I've always think I've done almost anything I need to do and even at one point of time thought I can now go deep in the jungle and meditate, be a nun or something to spend the rest of time life.
Thus far I hope things I've done never offend people, do not create negativities and hopefully have inspired a person or two, perhaps touched some lives.
I always think 'What if I die the next moment?' Have I done all that I could to prepare for death?
I have no regrets, no grievances, just perhaps some words left unsaid (which sometimes better off this way), hmmmm all these made me dare to die - putting myself on the operation table to part with 60% of liver, facing death at Kayak for Humanity expedition.
But I want to tell people my dream funeral. When I die I can't tell people about this so I better blog this so you guys know what I want. Yesterday I had dinner with a group of fun, happy people and when I mentioned my dream funeral, everyone seems to echoed and suggested something which just click on my dream funeral! Happy people think alike!
1. First rule, NO tears allowed
2. Karaoke is a must and I want everyone to sing!
3. Bring on the mahjong tables
4. Play bingo games, card games, board games, Wii games, Playstation games all you want!
5. Only happy news allowed, no one can come and complain or utter any grievances.
6. CKGord suggested face painting for my face and grafitti of my casket. Please use orange as the theme, my favourite colour.
7. Attire: up to you, colour: preferably orange!
8. If I'm married and I die before my husband, my husband must already start looking for another partner for the rest of his life.
9. All useable organs and tissues must be donated.
If you do all these, I will live forever.
-------
Things just happen, the rest is up to us to make it GREAT!
Hoong Ling
+6016-3310325
www.hoongling.com
Sent from my BlackBerry® Smartphone
Showing posts with label Appreciation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Appreciation. Show all posts
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
I am very rich and wealthy!
Again, I grew up to understand giving is always better than receiving, service above self and give first then take.
Yet, learning to receive to empower the givers the joy of giving, was what to me most difficult to learn.
Since young, when someone is good to me, I always have the feeling that someday I'll need to repay them to show gratitude. At one point of time, I received so much ang pau money during Chinese New Year, I vowed that I MUST be rich.
I told myself there are so many people I want to take care of. Sure enough my parents, my aunt and uncle who brought me up, my Ipoh aunt who never fail to take care of me and my many relatives who have been very kind to me. If I'm not rich how can I repay them, I thought.
My skin is sensitive. If I wear something fake like imitation gold necklace, steel ring or earrings, I'll have rashes and itching. Thus if I'm not rich, how can I buy authentic jewelries, I thought.
I have a taste for luxury. Of all nuts, I don't like peanuts but love macadamias, one of the higher end nuts in terms of price tag. I enjoy scallops and abalone best although there are still certain foods considered luxury barely could enter my mouth. Again, if I'm not rich how to savour all these delicacies?
Giving to charity is my passion. I just can't help working for free, doing things for free and volunteer for free. Even in business, as a professional emcee I still allocate 5% of all my income for charity. I always tell myself I MUST be rich enough to do all of my passion!
Although it doesn't show, I also love a Mercedes Benz. Despite satisfied with my good old Proton Iswara which serves me very well, I will also daydream of one day my dream come true to own a Mercedes. So how can I not be rich?
My Dad loves China, Mom loves Macau and Las Vegas so how not to be rich when I too dream of luxury holidays!
Therefore I must be rich and wealthy. But when all things start with the seeds of thoughts, I've already planted seeds of being rich in myself and guess who will be the next millionaire? Me, of course! :)
-------
Things just happen, the rest is up to us to make it GREAT!
Hoong Ling
+6016-3310325
www.hoongling.com
Sent from my BlackBerry® Smartphone
Sunday, September 4, 2011
The gift of hearing
Some of my friends recalled our primary school teacher who just like to slap us as punishment and asked if I was deafen by the slaps. I guess not.
Some asked, what's the difference between having both hearing and one side of hearing? I couldn't tell the difference! But later in school we learnt that both ears are to collect information and determine where sound comes from. True enough, if you call me from the left, I'd still look at the right side because that's the working ear and sound I heard only from the left. Funny people will always say 'here! Here!' to indicate their locations and I'd still look around on my right. Those who know about my problem will say, 'on left left! Look a bit more to the left' or 'behind you!'
At dinners, I'd only sit to a person's left side so I could hear him or her on my right ear. So on my left will be guests or new friends who do not know about my hearing loss. People tend to talk and I can't hear and some thought I'm arrogant for not replying. Or I may participate in the conversation but I'll need to turn so much to the left that my neck sores after a while. Good for neck exercise though!
When driving, a honk will make me turn around, look at mirrors to see if I'm the one being honked at.
It wasn't until more people whispering to me on the left that I finally gave up and seek need of a hearing aid. As a professional emcee, very often people run to me to whisper things to announce but they find themselves repeating again when I turn my good ear to them.
A hearing aid these days is not just an amplifier to amplify sounds. Hearing aids have digital noise reduction, multiple channels input, speech recognition, multiple channels selections, up to 20 channels output speaker, multi colours, multi function, multi program, even comes with music, linking to bluetooth devices, remote controls and many more different features.
Thus its price is also in the high range depending on the models. Staring at RM1,000 which normally only amplify sounds including background noise and will be difficult to listen to people talking, up to RM20,000 with bluetooth, remote control and all accessories.
Having know that, and knowing I need a good aid, I playfully posted on Twitter 'seriously need a hearing aid, who want to sponsor me?'. To my surprise, Tan Sri Kua Sian Kooi said he will. He also repeatedly asked for my name and account number.
We have not met and many of you know how difficult it was for me to receive things from others. Growing up with 'give first', 'giving is better than receiving', 'service before self', I find myself rather difficult in taking, which I knew I need to correct this. A friend said by taking when people give sincerely, I'm also giving, giving them the joy of giving I've always enjoyed.
I don't know someone by just @skkua as his twitter handle and profile says 'Kurnia Insurance founder and chairman'. When I asked and a friend said 'Tan Sri Kua?' Only did I know he is a Tan Sri. He said he's a close friend to Tan Sri Fong Chan Onn and in a few more days, Tan Sri Fong himself messaged me to say 'a friend want to give you hearing aid, can you accept?'
Cornered with guilt, hey when will you have two Tan Sris asking you to receive a sincere gift? We came out for lunch one day for a chat after I surveyed on a few models which may suit me. I proposed a mid range but Tan Sri wanted me to have a good one.
Now I'm walking tall as I can hear with both ears! Left ear, though is aided, but has more functions! Nothing beats natural hearing like my right ear but my hearing aid has got 5 channels to suit any environment, even comes with Zen music at a press of a button. It costs RM9,800 and I wouldn't have gotten my ear without Tan Sri Kua Sian Kooi.
Thank you and when I see Kurnia sign everywhere, I always point to the logo and tell people around me that my ear is sponsored by the boss of this company.
And he owns Kurnia, he kurniakan telinga to me. I gave a gift of life to someone, the gift of hearing to me almost equates that.
-------
Things just happen, the rest is up to us to make it GREAT!
Hoong Ling
+6016-3310325
www.hoongling.com
Sent from my BlackBerry® Smartphone
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Are you rich?
My friend asked me a question, 'Hoong Ling, are you rich?'
'Of course I am! I have a body of silver, a heart of gold, platinum plated and lined with titanium!'
Everyone burst out laughing at my response.
Today I saw a friend posting on her Facebook, 'If you ever want to know how rich you are, just count all the things you have that money can't buy'
I agree with that and I'd think that is true riches. Count not the money you have in the bank but the blessings you have that money really can't buy.
I recently just calculated my nett cash and found a meagre RM2606.39 as the number, of course struggling without a job for two years and my deep passion in social causes I'm currently working on. A 9-5 job will not allow me to 'work' on things I love to do most - social works. Therefore I chose to do my own works by offering professional emceeing. That's my only income for the moment and every month I'd take 3-4 jobs, enough to live a comfortable living.
Of course I still have 2 properties to collect rental, minus off all expenses, I have RM250 passive incomes!
However, I'm rich! Really rich! Every night before I sleep I count my blessings... I post my #gratitude on Facebook and Twitter at times and I truly feel blessed.
Money can't buy my breaths and the fact that I'm still breathing is a blessing. I risked my life on an operation theatre to save a stranger by giving 60% of my liver. I cheated death twice during Kayak For Humanity - once during training near the whirlpools and once facing 17ft waves.
Money can't buy or choose my parents and I have both very differing thoughts one. I lived with both thoughts and learnt to listen to both views and angle of views.
Money definitely can't buy my friends and I have a lottttttt of great companies around me! I have my friends since school days hanging out together even until now. I have 3 great mentors - all great guys - one memory expert, one deputy minister and one famous training and marketing expert. I have friends whom I everyday receive comments so I can improve. And I have a cool bunch of Twitter friends whom we have monthly bah kut teh in Klang, eat, drink, sing karaoke and political discussions...
Money cannot buy experience and I'm truly glad I have opportunities to walk a journey less or seldom traveled by others. My life is always full of challenges, or shall I say the paths I daringly take always give me experience I can't find elsewhere. Rather, the people I'm with also gave me much opportunities - although I'm always frank, direct, straightforward and sometimes considered rude, I have my ex-bosses who are all very educating and taught me lessons in life.
My first boss gave me an opportunity to be a supervisor after a month being a cashier and taught me that I must always consider the person giving me opportunities. I wanted to resign after a while, which could put him in very difficult position because he has fought for my promotion and salary. My last company put me in a position where I'm very much empowered to do a lot of things, further taught me to win a battle, not just a war. Other experiences include being a TV Presenter on Selamat Pagi Malaysia even when in college and I was without experience at all. Money definitely couldn't buy all these.
Money cannot buy sincere hearts who sincerely want to give me things I need or want. I've learned that giving is better than receiving and I always have the joy of giving and that joy kept me giving but to receive, I always feel a guilt and embarrassment in myself. Friends said I'm selfish but I didn't see how giving more than receiving can be selfish. He said if I refused to receive I'm deprive others the joy of giving. I learn to receive.
Recently a new friend Tan Sri Kua Sian Kooi has offered to buy me a hearing aid which I'll need on my left ear. A genuine heart to sincerely give me a gift of hearing. I hesitated at first, knowing a hearing aid can be very expensive, knowing Tan Sri Kua only as @skkua on Twitter, and somehow I was taught since young not to mingle with the rich or they will think you want something from them. But I've never met a more sincere heart than his. He is unlike some people who merely say or talk about helping others but expecting the person to go through tough process, I have met many. Instead Tan Sri Kua is the humblest rich man I've ever seen, most sincere by repeatedly asking me for my account number and even had a lunch session arranged.
I can't describe how excited I was when I went to two hearing aid shops to test my ears and find out the models which suit me. During lunch this week, I showed Tan Sri a few models but chose one that really suit my ear. There were bluetooth models, remote control, multi-channels, multi colours, even with programmable music. I will forgo the bluetooth and colours but will need a high number of channels, background noise reduction, feedbacks handling and the model I chose comes with music in the ears!
It is really not cheap though, bluetooth models can go up to a whooping RM15,000 and the model I chose ranges from RM5,000 (5 channels) to RM10,000 (15 channels). I thought to take a mid range of 10 channels which could cost RM7k-8k but Tan Sri really wants to give me a good one and I finally can't contain my excitement to get the 15 channels one.
I'm looking very much forward to hear with both ears again and I count these blessings everyday.
THANK YOU Tan Sri Kua! A gift of hearing is one best gift for me!
-------
Things just happen, the rest is up to us to make it GREAT!
Hoong Ling
+6016-3310325
www.hoongling.com
Sent from my BlackBerry® Smartphone
'Of course I am! I have a body of silver, a heart of gold, platinum plated and lined with titanium!'
Everyone burst out laughing at my response.
Today I saw a friend posting on her Facebook, 'If you ever want to know how rich you are, just count all the things you have that money can't buy'
I agree with that and I'd think that is true riches. Count not the money you have in the bank but the blessings you have that money really can't buy.
I recently just calculated my nett cash and found a meagre RM2606.39 as the number, of course struggling without a job for two years and my deep passion in social causes I'm currently working on. A 9-5 job will not allow me to 'work' on things I love to do most - social works. Therefore I chose to do my own works by offering professional emceeing. That's my only income for the moment and every month I'd take 3-4 jobs, enough to live a comfortable living.
Of course I still have 2 properties to collect rental, minus off all expenses, I have RM250 passive incomes!
However, I'm rich! Really rich! Every night before I sleep I count my blessings... I post my #gratitude on Facebook and Twitter at times and I truly feel blessed.
Money can't buy my breaths and the fact that I'm still breathing is a blessing. I risked my life on an operation theatre to save a stranger by giving 60% of my liver. I cheated death twice during Kayak For Humanity - once during training near the whirlpools and once facing 17ft waves.
Money can't buy or choose my parents and I have both very differing thoughts one. I lived with both thoughts and learnt to listen to both views and angle of views.
Money definitely can't buy my friends and I have a lottttttt of great companies around me! I have my friends since school days hanging out together even until now. I have 3 great mentors - all great guys - one memory expert, one deputy minister and one famous training and marketing expert. I have friends whom I everyday receive comments so I can improve. And I have a cool bunch of Twitter friends whom we have monthly bah kut teh in Klang, eat, drink, sing karaoke and political discussions...
Money cannot buy experience and I'm truly glad I have opportunities to walk a journey less or seldom traveled by others. My life is always full of challenges, or shall I say the paths I daringly take always give me experience I can't find elsewhere. Rather, the people I'm with also gave me much opportunities - although I'm always frank, direct, straightforward and sometimes considered rude, I have my ex-bosses who are all very educating and taught me lessons in life.
My first boss gave me an opportunity to be a supervisor after a month being a cashier and taught me that I must always consider the person giving me opportunities. I wanted to resign after a while, which could put him in very difficult position because he has fought for my promotion and salary. My last company put me in a position where I'm very much empowered to do a lot of things, further taught me to win a battle, not just a war. Other experiences include being a TV Presenter on Selamat Pagi Malaysia even when in college and I was without experience at all. Money definitely couldn't buy all these.
Money cannot buy sincere hearts who sincerely want to give me things I need or want. I've learned that giving is better than receiving and I always have the joy of giving and that joy kept me giving but to receive, I always feel a guilt and embarrassment in myself. Friends said I'm selfish but I didn't see how giving more than receiving can be selfish. He said if I refused to receive I'm deprive others the joy of giving. I learn to receive.
Recently a new friend Tan Sri Kua Sian Kooi has offered to buy me a hearing aid which I'll need on my left ear. A genuine heart to sincerely give me a gift of hearing. I hesitated at first, knowing a hearing aid can be very expensive, knowing Tan Sri Kua only as @skkua on Twitter, and somehow I was taught since young not to mingle with the rich or they will think you want something from them. But I've never met a more sincere heart than his. He is unlike some people who merely say or talk about helping others but expecting the person to go through tough process, I have met many. Instead Tan Sri Kua is the humblest rich man I've ever seen, most sincere by repeatedly asking me for my account number and even had a lunch session arranged.
I can't describe how excited I was when I went to two hearing aid shops to test my ears and find out the models which suit me. During lunch this week, I showed Tan Sri a few models but chose one that really suit my ear. There were bluetooth models, remote control, multi-channels, multi colours, even with programmable music. I will forgo the bluetooth and colours but will need a high number of channels, background noise reduction, feedbacks handling and the model I chose comes with music in the ears!
It is really not cheap though, bluetooth models can go up to a whooping RM15,000 and the model I chose ranges from RM5,000 (5 channels) to RM10,000 (15 channels). I thought to take a mid range of 10 channels which could cost RM7k-8k but Tan Sri really wants to give me a good one and I finally can't contain my excitement to get the 15 channels one.
I'm looking very much forward to hear with both ears again and I count these blessings everyday.
THANK YOU Tan Sri Kua! A gift of hearing is one best gift for me!
-------
Things just happen, the rest is up to us to make it GREAT!
Hoong Ling
+6016-3310325
www.hoongling.com
Sent from my BlackBerry® Smartphone
Thursday, June 2, 2011
One Million Youth Gathering
It was held for three days from 27th to 29th May 2011 at Putrajaya.
Himpunan Sejuta Belia has made some impact and a 180 degree change from the normal National Youth Day. Many years ago the normal celebration involves youths mainly from the National Youth Council, held in a big stadium to host about 20 to 30 thousand youths. I may be wrong but that's what I remember.
Last year the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dato' Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek changed the concept. He was the first minister to forgo his speech slot during this important day. Speech from a minister during youth day? Let the youths celebrate without boring speeches, he thought.
Dato' Sri Shabery also changed the old style of giving goodies, transport and allowance to attract participants. Corporate sponsors were sought to prepare activities for youths instead. More money saved was used to attract more youths to the annual event.
As a result, last year 200 thousand youths swarmed Putrajaya with all sorts of activities there. The Prime Minister Dato' Sri Najib Razak threw a challenge to the ministry to gather 1 million youths this year.
Works started as early as end of last year to plan activities, programs and venue for a 3-day celebration to have a total of 1 million youths celebrate together.
This year during the 3 days, a million youths swarmed Putrajaya with more than 200 activities and events for all participants. I was very skeptical and doubt it will be a success. Towards the days approaching the dates of the gathering, not many people know about the celebration or any of its events.
I also doubted the event could bring impact to people and was very disappointed at the non structure organization of the event too. I am not comfortable to visit public areas with mass of people (due to pass 'phobia' after bumping into someone which caused severe pain on my liver surgery wound) so I have no plans to attend. However, I prayed it will be a success as I have also seen the efforts done for it.
I got a call on the first day of the celebration on Friday that I will be receiving an award from the Prime Minister on the second day during the launch of the gathering. I couldn't believe my ears but I went ahead, thanks to my friend Teck Hoe who volunteered to fetch me knowing I hate jams and will be difficult to reach the venue.
I went on Saturday. And when I reached Putrajaya, it was eye-opener.
I thought of the normal scene where you see all Malays (sorry to be a bit racist here, but please allow me to share)... I was wrong. Scores of Chinese youngsters mixed with many Malay girls pooled the front of the main stage. They were all awaiting Super Junior M!
I thought to see all the normal scenes of hari belia having only youths in organizations under the National Youth Council everywhere. I was wrong too, many young adults and students came from nowhere. They also thanked the ministry for preparing buses as transportation for them to come for the celebration where otherwise they can only watch the TV from home. I have met students all the way from Kluang and Kelantan.
I thought to see the normal scenes of all old youths. Malaysia defines youths as below 40 years old and most of these activists are over 30 years old. I was wrong... There were scores of youngsters perhaps below 20 years old around Putrajaya!
I thought to see only buses or buses more than anything else because those are the only transport to bring 'arranged youths' to reach the targeted number of youths. I was really wrong... Buses were only like perhaps less than 5% of the transport available. Many cars causing superific traffic jams!
I thought only those normal events like futsal or paintball around. I was proven wrong once again. Over 200 activities were arranged including sasuke (forgive my ignorance but this is the first time I heard of it), even the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Gan Ping Sieu tried the challenge. Various activities, multi racial and cross cultural.. Sports, extreme sports, competitions and mostly sponsored by corporates.
Also notable is the seating arrangement. No front two rows for VVIPs only... All ministers and deputy ministers sit among the participants. Even Deputy Minister Razali Ibrahim went cycling around Putrajaya to meet the youths! Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Dato' Sri Idris Jala also joined the band and jammed with the youths! Even our very own Prime Minister clad in MU jersey came to watch live football shows with thousands of youths.
This year youth day has definitely been very different from the previous years. Definitely has made much more impact than previously done and totally different from the rest.
Where in the world I can play paintball, see supercars, open my eyes to sasuke and various events all in one carnival? I think this event should be repeated.
Skeptics all round I feel should not always condemn if they have not visited the carnival. Seeing and believing and if I have not been to the celebration to receive my award, I'd still be in my skeptic mind and wrongful thoughts.
Looking forward for Youth Year 2012 and I wish all youths Selamat Hari Belia Negara.
---------------------
Things just happen, the rest is up to us to make it GREAT!
Hoong Ling
+6016-3310325
www.hoongling.com
Sent from my BlackBerry® Smartphone
Himpunan Sejuta Belia has made some impact and a 180 degree change from the normal National Youth Day. Many years ago the normal celebration involves youths mainly from the National Youth Council, held in a big stadium to host about 20 to 30 thousand youths. I may be wrong but that's what I remember.
Last year the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dato' Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek changed the concept. He was the first minister to forgo his speech slot during this important day. Speech from a minister during youth day? Let the youths celebrate without boring speeches, he thought.
Dato' Sri Shabery also changed the old style of giving goodies, transport and allowance to attract participants. Corporate sponsors were sought to prepare activities for youths instead. More money saved was used to attract more youths to the annual event.
As a result, last year 200 thousand youths swarmed Putrajaya with all sorts of activities there. The Prime Minister Dato' Sri Najib Razak threw a challenge to the ministry to gather 1 million youths this year.
Works started as early as end of last year to plan activities, programs and venue for a 3-day celebration to have a total of 1 million youths celebrate together.
This year during the 3 days, a million youths swarmed Putrajaya with more than 200 activities and events for all participants. I was very skeptical and doubt it will be a success. Towards the days approaching the dates of the gathering, not many people know about the celebration or any of its events.
I also doubted the event could bring impact to people and was very disappointed at the non structure organization of the event too. I am not comfortable to visit public areas with mass of people (due to pass 'phobia' after bumping into someone which caused severe pain on my liver surgery wound) so I have no plans to attend. However, I prayed it will be a success as I have also seen the efforts done for it.
I got a call on the first day of the celebration on Friday that I will be receiving an award from the Prime Minister on the second day during the launch of the gathering. I couldn't believe my ears but I went ahead, thanks to my friend Teck Hoe who volunteered to fetch me knowing I hate jams and will be difficult to reach the venue.
I went on Saturday. And when I reached Putrajaya, it was eye-opener.
I thought of the normal scene where you see all Malays (sorry to be a bit racist here, but please allow me to share)... I was wrong. Scores of Chinese youngsters mixed with many Malay girls pooled the front of the main stage. They were all awaiting Super Junior M!
I thought to see all the normal scenes of hari belia having only youths in organizations under the National Youth Council everywhere. I was wrong too, many young adults and students came from nowhere. They also thanked the ministry for preparing buses as transportation for them to come for the celebration where otherwise they can only watch the TV from home. I have met students all the way from Kluang and Kelantan.
I thought to see the normal scenes of all old youths. Malaysia defines youths as below 40 years old and most of these activists are over 30 years old. I was wrong... There were scores of youngsters perhaps below 20 years old around Putrajaya!
I thought to see only buses or buses more than anything else because those are the only transport to bring 'arranged youths' to reach the targeted number of youths. I was really wrong... Buses were only like perhaps less than 5% of the transport available. Many cars causing superific traffic jams!
I thought only those normal events like futsal or paintball around. I was proven wrong once again. Over 200 activities were arranged including sasuke (forgive my ignorance but this is the first time I heard of it), even the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Gan Ping Sieu tried the challenge. Various activities, multi racial and cross cultural.. Sports, extreme sports, competitions and mostly sponsored by corporates.
Also notable is the seating arrangement. No front two rows for VVIPs only... All ministers and deputy ministers sit among the participants. Even Deputy Minister Razali Ibrahim went cycling around Putrajaya to meet the youths! Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Dato' Sri Idris Jala also joined the band and jammed with the youths! Even our very own Prime Minister clad in MU jersey came to watch live football shows with thousands of youths.
This year youth day has definitely been very different from the previous years. Definitely has made much more impact than previously done and totally different from the rest.
Where in the world I can play paintball, see supercars, open my eyes to sasuke and various events all in one carnival? I think this event should be repeated.
Skeptics all round I feel should not always condemn if they have not visited the carnival. Seeing and believing and if I have not been to the celebration to receive my award, I'd still be in my skeptic mind and wrongful thoughts.
Looking forward for Youth Year 2012 and I wish all youths Selamat Hari Belia Negara.
---------------------
Things just happen, the rest is up to us to make it GREAT!
Hoong Ling
+6016-3310325
www.hoongling.com
Sent from my BlackBerry® Smartphone
Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.2
Sunday, September 12, 2010
The times.... the times....
In search for a sweet looking young lady's photo for my book cover, my publisher asked that I send in photos when I was 13 years old, or younger.
Why 13, because I donated part of my liver to a 13-year-old girl and when I first pledged my organs - that was also when I was 13 years old. A coincidence.
But then as a tomboy at that time, most of those 13-year-old photos are all in uniforms (St. John Ambulance uniform to be exact) and marching or doing something actively boyish. The vivacity during childhood. The times.... the times...
Couldn't find sweeter photos to go with... and these are all photos when I was older
The younger ones with full portrait or even NAKED! and of course full head shots too but seldom see full head shots when I am elder
Finally a few head shot photos... none sweeter than the current selected photo for the cover, the one on the top right
We contemplated a few in St. John uniforms, too but then I do not want to be finger-pointed to say I "use" or "misuse" St. John for fame... as they have accused me of doing so... forget the uniforms, I told the publisher and of course, I have since quit from all St. John's too. The spirit is in the hearts, not in the uniform or ranking or the participation in it... Service for Mankind
Still looking for full head shots but not good enough.....
And self portrait perhaps.... what was I doing with that tree? Bollywood.... ? And the serene meditating photo... not good enough as it was zoomed out somewhat...
It was when my friend, Axiao wrote about the 18 vs 30 (age) that I reflected back too....
18 or younger..... you will only see me in dress in school - the school pinafore yeah! Always in T-shirts - these were passed down from my elder cousin to the younger cousin and then to me... we can pass on for 3 generations but clothes these days and machine washed could merely be worn within one generation or so...
The love for marching and foot drills after watching the many Merdeka parades, awed by the standing guards for the lifetime of the parade.... We really did stood for St. John Ambulance annual parade as well, the longest was during the trouping of the Perak St John colours! A whooping 2.5hours!.. and loving and imitating most closely the commands of armies at that time, one cannot forget my voice that trembled the whole school! (ok my school is small)
Squaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaddddddd!! S'Dia! Dari kiriiiiiiiiiiiiii Cepat j'lan!! and the troupe echoed kiri, kiri, kiri kanan kiri.... kri, kri, kri knan kri... and always remember that most difficult line of command.... Dari kiri, di sebelah kiri, jadikan skuaddd... dan berhenti (until now, I have no idea how it is to be the best in command) and soon when I left school, that difficult line was scrapped from the format of foot drills...
Remembering also a time when I shouted the commands as practise for competitions.... two traffic policemen passed by the school. They were looking at us, my friend trembled to say "You are doomed, Hoong Ling... the police is looking at you.." and they passed the school gates and my friend's relief was but a few seconds and the police took a U-turn, turned into the gates, coming towards us and stopped the engine of their masculine-look, white motrobikes, just about 5 feet away... stared at me for a good few seconds while my friend at my side kept trembling non-stop fearing of .... (dunno what!)... "Apa buat?" the police asked and I said "Latihan - training for marching"... and the police said, "You punya suara bagus ah...", started the engines again and rode off...
The times.... the times.....
And oh yes, out of popularity though NEVER ever played a sport in school (having strict and disciplinarian aunt forbade, and St. John was my only active activity in school), was elected the House Leader - green house, if I am not mistaken. And strange enough, the closest of my friends, then SIX of us... we were all scattered in the 4 different houses; and 4 of us among the six were house leaders. We will have roti canai on Saturday mornings and asked each other, "Hey, how is your house doing?"
Perhaps badminton was the only sport I am OK at... and I will never forget how Wai Kheng, a close friend smashes the shuttle and the racket fell right on my head when I played double with her... the phobia stayed until now!
The times.... the times.....
First with the bicycle... riding to school only on Saturdays - my aunt was so afraid that I will be in trouble and of course the bruises and wounds on arms and legs due to accidents... Also remembered a time when I was a mere passenger on a friend's bicyle, he was riding so fast and I was so afraid that I jumped off the bike... and of course elbows, knees and heels all wounded - a week of torment.
And then motorcycle - the ecstasy of getting the driving license... and accidents, too! Who can escape...? But then, it is worth admiration that I have never cause accidents to anyone since first driving a car.
The times... the times....
And seeing my friends all representing the school, the district, the state in many sports - hockey, ping pong, tennis, badminton and athletics... I wondered what will I be representing the school for... St. John competitions in the state but wasn't really much welcomed - the all-girl school was not fond of the tomboy marching away with no trophies excepting the foot drills 3rd prize in the state (our team has less interest in home nursing and failed miserably at the competitions). And it was my friends' inspirations which made me vowed to one day represent the country and years after that dream, it came true in 2003 when I was selected on board the Ship for Southeast Asia Youths... and unforgettable journey but the most unforgettable one is how your friends planted that inspirations and seed in your head when you are so young but 16.
The times.....
I first did something to be proud of... achieving all As in Form Three and being one of the most famous schools in the small town, we have reporters coming to snap our picture and put our little news in the papers. The first thing that I ever did my family proud - haven't seen such occasion of pride in my family then, and further account of my aunt saying that "Our family will never be successful" because our side of the family has no lawyers or engineers like her husband's side of the family... it made me determined to be in papers and dreaming to be on TV one day....
And those fine days came - 2 years as a TV presenter on Selamat Pagi Malaysia and numerous times on mass media... and yes, my aunt did the honour of revealing when she was half drunk, to my dad she said, "I, too has a share in the pride and the success of your daughter." And yes, a big role in the growing years and my aunt was my guardian since my parents divorced when I was 4 or 5 years old.
And of course... that inspirations and seed planted in my head again...
The times....
Now approaching 30 - still not yet 30 in full as I am but the youngest among the closest of friends.... I felt that it was a long way and yes the inspirations and seeds planted in my head - all achieved and I must say that the applause should go to all my friends and family members for allowing me to share the times and wonderful moments with them.
As my journey ventures along, I find many big people - big as in rank, reputation and conduct - are many above me, humbling me to walk in my life a little lower.
Jadilah seperti padi.... semakin berisi, semakin tunduk... And I hope I will....
Friday, July 16, 2010
Getting to know the life of a Casino High Roller....
It was a first experience for me - the recent trip to Manila, Philippines opened my eyes and widened my horizon.
It all started with my mother saying that there is a trip to Manila. Of all places, my mother planning to visit Manila was a surprise to me. First, she speaks little English. Secondly, I do not think she will like the place. But the reason was later found - it was a casino trip. Every person should buy at least RM10,000 worth of casino rolling chips (chips for you to gamble and cannot exchange to cash unless you win and are paid cash chips) to be entitled for a trip there - inclusive of flights, VIP junket room service, and 3d2n stay at a 5-star hotel, all food inclusive. It came out that the hotel and casino was Resorts World Manila - sounds familiar? Yes, it is Genting's new hotel and casino which is strategically located right across the airport! So people can fly in, gamble for 3d2n and fly back - just like you driving to Genting, gamble for 3d2n and drive back.
We (my mother, aunt, uncle, cousin and I) left Ipoh by taxi to Penang. Upon reaching Penang, we had a McDonald's breakfast meal and then we board the flight. It was an AirAsia flight direct to Manila - yes, there is NO direct flight to Manila from Penang but then this plane is a chartered flight. Most of the high rollers or people in the flight are from Penang so boarding is from Penang airport.
The flight took slightly less than 4 hours. I touched down to the ground I missed for 7 years. My first time to Manila was during the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) 2003. I have a foster family and at least 28 ship's participants as friends. Having joined SSEAYP is like having family members around ASEAN and Japan.
Upon touching down, we checked in at the Marriott Hotel, just next to Maxsim Hotel (the hotel run by Genting). Maxsim was still under renovation so we stayed at Marriott. Maxsim, Marriott and the Resorts World casino are all in a block.
The bus moved very slowly to allow a Resorts World (RW) staff to check our names on the bus. We had 4 buses. We were greeted by smiles and a live band singing at the lounge for us to refresh ourselves while waiting for room check-ins. Pastries and drinks were served.
I quickly washed my face, freshen up and headed to the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, a university where Chris (SSEAYP friend, Philippines Participating Youth PPY 2003) lectures there. He has invited me to be among the panel speakers for "Her Stories: Three Perspectives of Women Who Serve". The speakers were Yna who is now a sister (PPY 2003) and Nanay (National Leader 2003). About 100 students packed the small auditorium. I was so glad to accept this privilege to speak to these enthusiastic students. THANKS Chris!
At night, I met with my foster father, Uncle Rod Cornejo at the hotel. He would fly to another province on weekend so that was the only time to meet for a chat. Then my bed was calling.... to sleep.
The next morning we have breakfast at the casino's VIP area but then I was hungry so I ordered a pre-breakfast - a Japanese set at only PHP800 (almost RM64 - a steal for a good filling meal at a 5-star hotel!). I only have a chance to walk around the casino and impress myself at the VIP room.
The VIP room has a whole set of sofa, LCD TV, a dining table, a kitchen and staffs to serve us, a private washroom and three private tables for gambling. The minimum ante was RM1,000. Uncle bought 6 bottles of Remy Martin XO and Blue Label and guests in the room could drink to the max. I did not join them the last night so I didn't know how it felt like. Cameras were not allowed at the casino so could not capture some photos...
Then Bons (PPY 2003) with her husband Fred brought me to Selcedo market... I must visit this market again if I were to go again. It opens only on Saturdays - morning to 1pm. So much local foods there - all delicious to the max - I spent almost PHP4,000 there!
After that, I went to look for my family who have dinner with the group of high rollers at a Chinese restaurant. The menu included abalone, grilled geese, fish, tiger prawns and crabs. I missed that lunch because I had lunch at a local restaurant, Ebun. When going overseas, I always prefer local specialties. I also bought 6 packs of Champ-o-Rado (a local breakfast - chocolate rice porridge) and my favourite Lambanog. Somehow the taste of the Lambanog did not tasted like what it was 7 years ago.
After the lunch, some went to the Mall for shopping which a few of us went back to the hotel. I got a chance to sit at the slot machine but my Genting card cannot be used. Maybe my green card (lowest level) was not VIP enough. So I lingered with my mom watching them bet at the VIP room. RM1,000 per bet is not for me. Is for the high rollers.... I was watching around and then my uncle took the role of my "publicity manager" publicising my liver donation and that I have a Mercedes scar on my abdomen.
A junket came to help me to get a Gold member card. By the time I took the card, it was already evening and I got back to the room to get ready as Boz (PPY 2003) was the chef of the night. My cousin and I went to his house for a feast of local food!
Then back to the casino again.....
My cousin asked me to accompany her betting at the low roller area. Our first attempt was at the slots machine.... I inserted my card, reloaded PHP1,000 and pressed a few buttons to try my luck at the jackpot machine. My cousin was next to me and a few press and she stopped to watch me play. I think I pressed less than 10 times and we were raving at the fourth bonus logo at the last reel.... I striked the MINOR jackpot PHP3,600 and another free 25 spins. By the time the spins were done, I won at least PHP8,000. So I stopped and cashed out the money.
We then played at the smaller tables with ante only PHP200 and bets PHP400. We sat at the table for almost 4 hours for the fun of it. We didn't lose much. My cousin, at almost midnight, said that she felt like drinking. We have private VIP rooms to drink and eat but then we were at the table at non-VIP area. She got the waiter to bring a glass of whisky for me and brandy for her.
The next day, I met my foster family - mother, sister and brother - but time was limited so we only had about an hour for chat at the hotel lobby. Then we went to the casino to cash out all the chips. At the casino, we got news that the flight was delay so we played a while more and had lunch at the VIP area.
We overheard friends saying that one of our friends won more than half a million RM but he continued playing to lose all. My mom lose at least RM60k on the first day but by the end of the trip she flew back with smiles and RM40k in winnings. But the win was not only monetary.... we had a good trip - my first time flying overseas with my mother! we had fun... we enjoyed the luxury - hotel, food, service were all 5 to 6 stars..... and most of all, I enjoyed the most because I get to see my foster family and friends after 7 years and got to meet new friends at the university where I spoke.
It all started with my mother saying that there is a trip to Manila. Of all places, my mother planning to visit Manila was a surprise to me. First, she speaks little English. Secondly, I do not think she will like the place. But the reason was later found - it was a casino trip. Every person should buy at least RM10,000 worth of casino rolling chips (chips for you to gamble and cannot exchange to cash unless you win and are paid cash chips) to be entitled for a trip there - inclusive of flights, VIP junket room service, and 3d2n stay at a 5-star hotel, all food inclusive. It came out that the hotel and casino was Resorts World Manila - sounds familiar? Yes, it is Genting's new hotel and casino which is strategically located right across the airport! So people can fly in, gamble for 3d2n and fly back - just like you driving to Genting, gamble for 3d2n and drive back.
We (my mother, aunt, uncle, cousin and I) left Ipoh by taxi to Penang. Upon reaching Penang, we had a McDonald's breakfast meal and then we board the flight. It was an AirAsia flight direct to Manila - yes, there is NO direct flight to Manila from Penang but then this plane is a chartered flight. Most of the high rollers or people in the flight are from Penang so boarding is from Penang airport.
CHTRD FLT - chartered flight to Manila AK9852
On a chartered flight - our meals are provided for free - choice of Nasi Briyani or Nasi something else but where is the Pak Nasir's Nasi Lemak???
Our flight
The flight took slightly less than 4 hours. I touched down to the ground I missed for 7 years. My first time to Manila was during the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) 2003. I have a foster family and at least 28 ship's participants as friends. Having joined SSEAYP is like having family members around ASEAN and Japan.
Mabuhay!
Upon touching down, we checked in at the Marriott Hotel, just next to Maxsim Hotel (the hotel run by Genting). Maxsim was still under renovation so we stayed at Marriott. Maxsim, Marriott and the Resorts World casino are all in a block.
The bus moved very slowly to allow a Resorts World (RW) staff to check our names on the bus. We had 4 buses. We were greeted by smiles and a live band singing at the lounge for us to refresh ourselves while waiting for room check-ins. Pastries and drinks were served.
Our rooms at the Marriott Hotel - twin sharing but my cousin got a whole room for herself. Note that the bathroom picture was taken from the bed (yes, it is transparent!!)
I quickly washed my face, freshen up and headed to the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, a university where Chris (SSEAYP friend, Philippines Participating Youth PPY 2003) lectures there. He has invited me to be among the panel speakers for "Her Stories: Three Perspectives of Women Who Serve". The speakers were Yna who is now a sister (PPY 2003) and Nanay (National Leader 2003). About 100 students packed the small auditorium. I was so glad to accept this privilege to speak to these enthusiastic students. THANKS Chris!
At night, I met with my foster father, Uncle Rod Cornejo at the hotel. He would fly to another province on weekend so that was the only time to meet for a chat. Then my bed was calling.... to sleep.
The next morning we have breakfast at the casino's VIP area but then I was hungry so I ordered a pre-breakfast - a Japanese set at only PHP800 (almost RM64 - a steal for a good filling meal at a 5-star hotel!). I only have a chance to walk around the casino and impress myself at the VIP room.
The VIP room has a whole set of sofa, LCD TV, a dining table, a kitchen and staffs to serve us, a private washroom and three private tables for gambling. The minimum ante was RM1,000. Uncle bought 6 bottles of Remy Martin XO and Blue Label and guests in the room could drink to the max. I did not join them the last night so I didn't know how it felt like. Cameras were not allowed at the casino so could not capture some photos...
Wonder how come I only have this photo at the whole market..... Bons has more on facebook!
After that, I went to look for my family who have dinner with the group of high rollers at a Chinese restaurant. The menu included abalone, grilled geese, fish, tiger prawns and crabs. I missed that lunch because I had lunch at a local restaurant, Ebun. When going overseas, I always prefer local specialties. I also bought 6 packs of Champ-o-Rado (a local breakfast - chocolate rice porridge) and my favourite Lambanog. Somehow the taste of the Lambanog did not tasted like what it was 7 years ago.
After the lunch, some went to the Mall for shopping which a few of us went back to the hotel. I got a chance to sit at the slot machine but my Genting card cannot be used. Maybe my green card (lowest level) was not VIP enough. So I lingered with my mom watching them bet at the VIP room. RM1,000 per bet is not for me. Is for the high rollers.... I was watching around and then my uncle took the role of my "publicity manager" publicising my liver donation and that I have a Mercedes scar on my abdomen.
A junket came to help me to get a Gold member card. By the time I took the card, it was already evening and I got back to the room to get ready as Boz (PPY 2003) was the chef of the night. My cousin and I went to his house for a feast of local food!
our favourite dessert.....
My cousin asked me to accompany her betting at the low roller area. Our first attempt was at the slots machine.... I inserted my card, reloaded PHP1,000 and pressed a few buttons to try my luck at the jackpot machine. My cousin was next to me and a few press and she stopped to watch me play. I think I pressed less than 10 times and we were raving at the fourth bonus logo at the last reel.... I striked the MINOR jackpot PHP3,600 and another free 25 spins. By the time the spins were done, I won at least PHP8,000. So I stopped and cashed out the money.
We then played at the smaller tables with ante only PHP200 and bets PHP400. We sat at the table for almost 4 hours for the fun of it. We didn't lose much. My cousin, at almost midnight, said that she felt like drinking. We have private VIP rooms to drink and eat but then we were at the table at non-VIP area. She got the waiter to bring a glass of whisky for me and brandy for her.
So big glasses - everyone at the casino was caught looking at us - but I think looking at the glasses!
The next day, I met my foster family - mother, sister and brother - but time was limited so we only had about an hour for chat at the hotel lobby. Then we went to the casino to cash out all the chips. At the casino, we got news that the flight was delay so we played a while more and had lunch at the VIP area.
We overheard friends saying that one of our friends won more than half a million RM but he continued playing to lose all. My mom lose at least RM60k on the first day but by the end of the trip she flew back with smiles and RM40k in winnings. But the win was not only monetary.... we had a good trip - my first time flying overseas with my mother! we had fun... we enjoyed the luxury - hotel, food, service were all 5 to 6 stars..... and most of all, I enjoyed the most because I get to see my foster family and friends after 7 years and got to meet new friends at the university where I spoke.
Watching sunset while flying back to Penang.... a reminder that gambling is only a recreation... the sunset, reunion with friends and the experience with high rollers are the winnings
Sunday, January 17, 2010
BIG question about "Living Your Dream" - HOW?
I have dreams - big and small. I am still young so I can't be bragging about being very successful but I have one thing worth sharing - I am living my dreams. I have wanted to be recognised due to desire for self-expression (which I blogged about here) and I have achieved what I wanted and more.
Desiring for recognition? I have got the Selangor Youth Award at 26 by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Great Woman of Our Time Award at 28 by the Malaysian Women Weekly (youngest recipient so far), Lions Club District 308-B1 Distinguished Service Award and due recognition for the good deeds I have done. And I was doing all these for ONE main objective at that time - to proof to my aunt that Chew family can also be successful.
I have done my works, reached my objective after 15 long years. That made me suddenly thought "So, what's next?" My journey of self-discovery last year revolved around understanding myself better and eventually I have wanted to become a successful emcee, speaker and trainer. I wrote about my emceeing dream here.
I have quit my job beginning of the year and currently doing really good and loving my daily life because of my desire for freedom and to do what I want. I am emceeing in many events now, the recent acknowledgment was by a master in Sun Tzu Art of War saying I am the "gold medal" emcee!
I list down just a few points to share on HOW to live your dreams.
Do Good
The FIRST thing you can do to yourself and others. Doing good, keeping no regrets and living every moment at least it will be the last. Of course, I have regrets here and there but in the last few years I have lived my life without too much regrets that I couldn't sleep at night. It is interesting to note that this phrase 'DO GOOD" itself is easier said than done however we can start small by saying thank you when someone hold the lifts' door for us, smile at a stranger or just help a person who has dropped something.
Financial
Keep expenses to the lowest, commitment lowest, have substantial savings, and if you decide to be in debt - make sure can cover it in short term, a maximum of 5 years. Bad debts, to be exact!
Having my financial controlled meaning I can quit my job anytime. I work in a company knowing I am not doing it solely for money but for passion, commitment, learning and having that strong sense of responsibility. I treat the company as mine and I work as if I am the boss so that whenever I make a decision, I will always put the company as top priority - never for self-interest. So when there are people asking me why things get done - this is the main reason! If you work for money, chances are your daily work will be moaning around not enough money, no pay raise, no bonus and therefore work efficiency reduces which in turn - no raise no bonus!
This does not mean I am conservative in spending, in fact I am in the "spender" group, I would say I am not the frugal type. Ask any of my friends, they say I spend like I have millions. I enjoy "luxury" enjoyments like savouring Chinese tea, good liquor and even cigar at times! I love my gold coins collection and of course now building my property collection.
I was introduced to finance only when first reading Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. I would say it took me more than 2 years to change my mindset about money - something set in the mind by parents and guardians since young - you just gotta change it and do it! Many people do not have that guts to even start, therefore I recommend starting somewhere and now is the best time! Go attend a course or two - if it is free course, attend as many as possible! Even if it says "free previews", go attend because you will learn something.
Be True to Self
I grew up as a popular person everywhere I go. In primary school - the naughtiest! In secondary school - the loudest! I was commander for foot drill, school is so small so it will be difficult to contain your voice in that small environment. With that popularity, it was difficult to be myself. I was wearing a "mask" out everyday trying to be someone. It all stopped when I finally suffocated myself and then I said, "Let me be myself". From the day I removed my "mask" I felt great, the whole burden was lifted from me and I just be myself. There is nothing more you can give to yourself when you are yourself.
I speak directly, very straightforward, no nonsense but I appreciate sense of humor, laugh loudly and heartily! I am the most direct and straightforward person, some may be offended but I care less to think about offending who because in the end, I am responsible for myself and my mouth.
Be Contented, but not Complacency
Be contented with what you have - that's the only thing we can do daily to have what we have! I am very satisfied with my life. I have (more than) enough to eat, 2 wardrobes of clothes which I try to wear till they all tear but they could last for years! I have a good home, eventhough is rented, I have calculated the finance to justify renting. The furnitures at home enough, I have a collection of tea which could last me for at least 40 years, a good few bottles of liquor and red wine, I love making my house everyday now!
However, do have achievable goals every year and slightly challenging ones so to make your daily lives an interesting one - something that makes you jump out of bed every morning! Do not be too contented till complacency takes over.
Gratitude
Is not difficult to list down at least 5 things you are grateful for at the end of the night. The food you eat, the air you breath, the people who have hurt you so you grow to be a better person, things that do not get along because it helps you patience, the every little things that you have - APPRECIATE it. Say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU everyday. In fact, about a quarter ago, I started typing THANK YOU only in capital letters, even in emails. Because it is a BIG THANK YOU!
This is the single attribute that makes me jump out of bed every morning. Appreciating that I am still breathing when I wake up.
Take Chances
Quitting my job is not easy. I had about RM14,000 debts when I made the decision, I have no plans yet at that time - all I knew is I want to emcee but no jobs yet. I also want to go around to speak on organ donation but all these are for free, I also would like to be a trainer which I am now pursuing the Napoleon Hill certified trainer course (new trainer, what do you expect?) I want to invest in property but I went for 7 auctions last year only got one property so the income is not enough. But I just needed to take the chance!
I think that my bold step and courage is right because I am free. I felt that I have a "too heavy" sense of responsibility. When I am working for others, I must get things done therefore I am burdening myself when things are not done especially when decisions lies in your bosses' hands - which sometimes decisions were never made - making me madder! This heavy sense of responsibility also proven when I took the current project with Money Compass making me feel stressful when my objectives are not reached. But all good - I learnt a lot of things.
Therefore, this year I would like to take out the things that burden me - ie my job and do what I do not feel burden on - my passion. Being an emcee, speaking and training!
Is OK to Work for Free
Yes it is. In fact, this "work for free" attitude is what built me to who I am today. ALL organizations that I have joined and served are all working for free. I remember starting working for free for many people, including being the ex-secretary to Dato' Sri Ong Tee Keat. This attitude has generated more "income" than ever - even if it is not in monetary terms. It built a stronger character, learnt much more, communications skills and knowing the inside out of things.
This principle of not working for money is in line with the "financial" pointer I have above.
Give
Once in a while or shall I say, all the time - think of GIVING! It is not just giving money. You can give more efforts to your work by doing something extra or help a colleague finishes his or her tasks. You can give your time to the old and orphaned. You can volunteer to clean your house (as in giving your family something). You can offer to cook a meal - give!
In my case, I did a super bold step to give my liver! Looking back, I have not figured out why I did that in the first place.
Play a game or two
At times we just needed to relax. Play a game or two - sports or just computer games! I was a fan of Luna Online after seeing my 50-year old mother playing CQ Online. Hey, my mom playing online games! Now, I am a fan of Farmville on facebook. Interesting how the game comes with the concept of giving and paying it forward.
Hunger to Learn
I need to relook at this and return to the always hunger to learn. I must say I have this attitude with me since schooldays making me eager to learn in many ways even trying to learn as much as I can. Now, as I grow older, I must admit there is a little "ego" in me that made me slow down a bit. As I am writing this blog, I am renewing my energy and hunger to learn.
Appreciate laughters
I laugh loudly and heartily. Some people said it was because of my ear is not functional on the left therefore I speak louder and laugh louder. True to a sense but I just appreciate good laughters. I was very serious in school. To me, being a commander for foot drill in school does not help - everything was serious, you can't laugh when in line, we were basically not just drilled on foot but drilled like any military man - therefore the tough and often rough me!
I read a self improvement book at teen age which says humor is good. I was lousiest when it comes to humor. No one at home has said good jokes - everything was so serious, my aunt was a disciplinarian. At school in class, teachers are not good jokers. How the heck am I going to learn humor. You just gotta start and since you are starting somewhere, why not NOW!? So I started to learn a few jokes and slowly blend in every conversation. Lame jokes included at first but then it improves! Do not be afraid of copying others jokes - is just for laughs anyway and laughs we should - always!
I think if you ask my friends now, I should be the one who talks a lot and laugh a lot but more to it, making people laugh the most! Agree?
So, live your dreams - is easy - you just need the first step and the first step should be TODAY. Having the slightest intention to do it is already a good start.
Desiring for recognition? I have got the Selangor Youth Award at 26 by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Great Woman of Our Time Award at 28 by the Malaysian Women Weekly (youngest recipient so far), Lions Club District 308-B1 Distinguished Service Award and due recognition for the good deeds I have done. And I was doing all these for ONE main objective at that time - to proof to my aunt that Chew family can also be successful.
I have done my works, reached my objective after 15 long years. That made me suddenly thought "So, what's next?" My journey of self-discovery last year revolved around understanding myself better and eventually I have wanted to become a successful emcee, speaker and trainer. I wrote about my emceeing dream here.
I have quit my job beginning of the year and currently doing really good and loving my daily life because of my desire for freedom and to do what I want. I am emceeing in many events now, the recent acknowledgment was by a master in Sun Tzu Art of War saying I am the "gold medal" emcee!
I list down just a few points to share on HOW to live your dreams.
Do Good
The FIRST thing you can do to yourself and others. Doing good, keeping no regrets and living every moment at least it will be the last. Of course, I have regrets here and there but in the last few years I have lived my life without too much regrets that I couldn't sleep at night. It is interesting to note that this phrase 'DO GOOD" itself is easier said than done however we can start small by saying thank you when someone hold the lifts' door for us, smile at a stranger or just help a person who has dropped something.
Financial
Keep expenses to the lowest, commitment lowest, have substantial savings, and if you decide to be in debt - make sure can cover it in short term, a maximum of 5 years. Bad debts, to be exact!
Having my financial controlled meaning I can quit my job anytime. I work in a company knowing I am not doing it solely for money but for passion, commitment, learning and having that strong sense of responsibility. I treat the company as mine and I work as if I am the boss so that whenever I make a decision, I will always put the company as top priority - never for self-interest. So when there are people asking me why things get done - this is the main reason! If you work for money, chances are your daily work will be moaning around not enough money, no pay raise, no bonus and therefore work efficiency reduces which in turn - no raise no bonus!
This does not mean I am conservative in spending, in fact I am in the "spender" group, I would say I am not the frugal type. Ask any of my friends, they say I spend like I have millions. I enjoy "luxury" enjoyments like savouring Chinese tea, good liquor and even cigar at times! I love my gold coins collection and of course now building my property collection.
I was introduced to finance only when first reading Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. I would say it took me more than 2 years to change my mindset about money - something set in the mind by parents and guardians since young - you just gotta change it and do it! Many people do not have that guts to even start, therefore I recommend starting somewhere and now is the best time! Go attend a course or two - if it is free course, attend as many as possible! Even if it says "free previews", go attend because you will learn something.
Be True to Self
I grew up as a popular person everywhere I go. In primary school - the naughtiest! In secondary school - the loudest! I was commander for foot drill, school is so small so it will be difficult to contain your voice in that small environment. With that popularity, it was difficult to be myself. I was wearing a "mask" out everyday trying to be someone. It all stopped when I finally suffocated myself and then I said, "Let me be myself". From the day I removed my "mask" I felt great, the whole burden was lifted from me and I just be myself. There is nothing more you can give to yourself when you are yourself.
I speak directly, very straightforward, no nonsense but I appreciate sense of humor, laugh loudly and heartily! I am the most direct and straightforward person, some may be offended but I care less to think about offending who because in the end, I am responsible for myself and my mouth.
Be Contented, but not Complacency
Be contented with what you have - that's the only thing we can do daily to have what we have! I am very satisfied with my life. I have (more than) enough to eat, 2 wardrobes of clothes which I try to wear till they all tear but they could last for years! I have a good home, eventhough is rented, I have calculated the finance to justify renting. The furnitures at home enough, I have a collection of tea which could last me for at least 40 years, a good few bottles of liquor and red wine, I love making my house everyday now!
However, do have achievable goals every year and slightly challenging ones so to make your daily lives an interesting one - something that makes you jump out of bed every morning! Do not be too contented till complacency takes over.
Gratitude
Is not difficult to list down at least 5 things you are grateful for at the end of the night. The food you eat, the air you breath, the people who have hurt you so you grow to be a better person, things that do not get along because it helps you patience, the every little things that you have - APPRECIATE it. Say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU everyday. In fact, about a quarter ago, I started typing THANK YOU only in capital letters, even in emails. Because it is a BIG THANK YOU!
This is the single attribute that makes me jump out of bed every morning. Appreciating that I am still breathing when I wake up.
Take Chances
Quitting my job is not easy. I had about RM14,000 debts when I made the decision, I have no plans yet at that time - all I knew is I want to emcee but no jobs yet. I also want to go around to speak on organ donation but all these are for free, I also would like to be a trainer which I am now pursuing the Napoleon Hill certified trainer course (new trainer, what do you expect?) I want to invest in property but I went for 7 auctions last year only got one property so the income is not enough. But I just needed to take the chance!
I think that my bold step and courage is right because I am free. I felt that I have a "too heavy" sense of responsibility. When I am working for others, I must get things done therefore I am burdening myself when things are not done especially when decisions lies in your bosses' hands - which sometimes decisions were never made - making me madder! This heavy sense of responsibility also proven when I took the current project with Money Compass making me feel stressful when my objectives are not reached. But all good - I learnt a lot of things.
Therefore, this year I would like to take out the things that burden me - ie my job and do what I do not feel burden on - my passion. Being an emcee, speaking and training!
Is OK to Work for Free
Yes it is. In fact, this "work for free" attitude is what built me to who I am today. ALL organizations that I have joined and served are all working for free. I remember starting working for free for many people, including being the ex-secretary to Dato' Sri Ong Tee Keat. This attitude has generated more "income" than ever - even if it is not in monetary terms. It built a stronger character, learnt much more, communications skills and knowing the inside out of things.
This principle of not working for money is in line with the "financial" pointer I have above.
Give
Once in a while or shall I say, all the time - think of GIVING! It is not just giving money. You can give more efforts to your work by doing something extra or help a colleague finishes his or her tasks. You can give your time to the old and orphaned. You can volunteer to clean your house (as in giving your family something). You can offer to cook a meal - give!
In my case, I did a super bold step to give my liver! Looking back, I have not figured out why I did that in the first place.
Play a game or two
At times we just needed to relax. Play a game or two - sports or just computer games! I was a fan of Luna Online after seeing my 50-year old mother playing CQ Online. Hey, my mom playing online games! Now, I am a fan of Farmville on facebook. Interesting how the game comes with the concept of giving and paying it forward.
Hunger to Learn
I need to relook at this and return to the always hunger to learn. I must say I have this attitude with me since schooldays making me eager to learn in many ways even trying to learn as much as I can. Now, as I grow older, I must admit there is a little "ego" in me that made me slow down a bit. As I am writing this blog, I am renewing my energy and hunger to learn.
Appreciate laughters
I laugh loudly and heartily. Some people said it was because of my ear is not functional on the left therefore I speak louder and laugh louder. True to a sense but I just appreciate good laughters. I was very serious in school. To me, being a commander for foot drill in school does not help - everything was serious, you can't laugh when in line, we were basically not just drilled on foot but drilled like any military man - therefore the tough and often rough me!
I read a self improvement book at teen age which says humor is good. I was lousiest when it comes to humor. No one at home has said good jokes - everything was so serious, my aunt was a disciplinarian. At school in class, teachers are not good jokers. How the heck am I going to learn humor. You just gotta start and since you are starting somewhere, why not NOW!? So I started to learn a few jokes and slowly blend in every conversation. Lame jokes included at first but then it improves! Do not be afraid of copying others jokes - is just for laughs anyway and laughs we should - always!
I think if you ask my friends now, I should be the one who talks a lot and laugh a lot but more to it, making people laugh the most! Agree?
So, live your dreams - is easy - you just need the first step and the first step should be TODAY. Having the slightest intention to do it is already a good start.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Happy Birthday, Happy Christmas, Happy New Year
What the fuss about Christmas? "Is near New Year so it added more "merry" to it."
So what the fuss about birthday? "Mine? Is near Christmas! Ho! Ho.. ho..."
I have never (recalling correctly) applied leave for my birthday. (Ex-bosses, please remind me if I did). My birthday is so near Christmas and just a day after my birthday (23rd December la...) it will be Christmas so I have a holiday near that date, so why bother taking leave? I seldom even take extra holidays for Chinese New Year - a big day for Chinese (Malaysians) in Malaysia.
As hardworking or workaholic it may sound, I do take leave for charity works which is my passion. And also spiritual. I remember working in XeerSoft (current company) and have been taking long leaves - 7-day leave for meditation retreat, 2.5-month leave for liver donation surgery. XeerSoft has been kind enough to allow leaves for these matters, which many other bosses do not see the need/ importance.
Come 31st December 2009, I am taking leave again - this time for 6 months! Yes, I have resigned from work and want to get into doing what I like - emceeing, writing, speaking (for organ donation, IT/tech seminars and even conferences), training (as certified Napoleon Hill trainer soon).
My birthday - because is towards the end of the year, is always time for me to reflect back the whole year and plan for the next. But I have planned in November 2009 for year 2010 (very early start) so on birthday was relaxed. This year, I celebrated with a movie in the morning. I appreciate the movie opportunity after a whole year only watching that stupid Storm Warriors. This time I watched Avatar - such a good great one, breathtaking scenes, so real the emotions you hardly realised it was animation. At the end of the movie, I even asked Anas (went movie with him la...) "what was that huh? Human? Or what?" Anas said - "huh? I thought animation?"
Then it was dinner with Dad. Is a once-a-year day - that was the day I hear Happy Birthday song from Dad - never fail every morning. Somehow this year, Anas sang to me first! Dad's song came later via a phone call. Is a once-a-year day where I get to feast and it is a once-in-a-lifetime "dream" to have both my parents together with me. This year Mom was at Sibu. Else, will get her to sit together for dinner. Well, they divorced since I was 4 or 5 years old and never see eye to eye till after my liver donation. (more here: http://hoongling.blogspot.com/2009/02/mission-life-saving-update-life.html) I must make sure this (dinner together) happen on my next birthday. Oh, this year we had abalone and crabs for dinner - Dad is becoming more prosperous, thank God!
THANK YOU Anas and Dad for the wonderful birthday.
Christmas - I want a gift - to fulfill all resolutions 2009 by 31/12/2009 and start 2010 afresh. I want a gift to all my family members - health, wealth, and happiness. I want all my friends to be happy, stay healthy and work hard for wealth. I want all people in the world be well and create a world where we all live in harmony.
Happy New Year - the year 2010 will be the year of hope, joy, fun, prosperity and harmony. Yes, it will be.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Duit Raya - a sorrow but meaningful Raya
In memory of An Qi (the recipient of my liver)
This year Hari Raya Aidilfitri was meaningful although it was welcomed with sorrow.
Memories I had during childhood was really fun during Hari Raya. I will go to many Malay houses to visit them during Hari Raya. My immediate neighbours are Malays so I grew up with Malay children because they are the ones around my age. Suhaiza was a year younger than me – she was the eldest in the Zamri family. Suhaiza has a sister, Nurul and two brothers, Azhar and Arif.
I learnt from them how they recite the al-Quran when I see Encik Zamri sitting beside Arif with a short stick pointing to the holy Quran while Arif will recite them as instructed. It was from there that I wanted to understand my fellow neighbours and to be exact, best friends, better.
I had Malay classmates who stayed within the housing area where I stay in Taman Cicely, Teluk Intan, too. They were Hanim from the Ghazalli family and errm… well I forgot their names (it proves that I am old!). I still keep in touch with Hanim. Her house number was 403 – big numbering at the front wall of her house. Hanim’s father was a teacher and we were really close together at childhood. We were separated when she was off to the Religious School during Form 4 (4th year of high school) or Form 5.
One day, I went back to Teluk Intan, my aunt, Lena, related that a girl came looking for me. She was looking for me, hoping that Auntie Lena could at least provide my handphone number. Auntie Lena couldn’t search in time so she left a note. I read the note “Hanim” and her phone number written on the note, I almost felt like jumping with joy. I just had a thought about her a week ago!
During Hari Raya, my friends and I will gather together in a spot. I will first visit Hanim and children got together. We visited almost every house in the area with an open gate. I was told that if the gate is opened, guests are welcomed to enter. At that time, I was the only Chinese lady in the crowd. All other children wore baju kurung and beautiful clothes while I clad in my T-shirt and a pair of shorts. I am really used to being the only Chinese girl in many occasions by now so much so that I gave in to admit I am bangsa Malaysia more than a Chinese. I was the only Chinese lady in Persatuan Pemuda Negara, the only Chinese lady in occasions where we did street demonstrations during 911, the only Chinese lady in Biro Tatanegara camps and in many occasion, the only Chinese lady in meetings and conferences.
Being children and following the crowd, I came to understand the reason for the house-to-house visit – for duit raya (small packets with money)! We will walk in a house with open gate, shout a loud “Selamat Hari Raya” and “Assamualaikum” to the reply of “Mualaikumsalam..” Then we dashed in the house, sat down and greeted the host by shaking hands (with both palms) and kissing their hands and then placed it to our foreheads lightly.
As I followed the crowd, I also sat with them, eating the available biscuits and we always have cold drinks – orange juice and syrup will be the main drinks in most houses. The feel of refresh orange and ice cooling down the throat was great since we had to walk far and long to scout for houses with open gates! The group of children will leave only after receiving their duit raya.
By the time we reach almost the third house, I start feeling bloated with biscuits and drinks, especially after sumptuous meal at the first house – Hanim’s house – with ketupat, lemang, rendang and curry. So, subsequent houses that we visit were only to sit, sip a drink and collect duit raya!
After a long day, visited almost more than 10 houses, we got back home in the evening. I still remember the joy and happiness of opening each packet. Pops drop a 20sen as I turned the packet around. Sometimes the packets will drop put 50sen or even RM1. I will count the shillings – at times about RM2 and some years I could collect about RM5, depending on how many houses we visited.
The days were fun. It was only until when I was in Form 1 that I came to realize that the meaning of house visits during Hari Raya was not for duit raya after all. Hari Raya is the day where the Muslims celebrate the “victory” of having fast a whole month. In fact, fasting for about 10 years ago made Hari Raya more meaningful to me, too, although I’m not a Muslim. Muslims will also ask forgiveness from their parents and among siblings for whatever wrongdoings that they have done.
Likewise, visiting each other during Hari Raya was also meant to seek forgiveness from the hosts, further fostering better relationships and to catch up on each others’ well-being. I forgot which year I stopped following my friends to collect duit raya during Hari Raya.
As soon as I left home and could cook myself, I started fasting during Ramadhan. At home, when I wanted to fast, no one would cook so early and no food was available at dawn. Yet, I still wanted to have trial period on fasting so I would take breakfast just like I did before going to school and then fast in school till Maghrib. I find Hari Raya becomes meaningful for me this way. This year, after 6 years couldn’t fast due to stomach ulcer, I successfully fast during Ramadhan for about 20 days. I was all ready to celebrate and even arranged an excursion to visit all Malay colleagues – Negeri Sembilan, Muar, Teluk Intan and Kuala Lumpur. I also wanted to pay a visit to my new friends – Anas and Mahani in Penang.
The first day of Syawal – the first day of Hari Raya, I sent my Vietnamese friends to airport. Nine friends came for a short visit and I took them to Melaka the day before. The night before was really disturbing. I got a call from Alicia – An Qi (the recipient of my liver)’s aunt. She was crying and saying that she called just to inform me An Qi was in the ICU. The whole night, I could sensed that An Qi may not make it. I sms-ed many friends to pray for her and even placed a facebook status so those who read could pray for her. I had strong feelings that she could not make it. The voice over the other end of the phone does not sound “just informing” me. It sounds like “come see her for the last time”.
Remembering my duit raya during Hari Raya when I was a child, I even posted “My best Aidilfitri angpau this year will be to see An Qi, recipient of my liver, be healthy, happy and blessed with long life. She's in ICU due to infection now, please pray for her.”
I was driving to airport. It was 11.56am on first day of Hari Raya. I thought to visit An Qi after the airport trip so I called her aunt again. I asked how was An Qi and the reply, “An Qi passed away at midnight.”
I was almost speechless. Apparently, she had cancer in the bone, diagnosed somewhere in June (only 5 months after receiving my liver). Subsequent chemotherapy has added toll to her immune system. Everything went on really fine and the chemo was successful. She had lungs infection and in only less than 48 hours, she passed away. When Alicia called the night before, An Qi has already stopped breathing and was put on a respirator.
The day was supposed to be spent with visits to Negeri Sembilan and Muar, cancelled but not too much because of the news but it was because the traffic jam was massive as I drove back from airport. As I saw the car from opposite direction building up to almost a stretch of 3km, my mind thought of An Qi and tears just rolled freely. I can feel my face became wet and I really wanted someone to comfort.
Today, my colleague, Allen and I went to Anas’ house in Penang – continuing the tradition of house visits. Kak Mahani was there and she gave comforting hugs and kisses that I felt so warm. We then went to Teluk Intan to visit another colleague, Hamizan and then back to Kuala Lumpur.
Tomorrow will be An Qi’s funeral and I will attend. Although I did not receive my “duit raya” or the Aidilfitri angpau I wanted this year, Hari Raya was not meant for duit raya anyway. Like Anas said, “You have given her 8 months of life, and a lifetime of hope.”
Although I welcomed this year’s Hari Raya with sorrow, I really appreciate all the comments on facebook, prayers for An Qi, all the comforting sms-es and the fact of knowing I really gave An Qi 8 months of life but not only a lifetime of hope for her. As Allen puts it, I have given hope to almost everyone around me – all of whom know about my liver donation!
I will welcome the next Hari Rayas with joy and meaningful days - not duit raya anymore.
This year Hari Raya Aidilfitri was meaningful although it was welcomed with sorrow.
Memories I had during childhood was really fun during Hari Raya. I will go to many Malay houses to visit them during Hari Raya. My immediate neighbours are Malays so I grew up with Malay children because they are the ones around my age. Suhaiza was a year younger than me – she was the eldest in the Zamri family. Suhaiza has a sister, Nurul and two brothers, Azhar and Arif.
I learnt from them how they recite the al-Quran when I see Encik Zamri sitting beside Arif with a short stick pointing to the holy Quran while Arif will recite them as instructed. It was from there that I wanted to understand my fellow neighbours and to be exact, best friends, better.
I had Malay classmates who stayed within the housing area where I stay in Taman Cicely, Teluk Intan, too. They were Hanim from the Ghazalli family and errm… well I forgot their names (it proves that I am old!). I still keep in touch with Hanim. Her house number was 403 – big numbering at the front wall of her house. Hanim’s father was a teacher and we were really close together at childhood. We were separated when she was off to the Religious School during Form 4 (4th year of high school) or Form 5.
One day, I went back to Teluk Intan, my aunt, Lena, related that a girl came looking for me. She was looking for me, hoping that Auntie Lena could at least provide my handphone number. Auntie Lena couldn’t search in time so she left a note. I read the note “Hanim” and her phone number written on the note, I almost felt like jumping with joy. I just had a thought about her a week ago!
During Hari Raya, my friends and I will gather together in a spot. I will first visit Hanim and children got together. We visited almost every house in the area with an open gate. I was told that if the gate is opened, guests are welcomed to enter. At that time, I was the only Chinese lady in the crowd. All other children wore baju kurung and beautiful clothes while I clad in my T-shirt and a pair of shorts. I am really used to being the only Chinese girl in many occasions by now so much so that I gave in to admit I am bangsa Malaysia more than a Chinese. I was the only Chinese lady in Persatuan Pemuda Negara, the only Chinese lady in occasions where we did street demonstrations during 911, the only Chinese lady in Biro Tatanegara camps and in many occasion, the only Chinese lady in meetings and conferences.
Being children and following the crowd, I came to understand the reason for the house-to-house visit – for duit raya (small packets with money)! We will walk in a house with open gate, shout a loud “Selamat Hari Raya” and “Assamualaikum” to the reply of “Mualaikumsalam..” Then we dashed in the house, sat down and greeted the host by shaking hands (with both palms) and kissing their hands and then placed it to our foreheads lightly.
As I followed the crowd, I also sat with them, eating the available biscuits and we always have cold drinks – orange juice and syrup will be the main drinks in most houses. The feel of refresh orange and ice cooling down the throat was great since we had to walk far and long to scout for houses with open gates! The group of children will leave only after receiving their duit raya.
By the time we reach almost the third house, I start feeling bloated with biscuits and drinks, especially after sumptuous meal at the first house – Hanim’s house – with ketupat, lemang, rendang and curry. So, subsequent houses that we visit were only to sit, sip a drink and collect duit raya!
After a long day, visited almost more than 10 houses, we got back home in the evening. I still remember the joy and happiness of opening each packet. Pops drop a 20sen as I turned the packet around. Sometimes the packets will drop put 50sen or even RM1. I will count the shillings – at times about RM2 and some years I could collect about RM5, depending on how many houses we visited.
The days were fun. It was only until when I was in Form 1 that I came to realize that the meaning of house visits during Hari Raya was not for duit raya after all. Hari Raya is the day where the Muslims celebrate the “victory” of having fast a whole month. In fact, fasting for about 10 years ago made Hari Raya more meaningful to me, too, although I’m not a Muslim. Muslims will also ask forgiveness from their parents and among siblings for whatever wrongdoings that they have done.
Likewise, visiting each other during Hari Raya was also meant to seek forgiveness from the hosts, further fostering better relationships and to catch up on each others’ well-being. I forgot which year I stopped following my friends to collect duit raya during Hari Raya.
As soon as I left home and could cook myself, I started fasting during Ramadhan. At home, when I wanted to fast, no one would cook so early and no food was available at dawn. Yet, I still wanted to have trial period on fasting so I would take breakfast just like I did before going to school and then fast in school till Maghrib. I find Hari Raya becomes meaningful for me this way. This year, after 6 years couldn’t fast due to stomach ulcer, I successfully fast during Ramadhan for about 20 days. I was all ready to celebrate and even arranged an excursion to visit all Malay colleagues – Negeri Sembilan, Muar, Teluk Intan and Kuala Lumpur. I also wanted to pay a visit to my new friends – Anas and Mahani in Penang.
The first day of Syawal – the first day of Hari Raya, I sent my Vietnamese friends to airport. Nine friends came for a short visit and I took them to Melaka the day before. The night before was really disturbing. I got a call from Alicia – An Qi (the recipient of my liver)’s aunt. She was crying and saying that she called just to inform me An Qi was in the ICU. The whole night, I could sensed that An Qi may not make it. I sms-ed many friends to pray for her and even placed a facebook status so those who read could pray for her. I had strong feelings that she could not make it. The voice over the other end of the phone does not sound “just informing” me. It sounds like “come see her for the last time”.
Remembering my duit raya during Hari Raya when I was a child, I even posted “My best Aidilfitri angpau this year will be to see An Qi, recipient of my liver, be healthy, happy and blessed with long life. She's in ICU due to infection now, please pray for her.”
I was driving to airport. It was 11.56am on first day of Hari Raya. I thought to visit An Qi after the airport trip so I called her aunt again. I asked how was An Qi and the reply, “An Qi passed away at midnight.”
I was almost speechless. Apparently, she had cancer in the bone, diagnosed somewhere in June (only 5 months after receiving my liver). Subsequent chemotherapy has added toll to her immune system. Everything went on really fine and the chemo was successful. She had lungs infection and in only less than 48 hours, she passed away. When Alicia called the night before, An Qi has already stopped breathing and was put on a respirator.
The day was supposed to be spent with visits to Negeri Sembilan and Muar, cancelled but not too much because of the news but it was because the traffic jam was massive as I drove back from airport. As I saw the car from opposite direction building up to almost a stretch of 3km, my mind thought of An Qi and tears just rolled freely. I can feel my face became wet and I really wanted someone to comfort.
Today, my colleague, Allen and I went to Anas’ house in Penang – continuing the tradition of house visits. Kak Mahani was there and she gave comforting hugs and kisses that I felt so warm. We then went to Teluk Intan to visit another colleague, Hamizan and then back to Kuala Lumpur.
Tomorrow will be An Qi’s funeral and I will attend. Although I did not receive my “duit raya” or the Aidilfitri angpau I wanted this year, Hari Raya was not meant for duit raya anyway. Like Anas said, “You have given her 8 months of life, and a lifetime of hope.”
Although I welcomed this year’s Hari Raya with sorrow, I really appreciate all the comments on facebook, prayers for An Qi, all the comforting sms-es and the fact of knowing I really gave An Qi 8 months of life but not only a lifetime of hope for her. As Allen puts it, I have given hope to almost everyone around me – all of whom know about my liver donation!
I will welcome the next Hari Rayas with joy and meaningful days - not duit raya anymore.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Save Yvonne's Sight
Anas tagged me for the Save Yvonne's Sight’ Meme. I have met Yvonne 2 weeks ago at the Live and Inspire weekly help at Starbucks Bangsar where Mike Reyes spoke. Mike spoke on HOPE and ended with the hope of bringing hope to Yvonne. Let's all bring HOPE to Yvonne, too.
I'd love to see Yvonne regain her sight. I'd love to have her regain total hearing because I was born with only one functional ear so I know how it feels like without 'perfect' hearing. I'd love to see Yvonne play and enjoy the fun in life instead of having to work hard just to raise money for her plight most of the time.
Since last April Yvonne has been raising funds for the operations she needs to treat her neurofibromatosis which causes tumors to grow inside her body.
About six months ago, Yvonne lost her hearing. Now she's losing her eyesight and needs another operation. The operation is due in December and cost of the surgery is RM154,770 plus hospital stay for two weeks is RM3219.
She has already raised RM10, 000 and need more. She's hoping to raise the rest by republishing her book I'm Not Sick, Just A Little Bit Unwell in English and Chinese. The books are now available in Malaysian bookshops and from her website store. She is also selling T-shirts at bazaars and via her web site store.
You can read about her surgery and donate to her fund here.
You can also help by sending on this meme. If you do, please follow these meme rules:
- Create a blog entry titled "Meme: Save Yvonne's Sight"
- List three things you love to see. Add in the picture of Yvonne's book cover. The URL is http://www.yvonnefoong.com/images/banner/my-story.jpg
- End with the line, "Yvonne Foong is in danger of losing her eyesight thanks to neurofibromatosis (NF). Please find out how you can help her by visiting her blog at http://www.yvonnefoong.com
- Tag 5 blog friends. Be sure to copy the rules, OK?
And if you want to blog about NF, that would be great too!I'm tagging the following blogger friends to ask them to help out:
1. Ongki (Elaine Ong) http://www.ongkichilam.com/blog/
2. Shiao Chin http://understanding-axiao.blogspot.com/
3. Chiew Lian Keng http://chiewliankeng.blogspot.com/
4. William http://so-nua.blogspot.com/
5. Yulduz http://yulduz.blogspot.com/
6. James Oh http://liftyouup.blogspot.com/
Yvonne Foong is in danger of losing her eyesight thanks to neurofibromatosis (NF). Please find out how you can help her by visiting her blog at http://www.yvonnefoong.com
Monday, August 31, 2009
The Joy of Giving
I first wrote on the jamban wound to reflect how kiasi (afraid to die) I am since young. I never actually realized it until my mom reminded me. That was during Chinese New Year this year. I was done with parting 60% of my liver to save a child's life to my mom's wondering what has made me out of mind to do it since she knew I was all the while very kiasi.
Until today, I could not explain why I did it. In fact, when my editor (I am writing a book on my journey in the recent liver donation) asked why I did it - I could not answer. The thought at that time was not the WHY I did it... it was supposed to be the other way round - WHY NOT? It is a life that is concerned and WHY NOT? Yes, I may die but the risks was only 1.0% - 1.5%, so WHY NOT? Organ donation is a cause close to my heart and being still alive, I have a chance to perform yet another service to mankind, so WHY NOT?
I recently held on to the book "The Meaning of The Holy Quran" by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, since my friend launched the Let's Read the Quran II campaign. And many also asked of my recent behaviour with escalated interests to Islam of which I also answered the same, WHY NOT?
I am very much impressed with the Quran emphasis on practising regular charity. In Surah Al-Baqarah alone, in several parts of the Surah, it mentions and repeatedly mentions:
Until today, I could not explain why I did it. In fact, when my editor (I am writing a book on my journey in the recent liver donation) asked why I did it - I could not answer. The thought at that time was not the WHY I did it... it was supposed to be the other way round - WHY NOT? It is a life that is concerned and WHY NOT? Yes, I may die but the risks was only 1.0% - 1.5%, so WHY NOT? Organ donation is a cause close to my heart and being still alive, I have a chance to perform yet another service to mankind, so WHY NOT?
I recently held on to the book "The Meaning of The Holy Quran" by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, since my friend launched the Let's Read the Quran II campaign. And many also asked of my recent behaviour with escalated interests to Islam of which I also answered the same, WHY NOT?
I am very much impressed with the Quran emphasis on practising regular charity. In Surah Al-Baqarah alone, in several parts of the Surah, it mentions and repeatedly mentions:
And be steadfast in prayer; practise regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship). (2 - 043)I wrote about the joy of giving and how indescribable it is. When someone asked me how does it feel like after saving a life, I merely answer, "Why not trying it yourself?"
.... Worship none but Allah; treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and practise regular charity..... (2 - 083)
And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity: And whatever good ye send forth for your souls before you, ye shall find it with Allah: for Allah sees Well all that ye do. (2 - 110)
It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the Allah-fearing. (2 - 177)
They ask thee what they should spend (In charity). Say: Whatever ye spend that is good, is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever ye do that is good, -Allah knoweth it well. (2 - 215)
And whatever ye spend in charity or devotion, be sure Allah knows it all. But the wrong-doers have no helpers. (2 - 270)
If ye disclose (acts of) charity, even so it is well, but if ye conceal them, and make them reach those (really) in need, that is best for you: It will remove from you some of your (stains of) evil. And Allah is well acquainted with what ye do. (2 - 271)
Those who (in charity) spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. (2 - 274)
Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for deeds of charity: For He loveth not creatures ungrateful and wicked. (2 - 276)
Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. (2 - 277)
If the debtor is in a difficulty, grant him time Till it is easy for him to repay. But if ye remit it by way of charity, that is best for you if ye only knew. (2 - 280)
This made me cry and cry and cry....
http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-love-grocery-shopping.html
The last time I cried was when An Qi's (recipient of part of my liver) parents said thank you. It was so touching and I could not hold the tears. Not that I can hold tears very well anyway and crying is always easy for me - tears can be free-flow, non-stop and generously pouring! Well, don't see me as such a strong lady but I really can cry easily! One thing many people do not know - I can be very pampered (manja), too (hehe).
Please read this (click the link). It is well worth the tears and swollen eyes.
http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-love-grocery-shopping.html
I am super blessed to have known this guy. Yes, it has been non-stop describing him, talking about him, referring to him in my recent blogs but I just can't count how much respect and admiration I have for him.
I will write my reflections on "money issues" later in my blog. A recent conversation with my friends also reveal that while I am progressing far better than most, I am still behind time. I will share when my emotions get more stable after tears and swollen eyes.
PS: But why he shops at Guardian? I need to ask him later, hmm...
The last time I cried was when An Qi's (recipient of part of my liver) parents said thank you. It was so touching and I could not hold the tears. Not that I can hold tears very well anyway and crying is always easy for me - tears can be free-flow, non-stop and generously pouring! Well, don't see me as such a strong lady but I really can cry easily! One thing many people do not know - I can be very pampered (manja), too (hehe).
Please read this (click the link). It is well worth the tears and swollen eyes.
http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-love-grocery-shopping.html
I am super blessed to have known this guy. Yes, it has been non-stop describing him, talking about him, referring to him in my recent blogs but I just can't count how much respect and admiration I have for him.
I will write my reflections on "money issues" later in my blog. A recent conversation with my friends also reveal that while I am progressing far better than most, I am still behind time. I will share when my emotions get more stable after tears and swollen eyes.
PS: But why he shops at Guardian? I need to ask him later, hmm...
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
My LaunchPad - Emceeing
Becoming an emcee was never my dream nor has it became something of obsession. I was TV Presenter for Selamat Pagi Malaysia some time ago and naturally, friends asked that I emcee for events which requires someone who speaks fluent Malay.
I find I have this talent in me naturally - to speak with confidence, to emcee an event as well as to know what to say when things go wrong. Way back when in school, being actively involved in St. John Ambulance, I was often asked to be the emcee. I even emceed during an annual parade where the DYAM Raja DiHilir Perak was gracing. It was the first time I emceed in a function with royal attendance and I enjoyed it. The main guy at the Information Ministry commended that I should take emceeing as a career because I've got the "VOICE" and "bass" was strong, and I could flow the words as it flows.
I did not take him seriously. I should have.....
Now, being an emcee for so many events, I have done emceeing only in Malay. However, I took the bold step and challenge when a friend asked that I emcee for an event the next morning. The time was 12.15am and I will need to emcee in English at 8.30am.
It was the FIRST time emceeing in English and first event after the liver donation. As much as I would like to take care of my health and sleep early, I also took the challenge to research and prepared script for the morning.
I did my best and surprisingly find myself a new-found ability. Hey, I can emcee in English! Why not? I did not try earlier and yet when the first opportunity came, I never hesitated my skills. It was partly due to my generosity in helping a friend who needed help at the very last minute. I did well so much so that I got enough praises that let my confidence flies.
And then I did another event with a mix of both Malay and English.
TODAY, I did it again! I made it a point to emcee fully in English and I successfully did an impressive job. How do I know it was impressive? By the number of cards that come naturally without asking for it! I cannot stand it if my audience is boring or sleepy. No one will ever sleeps when I emcee and I made this my objective every single time. This time, a business function so solemn - but I made them all warmed up and by the time they dash out the hall for refreshment, they'd have remembered my name because as they CHEW their food, they'll remember Chew, the emcee.
Next, let me pick up Chinese and one day, I will emcee in Chinese, too! And be warned - my script includes phrases of Tamil, too. You can't help it when you are bangsa Malaysia.
Tomorrow, I will be emceeing for the Women Entrepreneur Conference organized by the Gorgeous Geeks whom its president I met at the Great Women of Our Time award 2008 gala dinner.
Someone asked of my fees, expecting it to be very high and came to be surprise of the fees I charged. Ask me for a figure if you would like to know. :)
I find I have this talent in me naturally - to speak with confidence, to emcee an event as well as to know what to say when things go wrong. Way back when in school, being actively involved in St. John Ambulance, I was often asked to be the emcee. I even emceed during an annual parade where the DYAM Raja DiHilir Perak was gracing. It was the first time I emceed in a function with royal attendance and I enjoyed it. The main guy at the Information Ministry commended that I should take emceeing as a career because I've got the "VOICE" and "bass" was strong, and I could flow the words as it flows.
I did not take him seriously. I should have.....
Now, being an emcee for so many events, I have done emceeing only in Malay. However, I took the bold step and challenge when a friend asked that I emcee for an event the next morning. The time was 12.15am and I will need to emcee in English at 8.30am.
It was the FIRST time emceeing in English and first event after the liver donation. As much as I would like to take care of my health and sleep early, I also took the challenge to research and prepared script for the morning.
I did my best and surprisingly find myself a new-found ability. Hey, I can emcee in English! Why not? I did not try earlier and yet when the first opportunity came, I never hesitated my skills. It was partly due to my generosity in helping a friend who needed help at the very last minute. I did well so much so that I got enough praises that let my confidence flies.
And then I did another event with a mix of both Malay and English.
TODAY, I did it again! I made it a point to emcee fully in English and I successfully did an impressive job. How do I know it was impressive? By the number of cards that come naturally without asking for it! I cannot stand it if my audience is boring or sleepy. No one will ever sleeps when I emcee and I made this my objective every single time. This time, a business function so solemn - but I made them all warmed up and by the time they dash out the hall for refreshment, they'd have remembered my name because as they CHEW their food, they'll remember Chew, the emcee.
Next, let me pick up Chinese and one day, I will emcee in Chinese, too! And be warned - my script includes phrases of Tamil, too. You can't help it when you are bangsa Malaysia.
Tomorrow, I will be emceeing for the Women Entrepreneur Conference organized by the Gorgeous Geeks whom its president I met at the Great Women of Our Time award 2008 gala dinner.
Someone asked of my fees, expecting it to be very high and came to be surprise of the fees I charged. Ask me for a figure if you would like to know. :)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Giving liver to save life 無條件捐肝助陌生人‧周虹伶展現大愛
Let me try to translate the title with my little knowledge (and improving) Mandarin.
"Giving liver to save life, never mind the Mercedesscar"
"Chew Hoong Ling with big heart"
(not sure if I am correct...)
周虹伶在踏出捐贈器官第一步後，希望可以通過自身經歷來勉勵更多人填寫捐贈器官卡，以協助更多需要幫助的人。（圖：星洲日報）
年幼的周虹伶（後左2）雖常常出入教堂，卻沒有成為教徒，選擇皈依佛教，法名偉義。（圖：星洲日報）
周虹伶從小就膽量驚人，就算不會游泳，也敢在救生圈上隨水漂流。（圖：星洲日報）
http://search.sinchew-i.com/node/368779
"Giving liver to save life, never mind the Mercedes
"Chew Hoong Ling with big heart"
(not sure if I am correct...)
無條件捐肝助陌生人‧周虹伶展現大愛
星洲日報／大都會‧2009.07.12
15年前，剛升上中學的周虹伶在閱讀了捐贈器官的文章後，就做出要捐贈器官的決心；15年後，周虹伶通過互聯網知道14歲的李安祺需要肝臟後，正式踏出捐贈器官的第一步。
從決定捐肝後，周虹伶從醫生口中知道其身上會留下難以磨滅的“馬賽地疤痕”，但她沒有因此而退縮，反而更勇敢地堅持這個念頭。
後來，在朋友鼓勵下，周虹伶萌起要把捐贈器官的心路歷程紀錄下來的念頭，有關書籍將在明年推出，希望藉此鼓勵更多人加入捐贈器官行列，把器官捐贈給有需要的人。
(15 years ago, Chew Hoong Ling after pledging organs, planned to donate organ even if while still alive and 15 years after, she got a chance to give part of her liver to Lee An Qi)
周虹伶在踏出捐贈器官第一步後，希望可以通過自身經歷來勉勵更多人填寫捐贈器官卡，以協助更多需要幫助的人。（圖：星洲日報）
愛閱佛書
自修爪哇語
周虹伶在吉隆坡出生，由於父母都是上班族，所以她從小被寄養在親戚家，直到父母在她4歲離異後，她就住在安順的姑媽家。
由於姑丈是基督徒，所以周虹伶從6歲開始就隨姑丈到教堂去，但這也沒有影響她是佛教徒的信仰觀念。
升上中學時，周虹伶加入佛教會，並開始翻閱佛教書籍。她通過佛教會內的佛教刊物開始認識佛教，也體認到佛教不只是燒香拜拜，加上她從刊物中得到鼓勵，所以她趁華文課到圖書館自修的時段自修爪哇語。
(Since parents divorced at age 4, she stays at her aunt's house. Since 6 years old, Hoong Ling went to church and eventually discovered Buddhism only in secondary school where she also joins Buddhist Association.)
(**Since I cant read Chinese, so during Chinese classes, a few of my classmates and I were sent to the library - from there I learnt Jawi)
在短短的一年內，周虹伶學會看和寫爪哇字後，也通過互聯網的便利閱讀經翻譯的可蘭經，開始嘗試理解回教教義，並在進入學院求學時連續4年隨同馬來同胞進行齋戒，直到後來因胃部不適後，才在親友勸阻下停止齋戒。
(In about a year, Hoong Ling mastered bahasa jawa **truth is Jawi words** and then went on to read Al Quran and even fast during Ramadhan for 4 years. It was when gastric problems started that she then stopped) **If this year I still can't fast, it will be the 9th year not fasting**
隨著認識商人阿納斯朱比迪後，周虹伶對阿納斯能掌握多種語言，通曉英文、國語、福建話及少許淡米爾文的本領感到佩服，也開始學習淡米爾文，要更拉近和印度朋友們的距離。
(After knowing entrepreneur, Anas Zubedy and impressed with his ability to speak English, Malay, Hokkien and some Tamil, Hoong Ling also learns Tamil to stay closer with Indian friends. **Truth is I learnt Tamil during schooldays)
年幼的周虹伶（後左2）雖常常出入教堂，卻沒有成為教徒，選擇皈依佛教，法名偉義。（圖：星洲日報）
啟發更多人
響應捐器官
中學時期，周虹伶在閱讀佛教書籍時，發現一個和尚以“捐贈的喜悅”主題寫了一則文，其中提到捐贈器官，讓她也想仿效，於是就在諮詢父親意見後，填寫願意捐贈器官的表格。
那時候，周虹伶也參與扶少團，並在主辦捐血活動時，順便推廣填寫捐贈器官表格。周虹伶才發現，很多人都不知道捐贈器官的存在和其作用，於是她就不時趁機會推廣捐贈器官卡，讓更多人加入願意捐贈器官的行列。
沒想到在填了捐贈器官表的多年後，周虹伶居然在因緣巧合下接到求助信件，她坦言在捐出器官前也面對害怕和憂慮，但她最終一一克服，總算圓了她要助人的心願。
手術後，周虹伶在家休養了一段頗長的日子，除了趁機調養身體外，也沉澱思緒，向未來出發。
(In secondary school, Hoong Ling read an article on Joy of Giving in a book about organ donation and decided to pledge organs. When organising an organ and blood donation campaign after that, she realised many people do not know about organ donation. **I can't really understand the rest)
青年船計劃
改變人生
中學畢業後，周虹伶到吉隆坡報讀資訊系統科學課程，期間受邀參與電視台BICARA SISWA清談節目，因說得一口流利的國語而被大馬電視台相中，在2002年至2004年主持《大馬早安》（SELAMAT PAGI MALAYSIA）節目。
(After high school, Hoong Ling continued studies in Kuala Lumpur and was invited as panel speaker for Bicara Siswa talk show and eventually became TV Presenter for Selamat Pagi Malaysia from 2002 to 2004)
2003年期間，周虹伶在機緣巧合下，經過重重過關斬將的難關後，和27個青少年代表馬來西亞參與“東南亞青年之船交流計劃”
（Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme），擔任大馬青少年大使，到新加坡、雅加達、曼谷、馬尼拉和日本去進行文化交流，體會不同國度的民情風俗。
由於當時還是《大馬早安》主持人，所以周虹伶每到一個地方就會嘗試和電視台連線，讓觀眾知道她的去向。
(In 2003, she was hand-picked by government to be ambassador on board the ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme.)
長達兩個月的東南亞青年船計劃改變了周虹伶的人生，也成為影響她一生的轉折點。除了可以到多個國家觀光外，也讓她結識了來自11個國家的年輕人，大家互相分享人生觀，豐富了她的見聞。
雖已事隔多年，但周虹伶至今仍和部份團員保持聯繫。
(In that 2 months of the programme, it has changed Hoong Ling's life - other than "holidaying" in 5 countries, she also meet youths from 11 countries.)
姓名：周虹伶
年齡：29歲
故事：她雖然是一個平凡的女子，可是卻有無私的大愛精神，願意無條件捐助器官給陌生人，也希望自己的經驗可以鼓勵他人填寫捐贈器官卡，協助更多需要幫助的人。
周虹伶從小就膽量驚人，就算不會游泳，也敢在救生圈上隨水漂流。（圖：星洲日報）
http://search.sinchew-i.com/node/368779
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