Every year since we immigrated to Vancouver in 2004, we keep the tradition to get together with a few other families. One of the highlights this evening is to take two photographs sequentially. The first one usually, traditionally and well posted. The second one, is a free style and funny posting.
Then, now after 6 years, it's great to watch all these photographs in one go.
It's a pity that our family can't join this evening, but I shall keep the copy of the photographs just to make sure that the family tradition is well kept.
Then to continue our previous discussion. Today is the last day of 2010,while tomorrow will be the first day of next year 2011. Everyday is a new day! Everyday is a special day!
31 December, 2010
29 December, 2010
It's Okay My Friend! It's Okay To Cry!
It's okay my friend.
It's okay to cry.
Let the tears run down your face,
Moist your eyes and make them shine
... Like diamonds and they glitter when you blink ...
They are so beautiful,
... The love, the care, the warm heart,
The three treasure of human being all in one
Crystallized in the form of tears,
My friend, let your tears run slowly down,
... Slowly down, slowly down,
... I enjoy watching them, the love, the care and the warm heart.
Not sure why you apologized to me,
It was me who is going to leave you early,
If any fault is to be found,
... It's all mine! None yours!
Though I have no plan to apologize to you,
As you know, I did nothing to leave to you early,
Right the reverse, I tried my best not to.
Yes, I want to stay and outlive you,
So it will me to see you leaving,
It will be me who cry and let you say,
It's okay my friend, it's okay to cry!
You know when I saw you cry, I wanted to cry with you.
I swallowed my tears as you often understand them as sufferings and pain,
No time for dispute of this misunderstanding,
A smiling face I wore, with no intent to exhibit my courage and strong mind
Rather to prepare myself to deliver this simple message,
It's okay my friend, it's okay to cry!
It's okay my friend, it's okay to cry!
It's okay to cry.
Let the tears run down your face,
Moist your eyes and make them shine
... Like diamonds and they glitter when you blink ...
They are so beautiful,
... The love, the care, the warm heart,
The three treasure of human being all in one
Crystallized in the form of tears,
My friend, let your tears run slowly down,
... Slowly down, slowly down,
... I enjoy watching them, the love, the care and the warm heart.
Not sure why you apologized to me,
It was me who is going to leave you early,
If any fault is to be found,
... It's all mine! None yours!
Though I have no plan to apologize to you,
As you know, I did nothing to leave to you early,
Right the reverse, I tried my best not to.
Yes, I want to stay and outlive you,
So it will me to see you leaving,
It will be me who cry and let you say,
It's okay my friend, it's okay to cry!
You know when I saw you cry, I wanted to cry with you.
I swallowed my tears as you often understand them as sufferings and pain,
No time for dispute of this misunderstanding,
A smiling face I wore, with no intent to exhibit my courage and strong mind
Rather to prepare myself to deliver this simple message,
It's okay my friend, it's okay to cry!
It's okay my friend, it's okay to cry!
24 December, 2010
Silent Night and Merry Christmas!
Esther and Olivia returned after mid-night yesterday (or very early this morning) after spending 6 days with two other families in Los Angeles. As you may notice from the news, Southern California was storm-raining in the past week and 6 counties were declared in emergency state. One of them, the Orange County, i.e. the location of the Disneyland where they spent 3 days walking around under the heavy rain. The good news is there are not many long queues and one can proudly remember this trip some tenth of years later claiming it's a once in a life time opportunity to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse in their home during such heavy rain period. One of the photos showed that they were eating lunch outside, and the soup they were trying to drink keep filling up. With their raincoats on and sitting in the sides of the road, it also reminded people of our fellow citizens in East Hasting of Vancouver. All smiling and laughing happily! Environmental conditions aside, it's really up to what inside of you to define what your emotion at that specific moment. One thing for sure, rain storm doesn't last forever, same as sunshine, or cloudy sky. They come and they go, only memories stay! And after a while, even bitter memory becomes not so bitter and later on become sweet memory.
This evening is the Silent Night and tomorrow will be the Merry Christmas. It's a season for everyone to enjoy, for friends and families to gather, to share memories of the year (both good and bad). Life-O-Life, it can't be better!
This evening is the Silent Night and tomorrow will be the Merry Christmas. It's a season for everyone to enjoy, for friends and families to gather, to share memories of the year (both good and bad). Life-O-Life, it can't be better!
Having a soup in a rain is a wonderful experience. Try it and you would know!
It is NOT me who is in the middle of Esther and Olivia, though we look alike!
20 December, 2010
Aftershock 2010
It has been sometime that I did not watch a movie. Oh I love movies, but it's just difficult to set aside 2 hours time to watch a complete movie. Indeed when I watch movie, I hate to be interrupted every now and then. Or should I say, if I know I would be interrupted and cannot watch the movie from beginning to end peacefully and un-interrupted, I prefer NOT to watch.
A few friends told me that Aftershock 2010 directed by Feng Xiaogang is a very good movie, or at least it's the top selling movie in 2010. Like directors Akira Kurosawa and Steven Spielberg, Feng Xiaogang is one of my favorite directors and I watched almost every movie he directed.
The movie, Aftershock, used the Tangshan earthquake as background. The Tangshan earthquake took place more than 34 years ago. It was one of the largest natural disasters of the 20th century, a 7.8 earthquake with an epicenter in a city of 1.6 million people, followed by an aftershock that also reached 7.8 less than a day later. The official death toll is over 240,000, though many estimates have it as high as 700,000.
Though I was still a child that time, I remembered that when my father returned from one of his sea voyage (he was an assistant pilot for cargo vessel who traveled far), I was taken to his vessel and met with one of his colleague, whose hometown was from Tangshan. The man looked very sad and he did not really talked much. When my father and I was going to leave the vessel, he stood up and thanked my father of supporting him all these days. Only later I learned that his wife and his teenage boy were both killed in the earthquake, luckily, his parents, who lived outside of the city center, survived. At that age, I didn't really feel the pain of this man, but years come and go, whenever people mentioned Tangshan, I remembered this man, or more precisely, I remembered his sad face. Now that I have encountered death and now that I experienced the love and care by others, I start to feel the sadness of this man. It's 34 years later that I learned and knew the feeling of this man.
I probably won't say much to the man, even if I knew what to say then (34 years ago). I think I would just sit quietly with the man, possibly hold his hands, give him a hug, or even cried with him. A drop of tear is heavier than a thousand words and I prefer to stay silent, or you can call it peaceful!
A few friends told me that Aftershock 2010 directed by Feng Xiaogang is a very good movie, or at least it's the top selling movie in 2010. Like directors Akira Kurosawa and Steven Spielberg, Feng Xiaogang is one of my favorite directors and I watched almost every movie he directed.
The movie, Aftershock, used the Tangshan earthquake as background. The Tangshan earthquake took place more than 34 years ago. It was one of the largest natural disasters of the 20th century, a 7.8 earthquake with an epicenter in a city of 1.6 million people, followed by an aftershock that also reached 7.8 less than a day later. The official death toll is over 240,000, though many estimates have it as high as 700,000.
Though I was still a child that time, I remembered that when my father returned from one of his sea voyage (he was an assistant pilot for cargo vessel who traveled far), I was taken to his vessel and met with one of his colleague, whose hometown was from Tangshan. The man looked very sad and he did not really talked much. When my father and I was going to leave the vessel, he stood up and thanked my father of supporting him all these days. Only later I learned that his wife and his teenage boy were both killed in the earthquake, luckily, his parents, who lived outside of the city center, survived. At that age, I didn't really feel the pain of this man, but years come and go, whenever people mentioned Tangshan, I remembered this man, or more precisely, I remembered his sad face. Now that I have encountered death and now that I experienced the love and care by others, I start to feel the sadness of this man. It's 34 years later that I learned and knew the feeling of this man.
I probably won't say much to the man, even if I knew what to say then (34 years ago). I think I would just sit quietly with the man, possibly hold his hands, give him a hug, or even cried with him. A drop of tear is heavier than a thousand words and I prefer to stay silent, or you can call it peaceful!
17 December, 2010
I-Ching No.55 of the 64 Hexagrams
Back in Hong Kong, and since my primary and secondary education years, I am gifted to know, brought up with and are still very closely related with a group of individuals. The friendship among us is very different than those traditionally perceived. Imagine that it has been almost 40 years that we know each other, and we have spent (in accumulation) a lot of time together. Although we still disagree on a lot of issues, we always treasure the "intellectual interaction" that we have whenever we sit down together (over a dinner table or a cup of coffee). Though I must admit, since my immigration to Canada, the chance of meeting up becomes scarce opportunity. After said this, thanks to the latest internet technology, we are still able to maintain some kind of "intellectual interaction" from time to time. Below is one of the example.
When George learned about Mr Cancer has returned last week, like last time, he consulted I-Ching, probably the oldest book in fortune telling. The hexagram he drawn was No.55, and for ease of reference, here below is the original text. You would notice that there is a "General Meaning" which elaborated the meaning of the text based on it's historical background. Meanwhile, there is an "Academic Meaning" which explained the symbolic meaning of the hexagram. Accordingly, this is a "positive/good" hexagram. Then, people usually would then imply the understanding of this hexagram and apply in his own case, and therefore, in my case, it's about my Cancer returned.
Here is the interpretation: Making good progress and development. I have reached a point that there is no fear or anxious, and nothing to worry about. Let it be as the "sun at noon". Let it shine as bright as possible.... Yes, let it shine as bright as possible!
George, after studying I-Ching for all these years, openly (and in great humbleness) admitted that he does not understand the text, but as the hexagram ended with a "good" word, the overall meaning should be good. This prompted me to read this hexagram in more details, and as you may observed from the "academic meaning" listed below, it actually composes of both good fortune and evil, and he also broke his arm, etc. The important message here, I gathered, if I stand undivided and firmly stayed the path, "good fortune" will come! If you think again, no matter what difficulty you are facing, as long as you stand undivided (faith unshaken) and firmly stayed the path with good confidence in yourself, especially maintain a positive attitude, "good fortune" has already come. It has indeed arrived and no need to wait for tomorrow! Thank you George!
+++++ +++++ +++++
Hexagram Number 55
Keyword(s): Greatness
Symbolic of: greatness
THE FĂNG HEXAGRAM
The General Meaning
Făng intimates progress and development. When a king has reached the point (which the name denotes) there is no occasion to be anxious (through fear of a change). Let him be as the sun at noon.
Explanation of the separate lines
1. The first NINE, undivided, shows its subject meeting with his mate. Though they are both of the same character, there will be no error. Advance will call forth approval.
2. The second SIX, divided, shows its subject surrounded by screens so large and thick that at midday he can see from them the constellation of the Bushel. If he go (and try to enlighten his ruler who is thus of emblem), he will make himself to be viewed with suspicion and dislike. Let him cherish his feeling of sincere devotion that he may thereby move (his ruler's mind), and there will be good fortune.
3. The third NINE, undivided, shows its subject with an (additional) screen of a large and thick banner, through which at midday he can see (the small) Mei star. (In the darkness) he breaks his right arm; but there will be no error.
4. T he fourth NINE, undivided, shows its subject in a tent so large and thick that at midday he can see from it the constellation of the Bushel. But he meets with the subject of the (first) line, undivided like himself. There will be good fortune.
5. The fifth SIX, divided, shows its subject bringing around him the men of brilliant ability. There will be occasion for congratulation and praise. There will be good fortune.
6. The topmost SIX, divided, shows its subject with his house made large, but only serving as a screen to his household. When he looks at his door, it is still, and there is nobody about it. For three years no one is to be seen. There will be evil.
When George learned about Mr Cancer has returned last week, like last time, he consulted I-Ching, probably the oldest book in fortune telling. The hexagram he drawn was No.55, and for ease of reference, here below is the original text. You would notice that there is a "General Meaning" which elaborated the meaning of the text based on it's historical background. Meanwhile, there is an "Academic Meaning" which explained the symbolic meaning of the hexagram. Accordingly, this is a "positive/good" hexagram. Then, people usually would then imply the understanding of this hexagram and apply in his own case, and therefore, in my case, it's about my Cancer returned.
Here is the interpretation: Making good progress and development. I have reached a point that there is no fear or anxious, and nothing to worry about. Let it be as the "sun at noon". Let it shine as bright as possible.... Yes, let it shine as bright as possible!
George, after studying I-Ching for all these years, openly (and in great humbleness) admitted that he does not understand the text, but as the hexagram ended with a "good" word, the overall meaning should be good. This prompted me to read this hexagram in more details, and as you may observed from the "academic meaning" listed below, it actually composes of both good fortune and evil, and he also broke his arm, etc. The important message here, I gathered, if I stand undivided and firmly stayed the path, "good fortune" will come! If you think again, no matter what difficulty you are facing, as long as you stand undivided (faith unshaken) and firmly stayed the path with good confidence in yourself, especially maintain a positive attitude, "good fortune" has already come. It has indeed arrived and no need to wait for tomorrow! Thank you George!
+++++ +++++ +++++
Hexagram Number 55
Keyword(s): Greatness
Symbolic of: greatness
THE FĂNG HEXAGRAM
The General Meaning
Făng intimates progress and development. When a king has reached the point (which the name denotes) there is no occasion to be anxious (through fear of a change). Let him be as the sun at noon.
Explanation of the separate lines
1. The first NINE, undivided, shows its subject meeting with his mate. Though they are both of the same character, there will be no error. Advance will call forth approval.
2. The second SIX, divided, shows its subject surrounded by screens so large and thick that at midday he can see from them the constellation of the Bushel. If he go (and try to enlighten his ruler who is thus of emblem), he will make himself to be viewed with suspicion and dislike. Let him cherish his feeling of sincere devotion that he may thereby move (his ruler's mind), and there will be good fortune.
3. The third NINE, undivided, shows its subject with an (additional) screen of a large and thick banner, through which at midday he can see (the small) Mei star. (In the darkness) he breaks his right arm; but there will be no error.
4. T he fourth NINE, undivided, shows its subject in a tent so large and thick that at midday he can see from it the constellation of the Bushel. But he meets with the subject of the (first) line, undivided like himself. There will be good fortune.
5. The fifth SIX, divided, shows its subject bringing around him the men of brilliant ability. There will be occasion for congratulation and praise. There will be good fortune.
6. The topmost SIX, divided, shows its subject with his house made large, but only serving as a screen to his household. When he looks at his door, it is still, and there is nobody about it. For three years no one is to be seen. There will be evil.
16 December, 2010
Superficial Treatment ... Actually!
On 13th December, 2010 (Monday), consultation was arranged to meet with the radiologists in BCCA. They checked on my chest pain (on the right side) as well as other complaints that I had in recent weeks. They immediately ordered one round of radiotherapy for me. Keep in mind that my appointment started only at 2:45pm and the whole process completed by 4:00pm. I considered this very efficient and again I was treated like VIP.
A new term I learned this time is "superficial". Radiation therapy aims to maximize the number of cancer cells destroyed, while minimizing the damage to nearby normal cells. As low energy x-rays do not penetrate very deep into the body and transmit most of their energy into the skin. These low energy x-rays are often called superficial or orthovoltage x-rays. In my case, using superficial rays can kill cancer cells inside my ribs (near the surface) and would not harm my organs underneath. I am sure you know what "superficial" means traditionally and generally. When I heard the radiologists said "we are going to use the superficial treatment on you", I asked "Superficial?" He replied positively and affirmatively. (Hahahah!)
Now 4 days after the superficial treatment, I am feeling better and stronger. Compare with the last radiotherapy (also my first) back on 18th March, 2010, rather than a square shape with a few crosses for aiming accuracy. This time, as you can see in picture below, is a 18 x 10 rectangular shape and a dotted line at the bottom. After setting the machine and the body at the proper position, the radiation process itself took ONLY 2 minutes and I was done for this time. Unlike last time, which I need to return every day for the week!
The whole treatment left me with an impression ... well ... quite superficial! But I certainly hope Mr Cancer - My Friend is being treated well this time. The chemotherapy will start next week and I will be using a different drug. Stay tuned and I will share with you more new terms that I learn in the process!
A new term I learned this time is "superficial". Radiation therapy aims to maximize the number of cancer cells destroyed, while minimizing the damage to nearby normal cells. As low energy x-rays do not penetrate very deep into the body and transmit most of their energy into the skin. These low energy x-rays are often called superficial or orthovoltage x-rays. In my case, using superficial rays can kill cancer cells inside my ribs (near the surface) and would not harm my organs underneath. I am sure you know what "superficial" means traditionally and generally. When I heard the radiologists said "we are going to use the superficial treatment on you", I asked "Superficial?" He replied positively and affirmatively. (Hahahah!)
Now 4 days after the superficial treatment, I am feeling better and stronger. Compare with the last radiotherapy (also my first) back on 18th March, 2010, rather than a square shape with a few crosses for aiming accuracy. This time, as you can see in picture below, is a 18 x 10 rectangular shape and a dotted line at the bottom. After setting the machine and the body at the proper position, the radiation process itself took ONLY 2 minutes and I was done for this time. Unlike last time, which I need to return every day for the week!
The whole treatment left me with an impression ... well ... quite superficial! But I certainly hope Mr Cancer - My Friend is being treated well this time. The chemotherapy will start next week and I will be using a different drug. Stay tuned and I will share with you more new terms that I learn in the process!
10 December, 2010
Thank You And Keep Smiling Please!
Despite my health situation, I still firmly believe that I am gifted and surrounded by wonderful people, friends and relatives. I am being cared for deeply and overwhelmed by the love and warmth exercised by all these wonderful people. Keep in mind that I have been lazy in writing this blogger for few months and as soon as I posted "My Friend (Cancer) Is Back!", my email inbox immediately filled with your positively energized messages. Some of them make me laugh (together it comes my chest pain) and some give me tears ... tears of happiness derived from your true love and care!
It was 8th December, 1980 when John Lennon's physical life ended. Like many other legends, he out-lived his physical life and continue to live on and influence people. Most of you know well that I am a retard in music, but this fact never stop me from listening to music that my ears enjoyed. Some of these songs, in additional to the music, the lyrics are so beautifully written. They are simply poems in their own right.
Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
This picture was taken by Esther in front of the Apple store inside FashionShow, i.e. the big shopping mall in Las Vegas right opposite to Wynn Hotel, where we stayed.
It was 8th December, 1980 when John Lennon's physical life ended. Like many other legends, he out-lived his physical life and continue to live on and influence people. Most of you know well that I am a retard in music, but this fact never stop me from listening to music that my ears enjoyed. Some of these songs, in additional to the music, the lyrics are so beautifully written. They are simply poems in their own right.
Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
This picture was taken by Esther in front of the Apple store inside FashionShow, i.e. the big shopping mall in Las Vegas right opposite to Wynn Hotel, where we stayed.
09 December, 2010
My Friend (Cancer) Is Back!
Thank you to Joey (my brother) and his friends, who organized and invited Esther and I to join them for a 4 days trip to Las Vegas over last weekend. The weather was just perfect as it's not hot nor cold. It's purely coincident that on 5th December, 2010 (Sunday), starting 6:30am was the Las Vegas Marathon, and as we were staying in Wynn, and facing the Las Vegas Strip where the runners were running up and down, we had the best view of the 28,000 people running the marathon. It's really spectacular and makes you feel like running with them, or at least you can pretend to do so.
Then, on Monday 6th December, 2010, Esther and I went to see one of the 7 world natural wonders. Yes, you guessed right, the Grand Canyon. If you picked up any version of "100 places you must visit before you die", Grand Canyon is always in the list. Indeed, it's so so beautiful and immediately acquire the feeling of how small (and insignificant) we are.
Lately, two sides of my hip and my right chest are feeling some pain from time to time. Even though I am under pain management, the pain can be acute for the time and hit me hard. Like someone plunge a knife into you. Various tests and scans confirmed today that Cancer My Friend is now back, this time more on the liver and the chest bones. Like last time, I am going to treat my friend well. Of course, the result is not me to control, but you know what, the process I can at least choose to enjoy, rather than suffering from it. There are always two sides of a coin, and at least two sides of everything. We must learn, and re-learn, how to live peacefully with both sides of all things. No matter what cards we have in our hands, our job is to get the best out of them. If you look again, life is always good ... if you choose to see more the bright side of it and stay positively.
Then, on Monday 6th December, 2010, Esther and I went to see one of the 7 world natural wonders. Yes, you guessed right, the Grand Canyon. If you picked up any version of "100 places you must visit before you die", Grand Canyon is always in the list. Indeed, it's so so beautiful and immediately acquire the feeling of how small (and insignificant) we are.
Lately, two sides of my hip and my right chest are feeling some pain from time to time. Even though I am under pain management, the pain can be acute for the time and hit me hard. Like someone plunge a knife into you. Various tests and scans confirmed today that Cancer My Friend is now back, this time more on the liver and the chest bones. Like last time, I am going to treat my friend well. Of course, the result is not me to control, but you know what, the process I can at least choose to enjoy, rather than suffering from it. There are always two sides of a coin, and at least two sides of everything. We must learn, and re-learn, how to live peacefully with both sides of all things. No matter what cards we have in our hands, our job is to get the best out of them. If you look again, life is always good ... if you choose to see more the bright side of it and stay positively.
30 November, 2010
Many Thumbs Up! And Psalm 23.
One more thing happened on 28th November, 2010 (Sunday) was the production crew of Fountain of Love and Life did an interview with Esther and me. The shooting started at the Canadian Chinese Martyrs Church and then to a park nearby our house and finally at our home. The production crew, though all amateurs, are very professional and well equipped. I have never thought that my life can be so colorful. Even when I am sick and sometime walking painlessly is a challenge itself, I can still experience all these wonderful things in life, for example, "Be a movie star for the day!" or you can say "Be a shooting target for the day!" Hahahah! Either one is okay with me, no debate!
Inside the interview, I mentioned one of my favorite Psalm, i.e. Psalm 23 and please enjoy reading.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Inside the interview, I mentioned one of my favorite Psalm, i.e. Psalm 23 and please enjoy reading.
Psalm 23 - A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
29 November, 2010
28th November Is A Special Day!
Back in February this year, when the doctor said I had six to eight months to live, I didn't think too far from that point. Rather I focused on the "here and now" then at that time. Days and weeks come and go, then months come and go, and I treasure it as a big gift that now in November and almost December and I am still around. The "here and now" is certainly not the same of the then "here and now", but you know what, yesterday was the birthday of Esther. Another birthday that I can sing the song with my kids besides us, see her blowing the candle and eating the cake afterward. You have no idea how fortunate I find myself and such a luxury that I enjoyed.
What made yesterday more special was Olivia attended the Sunday Mass with us! And it's coincidental that it's also the first Sunday mass of Advent, and usually this date we use a new book of mass.
I will not give up hope, as it's actually the least we can do. It will not hurt and can only do you good. We do our part and not to worry about the result, as the traditional wisdom goes ... Try your best and leave the rest to God!
What made yesterday more special was Olivia attended the Sunday Mass with us! And it's coincidental that it's also the first Sunday mass of Advent, and usually this date we use a new book of mass.
I will not give up hope, as it's actually the least we can do. It will not hurt and can only do you good. We do our part and not to worry about the result, as the traditional wisdom goes ... Try your best and leave the rest to God!
20 November, 2010
The First Snow in Vancouver!
Thursday (18/Nov) evening, I was outside in a meeting. When I was driving home, some wet snow was falling. We guys in Richmond usually get the last scene of snow and I was thinking there must be snow on the ground outside of Richmond. Then, the next morning (19/Nov), one can actually see in the news, it was not so bad, just a little cover in white, and I must admit it's beautiful!
Then, last evening (19/Nov), the wet snow came again and you can feel a little colder when walking outside. I slept early last night and when I woke up this morning (20/Nov), the ground was covered with 5 to 6 cm of snow. Now, to me or to guys in Richmond, it is the first snow this winter! (*Why "first" needs to be so special? Hahahah!)
At a distance, a group of children came out to the little slope in the park. The laughter and high peak sound proofs that they are enjoying their time. There is little traffic on the road inside our block, though you would still see people going out walking with their dogs and delivering of newspaper. All the houses, trees and lawns are covered in white, some of them start melting already. It is now a clear blue sky with white clouds. Reflected on the snow on the ground, it makes everything much brighter. The birds of the busy morning disappeared and I can almost hear my own breathe and heart beat sound. It's such a beautiful picture and life is so peaceful!
Then, last evening (19/Nov), the wet snow came again and you can feel a little colder when walking outside. I slept early last night and when I woke up this morning (20/Nov), the ground was covered with 5 to 6 cm of snow. Now, to me or to guys in Richmond, it is the first snow this winter! (*Why "first" needs to be so special? Hahahah!)
At a distance, a group of children came out to the little slope in the park. The laughter and high peak sound proofs that they are enjoying their time. There is little traffic on the road inside our block, though you would still see people going out walking with their dogs and delivering of newspaper. All the houses, trees and lawns are covered in white, some of them start melting already. It is now a clear blue sky with white clouds. Reflected on the snow on the ground, it makes everything much brighter. The birds of the busy morning disappeared and I can almost hear my own breathe and heart beat sound. It's such a beautiful picture and life is so peaceful!
[This photo is taken by Mr William Yeung.]
19 November, 2010
Everyday is a gift!
The autumn in Vancouver (Canada) is beautiful! The color of the trees, randomly planted, are blended together and give spectacular color, from light green to dark green, from pale yellow to deep red, and imagine all the color tones in between. Then, when you look at it from a distance, all the colors kind of blur and expose together and form such a beautiful picture. Like they say, you only need an automatic camera and simply click anywhere you like and it would be a nice picture taken.
Some may complain it's raining outside, and some may not like the wind. But you know what, if you take the first step, wear sufficiently warm (a hat and gloves would be good ideas) and go out, almost instantly, you will feel the freshness of the air (I bet the oxygen level must be high) and after a few breath, you will not feel the cold any longer. Then, for the rain, unless it's raining like dripping, as soon as you walk outside, you would see the rain is actually much smaller than you think, it doesn't bother you at all. It fall on your outer-coat, wet a bit, and then it will dry fairly quickly. Sometimes the rain is more like mist, it stay on your coat and it disappears before you would notice them.
The feeling of my body's existence is a good one. I can feel the air through my lung movement, feel the temperature with my skin. Of course, my eyes see and my ears hear, but most important of all, I am in the good hands of Mother Nature, totally surrounded by the air, rain or sunshine. The beautiful trees, the flowers, the grasses, etc.
I am so happy and filled with joy! I am satisfied and what else do I need? Everyday of my existence is a gift! Thank you!
Some may complain it's raining outside, and some may not like the wind. But you know what, if you take the first step, wear sufficiently warm (a hat and gloves would be good ideas) and go out, almost instantly, you will feel the freshness of the air (I bet the oxygen level must be high) and after a few breath, you will not feel the cold any longer. Then, for the rain, unless it's raining like dripping, as soon as you walk outside, you would see the rain is actually much smaller than you think, it doesn't bother you at all. It fall on your outer-coat, wet a bit, and then it will dry fairly quickly. Sometimes the rain is more like mist, it stay on your coat and it disappears before you would notice them.
The feeling of my body's existence is a good one. I can feel the air through my lung movement, feel the temperature with my skin. Of course, my eyes see and my ears hear, but most important of all, I am in the good hands of Mother Nature, totally surrounded by the air, rain or sunshine. The beautiful trees, the flowers, the grasses, etc.
I am so happy and filled with joy! I am satisfied and what else do I need? Everyday of my existence is a gift! Thank you!
12 September, 2010
Talking To A Skull ...
Lately, I am reading a lot about Lao Tzu (or Lao Zi) and Chuang Tzu (or Zhuang Zi). The original Chinese texts, written 2,500 years ago, were rather simple, while there are hundreds of versions of interpretation and translation in the last 2,000 years. Though, the main theme remains the same. There are a lot of verses and stories which I like, and below is one of them (roughly translated by me):
(Keep in mind, this story is written >2,000 years ago.) A guy was walking in a small road at the country side. He saw a skull. He picked it up and asked the skull "How did you die? Were you a poor man and starved to death? Or were you a rich man and being robbed and killed in the defense of your wealth? Or were you an old man who died because of sickness? Or were you a young man who killed yourself because you cannot stand the pressure of an unhappy life? ... ..." With all these questioning, the skull did not reply. The guy was tired and then he used the skull as his pillow and he slept. During his sleep, he had a dream. The skull talked to him "Now I am wandering in the universe, so freely and so comfortably, without my body and I cannot feel the pain, wealth is of no use to me and nothing can upset me. The questions that you asked me is of no value to me." Then, the guy asked him, "Would you like to return to this earth and continue your life if you can have your fresh and skeleton back?" The skull replied, "Of course not, now that I am so comfortable and so free, I can go anywhere I like and are not attached to anything. I am like a breath of air that does not have shape/form and neither am I need to reply on anything/anywhere. Why would I like to be back with my human body to suffer again?" ... The guy then woke up, smiled and said, "Earthly people worried about death, the dead (people) never worried about the earthly people!" ... ... ...
Do we know death? What is death? If we know death, then we know how to live ... happily!
[This photo is taken by Danny Chan.]
(Keep in mind, this story is written >2,000 years ago.) A guy was walking in a small road at the country side. He saw a skull. He picked it up and asked the skull "How did you die? Were you a poor man and starved to death? Or were you a rich man and being robbed and killed in the defense of your wealth? Or were you an old man who died because of sickness? Or were you a young man who killed yourself because you cannot stand the pressure of an unhappy life? ... ..." With all these questioning, the skull did not reply. The guy was tired and then he used the skull as his pillow and he slept. During his sleep, he had a dream. The skull talked to him "Now I am wandering in the universe, so freely and so comfortably, without my body and I cannot feel the pain, wealth is of no use to me and nothing can upset me. The questions that you asked me is of no value to me." Then, the guy asked him, "Would you like to return to this earth and continue your life if you can have your fresh and skeleton back?" The skull replied, "Of course not, now that I am so comfortable and so free, I can go anywhere I like and are not attached to anything. I am like a breath of air that does not have shape/form and neither am I need to reply on anything/anywhere. Why would I like to be back with my human body to suffer again?" ... The guy then woke up, smiled and said, "Earthly people worried about death, the dead (people) never worried about the earthly people!" ... ... ...
Do we know death? What is death? If we know death, then we know how to live ... happily!
06 September, 2010
The Case For GOD!
It's more than 6 years that I read Karen Armstrong's book "The History of God!" which struck me as a very thorough and comprehensive elaboration of ... well ... the history of god(s) around the world. It helps me broadened my understanding of religion and certainly clarify a few of my thoughts in the past.
Since then, Karen has written quite a few books and developing into an expert and advocate in religion issues. One paragraph at the Epilogue worth repeating herein.
We have become used to thinking that religion should provide us with information. Is there a God? How did the world come into being? But this is a modern preoccupation. Religion was never supposed to provide answers to questions that lay within the reach of human reason. That was the role of logos. Religion's task, closely allied to that of art, was to help us to live creatively, peacefully, and even joyously with realities for which there were no easy explanations and problems that we could not solve: mortality, pain, grief, despair, and outrage at the injustice and cruelty of life. Over the centuries people in all cultures discovered that by pushing their reasoning powers to the limit, stretching language to the end of its tether, and living as selflessly and compassionately as possible, they experienced a transcendence that enabled them to affirm their suffering with serenity and courage. Scientific rationality can tell us why we have cancer; it can even cure us of our disease. But it cannot assuage the terror, disappointment, and sorrow that come with the diagnosis, nor can it help us to die well. That is not within its competence. Religion will not work automatically, however; it requires a great deal of effort and cannot succeed if it is facile, false, idolatrous, of self-indulgent.
Since then, Karen has written quite a few books and developing into an expert and advocate in religion issues. One paragraph at the Epilogue worth repeating herein.
We have become used to thinking that religion should provide us with information. Is there a God? How did the world come into being? But this is a modern preoccupation. Religion was never supposed to provide answers to questions that lay within the reach of human reason. That was the role of logos. Religion's task, closely allied to that of art, was to help us to live creatively, peacefully, and even joyously with realities for which there were no easy explanations and problems that we could not solve: mortality, pain, grief, despair, and outrage at the injustice and cruelty of life. Over the centuries people in all cultures discovered that by pushing their reasoning powers to the limit, stretching language to the end of its tether, and living as selflessly and compassionately as possible, they experienced a transcendence that enabled them to affirm their suffering with serenity and courage. Scientific rationality can tell us why we have cancer; it can even cure us of our disease. But it cannot assuage the terror, disappointment, and sorrow that come with the diagnosis, nor can it help us to die well. That is not within its competence. Religion will not work automatically, however; it requires a great deal of effort and cannot succeed if it is facile, false, idolatrous, of self-indulgent.
01 September, 2010
Fear Of Failure Is Ultimately Selfish!
Being a business executive for a long time (>25 years), reading autobiography by business icons is both joyful and educating. One of my recent read is by Henry Paulson, the Secretary of Treasury who served under George W. Bush's last term. A lot of people, including Henry's own mother and wife, didn't understand his decision to take up this job from the helm of Goldman Sachs. At a certain point, even Henry himself found it hard to accept this appointment and pushed back on it.
In his book, On The Brink, he talked about this time and how he overcame it at the end.
I was still struggling to decide. ... As I thought through my decision, I recognized that it was simply fear that was causing me such anxiety. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown: the uncertainty of working with a group of people I had hever worked with before and managing people I had never managed before.
Once I understood this, I pushed back hard against the fear. I wasn't going to give in to that. I prayed for the humility to do something not out of a sense of ego, but out of the fundamental understanding that one's job in life is to express the good that comes from God. I always believed you should run toward problems and challenges; it was what I told the kids in camp when I was a counselor, and I now told myself that again. Fear of failure is ultimately selfish; it reflects a preoccupation with self and overlooks the fact that one's strength and abilities come from the divine Mind.
Yes, we should run toward problems and challenges, whether the challenge is to take up a new job or facing chronically illness. Fear of any kind is selfish and indeed it overlooks our strength and ability!
[This photo is taken by Derek Lee in Seattle!]
In his book, On The Brink, he talked about this time and how he overcame it at the end.
I was still struggling to decide. ... As I thought through my decision, I recognized that it was simply fear that was causing me such anxiety. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown: the uncertainty of working with a group of people I had hever worked with before and managing people I had never managed before.
Once I understood this, I pushed back hard against the fear. I wasn't going to give in to that. I prayed for the humility to do something not out of a sense of ego, but out of the fundamental understanding that one's job in life is to express the good that comes from God. I always believed you should run toward problems and challenges; it was what I told the kids in camp when I was a counselor, and I now told myself that again. Fear of failure is ultimately selfish; it reflects a preoccupation with self and overlooks the fact that one's strength and abilities come from the divine Mind.
Yes, we should run toward problems and challenges, whether the challenge is to take up a new job or facing chronically illness. Fear of any kind is selfish and indeed it overlooks our strength and ability!
[This photo is taken by Derek Lee in Seattle!]
26 August, 2010
Imagine --- By John Lennon
From time to time, I am sadden by incidents or things happening around me. And sometime it is difficult to escape from it/them, or at least not instantly. I personally find music a good cleanser and with soothing effect.
Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
24 August, 2010
Death Is So Close To Us!
Death is never far from us! Yet people still bid for luck, or false hope, or simply lack of the courage in facing it (death) squarely and choose to escape or naively believing in something that they knew well would not work. Some described this "the market of hope" and it usually have a high value-added and difficult to benchmark the value of a life, or a day longer living, etc.
Open the newspaper today, 8 hostages were killed, 7 injured, 6 were released earlier. It was originally a group of 21 happy tour to Manila of Philippines. In the past 4 days, families were enjoying their holidays, enjoying their time together with other family members. Manila was considered a safe place to travel as for years and millions were in and out there without any issues. Then, walked up to the bus was this once outstanding (ex-)policeman, at his middle age, held the happy families as his hostage in seeking abandonment of his investigation and resume of work! This soft spoken person even told the hostages more than once he was not going to hurt them and they won't be killed. On the other hand, he did mention that he may be killed but not the hostages.
We don't really know what happened later that day, was the guy got agitated by the arrest of his brother, or all of a sudden, he changed into a cold-blooded, mindless, out-of-mind person, or it's simply the fate of life. This guy died at the scene, together with the 8 other people who otherwise were happy members of their own families. Lots of critique were on the handling of the Philippines police force incharge of the rescue plan, some went so far to blame the whole country and their people. Or can we not pause and think for a second, it's an unfortunate incident that happened. Yes, it's just another unfortunate incident that happened. The message is clear and loud, death is not far from us, and let's live our life to our fullest everyday!
19 August, 2010
Banker To The Poor - By Muhammad Yunus
Muhammad Yunus is now a famous Nobel Peace Prize winner for his Micro-lending project fighting against world poverty. Reading his autobiography of Banker To The Poor is a joy as his English is very concise and with great fun! There are a few paragraphs, in the Introduction Chapter, which I enjoy, and thus quoted here below:
In the year 1974 Bangladesh fell into the grip of famine.
The university where I taught and served as head of the Economics Department was located in the southeastern extremity of the country, and at first we did not pay much attention to the newspaper stories of death and starvation in the remote villages of the north. But then skeleton-like people began showing up in the railway stations and bus stations of the capital, Dhaka. Soon this trickle became a flood. Hungry people were everywhere. Often they sat so still that one could not be sure whether they were alive or dead. They all looked alike: men, women, children. Old people looked like children, and children looked like old people.
The government opened gruel kitchens. But every new gruel kitchen ran out of rice. Newspaper reporters tried to warn the nation of the extent of the famine. Research institutions collected statistics on the sources and causes of the sudden migration to the cities. Religious organizations mobilized groups to pick up the dead bodies from the streets and bury them with the proper rites. But soon the simple act of collecting the dead became a larger task then these groups were equipped to handle.
The starving people did not chant any slogans. They did not demand anything from us well-fed city folk. They simply lay down very quietly on our doorsteps and waited to die.
There are many ways for people to die, but somehow dying of starvation is the most unacceptable of all. It happens in slow motion. Second by second, the distance between life and death becomes smaller and smaller, until the two are in such close proximity that one can hardly tell the difference. Like sleep, death by starvation happens so quietly, so inexorably, one does not even sense it happening. And all for the lack of a handful of rice at each meal. In this world of plenty, a tiny baby, who does not yet understand the mystery of the world, is allowed to cry and cry and finally fall asleep without the milk she needs to survive. The next day the may she may not have the strength to continue living.
... ... ...
In the year 1974 Bangladesh fell into the grip of famine.
The university where I taught and served as head of the Economics Department was located in the southeastern extremity of the country, and at first we did not pay much attention to the newspaper stories of death and starvation in the remote villages of the north. But then skeleton-like people began showing up in the railway stations and bus stations of the capital, Dhaka. Soon this trickle became a flood. Hungry people were everywhere. Often they sat so still that one could not be sure whether they were alive or dead. They all looked alike: men, women, children. Old people looked like children, and children looked like old people.
The government opened gruel kitchens. But every new gruel kitchen ran out of rice. Newspaper reporters tried to warn the nation of the extent of the famine. Research institutions collected statistics on the sources and causes of the sudden migration to the cities. Religious organizations mobilized groups to pick up the dead bodies from the streets and bury them with the proper rites. But soon the simple act of collecting the dead became a larger task then these groups were equipped to handle.
The starving people did not chant any slogans. They did not demand anything from us well-fed city folk. They simply lay down very quietly on our doorsteps and waited to die.
There are many ways for people to die, but somehow dying of starvation is the most unacceptable of all. It happens in slow motion. Second by second, the distance between life and death becomes smaller and smaller, until the two are in such close proximity that one can hardly tell the difference. Like sleep, death by starvation happens so quietly, so inexorably, one does not even sense it happening. And all for the lack of a handful of rice at each meal. In this world of plenty, a tiny baby, who does not yet understand the mystery of the world, is allowed to cry and cry and finally fall asleep without the milk she needs to survive. The next day the may she may not have the strength to continue living.
... ... ...
15 August, 2010
The Optimist Creed - By Christian D. Larson
Promise Yourself ...
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature you meet.
To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.
To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you.
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature you meet.
To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.
To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you.
12 August, 2010
(Almost) An Accident!
There is an interview section with OmniTV this afternoon, so I need to drive downtown. After the recording, and the time was about 3:30pm, in my way back to Richmond. I had a car accident ... almost.
The traffic actually was kind of slow like what you would expect during the day traveling on Main Road, towards south direction. My car stopped, as the first car at the traffic light when facing perpendicularly with King's Edward Road, which is considered a main road. I as in the right side, the slow lane, while next to me, the fast lane was a red 4x4 truck seated with two guys. The traffic light turned green and like every time I did, I pedal on the gas and allow the car to accelerate from it's static position. My eyes were naturally facing forward. Then, the incident happened ... in a split of a second. In the corner of my left eye, I somehow felt the truck next to me was making a abrupt stop. My brain was not really thinking but my natural response, and I must admit it's a unconscious response, was to stop my car too! When my car was almost stopped, I heard a loud crash sound not too far from me. My head turned to the direction of the sound, then I saw a white Mercedes-Benz C-Class sport car crashed into the left head of the truck. The truck didn't really move a lot, but the Mercedes-Benz then took a longer distance to stopped, almost in the middle of the road and not too far from where my car was. Luckily nobody was hurt. Despite the hard crash sound, I would have expected a much bigger damage to both the cars. Thereafter was the usual stuff of getting the insurance things sorted out.
Until I gained back my own conscious I only then learned I was having some serious body sweat. If I did not respond and stopped my car, surely the white Mercedes-Benz would have crashed on me after crashing on the truck. And as it would have crashed on the left side where the driver was sitting, I am not sure if I would need to be hospitalized. Highly probably, it's a "Yes"!
Everyday we are living, enjoying things that we took them for granted. One incident after another, the message is loud and clear that we cannot take things for granted, and yet granted, we took things for granted and seldom we would show our appreciation to things that are already in our possession.
Thank you for the reminder! Thinking of it ... I am still in sweat!
The traffic actually was kind of slow like what you would expect during the day traveling on Main Road, towards south direction. My car stopped, as the first car at the traffic light when facing perpendicularly with King's Edward Road, which is considered a main road. I as in the right side, the slow lane, while next to me, the fast lane was a red 4x4 truck seated with two guys. The traffic light turned green and like every time I did, I pedal on the gas and allow the car to accelerate from it's static position. My eyes were naturally facing forward. Then, the incident happened ... in a split of a second. In the corner of my left eye, I somehow felt the truck next to me was making a abrupt stop. My brain was not really thinking but my natural response, and I must admit it's a unconscious response, was to stop my car too! When my car was almost stopped, I heard a loud crash sound not too far from me. My head turned to the direction of the sound, then I saw a white Mercedes-Benz C-Class sport car crashed into the left head of the truck. The truck didn't really move a lot, but the Mercedes-Benz then took a longer distance to stopped, almost in the middle of the road and not too far from where my car was. Luckily nobody was hurt. Despite the hard crash sound, I would have expected a much bigger damage to both the cars. Thereafter was the usual stuff of getting the insurance things sorted out.
Until I gained back my own conscious I only then learned I was having some serious body sweat. If I did not respond and stopped my car, surely the white Mercedes-Benz would have crashed on me after crashing on the truck. And as it would have crashed on the left side where the driver was sitting, I am not sure if I would need to be hospitalized. Highly probably, it's a "Yes"!
Everyday we are living, enjoying things that we took them for granted. One incident after another, the message is loud and clear that we cannot take things for granted, and yet granted, we took things for granted and seldom we would show our appreciation to things that are already in our possession.
Thank you for the reminder! Thinking of it ... I am still in sweat!
07 August, 2010
First Week Into Normal Life!
This week's weather, to most of people in Pacific coast, is so so nice! Some may say the day time is a bit hot but then the blue sky, the white clouds, the fresh dry air. This morning, the last day of the week, the sky turns a bit gray, and earlier this morning, there was rain coming down and the grass is still wet with darker color.
This week is a memorable week, not because of it's weather, but because this week is the first week for me, and my family, to return to normal life. There is a pain-killer advertisement in the TV, which says, "Return to your normal ... whatever your normal is!" ... Okay ... WHATEVER my normal is, or more precisely, whatever my normal WAS! ... Hahahah!
Last Monday (2nd August) was a long weekend, for the BC Day. Together with hundred something church goers from Canadian Chinese Martyr's Church in Richmond, we visited the Westminster Abbey in Mission. The drive was very comfortable, except my GPS, nicknamed as Simon, kept giving me poor directions, and most often he would say "make a U-Turn if possible". Simon didn't really force me to make a U-Turn, but it is rather annoying to do so as we polite drivers seldom make U-Turn in the middle of the road.
Then, starting Tuesday to Friday, I was working mostly as before. In other words, this is the first week that I return to my normal life, and functioning as if I have not been sick before. Although I am in medication, I am working also to reduce the morphine that I am taking, and I am very glad to say that I am making reasonable progress on it. Then, in the evening, it's now a routine that Esther and I will have an after dinner walk and chit-chat what happened during the day! I am also glad that most of my friends and colleagues also treated me the same as before. We talk and work as if I have not been sick before. Tell ya ... this really gives me very good feeling ... returning to normal as a normal person ... and I am not sick anymore! From time to time, there are stress in my skeletal bones still remind me I am not good in certain postures. Then, I guess it's perfectly okay to admit I have weaknesses in certain position of my body.
I also continue to communicate with cancer fellows or their caregivers. Answering emails and attending phone calls and do whatever possible to aid and smooth their emotion. I am certainly glad that some of you told me and endorsed that my assistance are of big help to you or your relatives suffering cancer. Let me tell you again ..."The pleasure is really mine that I can be of help ... keep in mind that not long ago, or actually still is, I am a cancer patient and I am still living well with him!
This is only the first week, like the first step of a baby learning to walk. I definitely need to work harder in this direction and I am gifted that everyday I found meanings in my life. Praise the Lord!
Esther and I standing in front of the Westminster Abbey in Mission. A beautiful church inside!
This week is a memorable week, not because of it's weather, but because this week is the first week for me, and my family, to return to normal life. There is a pain-killer advertisement in the TV, which says, "Return to your normal ... whatever your normal is!" ... Okay ... WHATEVER my normal is, or more precisely, whatever my normal WAS! ... Hahahah!
Last Monday (2nd August) was a long weekend, for the BC Day. Together with hundred something church goers from Canadian Chinese Martyr's Church in Richmond, we visited the Westminster Abbey in Mission. The drive was very comfortable, except my GPS, nicknamed as Simon, kept giving me poor directions, and most often he would say "make a U-Turn if possible". Simon didn't really force me to make a U-Turn, but it is rather annoying to do so as we polite drivers seldom make U-Turn in the middle of the road.
Then, starting Tuesday to Friday, I was working mostly as before. In other words, this is the first week that I return to my normal life, and functioning as if I have not been sick before. Although I am in medication, I am working also to reduce the morphine that I am taking, and I am very glad to say that I am making reasonable progress on it. Then, in the evening, it's now a routine that Esther and I will have an after dinner walk and chit-chat what happened during the day! I am also glad that most of my friends and colleagues also treated me the same as before. We talk and work as if I have not been sick before. Tell ya ... this really gives me very good feeling ... returning to normal as a normal person ... and I am not sick anymore! From time to time, there are stress in my skeletal bones still remind me I am not good in certain postures. Then, I guess it's perfectly okay to admit I have weaknesses in certain position of my body.
I also continue to communicate with cancer fellows or their caregivers. Answering emails and attending phone calls and do whatever possible to aid and smooth their emotion. I am certainly glad that some of you told me and endorsed that my assistance are of big help to you or your relatives suffering cancer. Let me tell you again ..."The pleasure is really mine that I can be of help ... keep in mind that not long ago, or actually still is, I am a cancer patient and I am still living well with him!
This is only the first week, like the first step of a baby learning to walk. I definitely need to work harder in this direction and I am gifted that everyday I found meanings in my life. Praise the Lord!
Esther and I standing in front of the Westminster Abbey in Mission. A beautiful church inside!
01 August, 2010
Tribute To China!
Guys from Hong Kong, like our family, are spoiled by the various multi-millions dollars spectacular firework shows throughout the year, Chinese New Year, 1st of July and 1st of October, etc. As Victoria Harbor, the water between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula, is surrounded by high rises buildings and anywhere you stand along both sides of the water, you would not be more than 5km away from the firework, and therefore, the fireworks can easily cover the whole universe above your head, and you can not only see, but hear so clearly and smell them as well. Please do forgive me if I am in anyway undermining the fireworks shows in Vancouver during the summer July time. In order to spread the event into 4 days, the fireworks become even smaller, and for a layman like me, there are very little difference, between one country and another that we can tell, be it the technology involved or the design of it. I tried reading through the official website and various newspapers in order to appreciate the hard works done by the people involved, you may also want to try doing same, very little I discover.
After said all above, together with Esther, and thank you for my Michael's courtesy of leaving behind his beloved wife at home (with dinner cooked), we headed off to Point Grey, instead of English Bay, to try out our photography skill in fireworks. When we were driving there by 8:00pm, it was raining, and at one point it was rather heavy. We arrived there and started setting up our cameras, etc., the rain stopped. We set there and chitchatted for about an hour, and people and families start gathering around (actually behind) us, the show started sharply at 10:00pm. Below are a few photos for your enjoyment.
Vancouver: The night is still young!
Typical fireworks ... keep in mind we are quite far away and I needed to zoom-in in order to take above picture.
I somehow like this one as it seems to me Ladies in pink are dancing in the sky ... ...!
After said all above, together with Esther, and thank you for my Michael's courtesy of leaving behind his beloved wife at home (with dinner cooked), we headed off to Point Grey, instead of English Bay, to try out our photography skill in fireworks. When we were driving there by 8:00pm, it was raining, and at one point it was rather heavy. We arrived there and started setting up our cameras, etc., the rain stopped. We set there and chitchatted for about an hour, and people and families start gathering around (actually behind) us, the show started sharply at 10:00pm. Below are a few photos for your enjoyment.
Typical fireworks ... keep in mind we are quite far away and I needed to zoom-in in order to take above picture.
I somehow like this one as it seems to me Ladies in pink are dancing in the sky ... ...!
31 July, 2010
The Encyclopedia of Stupidity!
A very good friend of mine reminded what I sent him in June 2005, i.e. 5 years ago. It's a direct copy from The Encyclopedia of Stupidity by Matthijs van Boxsel, at page 96, it says the following and don't forget to have a good laugh after you finish reading it. And do come back often and read them again and again ... as it serves as a good reminder for us.
Man hides his mental indolence and corruption behind platitudes:
Stupidity has spread the following infernal phrases among men:
Who’d have thought it …
I would never have thought so …
I didn’t notice …
I didn’t realize …
It will have to do …
It makes no difference …
It leaves me cold …
Tomorrow is another day …
No rush …
All in good time …
I didn’t notice …
I know what I want …
I’m not that stupid …
Stop going on like that …
It won’t kill me …
Laughter is the best policy …
Don’t believe everything you hear …
Whatever the cost …
It isn’t possible …
To each his own …
God will provide …
Patience is its own reward …
I’m not the only one …
Enough is enough …
What business is it of yours? …
In my view …
That’s impossible …
Not another word …
I can do no more …
Time will tell …
The world keeps turning …
You only die once …
What are you thinking of? …
Come what may …
I speak my mind …
We are all in the same boat …
I know whom I’m dealing with …
That’s my business …
Wait and see …
That’s what they say: “And lots of “buts” and “maybes”.
But the favorite refrain of these blockheads is ‘Come what may!”
These foolish phrases render men arrogant, lazy and slovenly. They are the ice over which I glide, they make my mistress’s wheel revolve, and spin the sphere that serves her for a shoe. But when these idiots let me escape, can I be blamed for slipping away?
We sometime need to think outside the box, though we are always inside the box (or boxes) of somewhat!
29 July, 2010
The Household Guide To Dying!
I was searching for books to read (about three months' ago) and I used key words "death" and also "dying" and I found this book which is named The Household Guide to Dying written by Debra Adelaide.
The center figure of the book, Delia, is a columnist who provides popular household advice to life's most important problems. However, Delia's life, it turns out, is being cut short, because she is losing her long battle with cancer. Thus, she decides to organize her remaining months, and her husband's and children's lives without her, the same way she has always ordered their household (*I notice some of you may not agree with this approach, and neither do I. On the other hand, leaving some good words or advices to their foreseeable future issues may still be a good idea.).
It's more for a leisure (and not heavy) reading. For example: Tips for those intending to purchase their own coffins: allow for ample time, take supplies, be prepared for surprises. Better still, remember the advantages of online shopping and throw caution to the wind: one is unlikely to get carried away and order several coffins, as happens when buying film posters, novelty cufflinks, cleanskin wines or all the other bargains offered on eBay. (Hahahah!)
Towards the end of the book, there is a paragraph which I like, when talking about her love to the children:
How much I love them, and yet how much I desire to be free. How I can now adore every particle of them and yet for the first time want to leave, without a single stab of guilt. That's a surprise too. I imagined dying to be similar to leaving them at the school gate on the first day,knowing you have to go, you want to go, but every muscle screaming as much as them to stay, every cell clawing you back. But no, now I'm feeling it for the first and last time in my life, I discover it isn't like that at all. I am calm. I feel no pain. I watch them coming and going and my heart could not be fuller with them, but I experience total freedom. My family. It seems to be an ending yet not a goodbye. I seem to be leaving them for something much better, thought I can't have loved them more. Although I want them, I can let them go. Such splendid poetic ambiguity. I thought I was right before this and now I know if for certain. Death is a poetic moment.
The center figure of the book, Delia, is a columnist who provides popular household advice to life's most important problems. However, Delia's life, it turns out, is being cut short, because she is losing her long battle with cancer. Thus, she decides to organize her remaining months, and her husband's and children's lives without her, the same way she has always ordered their household (*I notice some of you may not agree with this approach, and neither do I. On the other hand, leaving some good words or advices to their foreseeable future issues may still be a good idea.).
It's more for a leisure (and not heavy) reading. For example: Tips for those intending to purchase their own coffins: allow for ample time, take supplies, be prepared for surprises. Better still, remember the advantages of online shopping and throw caution to the wind: one is unlikely to get carried away and order several coffins, as happens when buying film posters, novelty cufflinks, cleanskin wines or all the other bargains offered on eBay. (Hahahah!)
Towards the end of the book, there is a paragraph which I like, when talking about her love to the children:
How much I love them, and yet how much I desire to be free. How I can now adore every particle of them and yet for the first time want to leave, without a single stab of guilt. That's a surprise too. I imagined dying to be similar to leaving them at the school gate on the first day,knowing you have to go, you want to go, but every muscle screaming as much as them to stay, every cell clawing you back. But no, now I'm feeling it for the first and last time in my life, I discover it isn't like that at all. I am calm. I feel no pain. I watch them coming and going and my heart could not be fuller with them, but I experience total freedom. My family. It seems to be an ending yet not a goodbye. I seem to be leaving them for something much better, thought I can't have loved them more. Although I want them, I can let them go. Such splendid poetic ambiguity. I thought I was right before this and now I know if for certain. Death is a poetic moment.
27 July, 2010
You Should Write Your Story ... Cause Someday You Will Die!
Under the encouragement of a lot of you, the readers of this Blogger, friends and friends of friends, I have started preparing myself in writing a book. So as you may imagine correctly, I borrowed a few books from the library and also started doing my desk research (i.e. Google). One of the book, named "The Autobiographer's Handbook" edited by Jennifer Traig is a good reference and it is filled with advises from various writers. Right at the beginning, in the introduction by Dave Eggers, when he discussed why one should write a memoir, he cut right at the point, he said "You should write your story because you will someday die, and without your story on paper, most of it will be forgotten." Hahahah! I can't help laughing as this statement is precisely why (or at least one of the three main reasons) I started this Blogger, i.e. to allow something tangible for my family and friends to hold on when I am no longer around them.
It continues and almost towards the end of the introduction, it quoted a paragraph.
... There is no one in all the world toward whom I have an unkind thought, and I trust I have the good will of all mankind, and I have been blessed with some kind friends, whose faithful affection has made life worth living and very beautiful. ...
I live for those who love me,
For those who know me true;
For the Heaven that smiles above me,
And awaits my coming, too.
For the wrongs that need resistance,
For the right that needs assistance,
For the glory in the distance,
And the good that I can do.
There are a few chapters in this book which I specially enjoyed reading, e.g. Writing Through Pain, the Appendixes, etc., while the last sentence of the book is very encouraging, it says "We thank you for listening to us as we wait to listen to you." Okay, let's start the writing then!
It continues and almost towards the end of the introduction, it quoted a paragraph.
... There is no one in all the world toward whom I have an unkind thought, and I trust I have the good will of all mankind, and I have been blessed with some kind friends, whose faithful affection has made life worth living and very beautiful. ...
I live for those who love me,
For those who know me true;
For the Heaven that smiles above me,
And awaits my coming, too.
For the wrongs that need resistance,
For the right that needs assistance,
For the glory in the distance,
And the good that I can do.
There are a few chapters in this book which I specially enjoyed reading, e.g. Writing Through Pain, the Appendixes, etc., while the last sentence of the book is very encouraging, it says "We thank you for listening to us as we wait to listen to you." Okay, let's start the writing then!
24 July, 2010
A Special Posting of Comment on This Blogger
This morning I woke up early as I was expecting a call from the other side of the world by 9am. Then, as the call was delayed for an hour, I spent the time in browsing back on the posting of this Blogger and I found one comment posting under "Yesterday Was A Sunday!" dated 5th July, 2010. For your ease of reference, the comment is copied and pasted here below:
Friends directed me to your beautiful site, Matthew, mentioning that you quoted from my memoir "Not Yet". Thank you for building a bridge to my work. Busy writing my new novel to meet a deadline, I can now only peruse a half dozen of your entrees. I focused on the family ones - and what a strong and caring family you have Beyond those who are clearly of your own blood relations, and adopted as I was, to me, "family is who loves you". Buddha said, "Be where you are; otherwise, you will miss your life." And so, in all your joyful sharing of the daily and ordinary pleasures that matter, you reflect a full and contented life. Your words inspire many to feel included in your philosophy of living a good life, to be "family" with you. I look to your living example with much respect. You know the ten thousand blessings. If I may - to you and all your family - with admiration and affection, from your fellow writer,
Wayson Choy, Toronto
Mr Wayson Choy is the writer for a book called "Not Yet" which I did a posting on 24th June, 2010 and he also wrote a few other beautiful books, the Jade Peony, and Paper Shadows, which I just finished reading them. What make Mr Choy special is his experience of facing death and look at his beautiful words and quotation in above posting again.
Thank you Wayson! Thank you for dropping by!
Above are two other books written by Mr Wayson Choy.
Friends directed me to your beautiful site, Matthew, mentioning that you quoted from my memoir "Not Yet". Thank you for building a bridge to my work. Busy writing my new novel to meet a deadline, I can now only peruse a half dozen of your entrees. I focused on the family ones - and what a strong and caring family you have Beyond those who are clearly of your own blood relations, and adopted as I was, to me, "family is who loves you". Buddha said, "Be where you are; otherwise, you will miss your life." And so, in all your joyful sharing of the daily and ordinary pleasures that matter, you reflect a full and contented life. Your words inspire many to feel included in your philosophy of living a good life, to be "family" with you. I look to your living example with much respect. You know the ten thousand blessings. If I may - to you and all your family - with admiration and affection, from your fellow writer,
Wayson Choy, Toronto
Mr Wayson Choy is the writer for a book called "Not Yet" which I did a posting on 24th June, 2010 and he also wrote a few other beautiful books, the Jade Peony, and Paper Shadows, which I just finished reading them. What make Mr Choy special is his experience of facing death and look at his beautiful words and quotation in above posting again.
Thank you Wayson! Thank you for dropping by!
Above are two other books written by Mr Wayson Choy.
22 July, 2010
Despicable Me!
I haven't been to the cinema for a very long time and I recall vaguely that last time I was there for the Avatar (which was an excellent movie). Then, yesterday afternoon, after a few weeks talking about it, we decided to take the early show of Despicable Me in 3D. I must admit, nowadays, only 3D films can draw me into the cinema, and believe me, I can be there for days after days, watching all these 3D movies.
The story is a relative simple one, a bad guy is transformed into a good guy by the warm hearts of a few cute little girls. Surely you would agree that you are there NOT for the story line, but more to appreciate the details of the character and 90 minutes of visual and audio effects that allow you to escape from the real world temporary. And you may be able to leave the cinema with a few lines that you treasured most, or even pretended that you are one of the characters. (*I actually like Victor a lot, and his little belly underneath the exercise suit, and not pajama!)
It's a lovely movie and brought good memories to us and I encourage you to also find time to enjoy this movie (or anyone else you like, e.g. the Inception, I was told is very good too!). Relaxation can be in the form of "gently breath in and breath out", and relaxation can be enjoying a movie with someone you care and love, or relaxation can be just half an hour walk in a park nearby. Keep in mind "Relax" is difficult to learn, but as soon as you can master this skill, you will be able find already 50% of the joy of life. I am still learning but I am glad that I am making good progress in this direction.
The story is a relative simple one, a bad guy is transformed into a good guy by the warm hearts of a few cute little girls. Surely you would agree that you are there NOT for the story line, but more to appreciate the details of the character and 90 minutes of visual and audio effects that allow you to escape from the real world temporary. And you may be able to leave the cinema with a few lines that you treasured most, or even pretended that you are one of the characters. (*I actually like Victor a lot, and his little belly underneath the exercise suit, and not pajama!)
It's a lovely movie and brought good memories to us and I encourage you to also find time to enjoy this movie (or anyone else you like, e.g. the Inception, I was told is very good too!). Relaxation can be in the form of "gently breath in and breath out", and relaxation can be enjoying a movie with someone you care and love, or relaxation can be just half an hour walk in a park nearby. Keep in mind "Relax" is difficult to learn, but as soon as you can master this skill, you will be able find already 50% of the joy of life. I am still learning but I am glad that I am making good progress in this direction.
17 July, 2010
Recovery Or Remission
In Chinese language, it is hard to differentiate between "recovery" and "remission". Since yesterday's interview article in Sing Tao Daily, a lot of friends, and friends of friends, called or emailed me and congratulated me on my "miraculous recovery". Which "recovery" means usually "return to healthy and normal life". In the case of cancer, which also expressed in my previous postings, we need to be caution that once we have cancer with us, it is going to be with us, and we need to learn how to "live with him". In my case, I am very lucky (again Praise the Lord) that apparently I responded well to the drug (Tarceva), in additional to other contributors, and as per my latest CT-Scan (on 22/June 2010) that most of the foot prints of Mr Cancer in my body is now gone (except effusion on my left chest and it will take some time for the spines and skeletal bones to repair themselves). In medical term, usually my situation is called "in remission", which means "temporary diminution" (reduction in disease/pain). Like what I posted on 28th June, 2010, the day that I learned about my latest progress, we still need to be cautious to take good care of ourselves, be it the diet, or managing the side effects of the drugs. Although the cancer is in remission now, we need to be prepared that it may come back ... anytime at his wish! On the other hand, like everyday before, we shall continue to live our life to the fullest ... everyday!
A lot of you want me to disclose the secrets of my "speedy recovery" (and again it's in remission versus recovery), and other than those 5 contributing factors, I really don't have much to offer. Also, please take special note that everyone of us are different individuals, we are a stand-alone system and may respond differently to same things. Therefore, I would suggest each one of us should try to tailor ourselves for a scheme best suiting ourselves. I will try to write more in this direction in future postings and I certainly hope you will find them useful. The most important of all remains "the positive attitude" as once you decide to stay strong emotionally, your positive energy immediately comes to you and you can actually feel you are stronger already. Try to take a deep breathe and you can immediately feel the oxygen being transmitted through your blood vessels into your body, the positive energy! Stay relax and keep breathing in and then out ... repeat this a few times and you should already feel the effectiveness of your body.
All best wishes to all of you, good health and an enjoyable everyday life!
This picture was taken in West Lake in Hangzhou City of China. It's so relax and peaceful. Then, you can actually follow the rhythm of the willow and then breath-in and breath-out.
A lot of you want me to disclose the secrets of my "speedy recovery" (and again it's in remission versus recovery), and other than those 5 contributing factors, I really don't have much to offer. Also, please take special note that everyone of us are different individuals, we are a stand-alone system and may respond differently to same things. Therefore, I would suggest each one of us should try to tailor ourselves for a scheme best suiting ourselves. I will try to write more in this direction in future postings and I certainly hope you will find them useful. The most important of all remains "the positive attitude" as once you decide to stay strong emotionally, your positive energy immediately comes to you and you can actually feel you are stronger already. Try to take a deep breathe and you can immediately feel the oxygen being transmitted through your blood vessels into your body, the positive energy! Stay relax and keep breathing in and then out ... repeat this a few times and you should already feel the effectiveness of your body.
All best wishes to all of you, good health and an enjoyable everyday life!
This picture was taken in West Lake in Hangzhou City of China. It's so relax and peaceful. Then, you can actually follow the rhythm of the willow and then breath-in and breath-out.
16 July, 2010
Thank You For The Call!
Today is Friday and my first appointment didn't start until 10:30am, so I decided to sleep-in. Esther took Olivia to the summer school so I don't need to get up early, except got up briefly for my morning medication. Then, it was about 9:00am that my house phone rang. A man's voice on the other side, speaking in Mandarin but of very strong Cantonese accent, claiming him as the reporter from a state news agency, and would like to do an interview with me. ... ... Hahahah! It's the voice of my old buddy George, although I must admit "Your Mandarin has improved a lot since all your frequent traveling to China in recent years!"
It's a great and enjoyable surprise for me to get a call from my old buddies while I was half sleeping (and didn't quite get back my conscious yet). I am also very thankful to the latest technology (Skype in this case) that we can do the video conference together. The feeling is great and it's like almost sitting opposite to one another. It's still the start of the day here in Vancouver, while it's already passed mid-night in Hong Kong. "You made my day!" and I decided to get to the Blogger and put this down. In fact, the Sing Tao Daily interview is published also today (reference separate web-links).
Guys, thank you for calling in this morning and don't let it stop! Hahahah!
In above picture, Matthew is sitting with his best three friends!
It's a great and enjoyable surprise for me to get a call from my old buddies while I was half sleeping (and didn't quite get back my conscious yet). I am also very thankful to the latest technology (Skype in this case) that we can do the video conference together. The feeling is great and it's like almost sitting opposite to one another. It's still the start of the day here in Vancouver, while it's already passed mid-night in Hong Kong. "You made my day!" and I decided to get to the Blogger and put this down. In fact, the Sing Tao Daily interview is published also today (reference separate web-links).
Guys, thank you for calling in this morning and don't let it stop! Hahahah!
In above picture, Matthew is sitting with his best three friends!
15 July, 2010
Thirty Thumbs Up!
Lately, as you may notice that I have been keeping myself rather busy. I would even call myself greedy as "time" is so precious for me now that I would like to do as much as possible. In additional to some ad-hoc tasks that are jammed in during the day, e.g. someone would like me to talk to his/her relative who is recently diagnosed with cancer and he/she is not emotionally well. With my pleasure, I am more than happy to talk to them over the phone, or in some cases, even meet with them and sit and talk with them. To share with them what I have just experienced and what I think contributed to my recovery process, among which, positive attitude is ranked the top contributor.
It's about 11:20am this morning that the home phone rang and on the line was Mr Albert Tsui, the senior reporter of Sing Tao Daily. He read my Blogger and learned about my miraculous recovery and would like to do a follow up interview with me. We then set a time for 4:30pm this afternoon to conduct the interview in my home care unit. Albert is a gentleman. He speaks softly and remind me of a good colleague of mine back in Hong Kong. As you can see from below picture, he is a very kind person. The interview is stretched to 75 minutes while originally was meant for 45 minutes. Then, when I asked when the article will be published, keep in mind the time is almost at 6:00pm, he said he is returning to the office to do the writing and the article will be out tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow, i.e. 16th July, 2010. So Dear Readers, get a copy of Sing Tao Daily tomorrow.
As you notice it's our tradition to request our guests to post "thumbs up" for this Blogger. Another two thumbs up! Thank you Albert! (*You may also notice my new look as I have my haircut just last week while the smile remains the same!)
It's about 11:20am this morning that the home phone rang and on the line was Mr Albert Tsui, the senior reporter of Sing Tao Daily. He read my Blogger and learned about my miraculous recovery and would like to do a follow up interview with me. We then set a time for 4:30pm this afternoon to conduct the interview in my home care unit. Albert is a gentleman. He speaks softly and remind me of a good colleague of mine back in Hong Kong. As you can see from below picture, he is a very kind person. The interview is stretched to 75 minutes while originally was meant for 45 minutes. Then, when I asked when the article will be published, keep in mind the time is almost at 6:00pm, he said he is returning to the office to do the writing and the article will be out tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow, i.e. 16th July, 2010. So Dear Readers, get a copy of Sing Tao Daily tomorrow.
As you notice it's our tradition to request our guests to post "thumbs up" for this Blogger. Another two thumbs up! Thank you Albert! (*You may also notice my new look as I have my haircut just last week while the smile remains the same!)
13 July, 2010
Everything Is Going Well!
My last posting was on 6th July, 2010 and it's amazing how time flies and it's already a week since my last posting. Indeed it's kind of extraordinary that I did not touch the computer for so long as I was busy on some other things. For example, I am preparing to return to work (and thus I have been doing so extra work so that I can be better prepared when I am requested to start working), and I have started talking to a few of my friends just in case if I am able to return to my normal work life again. All these activities took up some considerable time and in additional to my "plain laziness" that I would like to lay back and continue to read those unfinished books during the past months. (*I have very bad habit that I like to read a few books in parallel, as a result, some of them were left unfinished which I would then do speed-reading in order to finish them.)
Spain finally won the World Cup in South Africa. It would be better if Netherland could win. As soon as Paul (the Octopus) selected Spain as the winner, I shy away from supporting Netherland as I knew well that Paul is 100% accurate and it's difficult to beat his prediction.
The daily routine is almost back to normal, except that I am having the luxury of getting to relax and have a nap whenever I want to. I am still enjoying my flexible time as the appointments are not too tight and I am able to accommodate any last minutes request to sit for a cup of tea among friends.
The above picture was taken on 11th July 2010 by 11:00am at the end of No.2 Road and the dyke. The water level was low and you can see the river bank easily. People were fishing near there except that they are very small and I personally don't think it's a good idea to take those small fishes home. The weather that day was great and two and a half hours later, in South Africa, Spain won the World Cup 2010!
Spain finally won the World Cup in South Africa. It would be better if Netherland could win. As soon as Paul (the Octopus) selected Spain as the winner, I shy away from supporting Netherland as I knew well that Paul is 100% accurate and it's difficult to beat his prediction.
The daily routine is almost back to normal, except that I am having the luxury of getting to relax and have a nap whenever I want to. I am still enjoying my flexible time as the appointments are not too tight and I am able to accommodate any last minutes request to sit for a cup of tea among friends.
The above picture was taken on 11th July 2010 by 11:00am at the end of No.2 Road and the dyke. The water level was low and you can see the river bank easily. People were fishing near there except that they are very small and I personally don't think it's a good idea to take those small fishes home. The weather that day was great and two and a half hours later, in South Africa, Spain won the World Cup 2010!
06 July, 2010
Normalization Of Life ... And A New Life!
This is written on a T-Shirt: "How the hell did I get this old ?!!" and after the recent tango with Mr Cancer and now that I am having a second chance to live my life, as you can imagine, being me, being a person who cannot sit still, I am planning to do quite a few things. You may have observed that in the past week, I have missed posting in two days, which is against what I used to do, which is aiming at a daily posting.
I have given some serious thoughts on this Blogger, in additional to the plenty of suggestion from you. Keep in mind the original objectives of this Blogger, i.e. to talk (openly) about death and dying, to make cancer our friend, and a record for my family and relatives (for their ease of review in future). Starting from today, I will not do a daily posting, instead I will do a posting whenever I feel like to and especially on things that I find interesting to record (and do a posting on). After said this, do come back often, as it's my intention to keep this Blogger active (except that it would not be a daily posting).
May I also take this opportunity to thank you all for your supports in the past, wish you every best and good health!
05 July, 2010
Yesterday Was A Sunday!
It was cloudy and outside temperature was a little low, though still comfortable. Esther needed to go downtown for a performance, so we got up, had our breakfast and traveled to China town. The performance place is quite special. It locates on Columbia Street, between East Pender and East Hastings, right in the door step of Yin Ping Benevolent Society, as yesterday, it was their 90th Anniversary and therefore the performance.
It's after noon when they started the Chinese dancing program. It's very interesting that when they were performing the Chinese Opera (people singing the Chinese traditional songs), there were not many audience, and as soon as the Chinese dancing program started, the audiences gathered around, and the tourists started to take out their cameras and camcorders to take photos and videos. I also observed that there are some visitors who might have traveled long distance to join this event.
When Esther's performance was near the end, Olivia and I walked back to the car-park and at the corner of Columbia Street, there was a guy painting on the wall.
He simply used some brushes and some simple tools and without sketches he painted very well on the walls. Next time when you are around in Columbia Street, I would assume his works would have finished and you can take some good photos of them. They are quite nice.
Then, we returned to Richmond while some friends were waiting and we had lunch together. After the lunch, I went for an afternoon nap and by the time I woke up, it's about time to attend the evening mass. I totally forgot my medication (pain-killer) and therefore we rushed back home after the mass, took the medication before we went to the restaurant to join everyone for the Sunday dinner. It's very nice to learn everyone has enjoyed their week, spending outdoor camping, fishing trip and overseas visits, and sharing of their great moments during the trips. Life is about sitting among friends and listening to their enjoyable moments. So nice!
It's after noon when they started the Chinese dancing program. It's very interesting that when they were performing the Chinese Opera (people singing the Chinese traditional songs), there were not many audience, and as soon as the Chinese dancing program started, the audiences gathered around, and the tourists started to take out their cameras and camcorders to take photos and videos. I also observed that there are some visitors who might have traveled long distance to join this event.
When Esther's performance was near the end, Olivia and I walked back to the car-park and at the corner of Columbia Street, there was a guy painting on the wall.
He simply used some brushes and some simple tools and without sketches he painted very well on the walls. Next time when you are around in Columbia Street, I would assume his works would have finished and you can take some good photos of them. They are quite nice.
Then, we returned to Richmond while some friends were waiting and we had lunch together. After the lunch, I went for an afternoon nap and by the time I woke up, it's about time to attend the evening mass. I totally forgot my medication (pain-killer) and therefore we rushed back home after the mass, took the medication before we went to the restaurant to join everyone for the Sunday dinner. It's very nice to learn everyone has enjoyed their week, spending outdoor camping, fishing trip and overseas visits, and sharing of their great moments during the trips. Life is about sitting among friends and listening to their enjoyable moments. So nice!
03 July, 2010
The Key Five Contributors
In the past few days, I continuously receiving greetings and blessings from friends and relatives. Of my spines and skeletal bones are still under stress and I am still under the medication of pain-killer (morphine), and like most of you said correctly, I still need to be caution about what I do and eat. BCCA is going to monitor my blood indicator and another CT-Scan in two months' time. Only then I can be ascertain that my condition is stable. Again, even if my condition is stable, I still need to be caution that now I have cancer with me and I need to learn how to live with it (and be prepared that it will come back any time as per it's wish).
In summary, there are five key contributors in my so-called "recovery", or I prefer to call it "improvements":
1) A positive attitude: This is of prime importance. To me, this one stand out significantly. Imagine no matter you are sick or not, if you are having a positive attitude, everyday of yours will be happily lived. This positive attitude can also be contagious and very powerful.
2) The diet change: As recommended by another cancer survivor, I adopted the "alkaline" diet, i.e. to drink a lot of fresh juices and eat mostly (fresh) salad. It is important to avoid red meat and seafood with shell. In a reduced amount, I do eat fishes and white meats. White sugar should be avoided.
3) The health supplements: After careful selection, I decided to take ONLY multi-vatimins and YunZhi (Oncozac), to help on my immunology system.
4) Appropriate exercise: Keep yourself active and move your muscles whenever you can. Even if you are immobile and confined to the bed, you can still move your muscle one by one and keep them active and keep the blood circulation.
5) Qi Gong: I didn't believe in this in the past. But this time I learned it. Basically, it is about relaxation and breathing. It's a very natural activity that most of us can do with ease and it really helps. It also help you mentally (as it's also like meditation).
In future postings, one by one, I shall share with you my experience on above in details. The objective is to provide you with some reference in case you may be interested in them. It's also good for those who are healthy as in my opinion, they are also useful for preventive purpose.
Wish you and your family all the best and good health!
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