The folder Yean received last Saturday was real but the diploma certificate had to be collected and signed for, during the week. Here they are:
The Folder
The Diploma in English
The Diploma in Malay.
Friday, December 15, 2006
The Documents
Friday, 15 December 2006
The folder Yean received last Saturday was real but the diploma certificate had to be collected and signed for, during the week. Here they are:
The Folder
The Diploma in English
The Diploma in Malay.
The folder Yean received last Saturday was real but the diploma certificate had to be collected and signed for, during the week. Here they are:
The Folder
The Diploma in English
The Diploma in Malay.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Diploma in Civil Engineering
Saturday, 9 December 2006
It was 2 and half years ago (Saturday, 20 March 2004) when Yean registered for the course at Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure University College, Kajang. Today, Yean received his Diploma in Civil Engineering! Congratulations! We are all proud of you!
Where is he? Can you spot him?
With some of his classmates
With mum and dad
Mummy is not taller. She just happened to be standing on top of a cement curb.
With a good friend, Bong.
It was 2 and half years ago (Saturday, 20 March 2004) when Yean registered for the course at Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure University College, Kajang. Today, Yean received his Diploma in Civil Engineering! Congratulations! We are all proud of you!
Where is he? Can you spot him?
With some of his classmates
With mum and dad
Mummy is not taller. She just happened to be standing on top of a cement curb.
With a good friend, Bong.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
A Sad day
Friday, 29 September 2006
It was not Friday the 13th, but it was definitely a sad day in the family. In my March posting, I wrote about mum's dogs and cat. It was a happy story. Today's posting is just the opposite. It is sad, very sad. Banjo, Ah O, Mei Tze and Miaw Miaw are gone. They all died of poisoning on this day.
As soon as the gate was opened in the morning, Banjo and her little Mei Tze ran out. This was not unusual and they always come back after they have enjoyed themselves outside for a while.
Banjo vomitted when she returned. Little Mei Tze ate her mother's vomit, salivated, convulsed and died. Ah O, her sibling of an earlier batch, also ate their mother's vomit and died later. Banjo was running like crazy outside the house and she too died. They all died within 3 hours.
We think that Banjo and little Mei Tze had eaten food that they found during their morning outing and the food was mixed with rat poison. I was told that there is an imported rat poison sold in town and it is deadly compared to the ones manufactured locally. The effect was immediate.
Miaw Miaw, the cat, was in the house the whole day. She went out early in the night and came in looking sick and running around the sitting room. She vomitted, diarrhoead. We found her twisting in pain underneath the staircase inside the storeroom. Carried her outside and less than half an hour she was dead as well. We do not know where the dogs have vomitted. All those visible vomits had been flushed. Miaw Miaw must have eaten one of the dogs' vomit on the grass.
Caroline said she was overwhelmed with the loss of the 3 dogs that morning and now the cat, that she can't cry. Stephenie's face was pale. Clinton cried.
I couldn't cried anymore because I have cried when I came to visit in the afternoon and learnt of the dogs' tragic death and imagine how they must have suffered. No wonder when I arrived at the gate, I felt it was unusual that none of the dogs were there to greet me. Whenever I sit down at the door, they would crowd around me. They know I love them. Banjo is the granddaughter of my dog, Lassie. Like her grandmother, Banjo would put both her front paws on my lap knowing that I would talk to her and stroke her head and neck. Ah O always just lie down on my side and let me pat her head and stroke her as well. Little Mei Tze, being more active, would be running here and there in front of me.
Mum would be very sad if she knows what has happened. We will not share with her. It would break her heart. Banjo is her favourite. Mum and Banjo loves each other. Banjo would follow Mum when she goes to the garden, at the back of house. Banjo would walk around the garden or sit there while mum works. Miaw Miaw was a baby kitten when it was presented to Mum and she has looked after her. Every morning she would wake her up with her miaws.
The house is so quiet since without the presence of Banjo, Ah O, Mei Tze and Miaw Miaw.
(5 October 2006):
What happened to the 2 remaining puppies that Banjo gave birth to (on the 20 June, see posting dated 25 June 2006)? One was taken away by a friend. The other suddenly dropped dead, after eating some food. It was not due to poisoning. We think that it might have eaten too fast and choked itself. And that is only about a month ago!
Miaw Miaw had also given birth to 3 kittens less than a month ago. 1 kitten died a few days after birth. Miaw Miaw was still breast-feeding when she died. To save the kittens from starvation, they were taken away to a friend's cat for breast-feeding. It is a blessing that this other cat's kittens have only been weaned 2 days' earlier, and given away. She accepted the new kittens right away and they are growing!
It was not Friday the 13th, but it was definitely a sad day in the family. In my March posting, I wrote about mum's dogs and cat. It was a happy story. Today's posting is just the opposite. It is sad, very sad. Banjo, Ah O, Mei Tze and Miaw Miaw are gone. They all died of poisoning on this day.
As soon as the gate was opened in the morning, Banjo and her little Mei Tze ran out. This was not unusual and they always come back after they have enjoyed themselves outside for a while.
Banjo vomitted when she returned. Little Mei Tze ate her mother's vomit, salivated, convulsed and died. Ah O, her sibling of an earlier batch, also ate their mother's vomit and died later. Banjo was running like crazy outside the house and she too died. They all died within 3 hours.
We think that Banjo and little Mei Tze had eaten food that they found during their morning outing and the food was mixed with rat poison. I was told that there is an imported rat poison sold in town and it is deadly compared to the ones manufactured locally. The effect was immediate.
Miaw Miaw, the cat, was in the house the whole day. She went out early in the night and came in looking sick and running around the sitting room. She vomitted, diarrhoead. We found her twisting in pain underneath the staircase inside the storeroom. Carried her outside and less than half an hour she was dead as well. We do not know where the dogs have vomitted. All those visible vomits had been flushed. Miaw Miaw must have eaten one of the dogs' vomit on the grass.
Caroline said she was overwhelmed with the loss of the 3 dogs that morning and now the cat, that she can't cry. Stephenie's face was pale. Clinton cried.
I couldn't cried anymore because I have cried when I came to visit in the afternoon and learnt of the dogs' tragic death and imagine how they must have suffered. No wonder when I arrived at the gate, I felt it was unusual that none of the dogs were there to greet me. Whenever I sit down at the door, they would crowd around me. They know I love them. Banjo is the granddaughter of my dog, Lassie. Like her grandmother, Banjo would put both her front paws on my lap knowing that I would talk to her and stroke her head and neck. Ah O always just lie down on my side and let me pat her head and stroke her as well. Little Mei Tze, being more active, would be running here and there in front of me.
Mum would be very sad if she knows what has happened. We will not share with her. It would break her heart. Banjo is her favourite. Mum and Banjo loves each other. Banjo would follow Mum when she goes to the garden, at the back of house. Banjo would walk around the garden or sit there while mum works. Miaw Miaw was a baby kitten when it was presented to Mum and she has looked after her. Every morning she would wake her up with her miaws.
The house is so quiet since without the presence of Banjo, Ah O, Mei Tze and Miaw Miaw.
(5 October 2006):
What happened to the 2 remaining puppies that Banjo gave birth to (on the 20 June, see posting dated 25 June 2006)? One was taken away by a friend. The other suddenly dropped dead, after eating some food. It was not due to poisoning. We think that it might have eaten too fast and choked itself. And that is only about a month ago!
Miaw Miaw had also given birth to 3 kittens less than a month ago. 1 kitten died a few days after birth. Miaw Miaw was still breast-feeding when she died. To save the kittens from starvation, they were taken away to a friend's cat for breast-feeding. It is a blessing that this other cat's kittens have only been weaned 2 days' earlier, and given away. She accepted the new kittens right away and they are growing!
Same Mind
Wednesday, 4 October 2006
When I don't blog, they don't blog! We didn't do this intentionally! We just happened to have the same desire to blog on the same day (almost all three of us).
The last time Anthony blogged was the 2 September. The last time Lyanne blogged was the 20 September. And the last time I blogged was the 23 September in this blogspot (see earlier posting).
Today I noticed that Lyanne has created a new post yesterday - 3 October, same day as me. And Anthony today!
It is good to see them blogging again!
When I don't blog, they don't blog! We didn't do this intentionally! We just happened to have the same desire to blog on the same day (almost all three of us).
The last time Anthony blogged was the 2 September. The last time Lyanne blogged was the 20 September. And the last time I blogged was the 23 September in this blogspot (see earlier posting).
Today I noticed that Lyanne has created a new post yesterday - 3 October, same day as me. And Anthony today!
It is good to see them blogging again!
Saturday, September 23, 2006
A Year has passed
Saturday, 23 September 2006
According to the Chinese calendar, today is the 2nd day of the 8th month. On this day, a year ago, Dad went beyond the veil. We miss you, Grandpa.
According to the Chinese calendar, today is the 2nd day of the 8th month. On this day, a year ago, Dad went beyond the veil. We miss you, Grandpa.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Banjo and her puppies
Tuesday, 20 June 2006
Banjo gave birth to 3 male puppies this morning. It was raining and Mother found her between pots of flowers near the fence! We have no idea why she chose that place when there were sheds and more comfortable places to go to! Why? Why? Why? She has given birth more than 4 times and never have she done this! Banjo has already given birth to 2 puppies when Mother found her. After settling her down in a dog shed, she gave birth to her last puppy.
Thursday, 22 June 2006
There were no names given to the puppies yet. Mother discovered the black one and the biggest of the 3, died! We feel so sorry for him. It must be the raining and cold condition that he was born in. Banjo didn't seem to be acting well herself! We feared for her and the other 2 puppies.
Friday, 23 June 2006
I went to the vet and purchased Banjo some special food to boost her appetite and energy. It worked!
Banjo gave birth to 3 male puppies this morning. It was raining and Mother found her between pots of flowers near the fence! We have no idea why she chose that place when there were sheds and more comfortable places to go to! Why? Why? Why? She has given birth more than 4 times and never have she done this! Banjo has already given birth to 2 puppies when Mother found her. After settling her down in a dog shed, she gave birth to her last puppy.Thursday, 22 June 2006
There were no names given to the puppies yet. Mother discovered the black one and the biggest of the 3, died! We feel so sorry for him. It must be the raining and cold condition that he was born in. Banjo didn't seem to be acting well herself! We feared for her and the other 2 puppies.
Friday, 23 June 2006
I went to the vet and purchased Banjo some special food to boost her appetite and energy. It worked!
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
A letter to My father
Sunday, 18 June 2006
Dear Beloved Father,
How are you? I am thinking of you. Funny, since you left us on the 5 September 2005, I have only dreamt of you once! No news is good news, ya? And that was only a week ago! You were talking to your youngest grandson, Clinton.
Dad, Uncle Ni was here in Miri for 2 weeks, and so was Sister Monica. Aunty Ni was sick, that is why Uncle couldn't come and see you before you passed away. She passed away a month before you did. Did you meet Aunty Ni?
We know you are in good hands and that you are with Joseph, who passed away on the 24 March 1999, and with all our departed loved ones.
Don't worry, Dad, we are all doing fine. We love you and we miss you! Happy Father's Day.
Love from your daughter, Irene
Dear Beloved Father,
How are you? I am thinking of you. Funny, since you left us on the 5 September 2005, I have only dreamt of you once! No news is good news, ya? And that was only a week ago! You were talking to your youngest grandson, Clinton.
Dad, Uncle Ni was here in Miri for 2 weeks, and so was Sister Monica. Aunty Ni was sick, that is why Uncle couldn't come and see you before you passed away. She passed away a month before you did. Did you meet Aunty Ni?
We know you are in good hands and that you are with Joseph, who passed away on the 24 March 1999, and with all our departed loved ones.
Don't worry, Dad, we are all doing fine. We love you and we miss you! Happy Father's Day.
Love from your daughter, Irene
Thursday, June 08, 2006
The Ni Family Connection
Thursday, 8 June 2006
Uncle Ni gave me a write-up of His family. I am so grateful for any information I could get as regards to my forefathers and relatives. Dad didn't manage to write for me before he passed away but this will do to get me started to know my ancestors and my relatives. I have copied here some part of it.
Uncle Ni gave me a write-up of His family. I am so grateful for any information I could get as regards to my forefathers and relatives. Dad didn't manage to write for me before he passed away but this will do to get me started to know my ancestors and my relatives. I have copied here some part of it.
Uncle Ni wrote:.............................
My grandfather's name was Ni Chao Fan. Another of his names was Ni Ke Zhao. My grandfather had 3 younger brothers who went to Vietnam to earn their living when they were young I had never got their news. In 1968, an auntie (the daughter of one of my grandfather's brothers) from Vietnam traveled to China and came to see us for a few days.
My grandfather had 2 wives. His first wife, Lin, was born in Xichang area of Jieyang in Guangdong province. She passed away in her early life. She has one daughter, i.e. my eldest auntie, who married in our neighbouring village Shuorong. She was blind in her middle age. She and her 4 daughters and her adopted son were living a poor life. The second wife of my grandfather whose surname was Huang was born in Zaopu area of Jieyang. She has two sons and a daughter. Her first son was my father, Ni Qingai (Ni Ging Ai). Her second son was called Ni Qinggui and her daughter was called Ni Yuezhen.
My grandfather was living by farming. Besides, he earned some money by going to Jieyang city which was more than 20 miles away to puchase goods for the shops of Xinheng area. He didn't have much education but he was an honest and respected man in the village. One day in February 1944, when my grandfather was 62 years old, his boat was attacked by a strong wind on his way home from Jieyang and my grandfather was drowned. His dead body got dredged out of the water by fishing boats and we had a funeral for him in our hometown.
After that, my father took grandfather's place to do the purchasing twice every three days. I often went to the dock to help my father carry the goods since I was 15. In 1952, my father lost this job after the Chinese Liberation and did the farming in the hometown. People in the village would ask my father which day was the lucky day for them to have a wedding or a funeral My father knew much about it. The villagers would give him some food as presents to express their appreciation. My father was fond of Chaoshan opera and very good at playing the flute. In the spring of 1976, he had a bladder cancer and at the end of the year passed away in the hospital at the age of 71.
My father married my mother, Lai Mei Qing, who was born in Baishi village in Xinheng area. They have 3 sons and 2 daughters. My mother has never gone to school but she was honest and tender-hearted. She was a dutiful and loving mother.
Because they live a poor life in the hometown, my uncle Ni Qing Gui and his family moved to Cambodia to earn their living in 1947. In 1977, we got his letter from an overseas Chinese. He told us in the letter that he didn't live a very good life either in Camdodia, so he was not proud to establish contact with us. During the period of the social beheaval of Cambodia, Chinese are not allowed to live in it, so my uncle's sons and daughters went to to live in Germany and Australia.
My elder brother, Ni Tai Sen (that is my father!) was farming in his youth. He married Lin Liu Jin (that is my mother!) who was born in Xinxihe of Xinheng area. My brother went to South East Asia alone in 1946. He first entered Vietnam and gradually travelled to Thailand, West Malaysia, Singapore and finally Miri (East Malaysia).
I wondered about the "Ni" connections in Germany and Australia (besides my Sister Monica)!
My grandfather's name was Ni Chao Fan. Another of his names was Ni Ke Zhao. My grandfather had 3 younger brothers who went to Vietnam to earn their living when they were young I had never got their news. In 1968, an auntie (the daughter of one of my grandfather's brothers) from Vietnam traveled to China and came to see us for a few days.
My grandfather had 2 wives. His first wife, Lin, was born in Xichang area of Jieyang in Guangdong province. She passed away in her early life. She has one daughter, i.e. my eldest auntie, who married in our neighbouring village Shuorong. She was blind in her middle age. She and her 4 daughters and her adopted son were living a poor life. The second wife of my grandfather whose surname was Huang was born in Zaopu area of Jieyang. She has two sons and a daughter. Her first son was my father, Ni Qingai (Ni Ging Ai). Her second son was called Ni Qinggui and her daughter was called Ni Yuezhen.
My grandfather was living by farming. Besides, he earned some money by going to Jieyang city which was more than 20 miles away to puchase goods for the shops of Xinheng area. He didn't have much education but he was an honest and respected man in the village. One day in February 1944, when my grandfather was 62 years old, his boat was attacked by a strong wind on his way home from Jieyang and my grandfather was drowned. His dead body got dredged out of the water by fishing boats and we had a funeral for him in our hometown.
After that, my father took grandfather's place to do the purchasing twice every three days. I often went to the dock to help my father carry the goods since I was 15. In 1952, my father lost this job after the Chinese Liberation and did the farming in the hometown. People in the village would ask my father which day was the lucky day for them to have a wedding or a funeral My father knew much about it. The villagers would give him some food as presents to express their appreciation. My father was fond of Chaoshan opera and very good at playing the flute. In the spring of 1976, he had a bladder cancer and at the end of the year passed away in the hospital at the age of 71.
My father married my mother, Lai Mei Qing, who was born in Baishi village in Xinheng area. They have 3 sons and 2 daughters. My mother has never gone to school but she was honest and tender-hearted. She was a dutiful and loving mother.
Because they live a poor life in the hometown, my uncle Ni Qing Gui and his family moved to Cambodia to earn their living in 1947. In 1977, we got his letter from an overseas Chinese. He told us in the letter that he didn't live a very good life either in Camdodia, so he was not proud to establish contact with us. During the period of the social beheaval of Cambodia, Chinese are not allowed to live in it, so my uncle's sons and daughters went to to live in Germany and Australia.
My elder brother, Ni Tai Sen (that is my father!) was farming in his youth. He married Lin Liu Jin (that is my mother!) who was born in Xinxihe of Xinheng area. My brother went to South East Asia alone in 1946. He first entered Vietnam and gradually travelled to Thailand, West Malaysia, Singapore and finally Miri (East Malaysia).
I wondered about the "Ni" connections in Germany and Australia (besides my Sister Monica)!
Monday, June 05, 2006
See you, Uncle Ni and Sister Monica
Monday, 5 June 2006
I am gladful and grateful that Sister is here. If she isn't, I would need to accompany Uncle Ni to Kuala Lumpur and see him off on Wednesday, when he flys back to China.
Uncle Ni could not understand and speak English or Malay. Sister is accompanying Uncle Ni and will only leave for Australia on Saturday.
I am already missing them!
I am gladful and grateful that Sister is here. If she isn't, I would need to accompany Uncle Ni to Kuala Lumpur and see him off on Wednesday, when he flys back to China.Uncle Ni could not understand and speak English or Malay. Sister is accompanying Uncle Ni and will only leave for Australia on Saturday.
I am already missing them!
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Farewell Dinner for Uncle Ni
Sunday, 4 June 2006
We are going to miss Uncle Ni. He is leaving Miri tomorrow and we don't know when he is coming back to visit again. I am glad both my brothers and their respective families were able to eat tonight's dinner with Uncle Ni. Dad, is no more around. Uncle Ni has been the father figure, during the past weeks.
We are going to miss Uncle Ni. He is leaving Miri tomorrow and we don't know when he is coming back to visit again. I am glad both my brothers and their respective families were able to eat tonight's dinner with Uncle Ni. Dad, is no more around. Uncle Ni has been the father figure, during the past weeks.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
My Relatives in Kuching
Tuesday, 22 May to Thursday, 24 May 2006
I am glad that Uncle Ni and Sister Monica wanted to go to Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, for a few days. I am glad they didn't mind using the bus. It was a long ride!
The total distance from Miri city to Kuching city is 827 km (Miri-Batu Niah: 89 km, Batu Niah-Bintulu:118 km, Bintulu-Mukah: 210 km, Mukah-Sibu: 7 km, Sibu-Sarikei: 71 km, Sarikei-Sri Aman: 162 km, Sri Aman-Kuching: 170 km)
It takes 55 minutes by Boeing 737 from Miri to Kuching while it took us over 14 hrs by road. It was a good experience for all of us.
Freesia Express left Miri terminal at 2030 hrs Monday 22 May and arrived at the Kuching terminal at 1030 hrs Tuesday 23 May.
We wanted to change our ride back to Miri to the day time. so that we could see more during the way but Freeasia run only at 2030 hrs at this time. Unless there were enough passengers for the 0900 and 1230 hrs ride, the two rides are not available.
My father has lived in Kuching for over 3 years before he moved to Miri and he had travelled on the road to Kuching a couple of times. Uncle Ni now knows where his belated brother has been and we all know now what it is like travelling by road to Kuching! It is economical (80 Ringgit for Miri-Kuching and another 80 Ringgit for Kuching-Miri) but it can be verrrrrrrrrrrrry tiring for some people! I am pleased with myself! I was okay and so were Uncle Ni and Sister Monica!
My eldest sister-in-law (Siat Kiaw), cousin (Siaw Ching) and her husband (Ah Ki) and son.
2nd sister-in-law (Siat Lan), her husband (Yin Leong); Ah Ki, Ah Chong, Uncle Ni and Sister Monica.
Youngest sister-in-law (Siat Fung), her husband (Ah Chong), son (Ah Lung) and fiance (Ah Chern)
Kian Wei (Ah Tee), wife (Chayani) and children: Atik, Pyakan, Angela and Karen)
Ah Moi, husband (Ah Peng), their 2 children: Ming Chieng & Ming Chuan, together with Karen and baby
I am glad that Uncle Ni and Sister Monica wanted to go to Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, for a few days. I am glad they didn't mind using the bus. It was a long ride!
The total distance from Miri city to Kuching city is 827 km (Miri-Batu Niah: 89 km, Batu Niah-Bintulu:118 km, Bintulu-Mukah: 210 km, Mukah-Sibu: 7 km, Sibu-Sarikei: 71 km, Sarikei-Sri Aman: 162 km, Sri Aman-Kuching: 170 km)
It takes 55 minutes by Boeing 737 from Miri to Kuching while it took us over 14 hrs by road. It was a good experience for all of us.
Freesia Express left Miri terminal at 2030 hrs Monday 22 May and arrived at the Kuching terminal at 1030 hrs Tuesday 23 May.
We wanted to change our ride back to Miri to the day time. so that we could see more during the way but Freeasia run only at 2030 hrs at this time. Unless there were enough passengers for the 0900 and 1230 hrs ride, the two rides are not available.
My father has lived in Kuching for over 3 years before he moved to Miri and he had travelled on the road to Kuching a couple of times. Uncle Ni now knows where his belated brother has been and we all know now what it is like travelling by road to Kuching! It is economical (80 Ringgit for Miri-Kuching and another 80 Ringgit for Kuching-Miri) but it can be verrrrrrrrrrrrry tiring for some people! I am pleased with myself! I was okay and so were Uncle Ni and Sister Monica!
My eldest sister-in-law (Siat Kiaw), cousin (Siaw Ching) and her husband (Ah Ki) and son.
2nd sister-in-law (Siat Lan), her husband (Yin Leong); Ah Ki, Ah Chong, Uncle Ni and Sister Monica.
Youngest sister-in-law (Siat Fung), her husband (Ah Chong), son (Ah Lung) and fiance (Ah Chern)
Kian Wei (Ah Tee), wife (Chayani) and children: Atik, Pyakan, Angela and Karen)
Ah Moi, husband (Ah Peng), their 2 children: Ming Chieng & Ming Chuan, together with Karen and baby
Visiting Brother Teo Kwan and Family
Sunday, 21 May 2006
Visiting Brother Teo Kwan and family at their home.
A picture of Mother, Uncle Ni, Sister Monica and Brother Teo Kwan/family.
Visiting Brother Teo Kwan and family at their home.
A picture of Mother, Uncle Ni, Sister Monica and Brother Teo Kwan/family.
Paying Respect to Departed Loved Ones
Saturday, 20 May 2006
Visiting his brother's (my father's) tomb at Riam cemetery.
Visiting his nephew's (my brother's) ?????? (I don't know what is the English word for it!) which is being placed in the temple in the cemetery ground.
Visiting his brother's (my father's) tomb at Riam cemetery.
Visiting his nephew's (my brother's) ?????? (I don't know what is the English word for it!) which is being placed in the temple in the cemetery ground.
Lian & Yean, I see you again!
Friday, 19 May 2006
Time to return to Miri. Uncle Ni and Sister Monica are returning to Miri with me. Miri, the place where my father had lived for the most part of his life. He will not be there to welcome his brother but I am sure he would be very pleased to know that Uncle Ni has finally come to visit.
I am happy to have Uncle Ni and Sister Monica stayed with us in Kuala Lumpur. I am glad Lian and Yean get to meet and know their maternal grand uncle and their maternal aunt.
Time to return to Miri. Uncle Ni and Sister Monica are returning to Miri with me. Miri, the place where my father had lived for the most part of his life. He will not be there to welcome his brother but I am sure he would be very pleased to know that Uncle Ni has finally come to visit.I am happy to have Uncle Ni and Sister Monica stayed with us in Kuala Lumpur. I am glad Lian and Yean get to meet and know their maternal grand uncle and their maternal aunt.
Qi-Gong is good for you
Thursday, 18 May 2006
I know why Uncle Ni is so healthy. He does Qi-Gong everyday.
He taught Sister Monica and myself some of the moves, but I get bored doing it over and over again, day after day, because you just stand in one position (not moving your feet at all!) while moving other parts of your body. I would prefer dancing to this. Maybe when I get older!
Uncle Ni has been doing Qi-Gong for the last 20 years plus and he teaches it too.
I know why Uncle Ni is so healthy. He does Qi-Gong everyday. He taught Sister Monica and myself some of the moves, but I get bored doing it over and over again, day after day, because you just stand in one position (not moving your feet at all!) while moving other parts of your body. I would prefer dancing to this. Maybe when I get older!
Uncle Ni has been doing Qi-Gong for the last 20 years plus and he teaches it too.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Visiting Loved Ones in Malaysia
Sunday, 30 April 2006
Uncle Ni announced to me that he has bought a ticket to fly to Kuala Lumpur on the 8 May. I had wrote to him a couple of months ago, suggesting that he visit us in Miri. He had wanted to visit us but he was not confident about flying all the way to Miri as it would involve changing a few flights and he could not speak English nor Malay. I told him that I would meet him at the Kuala Lumpur airport, that he only need to buy return ticket to Kuala Lumpur. I am so grateful that he chose the 8 May because I happened to be here in Kuala Lumpur and I could meet him at the airport.
Uncle Ni is my father's 2nd brother, from the Guangzhou province, China. He is a healthy man, 74 years old, and he practises and teaches 'Chi Kung' (a type of exercise using the force of energy).
Monday, 8 May 2006
Uncle Ni arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International airport at 8:30 pm. Left Shantou at 1200 hrs and then from Guangzhou at 1705 hrs
This is his first visit to Malaysia!
Monday, 8 May 2006
Another relative is here too! I am so glad she came. Sister Monica arrived at 06:25 am. Left Melbourne at 00:15 am.
One relative from China and another relative from Australia. Isn't that wonderful?
Uncle Ni announced to me that he has bought a ticket to fly to Kuala Lumpur on the 8 May. I had wrote to him a couple of months ago, suggesting that he visit us in Miri. He had wanted to visit us but he was not confident about flying all the way to Miri as it would involve changing a few flights and he could not speak English nor Malay. I told him that I would meet him at the Kuala Lumpur airport, that he only need to buy return ticket to Kuala Lumpur. I am so grateful that he chose the 8 May because I happened to be here in Kuala Lumpur and I could meet him at the airport.
Uncle Ni is my father's 2nd brother, from the Guangzhou province, China. He is a healthy man, 74 years old, and he practises and teaches 'Chi Kung' (a type of exercise using the force of energy).
Monday, 8 May 2006
Uncle Ni arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International airport at 8:30 pm. Left Shantou at 1200 hrs and then from Guangzhou at 1705 hrsThis is his first visit to Malaysia!
Monday, 8 May 2006
Another relative is here too! I am so glad she came. Sister Monica arrived at 06:25 am. Left Melbourne at 00:15 am.One relative from China and another relative from Australia. Isn't that wonderful?
Thursday, April 27, 2006
We are back together!
Saturday, 22 April 2006
Back in Kuala Lumpur! Attending Elder/Sister Miller's farewell gathering at the chapel!
Back in Kuala Lumpur! Attending Elder/Sister Miller's farewell gathering at the chapel!
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Our Dogs and Cat
Sunday, 26 March 2006
Mum kept dogs since she was a small girl in China. I have dogs too but not since the year 2000. There was one time whereby my children and me have to take care of 6 dogs: Chico (male terrier/collie), Banjo (male shihtzu), Lassie (female shihtzu), Ralph (male terrier), Nina (female) and Ginger (female). Lots of work for them but lots of love from them!
Mum now has 3 females dogs and they are all descendants of Lassie! I have been trying to take pictures of them but they wouldn't allow me until this afternoon - they just got a bath and tied up to dry so that they don't roll on the dirty ground.
This is Banjo of a different generation and a different gender, daughter of Lassie.
This is Ah O, offspring of Banjo, therefore the granddaughter of Lassie.
And Mei Tze, another female offspring, from the latest set of puppies, of Banjo.
Mum has a kitten and her name is Miaw Miaw. She is in her dreamland, with her 2 fore legs tangling down between the wooden planks of the bench and her hind legs on top of the planks.
Miaw Miaw woke up later and played with Mei Tze.
Dogs are my favorite pets! Cats................can do lah!
Mum kept dogs since she was a small girl in China. I have dogs too but not since the year 2000. There was one time whereby my children and me have to take care of 6 dogs: Chico (male terrier/collie), Banjo (male shihtzu), Lassie (female shihtzu), Ralph (male terrier), Nina (female) and Ginger (female). Lots of work for them but lots of love from them!
Mum now has 3 females dogs and they are all descendants of Lassie! I have been trying to take pictures of them but they wouldn't allow me until this afternoon - they just got a bath and tied up to dry so that they don't roll on the dirty ground.
This is Banjo of a different generation and a different gender, daughter of Lassie.
This is Ah O, offspring of Banjo, therefore the granddaughter of Lassie.
And Mei Tze, another female offspring, from the latest set of puppies, of Banjo.
Mum has a kitten and her name is Miaw Miaw. She is in her dreamland, with her 2 fore legs tangling down between the wooden planks of the bench and her hind legs on top of the planks.
Miaw Miaw woke up later and played with Mei Tze.
Dogs are my favorite pets! Cats................can do lah!
Friday, March 24, 2006
Grandma and Her Grandson
Wednesday, 22 March 2006
Mother is 80 years. Take away the zero and that is my youngest nephew and her youngest grandson, 8 years old, Clinton. They are best friends at home. It is 'Clinton' this, 'Clinton' that. Doesn't every grandma love her grandchildren so much that they spoil them.
I have not come to that stage yet; I think I would probably spoil my grandchildren as well :). Clinton's mum and dad are busy with their respective jobs to support the family, sister is usually reading or doing her school works. Grandpa has gone over the veil. There is only grandma who is free to talk and play with! And so it is also "Grandma' this, 'Grandma' that.
The schools had their semester break last week and classes are supposed to resume this week
but the younger children in the primary schools were told to remain home, so as to control the spread of the hand, foot & mouth disease that had attacked a number of children in the country.
I brought my mother and my nephew to Taman Selera this afternoon. It has been quite a while since I last accompanied both of them to this seaside park. There were not many chhildren when we were there and I guess we were early or probably the children were kept at home for fear of the disease! We always enjoyed the cool sea breeze!
Mother is 80 years. Take away the zero and that is my youngest nephew and her youngest grandson, 8 years old, Clinton. They are best friends at home. It is 'Clinton' this, 'Clinton' that. Doesn't every grandma love her grandchildren so much that they spoil them.I have not come to that stage yet; I think I would probably spoil my grandchildren as well :). Clinton's mum and dad are busy with their respective jobs to support the family, sister is usually reading or doing her school works. Grandpa has gone over the veil. There is only grandma who is free to talk and play with! And so it is also "Grandma' this, 'Grandma' that.
The schools had their semester break last week and classes are supposed to resume this week
but the younger children in the primary schools were told to remain home, so as to control the spread of the hand, foot & mouth disease that had attacked a number of children in the country.I brought my mother and my nephew to Taman Selera this afternoon. It has been quite a while since I last accompanied both of them to this seaside park. There were not many chhildren when we were there and I guess we were early or probably the children were kept at home for fear of the disease! We always enjoyed the cool sea breeze!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Mother's Orchid
Wednesday, 15 March 2006
Mother has always been an orchid enthusiast, although she doesn't plant a lot. She just had her hair cut - the first time she ever have her cut so short - but it suited her.
Mother has always been an orchid enthusiast, although she doesn't plant a lot. She just had her hair cut - the first time she ever have her cut so short - but it suited her.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Never Too Old to Travel
Saturday, 26 November 2005
“Mum, come and visit me. It has been a long time since you’ve been here.” said Monica.
“I am too old to travel alone. How can chicken talk to duck?”, answered Mother. Who was the chicken? Who was the duck? That was how Mother categorised 2 persons who didn’t speak the same language. How could she, who only speak, Teochew (a Chinese dialect) converse with another person who speak English?
Mother is 79 years old and has never traveled alone. Having only a few months’ of lessons in the Mandarin language, it was understandable that she could not understand instructions on the sign boards. She was scared of the prospect of getting lost.
I understood her anxiety. It is like a little child being lost outside the home, except that this child will not cry, will not run around in circles crying for “Mum, Mum”.
“Don’t worry, Mum, I will arrange the Airlines to look after you all the way. You don’t need to read the signs. The staff would push you in the wheelchair and assist you with passport clearance, etc. etc. When you arrive, you have me, Mum. Don’t you want to meet your grandchildren? It would be nice for you to come for a holiday, for a change and be with me and the family here in
Even though the traveling aspect is taken care of, it took a lot of convincing and encouragement from Monica and the rest of the family, here in
And so she went. Departing at 1550 hrs from the Miri airport (26 November) and arriving at
Mother with Monica and family
Grandma and greatgranddaughter, Jenna.
Saturday, 31 December 2005
“Time to go home to my other children in
She departed from
I asked “Mum, would you like to go to
There she goes again “too old”. After half a year or so of rest, we will see! Actually, Mum likes to travel!
Friday, February 03, 2006
First Email from China's Relatives
1 February 2006
I was so happy today! My first cousin's daughter, in China, wrote me an email, in English!
My fear of losing connection with my relatives in China is now a past. When Dad passed away, nobody, in my family in Malaysia, had written to the relatives in China. Mum does not know how to write. I do not know how to write Mandarin either. My brothers know how to write but they are ???? to write. I have only met my relatives once in 1999, phoned my uncle and first cousin once a year to wish them a happy Chinese New Year.
Communication was not fully understood because I could not speak the Teochew dialect the way they spoke. My China relatives spoke 'pure' Teochew. Mine have developed into our own family's kind of Teochew. I would say it has been malaysianised, with a little of Malay and other languages and dialects. I could remember when we talked to each other, when I was visiting them, in 1999, quite often we would look at each other with blank expressions when we don't understand the words exchanged. I just love to hear the 'pure' version of the Teochew dialect. It is so gentle.
I was worried that if my Mum, my uncles and aunties died, the family connection would slowly fade too, due to distant and so little communications and visits. Even though I only spent a week with the relatives in China, I could not deny my desire to be connected to them forever. I fear losing them.
Thanks to the internet world of electronic mail, I am now connected to my roots in China.
I was so happy today! My first cousin's daughter, in China, wrote me an email, in English!
My fear of losing connection with my relatives in China is now a past. When Dad passed away, nobody, in my family in Malaysia, had written to the relatives in China. Mum does not know how to write. I do not know how to write Mandarin either. My brothers know how to write but they are ???? to write. I have only met my relatives once in 1999, phoned my uncle and first cousin once a year to wish them a happy Chinese New Year.
Communication was not fully understood because I could not speak the Teochew dialect the way they spoke. My China relatives spoke 'pure' Teochew. Mine have developed into our own family's kind of Teochew. I would say it has been malaysianised, with a little of Malay and other languages and dialects. I could remember when we talked to each other, when I was visiting them, in 1999, quite often we would look at each other with blank expressions when we don't understand the words exchanged. I just love to hear the 'pure' version of the Teochew dialect. It is so gentle.
I was worried that if my Mum, my uncles and aunties died, the family connection would slowly fade too, due to distant and so little communications and visits. Even though I only spent a week with the relatives in China, I could not deny my desire to be connected to them forever. I fear losing them.
Thanks to the internet world of electronic mail, I am now connected to my roots in China.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Chinese New Year's Eve Dinner without Father
Saturday, 28 January 2006
My dad had always been present for the Chinese New Year's Eve family reunion dinner ever since he married my mother on the 24 December 1943. Tonight, for the very first time, he was not present and never will be in mortality. Dad passed away on the 5 September 2005. I missed him. And I know the rest of the family, especially my mother.
My dad had always been present for the Chinese New Year's Eve family reunion dinner ever since he married my mother on the 24 December 1943. Tonight, for the very first time, he was not present and never will be in mortality. Dad passed away on the 5 September 2005. I missed him. And I know the rest of the family, especially my mother.
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