BIG HOUSE = MORE CHILDREN?

And so, there was this suggestion, in some comment section, that perhaps, PERHAPS, if people were given larger dwellings, they will be 'motivated' to have larger families.

Now, if that alone is going to be a solution for population growth, I think we don't really need to study economics or sociology or even finance.

This idea, probably came from another idea that when we have more space, we will procreate to fill that space. 
Whatever happened to people, who are generally selfish for themselves? It still applies today, in 2018.  Nothing has changed people's desire, true desire.

I guess when we have supposedly had our motivations to be EXCELLENT, WORLD CLASS, some begin to think that we are FIRST WORLD. 

WRONG.

Take a look at the statistics.  WHO are the ones really collecting on the baby bonus? 

I believe that attracting the WRONG parent-set is more detrimental to an ageing population.

Imagine, we have hit our target population regeneration, only to find that our nursing homes are still filled to the brim.  Now, wouldn't that be a larger problem?

Parents who want to be parents.  Parents who want to raise socially-responsible children, DO NOT NEED TO BE COMPENSATED to procreate.  They will do so, regardless.

So, is our world here compromising on QUALITY?

Like, are we so statistics crazed that we need to adjust bell-curves, set new NORMS for education, IMPORT TALENTS, just so we put 'ourselves' on the world map of achievements?

As 2018 comes to a close, I wish, with all my heart, that if the world is going to end, PLEASE END IT ALREADY.

I have had to put up with GARBAGE suggestions, watch as generations after me just cannot even hold an intelligent conversation and how double-standards always apply.

Whenever I travel by the 'subway', and somehow, conversations just trickle by, I hear nothing fascinating or even intelligent.  These are the ones, who are in their 20s-30s.  And I think to myself -

Wow, the internet isn't doing these people much good in terms of teaching...but wait, that's because they are too busy on lame applications, which do nothing except promote GOSSIP.  Didn't they learn, in their informative years, that GOSSIP is not any lesson-worthy platform?

For the many things that I never like China about - Mandarin (my lack of skill in that area), I think they got something right.....they never allowed propaganda to filter into their country.

BUT we, because we want people here to not be restricted, have allowed anything at all to be said and read, times over.  The only people who sue are members of our Government - the lay person isn't going to do that, of course.....since most people do not have a bottomless bank account.  So the GOSSIP mongering goes on and on and on.

For a society who prides itself in not taking sides, we surely are, in terms of other people's politics.  I have yet to find a situation where they fished out news from CNN and then balanced it with another.....I mean, isn't that good reporting? 

For years now, I have stopped reading news from the normal sources because it's not accurate.

American news isn't difficult to figure out.  Perhaps for me, since I have a ton of American friends...and I get confused, because whatever we find here, isn't really what's going on there, on the ground....so over time, I lose confidence in local news feeds.  When I really want to know something, I just use the internet and ask my friends who are there....some even are near the border...and know what exactly happened to that first boy who died....but no one ever is interested in real journalism anymore.

SO, I can't wait for this year to pass, so that if the tribulation is going to begin in the next year, bring it on already........it's very disappointing that people have lost their religious faith......I believe that no matter which religion we belong to, it never teaches us to lie.

So Happy New Year, cannot come sooner.

Annual Christmas Lunch

This year, it's Marriot.  Just couldn't resist.  After all, it's our 'religious' yearly Christmas meet, so why not.

Yes, we were offered this assortment of FRESH crustaceans. It was all iced orderly.  I must say, Marriot is just that good at their presentation.  Because of the food poisoning scare lately, almost every counter had a time written on a small board.
I was impressed.

The last time we were there was like a year ago, in October for high tea.  This year was the first, we decided to brave the crowd and plonk ourselves at the tip of Orchard.

No regrets.

I requested for a 'window' seat, same as when I fly....just because having the option of watching people walk by as we took turns to fill up our plates is just too good to pass up.  It was the 2nd day of Christmas, yet many were still lugging bags of shopping.  The place was so full that I'm just glad I made the reservation way in November.  Which idiot would expect to walk-in anyway?

This is what I meant by iced.  So neat and presentable.

The ambiance was excellent.  Not too noisy, crowded but because of how the buffet was organised, diners had a flow and no two diners had to squeeze for servings.

In fact, there is no need to squeeze.  Who does that?
It's so uncultured especially since it's the season.

Because we had such a great time just relaxing with the soft music, great service and excellent food, we are planning to re-vamp our CNY meal in 2019.

Yes, one can never get too much of a good thing - not especially when for the rest of the year, we are pretty much grounded about what's going on in the world and that for all our Blessings to-date, we must render 'assistance' when it crosses our path.  We do not shy away from say, buying a struggling family books for their children, or to help a child grasp some concept in school. We take, but we must always give - no matter how minute -

I have not lived a flawless life, but as I always have said, I had to walk those trials, in order to be able to do what I have to do in my later life. 

I realise that people who deserve me, get me.  People who don't, don't.
It's not that I'm all important - NO - it's because I have a purpose, spiritually - I knew that purpose for years and whenever I fight them, I loose.

It's like a calling somewhat.  You cannot discharge yourself from it.

People put in my life were lessons....lessons I had to learn through experience so that it's never repeated.  Those made me better....an improvement of some sort. 

So here goes 2018 and soon comes 2019 and another sumptuous lunch on the table!

Merry Christmas!

And so Christmas Eve is here - I have been waiting for this all year, simply because, 2019 promises to be better.
It's sometimes not about wishing but 'looking forward'.  There is nothing to really wish for - we take whatever cards are dealt and run with it....after all, that's what survivors do.

Many times, when I think, I've been 'taken for a ride', it always worked out for the better.  Never, not even half a once, was life so terrible that I was left without.

People think, they got me - think, but I always had contingencies, which people generally don't think anyone ever goes around with.

The one thing, I have learnt, since young was, to always rely on myself.
AND, I have never abandoned that M.O.
So it's another wonderful Christmas for my son and myself....and if people think, both of us ever forget about GOD, then they are so wrong.  A great part of our lives, revolves around GOD and lending a hand.  Those are our graces which were bestowed upon us, and we never take it for granted.

When I decided to walk my own path, and raise my son, the way I knew was best for him, I started from zero.  We made our own traditions and memories. 

This evening, as we carved our leg of lamb, we remembered the many Blessings, GOD has given us.  The lamb was wonderful, by the way.  We didn't do turkey, don't like that 'meat' in particular.
Tomorrow, Christmas Day, we are going for our Christmas lunch as always.

I can't say that we are, or have ever been in 'want'.
WE have whatever we need - always.

So as Christmas carols play in the background, and there's lots of food and wine going around, we send our thanks to God, for blessing us with His Love, Grace and Protection.

Merry Christmas to everyone - and 
May God Bless us all in these trying times in the world these days.

Dim Sum WOW

IMPERIAL DIM SUM!

This was my first visit and it didn't disappoint.  My friends are probably more into the 'what to order' so I left it to them.....I guess being semi-retired women with half a career means we still 'can afford' to be picky about where we eat.

We decided against JB, since the spat is still on-going and thought to spend our SGD here.  Dim Sum there would have been 1/3 the price here but as I said, we can afford to pay in SGD.  A few people like us, cannot dent the Malaysian economy, but well, we were just doing our part to make a statement.  Whatever's going on is laughable and even to be expected.  Nevertheless, it's still irritating.

What I found to be the absolute best, is the Sesame Seed Ball.....It was excellent......I didn't think I could get so much satisfaction just biting into the steaming hot bun.

Nways, we did a no car day, so we took the train to the nearest mall after this meal and as usual, bought what we did not really need....but it's Christmas season ......Again, wonderful day for us all....to finally get a  day out, without having to rush rush rush!

Grow up and tend to your own 'garden'

History repeats itself.

Actually, the possibility of it repeating itself is high. At least that's what I believe in.  HOWEVER, history is there so that we are able to re-work a path.

I have said it many times, one cannot do the same thing over and over again & expect a different outcome.  That doesn't happen - and the proof is in the Math.

As the year 2018 draws to a close, our little island is facing some trying matters with our closest neighbour. 

There was talk about intrusions in territorial waters - which was the latest in the political scene.  It started with the old issue of water, the buying and selling.  Then it moved to the 'crooked' bridge.
For me, a person who has lived through ALL that huff and puff - it's a repeat performance.

What's irritating is, people's need to try to outdo themselves when they believe they were given a second attempt.

All these issues have been 'resolved' donkey years ago, but somehow, the agreements seem to have faded away in some demented mind. 

Our little island, may not have natural resources yet we have done more than just swell, economically.  Perhaps that's the real issue behind all this 'we didn't agree to that' (although it was agreed upon).  Perhaps some feel that because we are so tiny, we do not need 2 state-of-the-art airports.  I mean, I get it, theirs is really not quite up to par.

So this Christmas season, I pray that such people will realise that Charity begins at home ie Clean up your own shit before trying to say we have a shitty backyard.

For all who go across the little straight bridge, to save their pennies, please re-consider and spend your money here.  I know what people will say, but we don't have enough.  Well, when is enough enough? If humans were easily contented, we will not need religious classes to tell us otherwise.

Go for less holidays if your family needs the cash more.
Sell the car, since our public transportation is great and our island is too tiny to say anywhere is too far.
Buy less junk.

But people will be people.  Don't have enough, but still spending the same.

I was planning to actually get more popcorn, but since this issue started, I stopped.  Screw the popcorn.  I rather do without and I may be ONE person, who will never be able to dent their economy, but at least I know I'm doing my bit for my Singapore.

Today, my friends and I, are having Dim Sum here in Singapore - the original plan was across the bridge....and we all agreed, dim sum here is 3x more but it's going to be worth it.

favourite memes 2

Simple question.

I wonder why the answer isn't obvious to the people who keep insisting the US has been destroyed.

This is logic.
If the US is so bad now, compared to the pre-TRUMP era, why are people who swore they would leave the US, still there? Why are there migrant caravans trying to scale the makeshift wall?  Why go from the frying pan to the fire?
Common sense isn't so common after all, right?

I guess, that's why a lot of them spend a lot of time, protesting, instead of working that brain and perhaps be thankful that more people have jobs now, families can actually have a super Christmas and that soon, the American Colleges and Universities will be back to where they were, decades ago...

Nways, I will add this meme to my list of favourites!

favourite memes

As 2018 comes to a close, I remember some memes, which I came across this year.

My favourite is this right here >>>

Thing about politics is, so I have heard many times when I was a teenager : Politics is Dirty.

Back then, I had no idea how far the 'dirt' extended.

After the last US Election and the recent mid-terms, it confirms that Politicians, who have nothing to really offer the people, lie and cheat - just to get that whiff of Power.

Thankfully for me, we don't have that fiasco here.  We are tiny little Nation, so there is no place for such dramas.  I know that when I look at my MP, he is there to serve the community i.e. he puts himself/herself first.  He will never be so blatant as to lie and then cover that lie with another.  If anything, sometimes, masking the truth is necessary until the time is right.  I accept that.

But to have a whole election system open to rigging, people of position who lie because they have their own agenda, is making a mockery of what a government does.  People entrust the government to instill fair and justness to the community.  What's so wrong about winning the correct way?

As much as I hate to cite this example, take the current Malaysian PM.  He came back.  He won the last election fair and square.  He's a thorn in our side, but he won fairly.  

The issue has always been about illegals.  How could people accept illegals? Have they no regard for the safety of their family and friends?  Why do we have immigration authorities? So that we know who is here and what their business here is.  If visitors did not have an alternate agenda, why is there a need to operate under 'cloak and dagger'?  

I am aware that some people are really 'running' away from a war-torn home.  But if you really fear for your life, your family's life, why would you be violent when in front of another country's border?  Why would anyone want to grant admission to a troublemaker?  I mean, is this so deep that such people don't get? 

If I wanted help, I would have to cut my pride down several notches and beg for mercy.  I don't think acting up, and being obnoxious would gain me that assistance I so require.  

This is a straightforward fact.
Yet
many cannot see it.

They think it's the US government being nasty.

I guess, propaganda sells a lot easier than cold, hard facts.  

Christmas Season is here!

Here we are in December again! 

This year, Christmas decorations started popping from boxes early.  Given that the year was so laced with dread, in terms of Feng Shui, it actually was more than manageable, thanks to the Blessings from God.

I never was very vocal about my beliefs, because the world is just too anal & prefers to worship popularity, power and money.  I always felt side-lined that way, confused because living as best as we could alongside kindness, humility, sincerity and honesty is really too much to hope to see in another person, once they 'think' they have conquered it all.

But, I plod along, never allowing these 'failures' to ruin what I believe in, which is, the greatest Power, the Supreme Being of this world.  People are just so fixated at the material world, that they lost their ability to think, to be rational and to be less gullible.  People forget that it's easier to believe the Devil and to be his pawn.

Yes, pawn, because once the Devil has exhausted your use, you are forgotten - sounds familiar? People who forget the kindness of others, will soon be forgotten.  Karma is a bitch.

I have never had to worry about such people, because God has never forsaken me.  Every Christmas, I have more to thank Him for.  Every Christmas, more earthly burdens are lifted.  God is with me, every breathing second of the day.  Thanks be to God!

I know my neighbours were sometimes confused, since the exterior of my home is always decorated.  CNY, Deepavali and now Christmas. But over the years, they now understand that no matter what we celebrate, the celebration is about God, who has come in many forms.  So it's not about religion, but more a philosophy of how we should live.  

With every Christmas season, my orders for gifting log-cakes increases.  I remember the Mid-Autumn festival, my son had to lug boxes of mooncake with him for his office and the cleaning aunties there.  He told me, that he felt so good, just watching the aunties' faces light up because they got a box too.

As we move closer to Christmas Day, let's not forget those who worked so hard the whole year, and share the Christmas cheer.  Give, because we have received.

A few bad apples - so throw the basket please

Further to my earlier post about parenting - here's a story to share.

A Secondary Three boy, member of a school's basketball team, was caught using his mobile phone during an Elective Programme by the external contractor.
She reported this to the teacher who was assigned to monitor them who then confiscated his mobile phone as per the school rules.
The boy was upset and kicked a chair, in the direction of the external instructor.

No apology was made to the external instructor.  Apparently the boy informed his teachers he had apologised. 

This is the end of the school term and the boy will not be in school until 2019 and the external instructor ends the 'course', leaves the school and this issue will be 'forgotten'.

This is the quality of life today.
Until common courtesy is taught to children by their parents, even teachers are being taken for a long ride.

Whatever the world wants to label this generation, it's gravely incorrect.  This is not Generation Z but Generation 'I don't care'.

Does it matter that they were born when the internet was flourishing and social media is rampant? It doesn't because parenting is as constant as the Northern Star.  Parents model and teach their children so that they do not become a nuisance to others. Instead of taking full advantage of technology and it's perks to heal the world so that more after us can enjoy our beautiful Earth, these children are running wild and damaging people.  I'm not saying all is bad.  But the few, is enough to make others shake their heads in disgust.

I rather the world just fade away than imagine the parented having to put up with the nonsense of these few. 

This story is just one of the many untold and unheard horrors of school-going children.  Stealing Koi from ponds, stealing from fishing ponds.....gosh.....no more please.

Request for more babies & suggestions which isn't correct

So, the comment is to help build 'stronger' marriages so they can have more babies.  WRONG.

On the surface, it's YES, when the marriage bond is strong, babies are the 'natural' way to go.  I have seen, met and spoken to many with 'seemingly' decent marital relationships - but they still end up with wayward children, or a black sheep, at some point in the equation.

I'm not surprised that society has regressed and gone back to QUANTITY wins against QUALITY.

On a personal note, I rather have ONE, filial child, he doesn't have to be on the Scholar's list or the Deans' List...he doesn't even have to be a lawyer or a doctor.  As a parent, I want my ONE child to be a contributing citizen who can THINK for himself like a Shepard and not graze around like sheep.
I rather my ONE child be healthy and happy to speak his mind, yet speak his mind he will with facts and not hearsay.

The baby bonus has motivated couples to hit the jackpot - free money - thousands in fact.  Question should be, are we motivating the correct group of people?  People who are interested in being parents and not the helicopter type or the kind who only sees what they want to see.

I look around, listen to conversations when on the public transportation system and to my horror, I have yet to manage an eavesdropping session that's worth the listen.  Why bother having children if parents are not raising them, but maids and grandparents?  Ah, we need dual income? Well then, it's tough to have your cake and eat it too? This is the 70% of the current fertile population.  Give birth and expect everyone else, except themselves to parent the child. 

Years ago, when I started out my adult life, I wanted just ONE child.  ONE child I can give my all to....I passed up work, good jobs, to be a full-time mom at least during his informative years.  I had a maid, but I fed and bathed the child...not the maid......she focused on the household chores.  My ONE child is my responsibility and I took that up seriously.  When out at an extended family dinner, I fed the child as I ate.  He sat on my lap, not the maids, not grandparents.....I say that with pride.

I understand that the world is going through an ageing crisis - but do we really need more people to pollute the already polluted earth?  Perhaps its time to trim down the numbers so that Earth can recover from all that pollution.

I watch acquaintances dump children here and there, safely of course, and then years later, when things are no longer nappies and feeding, expect the child to have this magical bond with them.  Doesn't happen.  Most don't even know what their kids are up to outside the home.  When something happens, the report always is, he's a nice kid, quiet kid....polite kid.....

So a solid marriage won't bring in a solid child.
It's an interest in parenting that will.

the unexpected

I made a quick trip to BKK recently. I somehow managed to wrangle some time - schedules are crazy and have been crazy for quite some time now.....but as with all things, if it's meant to be it's meant to be.

It was great to visit again - there was so much talk about getting rid of the roadside stalls which made BKK, Bangkok.  Now, there is this huge tent outside Central, and all the street food stalls are there! Convenient because, as much as we are hit by the unforgiving heat, BKK is the same.

The unexpected thing was, someone decided to chat me up, while waiting to board the plane home.  After hours and hours of shopping, the last thing anyone wanted was to be social.  Yet there he was, tired-looking too, but so warm in his mannerisms.  He was young, has huge lovely eyes and someone who would have made my list, way back then.

Anyways, we exchanged numbers, because we got into talking about stuff we shared in common.  He was on a long-term visa, having just started up a business and was in BKK for work.  When it was boarding, we just said our good-nite, coz we just wanted to sleep all the way home!

He called me the following week.  Unexpected.

We meet people all the time, we exchange numbers sometimes and that's usually the end of that.  But this guy, he would text, try to mesh our schedules and finally, we met again for coffee today.

So I guess, not everyone has a rod up their ass.  Some people, the few, still believe in friendship and laughs.  I had a refreshing afternoon, sipping coffee, watching a good-looking guy chat, laugh and just having zero hang-ups.  He carried my shopping, even when I insisted that I could manage and I actually let him. 

He sent me a text to thank me for the afternoon and that we'll catch up soon, again.
I told him I'm just crazy and too busy and his response was, only a crazy would meet another crazy.

Now that, is sweet.

Korean Drama ; Goblin / Guardian : the lonely and great God

MIO TV aired the entire series over the Lunar New Year - I managed to watch them all YAYY

I must say, it's one of the better movies - not by my standard, but also supported by the movie having won many awards.

I wasn't aware that this movie is a MUST SEE - I tuned in because it was a series marathon and I always do prefer to watch it all in one sitting without having to wait weeks for the finale.

The story line, is a reminder that for every deed done in our lifetime, we leave a trail.  We have to answer for each decision we make, especially the bad ones. 

The GOBLIN became one, not because he did not serve his King well, but because, following instructions or not, many died in his hands - that alone is sin.  He had to atone, forced to atone, reborn as immortal in the human world - watching people around him die, as he lives on. 

The GRIM REAPER in beliefs, became one because he took his own life - perhaps caused it as well ie total disregard for life.  So he lives on, forever, to atone for that.  He doesn't have memories, emotions and no choice. 

In the depth of sadness, there is the DIVINE - GOD as we know Him.  Full of compassion only after we realise our wrongs. 

As I immersed myself in this series, I remember what life represents.  That we need to live our life to the best of our ability.  If we don't, there is pay-back and it's never 'pretty'.  In this world where people step on toes to get ahead, GOD is often forgotten.  People who do well think they are GOD.  People who believe in GOD are trampled upon and used.

But that is the way life is these days.  Money is the new GOD. 
I would like to see these souls, in that tea room....when they realise, they chose wrong. 

A good deed here and there, a kind word here and there.
That's all it really takes to brighten another person's day.
Yet, money worshipers forget that, since the less fortunate, is not deserving of kind thoughts and deeds.

This drama also takes us to Quebec, Canada.  I had friends who studied there, but not in Quebec.

The one view that is worth mentioning is the Battlefields Park.

If anything, I would like to visit this site sometime.

I'm sure Korean Drama fans would too - to be there and just soak in the moment that perhaps while there, we will reminisce and promise to do better in all the tomorrows that we encounter.






Again, excellent series.  Not just for die hard Korean Drama fans, but for all.

CNY 2018

2 weeks to CNY!
almost

I may just fall prey to the buffet spreads available this year.....too lazy to make dinner....too lazy to do marketing for that one meal....important meal.....but I might give in to this need to just enjoy the dinner and not concern myself about what I need to have on the table.

The only thing that is stopping me from making a reservation is, my indecision about how long it's going to take me to get home from the city......given that IF I do choose to dine out, it'll be in the city (of course).

The decorations for my home is almost complete....nearly there.....

By Sunday, I should have the planter stand and new plants all re-arranged - today, the artificial flowers were put in place - great stuff.  Need to change the CNY decor for the door area which is taking me longer to get since it'll be there until the next CNY.

Usually, I don't blog about CNY, but I have time to spare since the game I'm playing is on a long maintenance for an Extension PVP patch, which won't be ready until tomorrow evening....and it's too early to sleep, so I'm killing time - just as well. 

I heard today, that one of my son's friend, adopted 2 newborn kittens in Netherlands.  She already has an adult Russian Blue, but these two apparently were abandoned - I guess the plight of these strays are everywhere - because they are so young, the adult male wasn't hostile and has taken them under his wing.  That, is sweet.

So, these 2 will have a good life from here on - I'm glad.

My 2 kittens are now teenage rascals - but still adorable and still not getting along with the older 2.  We manage to get by with some difficulty, but no regrets taking them in.

Anyways, as the Chinese community celebrates CNY, my wish is that life will become better for those who are struggling.  I have been blessed, greatly blessed and I'm very thankful for that.  I hope the Lunar New Year will bring comfort to my friend whose wife is terminally ill.  There will never be enough words, to make that right for him and his family....therefore, quietly, I pray that they will find some rest and closure.

This time also reminds me of an old man, who passed away in Feb, years ago....a stranger I brought home for Reunion Dinner one year, the same month and year he passed. 

Time flies - it's been almost 10 years...or even more than 10 years.

Life IS fleeting - we should spend time with the people we care about while we can....

This 2018 CNY, is about hardwork and perseverance....it's about doing goodwill work and dedication.  Let's work towards that for a Great Prosperous Lunar New Year!

Korean Drama - Nothing to Lose / Judge vs Judge

Surprising is how I am rating this Drama.

The first few episodes were ok for me - I did smile and laugh - but it didn't strike me that I would be glued to the series.

After Scarlet Heart Ryeo, it's tough to find a drama, that will have my undivided attention.

This series, grows on you - perhaps also as the characters gain their footing.

Never did I expect the villain to be the villain.  I wasn't a tad bit suspicious - perhaps that's why I'm not a Judge!

The story line was actually very well planned out.  Flashbacks were useful - given that seldom, people get the whole idea, at the first sitting.  Especially not when at home and able to walk about, get coffee when the drama is being aired.  It's not like we can hit pause.

What I found disappointing was the last episode.
I felt that it was washed out - the ending was good - I'm sure Korean Drama fans will agree - but there could have been more personal interaction between the two.  I think that would have left us with a warmer fuzzier feeling. 

I bought a soundtrack, which was played in this last episode - not the Drama's ost but a song by a Korean Artist - An Chi-hwan.
It is a great piece - didn't have to think twice about hitting the iTunes Store.
Here is the title, in case anyone wants to buy the song.

An Chi-hwan: If I Were 안치환 내가 만일 영어자막

Now this guy, is not just cute, but very charming.
Clean cut.

Yeon Woo-Jin
 연우진

This has been a change for me - from Sageuk Dramas. 

It's tough to say I'm over Sageuk, after the heartbreaking The King Loves and Scarlet Heart Ryeo...I will go back to Sageuk, for the costumes and wonderful scenes....and basically to walk through history, even if it's never really the full history.

Nothing to Lose - great drama.....reminder of how the world has changed - how countries struggle to make the world more balanced.  It brings to mind, how difficult it is to actually pass judgement when it can and may affect the society.  It's easy, to judge another, as a lay person - karma aside, what repercussions does it bring?  This drama also reminds us of how, dangerous Power is, in the wrong hands of the legislators.  Power corrupts, when one is greedy and think that one is above everything.

But it also shows us how guilt can eat us up and if we have good seeds, it will sprout and put us back on the right path.  Of course, in this series, the guilty were punished - not so in real life.  But it doesn't mean we cannot hope for a day, when if one person wrongs another, and forces the change of life paths for them, that they will bear the brunt of their actions.

Eve of the Eve

Another day, before the world begins our countdown to a New Year!

This is my character, home at The Goblet of FFXIV.

The media would have started on their stories looking back on 2017 as closing articles.

Of course, even as I decide to attend a BBQ tomorrow evening, there are other people to think about - people who will not be ushering the New Year, simply because of circumstances.  The friend I visited yesterday, is one of those people.

For their family, the New Year means they are closer to saying goodbye. 

Next year, will bring it's own challenges.  It's the Year of the Dog.  Frankly, I am not too certain if people will be better off generally.  2017 brought into the spotlight, brutal truth that people are not willing to accept.  The Jerusalem issue comes to mind.

Those who are in the habit of TAKING TAKING TAKING, will use that as the reason to kill others who do not share their religion. 

The world events may change, but the bottom line remains the same.  If one is selfish, one can never be unselfish.  If one is accustomed to tantrums to get something, that wouldn't change either.

Frankly, if any religion has teachings which honour the killing of followers of another religion, then THAT isn't a religion at all.
Religions came about to promote love for all.
It is not just a Christian belief.

It's nonsense that there is A GOD, who gave the green light to kill at pleasure.

Yet because people are not constructively busy raising their families, working to support their families and keeping themselves gainfully employed, they have FREE TIME - for isn't the saying
AN IDLE MIND IS THE DEVIL'S WORKSHOP?

So perhaps, a lot of governments in the world should borrow a page from our humble governing body here - make people work hard so they don't have time to dabble in nonsense.  Make people fear the law because in a lot of countries, their laws are a joke.

Here, we may not have the freedom of speech, simply because RESPECT must come first.  If we have that, then we will know better than to shoot our foul mouth off just because we can.  Respect means, we are not careless about how we address others.

Regardless of where each people will be, come the New Year, the day will still arrive.
How we ride the tide - rough seas or calm waters, will depend pretty much on whether we believe that there is always a big picture.  If we can't see it, it's because it's not time yet. 

So today, I thank GOD and the angels in heaven, for always walking with me - had I been walking alone, I would have perished multiple times over.  I was never alone. 

One thing my friend told me yesterday was that I seemed to be happier than he ever remembered me to be.  I actually got him to laugh, in his despair.

I told him - GOD keeps me well - GOD drives my cart - GOD uses SATAN to keep unwanted people from me.  No regrets.  I can tell myself that I have no regrets, but when an old friend tells us what they see, then we know that ah....I wasn't kidding myself.....

THANK YOU GOD for 2017 and May Your Blessings rain upon us to give us renewed birth for 2018!

Tears when it's Cheer time

Days before the New Year, an old friend, someone I have lost touch with, sent me a Christmas Greeting.
At first I thought - perhaps it was a mass send from his phone.  But I sent back a Christmas greeting with a note, generic, as cultured people do.

To my horror, he told me his wife has Stage 4 advanced Cancer.

I was stumped.  The one thing I was bad at doing was dealing with families of the terminally ill.  I never felt the words said to matter, because someone was loosing everything and nothing can comfort them.

I offered coffee. 
He called me.
So now we are meeting at the hospital - he invited me to visit his wife. 
I had to say yes, although I have no idea HOW and WHAT to say to her and him and their young children.

During the conversation, he asked about me, my family and everything.....I told him, I'm not important, my troubles, even if I had any, cannot match what he is facing now. 

When I chose to raise my son, alone, it was my choice.  We are now living better, with God's blessing.  Everyday, Mother resides with us, protecting us and keeping us well.  I have nothing more to ask of her.  When a trusted person tried to screw me up, Mother intervened and the huge problem he was hoping to created, frizzled out in an hour literally.  When the trusted friend, after having escaped prison and a caning tried to evict my son and me from our temporary refuge, I got another immediately and just under 5 months, I bought a new apartment - the apartment I have been wanting from the time it was available.

I never doubted that Mother would abandon me, even when mortals try their best Satanic trick. 
What mortals do for the devil, they will pay with their dying soul.  That much I know.

Now what has happened to my this friend, who has never done wrong to me, is tragic.

I know that whatever trials we have in our lives, are put there so that we grow to be stronger. 
I know that GOOD PEOPLE seem to always be the punching bag for the devil. 
I know that GOD allows such things to happen because He knows we have the strength to overcome it.
I know that it's unfair to seem to be punishing good people, but that is the devil's way of showing the little power he has.

So today, I offer this serenity prayer for my friend and his family.

I pray that he will find comfort and that he will strengthen his Faith that all WILL be as it's meant to be.

EMOTIONAL OUTBURSTS ALWAYS WINS in the world today

WHO CAN SCREAM THE LOUDEST?

I live in a civilised society - by that I mean a society which upholds respect for the individual.  That encompasses beliefs, practice, culture and TOLERANCE. 

EVERYONE has a RIGHT to exist.
EVERYONE wants to LIVE.

What right does a person have over another to say, I AM MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOU.

I am a practising Buddhist.
I abstain from eating BEEF and all it's by-products.
But if a stall sells BEEF, I can still buy edibles from there - I just don't buy beef-based food items.
Yet I do carry a pure LEATHER bag.

Buddhism teaches TOLERANCE.
It's a philosophy of life.
Do good unto others and have others do good towards you.
(Sometimes, people prefer to take advantage, but it's okay, KARMA catches up - what goes around, comes around)

Today, I read world news, whether it's FAKE NEWS or MODIFIED NEWS or CRAFTED NEWS and I find that world society gives in to EMOTIONS rather than facts.

I am a Psychology Major, and I know that giving in blindly to emotional outbursts NEVER SOLVES THE ROOT PROBLEM.

So why are world politicians, who are supposed to be people who received some kind of scholarship or some sort, blind to FACTS?

It's a little like a couple - one party goes on an emotional rampage, threatens to end a life and cries until the tear ducts are worn, just to get the other party to cave in.  It usually works.  That's why, till today, couples stay unhappily married, so they don't have to deal with the excessive emotional storm.

Our daily life, outside of marriage, has become the same.
People rather vote with the majority, even though that IS factually incorrect.
GROUP DYNAMICS - Applied Psychology.

Back in the day, parents raised us all to be tough.
We were raised to speak the truth.
We were raised to return what doesn't belong to us.

I guess, with all that education, fat salaries and VIP treatments, the fundamentals of ethics went down the toilet.  In crude terms - LOSS OF BALLs.

I can't wait for the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST....I'm Buddhist, why should I care right?
WRONG.
I'm still a Roman Catholic.....retired, but still is.
If being a Catholic means, I get to meet CHRIST, then I want to because I have a ton of questions for Him.

I want to know why HE took so long to return.
I am about to run out of TOLERANCE and PATIENCE because people in high places CHOSE to be IGNORANT about the truth. 
Already, I have refrained from eating food simply because the stall offers BEEF products.
I am ONE person, I do not have ECONOMIC WEIGHT.  I do not matter to the stalls.

BUT I MATTER TO GOD.

I always have.
So I SEEK GOD to answer my humble prayer this Christmas.

LET JESUS BE BORN AGAIN so that the world may return to what GOD wanted it to be.

When I celebrate Christmas Lunch tomorrow, I will actually say GRACE, because finally, after skipping out on Christmas for 2 years, I decided to stand with Christians around the world to spread the GOOD NEWS OF THE LORD.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

About JERUSALEM

FACT FINDING TIME:
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/12/08/jerusalem-has-been-home-jews-for-3000-years-to-deny-it-is-israels-capital-is-fake-history.html

MORE FACTS:
https://www.jerusalem.muni.il/en/Visitors/Facts/Pages/Section31621.aspx

AND MORE FACTS:
https://www.ancient.eu/jerusalem/


I DO understand how important it is to keep PEACE in the world.
I ALSO DO understand how important it is to keep HISTORY intact.

We have all heard the saying, 'history has a habit of repeating itself' - but only IF we do not learn the lessons of the past.

To alter HISTORY just to keep the PEACE is eradicating the truth, bit by bit, until generations later, after adding up all the missing bits, we get a whole new truth, which is actually a LIE.

I am a retired Catholic....the joke of course is in the acronym RC.....it's a Catholic joke.  I say that because I do not go to church every Sunday.  However, being 'retired' does not mean that I am no longer a believer of the Catholic faith.
One cannot erase the 10 years of Catechism in the Convent, 10 years of celebrating MASS for any small reason, 10 years of leading the school in singing hymns.

Therefore, it is with HORROR that I find a lot of people, in high places, making nonsensical statements about the recent announcement that Jerusalem will be recognised by the the USA as the capital of ISRAEL. 

I get that today, the internet is more important than having a belief in GOD. But to want to condemn what is only correct i.e. JERUSALEM was originally for the JEWISH people, is disgusting.

I do not wish to preach, since, I do not go to Church every Sunday, but over many years, generations, centuries, the Jewish people and the archaeological finds have proven, beyond reasonable doubt, that the Jewish people were the from before the beginning of our calendar.  That isn't about religion, it's history.  So why are people, who hold control and power in countries, UNWILLING to accept the truth?

Since the announcement, papers are reporting violence in those areas.
Perhaps they were just blinding following their leaders there, who called for an UPRISING.

I wonder, what are they upset about, given that it's the Jewish people who have suffered for thousands of years.  A Jewish friend of mine told me in jest, that it's perhaps to pay for their sin, of what happened to Christ.

I also read people seeking for things to go back to before the announcement ie talk about a 2-government/country solution.
This has been going on for DECADES.

GUYS, you can't keep doing the same thing and expect a different outcome.
Where is all that common sense?

Is this about who can cry the loudest?
What happened about doing the right thing?

People say, this will bring about WAR.
Well, let me say this:
The second coming of Christ is INEVITABLE.
With the world this selfish, STUPID, and wicked, it may be time for human-kind to start over.

Christians all over the world know that it has been Satan's reign - it was given to Satan, this headstart.
As in movies, the good wins.
In real life, GOD wins.
He always does.

Those who still want to stay on the grey area, go ahead - stand there and wait - worship Satan and re-write history.
That would probably make the world end a lot quicker, and put all our miseries in the grave...perhaps it isn't a bad thing.....this is my piece, a retired Catholic, who is a practicing Buddhist.

Tis' the time of the year!

Welcome to ADVENT!

As we approach CHRISTMAS, we come to the close of another year.

It's my favourite time of year, simply because it gives me MOMENTS to be thankful, really thankful for the BLESSINGS I have had in my life.

Sure, I am thankful all year, but it's usually at this time of year, where I have like 2 entire months to prepare my home to celebrate the JOY and HAPPINESS that GOD has always bestowed upon me.

I think the only thing I wish I had, was the wish, this time of year, every year, to wake up to snow....it would complete the season for me.  

Yet, as tropical as this place is, at least my home feels like it's winter and we are loving every minute of it.  

My friends often wonder why I am in winter clothes, every day of the year - they know that since I buy lots of sweaters - love sweaters - hoodies - just so it's great to come home and feel that I'm in my own private wonderland.

As usual, for 10 months of the year, I don't think about it - but only this time of year, I remember that I wake up the season my friends in the snowy lands talk about, minus the snow!

I was telling a group of teenagers recently, how they should do their bit for Christmas, by looking for the Boys Brigade christmas collection boxes OR that of the salvation army.  That no matter how little we think our contribution is, SOMETHING is better than NOTHING.

Because the world has gone totally crazy, it's time for all of us, to remember how we got here, why we are here and that for the BLESSINGS we have in our life, some cheer to others, less privileged than we are, is one way of spreading the CHRISTMAS spirit.

So, as I do a little here n there, to dress up my home for this season - I like to do this slowly, just to immerse myself in putting up a baubles, streamers and finally lights.

The world has gone wicked over time.  People forget how they get to where they are.  

Well, this season, lets pray for those who have been lost for too long - let's pray that GOD grants them the intelligence to know that no success comes without the blessings of GOD.

So, until the big Merry Christmas....I will keep up with my one day one thing decoration.....and to all Christians, I wish all of you happiness as each household gets ready to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Grape-kun - May he rest in peace!

I have never visited Japan.  I have no idea what the place is like.  Of course, I have watched countless Japanese Dramas (like a lot of people) and do know how to speak a little Japanese.  I am also very invested in a Japanese MMORPG - it has been 4 years since I started this game.

Last week, I read about a penguin, Grape-kun was his name.
He was dumped by his mate (who went for a younger male - now where have we heard that story before? Hmmmmmmm) - at around that time, Grape-kun's loneliness was not meant to be.

There was this festival (Japan has MANY festivals, most are theirs by culture/history/habit), which involved putting in Anime characters into the pens....a cardboard cut-out of Hululu, an Anime character, was put into the penguin's enclosure. 

What surprised everyone was, Grape-kun, fell in love with it.

From the reports I have read, I gathered that he spent a lot of hours just by her side.  There was a point, the handlers were concerned he wasn't eating because he was just staring at her.  He left his penguin family and rather be like how he is in the picture above, daily.

According to reports, how he is (picture on the left, is how penguins are when they are courting).

I am touched.

So touched, that here I was, never quite sure, what animals could clearly see.  Do they see the world in colour? Or is it black and white?  How do we know for sure?

Grape-kun had lived a long life.
I'm glad that the heaven's are kind to him.  For the months, before he died, fate twisted his heart and he lost his love to a younger male - instead of letting his heart bleed because it's broken, the GODs sent him Hululu.

If anything, Hululu gave Grape-kun back his pride, to face his rookery.

Thank you Japan, for being so sensitive to Grape-kun's dying unspoken wish.  The Japanese zoo officials, allowed him to breathe his last with Hululu next to him.  He was just a penguin, but what Japan did last week was to tell the world that they may have their customary fishing events, which the rest of the world condemns, but this little gesture is the real heart of Japan.

I have never met Grape-kun, but I shed tears when I read about how he died and how his last months were, alone. (before Hululu)

If everyone could save a life - whether it is an animal at the zoo, or abandoned, whether we donate food or take them in....perhaps the world will learn to LOVE more than preach tolerance when they actually don't have any.

**When we ask people to do this for us, we are asking people to MAKE PROVISIONS for us - that IS NOT us tolerating the world and working to adapt to it.  

Grape-kun, would have died a lonely penguin, who was dumped.....so he's old and he cannot find another mate to be attracted to him, but the Good Lord was beaming upon him and sent him Hululu.  Instead of wishing for Hululu to be a real penguin, to keep him warm and share meals with him, he adapted and stood by her, staring at her all day, just content to be next to her.  

He must be thinking "It's ok, if she is not responding, she's still by my side right?" 

Imagine that, he didn't have high demands.  He knew what fortune is, what fate is and what CONTENTMENT is.

May God Bless you and Keep you well, Grape-kun!

For more articles on the last few months of Grape-kun, do google his name, and read!