2nd Chance

Death is something I didnt take seriously until a week ago. I have been to some wakes, but the issue never really crosses my mind. Maybe i felt it wont happen to me, or maybe I choose to ignore about it. All this changed, within a week.

My good friend, Zewt, lost his mother last week. I'm deeply sorry for his lost. Instead of dwelling in sadness, Zewt did something in remembrance of his mother, by writing about her in his blogs. I was literally moved to tears by his entries and mind you, its been a long time since tears rolled down my cheek.

What he has done in honor and respect for his mother has in fact touched many of his readers. Its a big lost to Zewt but from his writings, many of us realises our shortcomings and was given a second chance to make amends. Zewt's mum would be so proud of his son. Please spend some time to read Zewt's entries and you will know what I meant:

Dear Mommy
A 2nd Chance With Mom
Some of mom's wishes
2nd chance with mom: Why is it enough

Today, one of my collegue passed away. A young guy with a bright future, enjoying his life and his work.

"a funny guy, a great friend"

Thats the common remark i get from those who are close to him. I must admit that I was not close to him. I had the chance but I didn't take them. I wished to have the chance to know him better.

In just barely a week, two person moved on to a better place. We have been reminded to appreciate life and those around us. Count our blessings and dont take things for granted. Simple words of wisdom but how many of us will follow it?

Most of us will adher to these words for a while and then slowly be clouded again by our desires. Dont let this happen and don't wait for another lost to remind us. We are being reminded now, make full use of this second chance.

Chap Goh Meh

After 15 days of celebration and food gorging, we are at the last day of Chinese New Year aka "Chap Goh Meh" which means in Hokkien as the 15th day. To the spirit of this Piggie Year, I think i have packed extra 2 kg within this 15 days.

Chap Goh Meh is also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day. Traditionally, unmarried woman would be throwing mandarin oranges to the river or sea (environmentalist alert!) in hope that a suitor would pick them up. I just got to know that this practise actually originated from Penang, Malaysia. Well done Bolehland! Much better than the usual longest Yee Sang, biggest mooncake or tallest lantern we do to make it into the Books of Records...Malaysia version. Wasteful publicity stunt, IMHO.

With the changing time and technological advancement, the throwing of mandarin oranges has evolved accordingly.

First of all, we have the handphones and thus personalised numbers is possible. People are now writing their numbers onto the oranges and hope the suitors would give them a call. Thanks to technology, we can now track and have feedback from the suitors. Of course, this also means that any weirdoes, stalkers or murderers would be able to track you.

Nowadays, even guys are looking for soul mates through this method. Instead of throwing oranges, the guys are using BANANAS. Looking at this perpective, ladies would have to throw oranges in pairs then. If this practise would continue to evolve, I foresee a very interesting future. To impress or gain more attention, ladies would be throwing papayas or watermelons. As for the guys, I think they should be using bigger and larger bananas. I don't think other fruits are better fitting than the classic banana. Maybe they can tie two coconuts to the banana. We shall see what will happen.

Chap Goh Meh could also be a conspiracy from our elders. Think of it! Everytime we visit our relatives and elders during CNY, if you are not married or attached, the same question would pop up. When are you getting married? Got girlfriend or boyfriend already? Your this and that younger cousin is married already and having kids soon, so you better hurry. Once they finish pounding and pressuring you with all this questions, you have the Chap Goh Meh to do something about it. Maybe Chap Goh Meh is just another method for our elders to get the unattached attached.

Well, enjoy your Chap Goh Meh! Kung Hey Fatt Choy to you all! May this year bring prosperity and blessings to you! :)