A Flip Through A_Sailor's Diary

DRINKS & DRIVE

2011-10-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

this was copied from a very touching article.
hope the readers will be aware of these when you thinking of driving after drinking.

Son's Last Letter To His Mom..

I went to a party Mom,
I remembered what you said.
U told me not to drink,
Mom,So I drank soda instead.

I really felt proud inside, Mom,
The way you said I would.
I didn't drink and drive, Mom,
Even though the others said I should.

I know I did the right thing, Mom,
I know you are always right.
Now the party is finally ending, Mom,
As everyone is driving out of sight.

As I got into my car, Mom,
I knew I'd get home in one piece.
Because of the way you raised me,
So responsible and sweet.

I started to drive away, Mom,
But as I pulled out into the road,
The other car didn't see me, Mom,
And hit me like a load.:(

As I lay there on the pavement, Mom,
I hear the policeman say,
"The other guy is drunk," Mom,
And now I'm the one who will pay.

I'm lying here dying, Mom....
I wish you'd get here soon.
How could this happen to me, Mom?
My life just burst like a balloon.

There is blood all around me, Mom,
And most of it is mine.
I hear the medic say, Mom,
I'll die in a short time.

I just wanted to tell you, Mom,
I swear I didn't drink.
It was the others, Mom.
The others didn't think.

He was probably at the same party as I.
The only difference is, he drank
And I will die.
Why do people drink, Mom?
It can ruin your whole life.
I'm feeling sharp pains now.
Pains just like a knife.

The guy who hit me is walking, Mom,
And I don't think it's fair.
I'm lying here dying
And all he can do is stare.

Tell my brother not to cry, Mom.
Tell Daddy to be brave.
And when I go to heaven, Mom,
Put "GOOD BOY " on my grave.

Someone should have told him, Mom,
Not to drink and drive.
If only they had told him, Mom,
I would still be alive.

My breath is getting shorter, Mom.
I'm becoming very scared.
Please don't cry for me, Mom.
When I needed you, you were always there.

I have one last question, Mom.
Before I say good bye.
I didn't drink and drive,
So why am I the one to die?

LOVE never grows old.

2011-09-23T01:57:00.000-07:00

When he proposed to her, only said three words: "Believe me"

When she gave birth to their first child, he said to her: "You've worked hard"

On their daughter's wedding day, he puts his arms around her and said:

"You still have me."
Towards her dying day, he repeated the words to her: "I'm here for you."

The moment on her last breath, he kissed her forehead and whisper to her:

"You wait for me."

In his entire life, he never once said "I Love You" to her, but his love....... never abandon at all.

._._._._._._._._._._._._._.

他向她求婚時，只說了三個字：相信我；

她為他生下第一個女兒的時候，他對她說：辛苦了；
女兒出嫁那天，他摟著她的肩說：還有我；
他到她病危的那天，重複的對她說：我在這；

她要走的那一刻，他親吻她的額頭輕聲說：你等我。

這一生，他沒有對他說過一次“我愛你”，但愛.......從未離開過。

so start to appreciate the one you love,

We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.

Living in A GRATEFUL World

2011-09-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

Last night my mom handed it a piece of bookmark she had from her trip back from Cambodia.

this bookmark opened my eyes and there is no harm to share something thoughtful :-)

Be Grateful to those who have hurt or harmed you,

for they have reinforced your determination.

Be Grateful to those who have hit you,

for they have reduced your karmic obstacles.

Be Grateful to those who have made you stumble,

for they have strengthened your ability.

Be Grateful to those who have deceived you,

for they have deepened your insight.

Be Grateful to those who have abandoned you,

for they have taught you to be independent.

Be Grateful to those who have denounced you,

for they have increased your wisdom and concentration.

and

Be Grateful to those who have made your Firm & Resolute And Helped in your achievement

MY FIRST TIME AT SEA. JULY. 2007.

2011-08-11T20:42:00.000-07:00

MY 1ST TIME AT SEA

DECK CADET FOONG THER HWAN
SS TENAGA DUA
1978’s LNG (METHANE) GAS TANKER
(JULY 2007 – JANUARY 2008)

If a young man walks up to me one day and tell me that he is contemplating a career as a seaman, there will be many, many things that I shall tell him.

First of all, I shall tell him that there are neither great adventures nor any more new lands to discover, but there will be experiences that will stay in his heart forever.

I shall tell him that the modern sailor has to go to school first, so that he can learn how to use a spanner instead of a sword, the GPS instead of a sextant.

I shall tell him that he has to start off his sea career as a cadet; the lowest form of life onboard a floating prison. You can’t sail a ship with a university degree.
There are at times you feel like giving up.

I shall tell him that he might have to wash the toilets and scrub the floors, scaling the rusty deck and cleaning will become one of the most important skills in his sea life. I shall tell him about the orientation games onboard.

About the new cadets have to stand at the forward station, shivering in the wind, with the instruction to look out for the small fishing boats that will run across the sea.

About the new cadets having to be shave his hair bald as an initiation ceremony for crossing the Equator for his very first time.

About being issue fake electricity and water bills for his lodging onboard when there is no such thing.

And most of all, about the enthusiasm of the older hands at ensuring that the new kid gets drunk and loses his virginity at the first port of call.

And if he smiles and asks me about the women around the world, I shall tell him that there are different types of seamen:

• There are those who abstain and tell you that they abstain. Here are those who indulge and tell you stories that will make you cream in your pants.
• And of course, there are those who abstain and yet tell you that they are the Don Juan of the seven seas.

And then I shall tell him that there is only one type of seamen as far as shore people are concerned, and it is a stigma that we all have to carry with us.

I shall tell him to forget the earthly pleasures, for there will not be much.

I shall tell him when he does go in for breaks; I shall tell him to make two cups of fine coffee; one for the captain and another one for the chief officer, before making one for himself.

I shall tell him to swallow salt tablets every day, so that he does not dehydrate and drop senseless while working.

I shall tell him to take good care of his health and his hygiene.

He'll have to wash his own clothes because mama will not be there.

I shall tell him to sleep whenever he can, for when the phone rings in the middle of the night, he'll have to jump up and run up to the bridge and be ready for action immediately.

And I shall tell him that the phone rings often; and is common.

I shall tell him that he will meet some good mentors who will guide him in his work and in life,

and I shall tell him that he will meet some seniors who might scream and throw spanners at him for making mistakes.

I shall tell him that sometimes things can be so hard that he'll feel like crying, and I shall tell him that he can only cry in his cabin.

I shall tell him that he will make many close friends onboard. Some last for just that ship, some longer.

I shall tell him that he will learn to trust his friend with his life and the friend will give him the same compliment in return.

SWEET RETURN... SACRIFICE

I shall tell him that if he makes it through the first ship safely, the moment of signing off from the first ship will be one of the sweetest moments of his life.

I shall tell him that time will fly, and soon it will be time for him to sign on another ship.

I shall tell him about the joy of signing off and going home.

About the joy of having months of vacation to spend with loved ones.

About the joy of spending money from the hard earn at sea.

And then I shall tell him about the fear and worry as the leave finishes and the money start to run out.

I shall tell him about the concern that the company does not call him back for another contract, and yet,

I shall also tell him about the heavy sinking feeling when the phone rings and it's time for him to pack his suitcase, “The Sea is Calling, my friend.”

I shall tell him about the crying girlfriend, and about the worrying mother.

I shall also tell him about the empty bank account and the sea time that he needs.

I shall tell him that it is a career of rapid rise in rank and earnings.

That he will have plenty of savings compared to his peers ashore.

But I shall also tell him about the sacrifices that come with it.

I shall tell him about being onboard during the festive seasons, and special occasions.
Then I shall ask him to think more than twice before joining as a seafarer and I shall wish him

GOOD LUCK

And The Legacy Continues …

Chin Peng in 21st Century

2010-10-13T02:49:00.000-07:00

Dear THE STAR Editor,

Hi to all readers, there is at times where we tend to speak out aloud what is in our mind without seeing what is happening around us. I am just another regular reader to my all time favorites The Star since young. Lately there are articles popped out of this “great” man named Chin Peng, famously to be known during the communist time in Malaya.

Our Malaysian Government spoke out that Chin Peng is an unforgiving icon for Malaysian history, based on what he has done to us.
In this article I will not stand firm either on Chin Peng application case or even our Malaysia Government since I am not born in that era. Its very unfair for me to judge.

What I wanted to comment in this matter will be based on our 21st century mindset.
Apart from this, in all the religions in the world, the most basic fundamental is FORGIVE. I believe not many people aware of that.

Next, we need to look at a bigger picture when putting criticism into a matter. If Chin Peng case is consider a totally No-No case, then we need to reconsider about JAPAN and GERMANY. The two monsters during World War Two kill countless of people inconsiderable. But Today, we Malaysia are one of the closest country to Japan. Mobile and technologies speaks louder now. For examples to the laymen, Honda cars are importing to Malaysia, Nokia are using nationwide. For Petronas, Japan signed 25 years of contract for LNG shipping transportation with Malaysia.
Kindly seek the Malaysian Government to cancel off Japan business, telling them that they are unforgiving during World War Two. Let us be the next big childish joker charted in the world map. Mercedes cars are using by executives levels in government departments. What say now?

We need to think before we speak. Just because Chin Peng is still alive, he is not to be forgiven? Then what about Japan and Germany sinners? They are not to be remembered?

We need to change our mindset to move forward, not backward.
We cannot achieve Vision 2020 with this childish mindset.
To live the future, we need the mindset of future.
History is important too. They are to be remembered and forgiven, not to be condemned.
I hope this article could be publish out, so the readers can be aware what they are talking.

Just another ordinary reader,

James Foong, Georgetown, Penang

p/s:
my article is out.

Date: 26th November 2009
Page: N61

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F11%2F26%2Ffocus%2F5184592&sec=focus

give seamen their due

2010-10-13T02:42:00.000-07:00

give seamen their due

I refer to an article "Local seaman not up to the mark" in one of the THE STAR MARITIME section which will project a negative image of Malaysian seamen in the minds of our family and friends.

The reason not many Malaysians sail is because the country's economic state is strong (used to) and there are many job opportunities ashore where people can have better quality time with their families.

The reason why the Philippines and India have ample manpower at sea is due to their poor economy and the difficulty in getting employment ashore. Both of these countries also have a big population.

The general statement that Malaysian crew are lazy is nowhere near accurate and very unfair to the seamen's community in Malaysia

If you read the papers of have any idea about oil and gas, you would know that our national shipping line (MISC Berhad) which owned by Petronas is currently the world largest LNG tanker operator and 95% of men who run these ships are so-called lazy Malaysian seamen.

We do our job with the great deal of national pride. Our ships ply with the globe, and if everyone were lazy, these ships would have a very slim chance of passing any Port State Control, United States Coast Guard (USCG) or vetting inspections which are of very high standard.

The mere fact that our ships are trading smoothly around the world is evidence enough that we are of international standard.

In today's world, everything is fast. Ships load and discharge their cargo within 24hours, sailors rarely have the chance to sightsee, what more get drunk and then get into fights. When they get back on the ship they have to be ready for the next voyage.

In every basket there will be a few spoilt apples. it is surprising why when a small fraction of seamen cause some trouble at a pub, the world looks at it like it was a big deal, blows it out with proportion and comes up with general statements like all seamen get in brawls at pubs.

Does it mean that no accountants or engineers get drink and cause trouble?

The article also mentions that CEO of ALAM would like to encourage more Malaysian students to join the academy, but after being misled by the article, i wonder how many parents are going to allow their beloved sons and daughters to get involved in such a bad career.

Every day, tonnes of goods are being imported and exported from our shores by sea. But people never appreciate seamen.

The next time you put fuel into your car, think about how the fuel got there, the next time you eat bread, and think about where the flour came from.

These sailors are out at sea facing gale force winds and waves as high as buildings to bring cargo in and out of our country and also around the world.

Our job is a noble one that not many might have the courage to do.

Rich Dad Poor Dad

2010-02-20T02:23:00.000-08:00

Dear readers ,

Hi again. How are you guys doing? There are things I would like to share with you guys in my journal this time.

Today’s topic we are going to focus is MONEY. I’ve received a lot of requests for this and people have been asking me to share. Well, nothing great. Just my 5 cent thought. Let me share something about what I read before, is a very famous book named “Rich Dad Poor Dad” many knew about the book, but very few have read. So let me share it with you.

Firstly, ask yourself, does school prepare children for the real world? “Study hard and get good results and you will find a high-paying job in a big company with great benefits,” my parents used to say.

A problem with school is that you often become what you study. So if you study, say, cooking, you become a chef. If you study the law, you become a lawyer/attorney, study the accounts, you become an accountant, and study of auto mechanics makes you a mechanic. The mistake in becoming what you study is that too many people forget to mind their own business. They spend their lives minding someone else’s business and making that person rich, but not themselves.

That is why we hear so often:

“Salary is too low.”

“Wait till I got my promotion.”

“I am going to go for extra courses so I can get a better job.”

“I’m quitting in two weeks, I found a job with a better pay.”

The primary reason the majority of the poor and middle class are fiscally conservative, which means “I can’t afford to take risks” is that they have no financial foundation. They have to cling on their jobs simply to survive. They have to play it safe. A kind of mindset “no job, can’t survive.”

Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s, admitted he is not interested in the hamburger business but the real estate. He knew his primary business focus was to sell hamburger franchises, but deep inside what he never lost sight of was the location of each franchise. He knew that location is very important in terms of business success. Basically, the person that intends to buy McDonald’s franchise was also paying for, buying, and the land under the franchise for Ray Kroc’s organization. McDonald’s today is the largest single owner of real estate in the world, owning even more than the Catholic Church.

THE RICH DONT WORK FOR MONEY

“The poor and the middle class work for money. The rich have money work for them.” – Robert Kiyosaki

If you can’t make up your mind decisively, then you’ll never learn to make money anyway.

I am glad to myself that I am angry about working with the little money I earn at sea.

If I had not gotten angry that I guess I would not be picking up books about money. You see, true learning takes energy, passion, a burning desire. I believe anger is a big part of that formula, for passion is anger and love combined. When it comes to money, most people want to play it safe and feel secure. So passion does not direct them. Fear does.

Many people went to school and got an excellent education, so he could get a high-paying job. But he still has money problems in future since he never learned anything about money at school. On top of that, many fresh graduates are just believed in working for money.

Not everyone would want to learn about money work for them simply because it’s easier to learn to work for money, especially if fear is your primary emotion when subject of money is discussed.

The pattern of get up, go to work, pay bills, get up, go to work, pay bills... their lives are then run forever by two emotions, fear and greed. Offer them more money, and they continue the cycle by also increasing their spending. They feel the fear of not having money. Instead of confronting the fear, they react instead of think. They react emotionally instead of using their brain. Then, they get a few bucks extra in their hands, and again the emotion of joy and desire and greed take over, and again they react, instead of think. So their emotions do their thinking.

It’s like the picture of a donkey, dragging a cart, with its owner dangling a carrot just in front of the donkey’s nose. The donkey’s owner may be going where he wants to go, but the donkey is just chasing an illusion. Tomorrow there will only be another carrot for the donkey.

We have to learn to use our emotions to think, not think with our emotions.

WHAT HAPPENED TODAY

Having money to burn, the child goes to places where other young people just like to hang out, and they meet people, they date, and sometimes they get married. Life is wonderful now, because today, both men and women work. Two incomes are bliss. They feel successful, their future is bright, and they decide to buy a house, a car, a television, take vacations and have children. The happy bundle arrives. The demand for cash is enormous.

The happy couple decides that their careers are vitally important now and begin to work harder, seeking promotions and raises. The raises come, and so do another child and the need for a bigger house. They work even harder; become better employees, even more dedicated. They go back to college/university to get extra specialised courses so they can earn more money.

Maybe they take a second job. Their incomes go up, but so does the tax bracket they’re in and the real estate taxes on their new large home, and all the other taxes. They get their large salary pay check and wonder where all the money went. Tax...tax...tax...They buy some mutual funds and buy groceries with their credits card. The children are now 5 or 6 years of age, and the need to save for college increases as well as the need to save for their own retirement.

The happy couple, born 35 years ago, is now trapped in the Rat Race for the rest of their working days. They work for the owners of their company, for the government paying taxes, and for the bank paying off a mortgage and credit cards. Back to the kind of mindset I mentioned before, “no job, can’t survive.”

Today, I am still challenged on the idea of a house not being an asset. And I know that for many people, it is their dream as well as their largest investment. And owning your own home is better than nothing. Well, I don’t expect much from most readers to agree with it because a nice home is an emotional thing. And when it comes to money, high emotions tend to lower financial intelligence. I know from personal experience that money has a way of making every decision emotional.

· When it comes to houses, I point out that most people work all their lives paying for a house they never own. They rented. Or most people buy a new house after so many years, each time incurring a new 30-year loan to pay off the previous one.

· Even though people receive tax deduction for interest on mortgage payments, they pay for all their other expenses with the after-tax dollars. Even after they pay off their mortgage.

· Property taxes

· Houses do not always go up in value. It depends on the current market and value of location.

· The greatest losses of all are those from missed opportunity.

*If all your money is tied up in your house, you may be forced to work harder because your money continues blowing out from your expenses column, instead of adding to the asset column, the pattern of classic middle class cash flow.

* If a young couple would put more money into their asset column early on, their later years would get easier, especially as they prepared to send their children to college.

* Assets would have grown and would be available to help cover expenses.

* All too often only serves as a vehicle for incurring a home-equity loan to pay for mounting expenses.

· Loss of time, during which other assets could have grown in value

· Loss of additional capital, which could have been invested instead of paying for high-maintenance expenses related directly to the home

Initially, this mainly cause of loss of education. Too often, people count their house, savings, and retirement plans as all they have in their asset column. Because they have no money to invest, they simply do not invest. I am not saying don’t buy a house. I am saying; understand the difference between an asset and a liability. When I want a bigger house, I first buy assets that will generate the cash flow to pay for the house.

If I want to increase my expenses, I first must increase my cash flow from assets to maintain this level of wealth.

We must know the difference between an assets and liability.

Rich people acquire assets. The poor and middle class acquire liabilities, but they think they are assets.

ASSET – something that puts money in my pocket

LIABILITY – something that takes money out of my pocket

The more my assets grow, the more my cash flow grows. And as long as I keep my expenses less than the cash flow from these assets, I will grow richer, with more and more income from sources other than my physical labour.

The rich buy assets.

The poor only have expenses.

The middle class buy liabilities they think are assets.

So what kind of assets am I suggesting that you acquire? In my world, real assets fall into several different categories:

· Business

*You don’t need to learn how to cut hair if you wanted to open a barber shop.

*Well, own them, but they are managed or run by other people.

*“An intelligent person hires people who are more intelligent than they are.”

* If I have to work there, it’s not a business. It becomes my job.

· Stocks

· Bonds

· Mutual funds

· Income-generating real estate

· Royalties from intellectual property such as: music, scripts, patents.

· Anything that has value that produces income and has a ready market.

So if you don’t learn to master the power of money, you will become a slave to money.

“Money doesn't create man but it is the man who created money” – Warren Buffet

In other words, if you don’t first handle fear and desire, and when you get rich, you’ll only be just another high-paid slave.

Well guys, that is all about it. I know I am quite long winded when it comes to money matters. Well, it’s just a sharing article. Some find it useful, some find it hurtful. Nothing is too late. Life is so wonderful out there.

Nobody go to sea for fun, nobody go to university for fun. Each of us has our own vision to know what we desire for.

It’s all about money, which keeps the world moving.

V.B. Regards

Sailing out

How not to be a millionaire.

2010-02-05T17:11:00.001-08:00

How not to be a millionaire.

You have your first pay check.

That’s the good news. You should stop reading this article right now. I will not be held any responsible for what is about to say. It could get quite depressing.

With your first pay check, you want to get a car.

Welcome to the world of debt repayments, road tax, auto insurance, and ever increasing fuel, sky-high parking fees, tolls, traffic offences, maintenance fees and those occasional, completely unavoidable little accidents that seem to happen when you are replying all those important phone call or putting on lipstick. You know, things like that.

Speaking of make up, you do have to look your best at all times.

Lets’ get this straight; make-up, designer handbags, shoes, clothes, scents and accessories cannot be classified as indulgences. These are life and death things only a true woman will ever understand. Money is never an issue.

You can of course add facials, body treatments, hair salon sessions, manicures and pedicures, and the occasional waxing to the list. Nothing is too insignificant when it comes to taking care of the most important thing in your life, you.

Bargains are irresistible.

Even normal priced items cannot be denied their place of consideration. It’s only fair.

You need to shop. It doesn’t matter for what. It’s genetics.

Then you have an epiphany.

You suddenly decide that you want to stand on your own two feet. That’s a grave mistake waiting to be punished.

Severely.

Essentially, it means you don’t want to reply on your parents anymore. Your parents try to dissuade you while they secretly thank their lucky stars.

You move out.

You rent that dream single’s pad. You fill it with minimalist designer furniture. You make sure it’s completely air-conditioned. You invest in a proper kitchen even if you can’t cook.

You are now officially bankrupt. You were merely broke nine paragraphs ago.

Now, if you really want to enjoy everything that life has to offer way before an appointment with your personal plastic surgeon becomes a routine you can’t live without (providing of course, that you can actually afford one),

It’s time to use your money make money.

Loving A Sailor

2010-01-08T19:13:00.000-08:00

Loving a Sailor is'nt just a play,
Loving him truly is a high price to pay.

It's being alone with nothing to hold,

It's being young, but feeling old.

It's loving him whisper his love for you,

It's whispering back, you love him too.

There's always a kiss and a promise for more,

As his ship slowly glides away from the shore.

Reluctantly, painfully, letting him go,

While you're dying inside from wanting him so.

Watching him leave with eyes filled with tears,

Standing alone with your hopes, dreams, and fears.

It's sending a letter with the stamp upside down,

To a far away love, in a far away town.

It's going to temple, to kneel and to pray,

And really meaning the things that you say.

Days go by - no mail for a spell,
You wait for some words to hear that he is well.

Then a letter arrives and you're given in,
To open this letter and read with a grin.

Yes, he is well and misses you so,

And filled with the love you wanted to know.

Weeks are like months, and months are like years,
You wait for the day you'll have no more fears.

Days go by slowly - how many have passed?
Then suddenly you realize it's here at last!

Yes loving a Sailor isn't much fun,
But it's worth the price when the heart is won.

And remember he is thinking of you every day,
He's sad, he's lonely, while so far away.

So love him and miss him and hold your head high,
Be strong and have faith - wipe that tear from your eye.

Your man is a Sailor, like those who have gone before,
It's a high price to pay for loving a Sailor!

2010 Resolutions.

2010-01-02T22:01:00.000-08:00

I am Thankful :

For my Mother,
Who suggest what is for dinner tonight
BECAUSE it means
SHE IS HOME FOR ME.

FOR my Father,
Who is on the sofa, watching his favourite tv Channels,
BECAUSE it means
HE IS HOME WITH ME.

FOR the taxes I pay
BECAUSE it means
I AM EMPLOYED.

FOR the mess to clean after a party
BECAUSE it means
I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.

FOR the clothes that fit a little too snug
BECAUSE it means
I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.

FOR my shadow that watches me work on the ship deck
BECAUSE it means
I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE.

FOR a lawn that needs mowing,
windows that need cleaning,
and gutters that need fixing
BECAUSE it means
I HAVE A HOME.

FOR all the complanining
I hear about the Government
BECAUSE it means
WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH..

FOR the parking spot

I find that at the far end of the parking lot
BECAUSE it means
I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.

FOR my huge heating bill
BECAUSE it means
I AM WARM.

FOR the lady who sings off key in jazz cafe

BECAUSE it means
I CAN HEAR.

FOR the pile of laundry and ironing
BECAUSE it means
I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.

FOR wearness and aching muscles at the end of the day
BECAUSE it means
I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.

FOR the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours
BECAUSE it means
I AM STILL ALIVE.

Do You Remember When?

2010-01-01T20:48:00.000-08:00

"those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it again" - George Santayana, 1863

The day when you will find that I became very old,

try to have some patience to me and try to understand me.

If I get dirty by eating…
If I have some difficulty dressing…

be patient... Remember the hours that I spent to learn you
any sorts of things when you were small.

If I repeat the same thing dozens of time,

does not interrupt me… Listen to me…

If I do not wash myself any more so often under the shower,

do not reprimand and do not tell me that it is a shame.

Remember how many excuses I had to invent to make

you take a bath you were small.

By seeing my ignorance towards the new technologies,

do not laugh of me but leave me rather the time to understand

I taught you so many things indeed to eat well …to dress well… to behave well… how to confront the problems of the life …

If I sometimes miss memory or am not able to follow a conversation,

leave me the necessary time to recollect and if I do not reach there,

do not become a nervous and arrogant person

because the most important for me,…

it is to be with you and to be able to speak to you.

If I refuse to eat, do not force myself…

I know very well when I am hungry and when I am not hungry. .

When my poor legs will not allow me any more to move as before …

Help me in the same way as I held your hands
to learn you make your first steps.

And when one day, I shall say to you that I do not want to live any more …
that I want to die, do not get angry …

because one day, you will also understand

Try to understand that at certain age, we do not really live any more. We simply survive!

One day, you will understand that in spite of all my errors, I always wanted what was best for you and that I prepared you the ground for when you’ve grown up.

You do not have to feel sad, unfortunate or incompetent in front of my old age and of my state.
You have to stay near me, try to understand what I live, to make your best as I did at your birth.

Help me to walk, help me to end my life with love and patience.

The only way that I need to thank you for it, it is a smile and a lot of love from you.

“When I am gone, do worship me but do not serve me. To serve are to your parents who brought you up in this world. For them is the living Buddha on earth.” – Buddha.

Just When I Thought...

2010-01-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

ATTENTION to every readers, please click this URL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqmp5MKBnPY
before you start reading =) Thank You!

Here I am... playing with those memories again
And just when I thought time had set me free

Those thoughts of you keep taunting me

Holding you, a feeling I never outgrew
Though each and every part of me has tried
Only you can fill that space inside

So there's no sense pretending
My heart it's not mending

Just when I thought I was over you
And just when I thought I could stand on my own
Oh baby those memories come crashing through
And I just can't go on without...you

On my own I've tried to make the best of it alone
I've done everything I can to ease the pain
But only you can stop the rain

I just can't live without you
I miss everything about you

Just when I thought I was over you
And just when I thought I could stand on my own
Oh baby those memories come crashing through
And I just can't go on without
Go on without
It's just no good without you

She just knows who she is... :)

MY DAD- tribute

2009-12-27T02:25:00.000-08:00

hi everybody
today i feel like writing about someone special in my life
my dad.

this is my dad. (picture on the right)

born in the year of horse in chinese lunar year
everyone called him "UNCLE FOONG"

since small, he always cook for me before and after school hours.
and will always sent me to school with his motorcycle (only when me this lazybum slept over and missed my school bus at times)
during primary school, i remember i always left my exercise books at home
he will always ride bike home and bring it for me whenever i called him through public phone for SOS

he cook the best food on earth
for everyone for every occasion throughout my life

since small, he always bring my family go travel oversea which he believe travels broaden a person's mind.
i always thank God i found such father like him, without him. i wont be able to have the chance to see the world even when i was a little kid.

even now, we still practise the way of travel as a family, either oversea or inter states within Malaysia.

and the most amazing part about my father is
he is extremely good in telling JOKES!!!
sometimes my friend will refer me to king of jokes
but
i can humbly admit its all from my dad's!

he is always the one who cheer my up when im down.
my fellow friends loves to come to my house sometimes just to talk to my dad and hear his funny jokes.
he is too good in jokes With his funny EXPRESSION.

i always proud to introduce the world my jovier dad
he can tell jokes in a spark of seconds
im glad everyone just loves him.

DAD,
When i was born,
You were there to catch me when i fall, whenever and wherever.
When i said my first words,
You were there for me,
to teach me the whole dictionary if need be.
When i took my first steps,
You were there to encourage me on.
When i had my first day at school,
you were there to give me advice and help me with my homework.
I still havent walked down the aisle, or had my first child.
But i know you will be there for me through all these times and more, the good and bad.
So i just wrote this to say 'I LOVE YOU DAD!!!'

In near future, we are not the captain, but dad, you are the true captain, who brought your only two sons into successful master mariners of the sea.

a humble present for Pa&MaMi

2009-12-26T20:16:00.000-08:00

Name:                    GG (stands for Girl Girl)

Breed:                    Toy Poodle a.k.a. teacup poodle

Gender:                  Female
Born:                      10th March 2009    (currently 9months17days old)
Owner:                   Kathy (my mom)

hello everyone! my name is gg, i was named when
i was a tiny little puppy on the hand of my owner

i was bought over because there is this guy who work at the sea always.
he thought of getting me to accompany his mother when he is at sea

he is very cheeky. always play hide and seek with me
and i will run to him when i hear he open the door.
i am happy when everybody in my house

and i am very curious about everything around me.

i love crowded people visits my house!

most of the time my mommy will bring me to the sea side to walk during evening

and my mom like to dress me!
and i enjoy showing off~

"God could not be everywhere and therefore He made mothers. "

- Jewish Proverb

Tattoo... why so tempting

2009-12-26T07:31:00.000-08:00

TATTOO...
everyone talking about it

YES. there goes again, for my blog. off my words from my mind
i saw this tattoo and it tells me more than words cn explain that something need to be done for myself =)

that day when i was browsing thru my friends photos in facebook
i saw her boyfriend tattoo was sooooo tempting.

it is a Cross design. with white layers around it. so simple and nice.

i thought of instead a Cross, i will do it Anchor design. same with the white layers surround it.

ive talked to Shark Tattoo Studio Singapore. the boss give green light.

will give you guys a surprise soon *wink*

Anchor rocks!

Chrismas Present 2009

2009-12-24T23:18:00.000-08:00

BlackBerry Curve 8900

hi again everybody
today finally i got my new phone, for the 1st time after my Nokia 1110(still functioning well)
strawberry..blueberry, i dont know. so far as mobile tech concerns, everyone knws im techno-dumb
BLACKBERRY comes to my mind when i spotted it.
a good choice, a wise choice.

I Heard a Bird Sing

2009-12-11T19:16:00.000-08:00

I heard a bird sing in the dark of December,
A magical thing, and so sweet to remember.

The wind started blowing so bitterly cold.
But still the bird sang so loud and so bold.

Snow heavily falling, turning all around white.
The day was retreating, bringing on the long night.

I stood there in wonder as the bird sang his song.
Such heart warming chirping did not seem to belong.

For this was December that cold time of the year.
When all the earth slumbered; with all the trees bare.

The bird sensed my presence then he turned to see.
A man standing in the snow, enjoying his melody.

The bird spread his wings and flew off into the sky.
My eyes could not follow, I thought I would cry.

So there I stood lonely, on this frigid Christmas eve.
Remembering that bird, and his brief winter reprieve.

As I walked away wishing, I was lost in my thought.
Of that brave little bird, and the song that he brought.

So now this December will not seem as cold.
As I think of that bird, and his sweet song so bold.

This poem was inspired by an earlier poem written

by Robert Lee Frost entitled “The Wood-Pile”.

My Mother.

2009-12-09T10:50:00.000-08:00

M-O-T-H-E-R
"M" is for the Million things she gave me,
"O" means Only that she's growing old,
"T" is for the Tears she shed to save me,
"H" is for her Heart of purest gold;
"E" is for her Eyes, with love-light shining,
"R" means Right, and right she'll always be,
Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER,"
A word that means the world to me.

many years ago, one day before 19th april

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

"Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking it's life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

"You will simply call her, 'Mom.'"

love you mom, like i always do.
james boy.

LOVE.

2009-12-08T20:48:00.000-08:00

To my love,

I dunno where or who you are at this moment, but I know you are out there and I know that I'll meet you one very special day.. That will be the greatest day of my life. To know who you are and learn all the wonderful things about you and dreaming of our life together.

I want you to know that it might be years from now when I meet you or I might already know you but I already love you, I always have and I always will.

We'll have our bad days and most definitely have our good days, I don't know what the future will bring, but I promise I will always be there for you no matter what!

Signed ❤,

Captain.J

Looking forward to that day =)

POWER OF MONEY.

2009-12-03T07:06:00.000-08:00

Power of Money,

( Singapore 's youngest millionaire at 26 yrs.)WHO?

"Some of you may already know that I travel around the region pretty frequently, having to visit and conduct seminars at my offices in Malaysia , Indonesia , Thailand and Suzhou ( China ). I am in the airport almost every other week so I get to bump into many people who have attended my seminars or have read my books.

Recently, someone came up to me on a plane to KL and looked rather shocked. He asked, 'How come a millionaire like you is travelling economy?' My reply was, 'That's why I am a millionaire. ' He still looked pretty confused.

This again confirms that greatest lie ever told about wealth (which I wrote about in my latest book 'Secrets of Self Made Millionaires'). Many people have been brainwashed to think that millionaires have to wear Gucci, Hugo Boss, Rolex, and sit on first class in air travel. This is why so many people never become rich because the moment that earn more money, they think that it is only natural that they spend more, putting them back to square one.

The truth is that most self made millionaires are frugal and only spend on what is necessary and of value. That is why they are able to accumulate and multiply their wealth so much faster.

Over the last 7 years, I have saved about 80% of my income while today I save only about 60% (because I have my wife, mother in law, 2 maids, 2 kids, etc. to support). Still, it is way above most people who save 10% of their income (if they are lucky).

I refuse to buy a first class ticket or to buy a $300 shirt because I think that it is a complete waste of money. However, I happily pay $1,300 to send my 2 year old daughter to Julia Gabriel Speech and D ram a without thinking twice.

When I joined the YEO (Young Entrepreneur's Orgn)a few years back (YEO) is an exclusive club open to those who are under 40 and make over $1m a year in their own business) I discovered that those who were self made thought like me. Many of them with net worth well over $5m,travelled economy class and some even drove Toyota 's and Nissans,not Audis, Mercs, BMWs..

I noticed that it was only those who never had to work hard to build their own wealth (there were also a few ministers' and tycoons' sons in the club) who spent like there was no tomorrow. Somehow, when you did not have to build everything from scratch, you do not really value money. This is precisely the reason why a family's wealth (no matter how much) rarely lasts past the third generation.

Thank God my rich dad foresaw this terrible possibility and refused to give me a cent to start my business.

Then some people ask me, 'What is the point in making so much money if you don't enjoy it?' The thing is that I don't really find happiness in buying branded clothes, jewellery or sitting first class. Even if buying something makes me happy it is only for a while, it does not last.

Material happiness never lasts, it just give you a quick fix. After a while you feel lousy again and have to buy the next thing which you think will make you happy. I always think that if you need material things to make you happy, then you live a pretty sad and unfulfilled life..

Instead, what makes me happy is when I see my children laughing and playing and learning so fast. What makes me happy is when I see my companies and trainers reaching more and more people every year in so many more countries.

What makes me really happy is when I read all the emails about how my books and seminars have touched and inspired some one's life.

What makes me really happy is reading all your wonderful posts about how this blog is inspiring you. This happiness makes me feel really good for a long time, much much more than what a Rolex would do for me.

I think the point I want to put across is that happiness must come from doing your life's work (be it teaching, building homes, designing,trading, winning tournaments etc.) and the money that comes is only a by-product. If you hate what you are doing and rely on the money you earn to make you happy by buying stuff, then I think that you are living a life of meaninglessness.

Adam Khoo ........... is who.

Chin Peng in 21st Century

2009-11-24T04:56:00.001-08:00

Chin Peng in 21^st Century

Hi to all readers, there are at times where we tend to speak out aloud what is in our mind without seeing what is happening around us. I am just another regular reader to my all time favorites The Star since young. Lately there are articles popped out of this “great” man named Chin Peng, famously to be known during the communist time in Malaya.

Our Malaysians spoke out that Chin Peng is an unforgiving icon for Malaysian history, based on what he has done to us.

In this article I will not stand firm either on Chin Peng application case or even our Malaysians since I am not born in that era. Its very unfair for me to judge.

What I wanted to comment in this matter will be based on our 21^st century mindset.

Apart from this, in all the religions in the world, the most basic fundamental is FORGIVE. I believe not many people aware of that.

Next, we need to look at a bigger picture when putting criticism into a matter. If Chin Peng case is consider a totally No-No case, then we need to reconsider about JAPAN and GERMANY. The two monsters during World War Two kill countless of people inconsiderable. But Today, we Malaysians are one of the closest country to Japan. Mobile and technologies speaks louder now. For examples to the laymen, Honda cars are importing to Malaysia, Sony are using nationwide.

For Petronas, Japan signed 25 years of contract for LNG shipping transportation with Malaysia.

Kindly seek the Malaysian Government to cancel off Japan business, telling them that they are unforgiving during World War Two. Let us be the next big joker charted in the world map. GERMANY's Mercedes cars are using by executives levels in government departments. What say now?

We need to think before we speak. Just because Chin Peng is still alive, he is not to be forgiven? Then what about Japan and Germany sinners? They are not to be remembered?

We need to change our mindset to move forward, not backward.

We cannot achieve Vision 2020 with this childish mindset.

To live the future, we need the mindset of future.

History is important too. They are to be remembered and forgiven, not to be condemned.

I hope this article could be publish out, so the readers can be aware what they are talking.

Just another ordinary reader,

James Foong, Georgetown, Penang

The Clock...

2009-11-03T00:51:00.000-08:00

The Clock

Watching the minute hand on the clock go around.

You’re trying to win but you’re losing ground.

The steady ticking will drive you insane.

Don’t look at the others, they look with disdain.

The tickity tock pounds into your mind.

The ropes and chains, feel them bind.

Watch the clock and fall to your knees.

You need a cure for this disease.

Slowly and surely, the seconds pass.

Scream so loud you shatter glass.

Hear the call pierce through the night.

Horse bit in your mouth so you can’t bite.

Seconds and minutes, they don’t mean a thing.

What can the next hour bring?

Tickity tock goes the hand.

How much more can you stand?

You spot the knife, but don’t bother.

It’s just a sick prank from the Holy Father.

Which is easier, live or die?

In this world, you can’t say goodbye.

Scream and yell, don’t waste your breath.

Look to the sky and pray for death.

Struggle for freedom but it’s a lost cause.

Die in this world listening to an applause.

Tick, tock, your end is near.

You seem a lot weaker than you appear.

You’re now face first on the floor.

Look at your body, is it sore?

The blood and dirt, it’s an inch thick.

You’re end is coming and coming quick.

You feel a jerk, your body’s heaving.

Can you feel it, your soul leaving?

With one last tick, you’re finally gone.

No one will miss you at the dawn.

Love or In LOve?

2009-11-01T20:01:00.000-08:00

Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who calls you back when you hang up on him, who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or will stay awake just to watch you sleep... wait for the boy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats, who holds your hand in front of his friends, who thinks you' re just as pretty without makeup on. One who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky he is to have YOU... The one who turns to his friends and says, "thats her"....

just my 5cent thought..

2009-10-02T11:35:00.000-07:00

Today we have higher buildings and wider highways, but shorter temperments and narrower points of view.

We spend more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses, but smaller families. We have more compromises, but less time. We have more knowledge, but less judgement. We have more medicines, but less health.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk much, we love only a little, and we hate too much.

We reached the moon and came back, but we find it troublesome to cross our own street and meet our neighbors. We have conquered the outer space, but not our inner space.

We have higher income, but less morals… These are times with more liberty, but less joy… With much more food, but less nutrition…

These are days in which two salaries come home, but divorces increase. These are times of finer houses, but more broken homes.

That’s why I propose that as of today -- You do not keep anything for a special occasion, because every day that you live is a special occasion. Search for knowledge, read more, sit on your front porch and admire the view without paying attention to the needs. Pass more time with your family, eat your favorite food, visit the place you love. Life is a chain of moments of enjoyment; it isn’t only survival.

Use your crystal goblets. Do not save your best perfume… use it every time you feel you want it. Take out from your vocabulary phrases like, “one of these days” and “someday”. Let’s write that letter we thought of writing “one of these days…”

Let’s tell our families and friends how much we love them. Never pass up a chance at adding laughter and joy to your life. Every day, hour, and minute are special… Because you never know if it will be your last…

If you’re too busy to take some minutes to share this message with someone you love, and you tell yourself that you will share it “one of these days”… “one of these days” can be very far away, and you may not be there to see it…

tatoo? for life.

2009-09-28T03:56:00.000-07:00

i plan to do this tatoo. what u guys think? koyfish on my right leg, french polynesia on left arm. still considering...VERY TEMPTING

Don't be afraid

2009-09-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

As we grow up,

we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let us down, probably will.

You'll have your heart broken and you'll break others' hearts.

You'll fight with your best friend or maybe even fall in love with them, and you'll cry because time is flying by.

So take too many pictures, laugh too much, forgive freely, and love like you've never been hurt.

Life comes with no guarantees, no time outs, no second chances. you just have to live life to the fullest, tell someone what they mean to you and tell someone off, speak out, dance in the pouring rain, hold someone's hand, comfort a friend, fall asleep watching the sun come up, stay up late, be a flirt, and smile until your face hurts.

Don't be afraid to take chances or fall in love and most of all, live in the moment because every second you spend angry or upset is a second of happiness you can never get back.

value every moment...

2009-09-26T09:09:00.001-07:00

Now you know why I like to take my time when I kiss you, for that reason alone... so I can draw as many of your breaths into my lungs as I can so I can have you with me till my last breath, knowing that one day my last breath might very well be the breath I stole from you to keep me alive one more second when I was kissing you so gently, so you see now why it's not just a kiss, it's like my last breath everytime I kiss you , like I may never see you again or could be the breath to sustain my life just one more breath just one last second that I could have with you in my life!
I can't help the way I feel for you. I told you I have no control when it comes to you...there are no rules... just know that I will never stop loving you the way I do. I am not a psycho...not a lunatic...just a guy so deeply and madly in love with a girl who seems like she was put on this Earth just for me and that has been waiting a lifetime to feel what love really feels like.
I can die tomorrow and know that in my lifetime I have found what some search a lifetime for, for what millions will never know, that I have found true love, I have found my One and only ...the one they tell you that they write movies about, the one that they write books about, the one they write songs about, the one that millions have known and have written these same types of letters to their One and Only about.

journal from a sailor wife.

2009-09-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

dear readers
I was a sailor’s wife and these are some of my journal entries..

Oct 12th:
Sometimes I wonder why I willingly go through this. Instead of sleeping in my big bed alone I sleep on the couch. The clock ticks loudly but never quite fast enough. It has been 4 months since you left. I still miss you everyday. Other wives don’t understand. It is most obvious that they don’t when they complain about their husbands dirty socks laying on the floor. I wish I would see your dirty socks.
Only a sailor wife would say this. Not that we have a fetish for dirty socks, we just have a deep, passionate love for our man that includes his socks or any other clothing he owns. Why else would we refuse to wash the things that he left behind for fear that we would forget what he smelled like.

Oct 26th:
I sit in the dark living room with only the light of my computer keeping me company. The kids have long gone to bed and I feel alone. I just wait and pray for an e mail, a call, anything to know that he is okay. Just to know that he longs for me the way I do for him. Deep down I know he does. The months have gone by so slowly but yet I wouldn’t trade them. I am so much stronger now then I was before. Every time he went off to sea I get stronger. I will make it.

Dec 13th
Tomorrow I will go pick him up! I cannot wait! I went through the house for the millionth time to make sure that everything is clean and sparkly. I have so much to say to him. Bad thoughts, what if he doesn’t love me? What if time has rusted what was once so strong! No, he will feel the same as he did before.

Dec 14th
He is home. I can barely see the monitor due to the tears that wont stop falling. He is asleep now and as usual I am not. I must talk about what happened today. I got to the pier early with the kids. They were dressed up so cute. I was surrounded by hundreds of nervous sailor wives all looking at the water. I thought that I was going to explode with excitement when the ship appeared and all of the women around me started cheering. I was too choked up to join in so I just comforted my daughter who got startled by the sudden eruption of noise. I tried to force myself to calm down but I knew that it wasn’t going to work. Fast forwarding to the good parts a sea of sailors were filing off the ship and there he was. It wasn’t anything dramatic like the crowd parting just for us or the slow motion run but it was just as special. He walked to me, dropped his sea bag, grabbed my face tenderly and kissed me. It felt so amazing to feel his lips on mine again. Oh the feeling of joy was tremendous. I watched him grab our children and hold them close.
After we got home and the children went to sleep. We laid in our big bed together. Just holing each other like we were afraid that the other was going to disappear. I whispered on his ears as he was falling asleep, “this is why I willingly go through this. It’s moments like these.”