Something to Ruin Your Day

- of being angry and choice
"Whoa," yelped junior disciple Ah Lek in surprise. "Arrgh!" shouted junior disciple Ah Kow as senior disciple Ah Moo pushed his way between them and sent both of them falling off the straight and narrow path that leads to the Sow Lin monastery chapel. Ah Kow fell to the left into a bush of yellow daffodil. "Wow," he thought, "the sky is so blue." "Ouch, ouch" shouted Ah Lek who fell to the right into a rose garden.

"I so hate senior disciple Ah Moo," said Ah Lek as he extricated himself from the thorns. "He makes me so angry" "Leave him be. He just a big bully," said Ah Kow as he dusted his robe clean."I am so furious. One day I will get even. Vengeance is mine said the Lord, and Ah Lek will be My instrument," Ah Lek told Ah Kow. "Hey, don't simply quote the Bible. No play, play, you know," replied Ah Kow in alarm, waiting for a thunderbolt to strike."I am still angry" said Ah Lek to Ah Kow during supper that evening in the refectory.

Paused in the act of placing a piece of meat into his mouth, Ah Kow blinked and said. "You're still angry?" "Yeah, I am so angry that I cannot enjoy my meat." The disciples have just finished their meat-week where they fast from eating meat for two weeks before Lent. "See there. I can't stand it. That bully is enjoying himself," said Ah Lek pointing to the senior disciple table where Ah Moo just cracked a joke and all the other senior disciples are laughing.

"I can't stand being in the same room as him!" "Didn't Our Lord teach us to forgive and forget?" Ah Kow pointed out. "Forgive, yes. Forget, no" declared Ah Lek with firm conviction. "Aah...?" Ah Kow tailed off in confusion. "I am so angry that I didn't sleep a wink last night," declared Ah Lek to Ah Kow as they meet the next morning for prayers. "I was thinking of all the ways I can cheket his scrawny neck." "You're still at it?" asked Ah Kow sleepily.

"What about St.Paul's teaching about not letting the sun goes down on your anger?" "That don't count," said Ah Lek smugly, "Somewhere in the world, the sun is always shining so it can never go down on my anger. Maybe I shall get a big stick and hit Ah Moo on the head. Do you think he will forgive me?" "Donno," said Ah Kow cautiously as he slowly back away.

"Aiyuh , my stomach hurts," yells Ah Lek as he rolled on his bed later that day. "Let me fetch Abba Ah Beng" said Ah Kow as he hurried to his sifu's room. Abba Ah Beng called in the services of Abba Thomas who is a bivocational Abba. His other vocation is as a doctor. "He has a gastric ulcer," said Abba Thomas after he finished his examination, "I wonder what brought this on?" "Must be his anger," whispered Ah Kow.

"What anger?" thundered Abba Ah Beng who has superb hearing, especially for the dinner bell. "Ah Lek has been angry at senior disciple Ah Moo since he pushed us into the bushes yesterday!" Ah Kow said, pointing his skinny finger at Ah Moo. "I did?" Ah Moo sounded surprised. "Yes," Ah Moo said after a moment's pause. "That was in the morning when I was rushing for the toilet because I have diarrhoea. Almost didn't make it in time!"

"And you have been angry since." Abba Ah Beng turned and faced Ah Kow. "And you?" asked Abba Ah Beng. "I was a b-bit..angry but I f-forgive and f-forgot about the innnnncident" stammered Ah Kow, turning red in the face."Ah Lek, Ah Lek, what shall I do with you?" Abba Ah Beng said turning back to face Ah Lek with a shake of his head, "You have let your anger control your heart and your mind. You allowed anger to dwell in your soul.

A small incident gets blown out of proportion. A small push by your senior disciple had taken control of your life, poisoned your soul and gave you an ulcer."After a short pause for dramatic effect, Abba Ah Beng continued, "In life, you may not have control over what other people do to you.

However, you do have the control over how you react to their provocations. You can choose to forgive, forget and move on. Or, you can choose to allow other people control your life. Why should you let others ruin your life?"

endnotes:-
"don't play play" -Singapore slang made famous by Phua Chu Kang, a Singaporean sitcom. Means "taking something seriously"
"cheket"-Malay word for "strangle".
"aiyuh"-Malaysian and Singaporean word for "ouch"
Tags: Junior Disciple, St Paul, Abba, Monastery Chapel

Malaysia's Subsidy for Petrol Price

The current petrol price is RM1.92. After reading the article on Peak Oil, I have done an estimated calculation and I won't be surprised if it hit a minimum RM3.10 per litre in the month of August 2008 when the Malaysian government decides to reduce the petrol subsidy.

Friends are still saying that even after increasing the price of petrol in the month of August 2008, the government will definitely give this comment again "Our petrol price is still the cheapest in the region!". Right?

The government has advised us to change our lifestyle in accommodating the undeniable increase in petrol price. How will you change your lifestyle? What will you sacrifice? If your petrol consumption for each month is around RM300, be prepared to pay an additional RM300 by Sept 2008.

Why double it? Our Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister, Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad, has already mentioned that petrol price will be an uncontrolled price item in August 2008 which means to say that it will be priced according to market price.

The funny thing about certain Malaysians is that they will continue to fall for rumours without checking further.

For those who read the newspapers or are updated via the relevant websites (e.g. Malaysiakini - Pump price at 'market levels by August'), it was stated clearly that the Malaysian government would decide on the new petrol price on Tuesday (yesterday) and today which would be implemented in August 2008. But Malaysians jam packed petrol stations yesterday to pump the last drop of petrol at RM1.92. All this because of rumours and SMS messages.

In the past petrol price increases, I didn't join the bandwagon with those who queued up to pump petrol as it would take ages just to get into the petrol station. My logic question is how much can you save with that bit of petrol for that night. It could range from RM1.00 to RM10.00 depending on the size of your petrol tank. The next thing these people will go to Setarbak for a cup of coffee priced at RM10.

I have just bought a new house which should be ready by Dec 2008. Looks like I may have to re-draw my renovation plan due to increase in material costs. No renovation but move in with current furnitures??????

The Malaysian government is so caught up with this petrol subsidy issue where it mentioned it was such a waste to pay off RM45 billion. The government should by all means concentrate on reducing corruptions and wastage in unncessary expenditures incurred by government departments / agencies as highlighted in the annual Auditor-General's reports. That itself is already a few billions. But no! But why?

By referring to the Auditor-General's 2007 report, the government did mention that necessary actions would be taken against government staff found to have breached the rules. Todate, no news.

Remember that the government did say that by increasing the petrol price, the petrol subsidy would decrease and that the savings on such subsidy would be used for improving the public transport infrastructure. Todate, the traffic has gotten worse and to top it off, the government has just announced that they would scrap off the subsidy provided to a major bus company providing bus transportations to the public. The bus company will definitely be increasing their bus fares to cover the loss of subsidy. Where are the savings going to then?

Last but not least, the impact of the petrol increase, if at all priced according to market price, will definitely trigger the price increase on every aspect of life.

Which business industry will be affected? I would say that the food, leisure and entertainment industry will be badly affected as people will try to eat common food or cook at home, spend more time at home watching those pirated DVD movies and lesser travels be it domestic or overseas.

This is what we call - stagflation - a case of rampant inflation and stagnant economic growth.
Are you ready for it?

Reading: KL govt to raise fuel prices to market levels - Malaysia Today

Related posts:-
* Show I/C To Pump Subsidised Petrol
* Is Malaysia's Fuel Price Cheaper?
Tags: Malaysia, Petrol Price, Fuel Price, Petrol Subsidy, Peak Oil, Stagflation

Good Deeds Remembered

The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like that she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.

"Leave me alone," he growled. To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked.
"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away."

The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone." Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked. "No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"

The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?" "See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile." "Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!"

Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything." "This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it." Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner.

It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived. The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by he table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this. Is this man in trouble?" "This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.

"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business." Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place." The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?" "Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms." "And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?" "What business is that of yours?" "I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."

"Oh." The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"
"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty." "Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?" "Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice." The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."

The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said. "That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."

She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently. "Jack, do you remember me?" Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar." "I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."

"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.

"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."

Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy." "I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it.

I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over, I saw you put the price of my food in the cash register I knew then that everything would be all right." "So you started your own business?" Old Jack said. "I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business, that, with the help of God, prospered."

She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." Shesmiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you"

There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you? " he said."Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus. He led me to you."

Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways. "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said."On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And...And thank you for the coffee."

If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing. If you have missed some of my emails, you might have missed a laugh.

But, if you have missed knowing my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, you have missed everything in the world. Have a Wonderful Day And May God Bless You Always.
Tags: Good Deeds, Christianity, Lord, Savior, Jesus Christ

Generation Y Defined

The Silent Generation, people born before 1945.

The Baby Boomers, people born between 1945 and 1961.

Generation X, people born between 1962 and 1976.

Generation Y, people born between 1977 and 1995.

Why do we call the last one generation Y?
I did not know, but a caricaturist explains it eloquently below ...
Tags: Generation Y, People, Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X

Ways to Ensure Your Car is Car Thief Proof

With high crime rate in Malaysia coupled with frequent cars being stolen, people have resorted to a higher degree of locking their cars.

So, besides having a steering lock, the car owner has put up with a padlock on the door. A thief may have to pick the lock in full view.













In this scenario, a saw (whether manual type or electrical type), it takes time to steal the car.

Car owners have to thank motorbike owners for inventing the way to lock the tyre to a pole.

This is quite easy to unlock. A car thief may just have a big cutter to cut the chain off.









hmmmm this van owner is not taking any chances at all.
















Waaaaaaah!!!!

Overdoing it. The time taken to lock the car must be a few minutes. What if it rains and you are forced to unlock the chains one by one. Not logical but considered a good car thief proof.

One look and it will turn a car thief away.
The mother of all locks!
Tags: Car Lock, Car Theft, Crime Prevention

Relaxing Sunday Afternoon

On a Sunday afternoon after church service, a few of us went over to Damai Perdana in Cheras for our lunch. Was helping a couple in planning for their wedding as an unofficial wedding planner. Including this wedding, I have planned for quite a number till I have lost count. Even if I was not planning for it, I would be roped in to assist here and there. Must start charging fees ..... hehe

The couple brought me to this cafe called Nyonya Kopitiam which serves basic nyonya dishes.

A comfortable restaurant located away from the chaotic city life. Prices are reasonable and the food taste is good.

Recommended indeed!



This is the Butter Fish Rice.
As usual, I need some chilli in my food so I ended up with the local famous delicacy, Nyonya Nasi Lemak.
Thereafter, we drove to Palace Beach & Spa Hotel (formerly known as the Mines Resort Hotel). Always liked this scenery.

Went around looking at the various spots to check on placement of various stuff for the coming wedding.
This is their 'fake' beach fronting the large lake further down the slope. Wonder where they got those beach sand from.
Surprised to see a large number of catfish at the lakeside. Must bring my fishing rod on the next trip here.
The view from the lake.
Tags: Kuala Lumpur, Damai Perdana, Cheras, Nyonya Kopitiam, Palace Beach & Spa, Mines Resort, Wedding, Wedding Planner, Catfish

Love N' Praise Concert

The Love N' Praise Concert was fantastic and it was real 'hot'. Got to take a picture with Juwita Suwito who came quite early for her sound test.
The concert kicked off with the Hallelujah Praise Dancers performing their dance with Nora Christopher leading the team.

Then the Opabolas siblings, the children of a Nigerian lecturer, performed two songs moving people's hearts.

You may be wondering where were the people pulling their ear lobes. Being punished by the pastor for their sins? LOL!

It was part of the dance exercise conducted by a group of dancers from Taiwan. One of them is even a granny and they led the concert attendees to a string of exercise that could improve our health system and at the same time moving at the rhythm of music.

People in the hall enjoyed this session very much.
Then the Nigerian brothers and sisters from the AID - Actualising Individual Destinies led the praise and worship session. Energetic as usual.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God's choir, with their Nigerian members performed their songs.

This group of singers from His Santuary of Glory ("HSG") was superb. We said that they were very professional with their performance and dressing. Even their English pronounciation was better than some Malaysians.

When HSG was belting out their songs, the crowd joined moving according to the music's rhythm. I let my hair down too. No need to put up a show to show how mature you are, just enjoy life.

The children from the Rainbow Home did participate too and one of their songs was very good in moral teaching. Even adults can learn from children provided they were opened.







Geoffrey Woo's songs did move our legs. Mine was tapping the floor following the tune.














His slow song was really comforting. If you play his songs during night time while relaxing, it will give you a soothing feeling.



These two singers belted their song while the remaining team members were involved in a mime drama.

They were from Kajang Assembly of God.
A meaningful pantomime accompanied by the meaningful song.

Juwita Suwito's performance was the last and some people came over to me to check on her schedule. They thought of leaving early after hearing her singing. Sorry, we kept her on the last performance of the night ................ hehehe

Nevertheless, it was worth the wait.
As people were leaving the hall at the conclusion, a combination between HSG and Kajang AG, sang the last song.

Thereafter, a group of us went over to Happy Garden for our dinner? or was it supper. It was about 10.45pm. By the time I reached home, was exhausted to blog about anything.

Related post - Love N' Praise Concert in PCC
Tags: Love N' Praise Concert, Concert, Praise City Church, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Rainbow Home, His Santuary of Glory, Geoffrey Woo, Kajang Assembly of God, Juwita Suwito, Pantomime, Nigerian, AID, Actualising Individual Destinies