Thursday, April 7, 2011

I choose love

I did not put in a single entry in the past 8 months. Gosh, there is so much to say, but where do I begin?

Let’s start with my mental and spiritual well-being. I am positively happier and more alive nowadays. 2 years ago, I went back to church looking every bit like a refugee who was not only deprived of basic human needs, but also TLC. 2 years later, I am literally bigger, more solid in mind, body, heart and soul.

Which was why I read Eat, Pray, Love going yes and amen at every sentence. The author and I were in the exact opposite circumstance – she was dying to get out of a marriage, while I wanted in. But the avenues we discovered on the journey to healing are the same – prayer in solitude, good food, and great friends. I pray more than before, eat more than before, and laugh more than before. I am forever thankful to God for such a journey and the many revelations that came with it.

I wouldn’t say I have completed that journey, but I am really done crying over spilled milk. Which leaves me wondering what next now that I’d leave behind my sad and sorry past. I remember a postcard with 5 goals I’d set for myself at the beginning of the journey. I’d at least tried to do all of them 65% of the time, but there is always room for improvement:

1. Put God first (praying, tithing, and serving)

2. Be patient (stop arguing with my stupid (oops) sister and speak in love)

3. Love myself more (it has been changed because of the huge, irreparable damage to my bank account)

4. Be independent (I don’t feel as needy as I used to)

5. Be positive (If you are my friend and love me, just agree with me)

In the past 8 months, there were a few stumbling blocks that tested all of the convictions I’d established with God. Some were easily dealt with, yet others tested my faith and beliefs beyond any measure. Some made me angry, others made me feel loved. Some made me delusional, while others gave me hope.

I begun to think, think, think, and that was why I stopped blogging.

Now that I’m done with thinking, I feel much lighter and happier. I can only say it made me more confident of myself and of life with God. The Book of Ezekiel is so powerful, and we’re only at part 2.

And I concurred with pastor’s message to choose love. Love in the face of inequity, offence, unjust, anything negative. I just want to love. I am surprise to find such peace within me. I truly realized how much I’d grown.

I am proud to declare that I am happy, and I choose love.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Van Cleef & Arpels “Pont des Amoureux”

The price of true love? This lovely time piece = one HDB flat in SG.

Should be considered peanuts for some folks.

http://fashion.elle.com/blog/2010/03/van-cleef-arpels-pont-des-amoureux.html

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Farewell Hyper

Hyper - Dec 2007 ~ 10th July 2010
I always check on the hamsters when I reach home every evening. So when I found Hyper dead, I realized I am the only person in my family that really loves them. My sister's attention has long drifted to other hedonistic pursuits.

But what surprised me the most wasn't discovering his dead body crawling with house ants, but my lack of grief and emotion.

Why doesn't it hurt as much as losing Active? Hyper and Active are my first pair of hamsters received from a kind old friend. I still remember how small they felt, how vulnerable they looked as they lay in my palm that December day.

I knew exactly what should be done - disposed of his body and clean up the cage. I need to clear his body before the entire army of ants carries him away.

I believe the chain of hamster deaths this year has help quicken the process of accepting reality. Happen often enough, and it will be just another death. And Hyper had a peaceful composure, like he was sleeping. It was comforting to know he died of old age, instead of terminal illness (like Active).

Hyper wasn't just another pet. Writing this post brings back a lot of memories. You would think I'm crazy, but each of the hamsters makes me feel differently. I can remember my moods and the events of the day they arrived into our home. They marked a date in my life, of how our roads crossed.

The hamsters also taught me a lesson: don't regret. Treat everyone kindly and love everyone as if it is our last day on earth. Don't say hurtful things to the people you love. Those may be the last words they heard from you. Don't regret only when they are gone. Remember that your roads have crossed.

It is so easy to take things for granted. You go to work, expecting to see everyone as usual. Then suddenly a colleague died of stroke. You go home, turn on the shower, water runs. When was the last time you had your water supply cut unexpectantly? You reach home, expecting your pet to greet you as usual. But the only thing you find is a rat shell, devoid of live.

I am feeling emotional about Hyper's death now, which is what I wanted. I need to know that I can still feel and my emotions have not run dry. Being emotional makes me feel alive.

Thank you Hyper. I hope I have been a good friend and master.

I will remember all the mischief and close shaves with death you experienced, and what a charmed life you have had.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Hedonistic pursuits

Whatever makes me happy on my birthday


Wednesday, June 16, 2010

The uncommon Johor adventure

I was away with 7 friends for a short trip to Desaru over the weekend. Desaru is in the state of Johor, on the east coast. So it is nearer to go by the Woodlands route and drive into JB.

We had agreed this will be an extremely relaxed trip, without agenda. Take things nice and easy.

The 8 of us (in 3 cars) gathered at 6 A.M at my place to avoid the morning jam at the causeway. We were like kids going on a field trip...

Malaysian Ringgit - checked

Walkie-talkie - checked

Snacks - checked

Sunglasses - checked

A sense of adventure - checked

Board games - checked

Suntan lotion - checked

Bikinis - checked

Tennis racket (???) - checked

Perhaps things were going too smoothly, when someone decided, rather unintentionally, to shake things up. And we just checked our sense of adventure 20 mins ago!

All 3 cars drove in and cleared the customs as per normal, except our funny friend's. Maybe it was too early in the morning and the Malaysian customs officer, like my friend, was still fighting the Z monster.

My friend (the driver) thought the officer was waving him straight to toll payment. As he was not familiar with Woodlands Checkpoint, he thought there was another officer doing immigration clearance further down the toll. His good wife concurred.

And so, after making payment, he drove straight on. To his surprise, what he saw next was the open road and he was leaving the immigration building! Hahahahhaah...

The next rendezvous was at the Shell station after the customs. Mid-way over the walkie-talkie came my friend's voice.

"Eh, did the officer chop your passports?"

Huh???

No matter if you're a seasoned traveler or not, the first thing your parents taught you (probably the moment you get your passport), is to ensure your passport is chopped by the country of visit's customs. I am not sure if there are countries which doesn't put a stamp in your passport, but I am sure Malaysia is not one of them. YET.

I could only imagine how my friend and his passengers were feeling in the car. Just think - I am an illegal immigrant - so dangerous! The next voice that came over the walkie-talkie was his wife's, much softer.

"Oh no, I think we're in trouble".

Another friend suggested we go back to the immigration and ask for help. We parked the cars at Caltex station and waited for them for at least an hour.

Seems like they were in serious trouble. For a split second I thought we should pray for their safety. Another friend thought they might need to be billed out.

The truth was, on their way back, they had lost their sense of direction (together with their nerves) in the massive building.

As to how the whole explanation with the Malaysian customs officer went, just picture yourself getting scolded by your primary school principal. That was how they felt.

What a way to start the weekend! Compared to the rest of the trip, nothing came close to the excitement we felt by breaking the Malaysian law.

Makes the succulent seafood, hearty massage, creamy durians and exhilarating banana boat ride look pale in comparison.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Oh, happy day!

Today is a happy day. Such simplicity, such joy.

Went for a jog with RC and LF. It seems that meeting me has helped them to keep up with their jogging routine. See, guys, it ain't so bad to live in Marsiling.

Took me about 15 mins to run 6 rounds. This is after a long hiatus due to a sore right knee. Although the timing wasn't ideal, I didn't feel as tired as I used to. Need to keep myself motivated, or else it'll be a whole waredrobe full of new clothes - for the wrong reason! Not to mention I'd signed up for Shape Run in July + LF.

After breakfast I decided to cut and rebond my hair. Be in for a surprise! I chopped my hair real short again (the weather drives me nuts). LF also went to get a new hairstyle - cut and colour - but we went separately. Can't wait to see her do.

The lady who cut my hair is a new staff. She was real patient and nice. I have met hairstylists who take a look at my hair and just +_+" . My hair ain't easy business! I hope to see her again the next time I visit.

When I reached home, I was welcome by the rich auroma of Japanese Curry! Oh thank you mummy dearest! I don't take rice in the evening, but I made an exception tonight! It was the more popular and healthier brown rice, of course.

Next week will be a super busy week. But it will be fruitful. I'm looking forward to AC, with great expectation!

A Desaru trip is in the pipeline, and Hong Kong in August too!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Where are you?!?

My muse took a holiday and hasn't returned. Probably hooked up with a more interesting chap. Maybe procastination is the thief?

Meant to blog about this a few weeks ago but left it in drafts. Can't write anything these days.

The title of this entry is supposed to be "Stage play, movie, unbearable weather, another long weekend". The long weekend was Labour Day, not the coming Vesak Day.

I envy Priscilla for writing with such ease. Everyday.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

A Mighty Heart

Active - December 2007 ~ 14th April 2010

Active was euthanized 2 hours ago.

Together with Hyper, they were my first hamsters. She was a wonderful mother of 6. Easy temperament. Never bite. Children love her. I think she was more mature and wiser than my sister and I combined.

Her health took a downward spiral abruptly in the last 72 hours. A tumor had invaded her body, making her weak and barely conscious. No one noticed the bulge in her abdominal area as she was quite plump, so no one knew how long she had been sick. At best, she could probably live for another month.

But her condition was worsen by an injury sustain in her left leg. She had accidentally sprained it in January. This was really my fault… another long story.

She was promptly brought to the vet in January to treat the swollen leg. But like what happened to Dale, the swell did not recede even though proper medication was administered. By the end of January, it had inflamed to triple the original size.

However, Active was still going about her business as usual in spite of the extra weight and burden. No pain (at least from her behavior). Eat well. Sleep well. Occasional run on the wheel (by now it had become a slow limp). Her desire to run free was nonetheless demonstrated by her habitual biting of the fence. I didn’t think much of the leg anymore and let her be.

On Monday, my sister noticed an erratic behavior in Active – she was frenziedly licking her left leg and body. By the time I reached home, the leg had become a bloody mess and her whole body was wet. When I lifted her into the basin and cleaned her with wet cotton wool, I noticed how skinny she really was, and then the bulge in her stomach. I realized it could be too late.

On Tuesday, everyone kept a close watch on her. She would be lying in a corner of her cage most of the time, breathing heavily and licking herself. She also made several attempts to eat and drink. But I had to bring the water to her mouth as her body was simply too weak. And she kept drinking non-stop. Probably haven’t had a drink for a long time, but no one noticed. We also gave her soft food like bread and fruits, but she could only manage a few mouthfuls before giving up.

As I watched her struggle, I realized even the smallest being would fight for their lives, and what grown man had taken for granted was so desperately clanged to by the smallest rat (Someone had committed suicide at my bock on early Monday morning). Her heart was so strong, and the will to live even stronger. But the frail and sicken body could not support her will anymore.

My thoughts were of Active as I went to work this morning. I called home several times to check on her. Nothing was improving. Mum said she had climbed into her food bowl and stayed there since 1 in the afternoon. She was frail, skinny, wet and covered in her own waste and food debris.

I realized with a heavy heart that somehow, this had to end tonight. There is no reason why she had to live in such a degraded manner in her final moments as my beloved pet. I tried to give her water, but her only response was to look at me with heavy laden eyes. I took her to the vet and told them this is an emergency. We managed to skip a few patients.

They took Active into the ops room, gave her glucose and oxygen therapy for a while before seeing me. Active was cleaned up and lying on a towel above a heat pack. I was a picture of broken spirit and nerves, but the vet was perfectly calm and professional. After examining her, the only options were to send Active home with some medication that could sustain her for a while; or we can let her go peacefully.

For a long second, I wish God would do the job for me. Leave me with the chores of cleaning her cage, feeding her, bathing her, buying food for her, and changing her drinking water. And of course, playing with her.

But when you had to play God, what would you do?

As I tried to process the entire situation mentally, I explained what had happened to her leg, and how no one knew about the tumor. All the while my little rat was still desperately clinging to life on the ops table – her breathing and heart beat visible. The vet mentioned several times about her quality of life… and yes, I agreed that this is absolutely degrading. Moreover, at 2 years and 4 months, she could be considered a dinosaur among rodents.

I took a moment to call home and broke the news to my family, having already decided what to do. The vet kindly left the room to let me say a final goodbye to Active.

I took away the oxygen mask and stroke her. She managed to look up for a while, and staggered toward nowhere. A few clumsy steps later, she stopped moving and rest still - breathing and heart beat still visible. For a long time we were both silent.

No one should ever have to go through this. It was so painful for both. I hate to watch her any longer and left the room.

The vet had this crazy idea that I might want to watch the euthanasia procedure (she was too calm…), but like any heartbroken owner, I turned down the offer.

5 minutes later, it was all over.

I returned to the ops room to see Active. I made a mentioned that she looked like she was murdered and regretted immediately. The vet was absolutely apologetic that it had to end this way. I hope she won’t take my comment to heart.

I decided to bring Active home, and the vet found an empty box for her. All the way back in the cab, I couldn’t stop tearing. My sister was the same when she saw Active’s body.

I thank Active for all the joys she had brought into my family’s life. Mum was all angry and threatening to throw her out in the beginning. But tonight, she spoke only kind words of Active. Dad was his same stoic self, but I know he was heartbroken too.

My beloved rat, may you find lots of wheels and hidden food in heaven.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Bye bye Gigi

Gigi - 10th June 2008 ~ 16th March 2010


We just said goodbye to Dale, and now her sister has followed.

We noticed Gigi wasn't active and running when we approach her since last Thursday, pretty much the same as Dale. This morning when my sister fed her, she was struggling to get out of her food bowl.

When my sister picked her up, she just stopped breathing. The poor girl is so traumatized. I am, however, more shocked by my sister's display of emotion than Gigi's death. But it was natural - Gigi was more hers than mine.

My friend suggested we should keep the remaining hamsters apart - seems like there's a disease going around.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

First death

Dale - 14 Aug 2008 ~ 22 Feb 2010
Dale passed away last night. She has been sick for a while. Been to the vet so many times... nothing helps.

When I cleaned her cage on Sunday, I noticed she wasn't her usual mousy-self. She was lying in a corner, food untouched. The next day, she was lying in her food bowl (another unusual behaviour). I thought she was sleeping and left her alone.

This is the first death among the hamsters, and it happened to the youngest.

R.I.P Dale. I will miss you.