Would you continuing doing your wrong doing or off track schedule for the sake of "aiyah ... already do, never mind lar. Can start tomorrow wat !!"

I am currently on diet-plan since 2/7/2009, and the above thought came into me when I ate a "bit" more than I should yesterday evening.

Said to myself, "Hey .. you are on diet and here you are eating away - better stop man !!".There was another voice that said, "Hmmm ... it's ok, you can restart tomorrow. Anyway - you have broken the "sin" by eating."

In our lives, we may also fall into this trap. Trapped in "already happened, never mind lor" but there is another choice that we can take - STOP !

Well - I managed to take the former choice rather than the latter one.

Though it may just a simple diet plan, but it is also a good example to be illustrate in our walk with the Lord.

We may stumbled here and there, but our Lord is full of grace and forgiving. HE is ever ready to accept us when we return to HIM.

Each time when we off-track, we need to re-track and come back to the path of righteousness. To continue the off-track = deceiving + excuses.

I thanked my life-partner for her support and firm teaching during these dieting time.

BTW .. she also dieting too ....... when do things, we must do together as a couple ... hehehe

Found this article from yahoo ... hope it is helpful.

Here, 6 simple swaps that will help you lose a little water weight and keep calories in check:

1) Season Food Without Salt
Smart Swap: Add zing to your meals with salt-free seasoning blends such as the Original and Italian medley Mrs. Dash instead of salt, salt-based seasonings, and highly processed foods. The reason? You may be attracted to your saltshaker, but water is, too. When you take in higher than usual amounts sodium, you’ll temporarily retain more fluid, contributing to that sluggish feeling, a puffy appearance, and extra water weight. Yuck.Get your sexy summer body and your confidence back!

2) Thirsty? Stick to plain H20
Smart Swap: There's nothing like a nice cold carbonated beverage when you're hot and thirsty but plain old tap water is a better way to stay hydrated—those tingly bubbles just end up in your belly, causing it to puff out more.
Try these simple, belly-flattening beverage alternatives

3) Up the protein, lower the carbs
Smart Swap: Use one slice of whole grain bread for your sandwich at lunch instead of two, and swap snacks like pretzels for nuts or seeds. At dinner, try to stick to lean protein sources and, if you must have a carb, try something made with whole grains like quinoa or brown rice. Unless you’re running a marathon this weekend, loads of high-carb foods like bagels, bread, pasta, pretzels, and cereal will just boost bloat. The science-y reason: as a backup energy source, your muscles store a type of carbohydrate called glycogen, and every gram of glycogen is stored with about 3 grams of water. But unless you have a vigorous exercise routine, you don't need all this stockpiled fuel. When you decrease the carbs, you'll temporarily train your body to access this stored fuel and burn it off. At the same time, you'll drain off excess stored fluids.
Get loads of healthy warm-weather recipes and meal ideas!

4) Cook your veggies
Smart Swap: Eat veggies, just eat them cooked—steaming is quick and easy. Fruit is gorgeous and plentiful right now so indulge in moderation. When you’re trying to watch your weight it may be temping to fill up on a grapes, but if you want a flat belly filling it with all that volume is counter-productive: A half-cup serving of cooked carrots delivers the same nutrition as one cup raw, but it takes up less room in your GI tract. The same goes for fresh fruits: Compare the size of a few grapes to a few raisins. Big difference! While you’re at it skip those notorious gas-causers like broccoli and cauliflower and cook up green beans, mushrooms, and squash—which is bountiful right now anyway.

5) Season food with belly-friendly flavors
Smart swap: some people love their food four-alarm spicy (I’m one of them)! Feel the heat for one night, then lay off the barbecue sauce and garlic for a few days while debloating. Give dishes a flavor boost with in-season fresh or dried herbs like dill, basil, mint, sage, tarragon, and rosemary. You can also use curry powder, lemon or lime juice—all perfect with fish or chicken. Try to avoid Black pepper, nutmeg, cloves, Chili powder, hot sauces, onions, garlic, mustard, barbecue sauce, horseradish, catsup, tomato sauce, vinegar; Spicy foods can stimulate the release of stomach acid, which can cause irritation.
Spice up your dinner with these delicious, 30-minute chicken recipes

6) Satisfy an oral fixation with seeds, not gum
Smart Swap: If you chew gum by habit or just like to bite down on something crunchy, reach for some nuts, like roasted or raw unsalted sunflower seeds. You probably don't realize this, but when you chew gum, you swallow air. All that air gets trapped in your GI tract and causes pressure, bloating, and belly expansion—none of which are swimsuit-friendly

"Don't love someone too much cos' when she passed away, you may not be able to withstand the grief"
It is hard, isn't it ?

But how would one not to love someone too much when relationship is birth from love ?

THERE is a Chinese quote which says: "To understand your parents' love you must raise children yourself".

Some of us must go down that road to know what it's like to understand the trouble our parents have gone through to raise us

My church started the Project 100 (15 minutes of daily prayer) last year and from April 2009 onwards, the participants were given a Prayer Record Booklet and the team leader would sms daily to remind us.

The 1st month was not easy and "forgetful" hahaha ... sometimes the prayer finished in just less than 2 minutes and sometimes 0 minute (tak ada buat lar).

As I started to build on the P100 (Project 100), I realized that I spent 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 55 minutes and at times 1 hour and 30 minutes !!

The Lord continues to reveal deeper matters to pray and it had really expand tremendously.

Sometimes, I would continue my prayer while driving to office or place of appointments.

Not only it had changed my life but also to my dear ones.

Had my car brake pad changed 3 weeks ago. Imagine how thin and wear out it is compare to a new set.

What is swine influenza?

It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. It regularly causes high flu outbreaks in pigs but with low death rates. There are four main sub-types of the virus, but the most recent isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

How does it spread?

Swine flu viruses do not typically infect humans though they do occur through close proximity or contact with infected pigs or contaminated areas. Cases of human-to-human spread have been documented.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms are similar to those of regular flu:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting and diarrhoea in some cases.

How common is swine flu infection in humans?

In the past reports of about one human swine flu virus infection had been received every one to two years in the United States. From December 2005 till February 2009, 12 cases have been reported.

Has this strain of flu been seen before?

No. Flu mutates constantly, so it is common for new strains to emerge. Pigs can also be infected with both human and avian influenza, and the current circulating swine flu strain appears to contain genetic elements from all three.

Can swine flu be treated with antiviral drugs and flu vaccine?

The swine flu is resistant to two common drugs – Amantadine and Rimantadine. The H1N1 swine flu viruses are very different from human H1N1 viruses. Therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection. However, a “seed vaccine” has been specifically tailored to this swine flu and will be manufactured if officials deem it necessary.

Can people catch swine flu by eating pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 70ºC and above kills the swine flu virus.

How long is someone with swine flu considered contagious?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic; possibly for up to seven days following the onset of the illness. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What can I do to protect myself from the swine flu?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the swine flu.

However, you can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by:

- Covering your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the waste basket after you use it.

- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also helpful

- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. - If you get sick with influenza, stay at home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

- Consult your nearest healthcare facility if you think you have any of the symptoms.

Which countries have had cases of the swine flu?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed human cases of swine flu in Mexico, the United States, Canada and Spain. Only Mexico has reported deaths from the new strain.

Are there any travel restrictions or advisories for Malaysians?

The Health Ministry on April 27 advised Malaysians against travelling to certain places in the United States, Mexico and Canada which have been affected by the swine flu.

What precautions are in place in Malaysia?

- The Health Ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya has started a 24-hour monitoring of the situation. The public can call 03-8881 0200/300 for enquiries.

- Those returning from Latin American countries and found to have flu-like symptoms will be quarantined.

- Health Ministry officials are conducting health screenings on passengers arriving from the United States.

- Thermal scanners will be placed at international airports to speed up the screening process for swine flu.

- Public and private medical practitioners have been instructed to report to the district health office any patient with influenza-like illnesses or severe pneumonia symptoms and who had travelled to the affected countries after April 17.

- Owners of the 797 pig farms nationwide have been ordered to immediately contact the nearest Veterinary Services Department office or the Animal Disease Control Centre if their workers or animals show symptoms linked to the swine flu.

Where can I get more information?

For more information, go to the Health Ministry (www.moh.gov.my) or call the Ministry's hotline at (03) 8881-0200/300.

- Do not respond to any request for your login ID, password or PIN over the phone, through fax, email or pop-up messages.

- Take down the name, phone number and any other information you can from the caller who asks for the information

- Call your bank if you are not sure of the authenticity of a call, SMS or email. ATM machines also provide numbers that you can call.

- You can also call the Association of Banks in Malaysia's toll-free hotline at 1300-88-9980 and Bank Negara's at 1300-88-5465.

- Always enter the Universal Resource Locators (URLs) directly into the web browser. Avoid being redirected to the website or hyperlinked to it from an email or another website.

- Ensure that you are in a secure website by checking the URLs to ensure that it begins with "https://'" instead of "http://'" and look for a display of a closed padlock symbol on the status bar of your browser.

- Protect your personal computer from hackers, viruses and malicious programmes.

Source: Bank Negara corporate communications director Abu Hassan Alshari Yahaya

Saturday April 25, 2009 (The Star)

‘Park at own risk’ sign no shield from liability

By PRISCILLA DIELENBERG

GEORGE TOWN: A “Park at your own risk” sign does not excuse an operator from being liable for items stolen from cars parked in the area under his care.

Yesterday, a magistrates court here ordered a car park operator to pay lawyer John Heah Wee Theng RM1,668 for items stolen from his car parked at an open air car park near Komtar two years ago.

The items included a compact disc and cassette player with a CD of a compilation of Neil Diamond’s songs, an amplifier, and a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses.

In his statement of claim filed against Timur Car Park Sdn Bhd, Heah said the notice board at the entrance to the car park stating that the defendant was not responsible for any loss or damage did not absolve the defendant from its duty of care and from liability.

In its defence, Timur Car Park argued that the notice board at the entrance meant Heah had clear knowledge that he was parking his car at his own risk.

The company added that it only provided a parking facility for the public and not a security service to prevent theft or trespass, and did not have duty of care.

It said Heah could have failed to lock his car and activate the alarm system, or failed to ensure that the alarm system and the locks of the car doors were all functioning well.

Heah said he parked his Kenari at the former open air car park next to the Traders Hotel at about 8.30pm on Oct 20, 2007.

When he returned to his car at about 9.40pm, he found the door on the driver’s side unlocked and the items missing.

He said he paid RM2.40 to the company as parking charges for the duration, and the company had a duty of care to watch over the vehicles parked in the car park.

Heah said he parked in a bright spot near a lamppost, adding that there were only 50 to 60 cars there at the time when the car park had a capacity for about 250 to 300 cars. He also said one or two of the car park’s workers were patrolling the area on motorcycle.

Magistrate Mohamed Aznin Mohamed Ariff allowed Heah’s claim for the sum, with interest and costs.

Heah was represented by Tan Beng Hong while Su Tiam Leong appeared for Timur Car Park.

In October 2007, the car park ceased operations and piling works began at the site for the construction of the 11-storey 1st Avenue Penang shopping complex which is scheduled for completion later this year.

THE NAJIB ADMINISTRATION 2009

Prime Minister
Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak

Deputy Prime Minister
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin

Ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department
Tan Sri Datuk Dr Koh Tsu Koon (Unity Affairs and Performance Management)
Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz (Justice and & Parliament)
Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop (Economic Planning Unit)
Maj. Gen (R) Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom (Islamic Religious Affairs)

Deputy Ministers
Datuk Liew Vui Keong
Senator Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim
Datuk S. K. Devamany
Ahmad Maslan
Senator T. Murugiah

Finance
Minister: Datuk Seri Najib Razak
Minister II: Datuk Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlan
Deputy: Datuk Chor Chee Heung
Deputy: Senator Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussein

Education
Minister: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
Deputy: Datuk Dr. Wee Ka Siong
Deputy: Datuk Dr Puad Zakarshi

Transport
Minister: Datuk Ong Tee Keat
Deputy: Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri
Deputy: Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew

Plantation Industries and Commodities
Minister: Tan Sri Bernard Dompok
Deputy: Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin

Home
Minister: Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein
Deputy: Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop
Deputy: Encik Jelaing Mersat

Information, Communication, Arts and Culture
Minister: Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim
Deputy: Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum
Deputy: Senator Heng Seai Kie

Energy, Green Technology and Water
Minister: Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui
Deputy: Noriah Kasnon

Rural and Regional Development
Minister: Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal
Deputy: Datuk Hassan Malek
Deputy: Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun

Higher Education
Minister: Datuk Seri Mohd Khaled Nordin
Deputy: Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung
Deputy: Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah

International Trade and Industry
Minister: Datuk Mustapa Mohamad
Deputy: Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir
Deputy: Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan

Science, Technology and Innovation
Minister: Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili
Deputy: Fadillah Yusof

Natural Resources and Environment
Minister: Datuk Douglas Unggah Embas
Deputy: Tan Sri Joseph Kurup

Tourism
Minister: Datuk Ng Yen Yen
Deputy: Datuk Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abdul Taib

Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries
Minister: Datuk Noh Omar
Deputy: Datuk Johari Baharum
Deputy: Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim

Defence
Minister: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Deputy: Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad

Works
Minister: Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor
Deputy: Datuk Yong Khoon Seng

Health
Minister: Datuk Liow Tiong Lai
Deputy: Datuk Rosnah Rashid Shilin

Youth and Sports
Minister: Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek
Deputy: Datuk Razali Ibrahim
Deputy: Encik Wee Jeck Seng

Human Resources
Minister: Datuk Dr. S. Subramaniam
Deputy: Datuk Maznah Mazlan (Senator)

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs
Minister: Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob
Deputy: Datuk Tan Lian Hoe

Housing and Local Government
Minister: Datuk Kong Cho Ha
Deputy: Datuk Lajim Ukin

Women’s Development, Family and Community
Minister: Senator Datuk Shahrizat Jalil
Deputy: Datuk Paduka Chew Mei Fun

Foreign
Minister: Datuk Anifah Aman
Deputy: Senator A. Kohilan Pillay
Deputy: Datuk Lee Chee Leong

Federal Territories
Minister: Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin
Deputy: Datuk M. Saravanan

When facing difficulties - don't give up.

A lot of things I learned from my life-partner. She is a very strong person. The LORD loves her alot and always by her side in every situation.

This morning Our Daily Bread message is lovely.

"God's love is a fabric that never fades. No matter how often it is washed in the water of adversity."

Tomorrow is the Valentine's Day, let our love for each other would not fades when we go through whatever adversity that may come along.

Let the love of God covers all of us.

I attended a Christian Seminar a few days ago.

The way the speaker shared the Bible verses are really an eye opener ....

Sowing and reaping: When I sow 1, it doesn't mean I get 1 but may reap in hundreds or even thousands.

Su Mor Kong told me long time ago about the concept of sowing and reaping. She has been doing that for a very long time.

I am now at the most famous cake house in Melaka called Nadeje Cafe at Jalan PM3; next to Jonker Hawker Centre, that is next to Mahkota Parade.


It is famous for it's chocolate layer cake. Hmmm I could see why ... cos' everyone here seemed to order either chocolate or cheese layer cakes.

Read this article from newspaper:

AFTER saving for almost a year, Adam and Aida have finally saved enough for the down payment of their dream home, a freehold double-storey old house but very well-maintained.

What really attracted them was the close proximity to Adam's parents' home. Besides, there's also a hypermarket, a school, hospital, a playground and shops located nearby.

The owner originally asked for RM350,000 but after much negotiation and bargaining, they finally settled at RM325,000. They paid RM25,000 as down payment and took out a loan for RM300,000 for 30 years.

As Aida is working in a bank, she was able to arrange a staff loan facility at three per cent per annum, which works out to a monthly repayment of only RM1,300, instead of the initial budgeted amount of RM2,000. This was a huge saving.

With a home of their own comes along additional expenses, like utility bills, quit rent, property assessment, home insurance and occasional maintenance and repairs. Adam and Aida have now created a liability for themselves in the process of financing it through a home loan. In essence, they do not own the home until they finish paying off the loan. Meanwhile, it would be wise for them to cover that liability with an insurance programme should something unfortunate happen to either of them.

Most often, banks would recommend taking out a Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance (MRTA) which may be the most affordable option. However, we can also top up on our personal life insurance programme to cover for such liability. Adam and Aida decided to increase their personal insurance coverage by RM150,000 each as this would give them greater control and flexibility. Barring all this in mind, they felt it was necessary to come up with a new budget.

From their revised budget, they were still able to have a surplus.

Now that they have their own house, they felt it's time to start a family. All this while, they were unsure if they can afford to start one but after having reviewed their budget, they felt that they could manage.

Before you embark on your journey to parenthood, you might want to consider some of the following issues:

- Are you ready for the ride? Having children do not only involve financial adjustments but also emotional.

In fact, your whole life will change and once you decide to take this journey, there's no turning back. Many couples become parents by default or by accident (in some cases) but may not have taken a course in parenting or at the very least learn some basics of parenting via "on-the-job" learning or with some "mentoring" from their own parents. You have to get yourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and financially prepared for this parenthood adventure.

- What are your Childcare Plans? If you are planning to return to work, it is a good idea to make plans for your child well before he or she is born. Childcare centres often have long waiting lists. Consider your options: at-home care in your home, home-based childcare in another home, or traditional childcare centres.

Be sure to visit many places and get referrals from friends and families. When visiting a centre, talk to parents and, of course, find out the costs. However, if one of you is planning to stay home full-time to care for your child, there will be more adjustments to be made.

Yes, it may not be easy to survive on a single income for most urban families nowadays, but these are some of the sacrifices that you'd have to make. Decide on who's going to stay home and who's going to bring the money. This is a choice that only both of you, as a couple can make and know best.

- Review your monthly budget, or create one. Life will never be the same again and so will your budget. Having a baby will normally add to your monthly expenses.

For example, diapers and baby formula alone can cause quite a dent and you'll see increases in miscellaneous expenses too, such as napkins and laundry detergent.

Of course, one of the best ways to save on baby formula would be to breast-feed your child but it requires a lot of determination and sacrifice.

Other than that, your utility bills will likely to increase as you'll be home more often and have more laundry to wash. Medical expenses, including visits to the pediatrician, can really add up, especially over the baby's first few years.

And if you're planning to return to work, the cost of childcare can add several hundred ringgit a month to your expenses.

The key is to know how your money is being spent now and to plan for how things will change once the baby arrives.

- The most crucial thing to remember is financially, any expenses or future expenses can be managed with a budget that has been predetermined and the commitment to make necessary adjustments to your lifestyle when the need arises.

Can we afford a child now?

This question is often very subjective and rather personal. Couples should discuss and plan objectively to make necessary adjustments to their lives to welcome their new family member.