It Is Different, This Time Around.

I was at an interview photoshoot today. It was for Cleo Magazine Young Achiever's Award. My story from AYA Awards caught their attention and therefore, the magazine nominated me for the award. The story will only come out in the May '10 issue.

While I was there doing the photoshoot, it felt different. And I like it.

This time around, it felt more meaningful.

I remember the previous photoshots, that I did for various reasons, there was a certain pressure to perform and to please. They were somewhat cold and fake, nobody really cared about how you feel. You put on a smile and you freeze there, waiting for the camera to click.

You know, I was just reflecting. This time around, I don't need to be an eager beaver, ready to please people. This time around I can just be me. And its nice!

It was nice being able to share with them a bit of what I do. It was nice that they were fussing around making sure that I'll look nice. It was nice that the cameraman was kind and friendly, making sure the lighting and angles were right. It was nice being complimented. It was nice that they allowed me to be just who I am. In short, it was nice being "valued".

No pretends, no mask, beauty flaws seen, it was refreshing!

Cost of Lebanon Trip

And so it is confirmed. The trip to Lebanon is on!

The tentative dates are 7-11 June 2010.

Here's the breakdown of the cost given by World Vision:-

Airfare RM 3700 - 4000
Meals RM 420
Room RM 680
Local Transport RM 300
Travel Insurance RM 53
Gift for children RM 50
Contingency RM 241
Staff Cost RM 550 - 580
TOTAL RM 6000 - 6500

So far, with the funds that I've raised I am able to cover all the expenses, except the airfare. That cost a bomb! I wonder if any kind souls out there could help sponsor?

Oh yea, and the staff cost? Its kinda sucky that the child sponsors would have to pay for the staff too. Worst is, somebody who is needing sponsor, having to pay for their staff to go on the trip.

Smart moves on their part, but not very nice feelings on the child sponsors.

PS:- I have been sponsoring a child from Lebanon the past 5 years. This year is the first time World Vision Malaysia is organizing a trip there. And yes, this trip means a lot to me. You would understand it, if you sponsor a child from Lebanon too.

The Three Baduts

It is holiday in the Kingdom and the animals had been talking about a break away into the jungle. They were going on an adventure to search for the Hidden Treasure Stream.

Panther had gone ahead a day earlier with his mate and friend peacock. They were gonna prepare a feast while the rest of the animals arrive the next day.

Panther had also invited Ostrich Egg (Ooee). See, Ooee rarely has opportunity to get out of the nest unless Beaver comes along and unless the rest of the animals invite Ooee. It is hard for Ooee to move as freely as the other animals. Out of kind gesture, Panther invited Ooee, because anyhow, the animals in the Kingdom are all one family.

So there, Panther left earlier and left the orgnization of the animals into the aterek to Giraffe and Swan.

The day arrived and the animals were eager to leave for the adventure ahead of them. Then.......

The adventure started even before they left the Kingdom!!! Drama!

Ooee's aterek had problem! It kept dying, could be the enigne or the hctulc problem. Sheesh! So, a Plan B had to be devised.

The Swan family offered their aterak and off the animals went to get Ooee, Beaver and Peacocky.

Oh my! Oh my! Tears from above started falling down..... Giraffe, Swan and the rest of the animals started to worry, how to get Ooee into the saving aterek.

And then it started to POUR!!! DRAMA!!!

Giraffe and Swan took out their umbrella became the Rescue Baduts. Beaver was part of the Rescue Baduts. As the tears from above poured down, the three baduts went on their mission to move Ooee into the saving aterek. Giraffe and Swan took the task of shelthering Beaver and Ooee from tears from above, while Beaver does what he does best, helping Ooee to move around.

Beaver heaved and puffed, pullled and thuged, pushed and carried, doing all that while Giraffe and Swan balanced the umbrella above Beaver and Ooee's head. It would have looked like a mission impossible at that time, BUT THEY MADE IT!!!!! YAY!!!!!

And so, the Rescue Baduts did they job and off the animals goes to the jungle in their eteraks!

There were many challenges along the way to jungle, we shall spare the details. In short, the animals arrived safely at the sanctuary and the feast was lay out for them. Panther and his mate did an awesome job in preparing the feast.

The animals enjoyed the jewels in the sky that night and especially the brilliant single pearl. It was so round, so bright, and so amazingly breathtaking. The animals just gave a lot of praises to their Creator in awe of His handiwork.

Long story cut short, the animals made it to the Hidden Treasure Stream and had a great time swimming in its cool water.

Moral of the story:-
1.There will be times when the animals will be tested if they practice what they preach.
2. Giraffe will not want to work with Panther anymore.....

A Full Circle

http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2010/1/17/lifefocus/5478379&sec=lifefocus

http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2010/1/17/lifefocus/5478398&sec=lifefocus

http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2010/1/17/lifefocus/5473917&sec=lifefocus

That's my hope and wish for Elie. That he will come into a complete full circle! =)

It's A Secret No One Knows

While driving to work this morning, this song came on radio, Mmmbop, by Hanson.

It brought back good memories of the fun schooling days, carefree and happy.

Anyway, part of the song's lyric struck some truth and almost made me misty eyes, despite it being a bouncy cheerful song.

"Plant a seed, plant a flower, plant a rose
You can plant any one of those
Keep planting to find out which one grows
It's a secret no one knows
It's a secret no one knows"

I love it....

It kinda reflects what I am doing at work. God had asked each of us to faithfully sow, sow into the life of people. As I try to faithfully sow into the lives of the little ones and their family, I faithfully scatter the seeds of love, care, faith and hope. I can keep on sowing and find out which one will grow. Its a secret that no one knows except when I see the fruits of these lives in Heaven. Amen! =)

The New Normal?

A New Normal?

Mummy dearest went through an operation few days ago. It was to remove a cancer growth. The very same day in the evening after the operation, she was already eating, walking, talking, laughing, etc....

While I was in the Miss Malaysia pageant, the beneficiary at that time was PRIDE. They did a breast cancer awareness campaign and there were ladies who had breast cancer sharing their stories. Some were really young, like in their 20's?

Many of them had smiles on their faces, and I was kinda puzzled by the outlook. After listening to their stories, I was convinced, "Hey, life goes on. Cancer doesn't stop a person from living."

So yea, when it was confirmed that the growth was malignant, I am really pleased and happy at how mom took it. She was so positive about it, yet also aware how human we are, acknowledging there will be some emotions involved.

Anyway, I like what she said. "Life still goes on!". So yea, still do expect to see her in gym, holidaying, climbing hills, and so on.

I like this one, her own brother said it. "This is a first time I see a cancer patient like you. Still so cheerful and happy."

So tell me, is this the new normal?

Mommy Dearest

The beauty of those who know their God.

I am very much my mother's daughter. The good qualities of her that is. The bad ones, well, lets just say I know how to choose.

My confidence, I got it from her.
My independent spirit, I got it from her.
My "talent" in handiwork, I got it from her.
My stubborn will, I got it from her.
My tomboyness, I got it from her.

There are many times (countless) we disagree on things, that is because we are so alike.
Each so stubborn and headstrong in what we believe in is right.
Well, we're reminded again, each are uniquely made by God.
You pursue your own dreams, I pursue mine.
Let's blossom into the unique calling and destiny He has in stored for us.

The beauty of those who know their God, I see it in my mom. I love her positive outlook for now, the peace that guards her heart and yup, life carries on. It is that blessed assurance.

It is now I slowly see the the causes of anxieties and worries of the couple years past. It was sucky times, but now I understand.

Well, let's just say mom, don't worry much. It is time to let go and let your eagles fly!