Costly CV mistake

IT is norm that we used to boast by putting some more certification courses on our CV than our core professional degree certificate which is good enough for getting a job by the time we look for job oversea. It is understandable that showing more capabilities on resume mean better chance to catch eyes of potential employer. My outgoing QS friend was no different when she applied job to our company one year ago. She declared that she could performed as not only QS but draft person during interview. It later cost her job a year later. HR recorded her designation as QS cum drafter as a consequence of her mistake on CV.

Soon after she joined us, our permanent Indian drafter take month long leave to return home visit and she was supposed to fill the void he left. She tried her best while need to do her regular tasks of QS. There are time in a particular month when QS are super busy with preparation for interim claims. Amidst heavy duties, she one day complained to SPM that she is QS, not drafter. Perhaps it make PM feel upset and apparent dislike her from that particular day onwards. Some time later, SPM became GM and asked CM to fire her for certain reasons that make him unsatisfied. As CM is quite fresh with our firm, he has no chance to cover his staff and proceed with issuing fire letter. I got some lesson from this incident. I promise myself that I'll never act such thing when I am in the position of upper hand in future. No decision will be correct if it implement personal feeling. They said, "six inches tongue can kill six feet man". Fortunately, my friend managed to find a job shortly after she is notified for her sake news.

Bad for Good

ONE fine afternoon, CM called me his room and revealed his difficulties on firing one of my colleague who is working the same department. He is apparent not happy with the task he is supposed to do as a head. He has no choice but to do it like merciless man. He also told me where instruction come from as well as some reasons to sake my fellow junior QS. It was pre-CNY holiday and I presumed that the adverse decision would be diverted upon after CNY. I cautiously told my friend about the matter so that she could take necessary action. At the same time, I persuaded her to join me for meditation retreat during CNY holiday to make her destiny better.

The news became more accurate when another senior colleague told me upon his return from CNY home visit. I pause to think the matter and asked myself if I should tell my friend in advance or not. It took me one day to disclose the matter to my friend and advise her to start hunting new job. Coincidentally, CM called my friend and me on the same evening to formally tell the bad news. I was brought in to be witness and perform translator if needed. It is first ever time I see my company fire to its staff and I was sadden by news. I tried to help my friend in preparing new cover letter and resume for hunting new job with immediate action. She is still under 30 and got potential to catch a suitable job within allowable time. It took her few days to explore the job market, she received several interviews and luckily she had found a job she wanted by today. I am equally happy for her successful mission. It may indirectly encourage all of us to look out for seeking career advancement. Because she has managed to get a better job with better pay which needs her work only 5 days a week.

Contaminated Happiness

LAST month I won a lucky draw for free air ticket back home from local airline. Couple weeks ago I contact to office to learn that all winners are supposed to use ticket before end of March this year. Hence, I booked for a middle week of March on last Friday though ticket is entitled for a month. Yesterday, I intended to collect my ticket at designated office at Changi airport and gave a call to office to ensure what documents I need to bring along to office to claim my prize. I already asked in previous contact and understood that I just need to verify with original winning ticket. But upon my last minute enquire to them, the staff told me that I needed to bring one recommendation letter from organizer at peninsular plaza.

I was clearly disappointed to learn the new instruction for my ticket collection. No choice, I rushed to peninsular plaza shop to look for a recommendation. Airline told me that they have passed all original recommendation letter with company logo to the sponsor. Once I reached the said shop, the person airline refer to even don't aware about the letter. Later his wife bring in an envelop in which there is a recommendation letter for Bangkok trip winner. Again, I am upset to learn the incident. I feel betrayed and wanted to call airline office to clarify the matter. The sponsor person stopped me and he try to contact airline authority to inform the matter. Then he pass me his mobile to talk with airline country manager directly. Surprisingly, he authorized person told me, I don't need to bring any letter but original ticket to claim air ticket at their office. What a funny is it? Just now its staff asked me to go take letter and now suddenly say no need. Feel make me bullshit. I have spent $10.00 for taxi fares to reach there from office.

Trying to keep anger, I try to double confirm on what else I need with country manager of airline. He said, I need to pay insurance, fuel surcharge and airport tax on both sides which may cost me S$ 186.00. Complete shit over thrown at me. Then how do I say it free ticket? I could easily buy a ticket with just over $100.00 on budget airline when promotion come. After trying not to show anger, I reiterated office address and operation hour to go and collect my ticket. As given time is favorable, I took taxi all the way to Changi airport terminal 1 arrival hall. Then continue to follow their direction through mobile in advance. I can't simply find it and asked 3 information counter staffs who gave me inaccurate answers. I asked almost 10 persons to reach there. It was 5:30pm and I still unable to find the office and gave a call to airline office again to direct. Then, I understand their office is in the next building to terminal 1 building. I never experienced before such long searching address in Singapore. Let it be. Finally I reached there through the help of passer by. I had some conversation time with country manager on how to improve their customer service. He seem sorry to me but never offered a cup of water. I am visibly sweat and wipe my sweat by tissue while talking. I am of course complete frustrated in return home.

What meditation mean?

IN the wake of meditation retreat, my wife one day told me that she got difficulty in explaining how does meditation look like to her curious Singaporean colleague. It's not easy in foreign language if we are not excel in it. I try to answer myself as if somebody practicing other religion ask me one day. To me, meditation is knowing everything happening to our body concurrently with extra care. As an ordinary person, it is easier said to control our mind than trying to do, especially if we are beginner to meditation. At initial days, most of our time would be spent in taming our mind because without concentrated mind, we cannot scrutiny what's happening in our body. Our mind keep thinking one after another until we catch it. 

We are encouraged to know our breath basically. Just to know, breath-in & breath-out. Sound easy but not really. When we start to monitor breath in and out, we cannot focus in mind even for a few minute. Our mind cautiously or incautiously stray around regarding past things or imagine in future. Once we notice our mind is running away, we catch again. It is more like cat and mouse game. At beginning day, it is quite norm for freshers. With some theories we learned from teaching monk, we try to tame our mind first. Then we are suppose to monitor the temporary abstract pain happening to our freeze body. We do not notice that our body keep demanding with daily practice.

When we start meditation, our body is suppose to freeze at certain position for an hour. It's fine for first half an hour for us and second half hour is going to be battle zone. Because our body start to protest by making us painful here and there through the whole body. It might be various sign in protesting, itchy, pain, joint hurt, feel paralyze, etc. When body start pain, our mind start become chaos. Body want to change position in order to mitigate pain. Wisdom brain do not allow to favor body's desire so that we could able to understand our body keep demanding and it is not belong to us. We spent lot of our time to fulfill our body's desire from morning till night. Wash, Makeup, Wear suitable outfit, Eat, Go toilet and so on. But our body is not as love as we love it. It keep demanding. It's not easy lesson to understand. But it can be overcome through meditation practice. 

Once we understand that our body is total burden and hate it, our level of dhamma could be considered one step up against ordinary person. By practicing meditation, we can reduce our greedy mind, loving kindness, excessive wants, unnecessary needy and so on. The fact is that all physical properties are subject to malfunction/destroyed/ruin at the end of the day including ourselves. Our mind keep demand and we always try to fulfill it. But it never satisfy. Once we possess something expensive, the problem may not end there. Our worry in losing those precious things keep haunting us again. Then what's really value in our life? Knowing Truth Dhamma would be undoubtly the best asset which cannot be stolen by external factors/other. To know truth dhamma is to practice meditation. There is no other way to achieve it in this planet.

Know your move

ONE of the hardest time during meditation for me is a meal time. As a yawgi, we are supposed to know our mind at all time. We cannot move without knowing it. Every effort will have to be known and it is called meditation as well. The hosts speaker would remind us not to eat carelessly. As all the meals and drinks are donated by donors, we have to keep our main mission in mind. The donors are donating not because of personal admire but because of dhamma good deeds we all are trying to practice, at least for a certain period. Hence, if we are not trying to maintain such high achievement, it will become debt to us and we have to repay donors by another life. It is really frighten to me. Sometime even feel don't want to eat anymore. Other time, my fingers carrying foods in spoon stop half way. There is also one poem we are supposed to read just before eating. It's meaning is

we do not eat for happiness
we do not eat for laugh
we do not eat for proud
we do not eat for beauty
we do not eat for fat

we do eat for live to practice meditation
we do eat not to cause us old and new wounds so that we could able to follow dhamma

Sayadaw will remind us to know every move, want to take curry, hand move to take it, then bring back to mouth, then chewing, after that grinding, and finally swallowing. Every step must be known in order to kill our greedy mind. The mind has a thousand eyes and it is again easier said than done. Some seem quick eaters than they are supposed to behave. Some eat generate sound. Some movement not wise enough. Eyes and movement meet, Seeing become. If our mind know I see, It appear and disappear, it is also meditation. It is up to our mind if we are doing meditation or doing other cause. Every single time, we are doing good or bad, no middle thing. You do good or bad at one time. Hence, we have to sure our mind is under control. Otherwise the mission will not be met its purpose. From meal time, I gained how to kill our greedy mind which I cannot learn in our school or university.

Unexpected Teacher

THERE are four kind of meditation by position which is Sit, Stand, Walk & Lies. For freshers, meditation in sit position is recommended because it is optimum position to gain concentration power in short possible time. I also thinking it is easiest way to practice. On third day afternoon, I tried to test meditation in walking position in front of my room during private rest time. Thinking monk's teaching, I tried to keep my mind stay at my move. I tried to know on every step in order not to stray my mind. I counted with extra-care

Want to take off, taken off

Want to fly, flying step

Want to landing, landed

Since each step can be composed of 6 parts as follow, my action is apparent too slow. Meanwhile, I was seeing at my step in order not to sway/ collapse at worst case. I began to feel happy to understand the meaning of walking meditation. I realized the deep meaning of want, act and spoil in mind. Nothing is last for ever. As long as mind is static, I knew more detail in what's happening in movement. A bit further advanced, know further as feeling other than above 6 steps:-

I feel cool when flying my step

I feel hot when landing my step

I feel soft when flying my step

I feel hard when landing step

Slightly more detail than just take off, flying and landing step. I am in the deep concentration and my mind was quite under control. I keep going without noticing around. Suddenly, I heard a voice towards me.

Fellow Participant: excuse me.

Me : stop and answer her, yes

FP : I think you are wrong in move

Me : yes, please teach me

FP : please do not think I want to be a teacher on you

Me : oh not really, tell me correct way

FP : well, your head is too downward that will make your neck muscle feel uncomfortable sooner

Me : oh is it, then what's correct position?

FP : you are suppose to see 6 ft distance in front

Me : oh I see, then how far should I step?

FP : your step should not far beyond its tip.

Me : alright, I'll remember it.

She is demonstrating how to do it at the same time.

Me : Then, how should I keep in mind, madam?

FP : know you mind in 3 steps as a beginner.

Me : how?

FP : know movement in 3 steps, lift, going and step.

Me : okay, I'll try it again.

After that, she moved away to attend afternoon dhamma teaching class and I followed short afterward. I am grateful her for correcting me. And I always remember her saying whenever I meditate in walk position from that time onwards. I noted another unexpected teacher in mind and I'll always remember her advice. Dhamma will look after to those who are practicing Dhamma. I am no doubt on this unwritten saying.

A good friend

I am easy to angry at work. After I come back from CNY meditation retreat, I promised myself not to do the same in future. As we work, it's inevitable to encounter a lot work abuses as well as daily bullies regardless of small, medium or large scales. When I keep my mind tamed, I am seeing more of others in greed, proud and other means. In past, I was quite aggressive at work. I used to response immediately when I think is unfair to me or my firm. Now, I see myself first if I am in the right mode or not. If angry come out, I see it and kill it immediately and don't let it grow. It is not easy task but can achieve if we keep practice I think.

Even during meditation camp, my mind was turning rough when I see inappropriate manners of fellow participants. I would be annoyed when mobile rings during meditation section. I would be uncomfortable when people talk loudly. I am upset when the person next to me eat carelessly. My mind was so sensitive and affected by external factors. I used to share my feeling when I get back room with my fellow senior participant. He is amazingly optimistic person. He used to give me a solution and I make trial and error myself to become more patient person. I am ashamed to learn myself that I am type of angry and determined to change my attitude by practicing meditation and listening dhamma teaching. Few days later, as we are closer to each other, I tried to ask how do he spends his daily life. He shared me and I tell myself to duplicate such practice to become a level of him. Seeing a good person who can correct me by someway is additional bonus to me. I am grateful to all dhamma friends for their sharing good knowledge through the lens of dhamma during our CNY meditation time.

Life = Troublesome

IT was my first ever time to join meditation center to practice in my life. Following failed attempt to get CNY holiday destination, I joined 9 days meditation camp. My wife persuaded me and I not dare to reject her proposal as it is good purpose. In deed, it is easier to say go practice meditation than done. I got meditation experience lightly, only when I was turned to novice or monk. Hence, entering into intensive meditation camp make me feel uncomfortable with doubts in mind.

As a fresher, I tried my best during my practising time in center. The venerable sayadaw from Myanmar gave all participants his best of teaching. We need to attend his training class to understand the basis of Buddha teaching. In fact, I couldn't say basis in term of what he is teaching us. It is the most difficult chapter to understand unless we are devoted our time for good deeds in life. It may take us long years to understand it if we are enjoying with life's material convinces. At very beginning day, I really thought if I could be able to go through this week long meditation retreat successfully. I however find myself interesting when I understand the teaching of the monk. The more understanding, the more pleasure in meditation.

The pain remain while we are in the meditation. Our strayed minds are very chaos. The more we try to fix it, the more we understand that it keep going. Firstly, we are suppose to control our mind before we go to next step. It is what we call Thamahta building which is not easy for beginner like me. There are 4 kinds of taming mind and I sometime prompted myself to adapt the easiest way to catch my mind. It is nothing but counting numbers in mind. I have to use it when other methods failed. It really doesn't matter which method we adapt so long as it work.

In brief, we were taught how do we get current life and how will it be going in next life is up to our attitude. Being Buddhist, we have to believe in karma. If we do good deeds, the good karma will follow us. For that, we don't need to pray. Likewise, we have to suffer consequence if we do bad things in life. More importantly, we were shown the way how to go heaven where there will be no born & dead. I'm really impressed by the wisdom of Buddha & late venerable sayadaw who has created the char of life cycle to let ordinary people understand how the life goes on. Our life exist due to karma in past life. It is wrong to think our lives were created by God/ Lord. It is well proof by self practice during meditation section.

The universal truth is that getting body mean getting troubles. We keep maintain our body but it always goes to ruin and death at the end. It is inevitable for every human being. We got born mean we got to be die. No matter who you are. No matter where you come from. No matter you are poor or rich. No matter you are educated or layman. Then what's the value of life indeed? We are always pursuing for things that may last for only current life. We are enjoying our lives as if we will never die. We are fighting each other as if our win will long lasting. We become proud when we are successful in life. We are stingy to save more. The truth is that we have to leave everything when we are dead. My thinking of life might have changed completely at the end of the meditation which finished yesterday. Luckily I have a wife who never against to do good deeds. Otherwise my fulfilling to the understanding of dhamma may not go as much as possible.

Last time, I used to read newspaper or books on board train everyday. Now I prefer to listen dhamma teaching by venerable sayadaw through my mp-3 player. My wife and I start to go bed in listening dhamma teaching on our tablet. I sincerely hope that the foundation I have gained from this CNY meditation retreat will be kept and will nurse to live as eternal as possible in my life. It's the most valuable lesson ever I have gained from my life. I thanks my past karma for making me a Buddhist.

Say No to War

ONE of QS in our department is ethnic Shan who have grown up in Kachin territory. As government troop and Kachin rebel has been fought since mid last year, we very often talk about the matter to our perspective. As a resident of Kachin state, he is quite defensive in favor of KIA. As a majority ethnic Burma, I assume it as a common problem rather than a particular side. It doesn't mean I am supporting the activities of government action against ethnic minority. I try to see it as a neutral. No war is good for people, regardless of the cause. We are seeing more and more of war refugees camps on our unrest states nowadays. As a result, the children from those regions are unable to go school. Instead they are suffering from the consequence of the war. Besides, no development will be made amidst turbulent area. I hope civilian government understand this well and happy to see their attempt of reconciliation since they took over top seat in cabinet.

Since 1962 military cop in Burma, our leaders from both sides have failed to reconcile the solution. They are opting the weapon to settle the case temporarily. The several decades of failure has shown us we have approached the wrong method. Then why should we follow the same path our outgoing military junta's method. I am always happy to learn that newly civilian government has set up a peace negotiation committee to pursue long term unsettled problem within our union. So far success, most of rebellion and government has reached cease fire agreement as a first step of road map to peaceful nation except KIA. After seeing international concern and China's interfere toward conflict, few days ago both sides had come again to a meeting table in the town of Chinese border under witness of Chinese delegate. 

The confident between two sides has long been missing and KIA wanted mutual friend to witness the talking. It is easy to pick China to perform such act as China has best knowledge about Myanmar's situation than any other country in the world. A ray of hope we could see from last meeting as they have reached to cease fire for the time being before enter to next political meeting by end of this month. I strongly believe that only diplomatic way can help us achieve the real peaceful result for long term. In order to get it, both side have to keep in mind that their desire must be subject to adjust. The sooner we signed agreement, the merrier for our people. 

My Chinese new year wish for my country is, may our ethnic people able to live without fear and poverty as soon as possible. 

CNY Eve spirit

TODAY is Chinese New Year Holiday Eve for our company staff. It may vary to the people of different firms though most of firm start close from tomorrow. Of course, people are visibly happy with the prospect of CNY holiday activities. Some are planning for oversea trip, some for home returning trip, some for purifying their tainted minds by joining meditation center. For sure, we find today hardly concentrate in work. We expect to work half day by today while HR has announced that site people will be working half day by today. Hopefully office staffs will enjoy the same rule by management today.

Tomorrow this time, I will be in the meditation center and already practice good exercise to tame my inner strength. I'm exciting to enter full time meditation practice for few days in a row. Also wondering how will it like there as a life without modern facilities such as internet, mobile, etc. I want to go back early today if possible because I need to prepare for tomorrow plan. I am supposed to check in 8:00am tomorrow and there would be no time to prepare on the same day morning. Though we are trying to minimize material desire by Buddha's way, we still busy with planning for some basis necessities. At least, I am able to feel relax after registration with meditation center. Before that, I was chasing after good package of oversea trip and will get disappointing end. Now I have made a healthy choice which will purify my mind as well as save my wallet. I am convinced that I will go back home on next Tuesday as a better man than now I am.

Senseless Laughter

I am hardly laugh at work and my foreign colleagues would frequently complain for being rigid. I think it is unnecessary to laugh at all time senselessly. Without humor around, why should we laugh like a crazy. Strangely, some of my colleague in office are doing such thing. Some are apparent to laugh at not really funny thing. Some are intentionally laugh when they talk to superiors. Some would laugh while talking on mobile. Some would laugh by talking gossip. Some laugh by sharing last night movie. It's good to be laugh and having some happy mind people around in the workplace.

But I am disgust to learn people laughing as a form of bribing/ corruption at work. Some people's unnecessary laugh affect other colleagues who are in deep concentration in work. To make worse, most of them use their own language to share laughable things. I might be in the wrong of concept. But I'll laugh when it is right time. I'll laugh at only when jokers are around. Perhaps it will make me old faster than laughter. It doesn't matter. I'll keep my dignity and follow my heart. It might be one of my weakest in mind. It make people to guess my mind easier. When I am not happy with somebody, my face might have gone more rigid. When I feel relax, I may gently sing. But I have to sure my sound level is low enough to hear my ears. Otherwise, my head will send warning letter via email. But he will tolerate when his fellow citizens are making noise atmosphere in the office premise for non-sense. Let it be. We have to swallow all incoming bitter and are prepared for that.

Orange with red pack

CHINESE new year and oranges are inseparable to each other. I'm not sure why oranges can be found abundantly during CNY time. Anyway, I am happy to eat orange as a part of CNY celebration. My wife these days brought back some oranges from her office to share fruits with me. She perfectly knows that my company is no longer local Chinese firm and there are slim chance to get orange this year. I think sending oranges boxes to one company to another is part of Chinese culture to wish their friends a happy and prosperous new year ahead.

Today afternoon, former boss brings in some orange boxes and share to all office staffs in plate. He is quite old-fashion man and used to do the same thing every year. Some year I may miss the sharing time due to coincident with returning home. He also used to give a red pack in which some pocket money is put to surprise receiver. No matter less or more, everybody happy to get such orange plate with red pack in it. We assume the money in red pack will bring some good luck in new year as well as perform the multiplying factor of our existing asset. No superstitious but it is good feeling that hurt nobody. If getting a happy moment is blessing, then getting an orange plate with ang pow is as equal value as it is. 

May all people able to possess a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year.

Thanks Coolie

COOLIE, the word I scared without understanding real meaning of it when I was school boy. Because my father used to score my school age sisters when he sees them not hard studying at home. My father would tell us we will become coolies if we are lazy at young age. He would also take somebody who is working as coolie at our home town to emphasis how hardship it is as a coolie's life. Time goes by and my father had been passed away without knowing all of his children eventually got degree. Since that early younger days, I never heard through the sound of coolie until yesterday. I'm reading a biography of Gandhi from library now. As a young British educated young lawyer, he spent his junior days of career in South Africa where an Indian coolies were brought in by British authority and merchant to work for their business there. He realized the plight of his fellow Indian community there and began to represent them to get a justice against British colony government.

I first saw the word, coolie, and didn't remember it is the word I familiar with when I was young boy. I initial thought it is one type of India's caste system. Later, I realize its meaning through reading. I find in Oxford dictionary translation, coolie is an unskilled native labourer in India, China and some other Asian countries. The word is apparent offensive to inferior people by elite class. I am accidentally found this word and it make me remember my father who had died decades ago. Traditionally in Myanmar, our parent used the scare things to frighten their children in order to become good obedient person. My father is not exception I think. He is not educated man and he might have wanted to see his children becoming educated person. I must acknowledge to the word, coolie, for making us scare and transform hard working student that eventually make us educated family.

Shared Joy

THE most anticipated time has come again to this year calendar. As a Chinese dominant country, most of companies here used to review wages and performance of last year so that they could give out the right package to each employee. It is therefore the time all employee are expecting as more or less amount of bonus is likely to come to their wallets. For employer side, it is not only to ensure all staff are happy during CNY festive season but trying to attempt maintain best talents of their work force I think. Some staffs may decide whether continue work or move to another possible greener pasture after seeing their bonus. And post CNY holiday time is widely rated the best time for job hunters to find a new job. Hence, those people who are in mind to change job start to prepare for their next working place. So do employers in this respect.

One famous beer company boasted their product in the advertisement, "best things in life are shared". What a good motto is it? I think we should think beyond just a beer advertising billboard beside road. Since marriage, my wife and I allocated 10% of our combine income for our extended families. We used to send the saving in a quarterly basis so that the amount become sizable amount. When CNY bonus come, we usually give to our family members in the part of our obligation to make our family members as happy as we are. 

As time closer to CNY period, my sisters randomly asks me if we are getting any bonus this year time when I give her calls. I understand what does it mean despite she doesn't go further. We usually share our bonus not only to our siblings but our close relatives and elderly persons. But closer relatives get merrier amount. For those who stay in rural part of my country, the amount they receive are valuable thought it is not big enough for us. Some would repay their debt to kill interest rate. Some would cure their age related health such as visiting dental clinic. Some would buy precious metal like gold. It is up to them how they are going to use the money. For us is hearing their happiness on receiving make us long lasting joyous feeling which is invaluable. Yesterday I received this year bonus and I can't wait to inform my eldest sister the good news because she is the one who allocate the money to all siblings including close relatives.

May all less fortunate people able to celebrate joyous moment to its fullest.

A friend in grief

THERE are four QS in our office and all of them are compatriot. Of which, two of them are females and another two males including me. The females QS are most junior in our department. Yesterday, I received a call from one of female QS colleague to seek help for urgent air ticket. As she has been here for not long enough, she has no plan to return in this CNY long holiday time. Unfortunately, she received a message from her sister to return home immediately. The matter is about her father's serious health problem. She was apparent distraught in doing what to get air ticket for next day earliest flight. By the time she received her sister message was already 9:30pm and she still working at work.

She gave me a call to help getting from possible source. I tried to call agent from peninsular plaza and no answer. Hence, trying to browse online through airlines and upset to see all sold out. Fortunately, SIA airline has vacant seat and I bought a ticket for her. As there was a notice that traveler is not credit card holder, he/she may need to bring LOI to proof the purchase is valid. The problem is I already get back home and office is about 1 and half hour train ride away. Given time is not favorable to meet in the same night. I initially told her to send her airport next early morning. Later finding not necessary to verify credit card from some flatmates, I canceled to send her Changi. I'm relief only when she sms me that she has been through without any problem. However I had insufficient sleeping night but I am happy to help her successfully.

This afternoon, somebody called me to inform that my friend's father had been passed away since yesterday. The family members chose not to tell truth in order to avoid unnecessary grief and worrisome to their sister and daughter. This is exactly I expected to hear since I was being told last night by my friend. For men may come an men may go, but i go on forever, we read a poem during our high school days. I immediately wrote a letter of condolences to my friend through her email. Though she may not see my sympathy letter shortly, I hope she may find later and relax to know how her friends are taking care of her, especially during difficult time. I'm sadden by the passing of her beloved father of course. As I cannot do anything with what had happened to my friend, but I might have done something helpful for my upsetting friend for somewhat. I feel dutiful as a friend and this will say a lot for our long lasting friendship. Because, a friend in need is a friend in deed?

The exciting slip

JUST now HR manager delivered the bonus slip to the staffs in office. Hope it is not thank you bonus but not dare to expect fat one. We were suggested by our department head not to expect big one during last week QS meeting. According to fact, our company made 6 million plus profit in this financial year. As such, all workers are suppose to deserve extra earn in the form of appreciation to their hard working. Since MNC took over our original local SME, our dream on getting fat bonus has been broken. As there is no obligation by employer side regarding this bonus, we have no right to demand official. I'm writing this note before opening my slip envelop because my feeling may not be the same after witnessing the content.

Of course, we are happy when we are given bonus regardless of amount inside. It is spiritual feeling that make our productivity up. It's the feeling of one unit as a family. It's the form of appreciation by boss. In other words, it is the way of recognition of our whole year long hard works. Entering Chinese New Year with extra income is additional pleasure for us. Besides, it is in line with the famous saying of Goa Xi Fa Cai. May all workers able to celebrate a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year.

One out of Three

WHEN I was single, it was my ideal family to have three children. As most of my younger days were consumed by studying, I needed to postpone my marriage plan to a later date so that I could repay some of my earning to my family. As my wife is my college days classmate, we are easily considered late married couple. Working oversea make our hectic life to reconsider on family plan always. When we think of our saving to transform from house to home, it's discouraging to show green light on bring a child to our life. Fortunately, our first child came to our world without prior notice. It wasn't plan baby. When it come itself, we have to brave enough to overcome incoming challenges.

Now our girl is 2.5 years old and still we cannot live together under one ceiling. The financial security in mind, there is no choice for my wife and me but work oversea. It lead our family apart because we are not SPR and bring foreign baby here to raise is extremely expensive. These all factors make us decide to leave our beloved baby girl behind on home town under care of my eldest sister. It's not easy to live separately for a young family. There are exactly something we need to pay back for chasing after money abroad. We are lacking chance to raise our own baby to our desire by living separately. What else? Likely to get criticism by our daughter when she starts aware that she is left behind by her parent for money. My wife and I guess the worst criticism while expecting to build a best possible future for our little girl.

Given scenario including our age, it is hard to take another baby which is our common desire. We don't want to create a family with single child. We don't want to leave the earth knowing our generation left alone. We want to make two at least so that our little girl has a sibling to call either brother or sister. We believe that two is better than one. Time is ticking and reminding us to move another family project if we are about to take second bundle of joy within family premise. The more delay, the less likely to get successful delivery and it is a rush factor for us. Currently, my wife is trapped in tight schedule and we target the commencing time upon after the ongoing project. My wife and I sincerely hope to have another family project that will add another baby to our very own family. As they said, one bird in the hand is better than two in the bush. I'm not sure that we may have a successful family project. But we are relief that we already have a lovingly baby girl in hand to heritage us beyond our days in this planet.

Little singing girl

LAST time, our daughter used to talk child poem when we call her. From recently, she changed the habit by switching to a song rather than just a poem. Amazingly, she can sing by heart for relatively long songs. Sometime she would ask us if we want to listen her singing. Being told, we would lovingly support her to continue another song to enjoy. She would sing non-stop with her unclear child vocal. Anyhow, it's much happy to listen her singing for us as a parent. At least we can realize that she is in good health. Without having in good health, she may not want to sing through wire. We are surprised to witness her singing few songs because my wife and I are not music lovers. 

Perhaps it is her old couple nanny who have been singing her to sleep when it come to bed time. We understood that another source she learned from is watching television advertisement which are usually come by livable background music. Our daughter will not fail to entertain us not only by singing songs but showing her new learning such as English alphabetical and numerical basic lesson. People around her always said she is very eager to go preschool though her age is not old enough to do so. As a parent, we are happy to learn the cleverness of her behavior to the daily basis. We are grateful to my eldest sister for teaching our daughter some basis lesson while ensuring she enjoy a child's lifestyle.

Love is in the air

IT is always my wife who talk over phone to our little daughter. I talk as minimum as possible when it turn to my PIL and daughter. Yesterday, my wife jokingly told me that it is not fair that our daughter always ask her Dad though I'm talking to her directly. I'm pleased with her claim but keep silent. In the afford to avoid conflict, I do not give her any comment on the scenario she is facing with our daughter. As a mother herself, she never satisfy to show her loving kindness towards her daughter. In normal circumstance, loving kindness do not expect other to reflect. But for a stay-away mother like my wife, she wants to hear the sound of her daughter saying 'I love you, Mum" as frequent as possible.

Good behavior for our 2.5 years old daughter is she never fail to ask Dad though Dad turn off his sound through wires. She used to ask her mum, I also love Dad after I love you Mum. If my wife ask some question such as what curry do you eat today. She would instantly answer and will ask does my Dad hear my sound. She would only be please only when I said yes I do, my dear. Naturally, daughter loves Dad while son loves Mum a bit more, I think. It is crossed sex that pave the way thinking. For me, of course happy to learn that there is me in my daughter's mind. Meanwhile, I'm sure my wife is not jealous with the fact our daughter looks love me more than her. As a family, we are really greedy to love each other and hopefully it is just normal to any family existing to this planet.

Meditation Retreat

IT is easier said to go meditation center than practicing. Following failure of several attempt to go oversea trip during CNY long holiday, my wife and I decided to register one meditation retreat than staying at home. In fact, it was my wife who is motivate to go meditation center. To me, I never join week long meditation practice center as a full time participant. Though I have part time experience during my days in Myanmar, I am lacking experience of strict meditation practice. This make me a little bit excite to join though I didn't turn down my wife's proposal. Yesterday, we tried to register at two local centers and got replied by both luckily. Hence, we chose one which is more suit to our condition. 

One venerable monk once said that deciding to donate is more difficult than fighting in a battle. It is really correct for those who are particularly stingy guys. In this respect, I think doing good deeds also more difficult than battling. My wife starts preparing with the things we may need during meditation practice while I keep thinking if I could able to overcome the program properly. I think it is a mountain to climb for me. But i sincerely hope that I'll have enough stamina to pass the test. I try to convince myself that it is going to be great life without computer, mobile phone and internet for a few days at least. And I believe this exercise will make me recharge and feel better upon finish. I'm sure we have made an excellent choice to go through long holiday this year with the probably most meaningful way as a Buddhist. Thanks my wife for encouraging good things to do.

Lucky Tickets

LESS than a couple weeks ago, I attended a Myanmar literature talk show together with my wife. The speakers were well known artist and politician. As soon as I saw an advertisement about the show online, I tried to ask one of my friend to buy me couple tickets. My friend who is my colleague at work too helped me buy two tickets for us. It is noted B8 & B9, just behind VIP rows as I am among early birds I think. This is the moment that will later bring me some luck.

In the show day, there were lucky draw section among others. One of my ticket B8 won a calendar on which well know politician's paintings are printed. One airline which is main sponsor for the show brought second chance for attendances to win 3 tickets by simple follow up action. The participants are required to take picture of entry ticket and upload on the airline's Facebook wall. There were given a week to upload for attendances. Upon my colleague's reminder, I tried to upload my ticket on airline's Facebook. 

Coincidentally, following day after the crow landed on my head, my ticket was announced on airline's wall as a one of three winners. I was amazing with my luck. It was second time lucky draw winning in a one week time. Besides it was two lucky out of two tickets. This time another ticket, B9, make us winner. Again, I just relief by realizing why the two crows has landed on my head to pass the good message. Anyhow, the winning news brought happiness not only for us but all my friends online. Entering Chinese New Year festive time with the mode of lucky person is really good and hopefully such luck will loom on our live from this new year ahead.

Superstition

I AM not a superstitious person. But I was a bit panic when a crow suddenly land on my head one evening return home from office. It is quite strange. I initially thought something like dry branch of a tree fallen to me. I was surprise to learn it is not a thing but a live crow who has landed for a while. I was moving as I walk to nearby MRT station. And I noticed that the two crows are not landed accidentally because the two crows are appear to follow me by flying low surrounding me. 

I was looking at them by interest for a few minutes. The two crows are speaking each other while talking something at me sometime. I don't know what's happened to me and felt that something strange is going to hear sooner or later. What make me worry first time is the health condition of my little daughter back home. Unfortunately, my mobile phone was out of battery to make a call. Hence, I went back home in thinking supernatural thing in mind. I could only able to relief when I know everything is fine with my daughter and relatives after I made telephone call to my eldest sister later that night.