tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28414841381248024092024-03-06T11:46:47.008+08:00ch3rylismEach of these writings came about for its own reasons, collectively they are musings linked by my fascination with fate, choice, chance, faith, forgiveness, forgetting, freedom of expression, appeasement through prayers, adherence to rituals, trolling for miracles, pursuit of happiness... (Amy Tan - The Other Side of Faith)ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.comBlogger365125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-16874580605918602092014-12-29T22:07:00.000+08:002015-01-01T09:51:15.132+08:00Year 2014 - ch3's takeEven though I have been missing (a lot) for the past 363 days from my blog - I figure I still want to end the year with a post. 2014 was <a href="http://ch3rylism.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-year-of-firsts.html" target="_blank">a year of firsts</a> - as I have mentioned<a href="http://ch3rylism.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-year-of-firsts.html" target="_blank"> here</a>.<br />
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First time joining a kickboxing class (and sticking to it for the past 6 months!), first time doing a fun run/walk (only 10 km but still an achievement!), first time travelling to Hangzhou, China and parts of Europe (both without signing up tours) ... the year was dotted with many more first times. It was also a year with lots of ups and downs, of laughter and tears - I have attended a couple of weddings, celebrated a handful new births and also a few more wake services.<br />
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Highlights of the year (amongst many more memorable moments):<br />
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Clockwise from top left: Doraemon Expo - introducing mum to Doraemon, Hangzhou trip - beautiful place, Melaka food trip with buddies - burp!, Port Dickson retreat - a gift from a dear friend, Europe (Netherlands, Belgium & Germany) - thumbs up, my (annual) Singapore trip to visit bestie.</div>
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Clockwise from top left: PESS (alma mater) 100 years celebration fun run, Chinese New Year celebration with family, church camp in Taiping with mum tagging along, my farewell party with the office people (after 5 years, it was a difficult decision), road trip up north to Penang and Perak with guest from HK, celebration dinner enjoying KL sunset view.<br />
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Malaysia, as a nation, went through a trying year - with 3 unforgettable aviation-related mishaps, most serious flood in 20 years. Of course, there were triumphant moments which we should not write off. All these made part of our history, part of who we are. Let the happy moments teach us to be grateful for what we have and let the sad ones teach us to be strong and courageous.<br />
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Came across these words of <a href="http://annaquindlen.net/" target="_blank">Anna Quindlen</a> just a while ago:<br />
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Knowledge of our own mortality is the greatest gift God ever gives us because unless you know the clock is ticking, it is so easy to waste our days, our lives.</blockquote>
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Cherish life.<br />
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Cheers<br />
ch3ryl<br />
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ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-27980228691829235682014-09-16T12:03:00.000+08:002014-09-16T12:03:26.685+08:00Selamat Hari Malaysia16 September - the day we remember the birth of the land we love - Malaysia.<br />
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<a href="http://www.google.com/doodles/" target="_blank">Google Doodle</a> for the day<br />
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We remember how our forefathers strive to build this place we call home. We remember how they put aside differences and unite as one. Let's keep the Jalur Gemilang up high in the sky. In the past year, the nation has been saddened with news of the disappearance of MH370 and the mishap of MH17, and through these challenging moments, we see once again the Malaysians united and stood side by side. We mourned together as one people. I hope to see Malaysians will continue in this spirit of oneness.<br />
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Malaysia is not made of the tropical forests and beautiful islands, Malaysia is not made of the tallest buildings and towers. Malaysia is made of her people. When we look at the people of Malaysia, there is so much beauty that exuberates, the richness in our different cultural heritage and how in our differences we have one thing in common - our love for this land and that makes us one family.<br />
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A short video ad by local telecommunications company highlight our brotherhood across races and cultures<br />
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<br />ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-67174183234339017452014-05-15T20:23:00.001+08:002014-05-15T20:23:21.699+08:00The 3 PsI seriously need to relook at how I can control my emotions better, right now I think my EQ is almost zero, if not negative. Someone once said whenever you are angry, your IQ becomes zero (人愤怒的那一瞬间,智商是零,过一分钟后恢复正常。).<br />
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Trying hard to control my anger and emotions at the workplace today, I failed miserably. Two separate episodes today.<br />
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First episode in the morning was still controllable, breathe harder, breathe deeper...<br />
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Second episode - my hands were shaking from the wrath. Someone once asked me why I have the patience to teach children but not adults. I guess the difference lies in the attitude of the learner. I do not mind knowledge sharing but if the person (especially adults!) is not keen to learn - it just gets to me. 'I don't know' is not the reason we are unable to accomplish a task, it is an excuse to not try. Everyone has to start somewhere, I am not born with it either.<br />
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You know what Benjamin Franklin once said - Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.<br />
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Anyway, for now I am going to consistently remind myself the 3 Ps - POSITIVE, PATIENT and PERSISTENT. Made this doodle this morning and put it right in front of me at my work station.<br />
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<br />ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-43820574842626732212014-05-07T21:37:00.001+08:002014-05-08T17:37:39.096+08:00A Year of FirstsI did not start 2014 with much anticipation, honestly - I thought it would just be like the previous year or the year before last. You know with life's normal ups and downs, so normal and cliche that they become a flat line. Unexciting, Mediocre.<br />
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4 months into the year, I suddenly feel that I may have either treated my life too shabbily or I have underestimated life's potential.<br />
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Well before the year began, I thought it would be hectic and unexciting - hectic with work stuffs being in a new role and all; unexciting because I don't foresee myself doing something different, something I haven't done before.<br />
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I got the 'hectic' part right - work drives me up the wall some days, white hairs spotted, dreams/nightmares about work related stuffs, so on.<br />
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As for unexciting - thankfully I got it wrong :) Some of the firsts I have done this year - from joining a kickboxing class, completed a 10km fun<strike> run </strike>walk to trying out new cuisine. More later, now I gotta get packing for my next trip ...<br />
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(and oh, I am one of the firsts to depart from the new airport - <a href="http://www.klia2.info/" target="_blank">KLIA2</a>!)<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“This new day has greeted us with no rules; unconditional opportunity. Do not dilute the power of this new day with the hardship of yesterday. Greet this day the way it has greeted you; with open arms and endless possibility.” ― Steve Maraboli,</blockquote>
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<br />ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-42244933105064753122014-02-09T20:16:00.000+08:002014-02-09T20:16:35.003+08:002014 CNY ads in Malaysia (Part 2)Part 1 <a href="http://ch3rylism.blogspot.com/2014/02/2014-cny-ads-in-malaysia.html" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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Many people will find TNB's ad this year so true in their families, especially when you have cross-generations gathering.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xk3qO4JfytI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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In my household, even when the dishes are already nicely served, it is quite a challenge at times to distract my nieces and nephew (i.e. those born in/after the 90s) from whatever activities they are indulging in - online games, videos, social media, so on so forth. Hmm... maybe I should ask mum to do what the grandma did in the advert.<br />
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Kia did a tri-series of ad, see if you can catch the humour AND the moral of each story.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2X04OdgNDpc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4jvvleCfZgM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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There are a couple of other ads as well, but the following short story caught my attention while I was researching for this entry. Good one.<br />
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Whether you return home (as in your parents' home if you are not staying with them) daily or once a year, do know that you really do not need to wait for the right time. For this I am grateful to my family, that I can just go home any time; that I don't even need to give them a call beforehand to make an appointment. I know there are people around me who have misunderstanding with their parents or siblings; and because of the grievances and hurt they have avoided going home, even during festive times like these when reunion is the main theme. I wish that they will be healed from the bitterness, blood is always thicker than water; and that their families will be reunited once more.<br />
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May you have a new year filled with love and joy, have a 马(mar)velous year!<br />
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Down memory lane...<br />
2013 CNY ads Parts <a href="http://ch3rylism.blogspot.com/2013/02/cny-ads-in-malaysia.html" target="_blank">1</a> and <a href="http://ch3rylism.blogspot.com/2013/02/cny-ads-in-malaysia-part-2.html" target="_blank">2</a><br />
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<br />ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-14016592233410856922014-02-08T10:31:00.002+08:002014-02-08T10:31:21.287+08:002014 CNY ads in Malaysia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dz_cOHUCak0/UvWVWQPHcRI/AAAAAAAAKH8/WLBNUPMb_tg/s1600/2014-chinese-year-of-horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dz_cOHUCak0/UvWVWQPHcRI/AAAAAAAAKH8/WLBNUPMb_tg/s1600/2014-chinese-year-of-horse.jpg" height="227" width="320" /></a></div>
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About a year ago, I have <a href="http://ch3rylism.blogspot.com/2013/02/cny-ads-in-malaysia.html" target="_blank">blogged</a> about the CNY ads that were aired locally. In fact I made <a href="http://ch3rylism.blogspot.com/2013/02/cny-ads-in-malaysia-part-2.html" target="_blank">two</a> blog posts about it.<br />
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To continue the 'tradition', let's look at what we have for this year of the Horse.<br />
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First up and my fave, 'Young Hearts' brought to us by Petronas.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/RXaVqbOlFQQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Personally this ad reminded me that there is always a child within us. I always <strike>complain</strike> tell people (consciously or otherwise) that how my mother (she is 73 this year, bless her!) is becoming more and more like a child; so much so it seems like I have switched roles with her, I sound more like her mother these days.<br />
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At the same time this ad as heart warming as it is, brought a tinge of sadness to my heart as I wonder whether I will ever have that someone to grow old (and young again) with; or whether I will be alone to the last of my days. *deep breaths* No thinking about negative stuffs, live each day to the fullest and be happy the best I could.<br />
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Ok, next up - the Lion's Club did a different take on CNY advert last year - this year they are back with the sequel to 'The Promise'.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/DjH-kjhehEM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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It's a sad ending but a good reminder of how some of our parents are abandoned and not cared for. This brought to mind the recent development that a <a href="http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/01/15/filial-piety-law-netizens-views/" target="_blank">filial piety law</a> was to be passed in the country to protect aged parents. It is a shame if you ask me that a law needs to be passed for a virtue that was supposed to be part of our heritage; a trait that was supposedly built-in within us.<br />
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Coincidentally I have just finished reading the book by <a href="http://amychua.com/" target="_blank">Amy Chua - The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother</a>. In one part, the author highlighted the contrast of the Western and Chinese cultures. Some of the Western parents would hold the thought that their children are not 'obligated' to care for them when they are old, the children's obligation is only to the next generation and it goes on like that. On the contrary, the Chinese (or most Asian) culture had it that just as the parents have worked hard to care for and nurture the child, the child 'owes' it to their parents to take care for them the same way. Personally, I am skewed towards the Chinese behaviour (if you can call it that) but I do not feel it is because I owe it to them; rather it is 'just because'. Just because they are my parents, I will care for them. No why, no questioning of whether they have done anything to merit my love and attention for them, just 'just because'.<br />
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(Hmm... this post was supposed to be about the CNY ads for the year... let's get back on track)<br />
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I think somehow, good touching CNY ads can't run far from linking in with family ties and filial piety, here's the one from Eu Yan Sang.<br />
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And this one from Naga DDB is funny, 2014 is not a good year so it is to be replaced by 2013A ... aiyo, like that also can ah?! LOL</div>
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Stay tuned for the second part of this in the next post (which hopefully I will complete before the 15 days of celebration end next Friday, today is the 9th day in case you lost count).</div>
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马年亨通,万马奔腾, wishing all a happy and prosperous new year.</div>
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ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-81289951185980481552013-11-28T20:31:00.001+08:002013-11-28T21:47:40.893+08:00It's a beautiful time<div dir="ltr">
as it's getting Christmasy in the office.</div>
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Thankful that even though I have shifted to a smaller cubicle (<a href="http://ch3rylism.blogspot.com/2013/11/amusing-finds-serenity-strength.html" target="_blank">due to change of role at work</a>), I still have my little corner to add colours to.</div>
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P/s: 1st time blogging from my mobile, not quite sure how/whether this works.</div>
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Note: Mobile blogging works except for images cannot be resized or arranged nicely. </div>
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ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-78167100079465468172013-11-21T21:22:00.003+08:002013-11-22T22:08:51.495+08:00(A)musing Finds - Serenity & StrengthFew Saturdays ago - I thought I had some time in the morning before I go to class (I teach Malay language in a children's home on Saturday evenings) so I decided to drive around the neighbourhood.<br />
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Lo and behold, I did not know there is this one stretch of road, not very long, maybe a little short of 200m, quite near home. As soon as I (randomly) turned into this road - I was mesmerized by the sight before me. So much so, I have to quickly (and safely) stopped my car by the road and took a shot.<br />
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It started to drizzle when I stopped my car but as soon as I started my drive again, it began to pour. Just in time, and if you look closely you may spot some raindrops on the windscreen.<br />
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I love roads like these - so calming and serene. I wish more roads in KL are like these.
I felt better after the drive, cleared my mind a little. <br />
<br />
I had recently been handed an entirely new portfolio at work - everything seems so foreign to me. The unit is new, even the unit's head (my boss) is new, the system is new (to me - but according to my boss, not many people out there understands or knows how to use it any way), the lingo is new, the seating is new (how I missed my old cubicle). It is a real challenge, and I was feeling frustrated and angry with myself as I can't seem to pick up these new things as fast as I anticipated - aging?<br />
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There was even a point at time that I nearly wanted to give up but I made a promise (to myself) that I will stick it out, hang around, persevere, give it my best shot, fail and try again and fail and try again... 2 years - that is the timeline that I have set and if in 2 years I do not achieve what I set out to do or justify my HOD's faith in offering me the portfolio, then I may really have to consider to make a move.<br />
<br />
All these frustrations had been building up for a while. (It still does now) But I know I can make it, just have to continuously build my strength day by day, step by step. And perhaps, when I become too tired to tough it out, which is very likely happen to recur in the next 2 years - I just need to take a drive down the beautiful road again, that I may find STRENGTH in SERENITY.<br />
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You know what they say:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
</i></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
--Reinhold Niebuhr
</blockquote>
Earlier (A)musing Finds:
<br />
<a href="http://ch3rylism.blogspot.com/2013/01/amusing-finds-water-powered-clock.html">Water-powered clock</a>
<br />
<a href="http://ch3rylism.blogspot.com/2013/01/amusing-finds-butter-knife.html">Butter knife</a><br />
<a href="http://ch3rylism.blogspot.com/2013/02/amusing-finds-optical-illusion.html">
Optical illusion</a>
<br />
<a href="http://ch3rylism.blogspot.com/2013/03/amusing-finds-women.html">Women</a>
<br />
<a href="http://ch3rylism.blogspot.com/2013/05/amusing-finds-maeklong-railway-market.html">Maeklong Railway Market</a><br />
<br />
My blogger still doesn't work on Google Chrome (how do you guys do it?) - am using Mozilla now. ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-89905522449696237682013-11-14T19:43:00.003+08:002013-11-14T19:43:36.061+08:00Something GoodWow, my last post was more than 2 months ago! </p>I have been having problems to access my own blog. My page on Google Chrome just does not display the sign in link - and I couldn't figure out the way, except if I blog via my mobile or like now, I use another explorer. Yet I still have a footnote down on the left corner that says 'Error on page'. So keeping my fingers crossed, I hope this gets posted in the end. </p>I have been up to quite a bit of stuffs lately - more in the line of reflecting about my life - past, present, future. Contemplating on what I want to do and/or to be and checking my current standing to see how far off I am. Basically just lots of thinking. </p>So, for the time being, I may blog less (also due to demands in the workplace plus some year end plans which will keep me occupied) but I am still around, striving my best to be the best I can. </p>To all who read my page, thanks for hanging around and I wish you well. </p>Shalom </p>Ending with a photo I took recently, while driving home from work (it is not often I could go home while the sun is still hanging around) <br />
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ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-33253836745237692002013-09-08T16:56:00.001+08:002013-09-08T18:16:58.554+08:00Beautiful<div dir="ltr">
Even when life is not all smooth and easy, if we keep trying, we can finish strong.</div>
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Beautiful...especially when we know which direction to look - upwards.<br />
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Inspired by this video on <a href="http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/" target="_blank">Nick Vujicic</a> on finishing strong -<br />
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ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-33345631916998931822013-08-31T09:11:00.001+08:002013-08-31T09:11:26.577+08:00Salam Merdeka<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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31st August - the day Federation of Malaya declared her independence from the then British colonial rule in the year of 1957. (Later on 16th September 1963, Malaysia was formed by Federation of Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore.)<br />
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Despite all, in spite all, I am proud to be a Malaysian. Saya anak bangsa Malaysia :)<br />
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We were taught to sing the national anthem since young - and each time now, I sing it again, I could feel tears well up - because of the Malaysian pride.<br />
<br />
Negaraku<br />
Tanah tumpahnya darahku<br />
Rakyat hidup, bersatu dan maju<br />
Rahmat bahagia, Tuhan kurniakan<br />
Raja kita selamat bertakhta<br />
<br />
(My translation below)<br />
My country<br />
My native land<br />
The people live in unity and progress<br />
God grants blessings and mercy<br />
Our King rules in sovereignty<br />
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Video of the national anthem - performed with a nice twist; video made 2 years ago, hence the 54th year credit message at the end.<br />
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As it says for our theme this year - Malaysiaku Berdaulat, Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku (My Sovereign Malaysia, My Native Land).<br />
<br />ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-44137519896764908882013-08-27T22:07:00.003+08:002013-08-27T22:07:50.542+08:00Discharged and...Life goes back to 'almost' normal.<br />
<br />
Mum was discharged on Sunday evening, she is resting at home now.<br />
<br />
Excerpts of my FB updates:<br />
Update 22 Aug, evening<br />
Better, even though her foot is still swelling. She managed to shower on her own in the morning. She is more cheered up, shared with her on some friends' latest FB photos and showed her how to use a phone's touch screen.<br />
Another xray done on her lower back, I'm still waiting to see the doc.<br />
<br />
Update 23 Aug, evening<br />
Foot is still swollen, but looks better. She was given antibiotics drips since yesterday.<br />
Started to eat solid foods. Showered on her own for 2nd consecutive day.<br />
I have no chance to speak to the doctors today, will be there tomorrow to get latest findings.<br />
<br />
Update 24 Aug, morning<br />
Mum's almost ready to be discharged (maybe tomorrow). Will undergo final blood test later today.<br />
Spoken to the gastro specialist, whom had advised for surgery of gall bladder removal. She will be referred to the surgeon for follow up after this.<br />
<br />
Update 25 Aug, morning<br />
Latest blood test shows amylase level is now within normal range at 53 (from 1984 on Day 1).<br />
Swelling at foot has subsided.<br />
Doc says has to observe for a while more before releasing her as she complains of minor abdominal pain.<br />
She feels better after I took her down to the small garden for a walk before lunch. The place was full of the fragrance of jasmines.<br />
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<br />
Update 25 Aug, evening<br />
Finally done with settling her discharge documents, paid the bills and mum is on the way home with my brother at 5pm.<br />
I was given a long list of follow up appointments with different doctors - she has to see the gastro specialist, the surgeon, the orthopedic and her usual psychiatrist. So life is back to 'almost' normal for now.ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-28809345476305792642013-08-21T22:20:00.001+08:002013-08-21T22:22:12.034+08:00A Cute Pancreas It Is NOTMum complained of progressively severe abdominal pain last Sat which began in the morning, and finally was sent to the Emergency Ward in the evening around 7pm.<br />
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The pain was diagnosed as acute pancreatitis, she was taken in for abdomen xray but no stones spotted. Gall bladder stones that get stuck in one of the ducts could be a reason of the inflammation in the pancreas.<br />
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Blood test result out at around 3am and showed her amylase level was 1984, normal range <100 . Surgeon was called in but he only arrived an hour later.<br />
<br />
After the surgeon's examination, no surgery was needed so she was referred to the gastro clinic. Another hour went by. The gastro specialist came to see her at about 5am and confirmed the early diagnosis. It was confirmed that she had to be admitted (don't ask me why, but this is the painful process of getting into a government hospital).<br />
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I finished the registration procedures by 6am but there was no bed available in the ward. I was exhausted by then, didn't sleep all night and all. Finally waited till 7am and told the nurse I just need to go home to take a short rest and will be back to the hospital. I reached home and took a nap, and got back to the hospital by 11am.<br />
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Mum told me they finally transferred from the emergency to the medical ward at about 8am. She was taken to do ultrasound by noon and second blood test conducted. Ultrasound results confirmed no stones blocking the ducts (doc says it is a good thing). Pancreas was still inflammed as white blood cells count went up. I left the hospital at about 7pm, full blood test results not out yet.<br />
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Mum was put on a full fast and she was on drips.<br />
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The following updates are per what I posted to my church group on FB:<br />
Update, 19 Aug morning<br />
She looks stronger and has been allowed to drink plain water.<br />
Amalyse level down to 916 and no reported fever.<br />
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Update 19 Aug, evening<br />
Improved condition, she had just been transferred to normal ward. Amylase level down to 366, white blood cells count still increasing.<br />
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Update 20 Aug, morning<br />
Improving, she's allowed on liquids already. Lesser abdominal pain.<br />
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Update 20 Aug, evening<br />
She looks more energetic, and she could bathe on her own now. Blood test results are late today.<br />
Am thankful for an understanding boss, I had been getting to work late at 10+ and leaving early at 4+. I dunno what some people at work think of me, but I am trying my best to keep my work up to par; working extra hard during the few short hours.<br />
Am also thankful for friends who are constantly encouraging me - not just with their calls, messages but also through action. They visited my mum and helped me took care of her in those hours I can't be there and even bought me dinner, knowing that I will be there in the evening.<br />
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<br />
Update 21 Aug, morning<br />
Mixed news.<br />
She's better in the pancreas dept, allowed on soft solids, stopping drips.<br />
Her left foot is painful since yday and this morning swollen. Xray taken, I didn't manage to stay for results.<br />
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Update 21 Aug, evening<br />
Mum's leg swelling has not gone down, pending blood test. Xray showed swelling not due to joint. Doc's preliminary diagnosis is skin inflammation. She's not able to stand due to the pain.<br />
No more abdominal pain.<br />
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<!--100--><!--100-->ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-39573181332767827492013-08-16T23:20:00.001+08:002013-08-16T23:20:41.961+08:00Girls on Cruise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://ch3rylism.blogspot.com/2013/06/i-am-back.html" target="_blank">Long overdue</a> post of the cruise holiday I took with mom almost 2 months ago.</div>
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Note: Could be photo-intensive post. There would have been more if I had had my camera with me. </div>
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It was the first time both of us go on a cruise. Mom had mentioned to me a couple of times before that she heard it is a lot of fun going on one. As much as I wasn't convinced, I figured it could be a great holiday choice for her - as she is not able to walk for long distance, she does not really enjoy relaxing by the beach, she detests shopping (except for groceries perhaps, but still she can't walk for long before complaining of leg pain).</div>
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I got a pretty good deal, a buy-one-free-one package so it was about MYR2600 for the two of us with our choice of the Ocean View Stateroom. The package also comes with return coach transfer between KL and Penang, which is a plus point. I do not mind driving to Penang, but would prefer to have at least another capable driver. The journey on the road takes about 6 hours one way.</div>
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So off we go...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the coach, heading to Penang</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the Penang Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we go</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDmmyPrn6ozLs6tvKOL0QvNGYRWUtqVnRk4eHgARhq-NmBOCR3P1BqVpPseVby0cOJ-DkcPwzAc0zjIH1gSmnGEqhsosi_4z-AQFKlhORCINC7CSiad56SavmESO6WtauJd_7MjMo3_g4/s1600/20130623_133842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDmmyPrn6ozLs6tvKOL0QvNGYRWUtqVnRk4eHgARhq-NmBOCR3P1BqVpPseVby0cOJ-DkcPwzAc0zjIH1gSmnGEqhsosi_4z-AQFKlhORCINC7CSiad56SavmESO6WtauJd_7MjMo3_g4/s320/20130623_133842.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Our room<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">Just relaxing<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Being on-board the ship, we didn't do much besides eating, sleeping, chilling at the pool deck, watching shows at night... we practically did nothing except to just relax. I even had time to catch up on my reading.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Just enjoying the breeze on the pool deck</span></div>
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The acrobatic show on the 2nd night</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We did pretty well on the first day - but when we awoke the next day, we started to feel a little seasick. Thinking it was not serious, we just put medical plaster on our belly buttons. I learned this trick whilst on a trip to Jogjakarta some years ago, shared by our local guide which had helped my friends curb their motion sickness. My mom claimed she had heard of it too. We did just that but few hours later we still felt uneasy. We had no choice but to take the anti-motion sickness tablets. Thankfully I managed to get it at the eleventh hour.</span></div>
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Spotted in Phuket</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Krabi town centre - iconic traffic lights </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Enjoying our seafood tomyam at one of the local restaurants in Krabi</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We got off the ship on the 2nd and 3rd day at Phuket and Krabi. As I have said, mom don't do beaches or related water activities, so I have planned for us to go to town these two days, to just take our own sweet time to check out the places. Managed to sneak in a superb and relaxing (yes! this word again!) Thai massage session in Patong town, Phuket. In Krabi town, we found the local morning/wet market and bought lots of fruits from there. Prices were reasonable and the fruits fresh. We had mangosteens, lychees, rambutans and pomelo! We had a feast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disembarked, leaving the jetty on the coach - and it rained for the first time during our trip</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Overall it was a good trip, spent quality time with mom. I know I may not have spent much time with her, except for those grocery shopping weekends. I am I have this chance to travel with her, to bring her to see the world outside her own little space. I know how hard her childhood had been (she was born in the midst of World War 2), how she had and I told her before I will give her a better life the best I can.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Oh, with the cruise package, we actually got a free </span><span style="font-size: small;">5D-4N</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">trip to Hangzhou too! We just have to buy our flight tickets, wonderful as Hangzhou is a place I had wanted to visit in China. As the Chinese says, "</span><a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E4%B8%8A%E6%9C%89%E5%A4%A9%E5%A0%82%EF%BC%8C%E4%B8%8B%E6%9C%89%E8%98%87%E6%9D%AD" style="font-size: medium;" target="_blank">Paradise above, Suzhou-Hangzhou below 上有天堂,下有蘇杭</a><span style="font-size: small;">". Am keeping an eye on cheap airfare.</span></div>
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ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-16403156189603546182013-07-15T22:45:00.002+08:002013-07-15T22:59:20.323+08:00Meet TomFirst we had <a href="http://ch3rylism.blogspot.com/2013/07/tim-giggling.html" target="_blank">Tim</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-C6f0sq8ghrsBYr4HK9nXbPuHfpkYIAHxht7MAM9Ok0pin8_QIHvIapwAD-tbcRhdgk-n5ipbl0GyKjUlJzctgI-4vxgkvQ91F8kJU1fZOIhSfuy4FVOtBaO_qJwrPWxTGXCl3Qkmh7S/s1600/ch3_giggle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-C6f0sq8ghrsBYr4HK9nXbPuHfpkYIAHxht7MAM9Ok0pin8_QIHvIapwAD-tbcRhdgk-n5ipbl0GyKjUlJzctgI-4vxgkvQ91F8kJU1fZOIhSfuy4FVOtBaO_qJwrPWxTGXCl3Qkmh7S/s320/ch3_giggle.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Now we have Tom (the Googly Eyed Grabber)...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnm_ZwP6Ur_l9aV9xXVW7GihjGlo2Vyobk4EVL9BwUN1IiEp8ApuYWQDpm8EeavL1A3Zhg2GgV4obhwQgah65IipXWf451udKsLi6Fqc-g6OIQnoLkKj8XmJboFt8mZIwWmbf6xPA-pgy/s1600/20130713_190808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnm_ZwP6Ur_l9aV9xXVW7GihjGlo2Vyobk4EVL9BwUN1IiEp8ApuYWQDpm8EeavL1A3Zhg2GgV4obhwQgah65IipXWf451udKsLi6Fqc-g6OIQnoLkKj8XmJboFt8mZIwWmbf6xPA-pgy/s320/20130713_190808.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Who do you think my next new friend will be?<br />
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For the benefit of my non-Malaysian readers - these toys inspired by the recently screened (and screening still) animation "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1690953/" target="_blank">Despicable Me 2</a>" were given free when one purchases a set of <a href="http://www.mcdonalds.com.my/" target="_blank">McDonalds</a> kid's meal (Happy Meal). The toys are released in batches and they sold like hot <strike>bananas</strike> cakes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyW9CyZh4-olMUmi-c8ssyqBTHPAl-D5g3v3HgLwhp1yve0Fbyp0xRQ1rptUbWRvXwCKdBa_wtlVrL1pNneEh5IqThL_9eao3LQb6FjsT9MJn3JlnjbbsTbGwVuniwTlFDM967ddjpVXhr/s1600/ch3_minion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyW9CyZh4-olMUmi-c8ssyqBTHPAl-D5g3v3HgLwhp1yve0Fbyp0xRQ1rptUbWRvXwCKdBa_wtlVrL1pNneEh5IqThL_9eao3LQb6FjsT9MJn3JlnjbbsTbGwVuniwTlFDM967ddjpVXhr/s400/ch3_minion.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So overwhelming were the fans/collectors that the toys sold out before end of the first day of the batch launch. So many hearts were broken, so many souls were disappointed - Happy Meals had become Sad Meals boo hoo hoo.<br />
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Congrats to those who managed to grab one or two or three (how can you get them so fast and how to eat so many Happy Meals???). To those who missed out, well...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj06foXGbbVfIivaHzo-kR8lO1PzEVXfuvjUICh8llgS2dQHmnQQK6zbBZTW5jgJqXSUH7XAvdjp04zRH24_Fm9IWj1LtrRUqmDPFj014WDQ79EbcU7w1cemI5ux8enI5NhNvyZeRfsqRK/s1600/ch3_keepcalm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj06foXGbbVfIivaHzo-kR8lO1PzEVXfuvjUICh8llgS2dQHmnQQK6zbBZTW5jgJqXSUH7XAvdjp04zRH24_Fm9IWj1LtrRUqmDPFj014WDQ79EbcU7w1cemI5ux8enI5NhNvyZeRfsqRK/s320/ch3_keepcalm.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep calm. It's only a plastic toy.</td></tr>
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<br />ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-73135527404278654332013-07-11T22:08:00.001+08:002013-07-11T22:08:46.669+08:00Our days are numberedSome things came up, a bit out of the blue and I have somehow be thrown off my track. Hence, the promised-but-delayed post on my recent trip, which has somehow become not so 'recent'!<br />
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Anyway, as I was still stuck in the office today, finishing some work, the view outside got my attention ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkgNp7emGMbsGl88DyQEaRnSSJrAGOc0VwezA3wirFGB-OgWcH-vumCXrhYehMJdjO9ci8lHNXSe8NevsWATkTcbDhCzUEmuCeAxIBgRFs_k9i63w0jY57-RkwWc0WsekugOqvlEoFklv/s1600/ch3_110713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkgNp7emGMbsGl88DyQEaRnSSJrAGOc0VwezA3wirFGB-OgWcH-vumCXrhYehMJdjO9ci8lHNXSe8NevsWATkTcbDhCzUEmuCeAxIBgRFs_k9i63w0jY57-RkwWc0WsekugOqvlEoFklv/s400/ch3_110713.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After I the took photo above, I continued with my work and the next moment when I looked out the window again, the nice hues of the twilight moment were gone, the sun has set. While on the drive home, I was pondering about life, about my life... you know how these things go. You are going through the routines of life and suddenly you are 'inspired' to think about these things.<br />
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This reminds me how our days are numbered; how life could be so short that when we are too busy rushing about we do not stop often enough to smell the flowers (or take nice photos of the beautiful sky!). I am feeling more lifted now that I have thought it through, it's like getting a new lease of life. Yup, the problems are still there, the complications are still apparent, the solutions not yet in sight but life's much more than that, surely. Life is about being, about making it all worthwhile.<br />
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Ending this post with these verses from Psalms (I have not been a disciplined Bible reader but these verses will be what I am going to meditate on for the next few days at least):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
As I stood there in silence — not even speaking of good things — the turmoil within me grew worse…We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We make our pile, and then we leave it. <br />Psalms 39: 2,6</blockquote>
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P/s: Though the tone of this post sounds a little downbeat, but I am actually feeling most liberated.</div>
ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-80243218816240487492013-07-04T20:48:00.002+08:002013-07-04T20:48:29.348+08:00Tim GigglingGot me a new friend - Tim Giggling. Got him today to cheer myself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-EQwb9gbCMhyt8yupEr1-EaLjx1hPOkg_mmaxSbqGrNQ_FSlJmws3R3Lf2pdYc45uLcw7prcKZqDYIaGknSYNTryQAM3QkvJlOAMgzcgaRCiz_bLgB-m9DfKxqZTQJ4upF7Jycm98e9u/s720/ch3_giggle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-EQwb9gbCMhyt8yupEr1-EaLjx1hPOkg_mmaxSbqGrNQ_FSlJmws3R3Lf2pdYc45uLcw7prcKZqDYIaGknSYNTryQAM3QkvJlOAMgzcgaRCiz_bLgB-m9DfKxqZTQJ4upF7Jycm98e9u/s320/ch3_giggle.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Been a very trying week at work. The last few days, I can't count the times that I almost lost it and thisclose to give up; but I know I gotta grit my teeth and carry on.<br />
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Better times will come. Friday's almost here. Hopefully I will get the time to write that now-overdue post of my trip. Stay tuned and I hope your week was better, if not, it will be.<br />
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Cheersch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-64426233354821081602013-06-28T17:44:00.001+08:002013-06-29T00:17:02.286+08:00Bittersweet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtyE1wCxqYm02k6ANe-JAfkZhxE1qhOFnsW3v5lx_dhCKDl55q53iXWwzg469i8fQSfld1dn_mn9GEmEWMtLCj54Aa2DpfFWvFr9Y5d9wlDoKISmMUO1_R7NYJjIhzbkCZqIdXolA_7CM/s960/ch3_4layertea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtyE1wCxqYm02k6ANe-JAfkZhxE1qhOFnsW3v5lx_dhCKDl55q53iXWwzg469i8fQSfld1dn_mn9GEmEWMtLCj54Aa2DpfFWvFr9Y5d9wlDoKISmMUO1_R7NYJjIhzbkCZqIdXolA_7CM/s400/ch3_4layertea.jpg" width="242"></a></div>Life's bittersweetness is like this glass of 4-layer tea, one's incomplete without the other, ccomplementing one another. To enjoy my rainbow, I need to experience the rain, and even perhaps go through a storm like the stirring of the drink. It will be a sweet ending nevertheless, once I get over the bitterness. And I will be okay.<br>
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Just came back from the first step of settling the <a href="http://ch3rylism.blogspot.com/2013/06/i-am-back.html" target="_blank">big task</a> I mentioned about yesterday - spent about half an hour crying my heart out and chatting with bestie, took a nice long shower, and here I am. I feel better now. I know the road ahead may not be all smooth and straight, but I am prepared - anywhere worth going is worth the journey. And I know I am heading to the right direction. A leap over the hurdle, a skip to escape the mud, a climb up the tough slope... soon I will be there, as long as I don't give up and I won't.<br>
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To cheer myself up, went for a hair cut this morning.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9biFQMcrTgw2mLV4LbC_otLnr8FUYyrxUzQ1mHRX4sTrp4eZPxeQ31qsJgM2LnExJhp1sQ-PmfWzMUoKhh7DTjIaK6nFQ9kqrhscEKMeyEFKo8Yz0EnbZzBuQsm1fkrY37yMdcpLZFNw/s1600/ch3_before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9biFQMcrTgw2mLV4LbC_otLnr8FUYyrxUzQ1mHRX4sTrp4eZPxeQ31qsJgM2LnExJhp1sQ-PmfWzMUoKhh7DTjIaK6nFQ9kqrhscEKMeyEFKo8Yz0EnbZzBuQsm1fkrY37yMdcpLZFNw/s200/ch3_before.jpg" width="131"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before - my last haircut was half a year ago<br></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jiFaGeiK6ucIg-mL6FAEeEcnpCB37vXMic4dlYkDQ3UcHxkuf0o4W2tyqKn3FVcR7jAmfvBL6m2eu0uVwaifdyzC462PDG3y6xxd4qUwNOMdg0xBfNHSi13SQdx3TzUUTnQeDOYpGFsd/s1600/ch3_after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jiFaGeiK6ucIg-mL6FAEeEcnpCB37vXMic4dlYkDQ3UcHxkuf0o4W2tyqKn3FVcR7jAmfvBL6m2eu0uVwaifdyzC462PDG3y6xxd4qUwNOMdg0xBfNHSi13SQdx3TzUUTnQeDOYpGFsd/s200/ch3_after.jpg" width="114"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After - with shorter bangs and more layered sides & back. Sorry if I scared you with those dark eyed circles, didn't sleep too well last night.</td></tr>
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The stylist suggested that I do a setting perm - but I guess I will only do that later. May need some more hair-venly therapy later, if the going gets tough or otherwise to celebrate. Hmmm...maybe I'd just go with the idea to give myself a birthday present 3 months down the road :)<br>
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Will be back soon to share about my recent trip, stay tuned!<br>
<br>ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-80057570401632964532013-06-27T19:59:00.000+08:002013-06-27T19:59:12.747+08:00I am backI am back and clear skies followed :)<br />
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The haze seems to have cleared for now, it was bad earlier in the week, so much so schools were called off - if not mistaken, <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/431485/malaysia-smog-worst-in-16-years-due-to-indonesia-fires" target="_blank">worst in 16 years</a>! Am glad that the timing of my trip was just right on dot - the places I was in were hot and sunny, haze-free.<br />
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More to come later about my recent getaway.<br />
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Right now, I have to concentrate and pick up where I left off before I went away.<br />
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A great task coming up tomorrow (one of my resolutions this year - didn't accomplish it last year, so it was postponed to this year). In fact, it had been postponed for almost 5 years now! I am a procrastinator, I admit; but this task I want to do take all of my guts and courage. It's not easy, not difficult, just overwhelmingly emotion straining.<br />
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My earlier FB status summed it all:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBXZD9hwa920ekaqGHtJelL-MRyoR8K0hbgnyLKj8AyzYl-Sbicl2IMCwd7jGZSv9HP_8V3maMqhvrba5jmNkJe3B0JuwV-KJq7G_-bdb4fv_8j8m2V__sGpaxytLJMa62drCDmQqJYm5/s510/ch3_status.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBXZD9hwa920ekaqGHtJelL-MRyoR8K0hbgnyLKj8AyzYl-Sbicl2IMCwd7jGZSv9HP_8V3maMqhvrba5jmNkJe3B0JuwV-KJq7G_-bdb4fv_8j8m2V__sGpaxytLJMa62drCDmQqJYm5/s400/ch3_status.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Please if you pray, pray with me that it will work out the best way. If you don't, cross all your fingers and toes and whatever-you-can-cross for me. Thanks much.ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-20337005916340141512013-06-22T09:54:00.000+08:002013-06-22T09:54:25.921+08:00Packed! Well...almost. Gotta run out and get some anti-motion sickness meds...just in case.<br />
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<br />ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-24679800134942336932013-06-20T22:39:00.000+08:002013-06-20T22:39:26.330+08:00I can't see clearly nowThe haze season is back. With a vengeance. Thankfully the last two days were quite breezy, so the air index in Klang Valley improved compared to over the last weekend. Johore and our southern neighbour, Singapore are having it much worst.<br />
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To those who may not know, it has been years now - that at this time of the year, due to the direction of the wind - smoke from forest fires in Sumatra, Indonesia, will cause air pollution to hit unhealthy levels in several places on the Malaysian peninsula.<br />
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Though it is less hazy these few days, I can feel the dryness in my throat and my eyes feel so dry (plus the fact of I am working extra hard staring at my work PC for at least 10 hours a day, due to overwhelming work load and also because I will be away soon).<br />
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I have got a cute mask which I am definitely gonna use if I am outdoor. Cute, no? My friend got it for us during our trip to Bali some years ago as we were supposed to visit a volcanic area. The masks help to filter out the terrible sulphuric odour.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGKgzmp4ZuYbXWYftE2vQBPQ_W2neiR180lJ_sOFYaTBftLb73-YtbgT8caLYlXr3g6UZNnQ9INtl0Gdnb4C5F5ngfsSTnMqDkWQqou4Bk1rSM3NIhNWYXlcO3c775W08ylI52H0JJy-j/s1600/ch3_mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGKgzmp4ZuYbXWYftE2vQBPQ_W2neiR180lJ_sOFYaTBftLb73-YtbgT8caLYlXr3g6UZNnQ9INtl0Gdnb4C5F5ngfsSTnMqDkWQqou4Bk1rSM3NIhNWYXlcO3c775W08ylI52H0JJy-j/s400/ch3_mask.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have got the pink one!</td></tr>
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Hmm...maybe I should it match it with a nice eye mask<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIqAtEkHXMI_wWN-6dGi3cwI1HWMyJNnm2EwL3MMMkGoJPawQBtD1e0S5E9pMUqNjKw3GhkwTREzvgd69SC9lFAovcKqseavnKcKfPFhjf15rF8WvR8ZfMg5PGZfE4LY_XQ40ZSTrCzV1/s1600/ch3_eye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIqAtEkHXMI_wWN-6dGi3cwI1HWMyJNnm2EwL3MMMkGoJPawQBtD1e0S5E9pMUqNjKw3GhkwTREzvgd69SC9lFAovcKqseavnKcKfPFhjf15rF8WvR8ZfMg5PGZfE4LY_XQ40ZSTrCzV1/s320/ch3_eye.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyway, am really feeling kinda stressed out with things at work. That and also slightly demotivated over some Management's decision. Oh, well... can't exactly 'take-it-or-leave-it' so gotta live with it.<br />
<br />
My day was brightened by a simple note from fellow colleague/friend. Thank God for placing people like these around me.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDloCEimQzXEhhf3VRT9Gm9JnbsH-183-mH2YnuiYXKxdrIuAU49Hl6GKc4OevHg1f5FK3KE3SvOjERjoShUI9l8uUeC2GlnEyH4rldoAF5pCb2J4e3dtTLyf-CGL344NqQwBV0rrTqSt/s1600/IMG-20130620-WA0000%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDloCEimQzXEhhf3VRT9Gm9JnbsH-183-mH2YnuiYXKxdrIuAU49Hl6GKc4OevHg1f5FK3KE3SvOjERjoShUI9l8uUeC2GlnEyH4rldoAF5pCb2J4e3dtTLyf-CGL344NqQwBV0rrTqSt/s400/IMG-20130620-WA0000%255B2%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Took a photo, edited it and sent it back to her</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Also 'helping' myself destress by thinking up of creative out-of-office auto replies, sent it to someone who commented "Nice one, Cheryl. But you are gonna get it from your boss when you are back, so don't try it!"<br />
<br />
The auto reply I had in mind was "Nope, I am not around. Yes, I am having FUN!!! while you are sending me this work email. Boo!"<br />
<br />
So, can't do that and back to the same <strike>old</strike> <strike>boring</strike> <strike>non-creative</strike> polite auto reply: I am on leave and will be back XXXXXX. Your email will not be auto-forwarded. Meanwhile, should your matter requires immediate attention, please contact: XXXXXX. Have a nice day." <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3u2G-bDDkEi76bxl5DPTfrUHsLDood8CuQDFiv8FONauzXBiY1kBvlLz6k_Fb1V0w5Svcg6u3AAdXty3M1jGGLCYe-Zxs_gKJ4UAURLskgwrTLWuVB9afYtEAZh7dFbIdqsZsKmHWFvma/s1600/ch3_boring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3u2G-bDDkEi76bxl5DPTfrUHsLDood8CuQDFiv8FONauzXBiY1kBvlLz6k_Fb1V0w5Svcg6u3AAdXty3M1jGGLCYe-Zxs_gKJ4UAURLskgwrTLWuVB9afYtEAZh7dFbIdqsZsKmHWFvma/s320/ch3_boring.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
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Totally random blog post...I know. Thanks for reading to the end.ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-39684766236181527142013-06-17T21:09:00.003+08:002013-06-17T21:45:33.645+08:00Fast & Furious<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErecO5hFZuXHjgIk524tsnhdi8wwHfn9ZhBVzwpV7CbXNNwQsvmuEHKKxBaT5vzq2-AmuRHD071Cy2waJZ7WODzOY7NroH7Ku00gtGeqCWBLmH20eEX6YX_t5kEHlqA1J608k1Jv5rkvp/s1600/che_fast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErecO5hFZuXHjgIk524tsnhdi8wwHfn9ZhBVzwpV7CbXNNwQsvmuEHKKxBaT5vzq2-AmuRHD071Cy2waJZ7WODzOY7NroH7Ku00gtGeqCWBLmH20eEX6YX_t5kEHlqA1J608k1Jv5rkvp/s400/che_fast.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
Nope, I have not seen the movie. The current situation at work now is just that - fast & furious. Work is piling, never ending ad-hoc tasks. Deadlines are continuously being brought forward.<br>
<br>
Am just now looking forward to the coming weekend. Will be my first time to go on a cruise. Will be embarking in Penang, pit-stops at Phuket & Krabi. I have been to Phuket once, and I loved the place. Hmm, definitely on must-do list are food hunting! It's been some years but the taste of these are so memorable!<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXt-LgzC6g1IsMNyyUA8pH7217nsSXUoyVCwWiRpz_tsIrFpepC38iTEzgDvuLZ_dDx2xOi6MVGOJF-IR6-ntE0jt-xNZ-ejWTkET-zTjbZX-BBJx7zB5IEipRBRhqEr4nKIq6A-farFfE/s1600/ch3_waffle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXt-LgzC6g1IsMNyyUA8pH7217nsSXUoyVCwWiRpz_tsIrFpepC38iTEzgDvuLZ_dDx2xOi6MVGOJF-IR6-ntE0jt-xNZ-ejWTkET-zTjbZX-BBJx7zB5IEipRBRhqEr4nKIq6A-farFfE/s400/ch3_waffle.jpg" width="300"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waffles! Pic from my last trip there 5 years ago. In pic are two of my travel buddies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Also, of late, I have discovered some other yummy Thai food which I hope to reminisce.<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNxhav92ZTWA-bXPWVAdo03VIwJkjn_6THvUD6TG47irgeXLG6-03ob2mtqopsdYTF6_ZX6ZRCWPjOM6wb_YwiRTcT9ZDJ-YtNCmAmWEKfEH9QhifiUA0Jjy2cFYPrXTFm3Sog_JHro42/s1600/ch3_pineapple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNxhav92ZTWA-bXPWVAdo03VIwJkjn_6THvUD6TG47irgeXLG6-03ob2mtqopsdYTF6_ZX6ZRCWPjOM6wb_YwiRTcT9ZDJ-YtNCmAmWEKfEH9QhifiUA0Jjy2cFYPrXTFm3Sog_JHro42/s400/ch3_pineapple.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super sweet mini pineapple, slightly bigger than my fist.<br><br></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntnL6hK3_XeuEcBI7jEQ85WZR8wlqwhupdrF4m30HB25VT-p_EyvHfneMBn2-AGQF_kH6kVIHUCRZKW5D7hQ4PO2r1x-CexFL0BPBD3HB5vFq32Oj9k9sEFrcDZ7J1FiSLASeXYnWArXV/s1600/ch3_dessert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntnL6hK3_XeuEcBI7jEQ85WZR8wlqwhupdrF4m30HB25VT-p_EyvHfneMBn2-AGQF_kH6kVIHUCRZKW5D7hQ4PO2r1x-CexFL0BPBD3HB5vFq32Oj9k9sEFrcDZ7J1FiSLASeXYnWArXV/s320/ch3_dessert.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luk Chup - colourful Thai dessert with mung bean paste as filling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It will be my first trip to Krabi though. Perhaps I won't do much but just to chill at the beach. Not sure what to expect yet, but I am sure it will be both an adventure, and a memorable trip.<br>
<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlV3CUeDAPep7lfkUajsfXdZelWcaYS77WeWxkrWerQPl8yTubTl0FwZASfl_evVlVL8H5NAXvWne-7D0c-kIQCCXUqHcAzYv5NZE6eibe6Ore0G54UCuzYSgHC5e6YF-n73N68Z_7pzy/s1600/ch_krabi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlV3CUeDAPep7lfkUajsfXdZelWcaYS77WeWxkrWerQPl8yTubTl0FwZASfl_evVlVL8H5NAXvWne-7D0c-kIQCCXUqHcAzYv5NZE6eibe6Ore0G54UCuzYSgHC5e6YF-n73N68Z_7pzy/s320/ch_krabi.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
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Now's the time to start the countdown. Sunblock - check, hat - check, comfy shoes - check, sexy swimwear - check, wait, uncheck! I am travelling with mom, oops. Lol.</div>
<br>ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-43236077350771037202013-06-07T23:21:00.000+08:002013-06-07T23:21:26.361+08:00Weekend PlannerAlright, boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen. Time flies, the cliche, but so true. School holiday's coming to an end, 2 more days to go.<br />
<br />
If you have no inkling on what to do - bring your kids and the kid in you to the malls around town (I personally think we need to get back to nature more, but the weather in Klang Valley these days is still kinda hot, so I'd rather stay indoors).<br />
<br />
You and your kids are spoiled with choices, you can choose to meet:<br />
1) The Minions at Pavilion (Personal favourite)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifn1Gu1qzJdPrR79xRFWh5YsZa5HzJuakVN76H83PxQIMBIrwcSYBgi4l6OTpZNJH-D1ND9TKSixmIDGDERIZyZnBm2qN2VEYfuEi5j3JQ0c2cXXYDUKhvgQZro1RDdov6xZJByO7G-jtC/s1600/minions_pavilion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifn1Gu1qzJdPrR79xRFWh5YsZa5HzJuakVN76H83PxQIMBIrwcSYBgi4l6OTpZNJH-D1ND9TKSixmIDGDERIZyZnBm2qN2VEYfuEi5j3JQ0c2cXXYDUKhvgQZro1RDdov6xZJByO7G-jtC/s400/minions_pavilion.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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2) The Man of Steel a.k.a. Superman at Mid Valley<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXsYlWQ5jSv4z7QYNCCB9nFUlvFeuSw3OIwLV8LXlBSW7FOB1j45wQc7sWMwB5PXaxsRNdT_3I6wdoJdn-iLti1hhqfvP_7mpzmD54rbsP75q6QJSfO4LYaM4UgjF7XksycOyDYhztiGe/s1600/superman_midvalley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXsYlWQ5jSv4z7QYNCCB9nFUlvFeuSw3OIwLV8LXlBSW7FOB1j45wQc7sWMwB5PXaxsRNdT_3I6wdoJdn-iLti1hhqfvP_7mpzmD54rbsP75q6QJSfO4LYaM4UgjF7XksycOyDYhztiGe/s400/superman_midvalley.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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3) The Monster Inc gang at Sunway Pyramid<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLOCXyJ2FBRrKtwLuQn1AOu3B6Kx0u2off_C2RkPN_MSBuwq77nEHQWE0QXhEiqy9fEnMZt5PF8mYASPgbrDpmqwZbowPBdX66Sv9FpQDrAlfcTsVCfebysOrjTPNnDgy4FXrjmtqyGfm/s1600/monster_sunway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLOCXyJ2FBRrKtwLuQn1AOu3B6Kx0u2off_C2RkPN_MSBuwq77nEHQWE0QXhEiqy9fEnMZt5PF8mYASPgbrDpmqwZbowPBdX66Sv9FpQDrAlfcTsVCfebysOrjTPNnDgy4FXrjmtqyGfm/s400/monster_sunway.jpg" width="373" /></a></div>
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4) Barbie at the Curve<br />
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Any more? Which do you like best?<br />
<br />
Make full use of the weekend ahead!ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-24145121107356543852013-05-28T22:53:00.002+08:002013-05-28T23:11:17.553+08:00How can I escape Your love?In the space 4 days I have been to the hospital twice - to visit 2 of my friends' mothers who were warded for different reasons. Life is fragile - that is definite. Life is unpredictable - that is definite. Life is beyond our control - sometimes. Life is in His hands - always.<br />
<br />
On the drive home from the hospital just now, an *old song (Your Love) keeps playing in my head:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/lijQJF9Q6k0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Where can I go from Your Spirit? How can I escape in Your love?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><i>Your love for me is deeper than the sea and higher than the heavens above</i></i></div>
<i>
</i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><i>Where can I flee from Your presence, Now that You abide in my heart</i></i></div>
<i>
</i>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><i>My heart is Your home, Your temple, Your throne so what could ever keep us apart</i></i></div>
<i>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Your love is higher than the heavens. Your love is deeper than the ocean</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Nothing in creation can take me away from Your love</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Your love, there is nothing greater. Your love there is nothing stronger</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>You came to me, gave Your life</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>So I could be free</i></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
</div>
</blockquote>
</i></blockquote>
*It's probably not that old but I first heard it almost 10 odd years ago, perhaps it is more recent, my memory fails me a fair bit these days.<br />
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Ending with an edited photo of today's morning sky<br />
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Even in the midst of life's fragility and unexpected turn of events (for better or worse in our eyes) - let us not forget who is truly in control. HOPE is alive. And every day, EVERYDAY there is a reason why we live - there is a reason why we can still face today, tomorrow...<br />
<br />ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841484138124802409.post-45572326987539296562013-05-27T21:13:00.000+08:002013-05-27T21:29:38.203+08:00Feel the heat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_DWbQL3wF625_M2uZyCxCk8stOdxvbLyF1UA-qdAw3ZdoTiBWc3sY1DEgJ4nJ_uBeRSquk23IqEF-U8dfY3ryuRwke3DIoPrL_8xl3VootIMI5WrWXBOaoXlZIo5j8pziiGXO81x-Bv0/s1600/977293_10151470808308785_339796216_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_DWbQL3wF625_M2uZyCxCk8stOdxvbLyF1UA-qdAw3ZdoTiBWc3sY1DEgJ4nJ_uBeRSquk23IqEF-U8dfY3ryuRwke3DIoPrL_8xl3VootIMI5WrWXBOaoXlZIo5j8pziiGXO81x-Bv0/s320/977293_10151470808308785_339796216_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Not sure what happened but for the past 1 week the air conditioning in the office kept malfunctioning - today it's really bad. So stuffy with dead air, I couldn't really pay attention to what I am working on.<br />
<br />
Thank God I have a mini USB fan to keep me <strike>cool</strike> from fainting...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcD7iKcuKoycu1Dy6jAgJUGuyRt_VKaeUMizxRthOw3pfKatUsAZ1jKpUyEQRjSqfwbrEcAXpGDnIdhqHi0QZaX2aep21sHYO4tKh35XPLsLxbwC_N1mmWN_WfAiQbl7Ik3789UlVyrBq5/s1600/22052013456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcD7iKcuKoycu1Dy6jAgJUGuyRt_VKaeUMizxRthOw3pfKatUsAZ1jKpUyEQRjSqfwbrEcAXpGDnIdhqHi0QZaX2aep21sHYO4tKh35XPLsLxbwC_N1mmWN_WfAiQbl7Ik3789UlVyrBq5/s400/22052013456.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What would I do without you?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />ch3rylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130704972540421739noreply@blogger.com0