Talking about games, Farmville and Mouse Hunting

It's been quite a while since I last posted something on my blog.Facebook has offered so many interesting games that many peoples find it irresistible and have helplessly fallen in love with them.Time is always scarce and therefore, if we are spending more time on facebooking, then naturally less time and thoughts will be spared on e-mailing or writing on the blogs.
At the moment I am a serious farmer in Farmville, making lots of money due to hard work such as planting fruit trees and crops,rearing animals, and even helping my neighbors to clear their weeds, scaring away wild animals and birds, and fertilizing their crops . I find it rewarding, not just the money making part, of course, it is the satisfaction that I can be a keeper and helper of my friends! I hope they appreciate and treasure my assistance.Even though my neighbors are strangers to me, I mean we have never met each other in real life, we have built up this "friends" relationships because we share the common interest.Strange isn't it? But we are no strangers , thanks to Farmville.
Another "should not missed game" is mouse hunting.It was introduced to me by my son/adviser/adopter.I am glad I am now the journeyman hunter in the game. It is never boring, full of surprises , and very creative and clever, it amazes me! They always have unexpected stories for their hunters and all of them proved to be delightful, though dangerous at time, saturated with festive atmosphere. This is what makes all the hunters spell bound by upcoming Christmas celebrating mood as well. Imagine myself hunting in Festive comet,which is thick with snow and wild wind is howling? But there are so many types of Christmas mice running around, begging to be caught that I forget about the coldness and fear totally!That is why I will tirelessly sound the horn every 15 minutes, and claim many courageous points from the King himself.Even if I am away from my PC, the hunt continues as usual, and indeed the moment of counting how many mice one has caught after so many hours is definitely the moment of anticipated hopes, or it could be "Oh, No! " However, never despair, the next " BIG , RARE BREED MICE " could be fallen into your trap already, and I bet when one sees them, the satisfactions and joy can ultimately sweep away all the disappointments and "Oh, No!"
I think to be fair to my blog readers and facebook, I must scribble something, so that my friends can read my blog and not thinking that I have disappeared from this earth!And who knows, some might join in the games.That will be fun, if we can become hunting partners!
Merry Christmas every one.God Bless you all!

Middle-aged men

Last year, my hubby was going to Kuching by Air Asia.While waiting in the queue he was honored to be called in first for boarding.My hubby thought that he was granted the privilege because he was helping an Iban lady to hold her child, as her hands were full.So, no hurt feeling in this case.
Few months ago, he went to Gui Ling,China.When they got in the bus, it was packed with peoples,thus he had to stand up,along with his friend.Suddenly, a young lady raised up and offered him the seat.He was surprised of her kind gesture while turning to his friend in confusion, he asked, " Was she referring to you or me?" "Of course, is you!", his friend answered in a matter of fact manner.You see, my hubby is blessed by his parents with a head of Grey hair, which I think is great.It makes him look mature and wise, but others might think that it is an indication of aging.Whatever it is, he sat down,probably feeling different now that he is being treated as a senior citizen.
When we approach middle aged, there is always this sensitivity about look and aging.I am of no exception.In fact, even when I was at my forties,I found the hawker lady very provocative if they called me "Ah Sing", or Ah So,meaning aunty in chinese dialects.Such unwelcoming addresses would compel me to walk past them as if they were transparent and I was deaf. But deep in my heart,I would murmur,my lips motionless of course," Why didn't you call me miss or ah mui yang( Foochow meaning, young lady) , so stupid of you! You just missed one customer."
I thought I was sensitive to age, but I am not alone.Most of my lady friends felt the same and this gives me a lot of comfort. I called this voluntary reaction ,"ladies nature " , so what's the big deal? We are in the same boat.Welcome to the half a century age club.
Now that I am fifty, I began to realize that aging is an on going process of life and there is nothing disappointing or scary about it.Frankly,I am never secretive about my age, indeed, I enjoy telling peoples my real age. Because quite often than not, their immediate response was that," What? are you joking? You look like only forty plus.." And my heart would dance with joy, whether they meant it or otherwise.
Lately,I was surprised to see that there were few white hairs on my head.I had to expressed my disbelief, so I could not help myself but exclaimed :"Gosh! look at my white hairs?"
My hubby was calm and indifferent I must say."How many?" He asked.
" Three or four!" I turned towards him.
And guess what he said? "I can give you some as presents if you like." He was cheeky as ever, but it really made me feel so much better.
My 3 sons probably understood how a middle aged mother felt.They would look at me and say : "Mum, you look like woman in the early forties, honestly , you are younger than women your age." Well...Notice the word,honestly?

Personal touch

I used to work in a family bank in Sibu.It was the oldest in Sarawak, well known among the Hokkien peoples because the founder was a Hokkien.And eighty years ago, many Hokkiens and Teochews" owned the shophouses in Sibu town.These china born men traveled by ships through rough sea,finally set foot on Sibu, Sarawak.They were humble sole proprietors,mainly engaged in groceries trading,imports of china goods, textiles,hardware, and coffee shops(otherwise known as kopi tiam). Nevertheless,proud of their hard fought achievements ,they were known as "taukays" or "taulows".Comparatively, there were fewer Foochows business men then, most of them were farmers or rubber tappers living in the "san pa"(meaning village in Foochow )
As majority of the bank customers and staffs were Hokkiens,naturally,almost everybody spoke in Hokkien dialect, even during our loan committee meetings.I am blessed to be able to speak Hokkien fairly fluently as I grew up in Mukah, and that was the common dialect that most peoples used in town as well.Thus,when I joined the bank, I fitted in very well, as most of the staffs were friendly, with the exception of a few.
I remembered seeing the customers pouring in ,everyone knew exactly where they were heading, but there were no queuing system.Somehow, there was never any argument on who was being served first, which was amazing.Then , I realized there were mutual understandings between customers and bank staffs.So, there was no need to fight for whom to be serve first, because some customers would not wait at all.They just quietly slipped their cheques and application forms to the staffs, and swiftly left the bank ,only to collect their documents later, usually taking their sweet time.Sometimes, it was late in the afternoon, when the bank nearly closed shop, at 5pm.I was with remittance department at that time, I noticed that the application forms were left blank, only the cheques weren't.And the staffs knew exactly what they wanted, they would readily and automatically filled up the details and prepared the bankdrafts or mail transfers or telex telegrams for the customers.Indeed, it was so personal that they even knew which customers were special, that certain charges had to be waived.For new staffs this was a "landmine" area, because if they were not careful, they could step on it and got themselves bombarded either by the customers or our big boss.Our customers were pampered to such an extent that they could walked right up to our boss's room and filed in their complaints in person.Now, this was the testing time for the new staffs, they had to be observant and studied their customers background well.If in doubt, asked the senior staffs, they were not under any obligation to tell you every thing.Besides, they were so busy sometimes they stood up and typed!
And we had customers who thought that the bank was their second home.When they came to collect their documents or drafts, they would stretched out their hands and grabbed any pen,then briskly started to write on their envelopes.Next, searched around for glue, and almost without failing, they could found it and happily sealed up the envelope before the last touch of pasted the stamps on .Sometimes, they would look for staplers and paper clips too.One day, one of the clerk was so impressed by their manner that she asked, "Do you want us to post it for you?" No offense, of course.No joke no fun.One of the customer happened to be a self made millionaire.So humble in his look that one would thought he was a poor hawker,(judging by his worn out shirt and trouser), and true enough he started his business as a hawker.The lesson? looks can be deceiving.
Our bank premise had a few doors, though closed and sometimes not, were easily accessible by outsiders.I must say, security, zero.One day, I was engrossed in my work , but somehow, I sensed that there was a presence of a being . When I turned around,my customer was standing behind me, almost breathing down my neck.Goodness! I nearly jumped up form my seat.But how could I lost temper when he said he needed my help? And don't forget the golden rule : "customers are always right."
The trust between customers and cashiers were just unbelievable.Can you imagine a customer passing a black plastic bag to a cashier,mumbling something and hurriedly walked away? It was actually bundles of XXXXX cash , wrapped in old newspapers,handed to the cashier in good faith. And our good old cashiers would never dare to refuse to accept .Golden rule number 2: Service above all.Again, there was a mutual trust here, the customers left without waiting for the cashiers to count, and the cashiers took their words for the correct amount.During my 17 years banking life, I had only seen once or twice miscalculations.Otherwise, all went pretty well.
Donkey years ago, Bank Negara auditors seldom called at our bank .Later, the audit became a yearly event.There was once this "rude"comment made by the Bank Negara chief auditor." Your Bank is a kampung bank, but solid as a rock."No insult here, take it as a compliment.
Whatever it was, the bank was once a very solid bank in Sarawak.And I must say,the personal touch that the bank staffs could furnish, none others could compare.

Working in the Bank

When I walked into the Bank, I could sense that many eyes were following me around. That made me totally uneasy, but I could not run away, could I?It was my first day at work.
I looked around the premise,the building was really old, it was situated at Bank road, near to the Chinese Tua Pek Gong temple, which must had been at least one hundred years old.Our Bank premise was in fact a block of 4 and half stories shop house, it was in the middle of a row of coffee shops,hardware shop and grocery shops, typical type of china men building. The office furniture and fittings matched the building perfectly well, not surprisingly.I could remembered vividly some of the chairs were really ancient, brown in color, round seats,nevertheless quite comfortable to sit on.(Many years later, I saw the same type of chairs in the museum of Singapore) We did not grumble about the old looking office furniture,but initially I did feel a bit difficult to adapt in this run down environment. As I just came back from London, England was still fresh in my mind.We were using computers in the College ,but back home in Sibu,even banks were using manual and electrical typewriters only.Computer was not even heard of. Undoubtedly,we were many years behind the Western world .But life went on, and everyone was quite happy because we were rather complacent.
Every now and then, we would hear the pin point typewriters and manual typewriters clinging forward and back again.Our business was good,as this was the oldest bank in Sarawak. Quite often, the clerks just stood up and flashed their fingers over the typewriters, busy preparing bankdrafts while attending the customers at the same time.They were efficient workers I must say,as I was the remittances and loan office then.Junior officer, to be exact. I was given a probation period of 6 months, then, the management would confirm whether they would take me in as a class 3 officer.Luckily I was confirmed after 6 months and not longer,some officers were confirmed only after one year, which meant that they had to bear with low pay for 6 more months.
There were a lot of senior clerks at that time, most of them were form 5 school leavers.Many of them were proud of themselves,because to be able to secure a job in the bank was like striking a golden rice bowl,at least, it was, at that time.When I joined the Bank they were at least 10 or 15 years my senior, in term of age and experience.May be it was only natural that they were apprehensive towards us, their officers, whom in their eyes were "green and hopelessly useless", since they were far better than us in hands on experience .One day, while I was typing the telex message, one lady clerk was talking bad about us.She purposely raised her voice so that we could hear her remark.It went like this: "those peoples hold higher positions because they had "pan sai chua", (In Hokkien it means toilet paper).All the new graduate officers heard the remark, but none dare to stand up for ourselves.We were insulted but we had to keep low because their "gang" was powerful.At that time three words floated in my mind, humiliation and office politics.
However, I am glad that I had survived all those criticisms and sometimes unkindly gossips.It makes me see the different faces of peoples and learn to be more patient and forgiving.

Facebook

I started to sign up with facebook when my son Adrain impressed on me that it is something new and is gaining tremendous popularity among the undergraduates in his Uni.Now, this popularity has spilled over to all levels of peoples, even kids are using it.
However, I still have some reservations to reveal too much of myself.It makes me feel like "very exposed" and fear of certain degree of being invaded if some strangers suddenly popped up and wanted to become my friends.The uncharted territory gives me creeps.Perhaps I have been reading too much of negative stories about "strangers" who can prove to be malicious and deadly sometimes.
But, I must say it is fun when other known friends join in and chat about the same topics.It makes the world so much closer and smaller.My heart just warm up whenever I see that someone is sending me a message.It is good to have friends and be remembered as one.Thanks to the wonder of science and technology.

贪污

最近看报纸，每天都有陈水扁的新闻。一个堂堂的前总统，落到如此落魄卑贱的地步，真的可悲又可惜。常言道，‘’权利带来腐败‘’，而贪污是很多从政者的最爱，虽然他们都知道犯罪的下场是可怕的，除了身败名裂还要赔上宝贵的黄金岁月。所以就是拥有数不尽的黑钱，到底还是见不得光,身在监牢，能想不能用。猜想，阿扁一定恨死那些揭发他的人，这可也是报应吧！
最让我痛心的是阿扁自称是个基督徒，不懂得反省，认罪悔改，反要怪罪于别人，包括他老婆在内。这认我想到了在伊甸园里，亚当跟上帝说,"你所赐给我，和我在一起的那女人，她把树上的果子给我吃，我就吃了。“ 换句话说，都是夏娃惹的祸，他，亚当，只是听老婆的话而已。同样的，阿扁是台湾当年的杰出律师，照理，智商一定比老婆高，但他却知法犯法，不肯认罪，一再狡辩，真是令人反感之极。倒是吴淑珍，虽然是个非常贪心的女人，最终知道大势已去，干脆认罪算了。两者比起来，阿扁真的显得太愚蠢了。据报导，他每天还费尽心思，想尽办法，研究如何上诉，难道他还会咸鱼翻生？
很多人认为，阿扁如果是在大马就不会落到这么悲惨的地步，因为贪污的政治家在这里比比皆是，阿扁洗黑钱算不了什么，他应该可以消遥法外，只是他命不好而已。贪污已经成了我们社会的风气。肃贪局的表现差强人意，能将犯罪者绳之以法的寥寥无几，虽然前首相曾经定下要消除贪污的宏愿，但没有具体的规划和高效率的推动，宏愿变成了政治口号，贪污依然是社会上的沉重包袱。
我曾经在银行担任过分行经理，每逢华人新年，有些客户就会包红包或送贺年卡（当然里面是钱）给我，我都一一退回。我总觉得，这不是我所应该得到的，因为，为客户服务是我的工作。工资老板已经付给我了，再向外人拿额外的，就是贪心，也就是接受贿赂。那我岂非成了贪污者？ 以后我怎么向上帝交账？
圣经里十诫里的最后一诫里就是吩咐世人不可贪心。（出埃及二十章十七节）
我想陈水扁一定没有好好读圣经。希望他在狱中多研读上帝的宝贵话语，多多思考十诫，和十字架的真义。当他看到上帝的圣洁和公义时，他一定也要俯伏在上帝面前说，”主啊，求你怜悯我。“

老来多病

每天致电给妈妈是我的惯例。因为我总觉得妈妈会想念孩子，让她知道我很好会使她少点牵挂，甚至多了份期待。不敢说自己是个孝顺的女儿，只是因为自己是孩子的妈妈，所以能体会妈妈的感受，妈妈对孩子的思念。
妈的身体本来是蛮壮的，生了八个孩子，任怨任劳。是个典型的贤妻良母。在我印象中，妈妈好像很少生病，就是很常吃止痛药，因为偏头痛是她的惯病，所以我们也不以为然。当我在读大学时，偏头痛也找上了我，从此我才知道什么是遗传。
有一天，当我跟妈妈谈话时，突然发觉她口齿不清，答非所问，而且双腿无力，头痛欲裂。我告诉大哥妈似乎有中风的现象，要赶快看医生。果然，医生诊断和我的猜测吻合，她的血压偏高，身体太瘦弱，又加上失眠，随时都有可能中风，所以必需服食血压和心脏的药，另外加安眠药，让她好好休息。但接下来的日子，她却真的病倒了。大哥抱着她瘦小又虚弱的身子，喂她食物时汤汁却从她嘴角旁流出来，她已经不能好好进食。大哥和二哥对我说，他们同时都想起了小时妈喂养他们，而现在她似乎是风中残烛。亲爱的妈妈，抱在怀里，只感觉到生命的溜失，脾气向来屈强的大哥不忍再多望着妈妈，怕他自己会心酸掉泪。二哥平时总爱跟妈妈说笑，竟也心事重重，沉默了起来。大嫂忍着脚痛，全时间照顾妈妈。我们这些远在外地的孩子们，不能尽孝，幸亏有哥嫂们在家乡照料年老体弱的父母亲。
当时，我家里亲人到访，又没有女佣帮忙，所以走不开，虽然我已是归心似箭，牵挂着妈妈的病情和安危。除了祷告，只有祷告。一星期后，客人才离开。第二天，我就搭凌晨五点的巴士赶回木加。等待中，时间过得特别慢，巴士翻山越岭，跑了四个钟头才到家。带着沉重的心情，走进妈的卧房。她弯曲着身子躺在床上。疲累和病痛的折磨尽刻画在她苍白的脸上。她瘦小的身躯只有三十多公斤，轻得我都能够抱得起来。我只觉得一阵心酸。
“妈！”，我轻轻叫了声，她张开眼，眼神里闪过一丝熟悉和喜悦。但她叫的却是姐的名字。眼泪在我眼眶里打转。我知道她是在叫我，她认得我，只是叫错名字了。妈的记忆怎么会差到这样？她真的是老了。一种无助感突然紧紧捉着我，让我的心隐隐作痛。
大嫂是个非常孝顺的媳妇，每天燉参汤给妈妈喝。虽然妈的味口不好，但孩子们哄着，连印尼女佣也为她打气，她就一口，两口的吃下去了。第一天，我们都待在睡房里，看着她入睡，她是很累了，爸爸病了五年，她所承担的终于必需放下。她睡得很沉，似乎很安心的休息。感谢主，爸爸在妈妈生病期间，竟然还好。不然谁能在晚上照顾他呢？
第二天，她能在房间里走动，我们扶她到楼下进食，她吃得比前天多，可能因为比较热闹，她的曾孙围着她，一家大小又说又笑，她也被感染了那份喜乐，心情大好，脸上也焕发出燦烂的笑容。我们心想，妈应该没事了。
第三天，我对妈说，到楼下走走，空气比较好，作些脚步运动对身体有益。妈是个很有自律也爱保健的人，顺着我们的建议，她多四处走动，多谈天，精神了起来。有时候会疲倦，就躺下休息。然后很感叹的说，“我以前是打天下的，怎么现在会变成这样？听妈的“大姐大”的语气，我猜测她很快会恢复健康了。晚上，我祈求上帝医治妈妈，赐她有足够的体力。明天，可以的话，带她去咖啡店吃早餐。
果然，她能够跟我们一起去享用早餐，而且味口还不错。之后大哥还载我们去兜风。爸爸看到妈妈渐渐好起来，心里也轻松多了。我们真的很感恩。爸一生爱上帝，所以我真的看到了，耶和华不曾留下一样好处，不给行为正直和敬畏他的人。当天晚上，我们一家人去饭店吃平安宴，父母吃得开心，我们看着高兴。只是想起明天又得离开父母，回夫家了，心里又惆怅了起来。
剪不断，理还乱，是离愁？
挥别双亲的那一刻，是不舍和无奈。珍重了，爸，妈。愿上帝赐福于你们。

端午节

端午节总是认我想起粽子。屈原似乎离我们那么远，赛龙舟在这儿也不常有。不信问任何一个人，端午节是什么节日？大多数的人会回答：“吃棕子。”记念谁？他们才会说：“屈原。”一个有伟大爱国情操的从政者，却因太过悲观，投江自杀，为自己的生命划上句号，让后人深深为他感叹！
在诗巫，每一天都可以在食摊买到粽子，肉粽，花生粽，红豆砂粽，白粽，林林种种，任我们选择。但随着物价高涨，以前一粒花生粽只卖五毛钱，现在非要一零吉不可。所以，就有了要学包粽子的冲动。一天，买了糯米，花生，猪肉，粽叶，还有咸草。特地请嫂嫂来教我。糯米的料我早就预备好了，用蒜头加油爆香，连米一起炒，加酱油，真是香味朴鼻而来。嫂嫂是个包粽专家，一公斤的米，三两下就包完了。我却是手忙脚乱，折腾了半小时才裹了十粒可怜兮兮的小棕子。还好老妈没在场，不然面子都给我丢光了，她可是包粽高手，而我，不只笨手笨脚，怎么会有如此丑陋的创作？真恨不得把不成形的粽子悄悄藏起来，还好嫂嫂一直安慰我，让我重拾信心。等了两个钟头，心里竟紧张起来。当我打开热騰腾的肉粽，品尝着一口又一口美味的粽子时，那股成就感，真让我感动！我的粽子虽然很丑，但很好吃。
第二次，信心满满，又有了想尝试的念头。这次不敢劳烦嫂嫂，就自己动手吧。当时心里就有点发毛的感觉，望着一大盆炒好的米，却不知从何下手。漫漫然，只好硬着头皮，以蜗牛般的速度埋头苦干。包了几粒已满头大汗，看着一根根断咸草，真的很泄气。粽叶在我手里特别容易破，米粒故意跟我作对，时不时就从粽角溜出来，害我又得重包过，重复了几遍，粽叶怎么会不破？我心想，考大学的税务考卷都比包粽子容易。天！我好后悔。终于，我也不知道我是怎么包完那几十粒的粽子。把它们统统放进大锅里煮的时候，我明白了什么叫“收拾残局”。
等了两个小时，该会熟了吧。小心翼翼的翻开锅盖，水气迎面扑来，不是我眼花吧？我看到的是整锅的肉粥，加上片片粽叶，随着翻滚的粥，翩翩起舞。我的天！还好只有老公知道我学包粽子，他从不取笑我的。这次没跟嫂嫂提起，可以省了向她报告”令我难堪的成绩“。不然她一定很失望，名师却出了一位不成器的徒弟。
现在想起来还是不服气。煮饭作蛋糕料理家务是我习以为常之事，念书时大学的学分也修得不错，打工时曾经还是经理级人物。怎么就被这雕虫小技难倒？虽然说上帝给人不一样的恩赐，但圣经也告诉我们,“我靠着那加给我力量的，凡事都能作。”我会再接再励，请祝我成功。

小病是福

前阵子，应该有三个星期了吧？外子去中国，我得替他打点店里的一切，整天待在店里，午餐马马虎虎，似乎是为了生存而吃。当时口腔就已经开始溃烂，喉咙痒痒的，有时咳了几声，感觉舒服点，但胸口总是很郁闷，有点喘不过气的感觉。晚上咳得更凶，睡不好，精神也差。但我可不以为意，小病嘛，不值一提，何必让家人担心。
接下来的三天，药也服了，不只病情没有好转，伤风也来报到，鼻子里真象有虫在开派对。第五天早上，头痛欲裂，整身热滚滚的，又咳嗽，又打喷涕，泪眼汪汪，非常难受。开了店，只好让员工去打理，自己跑回家，躺在床上，懒散的骨头，迷迷糊糊的脑子，多么想不用爬起来。无奈工人的下班时间到了，拖着沉重的身躯，轻浮的脑子，驾车的似乎不是我。撑到工人回来，我迫不及待的又赶回家休息。待到关店时才又逼不得已的带着散慢的脚步。。。
外子当晚的斑机是八点半抵达，就只有让家公去接机了。当我躺在床上时，我有个预感，我是真的生病了，而且至少会病几天，但我终于可以好好休息了。突然，我想起前一天曾经跟小儿子说，”伟，妈咪快要生病了，就等你爸爸回来。“想不到吧？有时候我的预言是很灵的。那是星期六，五月二号。
第二天是礼拜天，起不了身，崇拜是免谈了，主日学只有请假了。躺在床上，喉咙像发火似的，身上热腾腾的感觉，喝了一杯又一杯的水，开了冷气，还是又渴又热。但咳嗽却显著的减少。心中存着感恩，若每一天能减少一样病痛，几天后，又是生龙活虎了。
星期一，伤风也不见了。虽然还是发着烧，但是喉咙没有火辣辣的感觉。只是，身体和骨头开始疼痛，连转动身子都难，一想到上厕所，心里负担就来了。不上厕所又不行，不是说生病要多喝水吗？那几天，拖着疼痛的身子，拉着酸硬的脚步，我突然明白了，老年人为什么总是用脚板拖地而走，原来他们的脚没有力气，提不起来。我竟然也衰弱到这样子！
当天晚上，我们“门徒”的弟兄姐妹本来在“知音老地方”有联系会，因卧病在床，不能出席。想着不能和这群可爱的朋友相聚，不禁有点遗憾。我们在一起，总是一片欢笑声，有时好像屋顶会塌下来似的。
星期二，烧完全退了，但身子痛得好像体无完肤。我跟外子说，“我得看医生了。”外子开始担心，因为我是很逞强很耐痛的人，竟然自愿看医生？他答应下午带我去，早上有事走不开。躺在床上，我唯一能作的只有向上帝祷告，并向他感恩，因为我只剩下身体痛，其他病症都好了。只是病了这么多天，大肠未畅通，大概吃太少的缘故吧。我想如果有萍果吃就好了！但不想麻烦别人，还是算了。
下午，外子回来吃午餐，先来看我，问我要吃水果吗？“你的朋友送了很多水果给你，有萍果，橙子。。。。”我跟他说，太好了，我本来就是想吃萍果，想不到上帝这么爱我，藉爱珠姐送来我心所想的。这决不是偶然的。吃着萍果，心里甜丝丝的。
结果，也不用看医生了，身体的疼痛已经减轻一半，再多休息几天，应该没事。果然，星期四我可以上班了，虽然会有点头晕，噁心，力不从心的感觉。每个清晨，灵修之前，我都喝一瓶鸡精，另加一杯营养餐。外子说我像是縮水了，让我心里不禁沾沾自喜，看来减肥成功了，但是有点元气伤损，所以还得好好调理身体才是。
差不多有一个星期没跟在英国的小儿子谈话，还有大儿子克俊和二儿子克彦也因为学业忙没和我联络。当他们知道我的近况时，问我为什么没有人告诉他们？我不想让所有的人担心，没有这个必要，反正有上帝看顾我。说真的，我曾经猜测是否患上A型流感，但并不害怕，是因为上帝把平安放在我心里。
在病痛的时候，其实有太多要感恩的。家人的爱心，朋友的问候和关心及带代祷。上帝的带领和医治，甚至还以一篮礼物来肯定他对我的爱，不然有谁知道我想吃的是什么？
小病是福，就像约伯说的，从前我风闻有你，现在我经历到你。感谢你，我的上帝。你真是耶和华以勒！

老家

记得我十二岁时，我们从巴杀的老店搬去甘榜的新家。那是一间独立的高脚木屋，蓝青色的。座落在一畝多的草地上。那年代，在沐加小镇，可算是相当体面的上等屋子了。有五间房间，一个客厅，饭厅和一个很大的露台。从远处望去，屋子给人一种很踏实的感觉，就象爸爸那样的忠厚老实。我和哥哥，姐姐还自己动手油漆地板，看谁的房间漆得最光亮美观。爸还称赞孩子们作得很好。因为，爸的称赞很稀罕，所以就特别有份量，特别让我们珍惜。
我们的家园带着很浓的田园风味，四周围种满了各种各样的蔬菜水果。一眼望去，一片绿意婓然。在屋前楼梯旁，摆放着整百盆的五颜六色的花，那可是妈的宝贝。在露台下，挂满了红，黄，白，紫，橙，粉红，棕色等高贵雅致的胡姬花。这是嫂嫂百般呵护的心爱花儿。在傍晚时分孩子们都加入劳动行列，主动帮忙爸爸妈妈，有割草的，浇水的，施肥的，忙着养鸡鸭和猪的，小哥则负责把牛赶回牛棚。而我最喜欢和爸爸一齐烧草和树枝，再堆上泥土，让它慢慢的焚烧。一缕缕白色轻烟从土堆里冒出来，带着烟草泥土味，在微风怀抱里散佈在整块土地上。我们的家园，在晚霞里，形成了一幅充满爱和温馨的景象。
爸和妈都爱种植，喜欢劳动。爸爸种了番石榴，水桃，红毛榴莲，芒果，玉粟米，酸甘树，蜜柑等等。妈妈就种了油菜，拉子菜，薀菜，辣椒，白菜，粽叶树。这些植物都是用有机肥料来施肥的，所以果子和蔬菜长得特别香甜，青翠肥美。吃不完还可以拿去菜市场卖。爸就把所赚的作为生产奉献，向神感恩。虽然我们的土地质地不很肥沃，但在爸爸耐心施肥和细心照顾之下，我们的田地不断都有收获，上帝恩典数算不尽。
爸爸是个很爱家的人，也很有创意。他请人挖了四口池塘，一口养水鱼，一口给鸭子游泳，另一口用来洗猪栏。最后为孩子和孙儿们建造了一口游泳池。我家的水鱼总爱在月夜里，静悄悄的爬上来，三五成群，排列在水池旁晒月亮。我们的鸭子像穿了洁白圣袍，猪栏嘛，应该比一般的养猪场干净。最快乐的是孩子们了。在傍晚时分，孩子们一个个跳跃进游泳池，响亮的欢笑声和着水花四溅的哗啦声，顿时赶走了寂静。让我们也感染了他们的喜乐，心情不禁开朗起来。
这时妈妈和嫂嫂忙着预备晚餐，阵阵的香味随着晚风迎面飘来，肚子突然饿了起来。拖着湿漉漉的身子，嘻嘻哈哈的嬉笑着，互相追逐着，我们争先恐后的赶快冲凉，然后好好享用可口美味的晚餐，难怪妈的孩子和孙子没有一个是瘦的。哥哥们在三十多年前正属青少年，一餐吃两盘饭是平常事，所以妈妈用的饭锅是大型的那种。想想我有六个哥哥，应该是正常现象吧？妈妈煮食时总是很丰富，每个人一定吃得饱足还有余。爸爸常说，一个人如果没有不良嗜好，（意思是没有乱花钱），吃好一点是最值得，也是应该的。所以我们一家人受了他的影响，都很看重饮食的品质。爸爸是有点挑食，我也有一点点，可能是遗传吧。
当黑夜笼罩大地时，漆黑的天空挂着无数闪耀的星星，调皮的向我们眨着眼睛。我们依偎在露台的栏杆旁，沐浴在清凉的晚风里。一家人闲话家常，多么写意。远处，传来狗吠声。。。虫儿也开始演奏美妙动听的交响曲了，那，是要用心灵去聆听。
老家，我怀念你！

天气

蔚蓝的一片天，滚滚热浪，加上郁闷的湿气，不作事也会汗流狭背，刚冲好凉又冒汗了。二儿子克彦说，“美里太热了，又加上露天焚烧，而且又是油城，我们这里热疯掉！”美里，肯定会比诗巫热。大儿子在古晋，似乎好点，每天会下阵雨，但还是驱不走闷热的暑气。我想我们最羡慕小儿子，他在英国，春天的温度介于五至十七八度之间，非常凉爽。据我所知，英国的春天总是充满着生机。到处翠绿一片，清新的空气，凉凉习习微风。难怪，鸟儿柏在枝头，都显得消摇自在，尽情欢唱，在清晨里先向上帝献上悦耳动听的感恩之歌。出外只需加件毛衣，轻便写意。冬天，一件内衫，加件毛衣，再穿上大衣，最后还要披上又厚又重的冬装，才敢上路。那种笨重的感觉，让我想到大象，拍出来的照片象只熊猫，所以我喜欢春天。当年，我就在伦敦渡过五年春夏秋冬的留学生涯。
曾经有位已故政治家去英国公干，回到砂拉越感到自己大开眼界，很是得意。逢人就说，“英国实在是富有的国家，到处都有冷气，连街上也不例外。”我们听了不禁莞薾，但他的族群相信的人不少，羡慕的人更多，毕竟他们的代表是有料的。我们不可以取笑他们的无知，但听了这则笑话至少也开心了起来。
最近印度四十四度的热浪造成三十多个人死亡，其中大多是老年人和贫穷的人。老年人体弱，穷苦的人流落街头，无处避暑，甚至连水都没得喝，怎么能生存下去？我们有了风扇还要加冷气，该向上帝感恩。
圣经说，“人饥饿不是没有饼，口渴不是没有水，乃是因为没有听上帝的话。”我们的地球生病了，环境污染，生态被人类肆意破坏，恐怖战争的蹂躏，带来只有无可避免的饥荒，疾病，灾难与死亡。世界本来是美好的，上帝看着都觉得甚好！什么都应有尽有，但为什么会演变成今天的局面？看我们人类的自私自利，贪心，可恶，就知道了。世人如果还不知醒悟，没有环保意识，那我们这地球的天气会变化得更快更可怕。
近来很多人都提倡制造酵素，我也是响应者之一。感觉是能废物利用，不制造垃圾，又能施肥，净化环境，何乐不为？况且，作个环保份子，人人有责，因为我们是上帝的管家。要尽心作到最好，才是忠心的好管家。

清明节

记得念中学时，唐诗里有一首，“清明时节雨纷纷..."那是我们都很熟习的。当时我们大概是处于多愁善感的年代，每每念到“路上行人欲断魂”就想象在微风细雨的路上，那些带着心酸，凄凉的心境，赶着回乡扫墓的游子。在这样的节日，总是叫人特别伤感。
今年，没有雨纷纷，却是艳阳高照。所以没有了那份忧伤的心情。似乎只有应该尽孝的心意。我和外子清晨六点就开车前往诗里街。外子的祖父母是葬在那里的义山。先祖父名江履统，以前是当地的乡绅，很得人们的尊敬。他还特地在义山建了一座亭供路过的人有歇息的地方。梦华亭是记念先祖父在中国福州的祖屋，梦华小筑。每年我们去扫墓，看到梦华亭就自然而然的想起先祖父宽广博爱的心怀。他实在是我们学习的好榜样。
抵达墓山已经七点十五分左右，我倆就动手拔草，扫四处狂飞的落叶和泥沙。墓碑上的字每年一定要重漆过。我们用毛笔沾着金粉和着油，跪着写。间中有时必需爬起来伸伸发麻僵硬的腿。雄（外子）望着我，笑得几得意，一边说，“都跟你说了，不能站起来了，哈哈！”亏他那么辛灾乐祸。其实他还不是一样酸痛。想到他是苦中作乐，我也被他感染了，大家都笑了起来。一阵微风迎面拂来，带走了热气，顿时心旷神怡。安放好两盆花，侍立在墓前，心里默默记念先人，尤其是雄，思念先祖父母的过去，一阵伤感浮现在他脸上。我知道他的感受。当我望着我祖父母的遗照时，心里就酸痛起来...应该是血脉相连的缘故吧！
我们下山时已经是九点半。忘了带雨伞，天空一片蔚蓝，太阳笑得那么灿烂。多好的天气，但曝晒在烈日下，我的偏头痛又隐隐作痛了。我跟雄讲，明年五点就启程，不让太阳欺负我。
地球你不需要我，这地方我一方来，将八方离去。这曾经是一名诗人说的。想想也有些道理。所以我认为火葬是不错的选择。干净快速，一小把骨灰，洒向大海，多洒脱。或是埋在泥土里还可以当肥料。圣经里都说人是尘土嘛。哈哈！而且以后也不必麻烦亲人年年扫墓。
思念是放在心里，孝顺要在父母有生之年。最重要的是离开世界后我们的灵魂去那里？若是回天家岂不是好得无比吗？

Country road

I love to go home, but whenever I think of the conditions of the road,it gives me creeps and put me off.My hometown is in Mukah,and the most convenient way is to go by road.Anyone who had traveled on the Mukah Selangau road can tell you that it is a notorious road,simply "horrible" beyond description.There are pot holes every where, some as big as our dinning tables,and they can be as deep as one to two feet.Just imagine a Kancil struggling on the road, or a ten tons lorry stranded with punctured tyres in the middle of no where?
Last Monday, I took a bus home,because dad and mum wished to see me, and I missed them too.The moment I boarded the bus, I knew the air condition was not working even though the bus ticket stated that the bus is air-conditioned.I was being compelled to travel in a bus, packed with sweaty bodies , under the merciless blazing sun.Eventually, when we were heading towards the "bad road", the warm air turned into stuffy ,smelly hot air,as the "should be condemned " poor old bus moaned heavily and fought desperately to move its heavy body, feet by feet on the dusty road at 12 noon.We, the passengers were being thrown and swayed from side to side, some banged their heads against the windows, whilst others screamed when they were thrown into the air.We were like,inside a washing machine.My goodness, my head started to throb and I felt dizzy.God, help us,I prayed.If this goes on, I am going to be half dead when I reach home, and I don't want my dear old parents to see me in this miserable and sorry state.
God was good and gracious, when I finished my prayer, I felt a stream of fresh cool air gushing down from the roof of the bus.There was one Malay man, who was clever and kind enough to open up the "top windows" of the bus.Deep in my heart, I was praising God for he had answered my prayer.Amazing, isn't it?Even at times like this, God tended to my needs.God, I love you, I whispered to him.
During the good old times, we could travel from Sibu to Mukah by air, paying only RM35 per trip,inclusive of airport tax, likewise from Mukah to Sibu we just paid RM30,no airport tax.Nowadays, we have no alternative but to travel by road or by boat.We would have thought our nation is progressing, Malaysia boleh,and that peoples lives should be improving. But look at us, we cannot even have assess to a decent tar sealed road.Is this too much to ask?We have been waiting for nearly 30 years.My mother used to be in her 60's,and now she has turned 90, does she has another 30 years? We are totally disappointed with the authority.An empty promise is just like a bounced cheque, it reflects the dishonesty and lack of integrity of the drawer. who would want a bounced cheque?

Food for thought

Adrain told me he loves to drink lactose free milk, but because it is expensive he has to refrain himself from drinking at his heart content.True, in our lives, there are many things we have to "give up" sometimes in order to strike a balance, and it is not easy.But look at it positively, too much milk will make one fat and that is unhealthy.So, it is not just money matter, rather it is for practical reason.Likewise, even rich peoples have to discipline themselves from indulging in food that they crave, otherwise they can harm themselves by over eating though they can afford it.God is fair, after all.We can only eat our fair share if we want to live healthily.
This morning, while I was doing my marketing in Central market, I met my friends.They were grumbling they did not know what to buy and cook for their families.I don't doubt their words because I have the same problem too,running out of ideas .Many housewives will surely face this problem as we are the "only cook of the house.".Most of the time when I ran out of ideas and asked my love ones for their suggestions, they would surely gave me the same answer," anything".I was annoyed by their indifference , but after much thoughts,I told my self,if I have full authority to cook whatever I want, why not enjoy it? Since then, whatever I cook, they will eat and hopefully,enjoy.(No complaint, so far.)
My children miss my cooking when they are away from home.Perhaps they are used to my styles thus why they prefer mum's cooking.My cooking skill is simple, I only know how to prepare typical home meals.But the secret is that when I cook,I do add in a pinch of love,a pinch of thoughts, and a pinch of sincerity,and pray that all of them can eat well , enjoy themselves and stay healthy.Try my recipe, it will make a lot of difference.
Foochow peoples, especially Sibu Foochow like to eat Kam pua mee.Peoples here can eat Kam pua for breakfast, kam pua for lunch, kam pua for dinner, and kam pua for super.Even if they go to other places, they have the tendency to order kam pua if they are indecisive of their choices.Luckily, I do not like it, or any other type of noodles.Otherwise, I will be rounder than now.I always opt for Kuih, as I grew up in Mukah, and I pick up more Hokkien peoples eating habits.Hokkiens like to drink coffee , so am I.I used to drink 7 or 8 mugs of coffee a day, and that was really excessive.When I realized that I was addicted to coffee, I quit the habit, now I drink occasionally, not even once a day.The best choice is still, plain water, or " sky juice."
My 3 sons are not very fussy over food, but they sure like to eat good food!Whenever we went traveling, their father would be interested in two things, that is, taking photographs and secondly, searching for nice foods.We went to China last year, and were disappointed with the food there. Not a single dish impressed us. The best food is China sweet potatoes roasted in hot charcoal.When we were at Cheng De, it was below 13 degree, snowing actually.The hot sweet potatoes tasted heavenly and unbelievably welcoming.Every one wished to hold it because it was so comforting, our fingers were numb from freezing cold.
Thailand is a country that has a lot to offer. Besides sight seeing and entertainments,they have many varieties of food to choose,most of them are delicious, exotic ,different and definitely worth trying.Prices are reasonable too.I love almost all the Thai dishes.The tom yam soup is hot and sour and spicy and simply exciting!Don't mind going again,if I can afford it.

身在福中

上个星期，我们七位“门徒”的学生在民都鲁的实比遥佈道处参加崇拜。见到一对母子，坐在靠近大门旁。孩子有异于常人，一看就知道是智障和残障。母亲弯下身子，在为他檫四肢。我再看清楚点，原来他的膝盖和手面都长了厚厚的茧 那是经过长年累月的磨檫而形成的。他坐在矮凳上，傻笑着。母亲的眼眶里泛着泪水。这一幕，深深印在我的心版上。
崇拜完毕，我们走去后面，和那妇人交谈。她告诉我们，儿子天生这样，只能爬着走。一没注意，他会爬出屋外，有一次，还被车撞到。若是把门锁上，他会用重物击破窗门，逃出屋外。为了这孩子，身心疲累，三十多年了，眼泪不知流了多少。我望着她悲伤的脸，写满着无奈和无声的叹息。接下去,妇人说道,牧师很好,帮忙安排申请孩子去美门,那是收留残障人士的关怀中心.只是在吉隆坡,那么远,我怎舍得他?说着,眼泪又流下来."不过,我相信这些基督徒会以爱心对待我的孩子."她的眼神突然闪着一线希望，是一个母亲抱着对孩子最大的奢望，憧憬。
我在想，如果我是她，我会怎么面对?一万多个苦日子是怎么熬过的？当旁人带着异样的眼光歧视他们时，她肯定感觉到被伤害。她的眼泪告诉我她很在乎。是上帝给她力量走下去，侭管路途艰难灰暗，但凭信心向前走，相信前面将是曙光和希望。
我突然惊觉，原来我是身在福中。我知道我是非常蒙福的人，但从来不曾这么深刻的感受到。上帝的恩典让我感动。那我该作什么来回应主的爱?我想上帝是要我把爱与人分享，尤其是去关怀那些被社会遗忘的一群。残障人士，盲人，老人院的老人，孤儿...很庆幸的是，我们这些门徒都有这样的感动。我们要成为社会关怀的义工，并把福音传给他们。
这次的民都鲁之遊让我更体会到上帝的爱和恩典。至于那个姐妹，我们会继续为她代祷。愿她的孩子能被美门收留。她的信心更坚强。美好的盼望是在永恒里，因为在天堂，每个人都有荣耀和不朽坏的身体。在那里神要擦去他们的眼泪。
这位姐妹的孩子名叫伍平煌。请为他们代祷。

幽默

我之所以称妈妈为老妈是有原因的。第一，因为我出生时妈已经四十岁了。二来她今年高龄九十。所以，叫老妈，不会太过份吧。其实，妈对年龄是有点敏感，还好她不介意我这么叫她，算是特别宠爱我了。
妈的孙子和外孙以及曾孙们，都喜欢亲近她，因为她随和，明理，是个风趣的长辈。而且好客，最喜欢家里热闹。子孙满堂时，是她最开心的时候了。她是我们心目中最棒的厨师，不但煮得一手好菜，还是个园艺高手，把整院子的花树修剪得整齐又美丽，是个富有艺术细胞的人。她在念中学时，曾经画了很多画，却让她的白人老师带回英国去了，真是可惜。
妈最吸引人的地方是她的幽默感。以下是她的名言。
宁愿少吃点，冷气要背在背上。可见她是个怕热的人。在一九八三年，爸和妈以及小哥到英国去游玩，当时我在伦敦深造。正逢夏天。我还要穿上寒衣，她却围着沙龙，靠在窗口吹冷风。
妈还有句名言，是她的每位下辈都喜欢又熟悉的。有一次，我带孩子回乡。车快抵达时，我对孩子们说，“你们看，等下，外婆一定说，孩子，外婆眼睛看到要掉下来了！”果然，我们车门一开，她的形容词一字不漏的重复一遍。孩子们笑得前仰后倒，外婆还以为他们又胡闹些什么了。
又有一次，我们很久才回沐加探望老人家。她一看到我们，高兴的说，“孩子，这么久才回来看外婆，发霉了。”孩子们又笑成一团。总之，有外婆的地方，肯定一定充满欢笑声。
妈是大姐，是很有影响力的那种，所以，不管她走到那里，她的弟妹或亲戚总会跟着她。所以有妈的地方一定是很热闹。
我的祖母非常疼爱我妈妈，因为她是个孝顺的媳妇。顺服，勤劳，大方，一天服侍祖母吃六顿。祖母最喜欢来沐加。她说，“来沐加最享福，一天吃六顿，衣服都不能穿了。”说罢，笑得肥胖的肚腩震个不停，有趣极了。我们看着妈妈的好榜样，自然也就学习孝顺长辈。
妈作的肉包是没人能比得上的。包皮柔软香甜，质感踏实，富有弹性。里面包着肉和竹笋加上蛋和着可口的肉汁，一次真的可以吃上两粒。虽然妈作的包可是特大号的，应该像夜市卖的大包。
每逢新年，她就烹制了多种蛋糕，椰蛋酥，牛油香饼，绿豆糕，硕莪饼，而且每一样糕饼都要作很多，因为爸爸疼爱他的弟妹，每个都送一份，是用装饼干的大珍来装的。但妈总是很乐意的去作，把爱心分送给亲人，一点以不吝啬，难怪姑姑和叔叔们都敬爱她。她宽阔的心怀和无私的爱是值得我们去学习的。
近几年来，妈妈不能下厨了，她总是很感叹的说，“老了，不中用了。”岁月不留人。望着妈，心里多了一份痛。我们的老母，已经不再是当年的母亲了。她健忘，体弱，食欲不好，看着她瘦小的背影，懣跚的脚步，孤寂的眼神， 心中对她只有歉意。妈为了孩子，付出一切，青春，辛劳，体力，金钱，时间，爱和关怀，不求回报，只希望孩子们平安，快乐。而我们又有为她作了些什么？即使偶而給点钱吩咐她买补品吃，她总是一副不安的样子，担心我们也有养家的负担。我对她说，"妈，我们有，一点心意，您就拿了吧！”她总是迟疑了好一阵子才收下。
每一天，我都要向上帝献上感恩，因为我们父母还健在。每一个孝亲节，当我戴上红色的康乃馨，我告诉自己，我是幸福的孩子。上帝，谢谢你。

宽宏大量

爸爸是个宽宏大量的人。在我五六岁时，爸从杂货店生意转去经营鱼业。当时我们的鱼船最多，大概有四十多艘。很常，在夜晚时分，鱼船乘着海风，在银色的月光下，载着闪闪发亮的鱼儿，驶向码头。满载而归的鱼船，三，五艘前后到达，刹是壮观！而爸和大哥，二哥，又有得忙了。
在六十年代，沐加是个小市镇，只有一家冰厂。我们的鱼如果是晚上回来就需要冰来储藏鲜鱼，第二天载到古晋，美里，民都鲁，诗巫等地去卖。通常大哥和二哥都要和工人一起去，在海洋中飘泊，冒着生命危险。他们的辛苦和功劳是弟妹们应该鈱记在心的。
一天，又是丰收的季节。码头上堆满了一篮又一篮的肥美鲜鱼，刚从回来的鱼船抬上来。爸就吩咐哥哥们去冰厂买冰，这么多的鱼肯定要运到外地去卖。哥哥们费了好大的力气，用四轮车把巨大的冰块以人力推到码头。那时他们也只不过是二十出头的年轻人。
但有一个鱼贩却乘哥哥们不在时把土油淋在冰块上。哥哥们真是气暴了，那时二位叔叔也在帮爸爸作事。他们年少气盛，吵着要去找那“恶霸”算账。爸爸不准他们去找他理论。爸爸相信那鱼贩必定是误会了。现在大家都气在心头，心平气和最好，不必斤斤计较。我们的鱼全都坏了，大概有几十担。
几年后，有一天，爸爸遇到了那位鱼贩，我们本来叫他伯伯，爸主动向他问安。“ 哥，你还好吧？”想不到他竟哭了起来，一边对爸爸说，“美光（爸的名），我对不起你！”爸赶忙对他说，“ 哥，我从来没有怪你，那只是个误会，你不要放在心上。你曾经还是我的大恩人呢！”原来爸爸有一次病得很严重，这伯伯背着爸爸，去给中医放血，爸才好了起来。
后来，爸爸和妈妈都有去探望伯伯和他的太太，但很不幸的，他们都得了癌症。不久，就去世了。我们二家人至今都有来往，这得归功于爸爸了。
有时，我会想，如果当时爸爸沉不住气，没有宽宏大量的心，后果真的不堪设想。
退一步，海阔天高，忍一时，风平浪静。
忍，可是一门难学的功夫，一把刀，插在心里，不痛吗？


那位伯伯也要用到冰，但迟了一步。我们不知道他也要用到，也不知道所有的冰都卖给我们了。难怪他以为是我们霸道。

我老爸前两天跌了一交，害老妈担心了好一阵子。我们身为孩子的，赶忙致电问好。老爸说，“不用担心，无大碍。不跌倒，怎么会长高？”一句幽默的话，轻描淡写，带给孩子安心和欢笑。
老爸已经快九十高龄，一生体弱多病，但从不怨天犹人，凡事心存感恩，知足常乐，我也因此以平常心看待世事。老爸说，要作个敬畏上帝的人。他的一生让我们看到他的敬虔的生命。
小时候，我们最爱抢风筝。我们的屋子很大，院子更大，大慨有一依甲多。隔邻的孩子放风筝时常会掉在我们的院子里。那,这些风筝就是我们的了。一天，老爸知道了，叫我们(包括侄儿，侄女）把所有的风筝拿出来。大慨有十几架吧。他问我们道，“这些是你们的吗？”我们只好说不是。大家都自知理亏，不安了起来。爸的脸色很严肃。一边教训道“不是你们的东西就不可以拿，拿别人的东西就是貪心。”说得我们恨不得有个地洞可以躜进去。我们眼巴巴的看着风筝在熊熊烈火里消失。留下来的，是爸爸的训诲：不可贪心，做人要诚实。
爸的一生是以身作则，以生命影响生命。他是我最敬佩的人。
还有很多他的故事，留待以后再写。
Gosh, my ping ying is so slow.Any better way to improve and make me faster? HELP!!

So easy to be happy

This morning, I was talking to Fei, and his smiling face makes my day.He was so excited when he received the 2 parcels and even cut his finger when he opened up the boxes.I can imagine his face beaming with happiness as all those canned food made him feel like he is the riches man on earth.Haha, may be (exaggerating) ? I remember when he was at home, he would never look at the canned food. Strange isn't it? How different situaton and environment can change a person's attitude,taste, and perspective of life.In this case, I opined that he has change for the better, that is , more accomodative, appreciative, and independent.Hope he doesn't mind my saying so. I can see the changes in him, though he might not realised himself.
In our life, sufferings, sickness, or hardships , can very often become useful tools to polish the rough edges of our character, that is why God allows trials and tribulations so that after we are tested, we will be like gold.
what is the secret to be happy? Just be contended.This morning, I caught sight of my newly planted lemon grass.Guess what I saw? Tender tiny green leaves poping out from the earth, bursting with live, thriving and praising god for his wonderful creation, for giving them lives.I can't wait to go home and see them again.

母爱

今晚，晚祷会时，听到一则故事。很令我感动。愿与你们分享。
在噢大力亚，有一名白人妇女，怀孕时，医生发现她怀的胎是畸形的。她的胎儿没有手脚，就像一粒皮球一样。如果出生，也不会话多久。所以，医生提议把胎儿拿掉。妇女说，“他已经这么可怜了，我怎么可以杀死他？”医生听了，只有感动。当婴儿出世时，妈妈把他抱起来，亲着她的孩子。他真的就像一粒皮球。。。妈妈悲伤的热泪滴在孩子的脸上。孩子的眼睛眨了眨，断了气。妈妈哭着说。“就这几分钟，我也要他感受到世上还有母爱。"这是真实的。我的姑姑的女儿在那家医院当医生，是她亲眼看到的。她和其他的医生和护士都情不之禁的流下泪。想想，为什么有的妈妈却那麽狠心，虐待孩子。我为了有爱我的妈妈向上帝感恩。
I have been typing this story for one and half hours.My chinese ping yinghas a lot to catch up.

I have created my blog today!

I am so happy today because my eldest son, Aaron has helped me to set up the blog.And it makes me feel as if I am really "so " internet savvy .I know I am just a starter but thanks to my youngest son, Adrain, who is now reading medicine in Bristol Uni, in UK, I was being compelled to know how to do e-mails, talk to him by using skype and be able to see him through web camb(is this the right term?) haha!.Now, I am addicted to using the computer, without the internet life seems to be out of touch.I am sure many of us, peoples who use internet, will agree with me.I know my good friend Mary, will put up both hands for me.
My second son, Alvin started to forward and even write e-mails to me at times.Somehow, when I open up my mails and read them, it just touch my heart, and the feelings is different from talking over the phones.The closeness and thoughts for the other person is simply reflected in the words.May be it is the anticipation and hope that makes e-mailing such exciting events of our everyday's life.
I think my friend who encourages me to be a blogger will be so happy for me.Thank you, Mary.