New kid on the block, Princess Sara

Our Domestic Housekeeper

No doubt we welcome our domestic housekeeper Racheal from the Philippines, it's never easy to accept someone new into our home. It's our first time but we need to adapt to this addition. Guess she is trying her very best to blend in to our family too. 

Margaret and Sheryl are assisting her whatever they could. Having her here is out of necessity, for she is going to look after the little one who is on the way. Hopefully it's a smooth transition for everyone and more importantly, everyone is comfortable and happy.

A Happy Occasion

The occasion called for us to dress-up. Yes, I got a chance to wear my suit again on my niece Kate and Eric wedding dinner at Mandarin Orchard last weekend. Surprisingly they arranged our seats at the Bridal Table. We were lost for words as it was unexpected. It's really an honour to dine with the bride and bridegroom and their families. Thank you for the invitation.  We sincerely wish the beautiful couple 'A Happy Marriage' and may their lives continue to grow in love and happiness together. Yum..... Seng! Yum.....Seng! Yum yum yum yum..........Seng!

Life goes on

I am getting fairer and healthier after a relaxing 6 months. The doctor has given a clean bill of health from the recent annual blood test and health screening. I managed to reversed my blood sugar from a pre-diabetic level back to an acceptable healthy range.

Take it easy. Yeah, no point worrying about things beyond my control. Most probably I am going back to work in August unless or otherwise... Before this long Sabbatical  leave, I was working day and night (24 hours at times) for the past ten years. Tiring, very tiring but the show must go on. Both my children were in the university.

I had consider retirement during my recent break. Like what I said, unless a good job comes along... Yes, I lost my income but I gain my health. A fair exchange. Sometimes I am lost for I do not know what I want. One way or another I must be comfortable. Life goes on. 

Malaysia Fever

It's Visit Malaysia 2017 for me and Margaret. Gosh! Just came back from our 3rd trip i.e. Pangkor Island, Setiawan, Sekinchan and Tanjong Sepat. The 1st trip was back in March 2017 where we ventured up to Kota Bahru (Kelantan), Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan and Lembing (Pahang). The following month we revisited Cameron Highlands and Ipoh (Perak) after 25 years. It was like yesterday once more.

You know what? We simply can't get enough. Come July 4 to 6, we will be in Genting and Bentong (Pahang). So far, these Malaysia trips come with no optional tour. Thus, there is no extra cost. Unlike in China, there is no compulsory shopping trip. Local guides on board are friendly, responsible and professional. They are proud of their profession and never request or hint for extra tips.

You don't need to go far. The paradise on earth is just next door. Yes, balik kampong. Terima kasih (Thank You).

Defination

I was inculcated to the belief that a successful life is measured by how wealthy you are. My humble beginning living in those pre-war house where at times a meal was hard to come by. Even my wife would not believe that having fried rice with an egg in black sauce was a luxury. Everyone's life during that time was hard and poor.

Fast forward 50 years and I am still a failure for I have just enough have to live by. But somehow I consider myself as fortunate and blessed. I was enlightened by a revered monk that so long as you don't owe any money, you are rich. We should be contented with having enough for our basic needs. Moreover, wealth is just a part of a successful living. Health and happiness are critical too.

Glad that our children have settled down with their career and family, that's happiness. The only investment we had in our life was our children's education. Probably that's what we could afford and are happy it help started their career.

Like I wrote many times before, nothing else matter except to wish for good health as we aged. It allows us to travel and enjoy good food. Without it, life is meaningless. Trust me, even with all the money in the world would not be able to buy back your health.

Yes, me and my wife have finally enlightened with the meaning of middle path. Everything in moderation, so are the blessings.  

My precious wallet

This precious wallet has been with me for the past 10 years. Though it is not a luxurious branded wallet and you wouldn't believe that I paid S$50 to change the zip and re-condition it. The end result is it does not look any better. The original zip was torn and that was why I had to change it. The workmanship to the new zip was rough and unsightly. Of course nothing can be compared to the original.

Still, I am happy. Why? It's never easy to find someone to take up this job and it took him more than 3 weeks to get it done. More importantly is this wallet was blessed by Luang Phor Koon Parisuttho (one of Thailand most revered monks) at Wat Ban Rai, North East Thailand years ago. He passed on 2 years ago. Needless to say, this wallet has become my personal treasure and will always be.    

Now and then

Time flies. From our teenage life to our 50s, that's really amazing. Courtship, marriage, having children and finally.... our children are having their own families. A sigh of relief... simply can't imagine the struggle we went through. More importantly, we remain as loving and happy as before. Yeah, life is beautiful for we don't expect much.

What we do miss are my father, mother, father-in-law and eldest brother for they had passed on. Sad to say, my mother-in-law is suffering from dementia. Well, this is life and nothing is certain except death. One fine day it will be our turn.

Meantime, we are not going to hold back whatever we wish to do while we can. Right on, our No. 1 must do is Travel. Talking about that, we are going to Pangkor Island in the middle of next month. For reasons best known to us, we are exploring West Malaysia this year. Long distance travels will be put on hold.