An Episode a Day Makes Me Happy and Gay!

A friend, Peter Richardson, who was once a guest in my home, bought me a VCD player as a Christmas present. He was alarmed that I did not even have a VCD player in my home! He taught me how to operate it and insist that I must learn to enjoy watching VCDs.

The VCD player died a natural death. Since then, I did not replace it as I do not see the need for it. I prefer to watch television programs with whatever little time I had. I try to follow a serial so that I will also be able to exercise while watching the screen. Hence, I usually watch the 9p.m. Channel 8 (Chinese channel by our local Media Corps actors and actresses. I enjoy watching an episode a day. It keeps me on my toes. It keeps me in suspense. I look forward to watching it every week day. Something to look forward to. Something fresh and exciting after a hard day's work.

Hence this is the reason why I do not buy a collection of tapes. My eldest sister and her husband can watch a collection of tapes for hours in one shot. I prefer to watch in daily doses, so that I can analyse after each episode and remember the story for a long, long time.

I am very much like my second brother Kee Seng. We both hardly watch television programs but when we do, we are very serious about following a tv serial faithfully. Brother would turn down dinner invitation so that he would not miss an episode. For me, unless it is a matter of life and death, I would prefer not to miss my serial too.

I wonder how many of my readers are like me? Do drop me a line!

Cheers to more happiness and gaiety!

Ganchau

Another Choo Choo Restaurant!

Wow! I am rich! I have so ooo ooooo ooooooo many restaurants around the world! It was only when I received an email from my niece, Tyng, that I realised how "rich" I am!

"Hey, Aunty Choo Choo,

That's interesting to have a restaurant named after you (at least I would like to think so!)

I think the link you attached to the restaurant website is the wrong one. You are leading readers to a Choo Choo Japanese and Korean Grill house in Georgia.

cheers
Tyng "

My apologies, readers. The right website for the Choo Choo Restaurant in Illinois should be www.thechoochoo.com and www.choochoorestaurant.com belongs to the Japanese and Korean Grill House.

With my name linked to so many restaurants and even a hotel, named Chattanooga Choo Choo in Tennessee, how can I ever have the chance of becoming slim? Again when I do go to Georgia and drop by the Japanese and Korean Grill House, I will greet the owners and say, "Konichiwa. Ahn nyong ha seh yo. I am Choo Choo from Singapore. 50% off the menu for the real, warm-blooded Choo Choo?"

Bon appetit! Buon appetito!

Gan Chau

Getting Up Again.....

I have placed a poster on my table space in Dennis Wee Group which reads, "Life is not about falling down; it is about getting up again - Vince Lombardi".

An ex-customer of Rialto which I used to operate, sent me this email which I wish to share with readers. I am very grateful to Soh Yah for taking the trouble to forward me interesting emails even though I have ceased operating my restaurant some four years ago. The story clearly illustrates what Vince Lombardi has stated.

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a
well. The animal cried piteously for hours as
the farmer tried to figure out what to do.

Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the
well needed to be covered up anyway;
it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and
help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began
to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the
donkey realized what was happening and cried
horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he
quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally
looked down the well. He was astonished at what
he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his
back, the donkey was doing something amazing.
He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel
dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it
off and take a step up.

Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey
stepped up over the edge of the well and
happily trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds
of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well
is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of
our troubles is a steppingstone.. We can get out
of the deepest wells just by not stopping,
never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.

Free your mind from worries - Most never happen.

Live simply and appreciate what you have.
Give more.

Expect less

NOW............

Enough of that crap. . ..The donkey later came back,
and bit the farmer who had tried to bury him.
The gash from the bite got infected and
the farmer eventually died in agony from septic shock.


MORAL FROM TODAY'S LESSON:

When you do something wrong, and try to cover
your ass, it always comes back to bite you.

Cheers to all my readers for a happier, more successful and fulfilled life that comes from getting up again after each fall. Remember we can be pressured but not cooked and down but not out!

Gan Chau

Choo Choo Restaurant

When I looked into the sitemeter of my blog, I found someone had googled "Choo Choo". To my surprise, I found a restaurant called "Choo Choo Restaurant" located at 600 Lee Street, Des Plaines, Illinois, USA.

The restaurant was founded by James Ballowe and his wife, Marilyn. It was James' younger brother, Roy Ballowe, a soldier who had served in the Philippines for a few years, who came up with the idea of a Choo Choo train delivering some fast but tasty and healthy food to both adults and children. The family felt that food and drinks served on a Choo Choo train would thrill children and adults alike. Why adults? I guess, the founders had understood that inside every adult is a child yearning to relive a lost childhood!

Hence it is not surprising that the restaurant had survived since its inception in 1951. Amazing! The restaurant is even older than me! If readers wish to read more about the restaurant and to look at what is in store, please log in www.choochoorestaurant.com

The operators have come up with cute names for their menus such as The Choo Choo Double, Kids' meals on wheels, etc. The popularity of the restaurant continues to thrive even as McDonalds has been set up within a stone's throw!

I read through a couple of reviews. Alan R wrote, "This is one of the few places I went as a kid that really stuck with me. It's got the look of a 50s diner; very cool and retro. The food is nothing special, you know, diner food, but delicious nonetheless. The thing that's most unique about this place is that if you are lucky enough to get a seat at the counter, the choo-choo train brings you your food. How often do you get a choo-choo train delivering your food?" 4 star ratings on 03/24/2008

Another diner, Jenn M wrote, "I went here as a kid and couldn't wait to take my son either. We have been here with him three times now. The food was way better than expected. It's total old school, diner like food. I have had the burger and turkey chili, both were top notch. The onion rings are also excellent and don't miss desert, everything is home made. Shakes, brownies and cupcakes are all yum! I can't wait to try the Sloppy Joe's also.

The train brings your food only if you can get a counter seat. If you don't want to wait, go on one of the weeknights when they are open until eight. A fun, reasonable place for the kids that serves awesome food and doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't." 5 star ratings on 03/06/2008.

The Choo Choo Restaurant has certainly proven one thing. When people are happy, excited and having fun, food always tastes so much better. I have yet to visit that part of America where the Choo Choo Restaurant is located. If I do go there in future, I will certainly make it a point to visit the Choo Choo Restaurant and greet the owners, "Hello! I am Choo Choo from Singapore. How about 50% discount for the real Choo Choo?" :-)

Gan Chau

Vanity Fare

My Gosh! S$270,000/- spent on cosmetics surgery all over the world, and now having to fork out more money to Dr. Woffles Wu in Singapore, in a desperate attempt to rectify a botched plastic surgery! Miss Lau An Ling, an actress from the Philippines first started with silicone injected into her vagina to make her look more sexy! The doctor was not properly qualified for the job, and she lost all feelings! The silicone hardened. In 2000 she had silicone injected into her face and buttocks which both turned lumpy instead. In 2001, a doctor tried to suck silicone out of her face, and it left her face looking sunken. In 2004, another doctor tried to remove silicone from her buttocks by liposuction, but left depressions on them instead. Now Miss Lau's face looks like someone had melted the edges around it - a result of a doctor injecting silicone directly into her face, and then another doctor trying to remove it. Her eyes have a startled look. Part of her eyelids had been cut away and pulled too high. Her nose now looks a little too bulky for her face, and her hands look a little like a man's hand - thick and bulky! In brief, she is now a mockery of her former attractive self.

Dr. Wu, one of Singapore's most reputable plastic surgeon said, "She's been pumped full of silicone by doctors, and persuaded into getting botox and fillers done every week in the Philippines till she is financially dry."

This morning, I mentioned the above article to my brother Kee Yong. He told me that in Canada, there had been some cases of botched plastic surgery jobs done by ill-qualified doctors who only wanted to siphon money from trusting and naive patients.

The irony of it all is that the ladies who had gone for plastic surgeries are usually more than your average looking Jane! Yet, they are still not contented with what they have been bestowed with, and want to look even more beautiful! Whenever I read of such reports, I immediately think of Snow White's wicked stepmother who asked the Spirit in the Mirror:-

"Mirror, mirror on the wall!
Who's the fairest amongst them all".

I believe that while the wicked stepmother looked beautiful in her own way, probably with a svelte figure, elegant height, fine facial features, her beauty was marred by an evil heart, jealousy and strife to want to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Snow White's beauty was enhanced by her kindness, gentleness, helpfulness, compassion, simplicity and joy. She took things in her stride even when she found herself lost in the forest, and took comfort in the animals and the dwarfs she met. Forgetting her own plight, she was more bent on making life more comfortable for the dwarfs by cleaning their house.

We also read of the rich tai tai who had spent over $300,000 on cosmetics surgery on nearly all the parts of her body! Her husband is in the fashion industry, and is constantly surrounded by beautiful women. The stress of remaining attractive is taking a strain and she said, "At least my husband's still coming back to me".

Compare the above tai tai with a lady owner of a hdb flat I had once met. Catherine (not her real name) is a plain Jane with rabbit teeth, somewhat rough complexion and small eyes that hid behind a pair of thick glasses. Yet her handsome husband loves her dearly. I enjoyed watching the loving couple when I brought my client to view their well-designed flat. Catherine is a college lecturer while her husband is an engineer in a multi-national company. I would not be surprised if Catherine's close
friends would have advised her to wear braces to straighten her rabbit teeth, go for facials and botox to improve her complexion and perhaps have double eyelids to enlarge her eyes, and her glasses be replaced by contact lens. Both husband and wife are fervent in their church activities and except for their jobs, seem to be doing everything together. They are childless but have two pet dogs which are like their children.

However, after a few meetings, I found that Catherine actually looks attractive, with her vibrant personality and ready laughter. Her glaring confidence and exuberance for life have overshadowed her plain looks. Her inner beauty outshines her less than perfect features. No wonder her husband finds her so attractive to be with. She is definitely a fun person to be with. Wall flowers will definitely fade on the wall.

Hence ladies, please be content with what you have been blessed with. Instead of rushing to the plastic surgeon, ask yourself how you can be more attractive by having more exuberance, joy and confidence. If you really must see a plastic surgeon, do your homework and go for well-qualified surgeons.

Always remember that at the end of the day, beauty is more than skin deep. You will fare more successfully when you are at peace with yourself. This inner peace can only come about when you are contented, positive, forgiving, loving and lacking in strife and jealousy. Your confidence comes from knowing who you are for you are the artist of your own life as you paint your own portrait.

Gan Chau

The Crazy Things That Bloggers Do!

My eldest brother and eldest sister think that I spend too much time on the computer!
Since I work from home now, I use my computers a fair bit to log onto the e-office of Dennis Wee Group, as well as to communicate with clients and friends via email. Everyday I try to write at least an article in my blog. So far, my best was three articles per day. Occasionally to relax, I play "Spider Solitaire", the only game I know how to play on the computer!

I guess my blogging would pale in comparison with people like Mr. Miyagi and Cowboy Caleb who could come up with 20 articles a day! I have cut out the article by Mak Mun San, "The crazy things that bloggers do", so that I could show it to my siblings when they complain about my excessive use of the computer.!

Xiaxue used to blog while riding on the MRT. Mr. Miyagi updates his blog during meals and even in the toilet! While in the MRT, I prefer to observe around me, or read my book or newspapers. I dislike lugging too many things with me for I am one of those absent minded ladies who have a tendancy to lose things. When I am in the toilet, I prefer to exit as quickly as I can. I prefer the fresh and more fragrant air outside of the bathroom!

Having seen how Lena Maria and Nick Vujicic have used their legs and feet to do things, I have also decided to try to use my toes to switch on the leg massager, and to type on my computer. Though the process is very much slower, it makes me realise how fortunate I am and never to take things for granted.

I would usually leave my computer on standby mode so that I can continue emailing or reading emails in between my work.

I have heard that some people have died of heart attacks while at their computers. I write and blog for leisure....hence there is no stress for performance or updating! I guess, in life, doing things in moderation is always the best guide.

Fun With Renovation!

 

The simple kitchen that had once belonged to a bachelor who hardly cooked.

 

Make over! A practical kitchen for a lady who loves cooking!

All these years, I never had to bother with renovating the apartment. However, the current flat in Little India would need some renovation for the kitchen, master bedroom bathroom and common toilet.

As I enjoy cooking, I would need sufficient shelves for my utensils. Hence I came up with the simple and functional purple and white design for the kitchen.

When I told my friends that my kitchen was going to be purple in colour, some of them went "Urgh! Purple kitchen?"

Vanessa Yong commented that I must be a romantic old soul! I have always liked purple. To me, purple resembles the best of colours - a combination of blue and red. If I want a pinkish purple I add more red. If I prefer a blueish purple, I add more blue! Now that my friends and relatives all know about my favourite colours, you can guess it! Most of my presents are purple in colour or have a tinge of purple! Purple! I will never get tired of this lovely colour.

The renovators were very happy renovating the apartment. During their rest hour, they enjoyed the breeze and wind. Though this is my first experience in my own personal renovation works, I must admit I enjoy it thoroughly and find I have quite a flair for it.

Now, my best friend, Amu, wants me to help her design and choose the colours when she renovates her new flat!

My Most Popular Blog Article

 

With my colleagues from Dennis Wee Group at our annual Retreat!

 

It takes guts and grit to survive!

Ever so often, I like to check into the referral of my blog to find out more about my readers. If ever there is a most popularly googled article in my blog it must be this one, "So Fat, And You Did the Flying Fox? Interestingly, the readers were mostly from England and Europe! Is flying fox the latest craze over there now? Why the acute interest in fining out more about flying fox?

I will republish this article here.

"My eldest sister called me from Kuching. I told her my body was aching all over because of the survivor course and the flying fox at our Company retreat in Changi. I explained to her what we did.

"So fat! And you did the flying fox? What if the wire breaks?" asked sis, incredulous.

"My boss, Dr. Dennis Wee and Senior Associate Vice-President, Mr. Lionel Ng, encouraged me to go up there. They said I'd regret for it would be once in a life time so I went up lah", I told my sis casually.

In reality, it was frightening for I have phobia for heights. I remember when I first came to Singapore, I dared not even look out of my friend's 12th storey apartment. I had tried roller coaster and downhill skiing before, but at least you have your feet rooted to something. For the flying fox, your feet are dangling in the air, with only a security hook and a little T-bar to support your buttocks. Then you zoom down from a three storey height. I remember telling the staff on duty that I would like to retreat but he was so encouraging.

I tried to talk Lionel out of persuading me. "What if I had a heart attack? I'm never afraid of death....but I do not want anyone to feel guilty or let my siblings end up suing the company!" In reality, I know I have a strong heart albeit my heavy weight. But we have also heard of youngsters dying of heart attacks after some jogging.

When I zoomed down, I realised that the ropes which I held on were a little too long so that I had my arms wide open, and I clung to the ropes for dear life. Due to over-exertion the arms ached terribly the next day.

Mm....quite fun after all. It would not be the first and last time. I am going up there again next year during the company retreat. If a 53 year old lady like me could do it, anyone also can lah. Join me.....anyobe?"

In fact, prior to our annual Company's retreat, I had not even heard of flying fox! When I saw my colleagues in action, I marvelled at my brave colleagues, zooming down from such a height!

Now I want to laugh, because I realised when I came back from the Retreat that I had no contact lens on! My vision was quite blur the whole day! I only wear a contact lens on left eye so that I can see both far and near. If I were to wear contacts on both eyes, I would need a reading glass. Hence I came up with the economical and practical idea of wearing only one lens.

It was actually a blessing in disguise for having lost my contact lens, because if I had my contact lens on, I might have retreated! Somehow the less than sharp eyesight had clouded the situation somewhat, so that it seemed less frightening!

Flying fox, anyone? You must try it at least once in your lifetime!

My First Visit to an Indian Restaurant in Little India!

 

My ex-piano teacher, Kam Yuen Lee and her husband, William, wanted to take my brother Kee Yong and I for lunch. As they both love Indian cuisine, they suggested the Banana Leaf Restaurant at Race Course Road. I do not have a penchant for Indian cuisine, but neither do I want to be a spoil sport. Hence, I gritted my teeth and acceded to their invitation. Frankly, it was the fellowship that was more important to me than the food. Yuen Lee is now staying with her son and we hardly meet. She has also not seen my brother for a long time. Yuen Lee is still as pretty as ever. I remember telling her when I was her student that she reminded me of the Goddess of Mercy, with her grace and gentleness.

I finally broke my own record of entering an Indian restaurant since I moved to Little India about 10 months ago! Everyone had dumb briyani; I preferred plain white rice.

The fish head curry was quite delicious, albeit a little too spicy. The tandoori chicken was lovely. Everyone had second helpings of rice and vegetables except me. It was already quite a feat for me to be able to finish up what was on my banana leaf.

The restaurant is doing a roaring business. The service was good. The waiters were quite amused with my spoken Tamil. Perhaps I may try the food again....maybe after a year.? I am usually quite adventurous, but am not adventurous with what goes inside my tummy!

Gan Chau

The Amazing Apple!

 

 

 

 

My neighbour, Irin, once gave me a green apple. I love fruits, but if I had a choice, an apple would be the last fruit I'd go for. Not wanting to decline Irin's good intention, I accepted the apple, but decided to put it on my television set. Days passed, weeks passed and soon another 5 months and 23 days had also passed. All this while, the apple had served as an interesting topic of conversation for my visitors.

I would often tell them how long the apple had been sitting on the television set. My guests were surprised, and would hold and feel the apple, turn it around, and peer into the texture to see if there was any sign of decay! However, the apple gleamed and glowed, with the resplendence of youth! Not a single wrinkle was in sight!

However, recently I noticed that some wrinkles had started to form on one side of the apple. It was still firm and there was no sign of decay. I decided to cut it into two. I was ever ready to fling away the fruit should I detect any worms inside the fruit. I love furry animals, but have a phobia for creepy crawlies, especially worms and millipedes. To my surprise, it was perfect inside....not a slight decay! I decided to bite into the apple, and to my surprise, it was sweet and crunchy! I did not even suffer from any stomach upset!

In all, the apple had been sitting on my television set for 175 days since 1st November, 2007. I had written about the amazing yam in a previous article, and a poem on two tomatoes. However, this amazing apple had survived longer than my yam and tomatoes.

Very often, I found that my apples would rot just a few weeks in the fridge, but this amazing apple had a very long life. Does any of my readers have any similar experience?

I shared with my brother Kee Yong about the apple. Brother told me that archaelogists had found the seeds that must have been in existence for the past 2,000years. When they planted the seeds and watered them, new plants grew!

Amazing creation! What an interesting and exciting world we live in! When I see the handiworks of the Creator, it is harder for me to believe that there is no God! The Creator has to be in existence! He is the greatest artist, scientist, mathematician - the greatest of all! He is the One who holds all things together!

Gan Chau

Occupational Job Hazards

It was only yesterday when my eldest brother Kee Yong and I discussed the differences in real estate in North America and Singapore. Brother told me that many home owners were very angry with the banks, and they left the properties, ruined and dilapidated for the banks to take over! Some had purposely damaged the units by way of revenge.

Brother also thought it was not safe for ladies to be real estate agents in America. Especially when most of the houses are big and some are located in sometimes very remote areas. I proudly declared to brother that in Singapore it is very safe.

A few years ago, a buyer had called me at 11.00p.m. and said that he would liike to view my clients' apartment in River Valley Area. He had just arrived in Singapore and had limited time. He wanted me to pick him and his wife up at Changi Chalet! Although my hunch told me that the buyer sounded genuine, I thought it was safer for me to ask a good friend to come along. Douglas obliged, and went with me to pick up the clients. The couple saw the apartment at midnight, and later, we took them for supper at Newton Circus and drove them back to Changi. The next morning they confirmed the purchase of the unit.

Hence, it was quite ironical when I stumbled upon the news below in the website under "Singapore Properties".


Amorous clients just one of the job hazards

IN APRIL last year, housing agent Serene Chua, 26, received a call from someone wanting to sell his flat in Chinatown.

They arranged to meet at his block, but he would not give her a specific unit number. When she arrived at the stairwell, a man started punching her and grabbed her handbag.

She was too stunned to cry out, but fled fast enough to escape further harm.

The year before, a Boon Lay home owner, whose flat was on the market, often asked her to 'go shopping' with him, which she declined.

But during one discussion at his flat, he suddenly grabbed her hand and kissed it. She left immediately, but he kept up with his SMS propositions for six months before giving up.

The two incidents shook Ms Chua, a Life Sciences graduate from the National University of Singapore, but she is far from quitting the real estate industry.

She just shrugs them off as job hazards she has to contend with in return for the freedom and high potential income it can bring.

'It can be dangerous, but there are pros and cons to all jobs. If I am an accountant, for example, I would have to be very careful with numbers. If I add an extra zero, I could be jailed,' she reasons.

Housing agents like her get to encounter up close - and often too personally - the best and worst in property owners and buyers islandwide.

Since many agents advertise their clients' properties along with their names, mobile phone numbers and glamour shots, they often attract unwanted attention.

Boyish-looking PropNex housing agent Jude Teem, 35, gets frequent calls and SMSes asking if he is keen to provide sexual services to rich women. The SMSes read: 'Are you keen to serve my tai tai?'

He never replies, not even with a simple 'No', in case it gives them the wrong idea.

Meanwhile, a home owner once offered Dennis Wee Group agent Germaine Ng, 35, an air ticket to Paris when his wife was not around. He had wanted to go on the trip with her.

Ms Ng, who is married with a nine-year-old daughter, politely declined. But she refuses to judge her client. 'We are human beings with feelings... They're just trying to show their affection. That's okay,' she says.

Then there are those who treat agents as runners. Mr Eric Cheng, executive director of HSR property group, once had to deal with a family who gave him orders for dishes like char kway teow and carrot cake whenever he took potential buyers to view their flat.

'They were very comfortable with me,' says the property chief.

Harder to deal with are financially troubled property sellers who delay paying their commissions after the transaction goes through.

About 5 per cent of PropNex's more than 2,000 deals every month run into such problems. While most eventually pay up, some involve a long process of mediation - where the client may be offered the chance to pay by instalment - or a trip to the Small Claims Tribunal if no settlement is reached.

Then there are clients who back out of deals altogether after shaking hands on it earlier, putting agents at the mercy of frustrated buyers.

PropNex agent Randy Yeo, 36, dealt with an owner last year who wanted $11 million for his Orchard Road condominium unit. When Mr Yeo found a buyer willing to pay that price, the owner took the $11 million cheque, only to change his mind half an hour later.

Mr Yeo recalls: 'He said the market was getting better, and that he could sell it for $13 million in one to two weeks' time.'

The buyer, of course, was furious with the about-turn and gave Mr Yeo a shelling.

The condo unit in question did eventually change hands a few months down the road - for $10.5 million.

This story was first published in The Straits Times on Apr 19, 2008.

This is one of the reasons why I never advertised my properties for sale with my photo. The only time my photos appeared in the Straits Times was when my company published the names of top agents. Even though I am a plain Choo, I still receive sms and calls from strange guys who want to invite me for dinner! Can you imagine the onslaught of unwanted attention my prettier and younger colleagues would have received?

So far I have been blessed with good clients. Nevertheless, I am glad that I have taken up Chinese kung-fu, and will not hesitate to use my pugilistic skills if, and whenever necessary! Moreover, my loud piercing voice can cut through glass! :-)

Gan Chau

Doggy Friends

 

Edward, the well loved stray adopted by all the residents of Vista Ria Condominium, in Sungie Ara, Penang.

 

Blackie, a lovely poodle I met while selling a unit at Clementi Park Condominium

 

"Mr. Christmas", a handsome Bedlington Terrier who happened to put his head out one Christmas day! When I passed by a ground floor unit in Tiong Bahru, little did I expect such a wonderful greeting! I called the lovely, dignified looking dog, Mr. Christmas!

 

Cleopatra, the lovely daschund, belonging to my client, Melinda.

Dogs! Dogs! Dogs! I never tire of them. Since the death of my three beloved dogs, I decide that I would no longer keep any more dogs as pets. Instead, I would help my neighbours and clients to walk or dog sit when necessary.

Wherever I go, I would make it a point to pat any dog that I meet. What a joy to be able to befriend our cannine friends. Indeed, for me, life becomes more colorful and meaningful with the addition of furry friends!!

Gan Chau

The Sea Shells on the Sea Shore

 

Lovely shells on the beach at Batu Ferringghi, Penang

 

I love Penang beaches!

 

Another lovely scenery

 

Sister-in-law Saw Kim posing by the beach

The sea shells on the sea shore! Immediately I thought of my primary school days when the English teacher would drill us on our pronunciation. It did not help that many of us had some missing front teeth.!

I just love the beaches in Penang. Frankly, one does not need much money to spend in Penang. I could just laze by the beach day after day, reading my books and just admiring the scenery and drinking in the beauty and serenity of the place. During my last visit to Penang, I had an opportunity to stay at the Copthorne Orchid Hotel for 3 days. Brother's lovely condominium is located up on the hills at Sungei Ara, so it was nice to be spending a few days where the waves could kiss my feet! I invited my sister-in-law, Saw Kim, to stay with me at the hotel.

Looking at the miles and miles of massive waters, it is difficult to imagine how the world could be round! No wonder in the past people used to think that the earth was flat! It was only after Newton found the answer of gravity that we could understand why evething held together. Or you and I would be flying around like the people on the moon!

Amazing and awesome creation of God.! It caused the Psalmist to express himself so beautifully and appropriately:-

"I often think of the heavens
your hands have made,
and of the moon and the stars
you put in place.
Then I ask, "Why do you care
about us humans?
Why are you concerned
for us weaklings?"
You made us a little lower
than you yourself,
and you have crowned us
with glory and honour.

You let us rule everything
your hands have made.
And you put all of it
under our power -
the sheep and the cattle,
and every wild animal,
the birds in the sky,
the fish in the sea,
and all ocean creatures.

Our Lord and Ruler,
your name is wonderful
everywhere on earth!

(Psalm Chap 8 Verses 3-9)

Uniqueness of Hokkien Dialect and Mandarin

This morning, eldest brother Kee Yong and I chatted and we reminisced about our childhood days in Penang. I hardly speak Hokkien in Singapore, but with brother, I chatted with him in our native tongue. I have always thought that Hokkien and Mandarin are so unique because some of the phrases used can never be adequately translated into English. If we were to translate them directly into English, it would sound very funny, and almost meaningless. We cannot use a word for word translation; we have to use the closest equivalent to bring out the meaning in English. Let us now explore some of these sentences or phrases.

1) Bu san, bu si (Mandarin)
Mu sa, mu si (Hokkien) meaning not three, not four.
It essentially means neither here nor there.

2) Bo hu, hae ah hoh (Hokkien) meaning if no fish, prawns are also good.
It means that if one cannot get one's choice, another alternative is also good even if the alternative is of a lesser quality.

3) Bo ho yi si (Hokkien) Bu hao yi si (Mandarin) direct translation ....no good meaning!
It means it is not nice to put someone in a spot or in a difficult position, or it is embarrassing to trouble someone.

4) Keng tioh chau geng geng (Hokkien) (Choose a rotten longan)
It means being so choosy of a life partner, and the more one chooses, the more likely one is bound to end up with someone who is not the best choice.

5) Kiang lang chiak gong lang. Gong lang chiak ti gong (Hokkien) Direct translation means the clever people eat up stupid people, and the stupid people eat up God.

It means a person who is not very clever and who often gets bullied by the clever ones, but it is always the stupid people who get all the blessings from God.

6) Kek ki chiak ka ki. (Hokkien) Direct translation means to be ceremonious, but ends up eating oneself.
It means that if one stands on ceremony, one will be disadvantaged at the end by losing out to others.

7) Chee Koh Pek (Hokkien) A colour wolf

8) Goh Beh Xi. (Hokkien) The numbers 584.
This is only peculiar to the Penangnites. It means someone who is amorous, a colour wolf. Can any one enlighten me as to why the numbers of five, eight and four are chosen, and not any other number?

9) Ying siong nan guo mei ren guan. In Mandarin, meaning it is difficult for a hero to resist a beautiful lady.


10) Goh Gee Chew (Hokkien) 5 whiskers
It also means someone who is amorous, a colour wolf. It means the man with 5 whiskers is often in the habit of twirling the long hairs on his lower chin, while he looks at a woman with lust.

11) Chi xi ren ( Mandarin. Angry until it makes a person die)
It is interesting to note that while the Chinese are superstitious and find death morbid and hence it is bad luck to refer to things pertaining to death, yet there are so many phrases ending with the word "death". eg. Chi xi wo. I am so angry that I can die. Erh xi wo. I am starving, almost dying! Kuah hee xi. Happy until death. There are many more examples that you can add on.

12) Chi bu xia. Mandarin meaning eat but food cannot go down.
Chiak beh loh. Hokkien equivalent of the above. In English,it means not having appetite.

13) Bo tuah, bo suay. Hokkien meaning not big, not small.
Mei ta, mei xiao. Mandarin meaning the same thing. In English it means one is not being respectful to one's elders.

All That Biz......

 

All the agents in Lionel Ng's Division in Dennis Wee Group

 

With my colleagues, Christina and Mary

 

With my Senior Group Director, Aveline Tan

 

My amiable and jolly colleague, Sally Tan with Dr. Dennis Wee

It's that time of the year again when the top 150 agents in Dennis Wee Group are given awards by the company. Yours truly, by God's grace and blessings, came in top 15th position! I always feel that other agents are more efficient, suave, and agile than me.

We had a grand celebration at RELC Building. Our No. 1 producer, Dennis Wong, gave a speech so as to inspire us.

I like my colleagues and staff. Sometimes other real estate companies would try to poach us to join them, and I always tell them that I am very happy and contented to be where I am. My wonderful and helpful colleagues make all the difference. We all play hard as well as work hard. Real estate work is not easy, and we all need to encourage and build up one another.

Cheers to more sales and success!

Wet Pants

A friend, Wai Fun, sent me this article and it was so touching that I want to share with my readers.

"Come with me to a third grade classroom..... There is a nine-year-old
kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his
feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his heart is going to
stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It's never
happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will
never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to
him again as long as he lives.

The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and
prays this prayer, 'Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now!
Five minutes from now I'm dead meat.'

He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in
her eyes that says he has been discovered.

As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is
carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of
the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap.

The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself,
'Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!'

Now all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy
is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives
him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All the other children
are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is
wonderful. But as life would have it, the ridicule that should have
been his has been transferred to someone else - Susie.

She tries to help, but they tell her to get out. 'You've done enough,
you klutz!'

Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the
boy walks over to Susie and whispers, 'You did that on purpose, didn't
you?'

Susie whispers back, 'I wet my pants once too.'

May God help us see the opportunities that are always around us to do
good. May we be ever ready to bless the people around us.

Remember.....just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any
more than standing in your garage makes you a car.

Each and everyone one of us is going through tough times right now,
but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can. Keep the
faith.

My instructions were to pick four (4) people that I wanted God to
bless, but I chose to publish this in my blog so that all my readers could be blessed.

This prayer is powerful, and prayer is one of the best gifts we receive.
There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let's continue to pray for one
another.

The Prayer:

Father, I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and those that I care
deeply for, who are reading this right now. Show them a new revelation
of Your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their
spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and
mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your
grace. Where there is need, I ask you to fulfill their needs. Bless their homes,
families, finances, their goings and their comings. Amen.

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some
kind of battle. Let us uplift others around us so that this world can be a beter place to live in.

It Takes Two Hands to Clap!

"It takes two hands to clap", papa often reminded us. "Before you start to complain about the other party, think where you have gone wrong or how you could have contributed to the situation."

When Singapore scored 70% for good service, some people were surprised, for all they could remember was the poor service they had received!. These people wondered how Singapore could score 70 marks, which translated in the O levels, means an A2.

It is amazing how some people would enter a restaurant, with the attitude of "I pay, so you better give me your best service", forgetting that it is human beings with hearts and minds that are at work, not robots. A waitress at work on that day could be filled with a thousand and one worries about her ailing mother or child. A chef could be full of anxiety about his son's PSLE results. Some patrons do not allow room for errors or less efficiency. It must be the best all the time.

Having operated a restaurant for some 8 years, I can understand the many teething problems that plague many an outlet. The most common problem is employing of staff. This is why when I went to the River View Hotel to have my dinner as well as to listen to Freddy Kang's crooning of oldies, I often helped myself to water, extra cutleries, etc. Rather than fuming over the slow service (due to the huge dining area and seemingly few staff), I decided to walk the extra mile. The exercise was also good for me. This kept me and everyone happy. When settling the bills, I would still give a small tip as it would mean a lot to the service staff.

The Creator has given man two ears and one mouth, so that he could listen more and talk less. Likewise, I believe He has given us two hands so that we can use them to clap and by so doing, help to encourage one another. Let our applause be like music that inspires us to press on with our pursuit of happiness.

"If No Rice, Eat Potatoes lah...."

"Hey, Choo, you didn't go and buy rice ah? Shortage you know?" queried my friendly neighbour.

"No, I still have a few more cups of rice", I smiled.

"Must stock up, you know. If not, price increase," advised Sharmila.

I suddenly remember my beloved aunty, papa's relative. Meng Kor (as we affectionately called her) was illiterate, but she was one of the wisest, most cheerful and positive ladies I have ever met.

I loved to visit her whenever I could when I was in my teens. Meng Kor would tell me stories of papa's childhood days. Through her I learnt more about my paternal and maternal grandparents. They all passed away before I was born. Only my older siblings had the privilege of calling them "Ah Ma and Ah Kong". (Hokkien for Grandma and Grandpa).

Meng Kor also told me about the Japanese Occupation. I asked her about food, and she told me that one must be happy despite harsh circumstances.

"If there was no rice, we ate sweet potatoes. Eat potatoes, also good. Always be happy. Never let circumstances affect our mood and happiness. If got rice, thank God for rice. If got potatoes, thank God for potatoes".

I only went to Sheng Siong yesterday to buy a 5 kg pack of rice because I had depleted my stock. It was too heavy for me to carry a 10 kg pack. Morever, I do not want insects to attack the rice before I could finish consuming it. Eldest sister was going to cook dinner for everybody. To my surprise, there was even a discount of $1.30 for the packet of fragrant Thai rice.!

Once I read in the newspapers that some students had never even eaten sweet potatoes. Some grumbled about having to eat sweet potatoes during the survival exercise. Till today, I still remember a Caucasian pastor who had been pastoring a church in Malaysia. Rev. Smith was quite strict with the upbringing of his children. Wanting to remember the poor and hungry, he declared every Wednesday to be "Soya Sauce Day". The family would only eat porridge with soya sauce once a week. You can imagine, the children grew up, never having to complain about food at all. All food will have to taste delicious after plain porridge with soya sauce.! Perhaps, we should emulate the pastor's examples.!

Then all of us would happily say, "If no rice, eat potatoes lah ....."

Gan Chau

The world is a stage....

Just as I finished typing on the computer at midnight, eldest brother came to me and said, "Sis, I'm feeling very uncomfortable. Seeing that he was so pale, I decided to call DTM Dr. Barry Tan for advice. Barry had just finished his shift work at the hospital, and he suggested that I should bring my brother to the A and E, just to be safe. Later I called Barry and asked if we could go to KK Hospital A and E since it is very near my apartment. Barry laughed, "No...no....they only see young children and ladies. They would turn your brother away". I laughed when I remembered that the hospital is famous for delivering babies!

At the A and E, Singapore General Hospital, there was this nursing attendant who immediately took brother's pressure and temperature. He also put brother on a wheel chair and wheeled him into the building, while I saw to the registration.

Brother was given an ex ray and blood test. In between, I had to sit in the waiting lounge. What a picture of excitement. Nurses were walking briskly, with some almost running as ambulances brought in casualties. There was a Malay man who obviously had an accident as his cheeks were badly grazed and bloody. Suddenly I remember a friend from Penang, Susie, who is a nurse, and she told me that she loves to work in the A and E Department. The more serious the casualty, the more challenged she feels, as she helps the doctor in the surgery. In a calm manner, she shared with us how she had seen detached legs and hands which were attached back again, etc.

I found a chair which was placed against a wall, and decided to rest on this chair. Later, I turned the chair in front around so that I could put my legs up. I was totally exhausted and fell into deep slumber, only to be woken up by another siren from an ambulance. Later, I saw some policemen, leading a man whose legs were leg-cuffed together. Obviously the man had come to the A and E for medical attention.
Immediately I thought of Mas Selamat, and wondered why his legs were not cuffed together. If they had been, he might not have put the whole country on a wild goose chase!!!

Despite finding that everything was normal, the cautious doctor wanted my brother to be put in the observation ward till the following morning.

Brother is very impressed with the efficiency of the Singapore General Hospital.
If I ever become a nurse or a doctor, I would also like to work in the A and E Department. I prefer the hustle and bustle of a busy A and E Ward, rather than the deadly quiet and peace of a normal ward. When I was observing the activities, it was like watching the movie, ER. Indeed the world is a stage and we are all but actors and actresses on this large stage of life. Hang on a second...... I can never play the role of a nurse or a doctor.! Blood.....help......arghh!!

Gan Chau

The Green, Green Grass of Alexandra Hospital!

 

 

 

Even the hospital bus is so cheerful looking!

 

One of my favourite hospitals is Alexandra Hospital. It is so green and lovely. The bus will ply betwen the hospital and the Queenstown MRT Station. People say that nothing is free in this world; but this is one instance where a bus ride to and from the hospital is absolutely free.

The bus is very punctual. Once I missed the bus and since there would be a tea break for the bus driver, I decided to take a taxi. I noticed there were 3 others waiting for the bus, and since I was taking the taxi, I might as well help to give these people a ride.

I was at Alexandra Hospital for my 3 months weight management program. Though I did not succeed in losing my desired weight, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated by the program, and am now more careful with what I consume.

Whenever I have a toastmasters' meeting at AIA Alexandra Building, I would go slightly earlier so that I could take a walk around Alexandra Hospital to enjoy looking at the luxuriant plants and trees. The Hospital Management must have understood that patients recover faster and staff work better in the midst of such lovely greenery.

Gan Chau

Cheers to Mobility and Agility!

Eldest brother Kee Yong was arriving at Changi Airport at 8.00p.m. As usual, whenever someone is coming to stay with me, it would motivate me to spring clean the home so as to welcome my guest. In between work, I cleaned the apartment. As usual, just when I was rushing, I would receive a barrage of phone calls! I left my home at 7.30p.m. and to my pleasant surprise, I reached Terminal 1 at 8.10p.m.! I guess the MRT is the best form of transport during rush hour. I had anticipated brother Kee Yong to be out with his luggage around 8.20 to 8.30p.m. Instead he arrived at 7.48p.m. and was out with his bags around 8.10p.m. Wow! Our Changi Airport is super duper efficient!

I love Changi Airport! I am always so happy and excited about being in the airport. It gives me tremendous pride to see everything sparkling new and clean. I took a taxi back to my home in Little India, and the fare came to only $17.00! I still remember the first time my friends and I took the taxi from Los Angeles Airport to my best friend's apartment. Yin Chung Sil could not drive then, and we told her not to come to the airport to pick us up. I remember the taxi meter clicking very fast, and with each click, it showed an increase of US10 cents. Each time the meter clicked, my heart jumped. The fare totalled US84.60!

I thought of my brother Kee Seng's lovely condominium in Sungei Ara, Penang. I would have to walk down the hill to the main road to catch a bus. Sometimes it would take 25 to 35 minutes for the bus to arrive.

Hence it always makes me appreciative of our wonderful infrastructure in Singapore. Now that I can no longer drive, (due to poor balance caused by my chronic ear problems), I happily zip around the island in trains, buses and taxis. Of course, my best mode of transport is my own branded "kar" No. 11 (legs in Hokkien). I am happy to walk to and from my office when I am not in a hurry, and to walk around Little India to show clients some properties. It is indeed the best "kar" in the world - no necessity to have petrol, cash card and car park coupons, insurance and potential threats of vandalism etc. In fact, the "kar" get stronger and stronger with more usage!

Cheers to mobility and agility!

Gan Chau

Happiness is a Many Splendoured Thing!

My best friend, Choon Lian, sent me this email which I would like to share with readers, especially now that the subject of wellness is in the air. I wish Mr. Philip Merry and his team success in finding the "Happiest Person in Singapore".

"A man of 92 years, short, confident and well groomed, is moving into an old folks' home today. His wife of 70 years recently died and he is obliged to leave his home. After waiting for several hours in the retirement home, he gently smiles as he is told that his room is ready.

As he slowly walks to the elevator using his cane, I describe his small room to him, including the sheet, hung at the window which serves as a curtain.

"I like it very much", he says with the enthusiasm of an 8 year old boy who has just been given a new puppy.

"Sir, you haven't even seen the room yet, hang on a moment, we're almost there."

"That has nothing to do with it", he replies.

"Happiness is something I choose in advance, whether or not I like the room does not depend on the furniture, or the decor - rather it depends on how I decide to see it.
It is already decided in my mind that I like my room It is a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I can choose. I can spend my day in bed enumerating all the difficulties that I have with parts of my body that no longer work very well, or I can get up and give thanks to heaven for the parts that are still in working order."

Everyday is a gift as long as I can open my eyes, I will focus on the new day, and all the happy memories that I have built up during my life. Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw in later life what you have deposited along the way. So my advice to you is to deposit all the happiness you can in your bank account of memories.

Remember these simple guidelines for happiness:-

1) Free your heart from hate.

2) Free you mind from worry.

3) Live simple.

4) Give more.

5) Expect less.

Strangely, the 92 year old man reminds me of my beloved papa. Papa was always cheerful and happy. Now I understand that every morning, when papa woke up, he must have, like the old man, decided he would be happy, no matter what happened!

I hope this article will encourage all my readers in their pursuit of happiness. Happiness is a choice; and the choice is yours - to be happy or to be affected by conditions around us. I know I will always decide to be happy and never let anyone or circumstances rob me of my joy!

Gan Chau

Animals Make My World Go Round!

My sister's good friend, Sophie Stone, from America sent me this interesting YouTube program of an elephant painting. The elephant can paint even better than me. I can't even draw a rat!



After having watched the Hindi movie, "Haathi Mere Saathi" (Elephant, My Friend), I began to take an interest in elephants. The movie was so popular that it showed for almost 18 months in Penang. It was almost 4 decades ago that I watched the movie, yet I could still remember the details. I remember once having narrated the whole story to an Indian customer who came to Rialto which I used to operate. He was so taken by my excellent memory. I guess if one likes something, the memory stays for a long, long time. In brief I tend to have an elephant memory for things that make a deep impression on me.

I am so grateul to the Creator for making so many wonderful creatures for us to enjoy. Pastor Derek Hong had once mentioned that if I had a home with a huge compound, I would be sure to take in as many animals as I could find!

Animals make my world go round!

Gan Chau

Just to ponder...

I had to go to my clients' new flat at Bukit Panjang to pass her some documents.
My client had insisted that I arrive at her new flat at Bukit Panjang after 9p.m. I had once driven to Bukit Panjang some twenty years ago. I checked the bus/mrt directory and found out that bus 960 would bring me directly to her flat. I just missed the bus 960 at Bukit Timah Road, opposite the Little India MRT, and another bus came in 15 minutes time. It was about 8.37p.m. As it was crowded, I had to stand throughout the journey. I chose to stand right in the centre of the bus where the two buses joined together. It was fun watching the bend creasing up and I felt as if I were rocking on a moving horse.! It sped along the highway after passing the Raffles Town Club.

I was surprised that the 9.00p.m. Channel Movie had just started when I arrived! It had taken me only about 23 minutes to reach my destination. I was so glad to be able to watch the one hour program with my clients. I had been following this comedy, "Just in Singapore" and would hate to miss it. I observed that we only talked during the commercial break. Watching a TV program brought us closer with a new camaraderie. No wonder people say that birds of the same feathers flock together.!

The above reaffirms my decision to retire in Singapore. On every visit to Penang, I often toyed with the idea of retiring in my hometown. There is now a demand for English teachers in Malaysia. However, when I think of the infrastructure in Penang, I change my mind. I want to be able to zip around with ease in buses, trains and taxis. I would not dare to drive in Penang, given the massive traffic jams. Although I had obtained my driving licence from Penang some 28 years ago, I would not dare to drive on the roads in Penang now!

Hence, now I will just content myself with my yearly visit home to see my beloved brother Kee Seng and his family. How nice, it would be if Penang Island were located nearer to Singapore! Then I would be able to visit the island more often.

My colleagues in Singapore want to arrange a visit to Penang. I will have the pleasure of playing "tourist guide". Brother Kee Seng will be the official "food guide". He knows all the delicacies tucked in every nook and corner of beautiful Penang Island!

The YouTube Programe that Makes Me Smile!

I am very blessed with so many friends, colleagues and toastmasters who send me interesting emails. I received the above YouTube from Freddy Kang. Freddy sings at the River View Hotel. He is a one-man show as he also plays the guitar and keyboard with adoitness.

Hunter Hayes sings "Jambalaya" so well. He is so cute and lovable. Imagine a tiny four year old child with such great stage presence. I am sure audience will want to hug this lovable little boy. Today's kids are so precocious!

Whenever I feel tired, down or "sian" (bored), I will play this YouTube and my spirit will be uplifted! Music makes my world go round.! May you have a bright and glorious future, Hunter Hayes! May you continue to shine and bring joy to those who hear you sing and play the accordian!

A Heart-Warming Video!

This is a video of one of a homeless in Santa Barbara and his pets. They walk State Street every week for donations. The animals are pretty well fed and are mellow. They are a family. The man who owns them rigged a harness up for his cat so she wouldn't have to walk so much (like the dog and himself). At some juncture the rat came along, and so no one wanted to eat anyone else, the rat started riding with the cat and often, on the cat. The dog will stand all day and let you talk to him and admire him for a few chin scratches. The mayor of Santa Barbara filmed this clip and sent it out as a Christmas card.





I am so grateful to DTM Michael Rodgrigues for sending me the above youtube. I love watching movies on animals because ever so often, we can learn some lessons from our four legged friends.

The above video immediately brings to mind the countless articles we have read in the papers about siblings suing one another, neighbours quarreling and taking revenge on each other, etc.

The Mayor of Santa Barbara was right. If the dog, cat and rat could show the world they could live in harmony with their owner, why can't we?

Hence, before we utter those hurtful words to others; before we think of taking revenge to hit back, let us remember this little tower of joy :- the cat riding on the gentle giant of a dog, and the trusting white rat seeking solace and refuge on the back of a cat! It is heartwarming to see the cat licking clean the dog while riding on its back. The cat is like saying, "You lick my back; I lick your back".

Cheers to great potential peace and harmony on earth!

Gan Chau

Fun! Fun! Fun!

 

 

 

With Amu, Sally and Mr. Chris Koh, Dr. Wee's capable right-hand man.

This year, our theme for our Company's Dinner and Dance was "International Night". It is amazing how the agents in Dennis Wee Group turned up for the sumptuous dinner in all types of costumes.....Thai, Korean, Egyptian, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Malay, and European. Our boss, Dr. Dennis Wee dressed up as a Pirate of the Carribean, while Mrs. Wee was dressed up like an Egyptian Queen!

I knew most of my colleagues would go to the shop to hire the clothes they would wear for the dinner. Being the frugal type, I dislike to fork out some $50 to $100 just to hire some outfits for the evening. I decided to borrow a saree from my best friend, Amu. I also brought Amu along. She helped me to dress up. Amu wanted to give the saree to me as a present, but I declined, as I do not think I want to keep a saree with me. Each time, I would need Amu's help. Morever it is too warm to be "wrapped" up in 6 metres of material! I am afraid that the material will make me look rounder than I already am!

I was thrilled when I won the 7th prize in the lucky draw! A cash prize of $500/-. I had bought Amu a dinner ticket, and I was blessed with ten times what I had given away!! We truly cannot outgive the One up there!

It was fun, fun, fun! How could we not have fun when we have a boss who is humorous, easy going, amiable and defintely someone with a zest for life! My wonderful colleagues all work hard and by golly, they also play hard!!! A great and memorable evening! I look foward to the next Dinner and Dance. What would the theme be?

If you wish to find out, come and join my team as an agent in Dennis Wee Group! :-)
I am with Lionel Ng's Division, the Champion Division for 2007!

How Water Structure Reflects Our Consciousness!

My upline for Fusion Excel Quantum products, Patricia Chew, shared with me about Dr. Emoto's research on water structure. Dr. Emoto is Japan's leading scientist well known for his research on water structure. Now after this article, I can share about the goodness of Quantum products with even more confidence. I use my quantum pendant to energise the water as well as for throwing it into the water vat and use the water for bathing. Since then, my skin has less tendency to itch. It can be so uncomfortable and embarrassing to try to scratch one's back in public! As I use the energised water for washing my hair as well, I realise that there is less dropping of my hair. The energised water which I use for washing the face has also enhanced my complexion.




Miraculous Messages from Water
How water structure reflects our consciousness
by WellnessGoods.com


Water has a very important message for us. Water is telling us to take a much deeper look at our selves. When we do look at our selves through the mirror of water, the message becomes amazingly, crystal, clear. We know that human life is directly connected to the quality of our water, both within and all around us.

The photographs and information in this article reflect the work of Masaru Emoto, a creative and visionary Japanese researcher Mr. Emoto has published an important book, "The Message from Water" from the findings of his worldwide research If you have any doubt that your thoughts affect everything in, and around you, the information and photographs that are presented here, taken from the book of his published results, will change your mind and alter your beliefs, profoundly.

How the molecular structure of water is affected...

From Mr. Emoto's work we are provided with factual evidence, that human vibrational energy, thoughts, words, ideas and music, affect the molecular structure of water, the very same water that comprises over seventy percent of a mature human body and covers the same amount of our planet. Water is the very source of all life on this planet, the quality and integrity are vitally important to all forms of life. The body is very much like a sponge and is composed of trillions of chambers called cells that hold liquid. The quality of our life is directly connected to the quality of our water.

Water is a very malleable substance. Its physical shape easily adapts to whatever environment is present. But its physical appearance is not the only thing that changes, the molecular shape also changes. The energy or vibrations of the environment will change the molecular shape of water. In this sense water not only has the ability to visually reflect the environment but it also molecularly reflects the environment.

Mr. Emoto has been visually documenting these molecular changes in water by means of his photographic techniques. He freezes droplets of water and then examines them under a dark field microscope that has photographic capabilities. His work clearly demonstrates the diversity of the molecular structure of water and the effect of the environment upon the structure of the water.

Discover how each source has an effect on the visual photographed structure...

Snow has been falling on the earth for more than a few million years. Each snowflake, as we have been told, has a very unique shape and structure. By freezing water and taking a photograph of the structure, as Mr. Emoto has done, you get incredible information about the water.

Mr. Emoto has discovered many fascinating differences in the crystalline structures of water from many different sources and different conditions around the planet. Water from pristine mountain streams and springs show the beautifully formed geometric designs in their crystalline patterns. Polluted and toxic water from industrial and populated areas and stagnated water from water pipes and storage dams show definitively distorted and randomly formed crystalline structures.

For those of you who wish to read more and see the pictures of the water crystals log in on

http://www.life-enthusiast.com/twilight/research_emoto.htm

You will be fascinated by the amazing pictures of crystals in water.!