Elizabeth was looking at her friend's face book picture, and she commented that Kylie has a very distinctive face. I sneaked one glance and said she looked a little like my childhood friend Primrose. The busy body in me went on to say that Kylie would likely marry very well - in terms of her future husband's looks and financial circumstances.
However, there is usually one catch: really beautiful women may not have daughters or some of them may be infertile. Here I quoted Primrose is childless, my school friend Serene who has two boys, my cousin-in-law who has two sons and adopted a girl from Korea. There was Princess Diana. My own sister-in-law has two boys and could not have any more children...
It is almost as if nature conspired to make sure such beautiful genes are not passed on to the next generation. Well, my Thai cook friend told me that her elder sister in Southern Thailand has a very beautiful daughter. At age thirteen, suitors came. One serious proposal was rejected. Another good proposal came at age 14, this time the parents knew they could not say no as the prospective groom is a good guy and he came from a good family. They managed to delay the wedding until the girl was 15. But under the circumstances the poor beautiful girl never get to complete her education. You see, if the parents had objected again, some bad guy would kidnap and forced her to marry whom she abhor because the parents are arrogant in continuing to reject suitors.
Showing posts with label learn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label learn. Show all posts
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
(219) The safest place for my money
Ever since I heard about Cyprus' financial crisis, I have been watching international news whenever I have the chance.
This seems to be the first case of having depositors being penalized for saving when the nation require bailing out. Even though Cyprus is a small nation, depositors of other nations would be affected. I wonder if those who are affected are from Cyprus or are they mainly from Russia as reported? Today I heard from a middle eastern TV news that badly affected depositors are given Cyprus citizenship.
When I mentioned the last bit to my husband, he doubted any foreign depositors would want to live in Cyprus with the current financial climate. Now I see why Asians prefer to convert liquid wealth of a certain strata to real estate. A piece of land or a building could not be taken away by any financial institution as easily. Real estate in prime sites would appreciate over a period of years too.
I have long ago given up my career to bring up my children. Since my husband had a business failure, I have learnt to live a simple life. Whatever little surplus I have, I give away to God's work. In that sense, I don't have to worry about any authority taking away my wealth in any local or foreign bank. God is no man's debtor, the bread I have cast over the water did come back in ways I earlier could not imagine.
This seems to be the first case of having depositors being penalized for saving when the nation require bailing out. Even though Cyprus is a small nation, depositors of other nations would be affected. I wonder if those who are affected are from Cyprus or are they mainly from Russia as reported? Today I heard from a middle eastern TV news that badly affected depositors are given Cyprus citizenship.
When I mentioned the last bit to my husband, he doubted any foreign depositors would want to live in Cyprus with the current financial climate. Now I see why Asians prefer to convert liquid wealth of a certain strata to real estate. A piece of land or a building could not be taken away by any financial institution as easily. Real estate in prime sites would appreciate over a period of years too.
I have long ago given up my career to bring up my children. Since my husband had a business failure, I have learnt to live a simple life. Whatever little surplus I have, I give away to God's work. In that sense, I don't have to worry about any authority taking away my wealth in any local or foreign bank. God is no man's debtor, the bread I have cast over the water did come back in ways I earlier could not imagine.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
(98) different learning styles
Do you know what your learning style is?
Mine happened to be audio, that was why from day one I thrived in school. One of my brothers' learns best from ideas written as points linked to each other as spider webs. I know from the notes he puts into books for as long as I can remember. Now that method is being taught as mind mapping in seminars in leading hotels. Some of my wealthier friends spent hundreds to send each of their children for three days two night seminars teaching them what my brother has naturally learnt on his own.
One of my son's friends learns best from audio-visual means. He even could close his eyes and remember events as AV footage. Then I happened to have a dorm mate who lived in the room on top of mine. She walked night after night studying. She was a born dancer who was working hard to get into a law school. In order to register facts in her brain, she has to walk up and down her room while reciting the facts aloud to herself. I knew that well, as I lived in a building that was over a hundred years old and the flooring was made of wood. I could hear her steps if I did not get to sleep before her nightly study sessions began.
Elizabeth, my youngest daughter, studies best when she has her favorite music or songs on. A few of her friends have to turn on both the TV and the radio to do their homework. I find that difficult to believe. When I was in my senior year, my study carrel was in a corner in the basement where there was hardly any human traffic. Baby boomers may need absolute silence when generation X needs a healthy mix of white noise in order to concentrate.
The most amazing person in history who had overcome all obstacles to learn was Helen Keller. She was both blind and deaf. Her teacher used the sense of touch to reach her. I presumed she learnt Braille. Without the sense of hearing, she learnt to speak. Someone who heard her recording said she spoke like an automaton. Whatever she sounded like, she wrote beautifully.
Mine happened to be audio, that was why from day one I thrived in school. One of my brothers' learns best from ideas written as points linked to each other as spider webs. I know from the notes he puts into books for as long as I can remember. Now that method is being taught as mind mapping in seminars in leading hotels. Some of my wealthier friends spent hundreds to send each of their children for three days two night seminars teaching them what my brother has naturally learnt on his own.
One of my son's friends learns best from audio-visual means. He even could close his eyes and remember events as AV footage. Then I happened to have a dorm mate who lived in the room on top of mine. She walked night after night studying. She was a born dancer who was working hard to get into a law school. In order to register facts in her brain, she has to walk up and down her room while reciting the facts aloud to herself. I knew that well, as I lived in a building that was over a hundred years old and the flooring was made of wood. I could hear her steps if I did not get to sleep before her nightly study sessions began.
Elizabeth, my youngest daughter, studies best when she has her favorite music or songs on. A few of her friends have to turn on both the TV and the radio to do their homework. I find that difficult to believe. When I was in my senior year, my study carrel was in a corner in the basement where there was hardly any human traffic. Baby boomers may need absolute silence when generation X needs a healthy mix of white noise in order to concentrate.
The most amazing person in history who had overcome all obstacles to learn was Helen Keller. She was both blind and deaf. Her teacher used the sense of touch to reach her. I presumed she learnt Braille. Without the sense of hearing, she learnt to speak. Someone who heard her recording said she spoke like an automaton. Whatever she sounded like, she wrote beautifully.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
(38) The West and the East
I read Rana Foroohar's The Curious Capitalist in the July 30-August 6, 2012 issue of Time. She gave reasons why Marissa Mayer is a smart pick to helm Yahoo. In the same issue, I found on page 72 an article on the first female Afghanistan boxer participating in the London Olympics, Sadaf Rahimi.
Both of them are trail blazers in their own right. Mayer is the youngest at 37, out of 20 female Fortune 500 CEO; she is also the only one to become CEO while pregnant. Rahimi is 18, the third female Afghan athlete ever sent to the Games. Mayer will probably work through the few weeks of her maternity leave. Rahimi was given the advice by her former mentor, Shahla Sekandari, not to get married. Afghan traditions dictates that once a woman gets married, she belongs to her new family. If they don't want her to box, she does not have a choice.
Anywhere in the world, women normally have to work extra hard to break into men's domain. I guess those who have great passion would pay the price to overcome whatever obstacles involved to reach their goals.
Both of them are trail blazers in their own right. Mayer is the youngest at 37, out of 20 female Fortune 500 CEO; she is also the only one to become CEO while pregnant. Rahimi is 18, the third female Afghan athlete ever sent to the Games. Mayer will probably work through the few weeks of her maternity leave. Rahimi was given the advice by her former mentor, Shahla Sekandari, not to get married. Afghan traditions dictates that once a woman gets married, she belongs to her new family. If they don't want her to box, she does not have a choice.
Anywhere in the world, women normally have to work extra hard to break into men's domain. I guess those who have great passion would pay the price to overcome whatever obstacles involved to reach their goals.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
(754) Community development 2
Last night I went to a wake. The deceased was a near neighbour of mine when I was a child. I remember moving out of that area when I was eight years old. We (my brothers and I) chatted with old play mates from years past. The eldest daughter was someone we could not remember, she must have married off to a country south of us before I was born.
She was a person who was clear and lucid in describing her eldest son's mercy project. While the younger children and grandchildren were kneeling and chanting Buddhist prayers, this lady was telling us how her son went to visit Phuket in the aftermath of the tsunami. He saw a beach littered with bloating human bodies. Houses all blown to pieces. Children orphaned. Parents running around looking for their children's bodies. In fact a community bowed to its knees with little to eat, no where to stay, totally lost.
And so this pastor felt called to a task of restoration. He obtained permission from the village head and his superior in his home church. The work started with him in a fund raising effort. After a community centre was erected, the pastor's wife resigned from her teaching post. Husband and wife relocated to this rural fishing village two hours by car from the airport.
This Christmas is the eleventh they are celebrating in Phuket. The work now includes not only Thai children, but there was a group of Burmese refugees. This community centre feeds and educates the children. They provide two-way transportation to the scattered children living in shacks far apart from each other. People do not just give generously to this work, many would journey there and volunteer their time and effort. There are youth who give one or two years of their life. Some professionals would go for two weeks to two months.
With a global financial crunch, some churches from affected countries cut down their support. Thus it is time for the local people to rise up. A project of rearing fish in netted containers in the sea is bearing fruit. That provides a steady income of about a thousand dollars monthly by selling mature fish. This will pave the way to eventually a self-sustaining work.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
(731) The day before Good Friday
Everyone has heard about Christmas. Most of us think of bunnies when "Easter" is mentioned. Have you heard about "Maundy Thursday"? Have you wondered what "Maundy" means?
According to my knowledgeable friend, "Maundy" came from the word money. Not any money, but money handed to parishioners by the King. Many years ago, the King of UK would attend a church service on the Thursday before Good Friday. At the end of that service, the King would personally hand out a coin each to his subjects at his church.
In modern times, the Queen of UK would honour a group of ordinary people who had contributed to society on Maundy Thursday. These people are not nominated by politicians. None of them are well known. Each year coins that are not legal tender are minted to be awarded to them. The number of award winners is twice the age of the Monarch. For instance, when the Queen is eighty years old, that year she honours one hundred and sixty people.
I find that very interesting!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
(682) Staying on
It was interesting to note that the first shop we visited was run by two Indian brothers. We went in to browse as there were cloths of lovely colours and sheen. We had no intention of purchasing as we wanted to look around to see more of what were offered. The proprietor was courteous and helpful. He showed shawl after shawl of different price range and design. In the end we did make a few purchases.
My friend actually made a few outfits there within the short time we were there. The tailor was a Nepalese born in Myanmar. Since his entire family was in Thailand, they must have naturalized. Prices were unbelievably low. I guess labour is cheap there. Living standard was relatively low. We chose a guest house own by a Dutch man. As we were within walking distance of the night bazaar, we strolled along night after night. One night we even bought a long skirt from a stall owner who is a white woman.
Being a tourist destination, I am not surprise to see a lot of white visitors. Yet I am taken aback by the number of foreigners who manage to stay on and actively make a living there serving the other tourists.
* tourist with camera CoolClips from dir.coolclips.com
Saturday, December 24, 2011
(650) Chinese Reunion meal on New Year's eve
For reunion dinners on the last day of the Chinese New Year, certain dishes were served.
Fish is a must have, "yu" means abundance.
Prawns are chosen because "ha" in Cantonese sounds like laughter.
Oysters are valued as "hosi" in Cantonese means good news.
Those vegetarian black threads that look like fake hair is called "fatt choy" which means becoming prosperous.Sometimes deep fried tofu is served as "kum yook moon tong". That is supposed to mean gold and jade filling the hall.
For some families, it is a joy to have every member the table. For others it is stressful to see everyone together. Tradition dictates that some need to slave over the kitchen for hours to prepare a feast that takes less than an hour to eat. If there is no one willing to put in that amount of work, then someone would have to shell out a fair amount of hard cash to pay for a restaurant meal.
Chinese new year will come early in 2012. Any Chinese restaurant willing to stay open will make a killing in profit. I heard that booking was full in November in certain popular eateries for the dinner on the eve.
* Ingredients Health Food.jpg from tupian8.info
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
(631) Die young
Out of all the friends I had in college, Margarita stood head and shoulder above the rest. She was not the prettiest, neither was she the smartest. Yet she was the one who cared for the under dog. She could be the life and soul of the party when she chose to. Alternatively she could hide in the darkest corner and dreamed. She was fun and she could be funny.
She spent one year in Spain and came back with enthralling tales. I sat at her feet and listened to story after story of actual happenings. Before I knew it , it was three am. Years later I often wondered what she would be up to. Time stopped when I heard of her sudden death at the age of twenty seven. What a waste! She had taken some light away from this world when she departed. But then I would not expect her to grow old and crippled or die inch by inch. It would not be her style!
* amelie-vuillon-flower-and-pebbl from uncovermusic.com
The good die young. She simply passed on in a blaze of glory.
(627) Fate?
That day Ken asked how did April marry such a jerk! How, indeed. It was easy... April met her future husband as soon as she settled in Canada. After all, her two senior house mates were almost engaged to the two guys who shared a house with her would be husband. This jerk we know as her husband was actually her first boyfriend. And she married him later. When we were young, we did have limited vision.
Looking back, had my father not taught me to honour my promise, I could have married a jerk myself:-
After my graduation, I started to lecture in a private college in my home city. Meanwhile I was interviewing far and wide for a better job. Among the many jobs I applied for, there was a programming post in a neighbouring country. There I visited with my college friend. She was overtly trying to match her elder brother with me. While we were abroad, there was one year of over lap. He was in his senior year while I was a freshman. We have met a few times and attended a dance together one weekend. According to my room mate, this guy was interested in me. I certainly did not see anything myself in that direction. There it was, in my friend's home, I could certainly sense a warm welcome in the parents. They liked me.
I did not get the job offer. There I went on with my job search in my hometown. Three months later, just as I had verbally promised to report for work in a new company the following week, a telephone call came offering me the job I applied for in my friend's country. I had a tough time deciding at the spur of the moment. If I were to say yes, I would have to travel there and start work in three days' time. But I had given my word that I would accept the new job in my hometown. All within a few minutes, I explained that although I was not bound by a written contract, I would not like to go back on my verbal promise. If the phone call had come just twelve hours earlier, the decision would be to take up the foreign offer.
A year and a half later, I went to visit my friend again. That trip was to attend her sister's wedding and to shop for my own nuptial. I had accepted the offer of a man with a good heart. It was a narrow escape as later events proved that my friend's brother turned out to be quite a bad husband despite his polished appearance, wealth, status and potential. I claim no credit in the choice, it was circumstances that dictated my decision.
*Thai-Street-Food-786862.jpg from foodmayhem.com
Monday, December 19, 2011
(621) Live happily ever after
Man and woman registered their marriage and lived together.
Case B
Male and female registered their marriage in a religious house and dwelled together.
Case C
Dude and chick cohabited.
It seemed that all three couples are doing the same thing, like the ending of Sleeping Beauty -- live happily ever after.
But are you sure it is really ever after?
We will take Case C. Chick got pregnant. Well, that's alright, they are planning to get married, anyway. In due course, the baby is born. Meanwhile, dude and chick querrelled day and night. Dude's parents are concerned. Chick's parents are worried. Chick moved out. Chick's mum advised her daughter to leave the baby (very much loved by everyone involved) to dude's mum to care for and to bring up.
End result
Dude is single again. Chick is free to hunt for Prince Charming. Dude's mum acquired a new grandson without a daughter-in-law.
There are three elements involved: the legal step, the religious ceremony and the customary rites. The legal step involved signing some documents. The religious ceremony involves the clergy in a religious setting. Customary rites may be wearing some costumes, serving tea, or walking round a fire. They are equally significant.
* 3D-Hearts-and-Flowers 1.png from softpedia.com
(618) Arthur
Let us look at the name Arthur. Straight away I think of King Arthur and the Knights of Round Table.
There is an Arthur I know and respect in North America. He restores antiques. In New Zealand there is a beloved friend of mine who is a Captain in the Merchant Navy who is also called Arthur. They are both tall, good looking, gentle, and neat in appearance. But believe it or not, both of them walk in a certain gait, confident, sure, measured, and yet threatens no one. They are both good husbands, wonderful fathers and the sort of men we want as neighbours. And there is more, both of them are soft spoken, they speak slowly, deliberately, and prefers to remain quiet if it is at all possible.
It may be co-incidence. But then again, it may not be.
* alan-buckle-teal-bubble-flow from art.com
Thursday, December 8, 2011
(590) Holy land
A good friend just returned from a visit to Israel. For the citizens of my country, a person would have to produce proof that he is a Christian before he could apply for a visa to take a pilgrimage to the holy land.
My friend went with a group of middle age men and women. One of the women was rather blur and walked into the wrong lane in the immigration area in Israel. She was abruptly ordered to sit down and await further orders. After the entire group had gone through immigration procedure, they waited at the other side for her. Finally the two tour guides: one from Israel and the other from my country, had to go and plead with the authorities to release her from the indefinite wait. Before they approached the authorities, they have instructed the hapless group to be calm and quiet while waiting. Apparently it was not unusual for such groups with one person incurring any wrath to wait for hours before the authorities finally release the culprit. Meanwhile, the journey is disrupted and they may miss visiting a place or two and be hungry. Lately I have come across many of my friends and contacts visiting the holy land. Such trips are not cheap. Much have been said about the land that was supposed to be flowing with milk and honey, yet this is the first time I heard that border crossing could be such a complicated affair there.
My friend went with a group of middle age men and women. One of the women was rather blur and walked into the wrong lane in the immigration area in Israel. She was abruptly ordered to sit down and await further orders. After the entire group had gone through immigration procedure, they waited at the other side for her. Finally the two tour guides: one from Israel and the other from my country, had to go and plead with the authorities to release her from the indefinite wait. Before they approached the authorities, they have instructed the hapless group to be calm and quiet while waiting. Apparently it was not unusual for such groups with one person incurring any wrath to wait for hours before the authorities finally release the culprit. Meanwhile, the journey is disrupted and they may miss visiting a place or two and be hungry. Lately I have come across many of my friends and contacts visiting the holy land. Such trips are not cheap. Much have been said about the land that was supposed to be flowing with milk and honey, yet this is the first time I heard that border crossing could be such a complicated affair there.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
(587) Murder
Recently I heard this real life story. A white man left his home country and went to serve God in another. Well, nobody is perfect! In his youth he had an illegitimate child with a tribal girl. He had a local man to mediate on his behalf; after paying the requisite compensation he went on his merry way.
A year or two ago, he touched another minor and soon she was with child. I guess this time he was no longer young nor ignorant. One day he was shot execution style. The villagers blamed outsiders, the police pinned it on bandits, the underworld pointed their fingers on the military... The murder was not solved. It became one of the many cold cases.
For outsiders, even fifty years of living among the tribal people anywhere in the hills does not mean they truly understand the custom, culture and justice system of the tribe. We should not take their good will and tolerance for granted.
A year or two ago, he touched another minor and soon she was with child. I guess this time he was no longer young nor ignorant. One day he was shot execution style. The villagers blamed outsiders, the police pinned it on bandits, the underworld pointed their fingers on the military... The murder was not solved. It became one of the many cold cases.
For outsiders, even fifty years of living among the tribal people anywhere in the hills does not mean they truly understand the custom, culture and justice system of the tribe. We should not take their good will and tolerance for granted.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
(496) Language Learning
Although I had English classes in Elementary school, my English vocabulary was far less than 500 at age 13. How did I know that? It was because I borrowed a Enid Blyton Blue Dragon book from a classmate but could not understand it.
Many people found it difficult to believe that English was my weakest language for many years. I really worked long and hard at improving it. Lately I have been spending time watching documentaries to improve my pronunciation.
I used to carry a little pocket diary everywhere I went. In the diary I recorded every new English word I come across. Whenever I have any free time, I would check my small English-Chinese dictionary and record the meaning. If I happened to have friends with me who can help me, I would ask them how to pronounce the new word. Once I caught the pronunciation, I would say it ten times and then write it down in my own phonetic symbols. While waiting for buses, I would be reading this and committing everything to memory.
Every week I make myself read one English book. If that week was after exam, it would be a thicker book. Otherwise I would choose a thin simplified volume. Even if for whatever reason I missed reading a book, I would make up during the school holidays.
On Sunday I force myself to go through the Editor's commentary. It was laborious! First I read through the entire article, underlining words I have not learned. Next I would check for the meanings and write it next to the word as well as add it to my pocket diary. Then I would go through the article with the meanings in mind. Last of all, I would read the article aloud.
My uncle in China sent a small transistor radio when my grandma visited him. Every night at eleven o'clock I would listen to one hour of The Voice of America broadcast in bed. That tiny radio served me well for about three years. During the holidays I would tune to BBC or the Australia Broadcasting Corporation. My family was too poor to own a TV until my eldest sibling went out to work. Till this day I am not good at catching conversations in movies. I prefer to watch movies with subtitle in another language.
In school I would cultivate friends who would speak to me in English. I particularly appreciate Indian friends who speak English at home. They are good in English and most willing to help me.
From the age 14 to 18 I kept diaries. The earlier pages in my first diary were almost entirely in Chinese. By the time I hit 17, most of everything written was in English except a word here and there that I could not think of an English equivalent.
So you can see, my abilities are hard earned. It seemed worthwhile now as I can definitely reach a wider readership in English than Chinese.
Many people found it difficult to believe that English was my weakest language for many years. I really worked long and hard at improving it. Lately I have been spending time watching documentaries to improve my pronunciation.
I used to carry a little pocket diary everywhere I went. In the diary I recorded every new English word I come across. Whenever I have any free time, I would check my small English-Chinese dictionary and record the meaning. If I happened to have friends with me who can help me, I would ask them how to pronounce the new word. Once I caught the pronunciation, I would say it ten times and then write it down in my own phonetic symbols. While waiting for buses, I would be reading this and committing everything to memory.
Every week I make myself read one English book. If that week was after exam, it would be a thicker book. Otherwise I would choose a thin simplified volume. Even if for whatever reason I missed reading a book, I would make up during the school holidays.
On Sunday I force myself to go through the Editor's commentary. It was laborious! First I read through the entire article, underlining words I have not learned. Next I would check for the meanings and write it next to the word as well as add it to my pocket diary. Then I would go through the article with the meanings in mind. Last of all, I would read the article aloud.
My uncle in China sent a small transistor radio when my grandma visited him. Every night at eleven o'clock I would listen to one hour of The Voice of America broadcast in bed. That tiny radio served me well for about three years. During the holidays I would tune to BBC or the Australia Broadcasting Corporation. My family was too poor to own a TV until my eldest sibling went out to work. Till this day I am not good at catching conversations in movies. I prefer to watch movies with subtitle in another language.
In school I would cultivate friends who would speak to me in English. I particularly appreciate Indian friends who speak English at home. They are good in English and most willing to help me.
From the age 14 to 18 I kept diaries. The earlier pages in my first diary were almost entirely in Chinese. By the time I hit 17, most of everything written was in English except a word here and there that I could not think of an English equivalent.
So you can see, my abilities are hard earned. It seemed worthwhile now as I can definitely reach a wider readership in English than Chinese.
Monday, April 25, 2011
(391) Agony
In the beginning of the year, I prayed for a temporary job. In my heart, I thought Elizabeth and I would get temporary posts at an advertising company. She applied for data entry and I was thinking of consumer interviewing. It was interesting, the timing was out. When she was available, there was no vacancy. Just 28 days after that, an offer came. By then she had settled in her new job, quite reluctant to leave. Even though there was one more vacancy in her current firm, I did not dare to get involve in form pushing and administration. From past experience, I know that this is my weakest area.
About a month after Elizabeth started at her stressful job, I went for my blood test before my medical appointment. After the blood test, I decided to visit a non-denominational mission organization. As soon as I rang the bell and the door was opened, I could see the surprise on the Director's face. Apparently, he was on the phone leaving a message with my daughter for me to call him. And I just materialized in front of him a few moments later. Sure, I thought, it was more than chance that ordained my turning up out of the blue. Since the project was within my capability, I agreed without much hesitation.
Less than a month later, the above-mentioned project has not started yet. A book came into my hands, the author was looking for a translator. I was surprised, few people knew I could translate. Since I have never translated professionally, I did not have any track record. After asking a few questions, I realized why it was difficult for the author to find a translator. First the translator has to be a Christian, next he/she has to believe in end time prophecy.That combination of requirements obviously reduced the number of candidates in the playing fields drastically.
Here comes the difficulty: Should I take it? How much should I charge? How long should I ask for? Shouldn't I just turn it down and save myself lots of headache?
Then I thought, such an opportunity comes perhaps only once in a life time. I decided to commit it to God, ask for a longer period and promise that if I could do the job within a shorter period, I would hand in earlier. And prayerfully I would submit a higher price, if it is not mine, then the job would go to another person.
About a month after Elizabeth started at her stressful job, I went for my blood test before my medical appointment. After the blood test, I decided to visit a non-denominational mission organization. As soon as I rang the bell and the door was opened, I could see the surprise on the Director's face. Apparently, he was on the phone leaving a message with my daughter for me to call him. And I just materialized in front of him a few moments later. Sure, I thought, it was more than chance that ordained my turning up out of the blue. Since the project was within my capability, I agreed without much hesitation.
Less than a month later, the above-mentioned project has not started yet. A book came into my hands, the author was looking for a translator. I was surprised, few people knew I could translate. Since I have never translated professionally, I did not have any track record. After asking a few questions, I realized why it was difficult for the author to find a translator. First the translator has to be a Christian, next he/she has to believe in end time prophecy.That combination of requirements obviously reduced the number of candidates in the playing fields drastically.
Here comes the difficulty: Should I take it? How much should I charge? How long should I ask for? Shouldn't I just turn it down and save myself lots of headache?
Then I thought, such an opportunity comes perhaps only once in a life time. I decided to commit it to God, ask for a longer period and promise that if I could do the job within a shorter period, I would hand in earlier. And prayerfully I would submit a higher price, if it is not mine, then the job would go to another person.
Friday, January 21, 2011
(363) Two Hotels in Hong Kong
Two years ago Elizabeth and I visited Hong Kong. We stayed in Dorset Sea View. While it was satisfactory in every way, the price tag was quite high. Therefore we decided that if we visit again, we would trawl the net for something more affordable.
This round we found another hotel which is way lower in room rate. A few days before we left, I actually wondered what would be the reason for such low rates in such an expensive place. Later I found out. All around and behind the hotel we find shops selling wreaths, cremation urns, joss sticks, paper clothes, paper handphones ... and yes, in the back streets: coffins of every shape and style.
I personally don't mind all these shops, in fact I enjoyed all the fragrant flowers: big and small and of all colours. But my mother has a pathological fear of coffins. So I took care to by pass that short street as soon as I fixed it in my mind. Funny thing I saw four coffin shops but neither my mum nor my daughter noticed them.
We counted six Red Bridal Teashops in one area. While it offers every necessity for weary travelers, it was pathetically small. I suppose it was my fault for not persuading another soul, whether friend or relative, to make up a group of four. I tried, honestly I did. Once the air tickets were purchased, the die was cast. My aged mum and underage daughter refused to entertain the thought that I might be given a room on another floor. They agreed to make do and crowd three to one room.
You should see and hear us laugh each time we enter our room. I would slot in the card and hold the door open as widely as it would go, my mum who is seventy eight would walk in side way with her huge hold all with her tumbler of water, warm clothing and umbrella .. Then she would sit on the toilet seat leaving the narrow passage way for my daughter to bring in the many shopping bags. Elizabeth would walk to the head of the bed, take off her shoes and crawl up the bed. Then I would go in, lock the door, bring out the first suitcase from the window recess to take out clothing for my shower ... At any one time two people must sit down, one on the bed and the second on the chair before a third can pack or unpack.
But you can't beat the low room rate. The bed is solid and comfortable. The toilet is clean. Everything from TV to air con to tea kettle are new and in working order. For one person, or for a loving couple on honeymoon, you cannot get a better hotel room for the asking price.
This round we found another hotel which is way lower in room rate. A few days before we left, I actually wondered what would be the reason for such low rates in such an expensive place. Later I found out. All around and behind the hotel we find shops selling wreaths, cremation urns, joss sticks, paper clothes, paper handphones ... and yes, in the back streets: coffins of every shape and style.
I personally don't mind all these shops, in fact I enjoyed all the fragrant flowers: big and small and of all colours. But my mother has a pathological fear of coffins. So I took care to by pass that short street as soon as I fixed it in my mind. Funny thing I saw four coffin shops but neither my mum nor my daughter noticed them.
We counted six Red Bridal Teashops in one area. While it offers every necessity for weary travelers, it was pathetically small. I suppose it was my fault for not persuading another soul, whether friend or relative, to make up a group of four. I tried, honestly I did. Once the air tickets were purchased, the die was cast. My aged mum and underage daughter refused to entertain the thought that I might be given a room on another floor. They agreed to make do and crowd three to one room.
You should see and hear us laugh each time we enter our room. I would slot in the card and hold the door open as widely as it would go, my mum who is seventy eight would walk in side way with her huge hold all with her tumbler of water, warm clothing and umbrella .. Then she would sit on the toilet seat leaving the narrow passage way for my daughter to bring in the many shopping bags. Elizabeth would walk to the head of the bed, take off her shoes and crawl up the bed. Then I would go in, lock the door, bring out the first suitcase from the window recess to take out clothing for my shower ... At any one time two people must sit down, one on the bed and the second on the chair before a third can pack or unpack.
But you can't beat the low room rate. The bed is solid and comfortable. The toilet is clean. Everything from TV to air con to tea kettle are new and in working order. For one person, or for a loving couple on honeymoon, you cannot get a better hotel room for the asking price.
Monday, January 3, 2011
(356) The high light of travelling - talking to a local person
It was rather cold in Hong Kong. Since I have a seventy-eight-year-old in my care, we did not go sight seeing. We went on one sub-way journey and it was enough to frighten my mother who had never seen people rushing around in such a manner. Thereafter we "sight see" from the bus.
We found neighbourhood shopping centres to have our meals in. We particularly enjoyed the low rise and scattered shop lots in Yow Onn. There we had to share a table with a local man. He proved to be friendly and interesting to talk to.
According to him, Hong Kong changed a lot the last thirteen to fourteen years. That many years ago, one who was prepared to work hard could find a job, by working hard at it would earn enough to live on. Now, there are many positions available all over the street, but the pay is actually less than the rates twelve years ago in real terms.
He has three children. The eldest just graduated in Canada. He went for her graduation and found that food was so costly that if he converts everything into Hong Kong dollars he could not swallow a bite. His eldest girl is looking for a job now. Failing that, she plans to marry her sweet heart and stays on. His two other children are studying in Hong Kong. He would consider migrating should the daughter decides to apply for the family later on. He said that of course he prefers Hong Kong over Canada. But at the rate things are moving, he fears for his family's future.
This man looks like he is in his late thirties. We were surprised that he has a daughter at least twenty one years old. He has gentle eyes and talks in a very quiet and unassuming manner. He works for a company that helps people move, they renovate apartments and refurbish old buildings. Now I realise why a lot of Hongkies migrated before China took over, it was probably because of precisely this reason.
We found neighbourhood shopping centres to have our meals in. We particularly enjoyed the low rise and scattered shop lots in Yow Onn. There we had to share a table with a local man. He proved to be friendly and interesting to talk to.
According to him, Hong Kong changed a lot the last thirteen to fourteen years. That many years ago, one who was prepared to work hard could find a job, by working hard at it would earn enough to live on. Now, there are many positions available all over the street, but the pay is actually less than the rates twelve years ago in real terms.
He has three children. The eldest just graduated in Canada. He went for her graduation and found that food was so costly that if he converts everything into Hong Kong dollars he could not swallow a bite. His eldest girl is looking for a job now. Failing that, she plans to marry her sweet heart and stays on. His two other children are studying in Hong Kong. He would consider migrating should the daughter decides to apply for the family later on. He said that of course he prefers Hong Kong over Canada. But at the rate things are moving, he fears for his family's future.
This man looks like he is in his late thirties. We were surprised that he has a daughter at least twenty one years old. He has gentle eyes and talks in a very quiet and unassuming manner. He works for a company that helps people move, they renovate apartments and refurbish old buildings. Now I realise why a lot of Hongkies migrated before China took over, it was probably because of precisely this reason.
(355) Injustice
While I was in Hong Kong, I caught a brief glimpse of the notable events of 2010 on TV. The most memorable was the strike of a group of cafe workers. Why did they demonstrate? It was because the hourly paid workers who worked the full eight-hour day was not given a paid lunch or dinner hour.
One face in particular, I find that it was engraved on my mind. I can close my eyes right now and recall how emphatic she was, what she said and how she held up her work-worn hands to the cameras. She worked in the cafe washing dishes to bring up her two children. She told the audience that it was not true that if she worked hard, her family would be provided for. She worked many hours every day and her hands that cracked and the skin that was worn thin by manual labour as well as the strong detergent testified to her diligence. Yet month by month she was barely making ends meet. She said that the system sucked blood out of simple folks like her. And she cannot imagine what will happen to people like her with no savings when she grows older and cannot put in as many hours.
Looking at that somewhat overweight and short woman, I can see that she had not spent any extra money on herself. Her graying hair was not dyed. Her hair was badly cut. She probably did not use any face cream on a daily basis. Here is one responsible citizen who was working hard at giving her children a better future. It is sad that rich and fashionable Hong Kong could not or would not pay their workers equitable rewards that would enable them to earn a reasonable living.
One face in particular, I find that it was engraved on my mind. I can close my eyes right now and recall how emphatic she was, what she said and how she held up her work-worn hands to the cameras. She worked in the cafe washing dishes to bring up her two children. She told the audience that it was not true that if she worked hard, her family would be provided for. She worked many hours every day and her hands that cracked and the skin that was worn thin by manual labour as well as the strong detergent testified to her diligence. Yet month by month she was barely making ends meet. She said that the system sucked blood out of simple folks like her. And she cannot imagine what will happen to people like her with no savings when she grows older and cannot put in as many hours.
Looking at that somewhat overweight and short woman, I can see that she had not spent any extra money on herself. Her graying hair was not dyed. Her hair was badly cut. She probably did not use any face cream on a daily basis. Here is one responsible citizen who was working hard at giving her children a better future. It is sad that rich and fashionable Hong Kong could not or would not pay their workers equitable rewards that would enable them to earn a reasonable living.
Friday, December 17, 2010
(338)A world Choke by plastics/ recycling 5
Do you know that by 2003 statistics, 500 billion plastic bags were consumed yearly?
Yet less than 1% was recycled because it costs more to recycle than to make new ones. Plastic bags was found floating north of the Arctic Circle near Spitzbergen. They are found as far south as the Falkland Islands.
Plastic bags photo degrades. Over time they break down into smaller, more toxic petro-polymers, which would eventually contaminates soil and water ways. Microscopic particles of such polymers are entering the food chain and we have yet to see the full effects on wild life. The pictures I saw on line was heart rending, birds were entangled in plastic bags and starved. Whales, dolphins, seals and turtles would mistake them for food. They die after eating plastic bags.
Ireland took the lead in Europe by taxing plastic bags in 2002. Consumption had been reduced by 90%. Israel, Canada, Western India, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Taiwan, and Singapore have banned or are working towards banning plastic bags. On March 27, 2007, San Francisco became the first US city to ban ...
I know I am contributing to the contamination whenever I forgot to bring reusable containers to buy food. Even when I buy a loaf of bread, I end up with one plastic bag. As much as in using trolley and boxes to transport groceries home, it is just lessening the number of plastic bags consumed. The invention of thermoplastic made from petroleum is what got us into this self-imposed bind.
Yet less than 1% was recycled because it costs more to recycle than to make new ones. Plastic bags was found floating north of the Arctic Circle near Spitzbergen. They are found as far south as the Falkland Islands.
Plastic bags photo degrades. Over time they break down into smaller, more toxic petro-polymers, which would eventually contaminates soil and water ways. Microscopic particles of such polymers are entering the food chain and we have yet to see the full effects on wild life. The pictures I saw on line was heart rending, birds were entangled in plastic bags and starved. Whales, dolphins, seals and turtles would mistake them for food. They die after eating plastic bags.
Ireland took the lead in Europe by taxing plastic bags in 2002. Consumption had been reduced by 90%. Israel, Canada, Western India, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Taiwan, and Singapore have banned or are working towards banning plastic bags. On March 27, 2007, San Francisco became the first US city to ban ...
I know I am contributing to the contamination whenever I forgot to bring reusable containers to buy food. Even when I buy a loaf of bread, I end up with one plastic bag. As much as in using trolley and boxes to transport groceries home, it is just lessening the number of plastic bags consumed. The invention of thermoplastic made from petroleum is what got us into this self-imposed bind.
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