She Remembers

It was fun today.

Arrow #3 spoke up while in the car, on the way to lunch. She suddenly remembered parts of her time in the house where she was born and spent the first few years of her life.

The floor (parquet upstairs, tiles downstairs) - was it because she spent time crawling on them? She learned to crawl under the chairs there, chasing after her brother and the hamster!

The waiting at the bay window waving to me as I left for work. She would sit there for a while longer after I left.... sigh....

The wooden table where she drew chalk marks to play games on. The favourite game was a local one called chongkak. Hmmmm how come she's not that good with maths?

The dancing while her brothers played nutty songs on the piano and keyboard. That explains her love for dance!

The time one of her brothers had a birthday party and we dressed up to do the Good Samaritan and told the story. The part of being the robbers excited the over excited boys!

She loved her room, and I'm sure it's because she had a queen sized bed all to herself. Initially she didn't like the big bed so we covered half of it with stuffed toys and lots of dolls to keep her company.

Memories.... ahhhh. Nice. I am glad we created memories for the children. This was a precious short 15 minute drive time.

Super precious because her grandparents were in the car with us!

Plans

Finally, after an entire year and more of unsynchronizable holidays and breaks, we might just have a week to ourselves. The family and my parents.

That means time together!

But of course, the children will want to link with their friends too. So the best thing would be for us to go off somewhere overnight and then leave them to their friends after that.

Making plans for this many of us is not going to be easy, but it has to be done. Memories have to be created, and planning has to be done.

But plan as we might, it is God Who will bring things to pass, so we need to pray and seek His will and way before we embark on anything else....

Which is what I am going to do as soon as I sign off here!

Countdown to Many

Now that the Musical is over (see EADotCom, Metamor4osis, The Hinge for more info) the countdowns begin for other things!

Arrow #2 has exams but will be back before Christmas.

Arrow #1 has exams too but will also be back before Christmas.

Holidays to look forward to!

My parents are with me so we can enjoy three generations-wise.

The processing of hundreds of responses to the musical. May they be directed to the Lord!

Oh, and yes, early in the new year, we start meetings for the year....

Fun with Arrows

Went out with my third Arrow and some of her friends to see a movie.

It was 3D. It was fun.
We thoroughly enjoyed the movie.

And we enjoyed the short time together.

More time with Arrows is good....

The Skin

I didn't even realise that my regular skin was no longer there. It's kind of embarrassing really.
Then it took me a while to get the one I wanted back.

Now that it is, I do hope it stays a while before the necessary change takes place.... Change is good, but not when I am not prepared for it!

Malaysia has a lot of Prawns

On Facebook, a friend of mine posted this exchange with her daughter.

Translations in blue and names have been changed to protect identity.

Disclaimer - you might not find it funny if you don't speak the lingo. But then again, never mind.....!

Mum : Lia, has your school taught you on Rukun Negara? (National Principles)

Lia stamped her feet to attention.

Lia : Yes, we have to stand very straight and repeat after teachers.

Mum : What have you learnt about it ?

Lia : Very hard to memorise but I remember Malaysia has many prawns !

Mum : Er ? Why ?

Lia : Kedaulatan Udang-udang! (The Rule of Prawns) It should be Kedaulatan UNdang UNdang which means the Rule of Law.

You can read more about it here.

Perimenopause

Sometimes I scare myself.

Other times I think it's ok. Especially when I read articles like this which help to put my perspective right and assure me that I am doing ok. I found myself hankering for a lot of the things on this list!

Remedies for Memory Loss, Concentration Problems and Forgetfulness

Everyone had days when they didn't feel like they were 'on their game' including you. And as you age, both your bodies and brains grow old as well. Not to mention the effects of hormone imbalances during your perimenopause and menopause phase. But smart food and supplement choices might be just the remedies for memory loss, loss of concentration and forgetfulness in menopause and perimenopause you needed.

Healthy foods and natural supplements are becoming popular as they act towards making better numerous aspects of health and well-being. They are derived from substances that occur naturally and have been consumed in one form or another for centuries. Their effect on body functions proven over time and their ability to encourage better memory are worth investigating.

Here are a couple of natural supplements for the brain and memory that may remedy your memory loss, loss of concentration and forgetfulness in perimenopause and menopause and help you get your thought process back on track:

• Fish Oil
  Fish oil is a form of supplement which is harvested from the fish bodies and purified through a systematic process. It contains Omega-3 fatty acids that will benefit your overall health. It is associated with treating memory loss, better concentration, and health of the heart. It also helps to prevent the attack of Alzheimer's disease.
• Ginko Biloba
  Ginkgo Biloba is an extract from the green leaves of the Ginkgo tree. The active ingredients in the extract are the ginkgoflavoneglycos, bilobalide, and terpenelactones including ginkgolides A, B and C. Ginkgo improves blood circulation and oxygen flow to the body and brain. One of its benefits is improving memory retrieval and treating loss of concentration. Thus it may help many women to deal with their memory loss, forgetfulness and loss of concentration during menopause and perimenopause.
• Rosemary
  People often considered rosemary as just a spice they use when cooking. However, its effects as herbal supplement are surprising. Rosemary helps to keep the brain stimulated and make certain that memory is working correctly. A good working brain will certainly improves memory. There are many available types of supplement that include rosemary thus you're encouraged to check the dosage and strength before taking one.
• Green tea and black tea
  The potent antioxidant and other ingredients in green tea and black tea are believed to promote healthy blood flow, cure many aliments and improve memory function. Since green tea and black tea do contain caffeine it's important to use it sensibly. When taking moderately, green tea and black tea may be the right remedy for perimenopausal and menopausal women's memory loss, forgetfulness and loss of concentration symptoms.
• Ginseng
  Ginseng also appears to improve memory function. Ginseng is an herb that improves energy. And many aging people insisted that it has the ability to revitalize. If it has this profound effect on other parts of the body it would seem reasonable that it would work as a booster to the mind and memory.
• Caffeine
  Caffeine is a stimulant and it works to stimulate not only your hearts but your minds as well. It can give a person the extra boost they need to clear their mind. The caffeine that is found within the coffee, tea or chocolate jolts the brain and the memory can retain more information.

Other natural foods which are great for the brain and may help to reduce symptoms of memory loss, loss of concentration and forgetfulness in menopause and perimenopause include:

• Blueberries
  Blueberries have been demonstrated to protect the brain from stress, chronic insanity, and Alzheimer's disease. Research has also indicated that diets rich in blueberries significantly increased both the learning ability and motor skills.
• Avocados
  Avocados though considered a 'fatty fruit', help to promote healthy blood circulation and lowered blood pressure, diminishing the possibility of developing hypertension, which can lead to a stroke.
• Deep-water fish
  Deep-water fish is abundant in Omega-3 essential fatty acids that are important for healthy brain function. Salmon is a wise, freshwater fish choice.
• Nuts and seeds
  Nuts and seeds are great sources of vitamin E, an important vitamin required by your brain to avert deteriorating cognitive functions. Cashews, peanuts, walnuts, sunflower and sesame seeds and almonds are all good choices.
• Whole-grain breads, brown rice and oatmeal
  Whole-grain breads, brown rice and oatmeal reduce the risk for cardiac disease by promoting a healthy heart and improving blood flow. The brain is undoubted to thrive with the excellent oxygen flow and nutrient delivery through the bloodstream. Complex carbohydrates also provide the brain with a persistent flow of glucose that enhances brain function. But avoid simple carbohydrates which are found in junk food. They give the brain a short-lived sugar high that often followed by a crash that causes you feel hungry and tired.
• Chocolate
  Chocolate is very rich in flavonoids and antioxidants which are full of recognized health benefits.
  Some of its benefits include: reduce the risk of heart disease, promote healthy blood flow and blood pressure and boost brainpower. A study found that consumption of milk and dark chocolate will improve impulse control and reaction time. So, a little chocolate in your diet will improve your memory retrieval and concentration.

If you just begin to feel the signs of memory loss, forgetfulness and loss of concentration in perimenopause, menopause and other stages of life, taking a natural supplement and right foods can be the ideal remedy. They often have fewer adverse effects in addition to essential benefits of their memory boosting attributes.

When the natural ways fail to improve your memory and concentration you may consider taking hormones that speed up bodily processes, like the over-the-counter drug DHEA. Recent studies demonstrate that DHEA improves memory, strengthens the immune system, prevents bone loss and may even protect us from diabetes and autoimmune disease. If you're a postmenopausal woman, you may consider DHEA hormone therapy but avoid it if you're not in your menopausal phase yet.

Finally, a better mind and memory for a better life is not an impossible thing. Since there're so many remedies for memory loss, loss of concentration and forgetfulness in menopause and perimenopause you can choose from. Just remember, moderation is the key.

So You Love the Lord?

I knew it.

But it was as if I didn't know it.

Not until it was pointed out... and I am so grateful that it was pointed out.

‎"And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father Davd, except that he sacrificed and burned incense at the high places" 2 Kings 3:3

It is possible to love the Lord and still have idols and practice wrong things....! Scary but realistically true!

1 Kings 11:2 talks about how Solomon clung to these things. But in Jeremiah 13:11, the Lord says to cling to HIM. HE says to cling to HIM and not to the idols of our lives.....

More in the next post....

What Can I Say

Hubby asked Arrow #3 what she'd like for dinner.

Arrow #3 replies fast food.

That meant one of two things - burger or fried chicken.

We settled for the burger joint.
Whilst I must admit it was reasonably tasty, I nonetheless felt guilty for having it. Still, we DID ask for it by offering a choice!

Proud

It's hard not to be proud of your offspring when people say nice things about them.

It's hard not to be proud of your Arrows when people are touched by their acts.

It's hard not to be proud of your not-so-little-ones when people seek you out to tell you more about what they have done.

To balance it, I remind myself that we are fifth and sixth generation Christians, and it is GRACE.

To counter it, I say truthfully that it is totally God at work because I don't think I had that much time with them.

But yeah, I still get that proud parent feeling.

Any ideas how to overcome that?

Home

Feeling a little displaced.

Missing something.

Ignoring it at first.

That's easy to do when you're busy rushing from one thing to another, from one place to another.

Now trying to put my finger on it.

I suppose I know what it is really.

I'm not at home. I'm not with my own. I'm wondering if I am missing out.

I'm dislike being away from my Arrow #3. I wonder how she is.

I am itching to hop on the plane. I want to be HOME.

Home is where my heart is. And though I am with Hubby, that clique doesn't work here - I want to be where HE wants me to be.

And right now, it's not here.....

When Someone Hurts

I find it hardest when someone you care for is going through a difficult time.

The sense of powerlessness is hard to deal with. I am aching and wanting to do something for the person, to alleviate the suffering and pain. My thoughts often go that way, and then hopelessness threatens to overwhelm.

That is when I have to run. Run to my Father God. My Daddy God.

I can tell Him everything. Even when I can't put it into words, He can see into my heart. He knows. He knows better than I know.

The matters of my heart are safe in His hands, in His care. The people I am concerned for are safest when left to Him. The issues I am disturbed about are trivia when I discourse with Him.

He sets things in perspective.

He can turn the tide.

He can calm the anger.

He knows where and when it will begin and end.

He hears.

He understands.

And that is what I am going to do after I sign off here.

Candlelight Dinner

We went away for a break. I don't mean the family. It was the office staff.

First stop was the gym where we worked out for about an hour.

The next stop was dinner at a lovely restaurant.
After working at the gym, we could tuck into a sumptuous meal.

Now the staff can say that they had a candlelight dinner with the boss! Hahaha!

Growing Up

You really know they are growing up when they do things like this.

But not just growing up. Growing up WELL is important.

In particular, making right choices.

And most of all, their own faith in the Lord; their own relationship with the Lord.

Thank YOU Lord!

FB Addicts

Do you know what FB is? Well, if you do, read on....

I am told that you know you are a Facebook (FB!) addict when you have four out of the five listed below. Let's see how you fare!

1. You lose sleep over FB.

This means that you stay up late at night, tired the next day because you are compelled to go on FB. You are neglecting yourself over FB! (I can hear some of you going "Tsk! Tsk!" and "No, not me!")

2. You spend more than an hour a day on FB

Actually, before you stone me, I am told that you only need about 30 minutes maximum a day, and this is NOT my research!

3. You become obsessed with old loves

Old friends. Re-connecting with long lost loved ones. Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with clicking to be "friends" with an old flame. But research show that linking up with old flames aren't necessarily healthy. Certainly an inappropriate remark on an unhappy current relationship on such a public site would be potential explosive and divisive fodder if picked up by a third person who knew one's partner! You can imagine it, right?

4. You prefer FB-ing instead of working!

Now, this might seem obvious, but really, if you are sneaking to go on FB (and your company permit such freedom) then you know you are in trouble - just admit it!

5. The thought of logging off FB leaves you in a cold sweat.

The cold turkey test. Paula Pile, a marriage and family therapit in Greesnboro, North Carolina, has her own quick test: "Try going a day without Facebook. If you find it causes you a lot of stress and anxiety, you really need to get some help," she says. This is when you are ready for SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX!

Not Feeling Well

Aches.

Bone aches.

Ear aches.

Sore throat.

Not nice.

Feel like curling up in bed.

And staying there all day and night.

That's how Arrow #3 felt a few days ago.

And that's how I feel right now....

Need to have that bitter tea drink!

Simply Delightful

It was a lovely snatched time with the family. Sometimes it gets so busy that I don't have much time to even enjoy my meal.

This time, however, I managed to. And I enjoyed it too.

This is what I had.
Nasi lemak. Lovely. Presentation was appetizing. And the looks did not disappoint.

The taste was absolutely yummy.

The ambiance was comfortable.

Love visiting this place.

Caught in Motion

I managed to get it shortened and made smaller.
Here is it.
Enjoy.
I did.

The Evidence

Did I tell you that my first Arrow had an argument with a post during futsal and lost?

Here's the x-ray of his fractured jaw.
Here's the other - the frontal view.

Needless to say he was in an awful lot of pain.

Until the Lord healed him.

Read more about it at this site.

Memories

It was a short visit to the store. It was supposed to be a quick nip in, grab what is needed, pay for it and out.

Then when I went to the counter to pay these caught my eye.
Silly, noisy hammers. Tap anyone and it would squeak. Irritating to some, stress releasers to others.

So I bought one for my Arrows when they were studying for their final exam.

They enjoyed it.

Ha!

A Palindrome

Taken from a friend who sent by email: LISTEN AND READ CAREFULLY.

A palindrome reads the same backwards as forward. This video reads the exact opposite backwards as forward. Not only does it read the opposite, the meaning is the exact opposite.
This is only a 1 minute, 44-second video - and it is brilliant. Make sure that you read as well as listen - forward and backward.

Fathers Day

Together and Yet Apart

It's a holiday. I make a conscious decision to cut back and cut down. No activities except what we agree on. It's good just to be quiet together. It's comfortable to be in one another's company.

But now we are in separate worlds - you on your laptop and I am on mine. The headphones are on. The screen grips our vision. We might be less than three feet (1 metre) from each other physically, but mentally and emotionally, we could be worlds apart.

Hence my conclusion -

Laptops / computers are even more anti social than televisions. At least if you are watching the same programme you can comment and discuss the same subject.

Yes, laptops/computers have become my Anti-Social Instrument #1.

Anticipation

I am almost counting the days.

Almost because if I really started I would probably get all into a tizz.

What am I talking about?

Why, the time when the whole family can get back together again.

At least try to, even though it is for a short while.

Hmmm maybe I SHOULD get the calendar out. I'd have more to post!

Mothers Day

Like I said before, this family enjoys a laugh.

Arrow #1 posted about being in a relationship a few days ago and drew almost 90 responses. Then for Mother's Day, he indicated that the woman in his life was none other than moi!

Arrow #2, not to be outdone, wrote this. Then he posted it on Facebook and uploaded it to U Tube!
Tune taken from Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. A short song I wrote for mother's day. :)

Mama just killed a roach
Would never have the guts to do it
If not for all you taught and said

Mama you brought me up
But now I'm in a country far away

Mama, oooh
Didn't mean to make you cry
If I'm not back again in 7 years
Carry on, carry on, and expect some grandchildren

Mama, I love you
Have a blessed mother's day
That's all I have to say

Mama, I know I'm a little late
But it's the thought that counts, thats what they say

Mama, oooh
You're the best mom in the world
And even though I'm starting to grow up
You're still mom, you're still mom.
I would like some more brownies. :D

Waited for This!

I've had this article for ages but kept forgetting to use it. FINALLY today I remembered!

So here it is, in celebration of mothers....

Accountant
Arbitrator
Art Appreciator
Arrow Polisher
Ambassador for the King of kings
Builder - of a godly generation
Bookkeeper
Bulk buyer
Counselor
Career Consultant
Chauffer
Children's Pastor
Childhood Psychologist
Creative Designer
Customer Service Representative
Coach
Child Development Specialist
Cheer Leader
Dietitian
Disciplinarian
Director of Home Affairs
Encourager
Entrepreneur
Entertainer
Educator
First lady of the Home
Fashion Consultant
Gardener
Hostess
Hygienist
Historian
Hairdresser
Interior Decorator
Investigator
Intercessor
Janitor
Judge
Librarian
Launderer
Mentor
Master Story Teller
Movie Critic
Nurse
Nutritionist
Nurturer
Nation Changer
Professional Baker
Professional Chef
Professional Cleaner
Paediatrician
Purchasing Agent
Photographer
Personal Manager
Protector
Referee
Recreation Director
Repairer of the Breach
Switchboard Operator
Speech Therapist
Sculptor
Security Guard
Seamstress
Social Coordinator
Safety Instructor
Shepherd - shepherding your flock
Teacher
Time Management Expert
Taxi Driver
Visionary
Walking Encyclopaedia

A New Venture

What makes a grown man who would qualify for a pension soon take up a new venture?

An opportunity.

An opening.

A never-say-retire attitude?

A can-never-ever-retire philosophy?

All of the above?

Haha!

Whatever it is, here it is - the first photo of a cafe that my Hubby opened yesterday! Yummy western food served cafe style.

Located at the 1 Borneo Hypermall in Kota Kinabalu, it's had good food reviews so far. The service needs troubleshooting of course, for a newly opened place.
This photo was taken before the mad lunch rush.

Drop by when you're in the vicinity.

Fun

It's fun when you can laugh together.

I enjoy that with my children.

Like the time I taught them the best way to get rid of hiccups was by being tickled. We had fun there.... and yes, I still contend that this IS the best way!

Or the time we created fantasy worlds with blankets and cardboard boxes.

How about when we would all jump on the American King Sized bed and have a tickle-wrestle-mummy-always-wins time.

Yeah, it's good to be able to laugh together.

And the latest?

Facebooking across the miles over my second Arrow's birthday, set off by zany posting by Arrow #1

Thank you Lord for the fun!

God Heals

They couldnt find anything wrong, he said. The pain has reseeded a lot. He is able to do much. Just that he is concerned if he opens his mouth too wide.

I told him not to worry - If God has done the healing, it is total.

And so, yesterday, he told his sister that he is eating pretty much the normal fare!

Praise God!

No Solid Food

It came totally unexpectedly. An sms in the middle of the day. Not even a warning beforehand. Just the result....
What would YOU do?

Blessing

It occurred to me that these days, we are increasingly a people who do not know how to bless.

You see, the other day, there was a baby dedication in the Sunday Celebration.

Both parents are godly, gentle, humble people and it was a pleasure to be able to part organize it for them.

But it was the blessing that struck me. The person who gave the blessing is an orator, yes. Known for his ability to preach well and to be able to unpack the Scriptures in a clear and creative manner.

But even this, I think, surpassed his normal standard. It was superlative-laced, God-glorified and servanthood-encouraged. I found myself holding my breath in case I missed a phrase. I wish it was recorded. At the end of it, I found myself thinking, "Wow! What parent would not want that blessing for his/her child".

And that was when I concluded that we have forgotten how to bless. Myself included.

Reverse Order?

Hubby is such a dear.

We went to Korea last month. Due to the snowy we borrowed some cold weather gear which proved to be the right move.

This month, it has been dry and drier weather. Hot is putting it mildly.

Then we went to a new shopping centre. He managed to find a good bargain (somehow he is a better shopper than I)

We got some cold weather clothes!

Not one, not two, but THREE!

No, we have no plans to go anywhere wintery - yet! He just thought it was a good bargain which might come in useful for later. I hope he is right!

Passion

When they were young, we encouraged interest in music.

So it was a joy to see them take up the piano and guitar.

It was bliss to worship in music together as a family - Arrow #1 on the piano, Arrow #2 on the guitar, Arrow #3 singing, foster son on keyboard doing drums.

Even now, as they grow older and leave home, the passion for music has not dimmed.

Hence when a popular group performed in Asia recently, Arrow #2 was there.
There is power in music!

Black is Good

Some friends came over recently. We had sumptuous dinner.

Then it was some cheese and wine.

And then coffee with chocolate. Black chocolate.
Black is good. It means that my daughter can eat it as she doesnt take to milk very well.

What's more, this is Belgian black chocolate. A taste worth staying up till after midnight for....

A Taste of England

Scones.

With whipped cream.

And a dollop of strawberry jam.

Absolutely wicked.
And these are the digits of the chef who made this scrumptious meal one evening.

The scone was truly reminiscent of England! Thanks E!

This Has Not Been Edited

I kid you not. This is a real strawberry. It fits into the palm of my hand. It is that big.
It tasted great too. Succulent. Sweet. So much juice. The best strawberry I have ever had.

Found in the fat lady's shop in the outskirts of Seoul, Korea, somewhere....She sold them ever so cheaply too. Hubby, Arrow #3 and I had a feast!

New Ways

A strange lunar new year.

After more than 20 years, the family is not all together. If I recall right, this would be the first time.

Arrows #1 and #2 are across the South China Sea, interacting with other members of the extended family. We were all together for Christmas, so I suppose that makes up for it. But it's strange nonetheless.

We will all be experiencing something new over the next few days. That would be worthwhile blogging about.

Overall though we are glad that each one seems to have their own personal relationship with the Lord, and making seemingly right decisions. Thank the Lord for that grace and mercy!

Lessons from Mr Balloon

First he was used as a visual aid to a lesson about integrity, character and how that is far more important than performances.
Then he was taken into the Toddlers' Room.

And that was when near pandemonium happened.

Lesson learned - listen to an experienced mother who has gone in to see her children in a toddlers room with many other toddlers holding enough goodies for her own children but not for the rest.

That's a definite no-no.

Sure enough, he was asked to leave.

And Mr Balloon ended up stuck here instead - on the window blinds....

I wonder how long before he gets taken away.... and who knows? Perhaps another lesson from the whole experience!

Dont Forget Her

She will push her box of food down the stairs to get the lid off and grab a quick bite.

She will push the vase of flowers over to get to lick the water from there instead of her own bowl.

She will mew and mew at you to get your attention so that you will sympathise and give her grub.

She will rub herself on your ankles to persuade you to take pity and feed her.

Then she will sprawl herself all over. Like this.
Meet Mittens! Hahahaha! The other member of the Chen Clan!

Hair

It seems to be some sort of statement that young men want to make when they leave home for the first time.

They dont want to cut their hair.

Hubby was like that.

And now my Arrow #1 and Arrow #2 are doing likewise.

I wonder why.... Hahahaha!

Disciplining Children

Apparently they have decided it is NOT a good thing to keep praising one's children anymore.

It is also NOT a good thing NOT to smack them.

Maybe I am too simple.

But

Don't you think it's about time these researchers just relied on what the Lord's Word says?

What an Evening

He could barely stop grinning most of the evening. So many tales to tell with so many friends to tell them to.

Here he is, regaling them with another.
And here she is laughing at his version even as others delight in his gift of narration.
What a lot of laughter and fun there was that evening!

There was a wedding going on outside and we were definitely louder than they were when we were not filling our mouths with food!

Just One Photo

Aiya no time to post.

But here is a site of someone who somehow got a snap off.

I wonder how she got it....

Must find out!

Cant Wait but Have to!

I have some photos to show but I just dont have the time to post them!

What a blast for my parents' golden wedding anniversary!

What fun!

My jaws hurt after!

Photos must follow... please be patient....