"Winnie didn't tell me that her mum is ill", and that was the first thing that crosses my mind when I read her blog! I was shocked, and learning that her mum was already in the hospital, preparing for the operation today was another bomb.

It strikes me immediately that I have become sooo not observant lately. How could I not noticed Winnie's faint smile, how could I not notice that she was down, when I see her everyday? I realised I had become very selfish during the exam period, closing myself up in my own world. All I saw was just formulaes and figures. Or either I am just to ignorant of others. I used to be a caring person, and have a lot of affection, but I just cannot believe I could be just soo blind lately.

I wish her mum is fine and the lump is not cancerous; I wish that Winnie is cheerful and able to accept all challenge; I wish that they are strong to face whatever that comes out; I wish that everyone is happy and painless - away from suffering, and we are all healthy. I know it is rather impossible, but the least thing we can do is be there to support each other.

I guess we all need to learn to appreciate each other more. It is easier said than done; as usual we took things for granted, assumed that everyone is fine and we "did not have time" to care about them. Honestly, being able to spend even a few minutes with people around you is more than enough, be it your family, your love ones, or even your peers. At least they know that we are there to lend them our ears and shoulders.

It is Pfingsten again...3 years back, I was at Taize. (actually I don't remember whether it was during Auffahrt or Pfingsten, I think it was Auffahrt, but anyway...)

I could still remember, Mutti and I, together with a friend of hers, drove to Taize. It is one of the most peaceful place on earth, with basic and simple life. We stayed in barracks, ate simple food, and basically worshiped and rejoiced the glory of God. I have to admit the worship was amazing, but the thing that touched my spirit most, was not the activities we did. It was the simplicity of life; no computers, no electricity, no proper hot water, no luxury, no internet, but just water, food and prayers!

Being able to meet people from all over the world was also a treasure. You could meet the most friendly and helpful people on earth, young and old, with different colour skin. They were there to learn more about God and to praise Him. Some even stayed there for months to help out, some contributed financially.

Seeing all this, I regained my faith in mankind. At least kind, helpful and friendly people still exist; people who didn't care if they have internet, and pray for peacefulness everyday are here. These are the people we need today to balance up our "self-destructive" society. I wish I could be like them, giving up my luxury (especially my internet *grin*) and live in simplicity; but I know I am way way too far away from that extend. But what I learnt was to appreciate everything given to me and not to take things for granted ...

Found this on the web:-

Ingredients:

As many cups of love as you can carry.
One sturdy shoulder (two is better)
An ear that will listen.
A heart that can feel.
A soul that will respond.
Laughter, giggles, and a few tears.
Never-ending supply of kind words.
A large supply of hugs, kisses, and more hugs.


Preparation:
Get out the biggest bowl you can find. Add together the cups of love you carried, don't worry about spilling any, you always should have extra just in case. Sometimes in preparation of a friendship, tears may fall. This is where the shoulder will come in handy. Like I said, two is better, especially if the first one gets tired or wet. This is also where the ear part comes in; sit back, shoulders ready for your friend to lay his/her head upon, and listen. In preparing a friendship you will need a heart that is capable of feeling. Not just a warm feeling in your heart, but a pull so strong that you feel as if there is no comparison to any other feeling you may have for someone else. If your recipe has survived this far, then you are doing good. This is where the soul comes in. I believe that we all have a soul. But, in a true friendship, the soul will respond as if you and your friend are as one. Yes, you will feel your soul. Do not be afraid, there is nothing wrong with this recipe. Add laughter, giggles, and tears to the above ingredients, and you are in for a special treat that so few people know how to make. In a true soul to soul friendship, there will be laughter. There will be giggles, and there will also be tears (this is where the shoulders come in). now, don't panic. You've come this far, we are almost near the end. Kind words and commitment. Need I say anymore? Mix all of these ingredients together, and I promise you a wonderful, eternal friendship and with this will come all the hugs and kisses that you will ever need. You simply have to ask. Or, if the friendship is really mixed well, you may never have to ask. It will be a given.

Good luck with your recipe for friendship. I hope that you had all of the ingredients, and that you mixed them well. If this one turns out to be a bad batch, well, just start over again. This recipe will last you a lifetime.

I came across this long time ago and I want to share:

Fold two hands together
And express a dash of sorry
Marinate it overnight
And work on it tomorrow

Chop one grudhe in tiny pieces
Add several cups of love
Dredge with a large sized smile
Mix with the ingredients above

Dissolve the hate within you
By doing a good deed
Cut in and help your friend
If he should be in need

Stir in laughter, love, and kindness
From the heart it has to come
Toss with genuine forgiveness
And give your neighbour some

The amount of people served
Will depend on you
It can serve the whole wide world
If you really want it to!

I have always wondered, how could others concentrate? I always find myself dozing off in class, loss in my thoughts and day dreaming. Even now, when I am suppose to do my revision, I am not concentrating!

Others were amazed by how I sleep and listen at the same time during lectures; some were so used to me "fishing" that they don't seem to bother; and while some find it funny when I nod my head and draws on my book (I have the tendency to draw "ang kong hu" while dozing off, instead of copying my notes). However I find it annoying. I tried a lot of methods, sleep early, take supplements, exercise, eat well.....but..mission failed!!!!

I guess I will have to continue to listen while sleeping, and maybe my brain could absorb more new information then.

I was reading two blogs last night and decided to start something of my own. Well, I have to admit that I am not a very good writer, but ..at least this is an attempt to write, and I guess it is a good way to destress! Let's say this is a beginning of my new journey in writing.

Upon writing this, I realised that I have not been writing for ages, gheee....Hands are stiff, brain is not functioning, grammar sucks, but I guess, hope and wish it will improve as time flies.

Thanks to Kerhoong and Joanne, for inspiring me to write, and thanks you PuiLi who gave me the courage to write!