No More Styrofoam Boxes

Prior to joining Tzu Chi, I wasn't too bothered about the environment. I'm not an active member at all, but as time went on, I realised that I need to do whatever I could to save the environment - no matter how small the act is. Well... today, I wanted to have breakfast in campus. I used to go to the cafe, get a takeaway packed in styrofoam box, take it back to office and eat there. I boycotted that cafe for at least a month because I knew I'd gonna get another white box, thus I'm contributing to the destruction of the environment, and not to mention my health too. But today I was so darn hungry I just had to go get something from the cafe... styrofoam or not - hey, I'm human, alright?

As soon as I arrived, I started looking for the styrofoam box. It was nowhere to be found. Realising that I was looking for that box, the girl at the counter asked "Nak bungkus (wanna pack)?" - and took out a cardboard box!! Well....finally!!! After all the green campaigns, they decided to get rid of the styrofoam boxes for good. I was so delighted that I had to take a snapshot of the box. So here are two photos:

The recycle logo: authentic? Beats me

Yummy but oily. Is someone drooling already?

The Good Samaritan

Not long after publishing the previous blog, there was a phone call. A damsel in distress - at 7:45 AM!!! She was on her way to the office, and the six of us were supposed to travel to Cyberjaya in a van when he car stalled somewhere. She couldn't describe the location well, so I just guessed it. At that time, I was in a depressed situation, but I told myself that I wouldn't want to be in her situation, would I? So, I switched off my PC, took the stairs (the lift wasn't working), rushed down 3 floors as I dislike making others wait for me, got to my car and drove out of campus.

As I was just a few metres out of the campus grounds, she called me. "Hi, I've taken a cab already..." - and she thanked me. Well, on normal days, I'd have complained and screamed to myself: "What a waste of time, why didn't I wait longer?" - but today... somehow, I realise I don't have any friends, and the best I could do is to help those in need, even if they don't need my help in the end. So since my assistance was no longer needed, I turned back to campus quietly, and she was already there waiting for the van. It didn't matter as she's safe.

I honestly do not have the heart to see people suffer. As far as possible, I'll put myself in their situation. How would they feel if there's no one to turn to? If I come into this situation again, I'll just provide help without thinking twice about it.

I've my strengths... but my weaknesses overshadow my strengths so much that the strengths sort of become unnoticeable.

Forgive Me, Father

Our Heavenly Father,

The past 12 months have been traumatic for me, my family and my friends. The things I've done, the acts that I showed and the words I uttered are not what I'm used to, and not what is expected of me. Please Lord, I beg you to forgive me for all my sins which I've done toward the people I love and I care. And I also beg for forgiveness to those whom I have sinned. Give me more wisdom, patience and selflessness from now on to be better than the person I once used to be. Bless all those who still care for me, Lord, whether they're my family members or friends. I pray that they and their families will stay in good health and in happiness always. Pray for me...

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in Heaven

Hallowed by Thy name

Thy kingdom come

Thy will be done on earth

As it is in Heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive us for our trespasses

As we forgive those who trespass against us

Lead us not into tempation

But deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom

And the power

And the glory

Forever and ever

A-men.

Amigos Para Siempre

Friends are plenty, but true friends are very few. I have one really true friend. I dedicate this song to her. It is hoped our friendship lasts a lifetime.






I don't have to say
A word to you
You seem to know
Whatever mood
I'm going through
Feels as though
I've known you forever

You
Can look into my eyes and see
The way I feel
And how
The world is treating me
Maybe I have known you forever

Amigos para siempre
Means you'll always be my friend
Amics per sempre
Means a love that cannot end
Friends for life
Not just a summer or a spring
Amigos para siempre

I feel you near me
Even when we are apart
Just knowing you are in this world
Can warm my heart
Friends for life
Not just a summer or a spring
Amigos para siempre

We share memories
I won't forget
And we'll share more,
My friend,
We haven't started yet
Something happens
When we're together

When
I look at you
I wonder why
There has to come
A time when we must say goodbye
I'm alive when we are together

Amigos para siempre
Means you'll always be my friend
Amics per sempre
Means a love that cannot end
Friends for life
Not just a summer or a spring
Amigos para siempre

I feel you near me
Even when we are apart
Just knowing you are in this world
Can warm my heart
Friends for life
Not just a summer or a spring
Amigos para siempre

When
I look at you
I wonder why
There has to come
A time when we must say goodbye
I'm alive when we are together

Amigos para siempre
Means you'll always be my friend
Amics per sempre
Means a love that cannot end
Friends for life
Not just a summer or a spring
Amigos para siempre

I feel you near me
Even when we are apart
Just knowing you are in this world
Can warm my heart
Friends for life
Not just a summer or a spring
Amigos para siempre

Amigos para siempre
Means you'll always be my friend
Amics per sempre
Means a love that cannot end
Friends for life
Not just a summer or a spring
Amigos para siempre
Amigos para siempre

Pulpo Paul

A week ago, a colleague told me about this octopus that became a craze in the World Cup. I didn't know what was happening as I am not a soccer fan. A few days later, I discovered what the heck this eight-legged creature has to do with the sports... and he has a name, too - Paul.

"Pulpo Paul" became an icon, an almost instant celebrity, when he (or is it a she), picked out the winners of the last eight games correctly. That's truly amazing. Now tell me how many Nostradamuses could predict with accuracy for eight times? Highly unlikely. Paul did it. I think everyone is gonna name his child "Paul" or something connected to this sea creature to honour him. Every one was talking about Paul and his predictions. Every newspaper had headlines about him. The local Chinese newspaper glorified him by having his photo splashed on the front page of the paper.

Gee... does Paul know how lucky he is? No, he's oblivious to everything... poor thing. Now that the World Cup is over, he will continue swimming at leisure in an aquarium in Germany.

Back to the House of God

I've been thinking of doing this for quite some time. So, yesterday evening, I decided that after a 30-year lapse, I'm following my mom to church today (Sunday) - and I did. Whatever prior arrangements I had today was called off. Sorry, Tzu Chi... I was supposed to attend a full day volunteer training today, but I sent a message to the Commissioner to inform her that I'm withdrawing. I'll still be a volunteer, though.

Mom was so delighted that she immediately gave me the Holy Bible to read. Sorry mom, I had to do what I did because I wanted answers NOT to religious questions but answers to my own life because I've not been good enough. I brought about the divorce, and I've hurt my best friend real bad. So I can't take anymore hurt. The Bible might shed some light, but I'll have to see. I've brought pain to people (not deliberately of course), and I want God to show me the way out. I wanted to go to church not because Buddhism has failed me, but because I believe an alternative might give me what I've been looking for.

Do you know what happened when one of my mom's closest friends met me at the church entrance? She was the usher for today's service. When she saw me, she immediately put her hands together, closed her eyes and said loudly: "Praise the Lord. You're here." ... and went on to tell me that I should get my dad to join me too. She reminded me again about this after the service.

Err... excuse me. What? Hello, I'm not here to be converted yet, OK? I'm going to church to learn something. And I'm not the type of person who goes around persuading others to join the Fellowship. It's their choice; let their heart speak the way it has spoken to me. Well, to be fair, my mom's friend was just happy for me. One reason I shun away from Christianity three decades ago was because of this kind of people - they scare the heck out of me!!! I guess I was naive then. But this morning, I wasn't afraid of such people anymore because Buddhism has taught me rather well.

People who knew me as a little boy in Sunday School over 30 years ago still recognise me, and welcomed me. There were plenty of happy faces - yeah, and I still knew my way around the church despite it being heavily renovated. And you know what? Today is special because my brother, a staunch Christian, was the Worship Leader. What a coincidence! He didn't see me till toward the end of the service. As expected, he wasn't really surprised, but I know he was glad, and I'm glad my younger brother makes a good Leader. So I'm back to the Wesley Methodist Church - I guess for good.

The Gift from the Heart

In my entire life, I've got gifts from my ex-wife, colleagues who came back from a trip abroad, and from students. However, I got a gift today from someone whom I've known a long time - my best friend. She told me about it last week but refused to tell me what it is. This morning, at approximately 8:30 AM, I found out what it was when I personally collected it at the PosLaju collection centre:

The counter wasn't opened yet. Waited 2 mins.
I was customer No. 4 already

Unwrapped it in the car. Oh! A clock... cool :)

Back in the office.
Oops, it's a figurine. So cute and meaningful

There you go little one. You're on display permanently.
Yeah.... teacher - that's for me alright.

There was also a note to apologize for the unsuitable wrapping (or no wrapping), but the wrapping doesn't matter to me. What matters is the message that is printed on the gift, and the pureness of the heart to send this to me when she knows that I needed to be pushed. It doesn't take an Einstein to see that I'm really touched now, and that has motivated me to do what I've wanted to do.

There was major anxiety with regard to the collection of the gift, and that anxiety lasted a few days. Well, it's over now. The gift is now in safe hands. Yen, if you are reading this blog, I wholeheartedly thank you for taking the trouble, and for putting so much effort in getting this meaningful gift just for me.

Once, I thought there was no such thing as a best friend. Now I've got not only a best friend, but a true friend as well... and I believe, I'm lucky to have such a friend... this song is just for you:

SONG: Best Friends Forever
PERFORMED BY: KSM