Finally We Met - Of Crocs and Kim Gary!

This is where we had a 'bite' - Kim Gary Restaurant

The front counter where prepared food is handed over to the waiters/waitresses. The bottom section(where you see lots of lines) is actually brightly lit in luminous yellow (but the yellow light is not seen here?)

Look at the dining hall - the tables are separated by partitions that look like a mesh of maze!

This is how it looks like when viewed bottom-up! Wow, how amazing is the maze!

An advertisement board announcing their specialties of the day - noodles? western food? stone-grilled Korean food? Yin and Yang drink? I'm not going to tell you!

Healthy snack - Fresh Vege a la carte! Anyone?

Shoes from the crocodile farm? Made from the skin of crocodiles? No -lah! It's only just the brand name!

Looks like plastic, feels like plastic, definitely it's not plastic, does that sound familiar - hey guys, it's not the Lingam Crocs! It's the real authentic Crocs - made of a lightweight antimicrobial resin called Crosslite!

Hello, Crocs are not flip-flops or clogs! They are bright, colourful and lightweight sandals designed in such a way that it's easy to wear and no matter how hot the weather is, you won't feel sticky and stinky (so, why so many holes? natural-con of course - to cool your sweaty feet!)

To give identity to your own pair of Crocs shoes, you can pick little cuties to grace your Crocs - of course with an added cost of RM8.90 each!

This is Ruth's selection of a pleasant purple pair of Crocs and decorated by a matching twin-tower figurine on the left side of her pair of Crocs!

On the right side, she chose another cutie, this time it's the five-petal darker purple daisy to complete her day of shopping for a comfortable pair of shoes! For some shoppers, they prefer to have the same figurine for both sides of the shoes but you chose to be different! Anyway, it's matching, contemporary and tasteful! Happy Wearing!

SNee,

On 14 April 2008, an email arrived, the caption - Fantastic Creations! Upon opening it, I could see a whole array of beautiful food sculptures which would become your added collections of creative pictures! It was sent by Ruth. With a heavy heart, I had to tell her of your passing. The following is an excerpt from her follow-up email:

'I must say I am all shocked to know that Shieh Nee has gone to be with the LORD!!!!!!!

How could it be?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We bumped into each other at Circular Quay when I went to Australia.

We chatted over the phone at Sydney after the meeting.

I kept her mobile and sent her Christmas greetings last year ...

I was wondering what happened to this girl ...

my heart aches ...

I did not expect that was our last time together ...

I saw her growing up in Sunday School

and I was teaching in Penang Chinese Girls' High School while she was in her teens

we prayed for her studies in TAR'

When I looked at the photo that she took with SNee at Circular Quay, I could recognise her instantly- my ex-colleague from PCGHS! What a small world - her former Sunday school teacher is somebody I know. We made contacts and finally, last Friday we met. I hopped into her red Myvi and were on the way to Gurney Plaza.

Frankly speaking, I had not been to Gurney Plaza for ages. So, when she brought me to Hong Kong Kim Gary restaurant, this place was new to me. At 1.30pm, the place was already flooded with patrons. Just imagine, we had to queue up to get seats. While waiting, I took an eye-tour of the place. All the waiters and waitresses are young and wore black attire as their uniform. They are polite and efficient despite the big crowd.

Finally we were seated, we chattered after taking the orders. We caught up with lots of happenings during our lost years of contact. Of course, we talked about you as well - how bubbly you were and that you used to go for morning prayers together. We couldn't rattle on cos Ruth had to rush back to school for her holiday duty and that she had to get her new pair of shoes since we were already here.

I followed her to the Crocs shop where we were greeted by a huge one-sided bright orange Crocs. I browsed around and tried them. I didn't buy the Crocs sandals cos they looked kind of ugly and when I tried them, I looked as though I had swollen feet (please pardon me, Ruth, cos that was how I felt when I first tried them). I saw people wearing it and I thought to myself, 'Why on earth did these people buy such ugly shoes?' By now, I am told that Crocs shoes have become a hit in the shoe market for about 2-3 years. If they are really that comfortable, I may consider buying them in future, even though, they don't look dainty!

Thank you Ruth for being SNee's mentor during her growing up teen years. She was so lucky to have you as her Sunday school teacher too.

Also thanking you for lending me the two books from your collections:

1) Where is God when it hurts by Philip Yancey
2) Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey

I will definitely read them.

A Get Together

Sister Tay Siew Bee (standing far left), Pastor Larry's wife, Pastor Larry (sitting), Pastor Lim (sitting on the right) and Pastor Lim's wife (sitting in front)

Ready for one more close-up 'shot'!

Say 'cheese' everybody!

SNee,

On 13 March 2008, Pastor Larry and his wife (just flown in from Australia), Sister Tay Siew Bee (came alone all the way from Butterworth) and myself dropped by at Pastor Lim's home.

What's so special about this get together? Well, these are special people who sponsored expensive food supplements to help you get better during your last few days. Each family took the trouble to get them ready in time to be sent to you. They are strangers to us and yet they are so caring and gracious. That day was the first time where the 'strangers' finally met face to face!

We introduced ourselves, exchanged 'notes' and shared our thoughts. Then Pastor Larry prayed for Sister Siew Bee, Pastor Lim and myself towards the end. We had light refreshment before saying goodbye to each other.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Sister Siew Bee, Pastor Larry and his wife, Pastor Lim and his wife for helping SNee. We appreciate your kindness! You will always be remembered!

Diet for Cancer Patients

SNee,

Dr. Jong, who is the Head of Research and Honourable scientist of Rigil International Switzerland (plus her group of fellow researchers and scientists from Switzerland who have done significant research in Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's diseases, Genetic biotechnology(DNA) & Stem Cell along with the use of Nanotechnology), has come out with a suggested Diet For Cancer, Pre- and Post-chemotherapy Patient . I think the information may be helpful to those who need enlightenment in their special diet.

1. Drink 1.5 Litres of water per day (8-12 glasses).

2. Sleep for at least 6 hours per day, but do not exceed 8 hours.
3. Exercise for half an hour per day. Perspiration is necessary.

4. Daily diet:
* 5 servings of fruits and vegetables in multiple colours to give you different
vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and fibres.
* 2 servings of white lean meat (e.g. Organic chicken breast meat and fish) as
a source of low-fat protein.
* 1 serving of food rich in fibre to ease bowel movement, regulate blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides levels (e.g. Oats).
* 1 serving of carbohydrate (e.g. brown rice, wholegrain rice)
* Nuts (Almond, Hazel, Brazil, Pine nuts etc. Except Peanuts) and Seeds
(Sunflower, Pumpkin, etc) to give you good essential fatty acids.
* Mushroom (any group)
* 1 teaspoon of vinegar (Apple cider, balsamic vinegar or normal cooking
vinegar will do) per day to ease food digestion and assimilation of nutrients.

Food to avoid (Reduce tremendously):
* Fruits: Durian, Rambutan, Mangosteen, Duku, Langsat, Jackfruit
* Carbohydrate: Rice, Noodles, Meehoon, Pastries, Cakes, Bread, etc
* Caffeine intake: Chocolate, Coffee, Tea (Except for Green Tea)
* Alcohol: Wine, Beer

Regular meal is very important. Start with a hefty breakfast, moderate lunch and liquid dinner (Salads, Porridge, Soup).

I have dreams, I don't want to die yet!

A relaxing pose, how refreshing!

SNee,
I attended the funeral service of my friend's father today. He was diagnosed having colon cancer recently and his liver function was slowly degenerating. He died yesterday not due to cancer but heart failure. He was 89 years old!

As I sat there, I could not help keeping my tears intact, flashes of you came back. He had lived life to the fullest right up till the ripe old age of 89, but you barely made it to 25!

I could still remember, when you were diagnosed with terminal cancer last July 2007, we flew down to see you. The doctors told you that you were going to die. But you were brave and said to me, "Mum, I have dreams, I don't want to die yet!. Just pray hard, only God can heal me!"

When I came back, I started praying hard daily, begging 'God' for miracles to happen. I started going to church and learned how to pray earnestly trusting the Lord for miracle healing.

I admired your courage to make some of your dreams come true. You wanted to go to Australia so much, that you worked hard for it with the faith - 'God will provide'. You knew what you wanted, you planned and 'engineered' your life to stay back in Australia, to buy a house, then send for us to stay with you, settle down with your beloved and have children etc... But there are certain things that are beyond our control!

Your dreams and my dreams crashed the day you left us! No matter how well we plan, somehow some of our dreams will not come true! Then I heard the Pastor telling us to trust the Lord to take us through life and stand firm on our beliefs. How to trust the Lord? YOU are our Saviour, our Mighty God, where were You when we needed You most?

I know that pain is inevitable in life and misery is an option, that is, we can choose to dwell on sorrows or to find hopes and encouragements to move on with life. Easier said than done! I used to console bereaved families and friends in the same manner, but when it happened to your loved ones, you can't help it, the stabbing pain just come and go in a flash and automatically without any 'remote control'. She was made in me, a part of my flesh and blood! The bond is so strong that no words could describe it. It's going to take time to heal.

The hymn, What a Friend, flooded the solemn atmosphere as I hugged my friend with tears and I moved on with the crowd to pay my last respect to Uncle Mohan Singh. SNee and Daniel will be waiting at the Gate of Heaven to receive you! Uncle Mohan, please send our love and regards to our beloved SNee and Daniel when you see them. Tell them that we really miss them very much. Thank you and may you rest in peace.

The Mission To Seafarers

Three photos of me as Port Chaplain or Chaplain to the seafarers at Port Botany. We minister and reach out to the seafarers from all over the world. If you wish to join me as volunteers, let me know. You are most welcome to visit either the Centre or the ship.

SNee,

To update you on our dear Pastor Tay, he has now joined 'The Mission to Seafarers' as a Chaplain.

What's that? The Mission to Seafarers???
Well, it....
- is a world-wide agency which cares for seafarers of all nationalities and creeds
- operates in some 300 ports around the world
- works through a network of chaplains, lay staff and volunteers who offer seafarers a warm welcome, friendship, and practical and spiritual help

Help available to seafarers???
Loneliness, danger, separation from loved ones. These are just some of the problems seafarers face. The Mission to Seafarers, a charity and part of the Anglican Church, is there worldwide offering them help and support. How?

- not only help with personal problems, but also with work-related problems such as non-payment of wages, difficult relationships on board, poor living conditions and safety defects

- help seafarers' families, and shipping company personnel departments, with welfare problems, and in emergencies

If there is anyone who is interested to get more info or who needs help is welcome to contact 'The Mission to Seafarers', or one can get in touch with any chaplain in any port. Alternatively, one could email the National Secretary who can pass your request on to the relevant person.

The Seafarers' Centres in each port offer (Sydney) :

• International telephones and postal services
• A small shop selling toiletries, stationery, confectionery, souvenirs and gifts
• Leisure facilities such as table tennis, reading matter, television and videos
• A chapel or quiet room
• Local information.

What are your impressions of the lot of today's seafarers?
The seafarers are tough, resilient and friendly people, yet many of them are lonely and not very satisfied with their job due to the many months away from family and love ones.
(An extract from the writeup on Rev.Un Hui Tay from 'The Mission To Seafarers' bulletin, Autumn, 2008)

Well, this is the first time that I have heard of such organisation and is not aware that we do have such caring mission to serve mankind. We are so blessed to have them helping the seafarers from all over the world.

Thank you Pastor Tay for your good work!

Some Interesting Pictures (3)

SNee,
To share with you a few interesting pictures here - pencil sculptures? giant horns?

Like a 'walking' starfish!

Like an upright standing 'twisted pipe'?

A new type of vase or 'durian'?

Like a decorative cute kitty or rabbit?

A 'four-legged ashtray' or another flower vase?

Like a 'faceless Eskimos'?

Yes, look closely, they are created out of pencils! Next time, don't discard your old pencils, they can be turned into beautiful masterpieces!

What's the difference? I got 'macho' horn, this fellow here, none at all? Ha, ha......

Look, at me, I am different!

Are you sure you wanna fight with me? My majestic horns are fatal, you know???
Any other 'brave ones' that want to compete with me?

Is it a Co-incidence or ..........?

SNee,

Something 'interesting' that I read today:-

Wellington: It seemed like an almost literal answer to their prayers. When two New Zealand pilots ran out of fuel in a microlight airplane they offered prayers and were able to make an emergency landing in a field - coming to rest right next to a sign reading, "Jesus is Lord."

Grant Stubbs and Owen Wilson...were flying up the sloping valley of Pelorus Sound when the engine spluttered, coughed and died.

"My friend and I are both Christians so our immediate reaction in a life-threatening situation was to ask for God's help," Stubbs said yesterday.

He said he prayed during the ill-fated flight.... that the tiny craft would get over the top of a ridge and they would find a landing site that was not too steep - or in the nearby sea.

"There was an instantaneous answer to prayer as we crossed the ridge and there was an airfield - I didn't know it existed till then."

After Wilson glided the powerless craft to a landing on the grassy strip, the pair noticed they were beside a 6m-tall sign that read, "Jesus is Lord - The Bible."

"...I guess confirmation for us that it was God that really did save us from this one," he said.

Nearby residents provided them with gasoline to fly the home-built plane back to base.

Source: The Star, Thursday 22 May 2008 World

Well, how do you interpret this lucky escape for pilots - duo's plane comes to rest next to sign reading 'Jesus is Lord'? Co-incidence?

The Art of Being Wise?

SNee relaxing on a y-shaped tree-trunk, sitting back and unwinding. Hope that you enjoy reading this collection of hers!

Take Your Pick

You are driving along in your car on a wild, stormy night. You pass by a bus stop, and you see three people waiting for the bus:

1. An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.
2. An old friend who once saved your life.
3. The perfect man (or) woman you have been dreaming about.

Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing that there could only be one passenger in your car?

You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus you should save her first: or you could take the old friend because he once saved your life, and this would be the perfect chance to pay him back. However, you may never be able to find your perfect dream lover again.

Which one of the above would you help?

The best solution would be to give the car keys to your old friend and let him take the lady to the hospital. Stay behind, and wait for the bus with the woman of your dreams.

Sometimes, we gain more if we are able to give up our stubborn thought limitations. The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.

Ten Ringgit Bet

Manan and Chandran met at the mall. When Manan said he was glad to see his friend, Chandran answered,"How can you see me when I'm not even here? I'll bet you ten ringgit to prove it."

"You mean to say you're going to bet me ten ringgit you're not here? Okay, it's a bet."

"Am I in Langkawi?" Chandran asked.

Manan answered, "No."

"Am I in Tioman?"

Again, Manan answered, "No."

"If I'm not in Langkawi and I'm not in Tioman, that means I'm in some other place. Right?"

"That's right!"

"Well, If I'm in some other place, I can't be here, Give me the ten ringgit."

"Wait a minute," Manan protested. "How can I give you the money if you're not here?"

Secret

Lina: Nora told me that you told her the secret I told you not to tell her that I told you.

Laila (feeling rather hurt): I told her not to tell you that I told you not to tell her.

Lina: Alamak (Oh dear)! Don't tell her that I told you that she told me not to tell you that I told you not to tell her.

' Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you." - Anonymous -

Golden Wedding Anniversary

The rich tauke (big boss) and his wife were celebrating their golden wedding anniversary and they invited their three sons to dinner at a leading 5-star hotel in downtown KL.

The old man was rather disappointed when he realised that none of his sons had taken the trouble to bring an ang-pow (a red packet containing money and is given as gifts on special occasion).

After the sumptuous 10-course dinner, the waiter brought the bill and none of the sons offered to pay.

After settling the bill, the tauke announced that he had a confession to make. "Your mother and I have never been legally married. That means the three of you are cheap lowdown bastards!"

(Edited and compiled by David Tong - Laughter, the Best Malaysian)

Some Interesting Pictures (2)

SNee,

Just to share with you some of the interesting pictures below:

Ooops! Are you seeing what I'm seeing? Are your eyes playing tricks on you? Look carefully, it's not what you are thinking of? They are only trendy stools!

Look at how some of the Japanese nail enthusiasts dress up their nails according to their fancy! Looks like it has evolved to become an art by itself, how interesting!

Isn't this fellow cute? Well, the Thai people have a very creative way of 'dressing' up their bread. A good idea to 'cajole' your children to take more wholesome bread.

What's this? Well, it's the world's one and only toilet-shaped house!

Do you fancy living in a toilet-shaped mansion?

This handout computer graphic image by designer Koki-woongshows a $US1.6 million ($1.8m) toilet-shaped house in Suwon, 40 kilometers south of Seoul. The 419 sq m concrete and glass structure is owned by South Korean sanitation activist Sim Jae-Duck. It will be open on November 11 to mark the launch of the World Toilet Association.

Getting married - Saudi Arabian style! Are you sure you are kissing the 'correct' bride?

Japanese jazz pianist Yosuke Yamashita, in fireproof gear, plays the piano which was set ablaze for his performance in Shika town, Ishikawa prefecture, central Japan, Saturday, March 8, 2008. His 10 minutes performance, for his first time in 35 years, attracted some 400 audience at the coastal town. (Photo source: xinhuanet.com)

A Cute Quick- And -Easy Made Vase From Recycled Materials

The finished quick-and-easy made vase from an empty mineral bottle, remnants of fabric and a few strips of leftover ribbons.

The top portion of the roses were sprinkled with shiny silver sparklers to give a finer touch and an 'elegant' look to the finished craft.

SNee, your sis made this especially for YOU on your 25th birthday. She knows that YOU love roses, having only bought four sprays of it, she couldn't find a suitable vase, so she crafted one just to suit the occasion from the materials available in her rooms - didn't realise her room is filled with so..sooooo.....much of useful junks! When they are left lying around, they look like junks but once they have been creatively crafted they really look like a masterpiece - very original and attractive to the eyes of the beholder! Keep up the good work, perhaps you may want to open up your own shop one day - selling craftworks????

You too can make one to grace either the picture of your loved ones or your coffee/dining table just by following the four basic steps below:

1. Measure the desired height of the vase, then cut off the top portion of the empty mineral bottle.

2. Following that, cut a piece of the fabric of lighter cue that is big enough to cover the whole cut portion of the mineral bottle. Next, adjust the fabric to the bottle according to your heart's intuition, at the same time using glue to affix the fabric to the desired shapes to the bottle.

3. After that, cut another piece of fabric of darker cue to the required length and measured to half of the height of the earlier fabric. Then fold the fabric into half and shaped it around the bottled until you get the nice folds that you like. At the same time, using glue to set the shapes and folds that you fancy.

4. Finally, play around with the ribbon and tie up the bottom of the bottle with a pretty knot. When the bottle is done, fill it up with water, arrange the flowers tastefully and sprinkle the top portion with a little bit of 'sparkle sands' that you can purchase from any craft shop. There you are, the quick-and-easy cute vase is ready for use!

Hope that you like! It's cheap, pretty and most of all doing it with love from your heart and not forgetting the time that you have to spend improvising it! Happy crafting!

Some Interesting Pictures (1)

What's so special about this picture - looks so plain and ordinary? This is not a normal portrait that was drawn in the conventional way but a delicate portrait that was intricately 'choreographed' with only a single stroke of the pen!!! You start from the nose and end at the bottom - notice the tiny 'tail' at the bottom. Look carefully, it can be done, can you do it?

Eat and pee at the same time? Hmmm...yummy....wanna try?

'Munch' by a tree? How? Wanna find out what's the real story behind it....?

What's this? I know your butt is bigger than mine, do you have to show off?

Wow, do I look gorgeous or macho or $@%&*!........? Really cool..ha!!

Is that an 'official' or an 'offensive' name for a street, ever wonder? (In Malay language, the name "Jalan Puki Mak Ulah" means "Mother Ulah's F***A** Street!"). Please don't you ever ask me for the name of that road?

Is that a panda or a dog or a mixed breed of pandadog or whatever....? Wanna to know?

Oh dear, it's getting too hot nowadays, our undergarment has been 'upgraded' to suit the weather - well, save cost and feel so much cooler and comfortable! Isn't that good? Soooo....economical?

SNee,

I visited one of our relatives (related to Granny's youngest brother - his teenage daughter) two weeks ago. She's a very talented young lady and is still doing her master. She's good at blogging and all the above pictures are taken from her blog which is filled with lots of interesting articles and pictures. I enjoy reading her blog. Anyway, I did not provide some of the details here, one can get more updates from her blog.

We are happy to be able to catch up with each other after a lapse of several years.

Thank you Nichowen for showing me some tips on blogging.

A Big Thank You to the Staff of SMK Air Itam

The loving caring Staff of SMK Air Itam are one big happy family! Wow!, some of them can pose so well......looking so comel, sweet, lovely, and others very macho - can be potential models, ya......?
Let's see....... which one???? Your Pick - Model of SMK Air Itam 2008....???

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Staff of SMK Air Itam for giving me the support in whatever ways they could when I was down with depression for the past few years and also during the recent demise of my eldest daughter.

I would like to express my thanks especially to Miss Teh Ah See, Miss Yeoh Kim Gaik, Mr.Tan Jen Jong, Pn.Emilia Cherubin, Miss Tai Lee Gim, Miss Teh Siew Suan, Mr.Chang Chuen Leong, Mr.Soo Seng Poh and many others for their relentless support. With their help, patience and understanding I was able to pull through slowly when I was at the end of my road. They are a loving and caring lot of Samaritans.

Thank you "YOU BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!!"

Farewell - Shieh Nee's Niche

Shieh Nee's resting place (her niche is kept here)

A scenic view of Shieh Nee's resting place

The niche faces a garden of roses

Our dearly beloved Shieh Nee's ashes were placed in the niche in March 2008

Sisters Phebe and Phyllis posing at the niche

Pastor Tay and daughters paying their respect when the plaque was ready

Sideview of the niche - 329 -S13

The niche standing by the side of a nearby fountain

On the last day of her life, the doctor in attendance asked Shieh Nee, "What can we do for you?" She answered without any hesitation, "Going Home". "Where is Home?" I asked. "Chatswood!" "Why Chatswood?" "That's the place where I was first diagnosed having terminal cancer and that's the place where I want to go back to get healed!"

But the doctor did not encourage it because the journey would take about one hour to and fro to Pastor Tay's home at Chatswood. She was too weak to take the journey and she might expose herself to unnecessary complications. We were sad that we were not able to fulfil her last wish.

Then Uncle Jin mooted the idea (Thank you Uncle Jin ) - Why don't we give her a beautiful resting place at Northern Suburb Crematorium? This place is clean with scenic views and the most important part is that the niche happens to face the direction of Chatswood town. We loved the idea and made the arrangments to get it done before leaving Australia.

Thanks to the Cheah Family for giving Shieh Nee a lovely peaceful resting place. That's a beautiful final gift to her. She loved roses and the niche happens to face a garden of roses. Thank you Pastor Tay, Phebe and Phyllis for visiting Shieh Nee on 24 March 2008, for presenting a spray of rose to grace her plaque and for sending the above photos to us.

Farewell Shieh Nee, may you rest in peace here!

Laugh Your Blues Away (1)

Once upon a time when I was just a little girl... am I cute?

Let's sit back and have fun with some of Shieh Nee's collection of jokes:-

1. "Doctor, are you sure I'm suffering from pneumonia? I've heard once about a doctor
treating someone with pneumonia and finally he died of typhus."

"Don't worry, it won't happen to me. If I treat someone with pneumonia he will die of
pneumonia."

2. Once there was a millionaire, who collected live alligators. He kept them in the pool of his mansion. The millionaire also had a beautiful daughter who was single. One day he decides to throw a huge party, and during the party he announces, "My dear guests...I have a proposition to every man here. I will give one million dollars or my daughter to the man who can swim across this pool full of alligators and emerge unharmed!"

As soon as he finished his last word, there was the sound of a large SPLASH!!! There was
one guy in the pool swimming with all he could...the crowd cheered him on as he kept
stroking. Finally, he made it to the other side unharmed. The millionaire was impressed.

He said,"My boy that was incredible! Fantastic! I didn't think it could be done! Well I must
keep my end of the bargain...which do you want, my daughter or the one million dollars?"

The guy says, "Listen, I don't want your money! And I don't want your daughter! I want
the person who pushed me in that water!!!


3. Ol' Fred had been a faithful Christian and was in the hospital, near death. The family
called their preacher to stand with them.

As the preacher stood next to the bed, Ol' Fred's condition appeared to deteriorate and
he motioned frantically for something to write on.

The pastor lovingly handed him a pen and a piece of paper, and Ol' Fred used his last bit of
energy to scribble a note, then suddenly died.

The preacher thought it best not to look at the note at that time, so he placed it in his jacket
pocket.

At the funeral, as he was finishing the message, he realised that he was wearing the same
jacket that he was wearing when Ol' Fred died. He said,"You know, Ol' Fred handed me a note just before he died. I haven't looked at it, but knowing Fred, I'm sure there's a word
of inspiration there for us all.'

He opened the note, "Please step to your left - you're standing on my oxygen
tube!"

4. A middle-aged woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. While on the
operating table she had a near death experience. Seeing God she asked "Is my time up?"
God answered, "No, you've another 40 years, 2 months and 8 days to live."

Upon recovery, the woman decided to stay in the hospital and have a facelift, liposuction,
and a tummy tuck. She even had someone come in and change her hair colour. Since
she had so much more time to live, she figured she might as well make the most of it. After
her last operation, she was released from the hospital. While crossing the street on her
way home, she was hit by a car and died immediately.

Arriving in front of God, she demanded, "I thought you said I had another 40 years. why
didn't you pull me from out of the path of the car?"

God replied, "I didn't recognize you."

A Sad Mother's Day

Feeling Great 'On Top Of The World!'

Shieh Nee (Jenny) with all the lovely tooooooooys!

11 May Sunday, 2008

"Ring! Ring!" "Hello!"
"Hi mum, Shieh Nee here!"
"Hi Nee!"
"Mum, Wishing you a Happy Mother's Day!"
Elated upon hearing her greeting!

As I touched her face tenderly in the photograph, with teary eyes, I know that this year's Mother's Day and thereafter will never be the same again. How I love to hear her lovely sweet voices wishing me, 'Happy Mother's Day! again!'. I really miss her voice and her presence! I know that I have to let her go, but the emotional pain is so intense that it hurts a lot. It will take a long time to heal.

Even though you are not around to wish me, many christian brothers and sisters did it for you - thank you Michael Yoong, Tay Siew Bee, Tay Siew Choo, Uncle Lee, JJ and others for the greeting. A special thank to Sister Tay Siew Bee who smses daily messages from the scriptures to me. They are good openings for each new day and also provide food for thoughts. Dr.Louise also smsed and emailed me a mother's day greeting. Thank you Dr.Louise!

Your sis is so sweet to present me with TWO lovely t-shirts and not ONE, I suppose the other one was bought to be given to me on your behalf? She didn't say, but I could guess (it was so thoughtful of her). Thanks to your Daddy too for treating me to a sumptious dinner.

Today, City Harvest Church celebrated Mother's Day by honouring all the mothers with a beautiful gift and a 'makan' at the end. On top of that, a sketch "Rent a Mummy" was presented. It was hilarious but the message was good. It was about a teenage girl who complained constantly about her imperfect mother being smelly in front of her friends, a nagger #@*?&..bla..bla......bla..........

Being poor, her mother had to slog in the market selling fish to make ends meet. One day, when she had to go out of town to attend a wedding, this particular teenage rented a 'perfect' mummy from an agency to take her place. This 'perfect' mummy was not only sexy, cool, spoke their language and the most important thing - she was not a nagger! She and her friend could do whatever they like to their fancy. But after three weeks, her life was in a mess. Then only did she realise her 'follies' and how she missed her real mummy. At the end, they embraced and forgive each other.

Pastor Sarah's message was insightful too. To him, a mother is God's gift. No matter how imperfect a mother seems to be (no one can be 100% perfect) - when she nags, she scolds...@@$%&*$..bla..blaaaa...bla......, it is done out of love, out of genuine concern, out of desperation to make sure that her children's welfare is in good hand. According to him, the followings are three important observations to be followed:

1. Honour your mother, respect her
2. Help her out whenever she needs your help
3. Hear her out, she only wants a little love from you and not a big house or a Mercedes Benz

I strongly feel that teenagers should try to understand that parents do have their share of problems too. Don't make demands and take things for granted cos we are not supermen or superwomen. We are trying our best to be good parents, of course, along the way, we may stumble and fall. We just don't blame each other for whatever happens but to grow up and forgive each other. We too learn through trials and errors. Try to widen your scope of perceptions around you. To me, in order to help you to grow to be more independent, we have to be harsh to you, of course, within certain limits (too much of pampering is not good), when we do it, it doesn't mean that we are rejecting you or we don't love you, as I can remember one saying - to be good to you, I have to be cruel to you first. This is a good tough training ground to make you tough and strong and to be appreciative of things around you which you would not have seen when in affluent scenario.

Sometimes when we keep quiet, it doesn't mean that we are stupid and cannot make decision. There are some who talk as though they know everything and we know nothing. We need time to weigh the various possiblities, to avoid unpleasant confrontations, not to make harsh hurtful comments or rash decision and finally to be able to reach a decision amicably . I understand that deadlock can be cured by dialogue but there are some who prefer a dogmatic monologue which finally will lead to another deadlock. So, at times, it is better to let the other person rattles on rather than turning it into a battlefield which will lead to nowhere. Life is filled with lots of challenges, one needs to be resilient in order to stretch his/her patience or it may snap easily.

Miss U and luv U

Humorous and Wise Sayings

(Picture taken from her favourite collections)

Sharing some of the humorous and wise sayings from the book read by SNee.


1. Learning by trial and error?

No WAY?

Your errors are often my trials!

2. Those who do not know, want everything!
Those who know, want nothing, they know the burden of having!

3. When the body sends you warnings,
Take heed,
Don't wait till it goes on strike before you tune in,
It might be too late!

4. Branded Shoes, Branded Shirts, Branded Makeup,
Soon unknown to us, we'll be Branded People!

5. Tennis Elbows, Golf Elbows.
What Next?
The Poor would have been shouldering and elbowing away.
And the AFFLUENT? PHYSIOTHERAPY!

6. When we can see the INSIGNIFICANCE of SIGNIFICANCE

and the
SIGNIFICANCE 0f INSIGINFICANCE
We have arrived!

7. Under-achievers, Over-achievers, Non-achievers,
Must we always be achieving?
Help me as I try to achieve a stage when I no longer need to achieve!

8. I am blinded by the many disciplines I've been through.
They taught me how to see things their way.
No wonder I'm CROSS-EYED!

9. It's alright to be curious. Just don't be nosy!

10. WORK! WORK! WORK!
Why work so hard?
Work smart which is an art!

11. 'But' is like a Chinese "angpow".
You give one and you take one back.
Result is zero.

12. Chinese Medicine?
Easier to take when you are semi-conscious.

(The 10-Second Wisdom book)

Say Thanks To A Caring Boss

Shieh Nee (Jenny) was so blessed to have a caring boss who provided her with hopes and leads when she was at the end of the road. Your presence made her feel on cloud nine.

Her family members would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr.Frank Connon, Manager from Sandstone Technology, for helping her, for being such a wonderful boss, for attending her funeral service and also helping to bring her things back from the office.

You will always be remembered!

Shared Moments With Jenny

Posing at the Harbour Bridge!







Enjoying her plate of delicious 'ribs' at Tony Roma!









What a big bowl of wanton soup!









One more shot for the album! Say cheese!






'Hi,

A pleasant day to you!

I am Karen, Jenny's former colleague at work. I would like to share my 'fondest moments with Jenny' with you as she had been really nice to me.

I am actually from the Philippines and was only visiting Sandstone North Sydney office when I met Jenny who was in the same team with me. I could say that Jenny was such a bubbly person and had a nice smile to greet everyone that we immediately befriended each other.

I had such memorable experiences with her, even though for only a short time. There was one instance, on a Thursday after work, she invited me to walk across the Harbour Bridge. It was fun and we shared stories with each other as we went along. After the walk we went to the place called Pancake at the Rocks. I have attached some of the photos we took together.

From then onwards, we decided to plan a regular Thursday night out. Once, we had dinner at Tony Roma's for some ribs. Then on another Thursday of my stay in Sydney, she brought me to 'Hurricane', near Bondi Beach, which she said had the nicest tasting ribs! I appreciated her bringing me there.

I would also not forget that at the office, we would have lunches together and get our favourite wanton soup at the nearby food court!!!

I really had no idea what sickness Jenny had until the email that I received telling me about her passing. And I was totally shocked. I had sent her a get well soon card later, I guessed she wasn't around the office then.

It is really very sad but we all know that Jenny is now with the Lord. And perhaps He has good plans why everything has happened the way it did. Jenny's story has inspired me actually, reading her blog makes me know her even better, how nice a person she is. I've known her for only a few months but I will surely not forget her.'

Thank you Karen for sharing that special moments with us. Through you we get a chip of her memory that is so dear to us. Thank you too for the snapshots of the shared moments as we are trying to collect as many photos as possible in memory of her in this blog.

Chapter 6 - Questions and Answers

People who are suffering are often filled with questions about life and death, about good and evil, and about the nature of God. Why do bad things happen?

Q1...my husband was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, and we prayed for him night and day. Nevertheless, he died last January. I can't understand why God .....allowed my husband to die....?

A1. Why has the Lord been unwilling to heal this good man? I don't know. God will do what is best, and we must continue to trust Him regardless of the outcome. Hold on to your faith in the midst of these unanswered questions. Someday His purposes will be known and you will have an eternity to talk it over. In the meantime, I pray that the Lord will help you cope with this tragic loss of, or should I say temporary separation from, your partner and friend.

An excerpt from 'When God Doesn't Make Sense'

No Answer Is The Answer!

After a soul searching journey, I thought to myself, is God going to answer me?

HE is almighty, all-powerful and all-knowing. HE plans according to his will and timing. We cannot question his plans. His plans and purposes for us are very much different from us - really boggling our mortal minds!

I put forward many 'why' questions and demand answers from God. Well, don't demand answers, there are no answers cos HE works mysteriously. He works in ways that we cannot see. Sometimes his ways of workings really defy human logic and senses.

For now onwards, I have to pray hard for the courage to let go of things that I cannot change, to be able to change things that I can still change and for serenity in my heart because there is no answer to all my doubts and questions and that is the answer! Perhaps the answers would come later on...when?....nobody knows....just waitttttt..........

Thank You Dr.Lesley Land!

SNee,
Congrats U have graduated!









Say 'Cheese' everybody!







Posing in front of the University of New South Wales !








Dr.Lesley and SNee looking great in their grand outfits!







Smile everybody!







Dr.Lesley Land, Senior Lecturer, Australian School of Business, University of new South Wales, has been a great mentor and friend to Shieh Nee. It was Dr.Lesley who encouraged her earnestly to attend her graduation ceremony. Actually Shieh Nee had no mood and was not interested at all in attending the graduation ceremony which was held on 31 Aug 2007. But Dr.Lesley did not give up and she took the trouble to make all the necessary arrangements to make it possible for her.

Thank you Dr.Lesley for all the support and encouragement that you have given to us. Thank you for being there to make the final leg of her life as memorable as possible. Her graduation would not have been possible without your assistance rendered. Thank you too for sharing some of the photographs with us.

Thank You Siti, May and Juliana!

Posing with her last Christmas presents from Siti, May and Juliana!






Happily opening her presents!








A candid pose for the album!







Relaxing and having 'girl talk' before opening the presents!








Xmas lunch with Siti n 'Gang'!






A loving hug from Siti!






Siti, Juliana and May,

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for being so caring to Shieh Nee. The radiant smiles showed her joy and happiness to be with her friends during the last leg of her life.

In addition, thank you too for visiting her at the hospital - bringing gifts, her favourite fruits and amusing her with all sorts of jokes to make her laugh.

You gave her all the support right through her fight for life. This was indeed her memorable happy last Christmas outing with her 'gang'.

Thank you Siti for sending these photos to us. They are indeed very precious to us.

Granny's Birthday!

Sis with cousins enjoying themselves during the recent Granny's birthday 'makan'!

Granny with Ze Eee smiling away!

Getting ready to cut the birthday cake - with help from her handsome grandson!

Uncles having chit-chats?

Say Cheese!

Folding arms? Was the food late?

The Cousins happy hours!

Our loving Grandpa and Grandma!

Special Birthday Card hand-made by Sis for Grandma! A very creative girl!

With Grandma and Grandpa who loves me very much!

Cousin and Sis from Penang

With aunty and cousin from Kuala Lumpur

With cousins from Kuala Lumpur

With aunties from Sungai Petani

With cousins from Sungai Petani

My lovable Granny, the Birthday Girl!
(Photos from the album 2006)

SNee,

Your Granny celebrated her birthday at 12.30 pm. on 1 May 2008 Thursday at Sin Long Fong restaurant. We reached Sungai Petani around 11am, had a short rest before meeting the other family members at the restaurant.

All the family members gathered for the traditional gathering except for Sa Ee and Ee Ee's family. They could not make it. The Lo family had a good time chit-chatting and joking away while in the restaurant. After the big 'makan' Ze Ee, your sis and cousin Sin Yee and myself went to Central Square to shop for Mother's Day gift for your Granny. We managed to get something that your Granny loves to have. We left for Penang in the evening.

Will post the pictures later when they are ready.

Wish that You were there too!
Grandpa and Grandma wanted very much to travel to Australia to see you, but due to old age they were unable to make it. Each time when your name was mentioned, we could see their teary eyes as they shook their heads. Grandpa and Grandma miss You very much!

What is Dying?

To me, facing the death of our loved ones right before our eyes means intense emotional pain and loss that is difficult to cope and forget.

But over here, I came across a beautiful view on dying by Henry van Dyke:

"I am standing at the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze,
and starts for the blue ocean.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud,
just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.....
And just at the moment when someone at my side says:
'There, she is gone!' there are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout:
'Here she comes!'
And that is dying."

"The death of people whom we love,
Brings sorrow and deep pain;
But if our loved ones know the Lord,
Our loss becomes their gain" - Sper

"Because Christ lives, death is not tragedy but triumph"
- April 24 Thurs; Mar, Apr, May 2008; Our Daily Bread

Sometimes, I just wonder, does it take the death of our loved ones in order to know Christ?
Is it one of his styles or ways of drawing us closer to him?
Aren't there any other ways other than death?
Still reflecting on the issue...still reading...still searching...any answers to serenade an anguish soul?

When God Doesn't Make Sense

Shieh Nee was a committed Christian for nine years. She served God faithfully without fail until the last days of her life. Why didn't God bless her and allow her to continue serving God? Yet, she was taken in her prime despite many agonized prayers for her healing by so many Pastors, Christian brothers and sisters and other faithful friends? Lord clearly said no to them all. But why?

She had just graduated and was about to start life and to pursue her dreams, but just like that, her life was abbreviated, whereas many drug addicts, winos and evil-doers survive into old age as burdens on society? What purpose was served by her tragic loss?

I just don't understand why would God does this to her. I am really mad with Him. Where are Your so-called greatness, love and miracles for your god-loving child? YOU can perform so many miracles on others, why can't YOU perform miracles to save her life? "If God is all-powerful and He knows everything, then why would He let such a terrible thing happen to her?"

My confusion and frustration quickly deteriorates into anger...finally disillusionment sets in and the spirit begins to wither. So, should the heartsick, bleeding souls drop out of church and quit reading the Bible and praying?

There is no peace within...some of the most bitter, unhappy people on earth are those who have become estranged from the God they no longer understand or trust.

There are so many whys to be answered. Today, I managed to get hold of this book entitled, 'When God Doesn't Make Sense' by Dr.James Dobson. I've started reading the first chapter.

This is what I understand from the first chapter of this book. Many questions-especially those that begin with the word why - will have to remain unanswered for the time being. God's purpose in this young lady's demise is a mystery, and there it must remain. The Lord typically does not rush in to explain what He is doing.

Examine the following Scriptures, Solomon wrote in Proverbs 25:2, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter" ; Isaiah 45:15 states "Truly you are a God who hides himself"; Deuteronomy 29:29 reads, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God" and finally Isaiah 55:8-9 teaches, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Clearly, the Scripture tells us that we lack the capacity to grasp God's infinite mind or the way He intervenes in our lives.

Her demise remains a mystery that "transcends all understanding"

Thank you Pastor Tay for introducing this book as it brings hope to those who have almost given up and to deal with the deep emotional struggles we have in our relationship with God when pain and suffering strike.

I will continue reading the book. For the moment, have to hang on to my faith even When God Doesn't Make Sense. And what is faith? It is "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1, KJV). This determination to believe when the proof is not provided and when the questions are not answered......to be continued......

Uncle John Cheah and Aunty Lilian Birthday Bash!

Cake cutting ceremony by the loving couple! Look at Sharon, couldn't wait to get a bite!

Wow! Look at our yummy cake! They look sooo....soooo.................delicious!


All in the family! The Cheah Clan! Ooops, Daddy, Uncle Davy, Danny, another aunty and other cousins couldn't make it!



Look at our birthday boy and girl having a playful moment with each other! How loving!


SNee,

Aunty Phaik Gek hosted a birthday bash for Uncle John n Aunty Lilian on the 26th of April 2008 at Double Good restaurant.

Everybody was on cloud nine for it was a very happy reunion for the Cheah clan!

Uncle Kok Cheng has done a very good job of capturing the memorable moments in a photo album especially created for this happy occasion. It is 'well orchestrated' and one of the photos is even animated to our delights. The captions are also tastefully done. Thank you Uncle Kok Cheng for your good work - has gone hi-tec eh? We just love it!

Thank you again to Uncle Kok Cheng for the latest photos that have been just added here.


Just wish that you were here to join the occasion.