Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Chinglish

 
A friend of mine sent me this email.
 
"Ah Lek was asked to make a sentence using 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and 10. Not only did he do it 1 to 10, he did it again from 10 back to 1. This is what he came up with...
 
1 day I go 2 climb up a 3 outside a house to peep. But the couple saw me, so I panic and 4 down. The man rush out and wanted to 5 with me. I run until I fall 6 and throw up. So I go into 7 eleven and grab some 8 to throw at him. Then I took a 9 and try to stab him. 10 God he run away.
 
So, I put the 9 back and pay for the 8 and left 7 eleven. Next day, I call my boss and say I am 6. He said 5, tomorrow also no need to come back 4 work. He also asks me to climb a 3 and jump down. I don't understand, I am so nice 2 him but I don't know what he 1".

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Marital Health of a Nation

Yesterday, I, Joseph and Rev. Lee attended a Prepare-Enrich Programme at Beverly Hotel. This is a government-sponsored seminar to train facilitators to help couples to build stronger marriages and stronger relationship.
We were told that divorce rate for non- Muslims in Malaysia has increased from 2.63% in 2000 to 5.20% in 2003. Not too bad but the rising trend is no good. For Muslims, it is worse in the range of 10%-11%.

But the most shocking news is that divorce rate in Taiwan is even higher than in the US. 51% in Taiwan against 50% in US. Imagine, one in two marriages would fail. It was said that when you meet someone after a long break, the common thing to say is not "How are you ?" but rather " Are you separated?". That's sad.

Malaysia is doing the right thing by encouraging pre-marital couples to go through pre-marital counselling and married couples to go through marriage enrich seminar.

The health of a nation is very much dependent on the health of marriages of the people.

You Say Vs God Says

I found this in an email sent by Sharon Lai:

You say: "It's impossible". God says:All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired". God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me". God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34 )
You say: "I can't go on". God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9
& Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out". God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it". God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able". God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it". God says:It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )
You say: "I can't forgive myself". God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage". God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid". God says: I have not given you
a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried
and frustrated".
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I'm not smart enough". God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone". God says: I will never leave you
or forsake you

Home Alone

I have been “home alone” since yesterday, and it looks like this will continue until Friday. The new Timbalan at the Gaya Teachers' Training Institute, my wife has been away to Negeri Sembilan for her very first official assignment - a course on the selection process for new applicants to be enrolled in teachers’ training institutes across Malaysia.

Knowing how hectic her schedule is going to be once she returns, I am seriously toying with the idea of drafting an official-looking “Form” that I would need to submit every time I want to make an appointment with her. Who knows, it might just help me secure a slot in her busy calendar! Hahaha.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Farewell to A Beloved Principal of SMK St. Mary, Limbahau, Papar

Last Saturday afternoon, I had the honour of attending a Farewell Lunch at the Promenade Hotel, organised by the School Board, teaching staff, and supporting staff of SMK St. Mary, Papar, in honour of their beloved Principal. I was there - courtesy of the outgoing Principal, my wife 🙂.

It was clear to me that this Principal is deeply cherished by her school community. Their heartfelt appreciation was beautifully expressed through touching citations, a carefully prepared video montage, and an abundance of meaningful gifts. Many tried to put on brave faces, but the emotions in the room could not be hidden - tears welled up in the eyes of both teachers and staff, a true testament to the bond they shared with her.

The most moving moment for me was at the very end, when the Principal and her husband (once again, thanks to my wife for including me) stood at the exit to personally bid farewell to each and every one of them. That simple but profound gesture spoke volumes of her humility and love. I must admit, I had to try very hard to hold back my own emotions.

Just a day earlier, the entire school had organised a farewell assembly for her. From the photographs I later saw, it was evident that the students and teachers alike were overcome with emotions - tears flowed freely, marking the end of a meaningful chapter in the life of the school.

My conclusion is simple: she made a difference. A real, significant difference in the lives of many in Papar. And I feel proud to have, in some way, been part of the journey that shaped this remarkable Principal. Bravo!

Of course, life moves forward, as it always does. But this farewell marks not an end, only the beginning of another chapter waiting to be written.

Sunday, July 09, 2006

The Day Lyanna Tew is Called Mrs Hew

What do I remember about this wedding? The MC of the wedding banquet asked a question each to the bride and groom. Name 5 things why you choose your partner.

Groom : I love her from head to toe. I love her because she accepted me in spite of my short comings.

Bride: He is liangchai, loving, kind, patient and (can't remember the last attribute she said.)

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Sydney Blue Mountain Then (1994) & Now (2006)

1994
2006
1994
2006

Sydney 1994

The kids of the Lee family are having a reunion in Sydney this coming weeks.
 
As a family, we last set foot on this location way back in August 1994. Wow, that's almost 12 years ago. How time flies. They would see Sydney with a different perspective now that they have a new sets of people around them. :)