Joel's Condition

Sunday, 30 March 2008

• Whole day sleeping
• Ate 500mg paracetamol every 4 hours
• Didn't consume anything except water, glucose, coconut water and apple juice.
• Went to Samitivej Hospital to see the Doctor at 7.30pm
• Took a blood test to determine the cause. It was a bacterial infection.
  
• They suggested to hospitalise him since he was prone to vomit and looked a little dehydrated and weak.
  
• We wanted to wait for the results of the blood test, first. When the results came out, we decided not to. He will feel more comfortable at home and I will monitor his condition hourly with an ear thermometer.
  
• The Doctor gave him anti-biotic, nose decongestant and nausea medication.

Monday, 31 March 2008

• Still with fever. Drinking fluid only
  
• Having stomach cramps.
• Massaged his hands and legs.
  
• Ate some plain porridge with soya sauce at 11am.
  
• Felt better after the food.
• Smile for the 1st time in the last 2 days at 12pm
• Fever has gone down
• 12.30pm - Came downstairs to listen to online radio - The Pond & Kids Corner
  
• 1.30pm - Ate a little more porridge
• 2.00pm - Sleeping again
• Towards evening, fever has gone down but has bad headache, stomach cramps and weak and couldn't sleep
• Monitoring him....
• Will be sleeping with him tonight, to monitor him closely. Have not slept with him for ages, since he was a baby.

Joel feels really bad .... This is the first time he is feeling so ill for a very long long time. In fact, I don't ever recall him being so ill. If he doesn't improve much, I will be taking him to the hospital again tomorrow.

My goodness, what kind of bacterial infection is this???!!

Please pray for him.

Cheering Up?

Joel has been having fever since yesterday. Today the fever persisted since morning. So, I stayed back to take care of him and the rest of the family went to Church.

Ethaniel is not used to be without his playmate, Koh Koh (older brother in Chinese). But Joel was really sick and lethargic. He has not eaten the whole day except drinking water, glucose, apple juice and coconut water.

This evening Joel was lying down on the couch downstairs with a blanket over himself, peacefully sleeping.


Joel: Mom, Ethaniel was disturbing just now when I was sleeping. He pulled my blanket away. *whining*

Me: Ethaniel, Koh Koh is feeling very sick. Why did you do that?

Ethaniel: I wanted to tell him a joke.

Me: *speechless*


This little boy is obviously trying to cheer up his older brother without realising that he needed the rest more than the joke.

Do You Feel Loved?

I have been trying to practice, "The Five Languages of Love" (By Gary Chapman) with my children, since I started the seminar 4 weeks ago. Ethaniel's primary love language is Physical Touch. The other evening, I asked him to come over for a "huggie" and a "kissie" before he went to bed. He came over, lied down on the couch and put his head on my lap. He took my hand and hugged it like a bolster.

Ethaniel: Do you feel loved when I hug your hands?

Me: Yes. *smiling at such a cute question*

Ethaniel: How about your nose? Your mouth? Your eyes? Do they feel loved?

Me: Yes, they do.


My little boy trying to practice his primary love language on me. Yes, yes. I feel loved.

Happy Belated Christmas Present for Daddy

Joel and Ethaniel did not find the right item to purchase for their Dad during Christmas. I didn't realise that he has been observant towards his Dad's needs. He obviously wanted it to be special because it took him a few months before he decided to purchase the item. He didn't want to just buy, 'anything'. I thought that was really thoughtful of him. He purchased something very thoughtful for me too. Something I liked. Anyway, this post is about his present for Dad.

Joel had convinced Ethaniel to share the cost of the item 50/50. It was about THB1,100 (RM110 / USD32). They were going to use their savings.

A backpack which Dad will use everyday to put his laptop and take to work

Dad was happy to receive the belated Christmas gift

I told Joel that he should be so grateful for his Dad. When I was growing up, I had a non-participative Dad, never around and never received birthday or Christmas presents. Till today.

Yes, indeed he is grateful. So my sons are practicing the "Five Languages of Love" even without going for the seminar.

Guess Where I Am Going....

We have been travelling around Thailand since we arrived 2 years ago. It has been very enjoyable.

We were wondering where to go next for the Songkran Festival holidays. Its a big celebration here in Thailand. Factories will be closed for employees to return home to their hometown. So, we have almost up to 10 days. Last year, we went away with our traveling buddies but this year due to various reasons, the group is unable to go anywhere together.

We have considered a few options:

1. Travel to the South of Thailand e.g. Hua Hin, Chumporn, Ranong, Krabi and Suratthani
   
2. Travel to Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Chantaburi and Muak Lek. Its in Trat and Saraburi respectively
   

We did some extensive study via internet and decided to go for option 2.

Then last Friday after the Good Friday service, Janice approached me and said excitedly, "I am going to Israel, again. Do you want to come?" I was wide eyed because she mentioned to me a few months ago and I was drooling (not literally). I have wanted to go Israel for a very long time. Its such a special place. The place where Jesus walked and lived.

The tour group is with a church in Singapore. For the past few days, we have been inquiring, waiting and hopeful that the visa process can be approved without problem due to the short lead time.



The good news is that everything is OK and we are going to Israel!

Thank you For All Your Comments

Dear
Families,
Friends,
Blogger Friends,
First-Time-Dropping-By-My-Blog Friends,
Blog-Surfer Friends and All-The-Rest-Not-Categorised Friends,


Thank you for leaving comments when you drop by my blog. I really enjoy receiving it from all of you. In fact, I look forward to receiving comments. So, please continue to leave remarks and advice for me.


glitter-graphics.com


I hope you don't mind if I do not reply your comments. I have been feeling a little lazy, a little too busy and a little of everything.

But be ASSURED, I read all of it.

So, please don't stop your comments and do visit my blog regularly. Your frequent visits gives me the motivation to come up with various and interesting topics to post.

Enjoy!

Restaurant At Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand

I am sure all of us are aware that prices of meals in airport restaurants are usually overpriced. Maybe double or more than the normal price. If you are travelling to Bangkok, there is something unique which I have not seen in any other Airports; a cheap restaurant.

This restaurant is on the ground floor. Same floor as the taxi and bus stop

Simple and pleasant

The restaurant is not as posh looking as the others but its very clean, organised and pleasant. Its a self-service foodcourt and has mostly local dishes which you can get in the Tesco foodcourt. There are many varieties to choose from... noodles and rice.

The price are similar to any foodcourt in Tesco.

Noodle soup

Chicken rice


coupons are used to purchase food

Noodles with gravy

Similar to Malaysia's "Bah Kut Teh" (stew pork)

Some of the Thai dishes are accompanied with these stuffs. Self-service. Take as much as you want ... lemon juice, chili, garlic and green chili with vinegar

So the next time you travel into or out of the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International airport, don't forget to drop by this restaurant to eat something.

Fear Factor

Actually this is not one of the episodes of Fear Factor. I went to the market and couldn't help myself from.... No. I didn't eat it. Couldn't help myself from... taking a photo of it.

This is a Thai delicacy. It looks too.... hmmm... BIG. I wouldn't know how to swallow such a huge insect. I have eaten the worm and grasshopper but that's about it. (THAT"S ABOUT IT???!! - I hear screams from the background).

Looks a little like roaches but its not

Eewww! Bugs...

Will you be brave enough to try it the next time you visit Thailand? Come on, be a sport!

Badminton On A Saturday, again...

We played badminton again this Saturday. I am proud to say that my hands and thigh did not ache as badly as it did last week. Hooray! Please note that Sean and Ong. Ahem.. Ahem..

I still need time to get fit but I believe I am going towards it, hopefully.

As expected, we had a great time.

Ong, as usual, torturing my son or is it the other way round ...hmm..

Joel in action. Wah, "ada gaya" (got style)

CY & the sweaty family

Sean & a new addition to our group, Khun Oh

Blessed Resurrection Sunday

I would like to wish all my Families and Friends a very Blessed Resurrection Sunday.

We celebrated Resurrection Sunday by going to church and after that we went for lunch with Sean, Ong, Jennifer, CY & family and our family.

It was nice to be able to spend Resurrection Sunday with the people we have grown close to since we arrived in Bangkok.

We went to a new restaurant. The owners are Taiwanese. So, the food is very Taiwanese, obviously.

Name of the restaurant

Seaweed

Cannot remember its name... "Pau" with soup and meat as fillings

Pancake

There were many other dishes but I did not get good photos of it.

Hope that you had a wonderful Resurrection Sunday too!

Blessed Good Friday!

Today is Good Friday. The day that Jesus was crucified on the cross and died for our sins.


Send this eCard !


I thought that my children and I will do something different, rather than the normal homeschooling which we do everyday. How about watching the show The Passion of The Christ, DVD together? I have not watch it since it was screened in the cinema in Malaysia... That could have easily been 4 years ago. Joel has seen it but not Ethaniel.

Joel was reluctant to watch it because he remembered how sad it was.... I told him that its not whether he liked the show or not but rather to remember what Jesus has done for us. So, at last he agreed to watch it.

When I first watched the show, 4 years ago (I think), it was a life transforming experience. I never took Communion without remembering what Jesus had to go through for me, vividly. And how easy I have it.. . The price was paid, not by me but by HIM. Its free for me because He paid the "bill". Its was very difficult to watch what Jesus went through in the descriptive movie but I am sure its even MORE DIFFICULT for him to EXPERIENCE the pain and shame.

Joel, Ethaniel and I was in tears. Ethaniel was crying and had to reach out for a towel, the tissue was not enough for him. Joel was covering his face at certain scenes. You can't watch the movie without crying. It's just impossible. Why? Because He did it for ME. He had to go through those painful, bloody and shameful moments, for ME. Some of us can't even wash plates for someone we love, not to mention DIE and... SUFFER, while at it. BADLY.

Do I wish for Jesus to go through the crucifixion again and again? Of course, NO! What a silly question. Duh? But according to Romans 6, if we continue to sin, we are crucifying Jesus all over again.. and again... Because when we Jesus died for us on the cross, sin has no power over us.

Romans 6

¹What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

²God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

³Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

⁴Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

⁵For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

⁶Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

⁷For he that is dead is freed from sin.

⁸Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

⁹Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

¹⁰For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

¹¹Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

¹²Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

¹³Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

¹⁴For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

¹⁵What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

¹⁶Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

¹⁷But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

¹⁸Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

¹⁹I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

²⁰For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

²¹What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

²²But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

²³For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Have a Blessed Good Friday and a meaningful time pondering on the goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Ethaniel Is Rock Climbing!

When Joel started Rock Climbing last year, I encouraged Ethaniel to join along. He climbed around the rock but not up. He was a little afraid of the heights.

On one occasion, I told him that I will reward him if he makes a climb. Overzealous Joel and Coach Majid, forced him to climb higher than he wanted. As a result, he has REFUSED to climb. He stopped for a long time...The most he will do is around the rock. That's it.

I didn't force the issue but asked him from time to time, if he wanted to climb. He said, "No" and I will leave it at that. I understood Ethaniel. He is extremely bold and adventurous. So, when he said, "No", it really means "No". Not ready.

As usual, we went for our weekly climb and Ethaniel will normally play around the area, swinging on the ropes, running around and just hang out.

My cute little baby is climbing!!!

Today, he agreed to climb higher but not all the way! He was also keen to pick up Rock Climbing!

I told him that if he climb continuously for a period of 1 month, I will purchase him the harness and shoe. A brand new harness will cost THB1,700 (RM170 / USD50) and shoe is THB2,000 (RM200 / USD57). Coach Majid mentioned that he has some 2nd hand ones which he could sell it to us at THB2,000 for both the harness and shoe plus a free chalk bag (RM200 / USD57). That sounds a little more reasonable. But Ethaniel has to prove he is serious.

We'll just have to wait and see...

Putting on the shoes on his small little feet ;-)

Praise vs Complaining

My children knows that I dislike complaining immensely. Especially when I ask them to do something. I never complain when they ask me to do something for them. If I don't want to do it, I will just be honest and say... "I feel lazy" with a exaggerated-frown-and-then-break-into-a-tired-smile. If they really want me to do it, they will go on bugging... oops, I mean coaxing. But if they are OK with it, they will be kind and agreeable to let me get off the hook.

God hates complains too.

Numbers 11: 1 Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.

I have not realised that in my heart, I have been complaining to God.

"Why do I have to face this situation?"

"Why do I have to go through trials?"

"Why?" this and "Why?" that...

Imagine God feeling sick and tired of listening to me complain! If I am God, I will also tire. The funny thing is that, I personally do not like to hear complains and I am doing it to God. Eventhough I don't do it with bitterness or anger but still, when I am ungrateful towards God in every situation of life, He cannot help me. Instead of saying "Why?!", say "Thank you, Lord. I give you the situation. You help me to handle the situation". That's the attitude.

I learnt this lesson last Sunday in church when Pastor Lednicky spoke this:

Proper praise lifts us beyond the moment:

Praising/Worship God does not guarantee that problems beyond our control will be eliminated

• Paul/Silas in Philippian jail did not know that deliverance was coming
• Always be joyful... be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you... (1 The 5:16-18)

Praise re-focuses our attention away from the difficulties of the moment

• on the unfailing promises of God (Romans 4:21)
• On the good things God has done in the past (1 King 8:36)
• On the current blessings (Psalm 28:7)

I did it, I praised God and I could feel the difference! It doesn't eliminate the problem but it did help me to re-focus!

Computer Exhibition - Commart Thailand 2008

Commart Thailand 2008	20 - 23 March, 2008
Cool price and high technology. Don’t miss! The new phenomenon of IT exhibition. Organizer : AR Information & Publication Co., Ltd. Tel : +66 (0) 2 686 9009 http://www.commartthailand.com

Commart Thailand 2008
Date: 20 - 23 March, 2008
Owner: AR Information & Publication Co., Ltd. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Theme & Concept:
The Simple Technology for Your Life

Highlights:
- Workshop 700 Power Tips
- Extreme Workshop
- Buyer's Guide Corner
- Best Buy & Best Price
- Commart Innovation 2008
- Auction

Check it out at Queen Sirikit Exhibition Hall

Social Being

Being a Homemaker and Homeschooler has a double effect on me. It makes me MIGHTY busy. So, as a result I am VERY homebound. Yes, I do have friends. No, I am not a hermit. No, I do not stay in a cave.

As most of you Homemakers would know, there are many sacrifices we make as Mothers and wives. There are many things we have to forgo for the sake of the family. Most of the time our efforts ignored and unappreciated, especially by ourselves.

My world revolves around this 2 small people... teaching, reading aloud, cooking, washing, cleaning, disciplining... For a period of few months, blogging was an outlet for me. I thought it was the ultimate thing for me. The computer and I, we can conquer the world!

In the last few days, I have realised that God did not make me a suitable companion for the computer. I need big people who I can see face to face and talk. The small people are nice but too much of them... um... um... You know what I mean.

One of my social outlet was church friends. After church, I will usually chat with the ladies and later lunch together. Unfortunately lately the other half of my family members complain of hunger, so we have to rush off. As a result, an Extrovert like me feel starved. I need social outlet. If not sufficiently satisfied, I feel isolated and depressed.

So, I have decided to go for the Joy Fellowship which is a ladies meeting every Thursday and date some of my girlfriends during the evenings.

What about you? Are you like that too? What is your outlet?

About This and That

I have a few short but interesting post. Its not long enough to make it into a full story. So here goes...

This is "Nam Dok Mai" mango. I LOVE this mango. It is absolutely deliciousssssss and sweeeet. The season for this type of mango, as I have observed is usually from about late Feb. When it is in season, it cost THB20 per kg (RM2 / USD0.70). When out of season it could cost up to THB90 per kg (RM9 / USD3). The locals usually eat this with sticky rice. The next time you come to Bangkok, make sure you try some.

Ethaniel's two front teeth is growing well. Do you see the cute little stub? Yes, I better enjoy it while it last. Once a lifetime experience, hopefully.

This is a black sauce which I use for cooking. Not available in Thailand. So, EVERY Malaysian I know always lug one back whenever they go home to Malaysia. It taste different than the local black sauce. You need this to cook black noodles or black sauce chicken.

My son, Joel, says that I have an obssession with mop. He is totally ridiculous!!! Don't you agree?

Badminton On A Saturday

I have not played badminton for a long ... long time.. Ages. I suck at it. Unlike me, my older Brother and Sister are really great at the game. In fact, my older Sister was a real sportswoman during her school days. She was such a popular girl in school that the other girls 'worshipped' her... Not literally kneeling down kind of thing. You know what I mean. A popular girl.

Anyway, CY & family, my family, Ong & girlfriend and Sean came together to play badminton. Sean is a good player and coach. So, I have specially requested him to coach Joel, Ethaniel and Jason (CY's son). In turn, he gets to play and eat for free. Must dangle the right "carrot". The tall order is for him to make champions out of our boys ;-)

We had a great time playing and I must admit that I had lots of fun and we are going to make it a regular thingy. We need the exercise anyway.

Today waking up was a painful thing. Arms and thigh ache from the strain. Hopefully as time goes by, I will be a little more fit...

Joel and Ethaniel picked up the game quickly and really enjoyed it too!

Summer Is Here. Already?

After enjoying winter since November 2007 till about a few weeks ago, what I have dread, is happening. Summer. Aaargghhh!!!

The winter in Bangkok was very lovely.... Its cool weather of about 26 degree C in the morning and late night. Day time weather was sunny and warm but bearable. For a period of 1 month or so, there were times we had to wear a jacket during the day time, and that was SUPERB! Being a Malaysian, we don't get this weather at our doorstep, unless you stay in Cameron Highlands or Genting Highlands. So, I LOVED it!!! Every morning when I wake up, I will always say, "Thank you, Lord!" and also "I wish, I wish, the weather will be like this whole year round".

All good things will come to an end...

So, here we are, Summer. Ah well. At least I have the excuse to switch on the air-conditioning during the day time. Not my most favorite thing to do, but having two edgy and restless... shirtless homeschooler boys .... hot and sweaty ... can send the most patient Mother up the Great Wall of China and back!

My Travel: 21 Dec 07 - 1 Jan 08

This is a whole compilation of my post during my travel in the Thailand between 21 December 2007 to 1 Jan 2008.


Enjoy!


Day 1 - Tak, Thailand


Day 2 - Mae Sot, Thailand


Day 3 - Mae Sot & Chiang Mai, Thailand


Day 4 - Chiang Mai, Thailand


Day 5 - Pai, North Thailand


Day 6 - Pai, North Thailand


Day 7 - Mae Hong Son, North Thailand


Day 8 & 9 - Mae Hong Son, North Thailand

Day 8 & 9 - Mae Hong Son, North Thailand

To Read Day 1 , Day 2, Day 3,Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7

This is a continuation of my trip to the North of Thailand which started on 21 Dec till 1 Jan 2008. I have managed to finish till Day 7 and now I am onto Day 8. It has taken a little more effort than I expected. But I know that its good for me to keep a written memory of my trip, for years and years to come.

In total, our trip was 11 days. 5 days out of it was a guided tour. Today's trip will be the 4th & 5th day of our guided tour.


28 December 2007, Friday

We spent a night in the Long Neck Village. Slept in a small hut which was basic but comfortable. We didn't really expect 5 star accommodation in the middle of the jungle with breathtaking scenery and fresh air which was not easily available in our city life at Bangkok. I doubt air can ever be more fresh than it is here. Inhale... exhale... I can live to a 100 years old with their homegrown fruits, vegetables and rice.

I honestly cannot imagine myself living in a place where excitement and entertainment consist of... hmm... not sure what. As far as I can see, it does not have all the excitement and entertainment which we normally enjoy. For one, no internet... therefore no BLOGGING. That's serious!

I woke up early to a very cooling morning. Mist surrounding the edge of the hills and fresh air void of pollution. Surprise to see my elder son awake and surrounding the campfire. He obviously was still very interested in playing around it because he does not normally prefer to wake up before his younger brother.

We were scheduled to leave the Long Neck Village by late morning. So we did a little shopping of their local crafts, just to support their livelihood.

Upon arrival at the mainland, we hopped onto the Elephant Trekking ride. Being a new experience for all of us, we were very excited! There seems to be heaps of elephants everywhere in Thailand, not uncommon to spot one at the streets of Bangkok. The owner of the elephant will usually sell peanuts or bananas to the public to feed the elephant. We have done it various times, pretty fun.

The Elephant Trek lasted 1.15 hours. A little too long under the 12pm afternoon sun. Phew! Riding on top of an elephant is like "watching wet paint dry". Its mighty sloooow... I enjoyed the ride but 1.15 hours was enough. More than enough.

We checked into the hotel after the Elephant Trek and rested till dinner time. We were scheduled to go to the night market after dinner. I sure look forward to it!

This is Korean BBQ style. Very popular throughout Thailand. They have very cheap buffet for THB89 (RM8.90 / USD2.60) in Bangkok. Here it costed about THB60 (RM6.00 / USD1.70).

Checkout my online album.

Sure enough after dinner we went to walk around in the market. Things are generally cheaper comparatively to Chiang Mai or Bangkok.

Local products

"Roti canai" is an Indian pancake made out of flour. In Malaysia, it is usually eaten with some spicy gravy or curry as a main meal, breakfast, lunch or dinner. But in Thailand, its a dessert added with butter, jam, sugar (?) or condense milk (?). Very sweet! Its an acquired taste but once used to it, it can be pretty delicious.

Eating "Kao Soi", similar to Malaysian Mee Curry. A new experience sitting on a picnic rug on the side of the street in the night market enjoying the local food.

Bright lights at the temple

After a long walk around the market we were ready to go back to snooze.

Check out my online album.

29 December 2008, Saturday

We woke up very early at 6am, had a quick breakfast and headed towards Kaew Komon cave. It is like a cave full of diamonds with sparkling walls that are a result of calcite and makes it look like shards of clear ice. There are only 3 in the world i.e. Thailand, China and Australia. So, it was a must see. There are no personal photos taken. I managed to get a photo from the internet. We were not allowed photo taking because they were afraid that it might destroy the crystals inside the cave.


After the Kaew Komon cave we were planning to go to Doi Itanon, which is the highest peak in Thailand but unfortunately the 4x4 we were traveling in was having some problem so we had to go back to Chiang Mai.

Mean Mums

I received the below email from a friend... Its a good one.

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

Someday when my children are old enough to
understand the logic that motivates a parent, I will
tell them, as my Mean Mum told me: I loved you
enough . . . to ask where you were going, with whom,
and what time you would be home.


I loved you enough to be silent and let you
discover that your new best friend was a creep.


I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours
while you cleaned your room, a job that should have taken 15 minutes.
I loved you enough to let you see anger,
disappointment, and tears in my eyes. Children must
learn that their parents aren't perfect.


I loved you enough to let you assume the
responsibility for your actions even when the
penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart.


But most of all, I loved you enough . . . to say
NO when I knew you would hate me for it.


Those were the most difficult battles of all. I'm
glad I won them, because in the end you won, too.
And someday when your children are old enough to
understand the logic that motivates parents, you will tell them.


Was your Mum mean? I know mine was. We had the
meanest mother in the whole world! While other kids
ate sweets for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast.
When others had a Coke and a Burger for lunch, we had to eat sandwiches.
And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was
different from what other kids had, too.


Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all
times. You'd think we were convicts in a prison. She
had to know who our friends were, and what we were
doing with them. She insisted that if we said we
would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less.


We were ashamed to admit it, but she had the nerve
to break the Child Labour Laws by making us work We
had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to
cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, empty the trash
and all sorts of cruel jobs. I think she would lie
awake at night thinking of more things for us to do.


She always insisted on us telling the truth, the
whole truth, and nothing but the truth. By the time
we were teenagers, she could read our minds and had
eyes in the back of her head. Then, life was really tough!


Mother wouldn't let our friends just honk the horn
when they drove up. They had to come up to the door
so she could meet them. While everyone else could
date when they were 12 or 13, we had to wait until we were 18.


Because of our mother we missed out on lots of
things other kids experienced. None of us have ever
been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other's
property or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault.


Now that we have left home, we are all educated,
honest adults. We are doing our best to be mean
parents just like Mum was.


I think that is what's wrong with the world today.
It just doesn't have enough mean mums!

The Five Love Languages of Children

I have been going for a seminar on "The 5 Love Languages of Children". The seminar is on for 4 weeks and have just finished the 2nd week, last Sunday. The seminar is based on The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell.

There are 5 ways that love is expressed:

1. Physical Touch: Tender touches, a pat on the back, a hug, wrestle, etc
2. Words of Affirmation: Uplifting words, verbal appreciation, cards, etc.
3. Quality Time: Period of focused time and attention. Reading a story, shopping together, etc.
4. Gifts: Gifts of all different sizes and prices.
5. Acts of Service: Sacrificial giving of a persons time and energy. Mending clothes, fixing a bike, making breakfast, etc.

I have heard about the book but neither read nor practiced this on my children till I attended the seminar. So, in order to make it effective, I asked both my children what would make them feel most loved and following were their reply.

Joel

1. Acts of Service: When I cook for him, do things for him, etc.
2. Physical Touch: Hug him
3. Quality Time: Spend time playing with him, teaching him, etc.

Ethaniel

1. Physical Touch: Hugs and kisses
2. Acts of Service: When I do things for him, etc.
3. Words of Affirmation: When I tell him I love him, etc.
   

Ethaniel's primary love language is very obvious because from a very young age he loves to hug and kiss. Children usually give love the same way they receive love. So, if you want to know your children's love languages, just observe how they give out love.

My primary love language is also Acts of Service similar to Joel's.

Today Joel pealed open the California Temaki which I purchased from the supermarket. He laid it out nicely and gave it to me and I said, "I FEEL loved!" Its his way of expressing his love to me through the Acts of Service.

Quoting from The Five Love Languages of Children book (Page 217)

"In raising children, everything depends on the love relationship between the parent and the child. Nothing works well if a child's love needs are not met. Only the child who feels genuinely loved and cared for can do her best. You may truly love your child, but unless she feels it - unless you speak the love language that communicates to her your love - she will not feel loved." In addition, a child who feels loved "is much easier to discipline and train then when his 'emotional tank' is running near empty"

Bible Humor

IT DOESN'T HURT TO HAVE A LITTLE BIBLICAL HUMOR ONCE IN A WHILE...

Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he married Ruth?
A. Ruthless.


Q. What do they call pastors in Germany ?
A. German Shepherds.

Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?
A. Noah He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.

Q. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
A. Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.

Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
A. Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury. David's Triumph was heard throughout the land. Also, probably a Honda, because the apostles were all in one Accord.

Q.. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?
A. Samson. He brought the house down.

Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden ?
A. Your mother ate us out of house and home.

Q. Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible?
A. Moses. He broke all 10 commandments at once.

Q. Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?
A. The area around Jordan The banks were always overflowing.

Q. Who is the greatest babysitter mentioned in the Bible?
A. David. He rocked Goliath to a very deep sleep.

Q. Which Bible character had no parents?
A. Joshua, son of Nun.

Q. Why didn't they play cards on the Ark ?
A. Because Noah was standing on the deck. (Groan .)

PS. Did you know it's a sin for a woman to make coffee?
Yup, it's in the Bible. It says . "He-brews"

Usage of Tea Tree Oil

I have been using Tea Tea Oil for many years. Since my sister in Australia introduced it to me. Whenever I get the chance, I will ask her to purchase some for me.

It is such an excellent ointment and I actually use it for variety of purposes. I never go traveling without it and definitely this household will have a huge void without it. Below are some of the ways I use it:

• insect bite - takes away the itchiness almost instantly.
• open wound - dries the wound quickly
• antiseptic - sometimes after wearing some earrings, my ear lope feels itchy, so I will apply a little and it almost instantly stop any kind of problem
  
• ulcer on the lip - just dap a little a few times a day and ulcer heals quickly (external use)
  

Just use a cotton bud and dap on the spot. Make sure you blow it with your mouth because it can be painful, especially if its an open wound.

Malaysian Election 2008

I went to church this morning and Susan, my Malaysian friend told me that the Opposition has won 5 states in the Election. I am honestly elated.


Apparently according to a new law made by the government in 2004, Malaysian residing overseas are not allowed to vote unless they return to Malaysia to do it. Unless you are a student, army force or embassy staff, you can do it overseas. As a result, many of us in Bangkok were unable to vote. Not many people will be able to return to Malaysia.


There has been a lot of dissatisfaction in Malaysians in the last one year regards to the government. Since we were in Bangkok, we just read about it. The condition has evidently been different before we came here, 2 years ago.


Hopefully we will see changes. Good changes. All the best to our beloved country and all fellow Malaysians.

Thailand vs Malaysia - Part 5

Thailand: The fast lane in the Supermarket is limited to 10 items but you can bring a trolley full of 70 items and the cashier will still let you through, without a frown.

Malaysia: 10 items means, maximum 12 items. Not 7o items.

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Thailand: Drivers on the road are polite, tolerant and giving.

Malaysia: You are fortunate if you get through the day without someone horning you.

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Thailand: I was making a U-turn together with a huge truck. In the middle of the U-turn, he stops, blocking the traffic on a 3 lane highway, to allow me through. I was shocked are his thoughtfulness. Such a gentleman.

Malaysia: I am fortunate to be alive today. Thanks to God's protection.

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The below is contributed by Hooiluan, a reader to my blog:

Thailand: If you can't read/speak Thai (which has its own squiggly script), you are a mute and an illiterate in Thailand, since signs are normally posted in Thai only.

Malaysia: If you can't speak Malay (Roman alphabet) you can always try your luck with English/Tamil/Chinese and chances are you will be fine.

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Thailand: Chocolates are much cheaper in Thai supermarkets than in Malaysian supermarkets.

Chocolates are much more expensive in Thai airports than in Thai supermarkets.

Malaysia: Chocolates are slightly more expensive in Malaysian airports than in Malaysian supermarkets.