我的文字浪迹天涯了吗？

我开始决定写部落格前，曾偷偷希望会透过这空间，与许许多多世界各地的朋友一起分享生活的体验和领悟。

因为我相信文字的力量和摄影的奥妙，总是可以让我们更深切地体会人生。。。

今天看见blogger statistic说部落格的读者URL source竟是taiwan google？有些不可思议，但也宁愿相信这美好的事情是真的。

哪怕是自欺欺人也好，快乐就好，难得糊涂也无妨。。。

就当着我真的有部落格读者跟随着这空间吧 ^^

爱生活。。。爱文字。。。爱摄影。。。

MH370 给生命的黑箱



我用我三月生日的愿望交换MH370的奇迹。没有实现。
飞机黑箱的讯号也许已经发出它最后最微弱的呐喊，然而全世界的我们，没有人听得见。

239个宝贵的生命，和无数与他们有着血缘和感情牵连的人儿。。。是如何熬过来的？将如何面对生命黑箱所给他们无言的交代。。。？

大家都淡忘了吗？对许多人，其实不然。

我一向酷爱飞机，它给我追逐梦想的感觉，它总是承载着许多悲欢离合的情绪，用窗外的海阔天空，用高度，让我们了解人生里，许多在乎的执著，其实在晴空万里下，显得多么微不足道。。。

现在，飞机给予我的联想多了一个号码的无奈和感伤。

“岁月”沉船的罹难者家属，和在等待中的MH370家人，还有一起哀悼卡巴星及助手的我们。。。继续祈祷。

祝安。愿坚强。

KIASU parents and sculptured balloons

I hardly voice up - unless necessary; or when I'm challenged especially as a mom (to protect my kids).

I sternly voiced up my thought to a clown last weekend during a fair in shopping mall.
YES, A CLOWN!

I brought my two kids to queue up for sculptured balloons. I wanted to teach them about queing up and taking turn for everything. Therefore instead of those parents who were so 'kiasu' (meaning afraid to lose out) that they blocked the way for their kids - I asked my 3-year old and 5-year old to queue up by themselves. I stood behind them to ensure those aggresive aunties wont knock my kids' heads with their hand bags (the height was just nice, ouchh!).

Within seconds, we were 'ambushed' from left, right and front (sorry, no one choose to stand behind us who were trying to create a line). The clown was very contented with the great response. Seeing the big crowd, he distributed balloons (which hasnt been blown/ sculptured) to all the kids who were waiting.

Once the children received the balloons, the 'competition' was upgraded to another level!!

All of them, including the parents (YES, parents!) stood closer....closer and closer (!) towards the clown, so much so that the clown had no choice but to do theirs first. The most aggresive one won.

Some parents who did it more subtly 'cheered' from the side - reminding and encouraging their children to quickly stuck their balloon in the clown's hand - and 'declare' what shape do they want.

I was 'amazed' when a teenage who could have possibly qualify for PMR exam - barged in WITHOUT taking turn and asked for sculptured baloon. After she left with her favourite sculptured baloons (can choose colour some more!!), my toddlers who stood in the queue for the last 5 minutes before her - were still waiting hopelessly...

For the next 5 minutes, 6 kids (from 2 families) got their easy way out by being aggresive - ignoring the basic manner of taking turn. I can't blame those kids, they did it under 'aggresive coaching' by their own parents.
My kids were confused, they have been standing there for 10 minutes but the crowd keep 'building up' in front' of them. They kept looking up at me with the helpless gaze and said, "so long geh...". I replied them, "No choice, we still have to queue up. WE ALL SHOULD"

A kid who came last even pushed my kids - of which the parents were so 'cool' about it. I told the kid, "Ei...must queue up." At that moment, I knew I could have got myself a punch from the kids' parents. I didnt know where I got the courage from - to even voice up. Hehe...

I said to another mom whose daughter was very introvert - "It's SOOOO WEIRD that people never bother to queue up. Just rebut and they got it!"

The mother just smiled awkwardly. Seeing that she was very soft, I told myself it's time for me to speak up! To be fair to the clown, I knew he doesnt understand Chinese (he might, actually), I said, "Mr Clown, I think you have to give priority to those kids who have been queuing up - otherwise those kids never learn!!"

He was shocked, so he tried his best to do for the 3 kids who have been standing there for decades. I couldnt smiled, I was upset with all the ugly human behaviour i witnessed with my very eyes.

Are we teaching our children that if you obey the rules - you'll always be at the losing end?

Are we teaching our children that in order to get what we want, it doesnt matter how we achieve it - be it right or wrong?

Are we teaching our children that being unruly is the only way to win?

Though I was very pissed off with the kiasu acts of those parents - I made it a point that my kids thanked the clown loud and clear - before we left.

After the incident, I felt guilty towards the clown. Although I was not scolding him, I was very stern with my suggestion which was meant for those 'kiasu' parents.

I've seen a clown who was very professional in managing the crowd - he insisted that everyone queue up and dont allow anyone to cut queue - especially those parents who will try their luck. Hmmm, I should have asked for his name!

A day after the incident, I confessed to my sister that I wasnt very nice to a clown. Much to my relief, she told me that when they went to the shopping mall much later than us - the clown has gotten the crowd to queue up orderly!!

I'm so so so glad that I MADE A DIFFERENCE!

At the same time, looking at how fierce the parent who stared at me (bumped into her in the mall after I teased those who cut queue, including her...), I'm worried what kind of 'unhealthy competition' will my children face as they grow up - my only hope is that they dont lose sight of what matters the most.

 

Life lessons from a scratched car!

I recently went through a test about trust and kindness. I have just started driving recently even though I got my driving license 15 years ago. 

Let’s not elaborate why do I renew my license on time despite the fact that 

I’ve never sit on the driver’s seat! =P

Fast forward to today, as a fairly inexperienced driver, I struggle a lot when I park my car. I find it hard not to do side parking without having my car block half of the traffic. I also find it an impossible task to park in narrow-than-usual parking bays at my workplace (this is verified by seasoned driver) without scratching others (therefore I usually choose to give up the bay!). 

Few days ago, when I was attempting side parking at my new workplace (which is a hospital), suddenly a gardener pakcik approached my car and guided me how much should I turn and which way to turn my steering (oops did i just unveiled how bad my parking skill is?!). 

Pakcik was in the midst of watering plants but he was willing to help me. We didn’t know each other and I don’t think he expects me to thank him other than a sheer “Terima Kasih, pakcik!” 

(Side note: I bumped into pakcik again after 4 days. I rushed to the hospital bakery and bought him bread and drink as a gesture of appreciation. He was getting ready for his Friday prayer, that reminded me to assure him that the bread was bought from bakery - therefore it is halal! The happy closure made my day!)

So, why did he even bothered? Why spend time helping a stranger? 

A hospital visitor who parked (yah yah, he parked like a breeze) in front me at the same time smiled at me. I smiled back at him, and teased myself about my rusty skill. I thanked the gardener pakcik as many times as possible before I rushed into my office.

I chose to work through lunch last Friday, and on my way to convenience store downstairs to grab some snack, I saw the cleaner makcik who cleaned our office. She was busy mopping floor at the hospital lobby.

We had a small chat before, I told her if my school result was much better, I would have studied medicine and become a doctor! She replied with a mop in her hands, “Kalau jadi macam saya, lagi jatuh standard!” (“It is even more ‘low standard’ to be like me”). Almost immediately, I raised my voice as I replied, “Not at all, makcik, there’s no such thing, every occupation is the same!” 

“Jus oren ini untuk makcik...” (“This orange juice is for you, makcik”). Makcik quickly held the mop with her arm and put both palms together. I gently put the orange juice which only cost me RM2.20 in her hands. She humbly bowed and said “Terima kasih banyak-banyak” (“Thanks a lot”) as we both smiled.

One thing for sure, the smile in makcik’s face was worth much much more than RM2.20.

Let’s rewind to 3 weeks ago...I was driving with my two children, after fetching them from school. A 20-year old boy didn’t stop at the T junction and he banged into my car (near where my kids were sitting!!!), causing a loud bang.

I was shocked, puzzled, and was not very sure what to do. It was only my 2nd week driving! I trembled as I discussed with the 2 guys (the driver’s friend) about what to do. I took a photo of his identification card and we exchanged phone number. I tried to look steady and calm as possible; as my two cheerful kids were still busy munching biscuits in the car. 

I didn’t even got his car plate num! He looked genuinely sorry, and pleaded that we’ll settle the repair cost after this. That night, after being advised by a mechanic friend on my car repair cost, I sent him message about the cost and my account number.

He asked if I could send to his friend’s shop instead for repair but the arrangement was not convenient for us. The reason he asked us to send my car to his friend’s shop is that - his friend will allow him to owe money. He said he has just dumped in money to his new business - a kopitiam (wooo, an entrepreneur at such a young age!) and he will need 2 weeks to get any return. 

Husband and I discussed about it - I was thankful we shared the same thought. Our concensus was-it is OK to have scratches on the car, as long as we are safe. On the other hand, we don’t wish that a simple scratch on the car will cause a youngster (only 20 years old!) to owe others money. 

What if he gets the RM300 from loan shark? The RM300 will snowball to RM30,000 in no time! 

What if he steal money to pay me the RM300 and being sent to jail? 

What if he snatch andf hurt others - when he is desperate of getting money - be it for his business or repair cost?

The young man was grateful, he said in our Whatsapp:

“Thanks to you both indeed. I’ll try to collect money and return to you - but please give me 2 weeks. I PROMISE YOU, the latest is two weeks from now.”

I replied him that life is too precious, and that both him and I need to drive safe.

He ended the chat with “Mmm mmm, thank you. I PROMISE YOU, I’ll pay you back. Don’t worry.” 

I replied “take care, I trust you, no rush.”

He ended the conversation with the emoticon of two hands being put together (like praying) to say thanks.

I was not worried, in fact I felt relieved. Having the RM300 doesn’t make me any richer, and driving a car with scratches does not make me ugly either (hehe).

Last week marked the end of two weeks time frame-I did not hear from him although his status updates shows that he still uses Watsapp. Although I was disappointed that I had to check my account balance - it went to prove that he has not paid a single cent. 

As promised, we did not lodge police report. As promised, we gave him time. I didnt type the word ‘PROMISE’ but I fulfilled what I offered. 

Ironically, although from our short conversation (both Watsapp and face to face conversation), he repeatedly say ‘PROMISE’.

What does TRUST and PROMISE mean to this young man? Will he ever honour what he promises to his parents, girl friend or wife? 

It seems that we were taken advantage of, a risk that we were well aware of - when we offered him the option. I was not upset, I was just sad - that people can be so genuinely sorry and thankful - only on the surface.

I ask myself - if we could turn back time, will we offer the same solution to him? Husband and I will still do the same -we told ourselves before that if this guy cheats - that means we are buying a life lesson about ‘trust’ at the price tag of RM300. 

We have encountered life lessons about trust and betrayal before -way bigger than this. It hurt me so badly that this seems to be a kacang putih (meaning ‘small matter’) now! :)

What doesn’t kill us makes us STRONGER, isn’t it?

I still happily drive everywhere with a scratch caused by a green car and a young man. He ‘hurt’ my lovely car, but he taught me about life, faith and trust. 

I still see cleaner makcik and gardener pakcik at my workplace. We dont know each other’s name, but we smiled at each other. Genuine smile.

No fancy Watsapp emoticons to shield one’s real emotion.

看得见的理所当然




资料+照片提供：特别鸣谢KPJ PENANG SPECIALIST 颜医生DR GUNN

近来因为工作的缘故，接触到了医疗的个案和资料，深深感受到我们可以正常、健康活着，真的很值得感恩和庆祝。

我们大多数人总认为能够看得清楚是理所当然的。

就像每一天早晨可以健康地苏醒，身边陪伴着的是我们心爱和爱我们的人，这些都是理所当然的吗？委实并不然。。。

视力明明就是我们最重要的感官之一。然而，眼睛的保护总是被忽视，而且最不被重视。

虽然说随着年龄的增长，我们会更容易患上眼疾。然而，年纪轻并不代表不会患上眼疾，这是因为还有很多其它因素（如药物摄取，家族史和生活习惯）会造成眼疾。

某些眼部疾病（例如青光眼和糖尿病性视网膜病）在早期不会显示任何症状。若在眼疾后期才检测到，会使治疗更具挑战性。因此，定期的眼睛检查可以减少永久性丧失视力的风险。

那么今天你告诉他、她、他们，说你爱他们了吗？

感恩我们所拥有的，要知道一切都不是理所当然的 : )

Zakka Loft Ipoh - 让梦想起飞的温馨咖啡馆

第一次有那股冲动在我这默默无闻（是低调的私人空间，哈哈）的部落格，分享一个让我精神为之一振，又觉得很有联系的梦想咖啡馆。。。

昨天与老公和两个宝贝从芙蓉驾车上槟城时，由于累了便临时决定在怡保歇息。很高兴看见很多素食馆可以用餐之余，更让我好奇的是这角落（它的墙壁一角写着DANCE,MUSIC,ARTWORK,PHOTOGRAPHY, SHORTFILM..."，这简直是我心里小小的梦想嘛！）。

于是晚餐时，我就特别‘体贴’地告诉老公别点饮料，我们饭后去那不断呼唤我的咖啡馆，我请老公喝杯咖啡提神再赶路！

喝了黑咖啡和Iced Peach Tea，心灵也被这咖啡馆对梦想和生活的热枕和坚持而充电了！

这是ＺＡＫＫＡ ＬＯＦＴ的面子书解说。。我支持你们哦！: )

"一个梦想，一股傻劲， 一个死党，一箩祝福，杂咖坊开张啦~

杂咖坊 - 手工杂货咖生活坊，自一个单纯的概念: 为手作咖与你设一个交汇点及为独特的手作品寻找归属。在这里，你能在制式的生活物品里找到独一无二的手作单品，自创流行。

某个角落，有间密室。是个让手作咖们分享独门绝技的工作室。午后，你可以随着斜阳来到杂咖坊的小餐室，分享与众不同的自家食谱，手工食品及独特糕点。...

翻转几个仓库，花了些时间，我们掏出了不少二手家具和旧时用品，复修，刷新，再用。让他们继续在杂咖坊里娓娓道出老旧的故事。

因为乐观的态度和天不怕地不怕的精神，杂咖坊让我们的梦想找到了起跑点。但，对阁楼迷恋的我们，深信总有一天杂咖坊会在有阁楼的地方延续我们不变的初衷。

With a simple dream, a hunch of innocence, and a band of friends, Zakka Loft was born.

Zakka Loft brings to all a handcrafting way of life.

The term Zakka is derived from the Japanese word 'zak-ka' (雑貨). It is used to describe common objects that we use every day to enhance our lifestyle. The works in Zakka are contemporary and done by an array of independent artists. Every piece of their creation are truly unique and definitely one of its kind.

The best things in life are often shared. Tucked nicely away in a corner of the Zakka Loft is a handcrafting studio. This is a place for anyone who is keen to discover the fun and secrets of handcrafting.

In Zakka Loft, there is always the presence of an alluring aroma. This comes from a variety of homemade recipes that is said to often leave one hungry for more.

If one were to stop in Zakka Loft and hear carefully, one will be able to actually listen to the whispers of the old English lamp, the newly coated wooden rack, the rusty old bicycle, the vintage window grill and the rustic table fan. Every whisper carries within tales collected from over the years and how each of them were given a new lease of life after being adopted from a warehouse where they were left abandoned.

The whole idea behind Zakka Loft had originated from the fondness for the loft. The endeavours of Zakka Loft are thus not complete. It aspires to one day fulfill its destiny if you will, to eventually find Zakka Loft in a loft.

We present to you, Zakka Loft.

Address: No.2, Jalan Medan Ipoh 1C, Medan Ipoh Bistari, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.

Tue - Sun: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

http://facebook.com/zakkaloft

http://instagram.com/zakkaloft



特别喜欢独特的家具和不断快乐欢呼的彩色！



谁说餐厅咖啡馆里的家具需要统一又一模一样的？




色彩缤纷的飞机人头慵懒地躺在在地上，唤醒我沉睡的童年记忆！



飞吧我的梦想！谢谢你的鼓励啊！

我有，你呢！？

小王子说世界上真正重要的东西，是要用心才能看得见哦！



我近来画了一幅小王子的星空，很相似哦。。看看。。。



老公喜欢圆餐桌，啊不然我就可以做个像这个这么有性格的桌子咯！

吃完才给钱的概念，让这空间充斥着信任。。。

许多用心经营梦想的人们在这展示他们的作品，贩卖的其实超越产品，而是一种性格和坚持。

MH370 给生命的省思

我承认我们极少花费时间，哪怕是几秒钟，去沉思生命的深度和长度。。。

我知道大部分的我们都时常将“活着”当作一种理所当然。。。

我们都一味认为自己所爱和爱自己的人们，‘应该’会一辈子在身边。。。

我们都天真地认定，那些想说的话、想做的事，一定有机会‘待我有空时’慢慢实现。。。

一个失去联络的客机，带给我们的无声叮咛，您听见了吗？

一个失去联络的客机，带给我们的冲击，您从中领略到什么珍贵的人生道理吗？

我不否认我们都害怕听见这总结，所以安慰自己继期待奇迹。。。

那刻骨铭心的痛，远远比不上客机上的乘客和机组人员的家属朋友。。。

那对生命无常的无力感，远远比不上客机上的乘客和机组人员，在那瞬间所体验的。。。

但您们以这样的方式让我们对生命有所省思。。。未免太大、太沉重了？

全世界都在等着您们，别玩捉迷藏了，好好回家去吧。。。

累了吧，好好休息吧。。。

图为十二岁的颜韫恩妹妹功课作业。