Amazing Talent

Let me introduce my friend, Danny to you. He is infact, an absolutely annoying person.


Don't tell him I said that.


Maybe you don't have to be a tattletale. He reads my blog. So, I guess, eventually he is going to read about this.


Let me explain a story he related to me...


When he was just a young boy, his elder Brother took trumpet lessons. One day, after having taken lessons for some time and was able to play. He did a number for the family. After listening to him play, Danny picked up the trumpet and played it without having attended any lessons. He was furious, obviously!


He does this with piano, harmonica, trumpet and guitar. Eventhough he has no formal training, he plays not one instrument but 4 different ones!


So, don't you agree with me that he is totally annoying? He knows that too, I told him last week when I was at his home. All he did was smile....


Its just amazing the talents which God has given to Him. All of us have talents, some with music, others with skills. But, all of us have talents. I would love to have a similar talent as him but most importantly, is to use whatever talent we have to bless those around us and not waste any of it or spend our time envying what others have. Right?


What talent do you think you have?

Have a Grand Time!

Sitting: Sister-in-law, Elder Brother, Baby
Standing: My Mum

I would like you to get to know my Elder Brother a.k.a. The Bully. We are 6 years apart. He is blessed with a boyish look that makes him look half his age, but of course, that does not depict his maturity.


Some factual information about him extracted from Animal Planet...

He is a left hander. Read between the lines.

Thinks out-of-the-box kinda guy. He consistently had to leave his room. Yeah... we were not well to do, so his room was slightly bigger than one of those 62 inch plasma TV box. No... no.. just kidding.

Excels in everything he put his effort... e.g. badminton, classical guitar, business... girls.

Can choose the best durian by just shaking the fruit and smelling. Very canine indeed, excellent breeding. So, Mum and him will go to Ah Kau's roadside stall during season and pick from the "RM10 for 10 pcs" pile. Usually the unripe, wormy and rotten fruits will be heaped there but both will return home with the most delicious fruits that even the D24 type cannot beat. You can almost hear Ah Kau cursing after they left.

He is a real bully. I can still remember clearly but ignore the malice tone in my voice. He was never in the Mafia or Loan Shark Gang, though. He might have thrived as the Head Member.

To reiterate my point above, let me relate a real life story which happened...

I was hardly 6 years old, I think. I cannot remember my exact age, just the trauma. On a particular morning, I woke up to realise that Mum was out and for some reason did not return till late. Hunger pangs hit and Bro decided to cook. We went around the backyard hunting for chicken eggs. The chickens we reared was given the liberty to run around. Don't ask me why. Anyway. After hunting here and there, we found 1 miserable egg. Glorious food!

Bro. cracked the egg, whipped it and gave it to me with firm and strict instructions, "Don't spill the eggs!" It was said in such a way as to instill fear.

I felt goosebumps on the back of my neck and cold sweat trickling down my brow.

I repeated to myself... don't spill the eggs...don't spill the eggs...don't spill the eggs...

Cling! Clung! Clung!

Both of us looked at the spilled eggs with disbelief!

To my Elder Brother... there goes the breakfast...

To me... there goes my neck....

Aaaarrrggggghhhh!!!!!

I ran out of the kitchen, screaming for dear life.

Then, I saw Mum walking towards home... I ran to hide behind her. My refuge, my strong tower, my help in time of trouble.

Phew, that was a close call. God spared my life.


So, now, you believe me?


Anyway.


The reason for introducing my Brother is to congratulate him on the celebration of his marriage with a dinner tonight. A little overdue. But better late than never. Due to the short notice given to us and the uncertain conditions of our situation, we are unable to attend this dinner. With deep regrets.


Have a grand time!

Sshhh....

It was Ethaniel's birthday, so, he chose the restaurant for dinner.


Guess what?


KFC... Kentucky Fried Chicken.


We have not gone there for ages.


Anyway, I ordered the food but the lady gave me the breast part of the chicken. None of us likes it. We all either go for the drumstick or thigh.


So, I went over the counter and told her to exchange it for thighs. I forgot to ask for drumsticks. Upon returning to our dinner table, I spoke to Hubby....


Me: I hope its OK for you to eat thigh.

Hubby: Sssssssssshhhhhh.... sssssssssshhhh....

Me: *wide-eye-puzzled-look* Huh?

Hubby: Sssssshhhh.... We don't want them to know we eat Thai. Ssssshhhh......

Me: *eyes rolling* Very funny :-/


Another smart alecks in the house.


Help!!!

State of Emergency;

We were in Lad Phrao area when Sean and then Ong called to say that there might be a coup happening in the evening.


So, we quickly went home.


On the way back, we went to the market and stocked up on food. Again, this food might last for weeks.


Since 6pm we are officially declared State of Emergency at the Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueng Airport.


Don't worry, my family and friends reading from Malaysia, Australia and Singapore. We are OK.... I think.

Some Places To Visit During Winter

In my last 2.7 years in Thailand.


I have spent 2 winters in Thailand.


I have totally and fully enjoyed spending winter here.


I would like to recommend some of the nice places I have been during winter time.

• Muaklek, Saraburi: To see the suflowers, taste local wine produced in Thailand, some adventure at Muaklek ATV, go-chart, etc. Its about 2 hours from Bangkok city.
  

• Khao Yai National Park: The cool season makes it really nice to camp or enjoy a 3 days 2 night stay at any of their resorts. Its about 2.5 hours from Bangkok city.
  

• Pasak Hillside Resort, Lopburi: Its a self contained resort. You can do a lot of activities within the resort. Does not even have to leave the place at all! The cost of the accommodation is very reasonable.
  

• Kanchanaburi: A very historical place. The scenery along the road in Kanchanaburi is very interesting because it has an autumn look.
  

• Mae Sot, Pai, Chiang Mai
  

To have more information other than the ones given in my blog post, just google. There are heaps of information on bookings of accommodation or tour options.

Thailand Political Unrest

I received an email from Thaivisa last night at about 10pm regards to the PAD invading Suvarnabhumi airport. Causing havoc to outbound flights.


I was shocked.


Of all places... the airport. Obviously they want to bring the tourism and economy further down the drain.


Many people are affected and inconvenienced due to the closure of the Suvarnabhumi Airport. I feel sorry for them.


*sigh*


Come on, enough already. Go home!

Happy 7th Birthday, Ethaniel!

Happy 7th Birthday, Ethaniel!

I cannot imagine life without my little Boy
You cheer up my days
Brings laughter and joy
Kisses, hugs, smiles and giggles always


The smile on your face
Is like a breath of fresh air
Like cool breeze
Refreshing morning mist


Your life has made a difference
In a world filled with indifference
Even in the midst of things which seems to fail
Your joy, enthusiasm and heart prevails

God has a special plan
Distinctively laid out for this young man
Uniquely you have been made
Above any precious stones or jade


Open your heart
Do your part
Obey His call
Make Him your all

I will not always be here
One thing I know, my Dear
Jesus shall complete
Everything you will ever need



I love you, my Dearest little boy!

What's Happening?

I know that many of you have been praying and are praying for us. Thank you.


I thought that I should update you on our next move.


Actually we don't have a real plan. How to when everything is uncertain?


No, there is no job, yet.


So, we will be doing some travelling in Thailand... a mission to Chiang Dao, North Thailand... and some other stuffs... which is not confirmed...

Phuket Photos

I have just loaded photos into my blog post titled More on Phuket.


To read it click here.

Loaded Photos

I have just loaded photos on my blog post for Saraburi: Camping Trip (Part 2).

To read it click here.

I am back!

I am now back to Bangkok. Arrived very late last night. I feel so tired...


I need a holiday after a holiday!


Just to let you know, I have been going to your blogs but due to the slow connection, I didn't comment.


Thanks for coming by. Hope to load some nice photos for you to enjoy in the next few days.

More on Phuket

Our accommodation (click on the photo to enlarge)

View from our balcony

Phuket is a popular holiday destination for people all over the world. This is my first time visiting. I cannot see any difference between Pattaya and Phuket especially at Patong beach. The similarity is amazing. Heaps and heaps of “farang” a.k.a. Caucasians.


We were really glad that we were not staying around that area.


There are many activities to do in Phuket, but we just wanted to hang around and relax. There are activities enough to keep the children occupied for days.

This is the life....

Our first night at Phuket was spent on a short boat ride to explore the facilities of the area. The location of our accommodation is located together with 7 other hotels/resorts. It’s interesting.




Morning of the second day was spent at the swimming pool and afternoon at the beach. The Phuket sea creates a huge wave and it was really fun trying to jump over the waves. It was huge! It was so fun doing that with Joel and then later with Ethaniel. With Ethaniel, I had to hold him initially. It could be scary but eventually he was brave enough to stand by himself. We stood in a row with our back facing the waves.


I have not done that for a long time. I felt like a child again...


We seldom see such huge waves either at Rayong, Koh Chang, Pattaya or Koh Samet. Reminds me of the tsunami. Must have been really really huge. Anyway.

Playing with the children was one of the hi-light of the trip. As you can see, the photo on the right, we were at it again... My son and I throwing each other into the pool...

On the third day, Hubby and Joel went around cycling in the morning and during the afternoon, we went to Phuket town. On the way back, we stopped by Patong beach. A very busy area.

Along Patong Beach (click on photo to enlarge)

We visited the neighbor hotel, which had 6 connected swimming pools. It has great facilities which we enjoyed the whole day. My Sons was so excited that there was free iced tea at the pool area. How so little things can make them so happy.




We visited a hotel which enabled us to use their facilities with a fee of THB350 per child inclusive of lunch and drinks and facilities for a day e.g. water park, archery, kayaking, sailing, wind surfing, tennis, badminton and golf range. It was a good day, full of activities again.


By the time we wanted to go sailing, it was already closing time, so, the children did kayaking instead.

Joel enjoyed squirting in the swimming pool

All in all, we had a relaxing time in Phuket. Most of the activities revolved around the children.


The standard of living in Phuket is slightly higher than Bangkok, admitted by a local vendor. Hawker food can cost THB40 in Phuket whilst in Bangkok, that would be supermarket foodcourt price. The go-cart cost THB550 for 10 mins whilst we pay THB250 in Muaklek. I guess its a tourist location, being the main reason. I wonder how the locals cope with this.


November is usually a high season but its about 30% occupancy for some hotels which usually have 100% around this time.


I spoke to a local vendor, he is hoping that December will be better. Well, for his sake, I hope so.

Loading Photos

I am having difficulty loading photos. So, you might not see as much photos in the blog post. When I get back home, I will load the photos with a good internet connection.

Saraburi: Camping Trip (Part 2)

To read Saraburi: Camping Trip (Part 1) click here.


We arrived at our camping site at about almost 3pm. Everyone got their tents out and started putting it up. It was interesting to see every family working together to put up the tents.

Everyone putting up their tent

Joel & Hubby did most all the work. Infact, the last time I went to Kanchanaburi for camping, Joel built the tent all by himself and the tent beds too! He did a great job! Don’t ask me to put it up… When he was finished, he helped Angel to put up her tent too. I think this young man, sure can be good Husband and Daddy. Money back guarantee!

Michael playing the game

After everyone has finished setting up their tent, we had games time organized by CY. The game was a traditional game that dates back to 1800s. No.. no. Just kidding. But it was definitely not one played by me during my childhood. It was fun.

The chef at work

We had the most qualified cook in the whole of Bangkok… drum roll… Alvin the singing Chef. He cooked up meals after meals after meals! My goodness! You wouldn’t believe the amount of food we ate. There was pork with black sauce, black noodles (Malaysian style), BBQ chicken, BBQ beef, stir fried basil with mince beef and rice.

Gathering around the food...

He is a great cook. All of us enjoyed the food immensely. Thank God for such an invaluable member of our group. As you might notice, our hearts are touched through our stomach.


Shower time was really exciting because there were no heated water. To keep warm, we had to jump while showering. It was really cute looking at both my Sons taking their shower. Jumping! Jumping! Freezing! They had a lot of fun taking that cold shower. Normally they are lazy at showering. What's with boys? But they were keen to take another shower early the next morning *Twilight zone music in the background*

Managed to snap a photo of them taking a shower... hee hee.. So shy.

Taboo is one of our favorite games. We play it during the night after everyone had a hearty meal, we sat by the campfire. We laughed, screamed, squeezed our brain juices, raised our hands, pointed our fingers, jumped up and down, shouted and totally enjoyed ourselves. While the adults and older children play Taboo, Ethaniel and the younger children sat by the campfire and played around there.

Night time fun...played Taboo, children played by the campfire, 3 guitarist strumming away!

It was a tiring night and we all had a good sleep. It was so cooling and nice….. Great season to be camping.


The next morning, after a good breakfast of baked beans, sausage, etc. We some singing and sharing in lieu of a Sunday morning service in church.

Morning exercise and games for the children

By 12pm we were all packed and ready to go! We looked around with a "I am going to miss this place" look. Eyes were a little droopy... We were already planning to be back for another visit, soon!




The price for the camping:

Rental of tent: THB300 per adult / THB150 per child

BYO tent: THB150 per adult / THB100 per child

Food not included. If you want food to be inclusive, let them know.
(Ask for a discount if you have a large group)

Go to here for photos of our trip.

(For some reason, sometimes my fonts become too small. I am not sure why)

Onward to Phuket!

We left home at about 5.30am and drove towards Phuket. It was going to be a 10 hours ride. We have prepared the children and told them that it was going to be that long to reach.


Our initial plan was to break the journey and stay overnight at Chumphon or Ranong so that it will not be too tedious. Unfortunately, the car air-cond had some problem and it took an additional day to repair. Thank God that it spoilt before we left. Imagine having 10 hours journey in an air-condless car. Indeed, God is merciful!


Incidentally, it also gave me the opportunity to attend the last day of Cindy Jacob’s seminar. I was enjoying her seminar so much that I was sad having to miss it. Well, what do you know… God must have read my mind.. Make no mistake, I didn’t wish for the car to break-down. As a result of the car repair, I was able to attend the 3rd day of her seminar including the evening session. It was amazing!


I was receiving so much that I wasn’t even tired at all throughout the 3 days seminar. I was there from morning 9am to 10pm. Because it was too far to go home, I stayed around with Ong & Laurie. Infact, i was re-charged and received many encouragement, healing and spiritual blessing.


I have been taking notes by typing it onto my laptop the last 3 days. When I get the chance, I will fine tune it and maybe put it up in my blog so that you can read and be encouraged. The problem is that, its too long. So, I am undecided. Anyway.


I am going to enjoy my holiday by just relaxing by the beach… with a book in one hand and ice tea in the other.


Come and join me?

Thank you, Janice!

Janice standing in the middle

I would like to use today’s blog to say…


Thank you to my friend....


Janice


Who has so generously given my family and I a free stay at Phuket.


The offer came at a very timely moment, when all of us needed a break.


What’s more, it’s a great place! Not one of those dingy motel by Patong beach.


When I told my older sister that I will be going to Phuket for a holiday.… She sent me this SMS.


“Hi sis, just wanted to test your very fancy and new mobile phone. Are you sure Hubby’s out of work? Because you are buying and holidaying. Is that a big con? Great way to get freebies. Love, sis”



You know, my Sister has this equally weird sense of humor as me... This must run in the family. But it made me smile when I read it... Sometimes, things like that, only Sisters can cook up. Thanks Sis for making me smile.

BTW, I am blogging from Phuket. I found this cool way of using my mobile as a modem. Cool! I am very hi-tech now. Ahem! Ahem!

Saraburi: Camping Trip (Part 1)

To read Saraburi: Camping Trip (Part 2) click here.


Our Cell Group was seriously planning for a Camping trip since Hubby and I returned from our Koh Samet trip. It became an even more serious planning when we mentioned about Petcharat Resort, the one which we went to with Josh & Danny.


We had a total of 14 adults and 10 children, loaded into 4 cars.


Meeting point was at Alvin's home at about 8.30am. We had a little breakfast and started the journey by 9.30am.


Everyone was excited.

We had all the 4 boys loaded into our car... Joel, Ethaniel, KG & Jason. Oh, I meant 5. Hubby too.

This Camping trip is a first for some of the members. Exciting, eh?


At about 11.30am, we reached Saraburi. We have decided to do some activities at Muaklek before going to our campsite. So, Muaklek ATV here we come!

Top left: Ethaniel & Hubby, Father & Son team
Top right: Jason & SH, Mother & Son team
Bottom left: KG & Gina, Mother & Son team
Bottom right: Joel, all by himself

Some of us who did not want to go on the ATV, there were various other activities to do e.g. rock climbing, repelling, archery, rapids and etc.

Top left: Tang
Top right: Ps Danny
Bottom left: Me.. so so
Bottom right: Sally ... very skillful

All these cute little girls!!! Who obviously does not belong to me :-(

The ATV ride was about 40 mins which was just a perfect short adventure. Not butt cracking! It was really fun for the boys!


After that we headed towards Petcharat Resort, our campsite for the night.

Cindy Jacob Live from Thailand

I have been going for the Cindy Jacob seminar since yesterday. From about 8.30am to 9.30pm with a few breaks in between. The sessions has been a tremendous blessing and I have been really encouraged.


She is indeed a mighty woman of God doing great things in many nations. When I hear the stories about her talking and prophesying to Presidents all over the world, I was amazed!


The hi-tech thing is that, if you are missing the sessions, you can go online to www.lmmthai.org to watch it live. The sessions timing at local thai time would be 8.30am to 12pm, 1pm to 4pm and then the evening session is at 6.30pm to 9.00pm.


15 Nov, Sat is the last day. Don't forget to catch it!

Banana Face Mask

I use homemade mask all the time and one of my recipe is Banana Mask. Its for anti-wrinkle. Not that I have wrinkles... its to prevent or maybe a placebo thingy. Anyway.


The other day, I mashed some banana mask and applied on my face. There were blobs all over my face. We were doing our studies in the morning. Have to multi-task.


Me: Is it easy for you to look at me?

Ethaniel: No. You look like a Monster.

Me: I am still Mummy.

Ethaniel: You have nose shit all over your face.



Interesting description of mashed bananas.

Day Out at Rot Fai Park

The Bangkok Homeschoolers had a day out at Rot Fai Park. Its our family's first visit to this place eventhough it's very near to Chatuchak Park. We had almost perfect weather. Cool and windy.


The children and I really enjoyed ourselves. It was a great park! Why didn't I discover it earlier???


Rental of bicycle was only THB20 (RM2) per bike for a whole day. The bicycle was in great condition and fun to ride. There were practically hundreds to choose from.

In Thai, its called Suan Rot Fai

My children really enjoyed this part... Its a replica of Bangkok road, equipped with traffic lights. The only thing missing was the Bangkok traffic.

Ethaniel really liked this bike... I want a new bike, Mummy!

The boys having a great time, sweating it out!

Do you see my pink bike? So girlie..

Ethaniel playing with J, 15 years old homeschooler at the lunch table.
He likes Ethaniel... kept pinching his face and say, "So cute". It was so funny. Who says that homeschoolers don't have social skills? A 7 years old playing perfectly well with a 15 years old.
They genuinely liked each other.



This is my 2nd time going out with this little boy. It was difficult to get him smile or to hold my hand. His Mummy says that he is shy. After a few hours later, I came over to him and told him to give me a smile. He looked over his shoulder for his Mummy but Mummy was not around. He decided that its OK to smile. I am so proud to have had captured this photo. So cute.

We were there from 11am to about 3pm. With an hour lunch break inbetween.


There is a small swimming pool but we didn't bring extra clothings, so, the children go for a dip.


Great place for the family to hang-out! We will definitely be back!

Little Baby Eric Junior

I have just received photos of my youngest brother's 1st born, Son.

My brother and his little bundle of joy

The little angel sleeping soundly

Welcome to Fatherhood
Its a wonderful journey
Of more than sleepless nights
Dirty diapers and milk bottles


It's to love
And be loved
To give
And be given (eventually)


To give beyond what you think you were able
To receive more than you think existed
To understand far above what God had done
When He laid down His Son Jesus for you


Now you will know
Now you will understand
Now you will appreciate
Now you will thank Him


It's a wonderful journey... Enjoy the ride!

Cindy Jacob Seminar

Cindy Jacob is a very famous Prophetess and Intercessor. I heard from Mary that she will be in Bangkok. Heard a lot about her... So, I am so interested to go to her seminar.


If you are in Bangkok and keen to attend her seminar, following are the details:


Date: 13-15 Nov 2008 (Thursday to Saturday)

Venue: Jaisamarn Church, Ramkhamhaeng Soi 68

Time: 8.30 am to 4pm

Cost: THB800

Inquiry: 081-9193122



Evening revival meetings are free from 6.30pm to 9pm.


Don't miss it!

My New Mobile Phone

This is my brand new phone.


I didn't really want it but they insisted!


Who?


Joel, Ethaniel & Hubby.


They helped me to pick it. They had preferred an iPhone but ....

Winter is here in Bangkok!

The winter is officially here!!!!


I woke up to cool breeze this morning.


I love it! I love it! I love it!


Thank you, God... Thank you, God....


I am going to have a great day!

Joy of the Rain

Congratulations Eric!

glitter-graphics.com

Congratulations to my youngest brother


Eric & Saori


for the birth of your


first born, Son


May God bless your little baby boy with good health


Joy, Peace and Love


Always

Cambodia, Poipet Visa Run

By 9.am we packed into the car and headed towards Aranyaprathet, border to Poipet of Cambodia to do our visa. The Company was going to cancel our workpermit, so, we had to leave the country within 7 days and return as a tourist.

To go towards Aranyaprathet, we had to take the Chonburi highway to Sa Kaew / Kabin Buri. The journey took 3 hours. We were suggested by Hubby's ex-colleague to stay at Poipet. Apparently there are nice hotels there. This area is called "No Man's Land", a very popular gambling area. Bus loads of people go there everyday to gamble. Its the Genting Highland of Thailand/Cambodia.

The plan was to stay overnight at one of the Casino Hotel.

The border between Thailand and Cambodia

The Friendship Bridge

Kingdom of Cambodia sign. If you notice, there are Casino hotels just across

Using this cart to transport goods to and fro Thailand / Cambodia

We parked our car in the carpark

Upon reaching, we drove into a carpark which cost THB150 per day. So expensive! Even Siam Paragon doesn't cost that much.


A "guide" tailed us and pretended to be helpful whilst he had ulterior motives. We must have looked like the most gullible tourist around. He took us to an office after the Thailand border to a dingy hut with 2 police officers. Eventhough we were told by friends that we did not have to pay any fees because we intended to stay overnight at one of the hotels but still they insisted we pay.

Anxiously making a call to double confirm the information given by the "guide"... we were tricked!

Sensing that there were something fishy, we realised that the "guide" was obviously deceiving us. Fearing for the safety of our family, Hubby gave in and paid. We were not about to be quarrelsome whilst being surrounded by both Thai mafia-look-alike and Cambodian police officer. Money was the least of our concern at that point in time. Safety was.

Interesting cart... huge! What's in there?

Immediately upon having our passport stamped, we quickly left and journeyed towards Bangkok. We were not going to stay. We had the most uncomfortable feeling in our stomach...

Walking back towards the border of Thailand.... Let's get out of here! On the double!!

God was definitely protecting us that day.


Eeee..... Don't want to go there anymore!!!!!!