Miracle

I had been searching high and low for my missing electronic organiser since last Wednesday night (24 Oct), after returning home from my badminton session. I went through my bag repeatedly, and the following day even went back to Basel Hall to check if I had accidentally left it there. I was certain I had brought it along to the game that night - but there was simply no sign of it.

Back at the office, I searched my table thoroughly - not once, but several times - hoping it had been misplaced there. Still, nothing. Unlike Serene, who knew exactly where she lost her ring, I had no clue where mine could be. That made the search all the more difficult. After almost a week, I was ready to give up. I told myself it was probably time to let go of this “old” gadget and perhaps replace it with a more stylish, modern organiser. After all, friends had often urged me to move with the times and upgrade to something new.

Yet, I couldn’t quite let go. That little device held so much of my life - hundreds of addresses and phone numbers, PINs, passwords, membership details, and countless other essentials. The thought of starting over from scratch was daunting.

This morning, before leaving for work, I whispered a final prayer: “God, You know how desperate I am for this organiser. I have no other alternative but to turn to You one last time. Please, somehow, lead me to it.”

A little later, as I entered the conference room for our weekly staff devotion and prayer meeting, I froze in astonishment. There it was - my organiser - sitting neatly on top of the conference table!

There was no need to ask how it got there. For me, it was enough to recognise it for what it was: another miracle.

Sabahans getting used to DIY in Perth

Judging by the new houses built by friends who have moved to Perth, I have no doubt they are settling down well. Unlike in Sabah, they have all gotten used to the concept of the DIY.

Jimmy told me that he has got the whole process of the building of his house all captured in video. Jimmy also installed the garden sprinkler system and even laid the floor boards in the house. Pretty amazing !

Kelvin seemed to have picked up his gardening skill pretty well.

Wedding in Tuart Lawn

Aside from Bradley Martin, the groom, everyone is a relative of the bride. Five of them flew in from Malaysia.

This wedding was quite a departure from the usual ones I have attended which are typically held in churches or some enclosed venues.

Without the pastor's exhortation, as is customary in Christian weddings, this ceremony was remarkable brief - just wo poems and the exchange of vows. That was it.

I was surprised that the vow left out the familiar phrases that I am used to hearing such as "for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, till death do us part". Instead, I recall it ended with a simpler phrase "as long as we shall both live".

Model Father

It was five years ago since we last met in Perth. This time as we met, the jovial spirit and wittiness of Yu Chaing still remained unchanged. From his father-son bonding exercises that he related to us, there is no doubt that he has been doing well with his fast-growing up son. He remains a model father. No doubt about it !

Of course, with the passing of time, there may be some deterioration of the brain cells and recollection of some past events may not be so spontaneous like before. But then, that's the fact of life.

Count it a Blessing!

At Eva's pre-wedding banquet on 10 October 2007
At the hair combing ceremony for Eva on 11 October 2007
At Cicerillo Landing, Frementle on 13 October 2007

At whole-sale market on 6 October 2007. Count it a blessing that the three siblings can have such rare opportunity of being seen together !

To Whom It May Concern

Introducing the new couples in town or rather not so new already. No offence!

Italian Food

The food at the little Italian Restaurant where Serene and Meng How took us to one night was really fantastic.

 

With four people seated around a little table, we were not sure how the food could be placed on top of such a tight space. The double decker is really a genius way to solve this small problem as far as the restaurant is concerned.

Hole with a Difference

We were taking a stroll along the streets of Perth when I glanced upon this hole in the slab on top of the walkway.

 

That reminded me of the similar hole found in Jesselton Height of which Sam has a hand in it!

Fish & Chips

I have never missed going to Fremantle's Cicerello's Landing for the fish and chips each time I was in Perth.

 

This time, we enjoyed the food without any disturbance from the sea gulls. The owner has come up with an idea. They have hung a lot of strings to form a mesh on top to prevent intrusion from the birds. Brilliant !

Pre-Wedding Prayer

The hair combing ceremony for the bride on the eve of the wedding was something I had never heard of before. But Alicia decided to include it for her daughter, Eva - and the entire ceremony was thoughtfully arranged by Aunty Monie.

While I firmly believe that a successful marriage is not determined by rituals or traditions alone, a ceremony like this is a beautiful expression of a parent's heartfelt wishes. It symbolizes the desire to see her daughter embrace the fullness of joy, love, and companionship in her married life. More than that, it was a meaningful and memorable experience - filled with warmth, smiles, and a touch of cultural charm.

Of course, it takes much more than a symbolic gesture like hair combing to build a strong and lasting marriage. Marriage requires a daily, conscious commitment from both partners - a shared resolve to love, grow, forgive, and walk together through the ups and downs of life.

In my view, the likelihood of a successful marriage increases significantly when God is placed at the centre. That’s why I believe a prayer at the end of the ceremony - inviting God’s presence and guidance - can make a real difference. Ultimately, however, it’s still the bride and groom who must choose, each day, to honour their vows and nurture their relationship.

The Swan Brewery Co Ltd, Swan River, Perth

Eating is one of the key activities when you are on tour. I count it an experience whenever I have this opportunity. Of course, the people you are with is more important than the food itself. That does not mean I am not enjoying the food! Devonshire Tea and Cappuccino was nice !

Dogs Vs Homo-Sapiens

It's hard to believe that I was last in Perth five years ago. This time around, I had the chance of visiting the Perth Royal Show.

That was the first time that I saw so many different kinds of dogs kept in one place!

 

A few thoughts came to mind: Seeing the way these dogs were being treated, some might be tempted to wish that their next lives be reincarnated as dogs rather than homo-sapiens.

 

Some might wonder who were really on display - dogs or the homo-sapiens!

David Copperfield Live!

Finally, I will have the chance to see David Copperfield live in Singapore on 3 November 2007. I will be watching the show with Sam.

One unresolved issue: my Airasia ticket bought online still tagged with the word "Pending".