From Leigh-On-Sea, UK

Sunset at Leigh-On-Sea where Yvonne, Phil & children lives.
















The Magnolia tree is in full bloom at the back garden, St. Geroges Park Avenue in Westcliff-On-Sea. Other trees which are in full bloom are the Cherry Blossoms, too.
















On the way to Basildon for Sunday lunch at 'Aroma'
















You can just about see the sea level at the far horizon towards the middle-left side.


I've been in the UK for 11 days now and am still getting used to the daily routine and lifestyle here. At the moment, it's lovely as I am seeing spring and the sun coming in at this time of year but the cold wind can a bit disturbing & horrible.

Yesterday & today the sun is really shining and you would think that the hotness is like Malaysia but you are so wrong there. I still need to wear a coat and occassionally slipping my fingers into my hand gloves inside my coat pocket *smiling* as I walk along the streets!!!

My first few days here, we (Uncle & I) walked around the house area and to my cousin's place just to get a feel of the area and roads. I later got him to draw me a map of the area and after a few days, was able to walk around on my own.
Even walked to church on Sunday morning which is near Yvonne's house.

Yesterday, we decided to take Finnian for a walk. We walked from the house, Westcliff-On-Sea (where I am staying with my Auntie Nancy & Uncle Pat) to Broadway, Leigh-On-Sea. There is a huge park near where we live. It's called Chalkwell Park just round the corner of our house. It's a lovely & beautiful park with lots of space, trees, flower gardens and a little peacock house. I even spotted a beautiful grey squirrel on the tree.

Last weekend, we went to a proper Chinese Restaurant called 'Aroma' in Basildon. For once, at least the Chinese food tasted Chinese. Not 'English-nised' !!! I was surprised to discover that there are just so many Malaysians working there. Not only just Malaysians but most of them are from Ipoh area !!! Can you believe that?!
It was buffet sytle at £6.50 ++. Oscar enjoys going there and it was his choice we all went there for Sunday lunch.

He's in Great Ormond Street London now. Went in on Monday 03 April. His Dad, Phil went there Tuesday night and his Mom, Yvonne got home late last night. Oscar's having another high dose of chemo to bring his spleen and liver down before the transplant. We had an anxious day on Tueday as he was transfered to ICU - had difficulty breathing due to bad reaction to chemo. If all goes well as planned, he should be having his transplant in 4 weeks time. Do pray for him and family. Thanks!

Am going to walk to Broadway (a little town in Leigh) now and spend some time browsing around the area.

Mama's Speciality

If I am looking and craving for some Chinese food, it will be Mama's. She makes & cooks fantastic 'Foo Phei', chicken dishes and Fried 'Mee Hoon' with lots and lots of vegetables and lot more great stuff which I haven't got pictures of.

I will miss her very much and also her cooking when in the UK. Another thing I know I will miss is our authentic local food - Laksa @ Pasar Malam, Banana Leaf Rice @ Stadium & Kalai's in Old Town, Curry Noodles @ Ipoh Garden, Greentown & Old Town, Fried Kwei Teow @ Stadium, Fried Noodles/Rice with Basil @ Greentown, Penang hawker food and all the other places in Malaysia.

Miki's Visit

Miki came to visit us (Chie & I) during the Chinese New Year week (26 Jan - 07 Feb 2006). This was taken on her last day here in Ipoh. The last time she was here, they (Chie & Miki) missed 'Salim' Restaurant but made sure Miki came here this time. They enjoyed the 'Nasi Briyani' especially the sambal which came with it.

It was really great to see her again after 7 months. While she was here, it felt as if she never went home - Japan.

For the last 2 1/2 years, I've made good wonderful friends in my course of work. Some friends come and go. Some stay. They (both Chie & Miki) are for keeps. I believe Lai San is, too although we've only just met end of last year. I've had a wonderful time with them all. Bless them!!!

Chie, Miki & Sachi

Lazing around, relaxing & enjoying the beach front at Tanjung Bungah Beach Resort, Penang








Dinner at Gurney Drive Hawker Food Stalls.
You just don't know where to start or what to eat there!!! Too many to chose from.

White Water Rafting

On the 31st. January 2006 (3rd day of Chinese New Year), I went for White Water Rafting at Sg. Kampar near Gopeng.
It was an amazing experience!!! Definately there will be more to come. But this time, I would like to go Kayaking as I had a chance to go on one, with Yuen during this trip.

Next adventure trip is probably on 18 March 2006 in Sg. Sungkai, off Tapah.

Bali

Artini Cottage 3 in Ubud












Diwangkara Holiday Inn, Sanur












A restaurant in Ubud area, facing padi fields












Sanur beach near Diwangkara Holiday Inn, Sanur












A lazy & relaxing Sunday for the local folks by the beach. Taken along the beach of Diwangkara Holiday Inn, Sanur













Lake Bedegul. A 'must see' and famous sight if ever you go to Bali. There is a certain mystical atmosphere which is peaceful and serene - like being One with the One.



The beginning of this year has been good, so far....
Lots of travelling and visiting intersting & adventurous places

It started with my travel to Bali - the Islands of Gods, from 15-18 January 2006.
We (Lil'Sistah and Cindy, her friend) stayed at 3 different places this time. First day, we stayed in Sanur - Diwangkara Holiday Inn. Then on 2nd day, we stayed in Ubud and 3rd day in Kuta area.

I saw a lot more of Bali and it's surroundings. Walked a lot more and also shopped a lot more, too.

In The Name of Development

Over the years, I have seen many beautiful trees being chopped down due to development. Each time I see it being done (cut or re-shaped to man's whims & fancies), I feel really sad. They each have a history and memories but few take the time to seek, understand & treasure them just as they are.

New Beginnings

Today, Friday 30th December 2005 is the last day of work for me!

Christmas weekend came and went. It was like just another day in my life except all around me was celebrating the birth of Christ in the commercial way.
As for me, it was reflective with lots of matters of the heart at question yet a sense of peace.
I looked around, during Christmas Morning Mass and recognized there were so many who were sad, in pain, grieving and didn’t feel or express that festivity (outwardly) yet in their own hearts something was happening & taking place in their own way.
I identified with them.

“Christmas isn’t Christmas till it happens in my heart.
Somewhere deep inside me is where Christmas really starts.”

Everyday can be Christmas when it happens in my heart.
The realization.
The awakening that starts from deep within.

I could not find any strength or courage to go for Midnight Mass. Found 101 excuses why I should not go but the crux of it was - I was too afraid to feel the pain I knew I would feel during Mass, especially the offering of wine & breaking of bread (Eucharist), calling to mind all those who have gone before us and proclaiming Christ in my life was all too emotional for me to handle at moments like this.
Prior to that, during dinner I had a sip or two of red wine which made me tipsy and every reason not to go and forget about it. Just letting Christmas Eve pass as quiet as possible, if I could!

Yet on Christmas day, I found enough courage to go for Mass and it was good. Although during Eucharist I offered Him all that I was, am and will be, the fear I felt yet, it was ok. Tears flowed but it was a release – a sort of letting go of my pain and grief of missing them yet knowing deep within that gripping fear is so real and despite whatever goes on (inside), God is still with me.

After all’s been said and done, experienced and lived – it is all about Jesus.
My life is in His hands. He holds me to Himself.
He is still who He is.
Nothing can and ever will change that reality.
For that I am ever grateful & thankful.

Next year will be a time of waiting (more of that!), a time of adventure of the unknown inter-minggling with fear and excitement. Yet a sense of expectancy of what could be in store.
Time is here (a decision I have made over the years) for me to equip myself with basic foundations of what I think I would like to do (art & play therapy with children) yet am open to the unknown – where all these will lead me to.

Family Dinner

Last Friday, 23 December 2005 we had our brothers & their families over for dinner. I managed to make Baked Stuffed Chicken (instead of turkey) with Baked Potatoes, Carrots and Corn, Simple Salad and Mama's Baked Honey Chicken.

Of course the children had a great & exciting time especially swamping themselves with all the toys. Never a dull moment being with them.

My Christmas Gift

Christmas is just round the corner. Everybody is busy. The town is busy. The malls are full of people shopping and all seem to be rushing about and around!!!
December is always a very 'busy' month. Busy in the sense - as the year comes to an end, reflecting on what happened in year 2005, what I've learnt, how it has enriched, blessed or 'damaged' me by the experiences and what is in store as the coming year approaches.

I haven't had much time to sit with my thoughts at all and am in quite a blurrr... actually as to even when Christmas day is. Although I know it's on the 25th. but it hasn't really sunk in me yet. To be honest, I partially do not want to be fully involved with reality as Christmas season has always been a painful time for me although everything and everyone around me seem to be in a jolly-happy-good mood.

Been trying to tell myself to treat this year's Christmas differently (the real truth/meaning behind Christmas - the birth of Chirst who brough light and love to mankind) yet ... as much as i try to embrace this reality... my heart is far from it.

My longing to celebrate Christ's brith (Christmas) with my family and the ones I love dearly who believes in Christ is far from becoming true. There is no oneness, no unitedness and no togetherness (in our believes) which I long for so much in a family and with the ones I love. This hurts very much.

Christmas has never been the same (since all those whom I loved and treasure dearly left us) yet it is still the same(God IS with us) and I am thankful for that.

Here I am, celebrating yet another painful Christmas (although in the midst of believers yet the aloneness felt is much greater than ever especially during this season) and missing all those who have gone before us.

I wonder, how much longer.
I don't know but ... I pray for Grace & Mercy.
All that I am, all that I have ... is all I have this Christmas.
This season of Christmas, pain is my gift to You Lord.
For You are with me (even in my pain).
Emmanuel (God) with us.