Post Xmas Cheer

It was truly a family affair this xmas at A Famosa Resort in Alor Gajah. It was in a sense an escape from the mesh of the expected xmas crowd in the city although most parts of the resort was packed with families on their holiday break.

It was food galore at the rented bungalow and food hunting by night in nearby Tampin. (a quaint little town that is split between Malacca and Negeri Sembilan). There was also the Wii which everyone enjoyed...so much so that Pops or Andrew, my 80 year old dad has decided to get for himself...to play golf of course. Even had the good fortune of taking a shot of Orion's Belt....hanging in a cloudless Xmas nite.

And sleep was something the boys and kids skipped the three days we were there. Waterworld was also fun although it was packed like a sardine can. I must note that Kyra is one brave nut who coaxed me into going on a super toboggan ride...it was great and she had a blast. I was hanging on to the harness for my dear life each as it seemed as though we were going to fly off the toboggan.

It was one of the best family xmas and I thank God for life and the its simple joys. I pray that He keeps us safe and continue to shower us with His mercy and love.

To None I wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Merry Xmas 09

The year's almost up and its Christmas eve. The family will be spending xmas in Malacca but not entertaining anyone I guess..coz will intend to hole ourselves up in A Famosa. One is to avoid the hassle of xmas crowd in the city and the other is to get some good complete rest.

Everythng seems to be holding up good for the entire family and just pray that God will continue to bless us with His love and protection.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace And Love

Dedicated To My Friend, Mentor..My Father.

Some 80 years ago, on Nov 30 1929...my father Andrew Bernard Carvalho came into this world...and I thank God for that coz I would not be here enjoying life in its abundance if not for his existence.

To mark the occasion, we threw him a birthday dinner on the Saturday of Nov 28 instead as it meant that more close relatives could attend it. It was a simple yet meaningful gathering that made me appreciate the diversity of my roots and background. There was the Eurasian and Baba-Nyonya side of the family that also included Malay, Indonesian and Indian mix amongst my relatives.

'Papa' as I knew him as a child, 'Pops' when growing up as a young man and now playfully call him by his name 'Andrew'. He is not only my father but also my friend and mentor. He thought me about God, the value of life's principles and the power of positive encouragement. As a person, he had his flaws but they are greatly outweighed by his gentleness, generosity and love. I am in debt to him most of all for the love he had and still gives.

I know that Andrew will one day pass on. When that day comes, my human side will mourn dearly the loss of a friend, mentor and father. Yet, deep inside...part of me will be glad to know that Andrew had kept the faith and ran life's race as best. I only pray that he will receive the reward of everlasting life and peace that God had promised His servant.

To the man who survived the hardships of war...the man who taught me the joy of music and instilling the spirit of adventure...to the man who taught me about love and life....I dedicate this post to that man...my father.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.