Packing and moving on

2 days before we head off to the homeland. Started packing 3 months ago during the weekend. Thought that way, it would be easier since some of the things are already out of the way. But how wrong one can be. The last few days before the things are due for shipping are actually the worst.

The kids suddenly found that everything is 'important' and wanted them packed. One spent endless time arguing with them over an item. The only time when one could really pack is when they are away at school. And even then, one has to slot in other activities like meeting friends for good bye coffee etc. Worse, there are still the daily things that the family needs to use. Those are really hard to pack. I ended up categorizing things into 3 piles- the ones to be packed, the ones to give away, and the garbages. And gosh, didn't we have heaps of them!

We finally did it today. As it is, I'm watching the movers load the things in the truck and feeling a bit like crying. Haven't yet figured out the reason for the feeling though. Be it sadness, relief or sheer exhaustion...I just don't know. All I know is in the past 3 days, I hardly got enough sleep at all due to wanting to finish everything in time for shipping today. I can only be thankful that it's over now.

Well they say packing is the third most stressful thing after a bereavement of a loved one and a divorce. Good thing it's only the third...it is indeed a hard work.

The God question

Somehow, I believe at least at one stage of his/her life, the God question must pop up in a person's mind, even when one is comfortable with one's religion.

This book is a great start to know what great minds of the past and present, from Plato to Dawkins, observed about God. I have to say the author has managed to present the big ideas in an easy to follow manner that it doesn't seem like one is reading philosophical stuffs at all.

I'd recommend this book for the curious minds. It is really food for thoughts.

There is a purpose behind every incident

I opened my email this morning and saw this one. I thought it is a good reminder for all especially myself that I decided to keep it in my blog:


~The ' L I T T L E ' Things~

As you might remember, the head of a company survived 9/11
Because his son started kindergarten.

Another fellow was alive because it was
His turn to bring donuts.

One woman was late because her
Alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike
Because of an auto accident.

One of them
Missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take
Time to change.

One's
Car wouldn't start.

One couldn't
Get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man
Who put on a new pair of shoes that morning,
Took the various means to get to work
But before he got there, he developed
A blister on his foot.
He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid.
That is why he is alive today..


Now when I am
Stuck in traffic,
Miss an elevator,
Turn back to answer a ringing telephone...

All the little things that annoy me.
I think to myself,
This is exactly where
God wants me to be
At this very moment..

Next time your morning seems to be
Going wrong,
The children are slow getting dressed,
You can't seem to find the car keys,
You hit every traffic light,
Don't get mad or frustrated;
It May be just that
God is at work watching over you.

May God continue to bless you
With all those annoying little things
And may you remember their possible purpose.

Indeed, there is a purpose behind every incident.

Good bye Fordy

I didn't know that selling a car could hurt this much. Fordy is only a second hand car. But he has been so good to us in the past 3 years. He hardly ever gave us trouble. We have had to sell him because we're moving away and it's not practical to take him with us. If I'd have my way I'd have kept him.

Well the selling was inevitable. But what I didn't expect was that he would be sold on the day I was not home. Hubby took the liberty of doing that because the buyer came knocking on the door. In my mind we'd have Fordy till at least 2 weeks before we have to leave, not a month before. And I was so unprepared for the shock.

The kids excitedly shouted "we sold the car" when I came home. Imagine how I felt. I rushed to the garage to have a look, and true enough, he was gone! Fordy was gone! I'm still getting over this funny feeling, of course with tears running down my cheeks. *sigh*

...and they become as real as can be

If I were to conduct an experiment about cyber chat experience, I think I will be a good candidate for that experiment. At my age and status as a mom it might look a bit ridiculous to enjoy so much chatting with people I haven't even met. But I unashamedly do. Stumbling upon this particular chat room one night as I was listening to their online radio, I decided to be a user just because. One 'hi' led to another and the result was a good feeling. And I have kept coming back since. Meeting the same people night after night and talking to them for an hour or so like they are old friends make the whole thing seems so real. I don't even know the identity of these people, only that they come from the same homeland and they speak the same language as I do. And that they are polite, respectful yet playful. Those are reasons enough to make me keep coming back. In a way, cyberfriends can be just like real life friends- you can bond naturally. You can feel which ones click with you and even unload your emotions to a certain extent (in my case I don't mind being their listeners). Strangely enough, these people become as real as can be...

In defense of the virtual world

They say it's bad. It encourages self-centeredness. It makes people lazy. And unrealistic. And sedentary. Hmm...maybe.

But still I love the virtual world. It makes you feel that everything is all right. That everyone is nice. And it gives you entertainment that doesn't involve others. You can entertain yourself at your own time and pace, without having to cope with the frustration of dealing with people you'd rather avoid. It keeps you creative, you can turn your imagination into virtual reality. In the virtual world you are a successful you. What a boost to the self-esteem.

Of course one needs to be cautious while dealing with the virtual world. The trap is ever present. You can get so hooked that you forget all about reality. And that's when it becomes bad...with all the reasons stated above and more.

Nevertheless, I'm still thankful that there is a virtual world at all. A perfect world for escapism.

...where there seems to be no way

Everything happens for a reason. You just have to keep believing...