29 Sep 2009 No Comments
in Happenings, Quotes
To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other’s hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time. ~ Clara Ortega
27 Sep 2009 No Comments
in Quotes
Storms make the oak grow deeper roots. ~ George Herbert
25 Sep 2009 No Comments
in Human Nature
My maternal grandmother is a sweet and sensitive woman. Unfortunately, such personalities did not help her in facing her life challenges. As the 3rd wife of my rich and flamboyant grandfather (of whom I’ve never met), she had to endure much criticisms and put downs in her adult life. I am sure that these negativities scared her forever.
Lately, I had to deal with certain individuals who seem to enjoy putting down other people. They think they are being funny, especially when they have an audience. I cannot comprehend such behavior. It is simply awful and nasty and it really bugs me.
In my search for possible deterrents to this behavior, I found an article entitled How To Deal With People Who Put You Down. Here’s a few remarks, comments and responses that can be quite helpful in eliminating or lessening the impact of put downs:
As for me, I’ll just walk away. I rather be rude than miserable. It’s my right! Good luck.
23 Sep 2009 No Comments
in Happenings, Malaysia
A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from the Embassy of Malaysia. I was invited to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri at the residence of the ambassador. What a pleasant surprise! And what a great opportunity!
There were a couple of traffic jams on our way to Brussels. Maybe we should have left Harelbeke at 3pm for the 5pm reception. Ha! The most important thing is that we got there safely without getting lost. Although we were 2 hours late (I know – bad), everything went well. A couple of friendly embassy staff welcomed us, food was still plentiful and good. The people were happily eating, talking, exchanging contact info and laughing at the silliest remarks made in a jumble of Malay, English, Chinese and whatever languages.
It was a pleasant evening. Even though I have been away from Malaysia for so many years and have adjusted myself well in the American and Belgian society, it was a good feeling to be among my people. I have 2 emails I need to write and possibly some people I will visit one day in the near future. There’s only 300 of us in Belgium. That kinda makes us family huh? 
Next up, Malaysian Food Festival in Antwerp?
21 Sep 2009 No Comments
in Quotes
Anger is a killing thing: it kills the man who angers, for each rage leaves him less than he had been before – it takes something from him. ~ Louis L’Amour
19 Sep 2009 No Comments
in Human Nature
We’ve all heard it. To accomplish anything significant, an individual will need to have passion, drive and commitment. Most of us agree to this concept and will sometimes try to implement it.
Nevertheless, I think a balance should be strived somewhere. I believe that letting go and disconnecting oneself is essential. Know when to stop and say ‘I’m done. Next!’.
Here are a few examples of when we need stop, let go and move on:
Disconnect and free yourself.
17 Sep 2009 No Comments
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity. ~ Charles Mingus
15 Sep 2009 No Comments
in Travels
This is one of my ‘been there, done that’ travel related post…
I’ve seen the giant tire of Detroit, Michigan. I saw it during my summer vacation in the mid 90s. This was before the days of digital cameras. I guess that is why I remember the sight so vividly. 
13 Sep 2009 No Comments
in Travels
In an overly populated world of satellite guiding systems, Google maps and persistent adventurers, it was a bit of a surprise to read about the discovery in Papua New Guinea.
I’ve read enough scientific journals to realize that there are plenty of planet Earth that we have yet to uncovered. There are oceans depths that humans have not reached, caverns that will probably stay undiscovered till the end of time and species that lived and disappeared because we killed them unwittingly.
The Earth is a fragile cradle of life. With all the negative human activities it has to endure, the news of such a discovery is amazing and hopeful. It seems unreal that a little lost world still exist.
11 Sep 2009 No Comments
in Quotes
The purpose of life is a life of purpose. ~ Robert Byrne
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