Anchor

Ice Cream at Docklands, Melbourne

Paul's new image.

The last two photos were taken especially to tempt Serene. Guess why Paul has two ?

A City Built on Gold - Ballarat, Australia

Spaghetti in Melbourne

Federation Square & Melbourne Park

Federation Square

Rod Lever Arena, Melbourne Park

Melbourne Park

Melbourne's Weather

Today, Melbourne is hot! My feeling is that the temperature is more than 33 degrees C. This is first hand experience of the saying that Melbourne's weather is like woman's temper! No offence ladies. :)

They Saved The Day

We were worried when we were told that we could only use the downstairs toilet for small business and do the big business at the upstairs toilet which is located in between 2 rooms occupied by others.

Imagine, in the middle of the night and when you have an urge to do the big business, you have to knock someone's door and ask permission to go in. That's would be weird!

We were told that an object had probably fallen into the bowl and blocked off the proper discharge.

We tried various means to clear the blockage: Pouring bucket of water from ceiling height hoping the rapid flow would dislodge the blockage. Then we got a length of rubber hose to push through hoping to push off the obstruction. All these methods failed.

Finally, it was decided to unscrew the bowl and remove it from the floor. It worked and the obstruction was located and removed. It finally works perfectly well again

That proved one thing. The architect and the engineer team did know their plumbing work well. They were the hero of the day and they saved the day. Hurray!

Melbourne Here We Come

Finally at 7.20am local time on 4 December 2006, our plane from Singapore touched down at the Melbourne Airport.

Our first tour of Melbourne, shopping for grocery at the local supermarket.

Along the way back, we had a few pictures taken at the Library.

Melbourne is colder than I was given to understand particularly in the morning. Fortunately, with a number of jumpers and warm clothing to choose from, I should not expect to suffer from cold bite. Afternoon weather was perfect.

Christmas is Around The Corner

I was in town to collect mails. I noticed a number of shops and hotels have already put up the Christmas trees and decorations.

Before you know it, Christmas is around the corner!

Experience at the 2nd Car Auction

Last Saturday 11 Nov, with the support from my wife, I attended another car auction. This time, I was still eyeing for another Nissan Frontier. My first priority was a one-year old unit. The bidding was a fight between 3 bidders. Reserve price was set at RM54,000.00. I had to give up after my final call at RM57,000.00. I did not think spending more than that amount was worthwhile. It was then up to RM57,500.00 offered by a couple. But this other man who was determined to get it upped another RM500.00 to RM58,000.00. No more call after that.

Because of that unsuccessful bid, I had to ask the auctioneer to go back to another unsold 2005 registered unit. Surprisingly, this was quoted at a much lower reserve price of RM44,000.00 compared to the last unit we acquired. I wonder whether there is any hidden unrevealed defects! This time around, no more bid was received after the reserve price. I got it at the reserve price. I will be going to the store yard to collect it tomorrow. I hope that it is in working condition!

Driving with Joystick

My friend emailed me this new generation of Mercedes Benz. What is so special about it? Well, there is no steering wheel. You drive using a joystick! Amazing! Probably, our grandkids will be "driving" this kind of car in future!

Office Renovation

For people visiting our office since August, the place is like a war zone. Sound of drilling, knocking, hammering, dust all over the place. Staff members wearing face masks as if the office is in some kind of quarantine. We have been breathing air filled with smell of vanish and paint for so long that I am not surprised that by the time this is over, I will be partially addicted to glue sniffing.

Believe me, doing renovation in a normal work place is the last thing one should consider. We have been trying to delay this. But then, we really have no alternative. If we have to do it the normal way, our office business would have to be shut down for a solid 4 months. By then we can close up for good.

But then the good news is that as of today, the place is turning up really well. Most people who visited our new office all gave a thumb up to the new look. Now come to think of it, it is probably all worth the trouble.

Wait for the the final look when it is all done up. My guess is, probably another 3 weeks to go.

Car Auction

Last Saturday, I had my first ever experience in a car auction. The good news is I actually had a successful call and got a vehicle.

Our company has been considering getting a few vehicles for site supervision use for one of our projects. We have been told that it is worth considering getting a vehicle or vehicles in a car auction. The day before, we went to the car storage yard to scout around for potential vehicles. We were only eyeing for 4WD twin cab of 2005 release. We managed to find 3 nos.

The actual auction was interesting. One architect whom I know told me earlier that he was eyeing one Proton Wira. In the Auction, the bet for the Wira was between 2 persons. The call started with RM21,000. At an increment of RM200, the price spiralled to a final call at RM23,600. The architect was determined to get his bet and never yielded until the other party finally gave up at RM 23,400. The architect won. I think it was a good buy.

My 1st bet was a Nissan Frontier 2005 make starting with RM50,000. I raised my number. Then someone responded with RM50,500. I topped with another RM500. She added another RM500. I stopped at RM52,000 at my pre-set target. It was finally sold at RM53,000.

I was successful at my bet for my 2nd choice of another Nissan Frontier. From RM50,000. My opponent finally stopped at RM51,500. I got it for RM52,000.

That was an exciting Saturday afternoon. I will most likely be around at the next auction. It will be another session of test of nerves !

Marginalisation

A word that appears fairly regularly nowadays is marginalization. I can't remember who actually started it. First, someone was saying that Malays in a northern state have been marginalized. Then, a Senior Minister in the southern neighbour said that the Chinese in Malaysia and Indonesia are systematically being marginalized.

Then, another ex-Malaysian leader disputed that and said that Malays in the southern neighbour are marginalized.
I think this letter to the local Daily Express today speaks volume to the fact of the case.

There are just people who have big timber logs stuck in their eyes but point to a tooth pick in somebody's eyes!

Cliques

Looking at my Praise Kids of Primary 6, somehow, girls seem more prone to cliques - 2, 2 and 1 lone ranger. The boys on the other hand seem to get along well!

Reunion of Former Colleagues After A Lapse of 9 Years

Just back from a reunion lunch with some ex-Permodalan Bumiputra Sabah staff. This Indian lady who used to be the company librarian married an Aussie and migrated to Australia in 1985. I am not sure whether she married first then migrated or the other way round. 

The last reunion was way back in 1997. This time, the number of attendees has dwindled. May be it's because of too short notice or difficulty to locate some of the staff. Among the group, one is now an Assistant Minister.

This Indian lady who now resides in Perth is now begging to have the next reunion in Perth Australia and she was teasing the organizer to start cracking and hopefully it's not another 9 years later.

I told her that I would have no problem going there because my daughter and son-in-law would be in Perth.

Her address in Perth is 18, Watsonia Road, Gooseberry Hill, WA 6076 Australia. Ph: (61-8)94544632. The couple is Satwant & Doug Bridson. Email : satwantdoug@hotmail.com.

I put this down just in case I lose the name card:)

Sex in the minds of 11+ Years

This morning in my Primary 6 Praise Kids Class, one boy just posed a casual question to me  - "How many children do you have ?"

"Three". To my surprise, his response was like this:
"So, you must have sex at least three times".

Wow, I was caught a bit off guard. In order not to shut off such inquisitive minds, I asked him:
"Where do you learn about sex education ?"
"Encyclopaedia"
"What other things do you know about sex ?"
" Boys have sperms but girls don't have. You need sperms to have baby".

I was amazed that issue concerning sex has already gotten into the minds of an 11 years old. Or was it always like this? Or that kids in the older days were not so daring to express and to desire to learn about this subject.

I wonder whether our boys had ever gotten this issue into their minds back when they were 11 or 12. But there is no denying that TV, internet and the media have contributed to the "openness" of these young minds. Well, it's important that they be properly guided so that this "openness" would not be abused.

Dai Yi Long

Every now and then, my car wipers would be stuck with Ah Long's name cards. At other times, they just dump a few into the mail box. Some opt to throw them into your house compound, squeeze them through the gap under your office door or clip them together with your electricity bill. Loan sharking by these dai yi long seem to be the in thing business in KK nowadays.

Just the other day, I got a call from one claiming to be from Citibank. He said his bank is also offering pre-approved loan of RM18,000.00 to me. Just say yes in the phone and he would arrange to transfer the money into my account. I flatly said no.

I was thinking: Is bank also into dai yi long business!

To The Future Architect

I bumped into Ar. Paul Lau yesterday at the KKIA on my way to Tawau. He was on his way back from Sandakan. The first he said to me was:

" When is Sam coming back ?"
" Should be end of the year"
" Ask him to come and join me, he is smart and a good architect"

I was in cloud nine when I heard it. I just could not imagine the little spider boy who used to hang upside down in the swing in Foh Sang is destined for architecture! :)

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".

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.

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.

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.)

Sydney Blue Mountain Then (1993) and Now (2006)

1993

2006

1993

2006

Sydney 1993

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 1993. Wow, that's almost 13 years ago. How time flies. They would see Sydney with a different perspective now that they have a new sets of people around them. :)

Father's Day 2006

The night before Father’s Day, I received a delightful surprise - a special email all the way from Australia with an invitation to high tea at a local hotel. Thanks to Serene and MH for their thoughtfulness!

When we arrived at the restaurant, we were warmly ushered to a beautifully prepared table awaiting us. With a “crowd” of just two, the celebration was intimate yet meaningful. We took our time, pacing ourselves carefully so we could savour every treat displayed before us.

On Father’s Day itself, I had the joy of chatting with both the boys. The world truly feels smaller now - with SMS, email, Skype, and phone calls - distance hardly diminishes the warmth of family connections. This year’s Father’s Day was no exception; the miles between us could not take away from the closeness we felt as a family.

To crown it all, I also received a touching message from a close friend that day:

"Of all the vocations that men may pursue in this life, no vocation is fraught with as much responsibility and attended with as much boundless opportunity as the great calling of husband and father."

I couldn’t agree more. I cherish every minute of this vocation - and count it one of life’s greatest blessings.

Scenic Bridge/Crooked Bridge

When I read about MH and Serene's trip down south and was told of the scenic railway and scenic cable car, I was reminded of our proposed Scenic Bridge in JB which some refer to as the Crooked Bridge. Fortunately, this has been scrapped. It could have been another great civil and structural engineering feat or architectural wonder. But then, the damage to the future generation probably will far outweigh the benefits that can be derived.

How is one to explain such a weird bridge design if a child is to ask the parents for an explanation. As I see it, It would reflect none of the cooperative spirit between two neighbouring countries that we so often boast about in all the political talk. It would also reflect the pursuit of one's personal agenda irrespective of what the other say and feel. It is a lasting symbol of arrogance and non-cooperation in short.

Thank God, beside the millions of Ringgit saved, many Malaysians would not have to face the eternal consequence of an unwise move.