Golden Words....

The phrases below were sent to me in an email. It is very enlightening. Do read....

Love your job but don't love your Company because you may not know when your company stops loving you - Dr. ABDUL KALAM -

What is the Secret of SUCCESS? "RIGHT DECISIONS"
How do you make Right Decisions? "EXPERIENCE"
How do you get Experience? "WRONG DECISIONS
- Dr. ABDUL KALAM -

Without your involvement you can't succeed. With your involvement you can't fail.
- Dr. ABDUL KALAM -

You are not responsible for what people think about you. But you are responsible for what you give them to think about you - STANLEY FERRARD -

A man is lucky if he is the first love of a Woman. A woman is lucky if she is the last love of a man - CHARLES DICKENS -

Write your Sad times in Sand, Write your Good times in Stone - GEORGE BERNARD SHAW -

Behind every successful man, there is an untold pain in his heart - BILL JACOBS -

It's better to lose your Ego to the one you Love, than to lose the one you LOVE because of EGO
- JOHN KEATS -

Car Keys....

A friend of mine sent me this - it is worth sharing!

PUT YOUR CAR KEYS BESIDE YOUR BED AT NIGHT. Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr's office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across.

Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in yourhouse, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound untileither you turn it off or the car battery dies.

This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this:

It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage.

If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar or rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that.

And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

Reflexology....

Came back to Melaka for the weekend. We (Tasha & I) were sorting out some items for the Wedding. Came back to purchase the cloth materials for the page boys and the bridemaids. We have purchased the ones for the flower girls, though. Anyway, after some more shopping at Mahkota Parade, we walked over to Dataran Pahlawan (a new mall in Melaka Raya). Upon finishing all the shopping for the day, we were both so tired. We came across this Thai Traditional Massage place, but it was really crowded. However, as I was just about to walk away, I saw another parlour. We went in and the prices were really reasonable. We paid RM120 for the both of us - with the purchase of 2 medicated oils each. It was a shoulder, back, neck and reflexology massage. It was really painful - I mean excruciating - when the masseuse was massaging me, but after that I felt really good. They gave the both of us a nice hot cup of ginger extract once we were done with the massage.

Tasha and I have decided to go for this everytime we come back to Melaka - at least once a month. It is very refreshing. The both of us were feeling so stressed with work and the wedding plans - but after the massage, we felt so good.

I will be driving Appa to Kluang tomorrow for his episcopal visit. Tasha won't be coming, she will have to babysit Beema. Oh yes, I did not tell you guys about Beema. Beema is Jay's (Tasha's friend) pup. We're babysitting him since he had to go back to Penang - Beema is too young to travel that far. We have our food tasting at the Hotel tomorrow. Hope it goes well.

But honestly, people, try the reflexology massage. It is so good. In fact there are some in KL as well, but I have not been to any in KL, I think Tasha has. But if you're coming to Melaka for a holiday, do tell, I'll hook you'll up ok. From what I heard, the nerves of our entire body ends at our feet. So the reflexology is really good for our entire body.

Have a great weekend. God bless.

How To Flatten That Tummy....

Damn! I've been trying all types of methods to reduce the beer belly that I have so successfully gained in the the past 4 years. I have been such a huge lover of beers that I never bothered about the consequences of this indulgence. However, I have realised that I need to lose that beer belly before my BIG day. So, I have decided to do the following:-

(1) Tuesdays - Futsal (1 hour)

(2) Wednesday - Futsal (2 hours)

(3) Thursday - Badminton / Tennis (2 hours)

Besides all the above that I am doing, I am also spending 30 minutes a day walking the boys - Caesar & Vasco. I have cut my carb intake and increased my protein intake. I have reduced my intake of excessive sugar (cakes, ice-creams, sweets) as well. I started this routine, some 2 weeks ago and I am already seeing results. I believe, if one puts his/her heart and mind to something, he/she can surely achieve it. It has been tough, but I am very determined to lose that belly before I go to my tailor and get my tux sewed. Well, if you want to look good, you have to sacrifice for a while. In fact, I have somehow got used to it that I do not crave for it anymore. I hope to continue this diet plan and the exercise routine I am currently doing.

I found the article below on the tips of losing that 'Bulging Stomach'. So here goes - for those who want to lose that extra inches of your waist, check this out:-

Walk/jog for 30 minutes at least 3 times per week to boost your metabolism in order to burn that fat.

Pick a sport [futsal, badminton, tennis or all three ;)] and spend at least 2 hours a week playing the sport.

Eat a small handful of almonds (at least 6) every morning. Almonds are one of the healthiest snacks you can eat and the protein is good for burning fat. - I didn't know this, will buy some almonds on my way back tonight.

Add fiber to your diet and cut down your intake of the bad carbs. Foods such as white bread, pastas, potatoes, and white rice should be limited. Eat brown rice and whole wheat bread instead. To get that needed fibre increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables (especially the leafy green ones).

Drink skim milk instead of whole milk. Keep your dairy intake at a minimum because these products often cause bloating and gas.

Perform proper crunches at least 3 times a week to train your abs. Avoid sit-ups because they really do very little to firm your stomach. Sit-ups work your hip flexors more than anything else.

Drink plenty of water. You should be drinking 6 to 8 glasses per day. Not only will it help fill you up so you eat less, but it aids in digestion.

Stop eating within 3 hours of bedtime. If you have to munch on something, eat a small portion of vegetables or fruit. Not eating late can make a huge difference.

Eat smaller meals more often instead of 2-3 big meals per day to keep from having that bloated look and feeling. Eating more meals actually kicks up your metabolism.

Take a break from healthy eating once and a while and treat yourself to your favorite dessert. If you completely deprive yourself of the foods you love you'll run the risk of going back to your bad eating habits. Moderation is the key.

Royal Malaysian Police Highway Patrol....

A friend of mine, Dushies, sent me these pictures. To those of you who think you can run away from the chasing cops on the highway? Think again my dear friends - think again!

Man Utd vs Everton....

It will be a cruncher - this one! However, it may not be the same line-up that humbled the Portuguese side in Porto days ago. I am very sure Sir Alex will rest most of the star players. Among those whom I see not making the squad tonight are: Ronaldo, Rooney, Carrick, Giggsy and most likely even Berbatov. It will be suprising to see Van der Sar between the posts. A lot of people, well, the traditionalists will be waiting to lash out at Sir Alex about this move. But, if you ask me, I think it is a very good move. With the likes of Park, Fletcher and Tevez, I'm sure we will be able to get the win we need against the Evertonians. I am not in any way underestimating Everton, it is just that - now, playing the way we are, I am confident we'll go through and meet the Blues in the finals. Did any of you'll watch the game (Arsenal vs Chelsea) last night? DD, I like to call him that, Drogba, was awesome. Assuming we qualify for the finals, we will have to watch DD very closely. Looking at what he did to the Gunners in the 84th minute was scary. Although he was an out of favour striker with Scolari, he has proven beyond doubt that he is still one of the best strikers in the world. Congratulations Blues, and see you in the finals.

I have been following the steady success Moyes with Everton. He has managed to do something really special with the team - especially with the limited funds that he has had. I do hope they will do well in the league. If I'm not mistakes, they're in 6th place and they are giving Villa a real run for their money. If I remember correctly, they have a game in hand and by winning it, they will move up into 5th. They are a really good team. My best wishes are with you Everton, but tonight, it will be tough - especially going against a team that has won it 11 times (the last being in 2004). But I am confident that it will be a good game.

I hope we will win tonight - more after the game ya'll.

Glory Glory Man Utd!

Lawyer vs Italian...

A friend of mine sent me this joke - very witty. I love jokes about lawyers. As most of you'll know I have studied law - I have seen a lot of lawyers who always seem as if they know everything. It appears as if people are just waiting to pinpoint to a lawyer saying, "he/she does not know that" - so they (the lawyers) do not want to feel challenged in anyway, so they make it seem like they know everything.

This joke reminded me of how often we underestimate people. We always think we're indispensable and that no one can ever challenge us in anything, be it 'battle of the brains' , simple quizzes we so often play with our colleagues and everything else that has anything to do with proving a point. This joke below clearly shows that we should never ever underestimate anyone. Enjoy....

A lawyer and an Italian are sitting next to each other on a long flight. The lawyer is thinking that Italians are so dumb that he could get over on them easy. So the lawyer asks if the Italian would like to play a fun game.The Italian is tired and just wants to take a nap, so he politely declines and tries to catch a few winks. The lawyer persists, and says that the game is a lot of fun. I ask you a question, and if you don't know the answer, you pay me only $5; you ask me one, and if I don't know the answer, I will pay you $500, he says. This catches the Italians attention and to keep the lawyer quiet, he agrees to play the game.

The lawyer asks the first question. 'What's the distance from The Earth to the Moon?' The Italian doesn't say a word, reaches in his pocket pulls out a five-dollar bill, and hands it to the lawyer.

Now, it's the Italian's turn. He asks the lawyer, 'What goes up a hill with three legs, and comes down with four?' The lawyer uses his laptop and searches all references he could find on the Net. He sends e-mails to all the smart friends he knows, all to no avail. After one hour of searching he finally gives up. He wakes up the Italian and hands him $500. The Italian pockets the $500 and goes right back to sleep.

The lawyer is going nuts not knowing the answer. He wakes the Italian up and asks, 'Well, so what goes up a hill with three legs and comes down with four?'

The Italian reaches in his pocket, hands the lawyer $5 and goes back to sleep.

Glory Glory Man Utd!

What a win it was at Porto? Sir Alex said, he is calling on the spirit of Turin that demolished the hopes of the Old Lady from advancing in the competition some 10 years ago when we won the unprecedented treble. Well, Sir Alex, what a time to call on the spirit of Turin. From the kick off of the 2nd leg of the quarters at Porto we were on course to the semi-finals against the Gunners. I will not deny that fact that the home team was hitting us on all cylinders, but I was truly amazed by the awesome display of the gutsy trio - Anderson, Ferdinand and Vidic. They were the very reason, the Porto forwards could hardly penetrate our defense. We did very well. I do hope we will continue this spirit in awesome fashion against the Gunners. I will not easily rule out the chances of Arsenal from qualifying to the finals. With the likes of Adebayor (back to his best) and Fabregas playing really well - especially in the game against Villareal - it will be tough. The semi-finals on the 5th of May at the Emirates will be a juicy affair - I know that much. It is an advantage espcially since the 2nd leg will be played at Old Trafford.

What a goal it was by Ronaldo in the 6th minute? I think it definitely deserves to be one of the best goals I have ever seen this season. 40 yards? Did you'll see the rocket shot from the No.7? He collected a lovely pass from Anderson, ran to the right and let it rip with a shot as brutally powerful as it was audacious in its intent. He should do more of this. Although by this time last season, he was already the leading scorer in all competitions, this goal could not have come at a better time than it did early last morning. Bravo Ronaldo! And please keep them coming.

It has been a while, since we won a game with a clean sheet. This is a good sign. I do hope we do well against Everton this Sunday at the FA Cup semis and the coming games against the Pompeys and Spurs (mid and end of next week). This is the very reason why, I never lose faith and never will I ever give up on my dear Red Devils. We have truly risen to the occasion. I had to put up with a lot of nonsense from the likes of the Pudlians and the ABU (Anything But United) fans - but let me tell you something my dear fans of football, who hardly know anything about Man Utd. Do not speak of the Devils until the season is over. The Pudlians were hard at proving a point when they beat us twice (with an aggregate of what, 5-1 or was it 6-1) - whatever the score - they're mission and objective in football is purely to beat Man Utd and not strive to achieve anything else. Sad, but true. As some of you may know, I am a very different Man Utd fan, I truly appreciate the beauty and the tradition of the LFC. In fact, in many occasions I have supported the Pudlians in their pursuit for glory (although none thus far). But they have continuously belittled my dear Devils. This ardent fan isn't shutting up any longer ;)

But to be fair, I do hope they win at least the Premier League this season - although it will be difficult, especially with Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal playing really well. But honestly, fellers, if Man Utd somehow slack in the upcoming games towards the closing of the season, I'd rather have Liverpool win it (the Premiership) than Chelsea or Arsenal. You guys have been playing really well throughout the season and you deserve that much - my opinion (my HONEST opinion). You can try for the UEFA Champions League next season ok, don't be disheartened.

Glory Glory Man Utd!

Do You Believe It?

A friend of mine sent me the article below. It really got me thinking? It may do the same to you. Read it. Very interesting:-

A girl went to her friend’s house and she ended up staying longer than planned, and had to walk home alone.

She wasn't afraid because it was a small COMMUNITY and she lived only a few blocks away.

As she walked along under the bike trail Diane asked God to keep her safe from harm and danger.

When she reached the alley, which was a shortcut to her house, she decided to take it.

However, halfway down the alley she noticed a man standing at the end as though he were waiting for her.

She became uneasy and began to pray, asking for God's protection.

Instantly a comforting feeling of quietness and security wrapped round her, she felt as though someone was walking with her.

When she reached the end of the alley, she walked right past the man and arrived home safely.

The following day, she read in the newspaper that a young girl had been raped in the same alley just twenty minutes after she had been there.

Feeling overwhelmed by this tragedy and the fact that it could have been her, she began to weep.

Thanking the Lord for her safety and to help this young woman, she decided to go to the police station.

She felt she could recognize the man, so she told them her story.

The police asked her if she would be willing to look at a line-up to see if she could identify him.

She agreed and immediately pointed out the man she had seen in the alley the night before.

When the man was told he had been identified, he immediately broke down and confessed.

The officer thanked Diane for her bravery and asked if there was anything they could do for her.

She asked if they would ask the man one question.

Diane was curious as to why he had not attacked her.

When the policeman asked him, he answered, 'Because she wasn't alone.

She had two tall men walking on either side of her.

Amazingly, whether you believe or not, you're not alone. People will not stand up for God.

PS: God is always there in your heart and loves you no matter what:

'If you deny me in front of your friends, I shall deny you in front of my Father'

Weekend....

What a weekend it was? Yes, it was Easter.

This is how the entire weekend went for me. I went back to Melaka on Fri. Reached Melaka at 10.30am, attended Good Friday service at 12.00noon with Tasha - Appa and Amma were already in church by 11.30am.

Appa at the Good Friday Service

Christ Church Melaka Altar - Good Friday

Service finished at about 2.30pm, got back home and we had one of the best vegetarian lunches I have ever had in my life. Amma prepared the best dishes in the world ya'll. Upon returning home, I went to the back of the house and cut some banana leaves. Tasha helped me wash em' and then we were all ready for lunch.

The menu for the day is as follows:-
(a) Par-boiled rice
(b) Dhal curry
(c) Fried spinach
(d) Spicy egg-plant (this is among the only 2 vegetables in the world that I don't eat)
(e) Potato sambal
(f) Pappadams
(g) Venthaya curry
(h) Pudina paste (my mum's recipe)
(i) Pudina pickles (the new one I bought from Balaji KL)

Yummy!

What a meal? After the meal, I just sat in front of the tele and chilled. After that Amma fried some yam for tea. After tea, Tasha headed to her Auntie's place to spend the night. I was at home, watching tele and then Shobs and Balla got home. I only slept at about 3am. Anyway, on Saturday, I promised Amma to help her with the laptop. Amma is learning to check her emails and to type and print reports. In fact, this is more of a refresher course. She knows all of this, but this is just a refresher, so that she is once again familiar with all of this. After that I headed to pick Tasha up from her Aunt's place, cos we had a photo shoot for our family picture at the Church at 5.30pm. Picked her up and then rushed home to bathe and got ready. And then we headed to the Church. After the photo shoot, we got home, had dinner, and then headed to Jonker Walk for a walk and some dessert.

Amma came along with us (Balla, Shobs, Tasha and me). We walked along Jonker and then made a pit stop at Ringo's. He was so glad to see us. It has been such a long time, since we last went to Ringo's. Anyway, we bought a bucket of Tiger (yup, it was already 12 by then). Having my first beer in 40 days was weird. It took me a good 2 hours to finish it. Shobs kept asking me, "why are you taking such a long time to finish it?" Anyway, after all of them had finished their drinks, we took a slow walk back home.

Upon getting back, we rested and then watched some tele. Amma slept as she had to wake up early the next morning. We woke up on Sunday and headed straight to Church. Upon getting to Church, Appa asked me if I was giving a special item - I had not planned to, so I told him no. But then while, I was sitting in the pew, I felt that I should give thanks to the Lord for all his blessings - and then I told Appa that I will be giving an item. I sang this song, 'From Heaven You Came Helpless Babe'. This song is a song which describes the true definition of Christ' life - born, lived and crucified for all of us. Wasn't very satisfied with it, but everyone else seemed to be happy about it - strange! Then again, I am a perfectionist - I am hardly satisfied with my performance all the time.

After Church, got back home and headed to the Hotel to sort the arrangements out. Anyway, spoke to the Maketing and Sales person and sorted out most of the details. There are some minor details that have to be dealt with - will be doing so when we go back on the 25th. But the place has been booked and 70% of the details have been confirmed. We have also confirmed the date of our food tasting. We hope everything will go on well. We hope and pray all plans hereafter will be by His grace and mercy. He has been with us all this while and I know He will continue to be with us.

After that got back home and had lunch. All the bridemaids were at home as the tailor auntie was home. She was measuring and designing their dresses. One of the page boys was also at home. I helped her design his outfit. I hope it will all turn out well. I rested, while Tasha sorted the outfits for the bridesmaids. Then, I woke up to some tele. After that I got ready to leave. Visited Tasha's parents (Unc Krishnasamy & Auntie Lalitha - not forgetting Geeta and Suhasini) and then visited her Aunt (Aunt Rani, Hans, Natasha & Thatha). After that we headed back to KL. Just got bac - it took me a good 1 hour and 15 mins to get back. It was raining for a while, but then it stopped after Nilai.

All in all a wonderful weekend. Now, back to work. I just hope work does not prove to be too much this week. In fact, even if it is, 'whats new?'

Cheers everyone. Have a great week ahead.

God bless.

Good Friday....

I have to thank my dear sis, Shobs for the article below. She keeps sending me loads of good articles. In fact, she has been doing so, ever since Lent started for us some 37 days ago. By the way, for those of you who are not aware, I have decided to give up alcohol and red meat for the entire 40 days. I am so proud of myself that I have successfully done so. This is a special time of reflection and of course abstinence. I am glad to have fulfilled the entire month and more without the 2 most desirable things in my life. Anyway, it is Good Friday tomorrow. I can't wait to get home. Amma, will be cooking a spread of vegetarian food. I told her I want to have lunch on banana leaves. So, I can't wait for the awesome lunch that awaits me tomorrow after Good Friday service at Christ Church Melaka.

We will be leaving for Melaka at 7.30am. Then to service at 11.30am and then back home for the lunch. I will only break fast at 12 midnight on Easter Eve - Saturday. More when I return. Hope to take some nice pictures of the food and hopefully the service as well. More when I return.

To all those who will be driving back to your respective hometowns, be safe on the road. Wishing each and everyone of you a Blessed Easter.

God Bless.

I'll leave you with the wonderful reflection on Good Friday - once again, thanks Shobs. I'd better say it, if not she will be so pissed off. Huh E63..... - she knows why.

GOOD FRIDAY -
THIS SOMBRE DAY
WHEN CHRISTIANS MOURN
A 2,000 YEAR OLD DEATH.

HE DIED, SOME SAY,
TO APPEASE A VENGEFUL GOD,
DEMANDING A ONE-TIME
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
FOR HUMAN SIN,
BOTH PAST AND YET TO COME.
IT WAS, THEY INSIST,
THE ONLY WAY
WE COULD BE SAVED.

OTHERS ASK
IS THIS THE SAME GOD
WHO SAID "THOU SHALL NOT KILL"
NOW OFFERING HIS SON
AS A SACRIFICIAL LAMB
TO BE SLAIN
FOR OUR SALVATION?

YET OTHERS SAY
HE DIED BECAUSE
HE LOVED TOO MUCH -
LOVED THE OUTCAST,
THE SINNER, THE SICK,
THE POOR, THE OPPRESSED.

AS HE HUNG THERE
BLEEDING, DYING,
SOME HEARD HIM SAY:
"FATHER, FORGIVE THEM.
THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO."
IS THIS WHAT MADE
THAT BAD DAY GOOD?

WHATEVER WE DO, HE HAD SAID,
WE DO TO HIM.
AND WE ARE CALLED
TO FOLLOW IN THIS WAY.
THUS, IF WE IGNORE ANOTHER'S PAIN
WE SURELY CRUCIFY HIM AGAIN.

IT WAS INDEED A BAD FRIDAY,
MADE GOOD BECAUSE
IT SHOWS THE WAY TO OUR SALVATION -
SALVATION AS LIBERATION.
LIBERATION
FROM OPPRESSION TO JUSTICE,
FROM WAR TO PEACE,
FROM HATE TO LOVE.
AND THIS
IS TRULY RESURRECTION.