牽母親的手過馬路 - Good article to share

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牽母親的手過馬路(年度票選最佳短文)
星期六偕妻兒回家，年近花甲的母親喜不自禁，一定要上街買點好菜招待我們，怎麼勸也不行。母親說：「你們別攔我了，你們回來，媽煮頓大餐請你們，不是受累，是歡喜呀！」我便說：「我陪您去吧！」母親樂呵呵地說：「好！好！你去，你說買啥，媽就買啥。」 母親年齡大了，雙腿顯得很不靈便，走路怎麼也快不起來。她提著菜籃，挨著我邊走邊談些家務事。 「樹老根多，人老話多。」母親也都這把年紀了，自然愛絮絮叨叨，別人不願聽，兒女們不能不聽，那怕裝也要裝出忠實聽眾的樣子才行。 穿過馬路就是菜市場了。母親突然停下來，把菜籃挎在臂彎裡，騰出右手，向我伸來…… 一剎那間，我的心震顫起來。這是多麼熟悉的動作呀！上小學時，我每天都要穿過一條馬路才能到學校。 母親擔心我的安危，總是要送我過馬路才折身趕去上班。橫穿馬路時，她總是向我伸出右手，把我的小手握在她掌心，牽著走到過馬路， 然後低下身子，一遍遍地叮囑：「有車就別過馬路」。「過馬路要和別人一起過。」 二十多年過去了，昔日的小手已長成一雙男子漢的大手，而昔日年輕母親的細嫩軟手， 已成為一雙枯乾節深的粗手，但她牽手的動作依然如此嫻熟。她一生吃了許多的苦，受 了許多罪， 這些都被她像掠頭髮一樣一一掠開，但卻對兒女關愛的情腸永遠也掠不去。我沒有把手遞過去，而是伸出一隻手從母親臂彎裡取下籃子，提在手上，另一手則伸出來輕輕握住她的手， 對她說：「小時候，每逢過馬路都是你牽我，今天過馬路，讓我牽你吧！」母親的眼裡閃過驚喜，笑容蕩漾開。 「媽！你腿腳不靈便，車多人擠，過馬路千萬要左右看清楚，別跟車子搶時間。家裡有什麼難事， 不管多忙，我們都會回來的。我是您一泡尿一泡屎，養起來的兒子呀，你還客氣什麼？」 母親便背過頭揩淚。牽著母親的手過馬路，心裡有幾許感激，幾許心疼，幾許愛意，還有幾許感嘆。 我們能夠愛幼，但我們卻時常忘了像愛幼一樣尊老。 為人兒女者，當你緊緊握住自己兒女的小手時，可也別忘了，父母的老手更盼望著我們去牽啊！

所谓的为人师表大专生?!

最近聘请一位所谓的大专生，说对教育富有相当的热诚之心，爱挑战性的工作。所以前来应征我们教育中心的导师。。

今天是我们假期班上课的第一天，也是他上班的第一天。对他的第一天表现还相当满意。怎知，在短短的四个小时之内，他告诉我们他辞职不干了一直以为一位品学兼优的他，请到他是我们的幸运。。这次真得让我们大跌眼镜。一句“不适合”就逃之夭夭！不适合?所谓的不适合,你今天才告诉我们，是否太过分了呢？当初问你的时候，不见得你说难？你今天才跟我讲这个屁话？！

真不明白现在的年轻人，一点责任感都没有，还要当老师？省点吧，别误人子弟！我今天领悟到，靠人不如靠自己！是你这个所谓的败类老师，教了我一堂课，下次要小心挑选合适的导师，品德是第一！

让我分享这个败类的大专生的SMS-"不好意思，刚才骆摩哆，没听到来电。希望你明白，XXX的教学法对我来讲真的有很大的问题。我尽力适应了，但很抱歉，真的没办法。我也明白XXXX的苦衷和无奈。希望你们见谅!"然后就推到一干二净！

算了吧..没法子了，得靠我们自己了。我相信我们不是那么容易被打倒的！

DIY - Snow man

X'mas festival is right in the corner... so we wish to create some X'mas 'feelings' in our learning center, thus I've DIY an 'ugly' snow man and placed it in front of the entrance. Hahaha.. will try to add some fake presents below the snow man... no $$$ incurred in this DIY snow man, we were using all recycle items to complete the snow man. Any comments? :)

Photo sharing on my convcation :)

OK, let me share some of the pictures taken during the convocation day. :)

Convocation Day

Attended my convocation day on last Saturday with my son, wife and parent. Different feelings this time as I spent most of my day with family members on this special occassion. It was not like my previous convocation in Australia, spending the whole week with all my best friends. This is the 1st time I exposed to local U convocation, different ceremony, language and activities. I received my master degree from Sultan Kedah this time.. while receiving the master, we have to say "Menjunjung kasih" - the Istana language - means Thank you. I just feel that the whole ceremony duration was too long (from 7:30-1pm.. my God)! Too many speeches.. and it took at least 20 mins per speech. It was very hot out there and we just took few pictures right after the ceremony..too tired to stay back, it was so crouded too. Nice experience and this might be my last convacation unless I persue for further study again.. which I dont think so! :)

Mind Mapping - Tony Buzan

I was attending Tony Buzan's (Mind Maps Guru) seminar talk on yesterday. It was a nice talk and we really enjoyed and have learned something new from there.I and my wife were very interested in this particular learning method as the method applied with the education business that we are currently persuing. "Buzan has changed the lives of millions with the Mind Maps, his revolutionary system of note-taking that will help us excel in every area of our life.". I've purchased 2 books during the seminar talk - "The ultimate book of mind maps" & "Mind Maps for kids". I hope to learn from the books and apply the study method to my kids... of course, to our students too!!! :)

Convocation day is right in the corner...

Convocation day is right in the corner!! No special feelings this time, perhaps I've waited too long for this particular event. Or maybe this is not my very 1st convocation day..so I don't really feel excited this time.

Actually I've completed my MBA study since November last year but I've miss the opportunity to join the 1st session of UUM 21st convocation day in March, as my final results were only out by end of February, so I have to wait for almost one year to attend another session. I will collect the 'jubah' (gaun) this weekend, will have to travel all the way to Sintok (an 'ulu' place).. Next Saturday will be the actual day of the convocation day. Mmmm...mixed feelings now, not too excited but I am looking forward to attend this special occassion with my family :)

Back to technical field.. soon

After have been working as Project Manager for almost 2 years, I decided move back to technical field. Perhaps this is more secure and suit my interest in the long run. Nevertheless, I learnt a lot of project management in the past 2 years, how to chair a meeting, lead the projects, etc. Those experiences really have added a significant values to my future career as well as to my part time business management skills. I hope I am choosing the right position and feel more motivated to work and learn extra technical skills. Tired on changing company as I hope to settle down and bring my business up to speed and... dreams come true!

MRC Relau branch, internal look (90% completed)

Here are some pictures I would like to share with you, the pictures were taken on last week.. almost done but still have 10% to touch up... feel free to comment so that we could improve further. Thanks.

Entrance - staircase

Counter's signboard Bookshelf+ notice board
Consultation Counter Multiple intelligences areaBig classroomSmall classroom

Progress updates on MRC Relau - Signboard is UP now

After busy for almost 3 months, the learning centre is almost ready.. 7 Sep (Chinese lunar calendar - 08.08.08) is a memorable day for MRC Relau branch. The day where the signboard is up....! Here are some pictures just for sharing...!

Renovation in progress

Our centre is under renovation now... work in progress. Feel excited and many things need to be done, but enjoy the process and learn through experience.

Partition for 4 classroom Small classroom

Receiption areaEntrance to kitchen (dining) area

Finally, we've signed up the agreement

Today we've decided to sign up the franchising agreement and paid 50% of the total commitment fee. No turning back anymore! We've got to start facing the challenges now, worrying.. uncertainty. I hope we will clear all our doubts after attending the orietation program. Many tasks are waiting for us to work out. Really have to work hard (& smart) and seriously.

Watching Baseball Game in Arizona

It was a great experience to watch live baseball game in US... although I don't really understand the rules. Overall I enjoyed it! The stadium is nice and the environment is good. This is a special occasion organized by our team during the face to face meeting in Arizona.

Shall we take the risk?

Planning to setup own business since last year, survey and perform some research to decide what kind of business are the best choice for us: bakery or education? We've engaged few franchisors since last year to understand the business plan and opportunities. Thursday I called up the franchisor for 2nd time, wish to understand further details on the business plan and how could we kick off the startup plan, probably we plan for 6 months to get the business started. Well, unexpected - the franchisor told us that they will move their existing business center, together with their learning center (which is operating directly by the corporate) from KB to Penang by Aug 3. And the franchisor seems to give us chance to take over their learning center via the franchising program. The total startup cost is about 65K...we have to make decision by next Wednesday whether to accept the offer. However we feel it is too rush for us and also lack of confidence, mentally is not ready to get all this done within 2 months. But this is a great opportunity, as we can save a lot of startup cost since the franchisor will supply us the existing furnitures, aircons with FOC.. which they move it from KB learning center. The shoplot in Penang has been chosen and surveyed by the franchisor, everything are ready.. the only thing is try to open our mind and accept the offer..! We are quite worried now - "Are we ready to face the challenges? Are we able to handle our own business? We have enough working capital? Can I support our monthly expenses with I alone continue working and let my wife tender her resignation? Any finanicial issue when business still in early stage?" So many doubts and concerns. Mmmmm.. a lot of worries and stress have to face now, but if we really able to cope with it, I believe we can make it. Well, if we dont accept this offer, we may regret in the near future. Perhaps we have to be brave, and step out our very 1st step. God bless us!

Gasoline price up by 78cents!

With the last minutes annoucement made by the government - this is the end result! Long long queue at the petrol station. I was part of the victims..really sick with it but I have no comments, I believe everyone have the same feelings and same comments.

Gate C? Gate 3?!!!

Flying back to home today. I am now at Phoenix Sky harbor International Airport, reached here at 11am. My flight schedule is @327pm, mmmm..you may curious why I have to come to the airport so early? The reason is because I was sharing the same cab with my Israel colleague. His flight is at 1pm.. actually I'm OK to be here early, no harm waiting here. You know, when I was checking in, the flight information on the monitor screen were showing the gate will be located at Gate C. Thus I've directed my way to Gate C and sitting there.., surfing net and waiting for boarding. Mmm.. while sitting there for about 1 hour 30mins, I started feel weird, why there is no body here and was so damn quiet? No, no! I decided to walk away from here and re-confirm the gate information. Guess what?! The gate number has been changed from C to 3, without any announcement.. my God! I might miss the flight to LA if I didn't verify the information. So, never trust to the screen information and it may be altered from time to time, just have to be more caution, especially when we travel alone. Verify and check again!

Rest a night in LA

After struggling for about 23 hours, finally I reached US now. I am staying one night in LA, before proceed final destination to Chandler, AZ tomorrow. I am staying in Shareton Gateway Hotel, the hotel that I normally stay when visiting LA. It is now 8:01pm local time here, 26 May...I earned another day after traveling for about 24 hours ;). I hope tonight I will have a good sleep instead of opening my big eyes for the whole night long. Oh goosh.. jet lag, I hope I can settle down asap so I won't suffer for this few days and by the time I get used with the time zone here, I will go back to home. Just settled my dinner with a cup of noddle - nice taste, curry noddle :) Tomorrow I have to depart to airport at 7am to catch up my 9:41am flight, just in case the airport is crowded with my people (today is US public holiday).

Travel AGAIN! This time to Arizona

Today I travel again. This time I fly alone..in Singapore airport Terminal 2 now. I feel so down and sad today, probably I am sick and not really recover yet, and now I am sitting here and waiting for my next connecting flight (4:15pm) to depart to LA. Actually I don't really feel happy to fly this time...and I forced myself.. I hope no more traveling for me, it is enough!

More pictures on my discus fish

Nothing much to blog today.. :) just to share some of my recent discus fish pictures. They are growing bigger and bigger now!

Happy Birthday To You, CJ!

Happy birthday to you.. happy birthday to you..happy birthday to CJ.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! Times flies, you are 3 years old boy now, you are no longer baby boy :) But I still used to call you "baby.. baby", haha! The birthday cake at the left hand corner - we bought it and celebrate your big day (4 May) at Genting, during our family vacation. Although it is small, but yummy yummy.. you enjoyed tasting it!

This year you've celebrate your birthday for 2 times.. wow! 1st time at Genting, during your actual birth-day. 2nd time - on yesterday, where you celebrate your big day with your little baby sister and 'Ah Ma'.. The birthday cake shown at the right hand corner, a big cake with so many fruits.. taste so good.

Imagine... when your daddy and mommy were small, we were not as lucky as you, everyone is so caring of you, especially your parent, grandpa and grandma.. now you have teachers (Teacher Lee, Teacher Wan, Teacher Rama and Teacher Ping Ping) and friends (Ee Heng, your good friend) are caring of you too , you will have a joint party with your friends who born in May (according to teacher Diana, the party will held on 24 May.. wow..!)

Wish you always healthy, smart and 'sayang' everyone who 'sayang' you! Remember to value what you gain so far.. Meanwhile, you maybe too small to understand what is 'value' meant for. But I hope you will learn it and appreciate it when times come. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Photo sharing - Folsom Trip, April 2008

All this pictures were taken from my PDA.. so the resolution a bit lousy but still acceptable :) Sorry for keep you waiting to view the pictures as I was quite busy last week, traveling back to home and prepared for my personal vacation with family.


Hilton Garden Inn - where I stayed for a week in Folsom;
Scott's - one of the restaurant that I visited for the expensive dinner.


Toyota Corolla (or Altis in our home country) - the car that I rented and drove during this trip. Haha.. wanna buy the 4 digits? 5XTK764.. should be 5764?! Not a good number indeed.. hehehehe...

On the way back to Pearl Island!

Hohoho...! Time to go back home... I am in Sacramento airport now, time is 11:10am local time here. My flight to LA is on 2:30pm, still very early. But it is OK, rather than stuck in the traffic and panic later.

I departed from hotel (Hilton Garden Inn, Folsom) at about 9:45am, drove all the way to the airport. Althought this is my 8th trip to US, but this is considered my very 1st time driving experience in US. Actually I drove before, during my 2nd trip to America, when I travelled to Florida in 8 years ago... hahaha.. but it was just a very short distance journey - from hotel to company (I believe less than 3 miles). So I won't considered that is my real driving experience . I enjoyed driving this time, as I have 2 ladies friends accompanied me and be my 'navigator', appreciate their help.. so I won't lost in somewhere else.

The driving direction in US is opposite compare to my home country, it is at the right lane, and driver seat is located at the left hand corner.. therefore I've to always remind to myself -"Don't go to the wrong lane!".. luckily I manged to drive smoothly and safely for the past one week. No complaints from my firiends.. hehehehe..! I just feel that the direction from hotel to aiport is quite confusing, too many junctions and I almost lost. :) I will share photos on what is the car I've rented, drove for the past one week.. haha.. stay tune! Maybe you will dissapoint when you look at the pictures, as it is just a normal car, not a luxury car...can be found in our country. So don't set high expectation yah!

I will have to transit to LA later to get my flight back to home, I will reach LA at about 4pm.. have to sit there and wait for about 5 hours- my next connecting flight ... is at 9:15pm :( :( :( Think positively man.. I WILL BE BACK!

A boring day

Today is the last training day in Folsom... will be my last day staying in US too. I am so excited and eagerly to go back now. I was so boring today, the class is not exciting at all, maybe this is not the topics that I am looking for, and maybe I don't have enough sleep?!Yesterday went to bed at 12am++ due to some simulation testing carried out for 3 hours (9-12am), oh goosh.. I have to work in hotel even though I left from office for the training :(

Count down now.. another 31 hours I will travel back to home with a lot of souveniers (clothes, toys, food, etc)..so happy I am.. I believe my wife, kids will happy with those souveniers too.. haha! Can't waiting to fly back now, I am wondering why there are plenty of people like to travel.. but .. for me.. sorry! Of course, traveling for vacation is fun and enjoying, but not for company business trips... yiacks!

Tik tak tik tak tik tak.. now is 2:16pm US time (25 Apr) now.. please.. Mr Clock, can you move a bit faster..? I AM SO BORING SITTING HERE NOW!

You heard of the FISH Philosophy … now there is a fresh fish lesson

My boss had sent me this article and I found that this is a very interesting message.. would like to share with everyone :)
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The Japanese have always loved fresh fish. But the waters close to Japan have not held many fish for decades. So to feed the Japanese population, fishing boats got bigger and went farther than ever. The farther the fishermen went, the longer it took to bring in the fish. If the return trip took more than a few days, the fish were not fresh. The Japanese did not like the taste.

To solve this problem, fishing companies installed freezers on their boats. They would catch the fish and freeze them at sea. Freezers allowed the boats to go farther and stay longer. However, the Japanese could taste the difference between fresh and frozen and they did not like frozen fish.

The frozen fish brought a lower price. So fishing companies installed fish tanks. They would catch the fish and stuff them in the tanks, fin to fin. After a little thrashing around, the fish stopped moving. They were tired and dull, but alive. Unfortunately, the Japanese could still taste the difference. Because the fish did not move for days, they lost their fresh-fish taste. The Japanese preferred the lively taste of fresh fish, not sluggish fish.

So how did Japanese fishing companies solve this problem? How do they get fresh-tasting fish to Japan? If you were consulting the fish industry, what would you recommend?

How Japanese Fish Stay Fresh:

To keep the fish tasting fresh, the Japanese fishing companies still put the fish in the tanks. But now they add a small shark to each tank. The shark eats a few fish, but most of the fish arrive in a very lively state.
The fish are challenged.

IMPORTANT LESSON

Have you realized that some of us are also living in a pond but most of the time tired & dull? So we need a SHARK in our life to keep us awake and moving. Basically in our lives, sharks are new challenges to keep us active and taste better.....

The more intelligent, persistent and competent you are, the more you enjoy a challenge. If your challenges are the correct size, and if you are steadily conquering those challenges, you are Conqueror. You think of your challenges and get energized. You are excited to try new solutions. You have fun and you are alive!

Sharing more pictures on my discus..

Some of you've requested me to post more pictures on my discus.. :)
Hope you'll like it:)

Windows Tinting - My car

Oh goosh...look at my car! I have the bad experience with the cheap windows film product which came together as a free gift when I purchase my car 3 years ago... the tinted surface started peel off and bubble last year (after 2 year warranty period)..! I never trust with the cheap product anymore (although I am not paying even a cent on it), After struggling for more than half a year (yiacks..the ugly bubble surface!) - I've decided to spend $$$ to remove the spoilt tinted film. With some basic survey, I've made the final decison to go for a US product - LLumar tinted film. I would like to try out the product and hopefully I am making the right choice.. it cost me about RM1,600. Huhhh.. it is not cheap man...but I hope it is worth for the money to invest a better quality product.

This morning I've sent my car to Carlson tint shop to replace the damaged tinted film with LLumar product. Mmmmm.. after waited for 5 hours.. the final result.. quite amazing.. nice... with 7 years warranty period, I believe I have more confident and comfortable with this product and hopefully this product don't dissapoint me :) Let's wait.. and time will prove the quality!

A letter to my little princess

Today is Pearl Island public holiday.. yes, think of having a good rest at home..but my little one started making noise in the early morning.. the elder one, enjoy his school holiday too...oh no! :( That's the life of having 2 little monsters at home.

Times flies, my little princess is now 2 months plus. It is fun to see you growing bigger and bigger now. Next week will send you to your grandma's house, as your nanny not able to take care of you for more than 2 months... she will fly to England...as her grandchild will be coming soon too! I'm gonna to miss you.. YE, my little one. I know you 'like' to cry most of the night time.. due to colic pain, it is really annoying to me and your mom, but we gonna to miss your annoying tone for more than 2 months!!! No worry, YE, we will visit you every weekend and will bring you home during public holidays. Koko will miss you too, but I believe koko will be very happy as he will be the king of the house again! Hahahaha!!!

See, there are a lot of ang pau and presents given to you during your birthday...wish you happy and always healthy. Daddy, mommy and koko will loves you all the time...!