AN HONEST DAY'S WORK FOR AN HONEST DAY'S PAY

After getting treatment for my sprained hand, I went back to school to continue working.  A few people asked me if I was going to ask for medical leave to rest but I told them no.  As long as I can work, I would do so.  I want to make sure that the money that I earn is well-deserved.  My Malay friends would say that we make halal the wage that we get. This translates to mean an honest day's work for an honest day's pay.

MY SPRAINED HAND

A week ago, I had sprained my right hand while lifting a heavy object.  I had used medicated plaster on my hand for a few days and it got better.  However, I sprained the same hand again while lifting some heavy potted plants in my compound yesterday.  You see, it was raining heavily and the water from the rain gutter was hitting hard on a few of my potted plants causing the soil to flow out. When the rain had stopped, I went out to move the pots and also to clean my compound.
When I woke up this morning, my hand felt painful and I felt that the bone in my thumb was dislocated. When driving to school, I actually used my left arm to maneuver the steering wheel with the right hand steadying it.  I drove very slowly until I reached school.
Thank goodness when I reached school, my students were on hand to help me carry my laptop, camera and bag from the car to the library.   Later the group of boys below helped me to set up up the LCD projector and screen for my lesson later in the morning.

However, my hand began hurting more as the morning wore on.  So immediately after my lesson ended, I asked for permission from the principal to go for treatment.  Luckily, Kamariah was free at that time and she helped to send me to the traditional masseur cum chiropractor, Uncle Cheong.  He helped to set my dislocated bone and also acupressure to my sprained hand.  As expected it was painful but I soldiered on. A poultice of herbs were later placed  on my swollen hand. After that on came the bandage.  I am to have it on until tomorrow.  Uncle Cheong told me not to eat chicken (not a problem) and not to drink any iced drinks (big problem) to help my hand heal faster.  

In the pictures you see me with my colleague Rasilah.  She had dislocated her middle finger when playing netball.  She too went to Uncle Cheong for treatment.  Her bandage has been on for four days.

HORSE ZODIAC IN 2012

Those born in the Horse year might find themselves thrust into the limelight.  As the Three Killings and Tien Kou (Heavenly Dog) is present for this zodiac sign, there are possibilities of robbery, financial loss, accidents and disasters.  So the Horse needs to be extra careful come 2012.
The good news is that the horse will find success, victory and achievement in their work. There is also indication of wealth opportunities. However their speculative luck is not good. They are advised not to gamble or take financial risks.  Health is considerably good. Relationship luck is unstable for them in the year of the Dragon.  Couples should practise tolerance as this might be a turbulent time.
On the whole this will be a testing and trying year for the Horse.

MEET THE 7 BILLIONTH BABY IN THE WORLD

The symbolic 7 billionth baby has arrived.  Wow!  Imagine the world's population has reached such a milestone.  Is it good or bad?  Only time can tell. 

7 billionth baby born in Philippines

The world's population has reached seven billion, following the arrival of the symbolic Baby No. 7 billionth  in The Philippines.

The girl was born at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila two minutes before midnight on Oct 30.

The 2.5kg baby, she was named Danica Camacho.

The baby was cuddled by her mother Camille, as her father Florante Galura held a cake to celebrate the happy moment shortly after the child, their second, was born.

The Philippines is currently ranked 12th as the most populated country in the world, with 94.9 million people.
Source: AP / AgenciesImages: AP

Published Oct 31, 2011

Source: http://www.dailychilli.com/news/14889-seven-billionth-baby-born-in-philippines

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

When I was studying in England, I really didn't get to celebrate Halloween.  It was not celebrated on such a big scale as in the USA.  Perhaps it is because of all the drive given by the media. However, when I was in Bristol there were still little children knocking on the door for Trick or Treat.  I think my house-mate, Diana, got the sweets ready for them.
From the analysis of the Xing Fu Traffic, I find that more than 30% of daily visitors to this blog are from America.  Yeah!  That much.  I also have a few who keep in constant touch with me.  Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the American visitors of Xing Fu, "Happy Halloween".

FLORAL DECORATION FROM USED PLASTIC BAGS

Look at the lovely roses above.  They were actually made from recycled plastic bags by one of the teachers in my school for the Creative Creations from Recyclables Competition. See, what beautiful decorative items one can come up with using plastic bags.

NOVI

The young lady in the picture above is the Indonesian maid of my mum's neighbour.  Her name is Novi.  Unlike many of the Indonesian maids of my friends and relatives, Novi is a Christian.  When my mum was sick, Novi was kind enough to look out for my mum.  She'd telephone me if something was amiss.  This girl is really a blessing.  When my neighbour is asleep after the maid has given her an insulin jab, Novi would chat with my mother over the fence and sometimes she'd come over to my house and help my mum with the gardening.  My mum would also give her plants for her boss's garden.
There has been bad press about Malaysians ill-treating their maids and also about maids who harm the children or old folks of their employers but I believe that these cases are in the minority.  There are many employers who have very good relationships with their maids.  Unfortunately, the press seek to publicize the sensational cases; thereby damaging the good names of the majority.

HOCK CHIEW MEE SUAH 福州面线

One of the food that people who visit Sitiawan purchase when they visit this town is the Hock Chiew Mee Suah 福州面线 . Mi Sua which originated from Fujian, China is a type of very thin salted noodles made from wheat flour. The locals cook this vermicelli with Red Wine.

福州红酒鸡汤面线  Foo Chow Red Wine Chicken Soup

FENG SHUI'S ASTROLOGY ROOTS

"The Feng Shui and Astrology Connection and the Timing of Effort" 
By Kathryn Weber

Feng shui is often called the Chinese art of placement. That boils a very deep and lengthy practice into something that's more about what picture to hang over the sofa versus a nuanced technique that accounts for time and the movement of energies in the environment and their impact on those who occupy it. 

What else does that sound like?
If you're a student of esoteric studies, you'd say astrology. If you are more technically inclined, you'd say astronomy.


And either way, you'd be right.
At one time, the study of astronomy and astrology were one science, but the two diverged becoming two distinct fields of study, with astronomy being considered the more true science.
However, Chinese scholars knew that the gross movements of the planets and stars often accompanied shifts and changes on earth. From that feng shui grew as a science based on their careful observations and study over hundreds and thousands of years. 

The Big Dipper and Feng Shui
The Big Dipper, called the Emperor's Chariot by the Chinese because it resembles a chariot with handles, was how the earliest Chinese began telling time. By watching the Big Dipper rotate through the sky night after night on the axis, the earliest Chinese began noting how the heavens reflected the passage of time - and oftentimes the shifts of fortune with it.

Over the millennia, the Chinese noted that the stars began moving in a repeating pattern. This pattern is called the Sigil of Saturn, a pattern that is known and regarded in many civilizations and beliefs, from Free Masonry to Kabbalah and Wicca. Saturn is often regarded as the father planet - the one who dictates fortunes and fates. 

The Saturn Effect
In feng shui the sigil pattern was predictable and the arrival of a particular number, or star, in a nine square grid known as the Lo Shu Square, could bring either good fortune or misery and difficulties. The stars are often said to fly into their various quadrants, and the study of their flight and their effects is called the Flying Star school of feng shui.

Each year, it is those movements that help us to understand the movements of the energies and how they will change in the coming year ahead.

Based on these movements we can tell when health will be challenged, and for whom, such as the man of the house or the youngest daughter or if there will be good fortune for the woman of the house. But Saturn's pattern of energies isn't the only astrological-astronomical connection. The planet Jupiter has one too.

The Grand Duke -- or Dukes -- Jupiter?
Jupiter, often called the Great Benefic in western astrology for the belief that the planet bestows all manner of good fortune in western astrology, has a similar orbit as Earth, although it takes twelve years to move around the sun to Earth's one.

In feng shui and Taoist beliefs Jupiter has 60 moons and a 60 year rotation that is called the Grand Duke Jupiter or Tai Sui. He often represents the annual energy so there are actually 60 Grand Dukes, one for each moon or year of rotation. But for feng shui purposes it's easiest to think of the Grand Duke as a single entity.

In feng shui, the Grand Duke is a beneficial energy unless you are the zodiac sign for the year, such as a rabbit in 2011, in which case it's said that you are offending the Grand Duke and should take precautions, especially with health. In 2012, the dragon will be offending the Grand Duke.

The Grand Duke energy is most helpful when it's behind you and never confronted or faced. When it's behind you, this energy will help you overcome insurmountable odds and cast favor on any of your endeavors. 

Follow the Moon
Many have asked me what the connection is with the New Moon and astrology to feng shui and the answer is that it is feng shui's most ancient connection. To make the most of feng shui's astrology, follow the annual and monthly movements of the stars, observing taboos and recommendations. You'll find that it becomes more specific and relevant to you and less like a newspaper horoscope.

Feng shui energies shift annually (like the sun), monthly (like the moon), and even moment by moment and decade by decade like the many planets and stars that occupy our solar system.

And even though today feng shui stays in the earthly realm, its roots are decidedly in the cosmos above us. Yet, its influence is felt and played out here on the chessboards of our homes, offices, cities and countries, making feng shui is true reflection of the astrologer's old saw, "as above, so below." 

---

© K Weber Communications LLC 2002-2011
Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter Feng Shui E-zine and certified feng shui consultant in classical Chinese feng shui. Kathryn helps her readers improve their lives and generate more wealth with feng shui. For more information and to receive her FREE Ebook "The Cash Register at Your Front Door" visit www.redlotusletter.com and learn the fast and fun way how feng shui can make your life more prosperous and abundant!

SUPERSTITIONS ABOUT DOLLS AND SOFT-TOYS

There are some people who believe that dolls and soft-toys in the form of animals can be possessed by spirits or demons if they are kept in a dark room for too long.  Therefore, it is advisable to take them out and give them a good wash and sun them once in a while to prevent that from happening.

KEEPING HER TEACHER UPDATED

The pretty lass on the right with the green tee-shirt was a former student of mine.  She goes by the stage name of Ros Ramona Qadira.  Mona who is at present studying at Segi College is also working as an actress.  The dear girl keeps in touch with me regularly and keeps me updated on her work. Whenever she has a movie or a teledrama, she'd send me a text message or give me a call to watch.  The next day, Mona would ask me to give my comment.  She recently acted in a teledrama called, "Azam Ala Kazam" and made sure to inform me a few hours before the drama started so that I'd remember to watch.  Click this link to watch the drama. I watched it and am glad to say that Ramona's acting is getting better and better.  One has to remember that she started acting when she was only 14 and so she already has 7 years of acting experience.  

Yesterday morning, I got a text message from her that there was an article about her in the Harian Metro newspaper and I promised her I'd go buy it.  Unfortunately, I was very busy the whole day but managed to get the article online.  Here is the link.

It warms my heart that Ramona still keeps in touch with me though she has become a celebrity.  I will be rooting for her to make it big in the Malaysian film industry.

SNAKE ZODIAC IN 2012

I am sad to say that luck for the Snake Zodiac is not so good in the year of the Dragon.  As compared to the previous years, the luck of the snake will greatly decline.  One of the reasons is that this zodiac sign is plagued by the Nasty Five Yellow.  There is also the possibility of accidents, financial losses and obstacles ahead.  Thankfully, the health of the snake is good and so is their relationship luck.  There also might be some unexpected wealth opportunites for the Snake in 2012.  They are advised to be not too obstinate lest they miss out on opportunities that might come their way.

A BEAUTIFUL PRAYER

I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up. 
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.

God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary
I asked God to grant me patience.

God said, No.
Patience is a by product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned.
I asked God to give me happiness.

God said, No.
I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you. 
I asked God to spare me pain.

God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own!, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

May God Bless You,
"To the world you might be one person, but to one person you just might be the world"
"Even the word 'IMPOSSIBLE' says 'I M POSSIBLE'

CURRY PUFFS FOR BEN AND JEREMY

My nephews, Jeremy and Benjamin, who are both studying at Taylor's College in KL tell me that the curry puffs at their place are so-so.  Besides, they have to pay RM1 for one.  I told them that the curry puffs at my place in Seri Manjung are delicious and for the price of RM1, one can get 3.  Both boys who are back in Ipoh at present for the Deepavali break commented that it was really cheap.
Seeing that my nephews, especially Ben had a yen for delicious tasting curry puffs. I went back to Manjung and ordered 30 pieces from the lady I usually buy the puffs from. This morning, I delivered 23 curry puffs to Ben.  I kept 7 for myself, my mum and Auntie Linda.
I am sure Ben and Jeremy would have their fill of curry puffs with potato fillings today.  I also bought them Nasi lemak with sambal cockles.

MULTI-COLOURED BEAD BANGLE

The bangle that I am wearing was bought from a stall at Little India in Ipoh.  I was attracted to the colourful accessory the moment I clapped eyes on it.  Sometimes, it is colourful things like this that add a bit of zest to our image.

RAINY SEASON

This year must have been the wettest one for the people in Bangkok.  The flood situation there seems not to be improving and as a result the lives of the people there have been greatly affected.
Here in Malaysia, we have been having our fair share of rain.  Just look at the rain pouring down from my roof top in the pictures above.  It seems to rain almost every evening.

LOOKS GOOD

Look at the shiny apples above.  They look good to eat, right?  What makes the apples shiny is actually shellac and carnauba wax coating used to preserve them plus give them that attractive sheen.  The coating of wax also helps to seal in the moisture of the fruit and make them store longer.
So is the wax on the apple safe to eat?  Want to find out?  Click this LINK.

DEEPAVALI STORE DECORATION

Deepavali was celebrated by the Hindus a couple of days ago but the festive air is still present.  Last night when I was having dinner at a restaurant with my friends, there were many Indian families dining out to celebrate the occasion.  Nowadays, many people prefer to hold their celebrations in restaurants instead of cooking at home as it is less tiring.  The ones who do the cooking will have more time to interact with family members.
The above pictures were taken a day before Deepavali when I was shopping at a departmental store in Ipoh.   The festive design was simple but attractive.

CREATIVE CREATIONS FROM RECYLABLES

The latest theme for the library exhibition in my school is Creative Creations.  In conjunction with that is a contest to come up with creative creations from recycled or used items.  So far the entries received have been very interesting.  The closing date is the 31st of October and I am sure that there will be more creative stuff coming from my students.

CAKES WITH PRETTY DECORATIONS

I couldn't resist taking pictures of these lovely and delicious looking icing cakes when I was at a bakery recently.  I am sharing them with you here.  Too bad.  Can see but cannot eat.