Showing posts with label Personal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Personal. Show all posts

Tuesday, 29 October 2013

The Art Of Vulgarity

This video clip must be from about 12 years ago when Paul/Chris got married. The clip shows how Jeannie and Paul got along so well. Kevin Lim was the cameraman and narrator; he used night vision mode. Kevin, this post is for you.


Saturday, 28 September 2013

Wrong Number?

Found this on Facebook:















Interestingly, for as long as we carried mobile phones (which was pretty much as long as we were together) my entry in the phone book was the same; "Jeannie". By the way, I still maintain her phone number and every once in a while the kids get funked when "Mummy" shows up as "caller" on their phones!

Thursday, 19 September 2013

It's A Dog's Life? Or Is It A Dog's Soul?

Krystyn was in Singapore/JB on an assignment for a few days. Her two Shih Tzus Fudge and Toffee were visibly pining for her after the first two days. They sleep with her on her bed! Prince, their father on the other hand was his usual "take charge" self trying to call the shots on their food/water replenishment, dinner and sleeping times, morning toilet calls, etc., etc. He sleeps in his own basket beside my bed as he has been doing since he came to Jeannie years ago.





















Since Krystyn was not around we decided to allow her two Shih Tzu to sleep in my room but with the door open so that they were free to loiter around upstairs. 

At 3.40 am on the night before Krystyn was due to return I woke up to find Fudge on the landing looking down the stairway. I took this photo with my phone, WhatsApp it to Krystyn and went back to sleep:


















Then, at about 5.10 am the same night I woke up to find Prince in exactly the same spot and posture as Fudge was earlier. I reached for my phone to take a photo and when I pointed it, Prince had moved. He is canny in very inexplicable ways. The following is the shot taken seconds after I took my phone:


















Notice the wispy figure between the grill and the wicker basket. I know for a fact that it was not Fudge nor Toffee because they were in my room! Sure looks like another Shih Tzu to me! Also, the dogs were behaving unusually earlier and were suddenly barking down the stairs on a few occasions.

Could it have been Chili, the departed mother of Fudge and Toffee? 

Thursday, 27 June 2013

Happy 27th June Darling...

It is 27th June again today. Jeannie's last birthday. This one by Al Stewart for you Darling.




One Stage Before

It seems to me as though I've been upon this stage before
And juggled away the night for the same old crowd
These harlequins you see with me, they too have held the floor
As here once again they strut and they fret their hour

I see those half-familiar faces in the second row
Ghost-like with the footlights in their eyes
But where or when we met like this last time, I just don't know
It's like a chord that rings and never dies for infinity

And now these figures in the wings with all their restless tunes
Are waiting around for someone to call their names
They walk the backstage corridors and prowl the dressing rooms
And vanish to specks of light in the picture-frames

[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/one-stage-before-lyrics-al-stewart.html ]
But did they move upon the stage a thousand years ago
In some play in Paris or Madrid
And was I there among them then, in some travelling show
And is it all still locked inside my head for infinity

And some of you are harmonies to all the notes I play
Although we may not meet still you know me well
While others talk in secret keys and transpose all I say
And nothing I do or try can get me through the spell

So one more time we'll dim the lights and ring the curtain up
And play again like all the times before
But far behind the music you can almost hear the sounds
Of laughter like the waves upon the shores of infinity

Read more:
 AL STEWART - ONE STAGE BEFORE LYRICS 

Friday, 1 March 2013

“Silence is easy”

Found this article on the Net. It is about an issue that true dog lovers in Malaysia face and can only understand the degree of discrimination the canine species faces in this country.There should be more Malays like the author.

Why are the Muslims of this country (particularly the Malay Muslim group) so filled with hate toward the canine species?

By now, many Malaysians are aware of Pak Mie and his heroic deeds of rescuing and caring for over 500 dogs in Alor Setar, Kedah.

Most of us are amazed by his spirit, and have even rallied together to help him in his cause.

Yet a note that keeps recurring in the articles and videos that feature Pak Mie and his wife is one that disgusts me, as I’m sure it has for anyone with a heart.

Despite Pak Mie’s purest intentions, a majority of his Malay community has shunned and condemned him, labelling him as an infidel and morally corrupt.

Why are the Muslims of this country (particularly the Malay Muslim group) so filled with hate toward the canine species? Growing up, I was ill-informed and learned that Muslims weren’t allowed to own dogs.

I later understood that this was a simplified version of the teachings, and untrue. Dogs are considered to be dirty, and there are specific ways to cleanse oneself according to Islam when touching a dog when it’s wet or its feces and urine.

However, it was and had never been haram for a Muslim to own a dog.

Why the silence?

Yet it is common for many Malaysians to see dogs getting beaten, objects or hot boiling water thrown at them, and I’ve even heard of cases where razor blades are stuffed into sausages and fed to the dogs.
A friend of mine had his dog poisoned by his Malay neighbour. Dogs aren’t just considered a nuisance by this group of people; they’re a target for violence.


Still, what angers me most is not the cruelty of these misguided Malay Muslims. What makes me angry is the silence of other Muslim dog lovers.

I know there are plenty of us out there who not only is against cruelty towards dogs, but are also Muslims who own dogs. Yet whenever such disgusting acts take place, where is your voice?
Why must we keep our ownership a secret? We fear judgment and so we leave the fight for the rights of these animals to the non-Muslim community.



Last October, I lost my six-month-old Shetland Sheepdog to a hit and run. We were coming back from our morning walk, and his leash fell out of my hand. He ran back to the park near our house.

When I caught up to him, his dying body was twitching in the middle of the road, his head soaked in blood. As I cradled my baby, neighbours rushed to my side. I was touched by their assistance- one ran back to her house to get some blankets, another went to get a bag, and two other dog owners walked me home, comforting me. I am forever grateful to them for their kindness.


Jaqen was a very friendly dog. He was popular among the kids and other dog owners at our park, and would show off his ‘fetching’ skills when we played ball.

But I recall little kids who played with him asking me “Are you Malay?”, and upon my reply would say “My mother says Malays cannot have dogs.”

I would patiently correct each misinformed child but I was annoyed at how parents nonchalantly pass this information to their children.

It’s bad enough you hate dogs; must you also teach your children to do the same?

Religion as excuse


It’s not enough to punish those who are cruel to dogs. We need to make them see not all Muslims hate dogs.

We need them to stop using religion as an excuse for their crimes. We need to show our support to people like Pak Mie, and we need to make it loud and clear.

We need to work together with bodies like SPCA and other animal rescuers by reaching out to the community to educate the people on this issue, from both moral and religious standpoints.

Start young, go to the schools and get the teachers to participate as well. Teach the children that all animals should be treated with kindness and respect.

We also need to have stricter laws on animal cruelty. As it stands, the price of the fine for such crimes is way too little to make a difference.

Finally, if we can’t all devote our lives toward rescuing animals, the least we can do is to lend a hand to people like Pak Mie who spends all of his time and savings in his effort to make this world a better place. He cannot do this alone.

Let’s start by speaking up. I am Muslim. And I love dogs.

Elza Irdalynna writes about art, love, and other things she pretends to understand.
She is also an FMT columnist.

Friday, 18 January 2013

Methodist Primary School Parit Buntar

I was in Parit Buntar from Standard 1 to Standard 3 (1966 to 1968). An old classmate recently posted this picture I had lost a long time ago on Facebook. Thanks Thiam Hin! I would think my teachers would be pushing 70 now...



Saturday, 16 April 2011

Traditions Old And New - Qingming 2011

Last week was the fourth Qingming after Jeannie's passing. To say it feels like the four years passed so fast would be a lie but nevertheless here we are, four year on.  

Continuing from a tradition previously led by Jeannie we started at the Chin Fatt Tze Temple in Sungai Besi where my father's urn is before going to Nirvana in Semenyih. But they were not there; they hardly are. I suppose it is only natural that people tend to think the souls of their dearly departed reside in cemeteries.

Qingming is a tradition we observe and that will continue though we know it is for the symbolism that we do it. Fundamentally, it has to do with whether one believes in an afterlife or if there is one at all. 

 
To us it has more to do with filial piety, respect and keeping an annual tradition of visiting places where remains of loved ones are interred; breaking daily routines to mark remembrance. There is absolutely no need to physically go there but voluntarily going through motions that symbolize reverence is a right thing to do. 

A paradoxical but forthright typical question on the day is, "...you think Mummy will be going along?". 


This year's qingming we started a new tradition. J.J. who is 21 this year will henceforth be responsible for organizing and buying lunch on qingming. After all, eventually there will only be Krystyn and J.J.... and their respective families of course.

The inaugural lunch last week was at the Veg Fish Farm Thai Restaurant, Hulu Langat.
 










Friday, 4 February 2011

Attitudes And Fortitude

M Bakri Musa wrote: Malaysia in the Era of Globalization #51 Chapter Six: Malaysia: Assets and Liabilities. Enhancing Special Privileges.

Do click on the link to read the article.

The article was forwarded to one of the e-Groups I moderate by a member, "X" who is a retired senior officer in the armed forces. The following was the exchange which is the subject of the blogpost title, "Attitudes And Fortitude". Some parts have been removed for privacy reasons.

*****************************************

Comment 1 (From Y, a senior government servant):

"Abang X,

This may sound like preaching but being very familiar with the communication laws (I was actively involved in their drafting and passing by Parliament), I want to remind members of the list that forwarding any material on line that is seditious in nature is a very serious offence, and it opens us all to the possibility of prosecution for participating in the propagation of seditious material. As such, I would like to state that as a list member, I disassociate myself completely from the material written by one Bakri Musa which ended in my inbox unsolicited.

Regards, Y"

*****************************************

Comment 2 (From me as e-Group Moderator)

"Dear Y,

Thank you for the warning. I think we shall put a caveat in the e-Group web-page which is along the lines of your statement: “As such, I would like to state that as a list member, I disassociate myself completely from the material written by one Bakri Musa which ended in my inbox unsolicited.”

Hopefully that would provide some form of blanket immunity or panacea to members of the e-list. Personally, I hate to see freedom of speech being stifled in the name of sedition or fascism being cloaked in nationalism. There are opinions that the Sedition Act should be repealed.

Regards.

Cheah
Moderator"

*****************************************

Comment 3 (From X)

"Dear Y & Cheah,

There is a clear escape clause for the elist which states " If it is offensive to you, then don't continue reading it".

Admittedly, I am on the distribution list of Dr. Bakri Musa. Today, the draconian Sedition Act is with utmost vulgarity and cowardice is thrown at me. Why did they not throw the shit at me when my life was "dihujung senapang" against the militants of the CPM, the enemy in the Congo, the Indons in Konfrantasi and the the PGRS in Sarawak? Do you, Y, by any chance believe that I have lost the conquest of fear? I have not lost my balls. The Sedition Act was a Colonial invention, and we are rather happy to perpetuate its backward and barbaric nature. That was how we had Tunisia and currently Tahrir in Egypt.

I remain,

Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban."

*****************************************

Comment 4 (From me)

"Dear X,

Thanks for reminding us of the escape clause which I put in 8 years ago when I started this e-Group. Knowing the nature of (---), it was necessary. The following is the exact notice:
 
The rule of thumb is:
 
“if it is offensive to you, then don’t continue reading it”
“if you think it will offend most people here, then don’t post it”
 
Sort of looks like an irresistible force meeting an immovable object doesn’t it? Well it did not prevent us from being classified as “Adult Category” by Yahoo [I still blame (--) for this :o)] but life in here goes on.
 
Perhaps our eminent member here, the journalist (--) would like to share his opinion on the subject."

*****************************************

Comment 5 (From Z, a Malaysian living in Singapore)

"Many decades/centuries ago, when religious groups were running the show at different corners on this earth, they also passed law such as death/jail for questioning “god” or the religious rituals or law (which were enacted to either keep the area of control in order OR to protect certain corrupted leaders)

One will see more laws will the ones in power are threatened."

*****************************************

Comment 6 (From X)

"Dear Z,

In Malaysia, there is the actual Sedition Act which the civil servants as sycophantic mercenaries proudly amplified from what was inherited from the Colonial British. They automatically become immune to this barbarism coz they protect each other (re: Syed Hussein Al-Attas, Sociology of Corruption).The other phenomenon is that everything is seditious if you criticize Islam, including the use of Allah by non-Muslims or pray for your departed at the Tugu Negara.

My job, for the best part of my life, by blood and sweat was to ensure that Malaysians had a good sleep every night. Funny about life!? Some of us who carried weapons for the Country were better schooled and had better education that the Chief Secretaries of the Gormen. It tickled us when two of us - Tan Sris (--) and (--) were made Chief Secretaries. Civil servants shud not shake in their pants in fright that there is an anti-BN ghoul behind each tree in Malaysia. There is a factor in leadership called moral courage."

*****************************************

Comment 7 (From me)

"Hear! Hear!"

*****************************************

Comment 8 (From Y)

"Hi Cheah and Abang X,

Your suggestion below might work but I'm not a lawyer so I don't know if it will.

But the other suggestion in another email to merely say 'delete if offensive' will not work in the case of seditious material especially against rulers.

I have read all the other 'hangat' responses as well and understand that people have varied feelings towards all happenings around us. Nonetheless, regardless of how one feels about certain situations, the law on online communication is what it is and the laws on rulers' rights also is what it is and still prevails.

Chatting over a drink or in one's home is one thing but forwarding such material online and the discussion of such privileges does render the sender/forwarder open to prosecution in this country.

It is of course every reader's choice to continue forwarding. I am merely protecting myself and tried to share some information that I happen to know. No one is obliged to follow it. As I said, I'm not preaching. Its everyone's choice if you wish to do first-hand research on the other side of prison walls.

Rgds, Y."

*****************************************

Comment 9 (Also from Y)

"Abang X,

Pls read my final response to Cheah. Its as clear as clear can be. No one disputes your heroism and sacrifice just like that of every individual who helped this country develop one way or another, including even thru the exchange of emails such as these. Neither is there yet a perfect law in the world.

But one lives by rules until the rules change, then we live by those rules until they change and so life goes on.

Salam, Y."

*****************************************

Comment 10 (From X)

"Dear Y,

I have taken the trouble to send Bakri Musa's article to my (--) colleague, and senior lawyer, Datuk (--) for his learned view if the ingredients of Musa's article contain any seditious part or parts. I have read it three times and could not find any seditious inclusions in it. I cannot understand how anyone can be spooked by it. They are all well considered propositions for a better Malaysia. Making royalty more acceptable to the rakyat is surely not seditious!!

Rithuan Tee bin Abdullah writes vicious anti-national postings, pro-Islam, pro-Perkasa, and BN in Utusan. There has been no redress of wrong. Blardy double-standards.

Btw, Dr Bakri Musa is a medical specialist and a prolific writer. He was MCKK."

*****************************************

Comment 11 (From Y)

"Hi Abang X,

Sabar ajelah. Many worse things in the world to worry about. Happy holidays. Y."

*****************************************

Ends

Thursday, 3 February 2011

Pre-CNY At Sham's Sanctuary Last Weekend

Tiger Putera Colonel Mike Naser and His Merry Men again organized a wonderful weekend of camaraderie, food and drink at Ulu Langat last week (Friday 28th to Sunday 30th January). OP Syam and wife Annie were as usual, wonderful hosts at Sham's Sanctuary. 

This time around there was a difference; Saturday (29th January) lunch was at the Veg Fish Farm Thai Restaurant (a couple of reviews here, and here) nearby and we were supposed to be joined by more than 20 other people.

The 18 year old restaurant was a surprise; I had not heard of it before even after having lived in the Ampang area for more than 20 years! It is definitely well-worth a re-visit. We ended up with almost 30 people for lunch that day including 3 Female Tigers; Liz Tan, Liew Suet Fun and Chris Cheng.
















Photos of dishes at Veg Fish Farm Thai Restaurant courtesy of the stated bloggers:














Sunday, 23 January 2011

HRH Prince Cheah

This morning I was at my desk top in the bedroom, tweaking the FirstLife site and Prince Cheah was comfortably under the table snoozing as he usually does.

Being at the table for more than a few hours I accidentally kicked him lightly a couple of times when I stretched my legs. The third time I did that was the last time today! Prince Cheah bit one of my toes! But that was to be expected of Prince these days. He never used to bite anyone before Jeannie passed on.

However, he is still the same measured old dog who can give you two chances before whacking you. The guy is almost human! How else can one explain the actions of a dog who a couple of years back took a full two minutes after I had accidentally kicked him particularly hard (under the table too) before attacking me! Prince's responses are always measured; he is even better than many humans.

So today, this post is about Prince Cheah Ah Kow and the words are mainly from Jeannie. One piece entitled, "More Than A Dream" is a blogpost dated 15th November 2006 that Jeannie adapted from the Net for her blog and another, entitled "My Beloved Prince", also from her blog is dated 27th July, 2006. They say it all.




More Than A Dream

He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds.
He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being: by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.)He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.

His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to be with me... whenever... wherever -- in case I need him. And I expect I will -- as I always have. I love my Royal Highness.....The Prince.


My Beloved Prince

A bad migraine is no fun.

Was lying in bed and Prince came up to me, staring right into my eyes.
Something wrong baby? I asked him.
He looked miserable and disappointed.

I was thinking what is it that he wanted?

Oh yes!...Very quickly I got up and said to him.
Its your birthday Prince, with or without a migraine, mummy is going to bake your favourite walnut/banana bread ok?

His tail was wagging and he seemed pleased.

I went down into the kitchen and started to make his birthday bread (cake) hahhaahha!
He was waiting impatiently while I was talking to him. I was also thinking, baking for a dog?

Well, why not? He is our baby and a member of the family.

A lot of things went through my mind while I was still busy with the ingredients. I am a woman who never liked dogs. No way!

The kids have always wanted a pet and I will always say NO! Now 2 years ago, a friend of my daughter wanted to give up her pet and of course, my daughter had to do her sweetest talk with this mom of hers. I still say NO!


What changed my mind was, when she came to the part where this little Prince is not being well taken care of by his former owners. Guess they have no time or whatever.

My heart skipped a beat and I said to my daughter. Well, okay. Let's go take a look and see if there is any chemistry between us. One big step.............got into the car and still not sure.

When we arrived at the apartment, I saw for the first time a dog that looked more like a cat.

What kind of species is this? I asked.
Oh..he is a Shih Tzu and his name is Prince.
Got introduced to Prince and I was still deciding.

Shall we or shall we not.

As I sat down, I saw the most beautiful, sparkling pair of eyes staring at me. I could almost hear him say.......would you please? Awwww........that's it. I said YES! We'll take you home and we'll give you a home.


Prince got settled with us nicely and quickly I must say.

Start grooming that dirty fella was the first thing I said to my kids.


Well, mummy gave him his 1st bath.

My 1st time bathing a dog? Geez.....I must be mad.

I set something like ten thousand rules?

No this and no to that and that.

Guess what?

Today Prince sleeps with me on my bed, eats with me, has his own chair next to mine.


Listening to mantras every morning and meditating with me.

Prince is now mine more than anyone else in the family. We cannot live without each other, not even for a day.

Ever heard of someone calling her dog while away?

I do that now or he will not do anything. He will be so miserable, they do not know what to do with him. My phone calls always set his/my mood back to normal.

I thank the Universe and Masters for they have put this message into me.

That you can do anything even if you do not like it...for the 1st time.
Now I cannot see myself living life without my dear Prince. His presence is always comforting and loving.
I cannot ask for any other than Prince.

We all adore him and literally made him a King.

Happy Birthday Prince.

You deserve many many more birthdays.

Long Live Prince Cheah.


We are grateful to have Prince and even more so to have him make Jeannie's last few years that much more special. The two were inseparable. Special appreciation to Eva and Andrew for taking care of him in his first three years.