Wednesday, December 26, 2007
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(218) the paradox of our age...
We have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less. We buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life, not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We've conquered outerspace but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorces, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete....
Remember to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember to say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all, mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. by Dr Bob Moorehead
WISHING ALL A BLESSED CHRISTMAS!
the pig oinked at
7:38 AM
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Thursday, December 20, 2007
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(217) past, present, future...
One day at a time -- this is enough.
Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone;
And do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come.
Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.
the pig oinked at
5:38 PM
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Sunday, December 16, 2007
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(216) made in china...
Whenever Laogong goes to China, he loves to buy stuff, stuff which I do not like or want. So this is a reminder for him.....
A man went on a business to China and wanted to buy some presents for his kids. He went to a shop and found a nice-looking CD player. Wary of buying inferior goods, he asked the shopkeeper, 'What would happened if this does not work?'
The shopkeeper quietly pointed to the only sign in his shop. It was in English and it read: 'GUARANTEE NO SPOILT'
Thus feeling assured, he paid for the CD player and returned to his hotel. He tried to use the CD player in his hotel room but it would not even switch on.
He quickly returned to the shop and asked for a refund or an exchange for another unit. When the shopkeeper refused to give either, the businessman pointed to the English sign that had assured him of a guarantee.
The shopkeeper then said, '兄弟, you are in China. Here, we read from the right to the left.'
the pig oinked at
9:08 AM
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Friday, December 07, 2007
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(215) i'm back...
I flew down under on 26/11 for Judith's graduation and only got home last night. Ben, Em and Jon could not make it, so it was just me, Laogong and his parents. In the end, 4 nephews also tagged along cos their families' holiday plans were scuttled! We all stayed with Laogong's youngest sis. It was pretty tough balancing the interests of 6 boisterous boys (plus sis-in-law's sons) and 2 old folks. Despite that, we had fun and many hilarious moments.....
The boys swam every day, went for Laserforce challenges, bowled, did rock-climbing and had repetitious rides at the theme parks. They graciously attended Judith's graduation ceremony and shamelessly proclaimed that the best part of it was the refreshments! They then celebrated her graduation by pinching her champagne during dinner. The next day, they celebrated her 21st birthday with a yummy cake and a sumptuous Chinese dinner.....
