Healing...

It was already near 1am when I returned home last nite and I saw my mom's room light was still on. I was suprised and felt guilty, thinking if she was waiting for me.

I went in the room and found her lying on the floor like a little girl burning midnite oil...I asked why she was still up and scribbling on the floor. She looked up and told me that Pastor requested her to give a testimony tomorrow morning- last minute preparation! I gave her a big smile...

2 Mondays ago, I was having a meeting and received mom's call. At that moment, I was irritated since the meeting was not going on well and the call was just untimely. Nevertheless I answered and mom was complaining about her headache. I told her to take a pill and lie down. She further asked what's today day? and wondered she has woken up since morning. I did not pay much attention and ended the call abruptly. Within 5 minutes, she called again and repeated the same conversation. The 3rd time she called with the same conversation, I knew something went wrong and my whole body started to shake and mind messed up. The same feeling I felt whenever I received calls from home when my dad was suffering from cancer 2 years ago.

By the time I reached home, brother has takee mom to see Dr Wong. They came home 10 minutes thereafter and noted that my brother was irritated while mom was still in the car. I approached her and her face was so pale. She again repeated the same conversation and this time she was unable to remember that she had earlier called me. My brother and myself decided to take her to another clinic since Dr Wong was closed. Throughout our journey to search for a clinic, our patience was really being tested since mom kept repeating her words.

I felt very lost and called Shin and PZ for advice. Same time, I need someone to pray for mom. So I sms Pastor and my cousins. The doctor has no idea what was wrong with mom apart from suffering migraine. BP and temparature were normal. Doc advised to admit mom to hospital. The thought of going to UH's emergency room was like "the devil pulling me back to hell" again...Crying out in my heart.."LORD! NO...PLEASE"

We headed home to take mom's documents and to feed her with medication since it would take some time for the docs in hospital to attend to her. Pastor and Jaycy came. Mom began to sob when she saw them. It reminded me during the time mom was suffering from depression. My heart hurts so much to see the same scenario but this time my dad is no longer around to hug and kiss her...Mom was totally lost and kept crying as though she was being 'kidnapped'...Jay's eyes were red and trying to hold back her tears..

Pastor was strong and reminded us that we need God and we pray...He guided mom to pray and praise God..each time after a prayer, mom will stop crying and compose..that will only last for 5-10 minutes...the saga began again...and we pray and pray..from 5-10 mintues..the time extended to 15 min then 20 mins....finally we managed to calm her and send her to bed...brother was witnessing the whole episode..

I could hardly sleep that night...my heart felt better when she woke up the next day without headache and able to recall some of the incident ..though was vague. I took her to the specialist and over the week she had done MRI and blood test... Also over the few days, she is her normal self again...

With the tests results, the Prof Tan diagnosed Transient Global Amnesia which can be caused by migraine...Mom is now on medication to control her migraine..The words from Prof "You need not to worry as nothing serious.." lifted my soul and I am so thankful for HIS HEALING..IT IS JESUS...I KNOW IT! AMEN...

The best was that my brother witnessed the confidence of our Pastor and his strong bond between himself and the church people...and how God healed our mom...I am waiting for the one day when my brother will be save...Yes, Amen!

"Tongue Haven pt 2"

Chinatown

The first day in Melb was great..came the 2nd day and Jacsmyn needed to go home. So sad..We decided to let Jacs to choose her lunch before we sent her to airport. "Dim sum!", she said...fantastic choice.

We headed to Southgate for the most famous dim sum in Melb. Unfortunately, we were too early (it's already 11+am..early?!). Well, along the way we captured some great sights of Melb city. Lyn then took us to Chinatown for the alternate place for dim sum. The moment I stepped in the restaurant, it reminded me my childhood years when Ye Ye and Pak Pak took me to yum cha. The ambience is exactly like I was in of Kam Lun Tai restaurant when I was 4. The taste and size of the dim sums were also like those I ate then. Big in size and not as fanciful as those dim sum we have now in KL. I remember those years I was excited when I yum cha with Ye Ye and Pak Pak..cos these gentlemen would talked a lot and I took the opportunity to eat a lot... :)

After sending Jacs off, we headed for shopping! Boy o boy...managed to grab a short from Esprit and headed home cos Chef Keith was preparing dinner despite he came home early because of his bad flu. I felt 'guilty' to have a sick man cooking..but hey, when will I gonna have the opportunity again?! That nite I was told that oysters have its different taste depending where they come from. A tip from chef! Then we had Spanish seafood for entree. We enjoyed a botltle of white and another bottle of red wine during our 1 1/2 hrs dinner. As for dessert, I was privilege to try out a new fruit. Can't remember what's the name in english. But in chinese it is called "Golden Dragon Fruit".

Golden Dragon Fruit

Subsequent days in Melb, we mostly travelled to city and was in Dangdenons on Saturday. The memories I gained were mostly the wonderful food that I had...they ranges from appetisers to entree to desserts...yum yum..here are some of the food I had and they are all tasty... vietnamese beef noodles, wagyhu steak, more oysters, apple struidel, durian ice cream (can you believe it?), pancakes, cupcakes, tooth fish (this is way better than a cod), spanish donut, german hotdog and many more.

Osyter @ Bistro

Well on Friday, we were set to go for the best steak in Melb as per Chef Keith. Thus I was told to dress up!And the result was - I became a "mini" Lyn since I borrowed her blouse and overcoat for the nite..hehehehe..thanks, Lyn! We headed to Crown Hotel and ate at Rockpool. Wow, it's like I was being invited to Gordon Ramsey's restaurant...you can clearly see the chefs working on their orders just like how those we have seen in f Word..minus Gordon. I chose a bone marrow appetiser and shared a steak with Lyn. By then I was so satisfied and full...I told myself I had no more room for desserts and were affirmitive...but then when they served the desserts...what the heck!just find some space..surely they will go in..hahaha..Besides the food, Keith managed to meet the owner of the restaurant, Neil Perry and took a photo!

Kitchen @ Rockpool

Lyn n me

Bone Marrow

Steak

Dessert that I can't resist

Can you resist this?

How about this?

Sunday I found myself having dinner at Cafe Cavallino @ Lygon Street, which is a big fan of ferrari F1..every where you'll see red!The food is simple and tasty...on top of it, we had Lumbrusco. Thanks for introducing it, Keith..just love it. I enjoyed Lumbrusco so much that I even had Janet to buy one when I was in Perth. More so, when I reached home I went hunting for it and found it in Jusco for RM39/-.. :) Mom enjoyed it too..

After the dinner, we headed to a dessert shop called Brunetti which Lyn has been longing to take me..I never had coffee at nite for a long time since I am very sensitive to caffeine. But then again, why care since I am holidaying..cannot sleep then wake up later! Keith's suggested affogati and I had not regretted for having it...wonder if I can find it in KL...hmmm...

Spaghetti @ Cafe

Pizza @ Cafe

Desserts @ Brunetti

Last stop was to Movida, a Spanish restaurant in city before I left for Perth..yet again the food just melt in your mouth...everytime I thought of the tapas (esp the wagyhu beef) I start to drool...gosh, I am hungry! Thank you Father for the wonderful food You provided for me...Amen..Btw, Thanks Keith & Lyn!!! chow...

Waghyu which melts in your mouth

Why not?!

It has been a hectic week. Plans which my boss have in his mind really bother me a lot. Throughout the week I have been thinking and thinking..I had even thought of alternatives eventhough his plans are yet to materialize...I don't know what to do or what to think..so tired..

Friday came and it was our annual dinner.. I decided to let go and enjoy myself..WHY NOT?! ..anyway, I bought a pair of boots from Aussie for this nite, I am gonna have fun!AND I DID...more to that, 2 colleagues of mine protected me from more drinks and police roadblocks...what can I asked for more to have these 'angels' with me despite me being so 'naughty'...Amen! I was laughing through out the nite, yelling yum seng all the way...and when we headed for home, my colleagues asked "MC, are you unhappy?"..I looked at her a while and shook my head a lil...and asked her to turn right at the front junction...soon forgotten her question..so drunk!

My boots

The next day was like a 'punishment' for my bad...looking at kiwi turning like a merry-go-round didn't made him look adorable in anyway! luckily mom went for lunch appointment (of which I was supposedly to attend as well..but then I think mom got the message when I didn't even wake up at 12pm)..the toilet was the only comfort place then...

By evening, WMC has awaken...took a quick bite and went off to Abi's birthday...time flies and Abi is now 2 years old...all had a great time and best was - no one knew how to cut the lovely kitty kat cake...well, somehow we just chop it into pieces..it's a damn rich chocolate cake...I was deliberating to eat or not...WHY NOT?!..it should lift my 'soul' a while...

Kitty Kat cake

Abi at 2

Sunday came and it was a dragging one..been thinking throughout the sermon whether I should just take a day off tomorrow and head for Pavillion!!!Pastor would have 'stoned me to death' if he knew what was going through my mind..somehow I made myself to the altar..prayed..and I took a day off today! "For the Lord takes care of the birds of the air and the lilies..He will care for His child.."

And yes, I headed to Pavillion...WHY NOT?! I have been longing for a rugged leather watch since 2 years ago..and I saw one today unintentionally...I said again, WHY NOT?! .."Dik, boleh saya pakai sekarang?" It's WMC's!

My 1st leather watch after more than a decade

"I walk by faith, each step I take.. I am gonna put my trust in Him.."

"Tongue Haven"

12 Apostles

Geez..it has been a while I didn't update the blog. Laziness sets in..hahahaha..

Well, this time the title says it all when my next Aussie Journey has taken me to Melbourne! Simply fantastic..the food..the wine..the companionship.. = 'perfect holiday'

Lorne Pier

The first day's lunch was at a greek restaurant along our way to 12 Apostles. If we weren't rushing to capture the sights before sun set, the lunch would have been a more complete. It's a small restaurant with great view. We wanted to enjoy the ocean while having our lunch but were too cold..grr...rr...the seafood and pasta were great. Not to forget to mentioned was that 2 rainbows appeared just as when we finished our lunch. It was such a lovely sight but too lil time to enjoy...We missed the long chat..it wud have been so great to enjoy another cup of coffee, looking over the rainbow and catched up with some girly gossips.. :)

12 Apostles is now 11, I heard. Wonder if the next few years would the apostles become 10 then 9 till "There were 12 Apostles in Great Ocean Road"...looking at the way how we, human beings, exploiting our earth..no doubt there will be the day coming! More curious is.. which of the apostles have fallen..is it Judas?!

We were so blessed that when we returned from the Apostles, we had a Chef Keith waiting for us and his ingredients to prepare a splendid candle light dinner. More to that, I learned from Chef Keith how my favourite mushrooms soup being done with perfection. Then followed by Chef Keith's signature dish ie ceasar salad. It's the best ceasar salad I ever had so far. Never knew that salmon could be such a good complement to the salad instead of chicken. Thanks, Chef!

It's only the first day in Melb which I have just shared. More exciting experiences to share...hopefully my laziness will not set in again so soon...

Damn, it was a great one!

"I tot I saw a Pussy Cat..I did! I Did!"

We thought by taking MAS airline would have 'soften' our discomfort of tarvelling to Gold Coast comparing to travel by Air Asia. As per the itinerary, our journey takes 10 hrs + to reach Brisbane (transit in Sydney) and another hour to reach Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast by bus. Well, I thought it would still be good since the estimated time to be in Vibe Hotel is before midnight (Aussie Time).

Little did we know that the bus had taken us to several surburbs along our way to Surfers Paradise to drop off passengers and hallelujah we reached Vibe Hotel at 2.30am (Aussie Time). The total of hours that our butts stuck on a seat would have gotten us to Europe somewhere...

Surfers Paradise Beach

All nites we have no problem in falling asleep even at times we knocked off as early as 10pm (KL time would be 8pm). The thrill and the number of hours we are on our feet surpasses 12 hours easily-everyday.

Superman Escapes-MovieWorld

All the while, we regretted that we forgot to bring along our shorts since the weather in GC is cooling during daylight. But then our mind quickly changed when we were hit by strong wind in the evening...the solution to keep us warm - hide behind the building pillars while waiting for the wind to pass on...come to think of it, both of us were like making some bollywoods shots while we headed back to our hotel in Surfers Paradise! What a scene...

Dolphins greeting us in SeaWorld

Some of the memories captured were extraordinary. I fed the wild dolphins and felt the sensation...indescribable. Those which are tamed in Seaworld - they are brilliant...and I praise God for His magnificient creation! I remember in my teens, there was a reality show whereby you are to send in your dream. If yours is picked, they will realize it..I think I did sent one...I wanted to swim with the dolphins and the killer whales...Guess, partly has came true...Amen! O, and those koalas are irresistable!!!

Koala ready for a photo shoot-anytime (Paradise Country Farm)

Sand tabogganing was one heck of a climb rather than slide! And all the roller coaster rides in Movie World made me realize how strong my heart and lungs still are...not bad for a quick and cheap check-up...Apart from that, I also worked out those biceps and strong legs to stabilize my body through the rough ferry ride from Tangalooma Island back to Brisbane..Besides, I experienced how a salted fish being made..how? Just ensure you are seated at the area which the icy cold ocean waves would splash unto you from head to toe every time the ferry hit the waves..and then slowly inch your ass to dry corner...stand still under the sun..wait for an hour..wa-la..salted fish!

Sand Tabogganing in Tangalooma Island

Tangalooma Island (or Aussie Bali?!)

Food...nothing much to shout about...But we did had a bad experience when we had our 1st lunch at SeaWorld.. We were hungry and was eager to try out our first fast food meal..When we sat down we were uneasy with hundreds (almost) lil pairs of eyes staring at our food..we decided to shift our food to a table inner..it was the worst decision..once we put down our food on the other table and turned around to grab our drink, our food was salvaged by a swarm of birds..From a lovley seagulls they became like the ugly vultures..You had no idea how happy like a kid we were when we had our 1st decent meal at the Paradise Country Farm....O!beer..yea, it's toohey all the way!

Our decent lunch at Paradise Country Farm-yum

When you are having so much fun..time past quicker than you realize..we were too concern about catching our Tigerairways and did not really enjoy the very last moment in GC. We ended up being in an empty airport for almost an hour before we saw some staff reporting for their duty...worse the flight was delayed an hour..

While waiting for the departure to Melbourne, I saw a group of family. The group comprises of grandad, grandma, 2 daddies, 2 mommies and 6-7 kids. All these while I have been thinking that gwailos are always by themselves even in their young age ...I could never imagine that they will have a holiday together..in such a big pack..I could feel the warmth in the family as the daddies took turns to entertain the kids with simple games while mommies, grandad and grandma watched and giving their support..it reminded me when my Wong family used to gather at my grandad house during CNY...Sigh, I missed those days when things were simple and straightforward...

Before we knew it, the captain announced our arrival in Tullamarine Airport..the temperature was 7 degrees..and Gosh, my winter jacket was in my checked-in luggage...O, Lord keep me warm I prayed..

My favourite cartoon legends - beep!beep!

Stressed Tests

Preparation is always the hardest task. Informations gathered were flooding my mind...until to the point that I don't know which one should come first...Many things were planned and re-planned just to ensure that we get the best outcome. Best? What's best? How do we know 'the best'?

Soon enough I learned that we should have just allow things to fall into places and hey, after all it is a BREAK that we were taking...not a contest to maximise every dollar!!!

I had been proud about the trip and was looking forward to it since the 1st of Januray 2008. All items were checked and ticked on the eve. Out of a sudden, bad news hit me like a lightning...my trip partner, Jacsmyn was diagnosed with cornea infection and needed treatment.


I was in dilema as much as she was in...should I encoruaged her to go or to get treatment as the doc recommended...for a while I was like a headless chicken...what am I to do in Gold Coast for 6 days by myself???!!! A comment from a colleague made me even more frantic ..."You won't be enjoying it by yourself in Aussie, I can bet you that" she said. Adding to it, Aileen strongly discouraged Jacsmyn to go ahead with the trip that may caused her blindness...


Sigh...after all the planning and the anxiety to make this trip a great one could then be a dissappointed start, I thought.


My phone rang about 930pm...Jacsmyn confirmed that she will go ahead despite the infection and would make the trip short in Melbourne...a sign of relief or should it not be, in view of her condition...I just could not settle with my mind...


Well, you may plant the seed and water the ground..but it is only God who will make it grow...


In the next 24 hours, we found ourselves waiting for transit in Sydney Airport...

Making it a reality...

A few nights before I left Perth, I recall at one of the usual after-church-service-lunch, how I envied a church member whom was about to go on 1 month leave. Later, I came to know that she was employed by HSBC.

Little did I realize that after more than a decade, I was taking the same length of leave and am attached to a bank as well.

Well I guess that the statement "You must be careful what you wish for.." may be some what true..but I would rather rephrase the statement... "God never forgets what you've prayed for..." It is all the matter of 'the perfect timing'...

This "Aussie Journey" which I have completed was more than just an ordinary holiday or a break which I was longing since 7 years ago...The excitement, the thrill, the laughter, the smile, the companionship, the first times, the memories and etc are all GOD's BLESSINGS of which I will take my time to share...and also a way for myself to thanked Him...

BTW, sometimes even pictures can tell a thousand words...