to my blog. What other day is more appropriate than posting it today, since it is Valentine's Day here in Malaysia.
February 14 is Valentine's Day. Although it is celebrated as a lovers' holiday today, with the giving of candy, flowers, or other gifts between couples in love, it originated in 5th Century
Rome as a tribute to St. Valentine, a Catholic bishop.
For eight hundred years prior to the establishment of Valentine's Day, the Romans had practiced a pagan celebration in mid-February commemorating young men's rite of passage to the god Lupercus. The celebration featured a lottery in which young men would draw the names of teenage girls from a box. The girl assigned to each young man in that manner would be his sexual companion during the remaining year.
In an effort to do away with the pagan festival, Pope Gelasius ordered a slight change in the lottery. Instead of the names of young women, the box would contain the names of saints. Both men and women were allowed to draw from the box, and the game was to emulate the ways of the saint they drew during the rest of the year. Needless to say, many of the young Roman men were not too pleased with the rule changes.
Instead of the pagan god Lupercus, the Church looked for a suitable patron saint of love to take
his place. They found an appropriate choice in Valentine, who, in AD 270 had been beheaded by Emperor Claudius.Claudius had determined that married men made poor soldiers. So he banned marriage from his empire. But Valentine would secretly marry young men that came to him. When Claudius found out about Valentine, he first tried to convert him to paganism. But Valentine reversed the strategy, trying instead to convert Claudius. When he failed, he was stoned and beheaded.
During the days that Valentine was imprisoned, he fell in love with the blind daughter of his jailer. His love for her, and his great faith, managed to miraculously heal her from her blindness before his death. Before he was taken to his death, he signed a farewell message to her, "From your Valentine." The phrase has been used on his day ever since.
Although the lottery for women had been banned by the church, the mid-February holiday in commemoration of St. Valentine was still used by Roman men to seek the affection of women. It became a tradition for the men to give the ones they admired handwritten messages of affection, containing Valentine's name.
Cupid, another symbol of the holiday, became associated with it because he was the son of Venus, the Roman god of love and beauty. Cupid often appears on Valentine cards.
Happy Valentine's Day!!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Gosh! I am 250 years old!
Finally I switched to the New Blogger, using the Google account. Didn't dare to switch before because I was scare that it would affect the postings that were already in place. It wasn't a choice because I don't know what I did yesterday and I was prompted to switch before I could continue. And I did!
I like the New Blogger!! I am glad it didn't affect the template, layouts, etc. The only thing that caught my eyes was I have an age in my profile. I didn't reveal my year of birth. I don't want my age to be shown. But it said: Age: 250
Gosh! You might think that I did that on purpose! I didn't! It must be the switching bug - In the year box was the number 1757!! Hey! I don't remember anyone in this dispensation of time to live that long. I would be 6 feet underground.
I like the New Blogger!! I am glad it didn't affect the template, layouts, etc. The only thing that caught my eyes was I have an age in my profile. I didn't reveal my year of birth. I don't want my age to be shown. But it said: Age: 250
Gosh! You might think that I did that on purpose! I didn't! It must be the switching bug - In the year box was the number 1757!! Hey! I don't remember anyone in this dispensation of time to live that long. I would be 6 feet underground.
Car Hopping
This is a once-off incident, that I have not gotten out of my system, and I thought I better write it down before my aging mind forgets. It is nothing near to a fear factor but it is one of the most daring things that I have done, on the spur of a moment!
Saturday, 14 September 2002
I can't imagine myself doing that ever again!!
Saturday, 14 September 2002
Time to treat ourselves after a week’s of physical and mental work. Physical because we danced practically from morning to night to master the steps and mentally because we had to remember the sequence and the steps to the extent that we could dance on our own, before the teacher leaves.
From Monday to Friday, we have been busy learning 9 dances. Teacher Maria had flown in from Miri to teach us how to use fans, scarfs & umbrella to dance and it was time for us to let our hair down and relax.
We were going to a High Tea at the Promenade Hotel, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
There were 5 of us in one car and driving slowly towards the traffic lights. We were excited when we realised that the car that drove up alongside was driven by one of our friends, who we knew was also heading for the High Tea. She was alone in the car.
I can't imagine myself doing that ever again!!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Know Yourself
Saturday, 27 January 2007
This is fun. You will know yourself better after the exercise. I thought I post it in my blog. Try it and pass it on if you like. Just replace your own answers.
1. FIRST NAME: Irene
2. WERE YOU NAME AFTER ANYONE? No
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Yesterday, on my way back from mum's place. Thinking about mum - not being able to communicate, can't see, can't talk, can't move, can't response when I asked her to, trapped in a body that she has been active for the last 80 years, don't know how long she will be in this state of helplessness and when God will relieve her of her affliction - breaks my heart.
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes, it is readable.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LUNCH MEAT? Lunch meat? Meat for lunch? I don't care for lunch meat. Don't care about lunch either.
6. KIDS? No kids now. I have 2 beautiful grown up children, one girl and one boy.
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes, I like me. I am a child of God. Everyone is unique and special.
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? I have a diary, though I don't have the good habit of writing every night.
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM? I am no good in this. I guess not.
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? I don't remember havng my tonsils taken out. Can't ask Dad. He has gone over the veil. Can't ask Mum. She can't response to me now.
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No, thanks. I am afraid of heights. I will die of heart attack on the jumping platform before I even try.
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I hardly take cereal. I eat rice or bread.
13. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Physically, I am not. I think I am strong in certain characteristics.
14. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Don't know. When I have to make a choice, I don't know which one to choose.
15. SHOE SIZE? I don't know. If they fit and I like them, I buy them. They say different countries have different sizes. I have a pair of shoes that is 6 and a half, another 6, another pair that is 38, and another that is 36. I have a pair that is 5 and a half. They all fit!
16. RED OR PINK? I like red when I was younger but I prefer pink now.
17. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My eyes. I wish I have better vision. Have been using spectacles since I was 7 years old. Anyway, it is a blessing in disguise because I think I would be so preoccupied with sweeping the floors all the time because I am very particular about my floors being clean.
18. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Mum.
19. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Only those I emailed or tagged.
20. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOUR WEARING? Right now? Flora pants. Indoor slippers.
21. LAST THING YOU ATE? Captain's instant oats with Anlene low fat milk.
22. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The fan blowing and the computer.
23. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Depends what I am going to be used for.
24. FAVORITE SMELL? Rose. Babies, just bathed, lotioned/powdered.
25. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Janet.
26. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Friendliness.
27. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SEND THIS TO YOU? Yes, I do. Very much. I admire her very much.
28. FAVORITE SPORT? Swimming as recreational, though I have participated in competition. Because of my spectacles, I was scare of taking part in sports when I was in school. I played softball once, participated in tug-of-wars. I think that it is all I did on the field. I like to watch though.
29. EYE COLOR? Brown
30. HAT SIZE? I don't know.
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Once, when I thought they would make me beautiful. I didn't like it. The thought of placing the soft lens onto my eye balls day after day, and other procedures associated with it, is not my cup of tea. I am too clumpsy. I am happy with the ordinary type of spectacles.
32. FAVORITE FOOD? Fresh green leafy vegetables stir-fried with garlic.
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Depends on my mood.
34. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Green, v-shaped blouse.
35. SUMMER OR WINTER? I am scare of the cold. Do I have any other choices beside Summer?
36. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs and plenty of it.
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Agar Agar
38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Lyanne, Anthony, Iain and Michael.
39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? ?????
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Haven't read much lately, except for the standard works of the church.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Watched a Shaolin movie at mum's place yeterday afternoon.
42. FAVORITE SOUND? I said "a child singing" - I take it back. When I read this again. I am not sure what my favorite sound is. I like the sound of soft music in the air. I like the sound of a little child saying "mummy". I like the sound of my daughter practising her guitar.
43. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Beatles.
44. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? United Kingdom (1994).
45. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? You guess when - I am a Leo. Born on the 25 July, in an island of Borneo (don't worry, I am not born on the tree and I don't live on the trees. My parents are not headhunters!)
46. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Sister Marsha.
47. NAME ONE PLACE YOU WANT TO GO THAT YOU NEVER HAVE BEEN? USA
This is fun. You will know yourself better after the exercise. I thought I post it in my blog. Try it and pass it on if you like. Just replace your own answers.
1. FIRST NAME: Irene
2. WERE YOU NAME AFTER ANYONE? No
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Yesterday, on my way back from mum's place. Thinking about mum - not being able to communicate, can't see, can't talk, can't move, can't response when I asked her to, trapped in a body that she has been active for the last 80 years, don't know how long she will be in this state of helplessness and when God will relieve her of her affliction - breaks my heart.
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes, it is readable.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LUNCH MEAT? Lunch meat? Meat for lunch? I don't care for lunch meat. Don't care about lunch either.
6. KIDS? No kids now. I have 2 beautiful grown up children, one girl and one boy.
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes, I like me. I am a child of God. Everyone is unique and special.
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? I have a diary, though I don't have the good habit of writing every night.
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM? I am no good in this. I guess not.
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? I don't remember havng my tonsils taken out. Can't ask Dad. He has gone over the veil. Can't ask Mum. She can't response to me now.
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No, thanks. I am afraid of heights. I will die of heart attack on the jumping platform before I even try.
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I hardly take cereal. I eat rice or bread.
13. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Physically, I am not. I think I am strong in certain characteristics.
14. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Don't know. When I have to make a choice, I don't know which one to choose.
15. SHOE SIZE? I don't know. If they fit and I like them, I buy them. They say different countries have different sizes. I have a pair of shoes that is 6 and a half, another 6, another pair that is 38, and another that is 36. I have a pair that is 5 and a half. They all fit!
16. RED OR PINK? I like red when I was younger but I prefer pink now.
17. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My eyes. I wish I have better vision. Have been using spectacles since I was 7 years old. Anyway, it is a blessing in disguise because I think I would be so preoccupied with sweeping the floors all the time because I am very particular about my floors being clean.
18. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Mum.
19. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Only those I emailed or tagged.
20. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOUR WEARING? Right now? Flora pants. Indoor slippers.
21. LAST THING YOU ATE? Captain's instant oats with Anlene low fat milk.
22. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The fan blowing and the computer.
23. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Depends what I am going to be used for.
24. FAVORITE SMELL? Rose. Babies, just bathed, lotioned/powdered.
25. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Janet.
26. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Friendliness.
27. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SEND THIS TO YOU? Yes, I do. Very much. I admire her very much.
28. FAVORITE SPORT? Swimming as recreational, though I have participated in competition. Because of my spectacles, I was scare of taking part in sports when I was in school. I played softball once, participated in tug-of-wars. I think that it is all I did on the field. I like to watch though.
29. EYE COLOR? Brown
30. HAT SIZE? I don't know.
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Once, when I thought they would make me beautiful. I didn't like it. The thought of placing the soft lens onto my eye balls day after day, and other procedures associated with it, is not my cup of tea. I am too clumpsy. I am happy with the ordinary type of spectacles.
32. FAVORITE FOOD? Fresh green leafy vegetables stir-fried with garlic.
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Depends on my mood.
34. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Green, v-shaped blouse.
35. SUMMER OR WINTER? I am scare of the cold. Do I have any other choices beside Summer?
36. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs and plenty of it.
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Agar Agar
38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Lyanne, Anthony, Iain and Michael.
39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? ?????
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Haven't read much lately, except for the standard works of the church.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Watched a Shaolin movie at mum's place yeterday afternoon.
42. FAVORITE SOUND? I said "a child singing" - I take it back. When I read this again. I am not sure what my favorite sound is. I like the sound of soft music in the air. I like the sound of a little child saying "mummy". I like the sound of my daughter practising her guitar.
43. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Beatles.
44. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? United Kingdom (1994).
45. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? You guess when - I am a Leo. Born on the 25 July, in an island of Borneo (don't worry, I am not born on the tree and I don't live on the trees. My parents are not headhunters!)
46. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Sister Marsha.
47. NAME ONE PLACE YOU WANT TO GO THAT YOU NEVER HAVE BEEN? USA
Monday, January 08, 2007
Watching Movies on the Big Screen
Tuesday, 9 January 2007
Happy New Year! My first posting for 2007. I was thinking what it is like watching movies back in the past and the present millennium.
Before I turned into a teenager, my 2 younger brothers and me often go into the Lutong Cinema on Saturday afternoons and watched movies, free of charge. The cinema was only a few minutes walk from our home. We saw all kinds of movies and luckily at that time, there were no obscene acts!
There were 3 entrances into the hall, which led to 3 different priced seats. We are bless with a fatherly figure, who was familiar with the 3 of us, who knew our parents, who checked tickets at the entrance leading to the cheapest price seats, would let the 3 of us in, once the light inside the hall were off. We would then look for empty seats. Sometimes we sit in the front rows because they were the only rows that were the least popular therefore less occupied being too close to the screen. Most times we could find seats further away from the screen and also among the highest priced seats!!
Watching movies on the big screen is fun. There were no television then so there was nothing to compared with. I enjoyed the "Sound of Music" (1965, starring Julie Andrews) very much. Went to see with my brothers, went with my classmates and went with Dad in the Lutong and the Miri cinemas. It was shown in the cinema for a number of weeks. I can't remember how long. We now have DVDs of the movie, at home. It has remain my favourite film. But I think I would enjoy better on the big screen!
Technology increased - the quality and sound of the movies improved as the time passed. Watching "Jurassic Park" (1993) in a cinema in Melbourne was indeed an experience for me. It was the first time Lian and Yean, who were only 12 and 7 years old respectively have their first experience of watching a movie on the big screen. It was as if we were inside the Jurassic Park!! The animals looked so real!
Likewise, we enjoyed "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000, starring Chow Yun Fatt) at a Golden Screen cinema in Kota Kinabalu.
Recently I got the opportunity to watch movies at the Golden Screen cinemas again!
Wednesday, 3 January 2007
I should thank Brother Nelson for this. We had the tickets, he couldn't attend the show because he had to work, so I jumped in. Friday's show was sad but today's was sheer hilarious. Released 28 December 2006, "Night at the Museum" to me is a very good show for the whole family. I don't mind watching it again!! Also, this is my first time at the Golden Screen cinema in Mid Valley Megamall - Kuala Lumpur.
Friday, 29 December 2006
Thanks to Yean, I got to watch "Curse of the Golden Flower" at the Golden Screen cinema in Leisure Mall in Cheras-Kuala Lumpur.
Released 21 December 2006, it is deemed as the most expensive Chinese film to date (budget $45 million), chosen as China's entry for the academy award for best foreign language film for the year 2006.
It is a tragic story that we see happening everywhere - the result of betrayal of trust and love in a family unit. What I don't like in the film is the clothes that the maids of the palace wore - the necklines are so low, which looked to me stopped just above their nipples with half of their breasts showing. I am sure that the ladies during that period do not dress like that!!! I hope that viewers do not get the impression that the Chinese girls are dressed that way in those times!
Happy New Year! My first posting for 2007. I was thinking what it is like watching movies back in the past and the present millennium.
Before I turned into a teenager, my 2 younger brothers and me often go into the Lutong Cinema on Saturday afternoons and watched movies, free of charge. The cinema was only a few minutes walk from our home. We saw all kinds of movies and luckily at that time, there were no obscene acts!
There were 3 entrances into the hall, which led to 3 different priced seats. We are bless with a fatherly figure, who was familiar with the 3 of us, who knew our parents, who checked tickets at the entrance leading to the cheapest price seats, would let the 3 of us in, once the light inside the hall were off. We would then look for empty seats. Sometimes we sit in the front rows because they were the only rows that were the least popular therefore less occupied being too close to the screen. Most times we could find seats further away from the screen and also among the highest priced seats!!
Watching movies on the big screen is fun. There were no television then so there was nothing to compared with. I enjoyed the "Sound of Music" (1965, starring Julie Andrews) very much. Went to see with my brothers, went with my classmates and went with Dad in the Lutong and the Miri cinemas. It was shown in the cinema for a number of weeks. I can't remember how long. We now have DVDs of the movie, at home. It has remain my favourite film. But I think I would enjoy better on the big screen!
Technology increased - the quality and sound of the movies improved as the time passed. Watching "Jurassic Park" (1993) in a cinema in Melbourne was indeed an experience for me. It was the first time Lian and Yean, who were only 12 and 7 years old respectively have their first experience of watching a movie on the big screen. It was as if we were inside the Jurassic Park!! The animals looked so real!
Likewise, we enjoyed "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000, starring Chow Yun Fatt) at a Golden Screen cinema in Kota Kinabalu.
Recently I got the opportunity to watch movies at the Golden Screen cinemas again!
Wednesday, 3 January 2007
I should thank Brother Nelson for this. We had the tickets, he couldn't attend the show because he had to work, so I jumped in. Friday's show was sad but today's was sheer hilarious. Released 28 December 2006, "Night at the Museum" to me is a very good show for the whole family. I don't mind watching it again!! Also, this is my first time at the Golden Screen cinema in Mid Valley Megamall - Kuala Lumpur.
Friday, 29 December 2006
Thanks to Yean, I got to watch "Curse of the Golden Flower" at the Golden Screen cinema in Leisure Mall in Cheras-Kuala Lumpur.
Released 21 December 2006, it is deemed as the most expensive Chinese film to date (budget $45 million), chosen as China's entry for the academy award for best foreign language film for the year 2006.
It is a tragic story that we see happening everywhere - the result of betrayal of trust and love in a family unit. What I don't like in the film is the clothes that the maids of the palace wore - the necklines are so low, which looked to me stopped just above their nipples with half of their breasts showing. I am sure that the ladies during that period do not dress like that!!! I hope that viewers do not get the impression that the Chinese girls are dressed that way in those times!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
What to do with damaged currency notes?
Friday, 22 December 2006
A torn 50 MRinggit currency note. Don't know what happened to it. We found it among our late father's possession. The rest of the family said it cannot be used anymore. I can't believe my ears! 50 MRinggit may be nothing to the rich but it means a lot to the poor. There must be a system whereby the government would take back damaged currency notes - torn, scratched, scorched, smeared, etc.
Asked my friends, who worked in the banks. One told me maybe the bank that I frequent, might take it from me and give me a new 50 MRinggit note. Another said the only bank that would take it back is Bank Negara Malaysia (Central Bank of Malaysia). An officer in the bank that I frequented told me that only Bank Negara Malaysia would take it back and give me in return an amount, according to the damage.
In the state of Sarawak, the only BNM branch is in the capital city of Kuching - that is 1 hour by Boeing from Miri. In the neighbouring state of Sabah, the only branch is also in the capital city of Kota Kinabalu - that is 45 minutes by Boeing from Miri.
Well, since I am here in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, I had the opportunity to visit the head office at Jalan Dato' Onn. We were lost looking for it, since we have never been there before. Glad we were lost because it gave us the opportunity to discover places of interest that I have not been. And happier still I got 50 MRinggit, not more or less, for the torn currency note.
I met one elderly couple who brought notes that have been torn and worn out, and looked like the cockroaches have their share on them as well. I am glad that BNM will be exchanging them for new notes that they could use.
Now, we know where to go to if any of of our MRinggit notes are damaged. We can also bring any old notes, that are no more in circulation, that we do not wish to keep or collect!!
A torn 50 MRinggit currency note. Don't know what happened to it. We found it among our late father's possession. The rest of the family said it cannot be used anymore. I can't believe my ears! 50 MRinggit may be nothing to the rich but it means a lot to the poor. There must be a system whereby the government would take back damaged currency notes - torn, scratched, scorched, smeared, etc.
Asked my friends, who worked in the banks. One told me maybe the bank that I frequent, might take it from me and give me a new 50 MRinggit note. Another said the only bank that would take it back is Bank Negara Malaysia (Central Bank of Malaysia). An officer in the bank that I frequented told me that only Bank Negara Malaysia would take it back and give me in return an amount, according to the damage.In the state of Sarawak, the only BNM branch is in the capital city of Kuching - that is 1 hour by Boeing from Miri. In the neighbouring state of Sabah, the only branch is also in the capital city of Kota Kinabalu - that is 45 minutes by Boeing from Miri.
Well, since I am here in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, I had the opportunity to visit the head office at Jalan Dato' Onn. We were lost looking for it, since we have never been there before. Glad we were lost because it gave us the opportunity to discover places of interest that I have not been. And happier still I got 50 MRinggit, not more or less, for the torn currency note.
I met one elderly couple who brought notes that have been torn and worn out, and looked like the cockroaches have their share on them as well. I am glad that BNM will be exchanging them for new notes that they could use.
Now, we know where to go to if any of of our MRinggit notes are damaged. We can also bring any old notes, that are no more in circulation, that we do not wish to keep or collect!!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas Presents
Monday, 25 December 2006
There is always a first time in whatever we do. For me, this is first time I spent Christmas in Kuala Lumpur and the first time opening Christmas presents on a Christmas morning! Thanks to Lian again.
The first thing she excitedly said when she sat down in the sitting room was "Let's open the Christmas presents". It was fun, looking at each other's expressions and sharing/feeling each other's joy with the presents we got for each other.
As we feel the love and joy of this special day, my thoughts go to those who are homeless, poor, sick and lonely. For some, this is not a public holiday, life is just another working day so that they could bring food on the table.
Thinking of the less fortunate, who are struggling to earn a honest living, I am reminded that there is no need to spend unncessarily. There is no need to buy anything that catches our eyes even though we could afford to and end up collecting dust! There is no need to throw money to pay expensive branded things and found out later that the less famous and expensive made are as good!
Whatever our circumstances are, and whoever we are, I am grateful for the Christmas present that Heavenly Father has given each and everyone of us, all because He loves us.
There is always a first time in whatever we do. For me, this is first time I spent Christmas in Kuala Lumpur and the first time opening Christmas presents on a Christmas morning! Thanks to Lian again.
The first thing she excitedly said when she sat down in the sitting room was "Let's open the Christmas presents". It was fun, looking at each other's expressions and sharing/feeling each other's joy with the presents we got for each other.
As we feel the love and joy of this special day, my thoughts go to those who are homeless, poor, sick and lonely. For some, this is not a public holiday, life is just another working day so that they could bring food on the table.
Thinking of the less fortunate, who are struggling to earn a honest living, I am reminded that there is no need to spend unncessarily. There is no need to buy anything that catches our eyes even though we could afford to and end up collecting dust! There is no need to throw money to pay expensive branded things and found out later that the less famous and expensive made are as good!
Whatever our circumstances are, and whoever we are, I am grateful for the Christmas present that Heavenly Father has given each and everyone of us, all because He loves us.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
The Beauty of a Christmas Tree
Thursday, 21 December 2006
Christmas tree (and a real look-alike tree, that friends helped to cut) was a must in the house when Sis was home, when I was then only a teenager.
It sure radiated the atmosphere of Christmas with one in the house.
I didn't continue to put up one, when Sis moved away. I didn't feel the same desire because I was a teenager who was lazy to put up a tree and furthermore the only Christian left in the house.
I did look forward to the Christmas Eve midnight service and the Christmas morning service, so that I could join the choir and sing the Christmas songs!
Hopping from one member's home to another's and eating the whole day - that was fun too!
We are thankful for the knowledge that this is an important religious event - the coming of our Saviour, and why he came.
I shouldn't have let personal feelngs rule over me when I was no more a teenager and yet didn't put up a tree during Christmas either in my own home. Maybe the beauty of the tree would have cast away all the negative energy and prick a cord in someone's heart.
Thanks to Lian. Like her Aunty, she knows the magical beauty of a decorated Christmas tree.
Christmas tree (and a real look-alike tree, that friends helped to cut) was a must in the house when Sis was home, when I was then only a teenager.It sure radiated the atmosphere of Christmas with one in the house.
I didn't continue to put up one, when Sis moved away. I didn't feel the same desire because I was a teenager who was lazy to put up a tree and furthermore the only Christian left in the house.
I did look forward to the Christmas Eve midnight service and the Christmas morning service, so that I could join the choir and sing the Christmas songs!
Hopping from one member's home to another's and eating the whole day - that was fun too!
We are thankful for the knowledge that this is an important religious event - the coming of our Saviour, and why he came.
I shouldn't have let personal feelngs rule over me when I was no more a teenager and yet didn't put up a tree during Christmas either in my own home. Maybe the beauty of the tree would have cast away all the negative energy and prick a cord in someone's heart.
Thanks to Lian. Like her Aunty, she knows the magical beauty of a decorated Christmas tree.
Friday, December 15, 2006
You can choose to walk out of the door
Friday, 15 December 2006
You are alone. There is no pets. You did not step out of your main door for 4 full days (including nights). You stayed in, because you chose it. You did not talk to your neighbours through the windows. You only communicate via the fixed or the cell phone (verbal and sms), email, video or voice conversation via the hotmail or the Yahoo Messenger.
It felt terrible and lonely. The hours seem very long, even though you have the opportunity to watch the 15th Asian Games in Doha, or any other channels, in peace.
Definitely you have all the freedom and peace to do when and what you want to do, but you wouldn't want to try this. You could progress into a loner, selfish person, maybe a bore. You can die of loneliness if you continue this day after day!!
I am grateful that we have the freedom to walk out of that door.
You are alone. There is no pets. You did not step out of your main door for 4 full days (including nights). You stayed in, because you chose it. You did not talk to your neighbours through the windows. You only communicate via the fixed or the cell phone (verbal and sms), email, video or voice conversation via the hotmail or the Yahoo Messenger.
It felt terrible and lonely. The hours seem very long, even though you have the opportunity to watch the 15th Asian Games in Doha, or any other channels, in peace.
Definitely you have all the freedom and peace to do when and what you want to do, but you wouldn't want to try this. You could progress into a loner, selfish person, maybe a bore. You can die of loneliness if you continue this day after day!!
I am grateful that we have the freedom to walk out of that door.
Definitely Growing Older and Forgetful
Friday, 15 December 2006
Counting down. 16 days and it will be 2007. One year older definitely and hooooooooooopefully not one year more forgetful.
For the past few days, I got mixed up with my passwords. That is the problem with having different accounts in the internet. Today, I forgot a new password in less than 6 hours after I have changed it!! I was sure I typed in the new password but it was rejected. I have been able to solve the problem before but not this time.
No choice, but to write to Technical Support. Let's see how clever the system is.
Counting down. 16 days and it will be 2007. One year older definitely and hooooooooooopefully not one year more forgetful.
For the past few days, I got mixed up with my passwords. That is the problem with having different accounts in the internet. Today, I forgot a new password in less than 6 hours after I have changed it!! I was sure I typed in the new password but it was rejected. I have been able to solve the problem before but not this time.
No choice, but to write to Technical Support. Let's see how clever the system is.
Monday, December 04, 2006
No Pork Today!
Tuesday, 5 December 2006
I had in mind what to cook tonight - "Braised Pork with Black Mushroom in Black Soya Sauce".
Went to the grocery shop early in the morning thinking that I could choose the best. It was about 6:45 am and there was not a single slice of pork visible??? Asked the shopkeer and he said "no pork today". I remarked "then I better drive to Lutong (another pork outlet a few minutes drive away) to buy". The shopkeeper said "you would not find any pork in town today, unless the vendor is not licenced". I asked "why?" He said "they don't slaughter pigs today" "Every Tuesday they are off".
I didn't know Tuesdays is a off day for the pig butchers in Miri. This is new to me. I don't have a day set apart to buy meat and I am glad I picked today to buy otherwise I would not know when is the pig butchers' off day. I am going to find out when this off day started, just to satisfy my inquisitive mind! I wonder when is the butchers' off day in Kuala Lumpur? I am going to find that out soon!
Ended up buying beef instead and cooked "Stewed Beef with potatoes, carrots & onions".
I had in mind what to cook tonight - "Braised Pork with Black Mushroom in Black Soya Sauce".
Went to the grocery shop early in the morning thinking that I could choose the best. It was about 6:45 am and there was not a single slice of pork visible??? Asked the shopkeer and he said "no pork today". I remarked "then I better drive to Lutong (another pork outlet a few minutes drive away) to buy". The shopkeeper said "you would not find any pork in town today, unless the vendor is not licenced". I asked "why?" He said "they don't slaughter pigs today" "Every Tuesday they are off".
I didn't know Tuesdays is a off day for the pig butchers in Miri. This is new to me. I don't have a day set apart to buy meat and I am glad I picked today to buy otherwise I would not know when is the pig butchers' off day. I am going to find out when this off day started, just to satisfy my inquisitive mind! I wonder when is the butchers' off day in Kuala Lumpur? I am going to find that out soon!
Ended up buying beef instead and cooked "Stewed Beef with potatoes, carrots & onions".
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
My Conversion in the Restored Gospel
I have thought of writing and sharing my testimony ever since I started blogging but never got to do it. So today, I decided I do it! Here goes...............
What attracted me to the gospel of Jesus Christ? Hymns! Singing!
I was in the primary school and enjoyed singing so when a friend asked me whether I would like to join a Sunday afternoon school, a walking distance from where I stayed in Lutong. She told me there would be singing and story-telling so I accepted.
I liked Mr. King. He was "white-coloured, tall, good-looking, well-built", a very nice man and I enjoyed the lessons that he taught us. Yes, I could still remember his name and I wonder where he is now.
We were asked to memorize and recite the following verse and I could still recite it without looking at the scripture:
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life"
I also remember the song that we were taught. This is the first song that I learnt about Jesus Christ:
Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong.
They are weak but he is strong.
Yes Jesus loves me. Yes Jesus loves me.
Yes Jesus loves me the Bible tells me so.
Both the verse and the song touched my heart and soul. Isn't it wonderful to know that there is a wonderful, perfect friend, in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is alive and although you cannot see him, he can see you and understand you, watch over you and most of all, love you for what you are.
You know when you are at that tender transition age, of growing out of your puberty stage to a teenager, when you believe something you just believe and you want to follow. Well, this may not applied to everyone, but at least for me.
Mum went to the Chinese temple and prayed often. I followed her, did what she did. I knelt down holding the joss sticks in my hands and bowed my head in front of the 'dieties'. Deep inside me I didn't feel anything and I did not have the desire to commit to this religion. Thanks to Mum, she did not force me or any of her children to follow her steps. I am grateful that she had given me the freedom of choice.
My eldest sister went to to church every Sunday morning and I also followed her. I went because I wanted to sing. It wasn't the people and it was definitely not the sermons because they were not inspiring to me.
I had friends in two different churches in Lutong. There were the only 2 churches in this oil town then. They asked me whether I would like to be baptised in their respective church and I asked them who they worship. One of them said they worship Jesus's Mother, Virgin Mary, while the other said they worship the Son, Jesus. I chose the church that worship Jesus because I have learnt about him at the Sunday afternoon school. I want to be a follower of the man who died for my sins. Other aspects that kept me going to the church was being a member of the choir and the Christmas carolling..
6 years later, another missionary came to Miri and again he was holding his sessions in Lutong and this time it was even nearer to where I stayed. They were holding their weekly evening sessions at a house which was claimed haunted. I could hear the singing and so I just walked over one evening. I would not have even if someone offered me money just to get near a haunted house during broadlight what more to say at night!
I loved the singing as usual. Some of my favourite songs were:
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
O what peace we often forfeit
O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer
Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus!
Ye soldiers of the cross
Lift high his royal banner
it must not suffer loss
From victory unto victory
His army shall He lead
Till every foe is vanquished
And Christ is Lord indeed
Trust and Obey
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus
But to trust and obey
The people were nice and since I was older I started to understand and absorb the teachings and the gospel. I was feeling better than what I was feeling in the first church I knew. I attended their meetings regularly and when they asked me whether I would like to be baptised - I told them I have been baptised. They indicated to me from the Bible - Mark 1:9-10 "And i came to pass in those days, that Jesus came to Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptised of John in Jordan. And straigthway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:"
Jesus Christ has shown us that the proper way to be baptised is to be immersed into the water. So I agreed realising that my first baptism was improper.
I think I stop going to the first church after a year. It was not because I did not love Jesus or the people. It was because I felt that the gospel was somewhat incomplete. There were questions that I could not find answers to.
For the next 23 years I was busy with my job as a wife, mother, career woman that I did not attempt to go to any churches at all. I thought about God, about Jesus Christ, what I have learnt. Friends invited me to their churches but somehow I do not have the desire to join them. I prayed only occasionally. I didn't fall away. Spiritually, I was sleeping.
The desire of wanting to belong to a religious group was awakened when I stayed home full time. I have more time on my hands now and I started to feel empty inside. I wanted very much to go to church again to sing hymns. By then there were many churches in town. I did not have the desire to go back to the first church nor to the second church that I was baptised. During the 'sleeping period' I was exposed to other denominations, attended some of the functions there. There are friends in this denomination and that denomination. I like them. Which one should I go?
I did what 15 yr old Joseph Smith did in Spring 1820. I didn't know about Prophet Joseph Smith yet. In the privacy of my bedroom, I prayed to Heavenly Father. That was the first earnest prayer I had offered to Heavenly Father for a long long time. I told him my feelings leading to my desire to belong to His church and I asked Him to show me.
I never know that there was a Church in Miri called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I had seen one 'White' couple but I had never seen any missionaries until one evening. They were walking pass the house. Me and my 2 children were playing with our dogs. They didn't stop at the gate. They were nice looking young men and you cannot help liking them so I greeted them. I invited them into the house.
Elder Redd and Elder Whitcomb introduced themselves as missionaries and asked me whether I have read the Book of Mormon. That was the first time I have seen the book. They left the book and assigned me to read some scriptures and we fixed another time for them to visit.
I accepted the book but I did not read it at all. They came to visit alright. The children and me enjoyed their company. They are so nice, you just cannot help liking them and wanting to serve them with food and transport.
It was the songs that attracted me again. I was touched by the lyrics. It felt so good to be back in the church singing again, even though the lyrics pricked my heart and made me shed tears. I enjoyed singing the hymns because this is one way I could express my love and appreciation to Heavenly Father.
Elder Redd was transferred and replaced by Elder Quinn. I was annoyed when Elder Quinn and Elder Whitcomb asked me whether I would like to be baptised, only after 3 lessons. There were 6 lessons. I cannot helped feeling irritated for being asked to be baptised when I do not know very much about the doctrine. I told the Elders not to push me and that I would tell them if I am ready. I also told them that it might take a long time (I had one year in mind).
Meanwhile the children and me were enjoying the company of the young missionaries and the couple missionaries.
It didn't take me a year to be converted. Less than a month, I decided I wanted to be a member of the church. The Holy Spirit witnessed to me the truthfulness of the gospel while I was watching a video at the chapel one evening. My heart was beating faster than normal as I watched the video. After the show, I blurted to the Elders that I would like to be baptised.
We planned tentatively for the baptism date. From that night onward, I started reading the Book Mormon. Regardless of whether I understood the verses or not, I read during the day and the night and whatever free time I had. This is another Testament of Jesus Christ and it jived with the Bible. I also got to read the Gospel Principles Book, and it reinforced my testimony of the truthfulness of the church.
I am thankful for the Prophet Joseph Smith, who courageously and obediently did accordingly to God's will in restoring God's church more than 176 years ago.
I am thankful to Heavenly Father for leading me to His church to learn about the Book of Mormon. It is here that I learnt that baptism is only recognised in heaven if it is done by an authorised priesthood because without this revelation I would not have consented to be baptised for the 3rd time. I am finally home because I feel at peace with everything you need to know about God, His Plan and What you must do to return to Him. This is where the crossword puzzle is complete - nothing is missing and all you need to do is to read the instructions and play. This the brightest bulb!
I say all this humbly in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
What attracted me to the gospel of Jesus Christ? Hymns! Singing!
I was in the primary school and enjoyed singing so when a friend asked me whether I would like to join a Sunday afternoon school, a walking distance from where I stayed in Lutong. She told me there would be singing and story-telling so I accepted.
I liked Mr. King. He was "white-coloured, tall, good-looking, well-built", a very nice man and I enjoyed the lessons that he taught us. Yes, I could still remember his name and I wonder where he is now.
We were asked to memorize and recite the following verse and I could still recite it without looking at the scripture:
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life"
I also remember the song that we were taught. This is the first song that I learnt about Jesus Christ:
Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong.
They are weak but he is strong.
Yes Jesus loves me. Yes Jesus loves me.
Yes Jesus loves me the Bible tells me so.
Both the verse and the song touched my heart and soul. Isn't it wonderful to know that there is a wonderful, perfect friend, in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is alive and although you cannot see him, he can see you and understand you, watch over you and most of all, love you for what you are.
You know when you are at that tender transition age, of growing out of your puberty stage to a teenager, when you believe something you just believe and you want to follow. Well, this may not applied to everyone, but at least for me.
Mum went to the Chinese temple and prayed often. I followed her, did what she did. I knelt down holding the joss sticks in my hands and bowed my head in front of the 'dieties'. Deep inside me I didn't feel anything and I did not have the desire to commit to this religion. Thanks to Mum, she did not force me or any of her children to follow her steps. I am grateful that she had given me the freedom of choice.
My eldest sister went to to church every Sunday morning and I also followed her. I went because I wanted to sing. It wasn't the people and it was definitely not the sermons because they were not inspiring to me.
I had friends in two different churches in Lutong. There were the only 2 churches in this oil town then. They asked me whether I would like to be baptised in their respective church and I asked them who they worship. One of them said they worship Jesus's Mother, Virgin Mary, while the other said they worship the Son, Jesus. I chose the church that worship Jesus because I have learnt about him at the Sunday afternoon school. I want to be a follower of the man who died for my sins. Other aspects that kept me going to the church was being a member of the choir and the Christmas carolling..
6 years later, another missionary came to Miri and again he was holding his sessions in Lutong and this time it was even nearer to where I stayed. They were holding their weekly evening sessions at a house which was claimed haunted. I could hear the singing and so I just walked over one evening. I would not have even if someone offered me money just to get near a haunted house during broadlight what more to say at night!
I loved the singing as usual. Some of my favourite songs were:
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
O what peace we often forfeit
O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer
Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus!
Ye soldiers of the cross
Lift high his royal banner
it must not suffer loss
From victory unto victory
His army shall He lead
Till every foe is vanquished
And Christ is Lord indeed
Trust and Obey
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus
But to trust and obey
The people were nice and since I was older I started to understand and absorb the teachings and the gospel. I was feeling better than what I was feeling in the first church I knew. I attended their meetings regularly and when they asked me whether I would like to be baptised - I told them I have been baptised. They indicated to me from the Bible - Mark 1:9-10 "And i came to pass in those days, that Jesus came to Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptised of John in Jordan. And straigthway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:"
Jesus Christ has shown us that the proper way to be baptised is to be immersed into the water. So I agreed realising that my first baptism was improper.
I think I stop going to the first church after a year. It was not because I did not love Jesus or the people. It was because I felt that the gospel was somewhat incomplete. There were questions that I could not find answers to.
For the next 23 years I was busy with my job as a wife, mother, career woman that I did not attempt to go to any churches at all. I thought about God, about Jesus Christ, what I have learnt. Friends invited me to their churches but somehow I do not have the desire to join them. I prayed only occasionally. I didn't fall away. Spiritually, I was sleeping.
The desire of wanting to belong to a religious group was awakened when I stayed home full time. I have more time on my hands now and I started to feel empty inside. I wanted very much to go to church again to sing hymns. By then there were many churches in town. I did not have the desire to go back to the first church nor to the second church that I was baptised. During the 'sleeping period' I was exposed to other denominations, attended some of the functions there. There are friends in this denomination and that denomination. I like them. Which one should I go?
I did what 15 yr old Joseph Smith did in Spring 1820. I didn't know about Prophet Joseph Smith yet. In the privacy of my bedroom, I prayed to Heavenly Father. That was the first earnest prayer I had offered to Heavenly Father for a long long time. I told him my feelings leading to my desire to belong to His church and I asked Him to show me.
I never know that there was a Church in Miri called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I had seen one 'White' couple but I had never seen any missionaries until one evening. They were walking pass the house. Me and my 2 children were playing with our dogs. They didn't stop at the gate. They were nice looking young men and you cannot help liking them so I greeted them. I invited them into the house.
Elder Redd and Elder Whitcomb introduced themselves as missionaries and asked me whether I have read the Book of Mormon. That was the first time I have seen the book. They left the book and assigned me to read some scriptures and we fixed another time for them to visit.
I accepted the book but I did not read it at all. They came to visit alright. The children and me enjoyed their company. They are so nice, you just cannot help liking them and wanting to serve them with food and transport.
It was the songs that attracted me again. I was touched by the lyrics. It felt so good to be back in the church singing again, even though the lyrics pricked my heart and made me shed tears. I enjoyed singing the hymns because this is one way I could express my love and appreciation to Heavenly Father.
Elder Redd was transferred and replaced by Elder Quinn. I was annoyed when Elder Quinn and Elder Whitcomb asked me whether I would like to be baptised, only after 3 lessons. There were 6 lessons. I cannot helped feeling irritated for being asked to be baptised when I do not know very much about the doctrine. I told the Elders not to push me and that I would tell them if I am ready. I also told them that it might take a long time (I had one year in mind).
Meanwhile the children and me were enjoying the company of the young missionaries and the couple missionaries.
It didn't take me a year to be converted. Less than a month, I decided I wanted to be a member of the church. The Holy Spirit witnessed to me the truthfulness of the gospel while I was watching a video at the chapel one evening. My heart was beating faster than normal as I watched the video. After the show, I blurted to the Elders that I would like to be baptised.
We planned tentatively for the baptism date. From that night onward, I started reading the Book Mormon. Regardless of whether I understood the verses or not, I read during the day and the night and whatever free time I had. This is another Testament of Jesus Christ and it jived with the Bible. I also got to read the Gospel Principles Book, and it reinforced my testimony of the truthfulness of the church.
I am thankful for the Prophet Joseph Smith, who courageously and obediently did accordingly to God's will in restoring God's church more than 176 years ago.
I am thankful to Heavenly Father for leading me to His church to learn about the Book of Mormon. It is here that I learnt that baptism is only recognised in heaven if it is done by an authorised priesthood because without this revelation I would not have consented to be baptised for the 3rd time. I am finally home because I feel at peace with everything you need to know about God, His Plan and What you must do to return to Him. This is where the crossword puzzle is complete - nothing is missing and all you need to do is to read the instructions and play. This the brightest bulb!
I say all this humbly in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Laboratory Result
Saturday, 11 November 2006
Diagnosis of the fragments of gastric body mucosa showed mild chronic gastritis. No evidence of atrophy, intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia seen. H. pylori - negative. I am glad!
No medicine was prescribed. I am to take "Omezole 20" if I still experienced heartburn. Doctor said it is likely that I am stressed. That has caused excessive production of acid in my stomach and thus the Acid Reflux Disease.
He said I frowned! Yes, I was serious when I was listening to his analysis and consultation. I must have look gloomy! Funny Doctor - he wasn't looking at me (only a little) when he was talking to me yet he can see me frowning!!!!!
Anyway, looks like I have to avoid certain kinds of food! And no food 2 hours before bedtime! Avoid chocolates! Avoid curries! Avoid onion, cabbage, cauliflower, brocolli, spinach!!!!!!!!!!!
Diagnosis of the fragments of gastric body mucosa showed mild chronic gastritis. No evidence of atrophy, intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia seen. H. pylori - negative. I am glad!
No medicine was prescribed. I am to take "Omezole 20" if I still experienced heartburn. Doctor said it is likely that I am stressed. That has caused excessive production of acid in my stomach and thus the Acid Reflux Disease.
He said I frowned! Yes, I was serious when I was listening to his analysis and consultation. I must have look gloomy! Funny Doctor - he wasn't looking at me (only a little) when he was talking to me yet he can see me frowning!!!!!
Anyway, looks like I have to avoid certain kinds of food! And no food 2 hours before bedtime! Avoid chocolates! Avoid curries! Avoid onion, cabbage, cauliflower, brocolli, spinach!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, November 04, 2006
No H. Pylori please!
Saturday, 4 November 2006
On the advice of Friday physician, I stopped taking "Xanax" and continued taking "Omezole 20". On the advice of a medical friend, I didn't take Milo or chocolate! I stopped eating 2 hours before bed. I had a good sleep last night, and I didn't had nighttime heartburn!
Today, my stomach still feels kind of funny. The heartburn is also felt after meals, but it is not as bad as yesterday. I took smaller quantity of food today and at a shorter interval.
I wonder whether I have H. Pylori. Bateria in my stomach - my goodness!
On the advice of Friday physician, I stopped taking "Xanax" and continued taking "Omezole 20". On the advice of a medical friend, I didn't take Milo or chocolate! I stopped eating 2 hours before bed. I had a good sleep last night, and I didn't had nighttime heartburn!
Today, my stomach still feels kind of funny. The heartburn is also felt after meals, but it is not as bad as yesterday. I took smaller quantity of food today and at a shorter interval.
I wonder whether I have H. Pylori. Bateria in my stomach - my goodness!
Friday, November 03, 2006
Gastroscopy - What is wrong inside me?
Friday, 3 November 2006
It wasn't as bad as I have heard and imagined!
The nurse sprayed into my mouth and throat. I felt liquid and swallow them - it was soooooooo bitter! It numbed my throat! It was as if the inner lining of my throat had ballooned. I found swallowing my saliva difficult. I had been administered with a local anaesthetic.
The doctor tapped the back of my right hand and gave me a small injection. The doctor said that was to relax me. I didn't ask him what is the name of the medicine. I guess I must have been administered with a "premed", a medicine, that I understood from the website, that would cause one to feel slightly drowsy and stop one from becoming anxious. I was more than slightly drowsy. I lost consciousness after I exclaimed to the doctor that the injection was painful. It is probably not 'premed'.
Woke up by the touch of the nurse arranging the cover around my body. It was about an hour after I fell asleep. I sat up, dizzy and cold. Told the nurse to switch of the aircon and laid down again to sleep for about an hour.
A foreign object was seen on insertion of the scope but not seen on withdrawal. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the stomach and the duodenum were normal.
I need to go back next Thursday or Friday. The result of the biopsy would be out. Meanwhile I am to continue taking the "Omezole 20" that I have bought from the pharmacist.
4 hours after the gastroscopy, I had a bowl of vermicelli soup. I was so hungry, having not eaten for 17 hours! And I didn't think that was a big meal, because I know it would hurt the stomach if I did. I thought I had something soupy with some carbohydrate.
My stomach didn't feel good at all even before I finish eating. The pain was still there after an hour. I don't know why I call the pharmacist instead of the doctor and on the advice of the pharmacist I took 2 "Omezole 20" capsules.
What is wrong with me? There is a strong possibility that I am suffering from Acid Reflux Disease! Got to wait for the result of the biopsy and that is 1 week to go. What is wrong inside me?
It wasn't as bad as I have heard and imagined!
The nurse sprayed into my mouth and throat. I felt liquid and swallow them - it was soooooooo bitter! It numbed my throat! It was as if the inner lining of my throat had ballooned. I found swallowing my saliva difficult. I had been administered with a local anaesthetic.
The doctor tapped the back of my right hand and gave me a small injection. The doctor said that was to relax me. I didn't ask him what is the name of the medicine. I guess I must have been administered with a "premed", a medicine, that I understood from the website, that would cause one to feel slightly drowsy and stop one from becoming anxious. I was more than slightly drowsy. I lost consciousness after I exclaimed to the doctor that the injection was painful. It is probably not 'premed'.
Woke up by the touch of the nurse arranging the cover around my body. It was about an hour after I fell asleep. I sat up, dizzy and cold. Told the nurse to switch of the aircon and laid down again to sleep for about an hour.
A foreign object was seen on insertion of the scope but not seen on withdrawal. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the stomach and the duodenum were normal.
I need to go back next Thursday or Friday. The result of the biopsy would be out. Meanwhile I am to continue taking the "Omezole 20" that I have bought from the pharmacist.
4 hours after the gastroscopy, I had a bowl of vermicelli soup. I was so hungry, having not eaten for 17 hours! And I didn't think that was a big meal, because I know it would hurt the stomach if I did. I thought I had something soupy with some carbohydrate.
My stomach didn't feel good at all even before I finish eating. The pain was still there after an hour. I don't know why I call the pharmacist instead of the doctor and on the advice of the pharmacist I took 2 "Omezole 20" capsules.
What is wrong with me? There is a strong possibility that I am suffering from Acid Reflux Disease! Got to wait for the result of the biopsy and that is 1 week to go. What is wrong inside me?
Thursday, November 02, 2006
I am scare
Thursday, 2 November 2006
Advised by the Saturday's doctor that I visited, to have a gastroscopy done. He gave the name and address of the private doctor, who can perform gastroscopy. After listening to my symptoms, today's doctor also suggested a gastroscopy - the only way to check out what is happening inside my stomach and my esophagus. I have heard about the procedure and read about it in the website and I am scare, very scare.
We agreed for tomorrow - the sooner the problem is detected the sooner the problem can be tackled.
I am scare but I must go through this because it is for my own good.
Advised by the Saturday's doctor that I visited, to have a gastroscopy done. He gave the name and address of the private doctor, who can perform gastroscopy. After listening to my symptoms, today's doctor also suggested a gastroscopy - the only way to check out what is happening inside my stomach and my esophagus. I have heard about the procedure and read about it in the website and I am scare, very scare.
We agreed for tomorrow - the sooner the problem is detected the sooner the problem can be tackled.
I am scare but I must go through this because it is for my own good.
Know The Medicine We Take
I have been thinking about the importance of knowing the medicine we take, ever since Mum had stroke on the 8 July 2006.
If Mum had been told how important she must take the medicines that were prescribed to her, she would have taken them without fail. She had told me a few months before her stroke that she felt uncomfortable taking certain medication and I told her she needed to tell the doctor. There were ifs.
If only I had surfed the websites for information of the medication, I would have advise her.
If only I had taken more responsibility and talk to the doctor attending her. She did not miss any appointments with her doctor and I have driven her when I am in town, ever since I moved back.
Did the doctor, nurse or the pharmacist of the clinic told her about the medicine, the side effects and the consequences of not taking them?
Did the medical staff expect that all the patients would take the medicine, faithfully, if they are not being informed adequately?
Probably there are too many patients - that is a bad excuse. Probably they think the patients wouldn't understand. They would, if the information are relayed in layman's terms!
Saturday, 28 October 2006
Visited a doctor for consultation. My gastric problem has recurred and this time it is bad, so bad that I worry continually and that in turn caused more acid production in my stomach! The gastric pills that I usually take did not work.
I was diagnosed as having heartburn, caused by stress. Yes, I had been stressful. I tried not to, but I can't help being stressful at times and that is when my body suffered. I feel worst when I am worried, cannot sleep and when I bottle up feelings that I feel nobody can understand or support. I feel my heart ache when I cried a lot. I prayed but I still feel miserable. I didn't attend the dance classes since Mother had the stroke because I didn't feel up to it, and that was a contributing factor to my stress level.
The doctor prescribed me 10 pills. I could not read the handwritting and I didn't asked what it was. I was to take 1 tablet twice a day. I asked the nurse whether I could take anytime and she confirmed anytime. I trusted and obeyed.
Tuesday, 31 October 2006
Woke up at 4 am by a very disturbing and uncomfortable feeling at my chest. Took 1 pill and that was when I felt the immediate effect. I was drowsy and fell asleep as soon as I layed down the bed.
I realised that was probably why I had been sleeping like a log for the past 3 nights! And I was sleepy during the days as well!
I rang up the clinic and asked the nurse the name of the pills that was given to me on Saturday. Looked up in the website and learnt that sleepiness is one of the effects of "Xanax"! And the nurse said I could take "Xanax" anytime!!
Can't trust anyone behind the counter, got to do somework ourselves!
If Mum had been told how important she must take the medicines that were prescribed to her, she would have taken them without fail. She had told me a few months before her stroke that she felt uncomfortable taking certain medication and I told her she needed to tell the doctor. There were ifs.
If only I had surfed the websites for information of the medication, I would have advise her.
If only I had taken more responsibility and talk to the doctor attending her. She did not miss any appointments with her doctor and I have driven her when I am in town, ever since I moved back.
Did the doctor, nurse or the pharmacist of the clinic told her about the medicine, the side effects and the consequences of not taking them?
Did the medical staff expect that all the patients would take the medicine, faithfully, if they are not being informed adequately?
Probably there are too many patients - that is a bad excuse. Probably they think the patients wouldn't understand. They would, if the information are relayed in layman's terms!
Saturday, 28 October 2006
Visited a doctor for consultation. My gastric problem has recurred and this time it is bad, so bad that I worry continually and that in turn caused more acid production in my stomach! The gastric pills that I usually take did not work.
I was diagnosed as having heartburn, caused by stress. Yes, I had been stressful. I tried not to, but I can't help being stressful at times and that is when my body suffered. I feel worst when I am worried, cannot sleep and when I bottle up feelings that I feel nobody can understand or support. I feel my heart ache when I cried a lot. I prayed but I still feel miserable. I didn't attend the dance classes since Mother had the stroke because I didn't feel up to it, and that was a contributing factor to my stress level.
The doctor prescribed me 10 pills. I could not read the handwritting and I didn't asked what it was. I was to take 1 tablet twice a day. I asked the nurse whether I could take anytime and she confirmed anytime. I trusted and obeyed.
Tuesday, 31 October 2006
Woke up at 4 am by a very disturbing and uncomfortable feeling at my chest. Took 1 pill and that was when I felt the immediate effect. I was drowsy and fell asleep as soon as I layed down the bed.
I realised that was probably why I had been sleeping like a log for the past 3 nights! And I was sleepy during the days as well!
I rang up the clinic and asked the nurse the name of the pills that was given to me on Saturday. Looked up in the website and learnt that sleepiness is one of the effects of "Xanax"! And the nurse said I could take "Xanax" anytime!!
Can't trust anyone behind the counter, got to do somework ourselves!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Cut off my LCD?
Monday, 11 September 2006
The above date reminded me of the September 11 World Trade Center (US) disaster!
What is wrong with my NEC notebook, this morning? I left it for half an hour and the display left the screen as well! I came back but it didn't, even after I switched it off for a while and on it again! It got angry with me! So I rang the nearest computer shop I know. It was also the shop that we have bought a desk top computer from, once upon a time. He said bring it there and they would check.
I had run out of Black Ink cartridge a couple of days ago and I was going to purchase it this afternoon, from another computer dealer, whom I bought the Canon BCI-24 printer.
Well, since the computer shop is on the way to the computer dealer, that suits me perfectly. The technician at the computer shop checked and reported that the notebook was okay but the LCD was spoilt. They said that it would cost me over 1K to have it repaired and even then no guarantee. They suggested 2 things (1) to cut off the LCD part, buy a separate stand-alone LCD + keyboard + mouse (amounting to about 800 MRinggit) and connect it to the notebook (using it as the CPU) alternatively (2) to buy a brand new notebook (they said this is the best option), price ranging from 2,XXX to 5,XXX MRinggit.
Both proposals did not appeal to me. First proposal - I can imagine how my computer desk would look like and didn't like it. Second proposal - I don't need a sophisticated expensive notebook.
I said I would think about it. I left for the Canon printer dealer, with the intention only to purchase black cartridges. Looking into their shelf, my heart skipped as I saw NEC products displayed. I asked the boss whether they deal with NEC computers and if they repair them. Yes, they do! You can imagine how happy I was when the technician spotchecked my notebook and reported that the display is dimmed only (he can see, I cannot!) and that it was possibly to rectify.
I collected back my NEC book 10 days later, because the spare part had to come from Kuala Lumpur. It cost me 200 MRinggit to have my LCD working again! I didn't have to cut off the LCD or buy another notebook! This old NEC notebook will do just fine!
The above date reminded me of the September 11 World Trade Center (US) disaster!
What is wrong with my NEC notebook, this morning? I left it for half an hour and the display left the screen as well! I came back but it didn't, even after I switched it off for a while and on it again! It got angry with me! So I rang the nearest computer shop I know. It was also the shop that we have bought a desk top computer from, once upon a time. He said bring it there and they would check.
I had run out of Black Ink cartridge a couple of days ago and I was going to purchase it this afternoon, from another computer dealer, whom I bought the Canon BCI-24 printer.
Well, since the computer shop is on the way to the computer dealer, that suits me perfectly. The technician at the computer shop checked and reported that the notebook was okay but the LCD was spoilt. They said that it would cost me over 1K to have it repaired and even then no guarantee. They suggested 2 things (1) to cut off the LCD part, buy a separate stand-alone LCD + keyboard + mouse (amounting to about 800 MRinggit) and connect it to the notebook (using it as the CPU) alternatively (2) to buy a brand new notebook (they said this is the best option), price ranging from 2,XXX to 5,XXX MRinggit.
Both proposals did not appeal to me. First proposal - I can imagine how my computer desk would look like and didn't like it. Second proposal - I don't need a sophisticated expensive notebook.
I said I would think about it. I left for the Canon printer dealer, with the intention only to purchase black cartridges. Looking into their shelf, my heart skipped as I saw NEC products displayed. I asked the boss whether they deal with NEC computers and if they repair them. Yes, they do! You can imagine how happy I was when the technician spotchecked my notebook and reported that the display is dimmed only (he can see, I cannot!) and that it was possibly to rectify.
I collected back my NEC book 10 days later, because the spare part had to come from Kuala Lumpur. It cost me 200 MRinggit to have my LCD working again! I didn't have to cut off the LCD or buy another notebook! This old NEC notebook will do just fine!
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