Control

A simple word I never thought could be applicable to so many aspects of our daily life. I am so used to relating this word to things such as driving, electronic devices, a dominant overriding person, etc. But now, I am beginning to see it in a very different light.

We are so used to the idea that we are in control of our lives. And when things do not go our way, we get upset, angry, disappointed. Why is that so? Because control leads to expectations. When we think we are in control, we desire what we are controlling to give us the outcome we want. Is this really the way the world works? Or are we conditioned to think as such. We feel good when we are empowered. When we are able to control whatever we wish and to reach our desired goals.

What if we give up this very control, and let nature take its own course? What happens? Does the world stop because we give up control? What exactly are we trying to control? In the Taoism of Lao Tzu and the classic Tai chi shcool of thought, the act of doing by not doing is the true essence of being.

An interesting simile about control comes into mind when I think about wakeboarding. I'll always remember how the instructor keeps reminding any newbie or even me when we are towed behind the boat that we do not need to control the board or anything at all. Just hang on firm to the rope, and the boat will do the rest. This couldn't be any truer for anyone with some experience in wakeboarding can attest to. Once you give up the control, everything becomes so easy. But of course, every now and then when doing certain tricks, I get back into the old habit of trying to assert control. And as always, the harder I try to control, the harder the fall will be. Isn't it interesting? Giving up control and everything just falls into place. Just go with the flow.

The world doesn't stop because we give up control. The world doesn't get messed up just because we stop trying to control and organise it. Nature has its own orders and it doesn't care if you are there or not. The river doesn't stop flowing just because we dam it, it simply flows elsewhere.

Take a step back and watch nature's wonders. Understand and accept that thats just the way it is. Then maybe we will truly see the real beauty within. The peace that comes with giving up control. When less is more.

By the way, who is it that is watching anyway? Me?

幸福

纵然俯看茫茫人世中
多少纷纷扰扰失落的眼神
漂泊的灵魂与无助的身影
深深刻刻印在我心中
不愿看见困惑与悲伤
牵手走出黑暗太阳不西沉
明天复明天希望却何其多
得失只是一种过程
站在世上最高之巅
潜进海里最深之源
终於明白人世间施比受更有福
付出就是一种幸福
用爱走出人生的路
关怀身边每一个人
今后回顾这一生
我不枉费此生
潇洒踏步不带尘土


词:张广新 曲:陈致成 歌手： 黄思婷（台湾）


I do not know why but my mind is unsettled lately. I have been waking up from sleep suddenly with unusual palpitations. I must be mindful and persevere with the right efforts, understanding and concentration.

This melodious song, shared with me by MIL recently, is calming and meaningful. This is but one of The 10 Great Perfections. I shall be heedful....

Giving..

Today, I do not feel very well after lunch but that gives me a little opportunity to reflect a little about my sister.

I know she is very tired but she always answers to every query with energy and attends to mum's every single need promptly and with attentive care.

This is not all. She drops by my place to take a look at grandma who has just been discharged from hospital recently from a bad fall. I can feel sister's heartache over grandma's suffering when she gently chides the maid for her negligence, massages grandma's bruises, helps grandma with medication consumption and changes the diapers etc.

I am so overwhelmed with love and admiration for my sister as my eyes follow her silhouette of action. I ponder if I can ever be like her when giving care to my loved ones... ever so patient and unfailing in loving and caring...I pause... I know I still have a long way to go.. Really long way..

But I know...I am blessed to have her as my sister in my life. She has and will always touch me in ways that many fail.

Tomorrow is her birthday. I pray within my deepest soul that all things sweet and beautiful will come her way always..

Happy Birthday darling sister... I love you.

Crossroads

Juggling with busy lives..

Providing continuous support and care to others..

On-going self-discovery... being whole.. non-attachment..suffering.. impermanence..non-self..

Miss U..

Haven't seen you for a while

I know you are in good hands

But I still wish I could physically be with you now and then

For that warm hugs, small chats, hearty laughter and little kisses

Sigh... 好想您。。。妈妈。。

此刻，只想跟您在一起。。这就是简单而真实的幸福。。。

圆桌

一个家庭似的普通圆桌,
铺过温馨家庭小菜，也展示过山珍海味..
见证一家大小相聚，相商，欢笑，与一切的喜怒哀乐...
往后，它将继续为我们提供一个合家团聚的岗位..
圆桌.....代表了不管什么时候,发生什么事,都一定能圆满完结,不是吗?

Brotherhood

Brotherhood, in simple terms, means a kinship relations between a male and his siblings or friends. While the female groups have their very own "姐妹淘" where intimacy is built on love and loads of sharing, the kindred spirit of brothers seems to emphasize on fierce loyalty and unquestioning trust.

A lot of my male friends swear by this principle. Many a times, we see such loyalty being extended to helping the friends to cover their fallacies or forking out REallyfinancial assistance indiscriminately.

Having said this, I must say that WY's buddies do give me a different perception. They come across as down-to-earth, genuine, and direct. They are so comfortable with other. They embrace each other's strengths and are acutely aware of the weaknesses as well. They don't seem to always "chiong" for their buddies blindly. While each of them may display his own unique characteristics, they generally are able to complement each other when group together to get things done. Their camaraderie spirit is strong and commendable.

I am now part of WY's life. They have accepted and welcomed me into their circle readily - from engaging me in a good conversational piece to cajoling me into participating in some activities to teasing me relentlessly just for a good laugh. For all of these, I am appreciative.

Really, who knows.... perhaps in time to come, I may also be able to build some meaningful kinship relations with these brothers as well. :-)

A Piece of Cake

Passing by any bakery shop or cafe where there is a wide array of cheese cakes being displayed does not attract me at all. For a start, I am not a cheese lover other than the occasional low fat cheese slice to help input some form of calcium into my system.

But our experience at a cafe in Sapporo,小樽, Le Tao over a piece of simple cheese cake turned out to be really delightful. The cake was light and fluffy yet it offers different layering of taste as you bite into it. The cheese was creamy yet not clogging. And suddenly, your mouth was filled with a whiff of softly frangrance milky taste without being too tangy. It was not too sweet and each mouthful simply leaved a wondrous lingering taste in your taste buds.

The tea that that was served had a lightly floral scent. The tea was smooth to the throat and it complemented the cake totally, almost as if... it was a match made in heaven...

Jill

It has come to our attention recently that Jill and I resemble a lot. This is a revelation as we both thought that she takes after her dad pretty much. Nonetheless, I feel kinda happy to learn this new information.

Jill has been part of my life for the longest period of time - from the moment she was born to her toddler's days, teenage grow up pangs and now a lovely young lady who is firmly grounded with the right values and good balance of maturity and righteousness. Every part of the journey has its fair share of joy and frustration but I would never trade it for anything else if given a chance to re-live the moments again.

But one thing that I previously cannot quite fathom is her "nuahness". She can laze throughout the day without doing anything yet she enjoys every moment of it, may it be lying on the sofa and watch the TV for hours, sleeping like a log for the longest period of time or savouring the food she puts in her mouth.

WY coincidentally displays similar trait. Sometimes this can be quite disconcerting when we are in a rush. But WY has a point - what is the rush about really? why can't we take a step back and relish that simple moment?

On hindsight, Jill has qualities that I can really learn from and this is one of them. I am beginning to appreciate it by slowing down a little.

Jill, stay the way you are. I wish you contentment and joy. You know that I love you lots and I will be there for you always..

Some after thoughts

I am down with fever but I enjoyed going through the pictures of our wedding earlier today. I must say that Eugene is good as he is able to capture the emotive moments so succinctly. They really bring back good memories.

The moment where we were exchanging vows... the moment where WY was reciting his pledge of love and loyalty during the first march in... the moment we both sang a song for our mums during the 2nd march in.. the moment we received the well wishes and blessing from all of our loved ones...

It was an occasion where love, hugs and kisses were openly shared and exchanged.

I am now Mrs Cheong and I relish the new status, though there is still adaptations needed for a brand new life at a new household.

My mum-in -law, whom I love dearly, is a wonderful lady. WY is a patient, loving and understanding hubby. I cherish the fact that we are able to communicate so openly about anything under the sun.

I am happy and look forward to my new life.. I am sure this new found nucleus family will be one that is filled loads of laughter, care, love and more...

Our union..............

A picture,   a thousand words