My Wife Turns 60

As far as the Chinese are concerned, turning 60 is a highly significant milestone in life. It marks the completion of five full cycles of the Chinese Zodiac, symbolizing the closing of one great chapter and the beginning of another. Reaching this age is not merely about growing older, but about entering a stage of wisdom, reflection, and renewal.

Traditionally, at 60, the role of grandchildren becomes more prominent during the birthday festivities. They are often the ones invited to blow out the candles and cut the cake - perhaps because their breaths are stronger and their hands more steady! This custom also reflects the continuity of life and the joy of passing blessings down to the younger generation.

This particular celebration was made even more meaningful with heartfelt wishes sent by family members who were unable to be physically present. Thanks to modern technology, loved ones who could not be physically present were still able to share in the joy of the occasion - reminding us that true family bonds can effortlessly transcend time and borders.

When it comes to living well after 60, the Chinese have a wise saying: 老伴, 老友, 老本. Translated, these mean an old partner, old friends, and old capital. In other words - companionship, friendships, and financial security. Together, these three form the pillars of a happy and fulfilling later life.

Of course, turning 60 also comes with a familiar compliment: “Wow, you look great!” - often followed by the inevitable qualifier, “…for your age!” But perhaps that, too, is part of the charm of this new season of life: learning to embrace the humor, grace, and dignity that come with growing older.

Hi Grandpa !

My granddaughter Grace turned 1 month old on 11 August 2013. However, her full month party was only held on 17 August because her grandparents only arrived from overseas on 12 August.

"Hi! Grandpa!" - This is what I imagine she was trying to say.

Of course, a few old friends turned up for the occasion. As usual, we exchanged news and did some catching up on the years that had gone by. My ex-unimate Yue Chiang who moved to Perth 25 years ago wished that he could retire but situation dictates otherwise. Looking at his friends who are now grandpa, he too is "keen" to join the circle of grandparents. He admitted that in his case, he still needs to wait for a couple of years before this can materialize. To quote his words: "man man de deng - patiently waiting".

Be assured, that day as grandpa will surely come!

Talk about Sex

My Church is organizing a Marriage Enrichment Course for married couples. Course content was projected on the LCD screen to encourage couples to register.

Session 1 - Building Strong Foundations

Session 2 - The Art of Communication

Session 3 - Resolving Conflict

Session 4 - The Power of Forgiveness

Session 5 - Parents and In-Laws

Session 6 - Good Sex

Session 7 - Love in Action

The counselors met yesterday at Suria Food Court after the church morning worship service to have informal discussion about this course. One part of the conversation went like this:

Chairperson: "I will take the first session. Now please volunteer which session each pair of counselors would like to take charge of".

Looking at what's down the list, I quickly shouted: " I will take Session 2".

By then, the rest of the counselors knew the predicament they would be in. They all joined in pleading.

All: " Beside Session 2, you should take Session 6 as well, this is the majority's decision".

Me: "No way! No way! I have already volunteered for Session 2".

All: "You have to take this because you are the most suitable. Beside we give you absolute authority to decide what you want to do".

Me: "That sounds fair. Now all of you, be prepared when I call you to share your experience".

That created a bit of a shock wave. They retorted: "While we give you absolute right to do what you like, we also have the absolute right to decline".

I was speechless!

Still, the fact remains: Many people still find it difficult to talk about the subject on Sex even one has years of experience!

Is there Hope for Malaysia ?

I was surprised when our gate bell rang yesterday afternoon and a lady was seen standing outside carrying  a pack of goodies. She introduced herself as the neighbour who is staying just across the street in the new house. The gift is in conjunction with the coming Hari Raya. Such gesture did uplift one's spirit after feeling disgusted with some of the recent incidents Malaysians had to contend with.

Ignoring the Alvivi case which is an obvious case of lack of basic common sense, we have another case of a mother who uploaded photo of non-Muslim pupils of a school in Selangor, who were shown eating in a shower room cum changing room during recess so as not to offend fasting Muslims. The irony is that a former minister even urged the authorities to charge those responsible for uploading the photographs with sedition. Of course, this individual is not short of controversy when he was reported at one time to say "if foreigners think that Malaysia police are brutal, please go back to their own country and not to stay here" in the case of alleged mistreatment of an ethnic Chinese woman by the Malaysia police years ago.

It was reported in another school, SM Alam Megah in Shah Alam wherein a school principal who allegedly rebuked her noisy students by telling them to "balik India dan China".

Then, we have the case of a Muslim lady dog trainer who was arrested following a public outcry over a 3-year old YouTube video showing her bathing her dogs and wishing viewers Selamat Hari Raya. Of course, the You-Know-Who would quickly jumped in to demand a fatwa be issued on dog handling.

Not to be outdone by such antics, the DPM also jumped into the bandwagon to blame the non-Muslims behind the video clip. Of course, he could not escape the reprimand of the opposition.

As usual, the supreme leader of the nation who is the architect of the 1M policy chose to be quiet. Whether his silence is a tacit agreement to what his colleagues did or his decision to avoid controversy, this is anybody's guess.

To sum up, there is something seriously wrong with some of our present educators!