In Memory Of...

Just thought I'd pen a few lines about someone whom I got acquainted with in 2004 during the General Elections. His name was Raja Omar....a short guy with glasses and slightly long wavy hair. A nice man whom I worked with together for a brief moment. Just got the news that he passed away a couple of weeks ago. Though I did not know him well enough but still feel sad at his passing.

To those who I have known that are gone...I pray that they will rise to enjoy everlasting life and peace. For those whom I know that are still around...enjoy every bit and moment of life.....

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

Priceless

It was one of those pleasant weekends where I left the cares of work as a journalist behind and really took a break from the stresses of keeping tabs on the news. It was after all, Kyra turned 6 on the Saturday of Aug 15 and besides the fact that we were suppose to spend the weekend in Bukit Jalil with my -in-laws.

So it it was a welcome break for Karen, Kyra and me, especially Kyra as she is now fully aware of the concept of 'birthday' (Its a day where I can do whatever I want). We did not get Kyra her brithday gift but told her that we would take her to Toy'R'us for her to choose her own present. That was a bummer...being from the 'kampung' and out of touch with the changes in Kuala Lumpur, we drove all the way through the traffic, parked the car, took the lift...only to find that Toy'R'us had moved. (I actually asked a security guard for directions to the toy shop and he looked at me as though I was from Mars before telling me it moved). As they says, all's well that ends well...we finally ended at KLCC's Suria's Toy'R'us where Kyra finally decided she wanted a 'keyboard' set and several little wind-up walking furry toys.

It was also good to be able to spend time with my in-laws, especially Kyra who enjoyed the company of her cousins Jerald and Jeremy. Being from the 'kampung', we also took the opportunity to take go shopping for books with the kids and got quite a good deal...about RM450 spent on at least 30 books.

We left for Malacca on Sunday at about 4pm and with the following Monday on Aug 17 being my birthday. Lol...it was like any ordinary working day for me. Sigh...getting to be an older fart...but wiser one I hope. And there you go...a short but fun filled weekend with the family...something that I consider priceless. I thank God for life and the ability to enjoy it with loved ones.

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

Almost Six Years Ago

It was a throw back in time when I covered an event in my former Alma Mater, St. Francis Institution. I left school some 24 years ago in 1985 after completing my tertiary education.

The school, of SFI as we would call it, is one of the oldest school in Malaysia with its birth traced back to 1880. My father, Andrew and his brothers were educated there and it was only fitting that I too was enrolled in the school. What is fascinating about SFI is that practically every community belonging to Malacca's unique multi-cultural society was represented here. It was and still is a school that is rich is heritage and history.

Perhaps the most peaceful and serene place in the entire school is its Chapel. It is located on the main block on the upper floor flanking the quadrangle. A first glance, it looks unambiguous. However, its hides one of the most peaceful and serene site I have ever known.

It like stepping into a different world. The Chapel's interior is made up of arches supported by rows of large columns. Sunlight coming through the hand painted stained glass that make up a main portion of the nave and chapel's side walls is simply breathtaking. The diffusion of light striking the large dark coloured marble altar sets off a soft hue glow within the Chapel.

Well, it was such an experience to walk into the Chapel today. I thank God for the gift of life and also for Kyra, my daughter. Tomorrow, Saturday, will be exactly six years she first came into our lives. It may be only six years but it is still six years of love and memories to last a lifetime.

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

Having A Ball

Well, it was that time of the year again where I got the chance to accompany my wify Karen to her annual Bar Dinner. Unlike previous years, it was held in a different venue...Holiday Inn.

It was the usual with free flowing beers and good entertainment (except for out local Wacko Jacko's performance). There was also meeting up with two H1N1 survivors. One a doctor whom I had interviewed over the phone and another a lawyer with one kidney (high risk group) who caught it while in Australia recently.

The virus has is rapidly developing into an killer with 26 deaths recorded in Malaysia as of to date. It is worrying and even more so as I have a family. But there you go...there are those who have survived and that is comforting. So, rather than being paralysed with fear and paranoia, I shall continue to uphold my motto....'life is short so make the best of it'. (Yup..I drank to that and got plastered with several beers)

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

Into Thy Hands I Commend My Spirit

Its been almost three months since I last posted my first note on the H1N1 flu. From a mere several hundreds, it is a now a global pandemic that is gradually infecting a good deal of the world's population.

Estimates that the virus will infected one-third of mankind or some 2 billion people with a mortality rate of at least 5% to 10% or some 200million deaths.

Here in Malacca, H1N1 was detected in mid May and we have since had 169 confirmed cases with four deaths. The worst is yet to come and the virus is expected to mutate by the year's end into a more deadly strain.

Ironically, the gloomy scenario has been made worse by the return of the haze coming from the large forest fires in Indonesia and Sumatra. The haze has blanketed Malacca today with visibility dropping below 500 meters. There is acrid smell of smoke and an odd taste to the air.

My concern is for the safety of my family and my loved ones. I can do nothing but have faith that God will protect us through this trying time.

'The Lord Is My Shepard

There Is Nothing I Shall Want'

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

Free As A Bird

Just a post to reflect my inner thoughts. Its about a particular local dove or 'Merebok'...a bird which is sought after for its unique call. Some of the more prized ones can fetch more than RM50,000.

I grew up literally surrounded by them as my dad, Andrew, is an avid bird keeper and had a few good whistlers. Oddly, I never fancied birds although looking back now...it was rather nice to hear them sing. I owe my knowledge of birds to Andrew and still appreciate the beauty of their songs.

Well, gone are the days of the bird cages as I now live in a condo, up on the higher floors. Much to my surprise, I heard the distinct call of a Merebok next to our condo window one casual afternoon. It was a wild one and quite a good singer.

Its been more than a year and the bird occasionally sits at the window's ledge and sings. Couldn't help but to capture a part of my childhood through this sneak photograph.

With all the happenings going around the world today...H1N1, strive, hunger and pain...just hope our lives can be...free as a bird...with no worries.

May God in His infinite Love keep my family and loved ones save when He hasten the coming of the end of age.

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