Growing Old- a Wonderful Perspective!

The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old. I was taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old. Upon seeing my reaction, she was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let her know.

Old Age, I decided, is a gift.

I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother!), but I don't agonize over those things for long.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 a.m. and sleep until noon?

I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.

They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when a beloved pet gets hit by a car?

But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don’t question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day.

~ Author Unknown ~

Morning Walk in a New Village

I have heard of Kampong Chempaka. My students come from there.

Except for one row of well planned shop-house complex facing a rather strange round-about, this new village, like most new villages, is unplanned. Residential houses and commercial properties stand side by side. Cottage industry especially welding industries can cause quite a din to their suffering neighbours.

My son has never been to a new village and so this could be an experience for him. His initial reaction-dirty and smelly. My wife looked at the food - 'tak lalu' was her comment. We also went to the new market complex. Quite clean and organised. Looks like there are many stalls not taken up at the cooked food section on the third floor.

Quote of the Day:

"When eating bamboo shoots,remember the man who planted them." Chinese Proverb

Heartsong

Do Kindergarten teachers grow up?

I would not mention names but I know two of them quite well.

I guess teaching small kids makes them want to be in authority forever. You see they are not realists. They see things in the most simplistic manner. They believe they can do no wrong. They believe the world is a static one.

Their behaviour-only a thin red line between being childlike and being childish. Either one will not be good for them as time passes by.

These kindergarten teachers must learn how to grow up!


Quote of the Day:

Heartsong

From a Distant

I had an opportunity to visit my mother today. It has been a long time coming. Most of the time, I will be with my wife and we would be at the nearby pasar malam shopping for fruits and vegetables. Today, I was alone and so I popped in to see my mum.

Good to know she is fine. We spoke about those folks back at home and how they were coping especially after my brother's back operation. An unhappy episode particularly the financing bit as this brother was a real black sheep that squandered his money and live off my father.

As I was driving off, I could see my mother from a distant. She was doing her chores in days of old as if time had stood still.


Quote of the Day:

Heartsong

Was that Really a Strange Reply?

I brought my daughter for her one day special: attending lectures at the Taylor's Business School. In the evening, I came early to pick her up. While waiting for her, I noticed the premise looks okay. Couple of young pretty things were loitering around.

When I took her back, the first question I asked her in the car was what did she found interesting about the programme? She replied: The economics lecturer was young and attractive. Should I expect that kind of answer?

I think my daughter has grown up.


Quote of the Day:

"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle." Erin Majors

Heartsong

Remedial Crusade

My son did awfully bad for his mid-year exams. At this rate, he will be a goner.

I have given him tuition classes but it looks like it is not translating into grades.

From now on, there is only one option left. To coach him.

I have looked at his SWOT. This is my analysis:

English: Average A
Maths: Borderline A
History: Strong B
Geography: Strong B
Living Skills: Average B
Science: Average B
Bahasa Malaysia: Poor

I have about 90 days to do some salvage work.


Quote of the Day:

Heartsong

God Moves in Mysterious Ways

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill,
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan His work in vain:
God is His own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.

-William Cowper, "Light Shining out of Darkness"

Quote of the Day:

Heartsong