Let the Garbage Go!

All the trees are bare and we are finally done with raking leaves.



Today, the municipal truck came to 'suck' away all the leaves that we have raked. Allow me to share a story I received through the e-mail last week.

LAW OF THE GARBAGE TRUCK:
Let the garbage go by... By David J. Pollay

How often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you're the Terminator, for an instant you're probably set back on your heels. However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly he can get back his focus on what's important.

Sixteen years ago I learned this lesson. I learned it in the back of a New York City taxi cab. Here's what happened .... I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We were driving in the right lane when all of a sudden, and I mean without warning, a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded and missed the other car's back end by just inches. Here's what happened next.

The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling bad words at us. How do I know? Ask any New Yorker, some words in New York come with a special face. Now, here's what blew me away.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was friendly. So, I said, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!" And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, " The Law of the Garbage Truck."

Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they'll dump it on you. When someone wants to dump on you, don't take it personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You'll be happy you did. I guarantee it. So this was it: The "Law of the Garbage Truck."

I started thinking, how often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other people: at work, at home, on the streets? It was that day I said, "I'm not going to do it anymore."Well now "I see Garbage Trucks." I see the load they're carrying. I see them coming to drop it off. And like my Taxi Driver, I don't make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on.

Good leaders know they have to be ready for their next meeting. Good parents know that they have to welcome their children home from school with hugs and kisses. Leaders and parents know that they have to be fully present, and at their best for the people they care about. The bottom line is that successful people do not let Garbage Trucks take over their day.

The taxi driver in the story reminds me of my brothers in-law. Always cool and calm! What about you? What would happen in your life, starting today, if you let more garbage trucks pass you by? Here's my bet. You'll be happier. I guarantee it.

The Memories of Love

This posting is dedicated to my "beloved marvelous wife" (BMW)! The bible proclaims, "a wife of noble character is her husband's crown" (Proverbs 12:4).

Today is a special day for Singapore, as a nation, and for us, as a married couple!

28 Nov 1990 is a historic moment in the annals of Singapore as a young nation. My wife and I were amongst the group of people at the Padang cheering Mr Goh, as the new prime minister, and his team of cabinet ministers, as they stood at the steps of City Hall, after the swearing-in ceremony. I still remember vividly the new prime minister's manifesto, "GOH for more good years!".

. . For . the average Singaporean, however, the event had a special significance! Although the specialist forecasters could not reach an agreement, most Singaporeans were pretty decisive. The 4-D Bookies Association announced that all combinations of 2-8-1-1 were sold out!
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Nov 28 is also a special anniversary date for us. On the same day at the Padang I proposed to my then "girlfriend", will you BE MY WIFE (BMW)?. My manifesto was, "JOE for more good years!" Thankfully, her response was, "Hello, Mrs OOI, Goodbye Ms Shiau."

I proposed with a bunch of cheap dried wildflowers. But I promised to make it up to her ... it may not be the rose garden of her dream, but at the least, a wagon and two baskets full of them in the years ahead!

Photo taken last year during our proposal anniversary. We celebrated at a Peranakan restaurant at SRC, overlooking the Padang where we committed ourselves to each other many many moons ago. It was a romantic evening, as we were the only couple in the restaurant and had the whole patio to ourselves. I recalled we had BBQ steamboat that evening.

Below is a simple card I made for her... It says, "LOVE IS MUTUALITY ... There is no room for superiority or inferiority ... It is mutual presence and acceptance."

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My wife and I are partners in receiving God's blessings. On this special day, Pray for us , "May JO-WL have more good years to come, by the grace of their God and Lord Jesus Christ!" During reflection time yesterday, I am reminded that real happiness comes when we decide to find pleasure in the relationship God has given (or will give us) and to commit ourselves to making it pleasurable for our spouse.

Perfect Roast Turkey

The roast turkey came out perfect! Crisp skin, tender meat, and appetizing gravy. We would dare say, it was better that the turkey we usually order from The Oriental for Christmas in Singapore. My wife complimented my cooking, saying it was the most tasty turkey she had ever had. Her first reaction was that it was so flavorful and tender that it reminded her of steamed herbal chicken!

We served the turkey with a palatable dish of roast vegetables (comprising brussel sprouts, potatoes, pumpkins, chestnuts, onions with a generous dash of kosher salt, herbs and olive oil). In addition to the gravy, my wife also made fresh cranberry sauce to go with the turkey. For dessert, she made a traditional American pumpkin pie, which is yummy with ice-cream.

What to do with the leftovers? As a twist to chicken rice, I could image "turkey" rice being a popular dish back home :). The meat, even the breast, was so juicy and tender that the leftovers went very well with garlic/ginger seasoned rice, lime chili and premium black soya sauce. My wife also stewed a portion of the leftovers (wings and meat around the carcass) with assam and "Kai Choy". As for the rest, well, I can say we will be having turkey sandwiches over the next few days!
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How I wish you could have a taste of the turkey. Here is the recipe for perfecting a roast turkey!

1) Rinse fully thawed turkey with cold water; pat dry. Trim excess fat.

2) Mix herbs (sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, & freshly cracked black peppers) to kosher salt.

3) Rub herb mixture on the bird and let it sit overnight - letting the salted turkey sit in the fridge uncovered will help dry the skin, which encourages a crisp, finished result. In addition, rub some butter between the skin and meat of the breast and drumsticks.

4) One hour before roasting, make a broth using the turkey giblets and neck and whatever vegetables you have in the fridge, eg. celery, onions and carrots.

5) Preheat oven to 325*F. Stuff some fresh rosemary & sage into the stomach cavity of the turkey. Add also one-half of an onion and one-half of an orange (or lemon).

6) Pour some stock in bottom of a shallow roasting pan. The stock serves two purposes: firstly, prevent the drippings from being burnt, and secondly, sauna steam the turkey, which keeps the meat moist.

7) Place turkey, breast side down, on a rack. Place rack in roasting pan. Bake at 325*F for 1.5 hours.

8) Carefully turn the turkey breast side up, pour more stock into the roasting pan. Bake for another 2.5-3 hours, as required.

9) Remove turkey from oven; reserve pan drippings to make a special gravy. Remember to spoon off the fat (by now, the stock would have nearly dried up).

10) Place turkey in serving plate. Let it stand for 20 minutes before carving. Decorate roast vegetables around the turkey.

Our two guests, Yuen Leng from Singapore and Nurridin from Ubezkistan. Both are pursuing their PhD in real estate at PennState.

Thanksgiving Day

Today, we celebrated Thanksgiving with the Higgins, who live a few houses away from us. It gives us an opportunity to experience first hand how an American family celebrate Thanksgiving.

To the Americans, it is as big as the Chinese New Year (CNY) is to the Chinese. What I like about Thanksgiving is its focus on the home and family, similar to CNY. Most people will return to their hometown for the Thanksgiving dinner, which is equivalent to our reunion dinner on CNY eve. The star of the meal is, of course, the turkey.

Thanksgiving originates back to the Pilgrims, a small group of Protestant dissenters who had been persecuted by the Anglicans and sailed for the New World on their ship (the Mayflower). Beset by cold, hunger, and disease, only half the group lived through the first winter. However, under the leadership of William Bradford and with the help of friendly Indians, the colony farmed, fished, and survived. In the fall of 1623, the Pilgrims held a celebration to give thanks to God for His bounty and blessings. The governor's announcement has been preserved in the annals of American history.

TO ALL YE PILGRIMS,

Inasmuch as the great Father has given us this year an abundant harvest of Indian corns, wheat, beans, squashes, and garden vegetables, and has made the forests to abound with game and the sea with fish and clams, and inasmuch as He has protected us from the ravages of the savages, has spared us from pestilence and disease, has granted us freedom to worship God according to the dictates of our conscience; now, I, your magistrate, do proclaim that all ye Pilgrims, with your wives and little ones, do gather at ye meeting house, on ye hill, between the hours of 9 and 12 in the day time, on Thursday, November ye 29th of the year of our Lord 1623, and the third year since ye Pilgrims handed on ye Pilgrim Rock, there to listen to ye pastor, and render thanksgiving to ye Almighty God for all His blessings.

- William Bradford, Governor of Plymouth Colony, 1623.

Above is a photo of the turkey we bought. Weighing about 12 lbs, it only cost us US$ 3! Yes, no typo error here. Three dollars! Each shopper who spent more than $25 dollars on their groceries is allowed to buy a turkey at 25 cents/lb!. The usual price is 99 cents/lb. Well, the turkey above has been thawed, marinated and is ready for roasting tomorrow. According to the recipe, it will take 4-5 hours. We have invited a fellow Singaporean to join us for dinner.

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Application: Thanksgiving is a good time to count our blessings. Genuine gratitude to God for His mercy, His abundance, His protection, His smile of favor. Sincere appreciation to our "neighbors" for their love and support, for both the fun and hard time we've went through together, and simply, for their friendship and kindredship. And finally, a humble consideration for those who have nots! To share the blessings and spread a little love. I agree with Swindoll that the word "Thanksgiving" prompts the spirit of humility.
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All in a Word By Aileen Fisher

T for time to be together, turkey, talk, and tangy weather.
H for harvest stored away, home, and hearth, and holiday.
A for autumn's frosty art, and abundance in the heart.
N for neighbors, and Nov, nice things, new things to remember.
K for kitchen, kettles' croon, kith and kin expected soon.
S for sizzles, sights, and sounds, and something special that abounds.
That spells ~~~THANKS---for joy in living and a jolly good Thanksgiving.

Reference:
1) Gordon, I.L. (1986) American History - Review Text.
2) Swindoll, C.R. (1983) Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, pp.394-6.
3) http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~homespun/tpoems.html

The First Snow

The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event.

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Winter came early... We woke up this morning with a beautiful sight of brilliant white snowflakes plummeting down from heaven. Snow everywhere, covering everything in sight. I love snow: No matter how filthy the world appeared yesterday, it now looked white and pure. The filth of yesterday has somehow been magically covered by the white manna. This reminds me of a saying, "kindness is like snow - it beautifies everything it covers".

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Psalms 51: 7-12, similarly, compares God's forgiveness and grace. Regardless of what mistakes I have made in the past, He can and will give me a clean slate, a fresh start.

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"Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow... Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me... Restore to me the joy of your salvation.

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Upon returning home from the church, we went out to the backyard to take some photos. By now, the snow was around 1 inch thick. Instead of raking leaves, which I had originally intended to do today, I found myself having to shovel snow instead.

Note: As part of the community responsibility, each household is required to clear any snow on the pavement in front of their house.

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Side view of the house with the car porch.

In the backyard with house behind us.

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Application: Snowflakes remind me today of two important things. Firstly, to give thanks to God for His gift of salvation. Secondly, to sprinkle snow on others through little acts of kindness. Even in places which do not have snow, such as tropical Singapore, we can still show a little kindness. Stop and lend a helping hand. Those who are old enough will recall a Glen Campbell's song "Try a Little Kindness". There is a good rendition of it by the Wilburn Brothers on UTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0Wz-Wb5nPc . The lyrics go like this, ...

If you see your brother standin' by the road
With a heavy load from the seeds he sowed
And if you see your sister fallin' by the way
Just stop and say you're goin' the wrong way

You've got to try a little kindness
yes show a little kindness
Shine your light for everyone to see
And if you'll try a little kindness then you'll overlook the blindness
Of the narrow minded people on the narrow minded streets

Don't walk around the down and out
lend a helping hand instead of doubt
And the kindness that you show every day will help someone along their way
You've got to try a little kindness...You've got to try a little kindness...

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For Christians, here is a good snowflake reminder, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32)

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UConn Husky

This week, we visited University of Connecticut, which is 6 1/2 hours drive away. This is our third trip to UConn. My wife and I spent three weeks there in the summer of 2006. Last month, on our way to Boston, we stopped overnight at UConn.

During this trip, we encountered problems with the car. Just before the start of our journey, we noticed a flat tyre on the front passenger side. After refilling the tyre, we took the risk and continued our journey north. Thankfully, we managed to reach UConn without any hiccups along the way. We immediately send the car to a garage and was told that the tyre was leaking air because of a nail. It costs US$ 10.60 to remove the nail and patch the tyre.

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We again encountered problem at the start of our return journey. The engine refused to wake-up in the cold early morning. Apparently, the battery went flat due to overnight frost. We eventually managed to get the hotel staff to help us jump start the car. Otherwise, the journey back was smooth.

Overall, this has been a busy, rewarding and enjoyable trip. During the day, I spent my most of the time discussing and working on several ongoing research projects with CF (the host) and Geoff, another well published real estate & economics professor from Georgia State University (extreme left in the photo below). So far, we have two publications, three working papers at different stages of completion. During this trip, we also managed to work out the outline for our sixth project.

In the evening, we chilled out at CF's house. The guys in one room, and the ladies & children in the adjacent room. Elaine and my wife, incredibly, watched different versions of Pride & Prejudice over three evenings. On the first night, it was the Hollywood version. The following night, it was the BBC version, and on the third night, it was the Bollywood version.

Husky, the mascot of UConn, came to our table whilst we were having lunch at the faculty club. Upon seeing that I had my camera, he gamely posed for me. We then jokingly shooed him away, saying that "no dogs are allowed in the restaurant!".

p/s - UConn's basketball team is one of the bests in the country at the college level. Note, in the US, college refers to university. Indeed, most use 'college" instead of "university".

Penn Dutch

The term Penn Dutch is commonly used in Lancaster. Describing both the people and culture, it has nothing to do with Holland! In actual fact, Dutch is an altered spelling of Deutsche - German! Many of the residents of south and central Pennsylvania can trace their roots to Germany and the term Penn Dutch refers to these people. But somehow, it has been commercialized and linked to Holland (Talk about stolen identity!).

During our visit to Lancaster County, we visited two villages, namely Intercourse and Bird-in-Hand, on Route 340 in the eastern part of the county.

We joined the throngs of tourists to the must-see Bird-in-Hand's Farmers' Market. At Intercourse, we visited the popular Kitchen Kettle Village, which has a collection of shops and restaurants. In between, we stopped by at Mount Hope Wine Gallery for wine tasting. We also visited an Amish farm to look at some of the quilts, before rushing to Lititz, another small village on the northern part of the county, to visit a chocolate factory. Unfortunately, we reached 5 minutes before the shop closed. We ended the day with a "teppanyaki" dinner at a Japanese restaurant.

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Below are two video clips I took at the Farmers' Market on the making of two local snacks - funnel cakes and pretzels. Pretzel's local popularity can be traced easily to the heavy German population. Funnel Cakes are essentially batter funneled into hot oil to create rings around rings. It is then sprinkled with powdered sugar. Overall, very oily and sweet! I must say watching how they are made is much more interesting than actually eating them. So, enjoy the video.

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Another famous snack here is called the "Shoo-fly", which was originally made to use left-over ingredients, such as molasses and flour, that had lasted through the winter. The name came from settlers who had to shoo flies away from the sticky sweet concoctions. In addition, the locals, particularly the Amish, make and sell relishes, salsas and preserves, which they offered freely for sampling.

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Trivial: Most people, even the locals, I believe may not know this - Americans drive on the right because of a Lancaster County invention. At the peak of the Wild Wild West, the Conestoga wagon (right) carried hundred of thousands of settlers west. The wagon takes its name from the Conestoga Valley of Lancaster County, where it originated. Because the builders of Conestoga wagons put the driver's seat on the left-hand side of the wagon, Americas now drive on the right side of the road.

An Amish Potrait

Last weekend, we visited Lancaster County to meet up with Jennifer and Lynn, our friends from Singapore. If you ask someone in Lancaster "how far is it from Intercourse to Paradise?", he will probably say that it is 3 miles.

You see, Lancaster has a collection of villages with very colorful names, such as Intercourse, Paradise, Fertility, Blue Ball, Bird-in-Hand,... .

Lancaster is a beautiful part of the US, nestled in rolling hills and farmland. But most visitors come to Lancaster to see the Amish people. Who are the Amish? Known as the plain people because they wear plain colored clothing, they avoid most of the conveniences of the 20th century (such as tv, electricity, car, telephone,...). The house-drawn buggy is probably the best known symbol of the Amish.

The Amish don't seek publicity, but their way of life became well known to the world after the 1985's movie "Witness", (starring Harrison Ford and Viggo Mortensen, as the young boy). The Amish avoid cameras because their religion teaches them that photography represents vanity. The Amish religion also forbids the acquisition of money and materials, goods simply for the sake of having them or impressing one's neighbors.

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I have been reading several books on their lifestyle and beliefs. One author wrote that "although they dress differently and travel differently, but their goals are essentially the same as the goals of most other people - to live happily in this life and to do the same in the next life. They just happen to have chosen a road less traveled to reach their goals.

Really, the Amish life isn't about what they don't have. Instead, it's about what they do have ... My wife and I respect the Amish for their Christian faith and their simple way of life - focusing on God, family, community, and hardwork.

• The Amish have a powerful work ethic. For many people, work is a means to an end. To the Amish, work is something different. It's a way to make money to to pay the bills but it also has its own inherent worth. The Amish work because their faith tells them that work has value.
• The Amish are enterprising - Because the farm economy is volatile and often weak, almost all Amish families have cottage industries to supplement their farm income. In particular, the Amish women make quilts, which require a lot of artistic skills and patience. One piece can take one year of 12 hours daily sewing to complete. Hence, the handmade quilts are very expensive. A piece of quilt to cover a queen/king-size bed can costs up to US$7,000. My wife adored a piece called "I promise you a rose garden", but it was just too expensive at $6,800!
• The Amish are frugal, not poor. In their culture, the acquisition of wealth simple for the sake of having impressive material goods is unacceptable. Their beliefs tell them that cars and other modern gadgets won't help them find happiness or salvation.
• Whilte most outsiders will have difficulty understanding how one can live without 20th century conveniences, the Amish are happy in their way of life.

p/s - Lancaster County is 2.5 hours drive from Happy Valley. I have just found out from my readings that Big Valley (closer to Happy Valley, 1 hr) also has a big community of Nebraska Amish, which is considered to be the most conservative of all Amish. Big Valley (near Belleville) is also considered the most scenic setting in all of America's Amish country. We will definitely bookmark this as a place to visit next spring.

References:
S. Bill (2003) Guide to the Amish Country
Yoder, D. and L.A. Kelly (1992) America's Amish Country
http://www.mennolink.org/books/search.cgi?bk.mg.07.txt

We are Singaporeans!

"Human nature is such that we like to congregate with folks who like what we like. We’re inclined to hang out with people whose interests and perspectives resemble our own. We bond with fellow pilgrims who march to our beat. We tend to commune with people who share our common beliefs. "

http://www.gracecentered.com/birds_of_a_feather.htm

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"Birds of a feather flock together"

Last Friday, Singaporeans studying, working and residing in Happy Valley came together for a "makan" session. This is their third gathering this semester but it was our first. We were out of town when the first two sessions were held. There were around 20 people at the gathering. Not surprisingly, the main focus was the food, pot-luck style. My wife contributed chicken curry puffs. It is always a delight to attend such gatherings.

During my stay here, I have been asked a number of times whether I will consider staying on and working in the US?

Well, no matter how much we are enjoying our time here, Singapore is still home! Where my heart resides. Most Singaporeans do not have a say b'cause they are citizens by birth! Me? I am a Singaporean by choice!

For dessert, the hostess, Bee Yan (econ professor) prepared "tang yuen".

We missed this year's national day parade as we were already in State College by August 1. Nevertheless, we each bought a national day t-shirt with the wording "Singapore 1965" to remind us of home and also that, as foreigners, we are Singapore's ambassadors in another country.

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My favorite national song is "We are Singapore", particularly the first stencil, which I sometimes personalize it by substituting "Joseph" for "Singapore". In a certain way, Singapore and I are alike, We are over-achievers, given our troubled history, insignificant size, and lack of natural resources. Yes, there was a time when people said I won't make it. "How can someone with a B+ grade survive in an A* environment?" But we did! More than just surviving, we excelled through hardwork and God's grace.

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"But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me - and not without results. For I have worked harder than all the others, yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace." - 1 Corinthians 15:10

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We are Singapore

There was a time when people said
That Singapore won't make it, but we did
There was a time when troubles seemed too much
For us to take, but we did
We built a nation, strong and free, reaching out together
For peace and harmony

Chorus 1:

This is my country, this is my flag

This is my future, this is my life

This is my family, these are my friends

We are Singapore, Singaporeans

Singapore our homeland, it's here that we belong

All of us united, one people marching on

We've come so far together, our common destiny

Singapore forever, a nation strong and free

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( Repeat Chorus 1 )

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We the citizens of Singapore

Pledge ourselves as one united people

Regardless of race, language or religion

To build a democratic society

Based on justice and equality

So as to achieve happiness

Prosperity and progress for our nation

Chorus 2:

We are Singapore, we are Singapore

We will stand together, hear the lion roar

We are Singapore, we are Singapore

We're a nation strong and free forevermore

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( Repeat Chorus 1 & 2 )

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We are Singapore, Singaporeans ( X 2 )

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© Ministry of Information, Communications & The Arts

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Christians & Government: The bible instructs us to co-operate with the authorities and be responsible citizens:

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"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established...

For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you... But if you do wrong, be afraid...

Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who gives their full time to governing." (Romans 13:1-6)

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It's Raining Leaves

Since my last posting on "Frog Race", I have been reminded several times that starting a race is easy but it takes commitment and perseverance to complete the race. When someone gives up half way, it is usually a combination of a few factors - frustration (lack of progress; there is still a long way to go), fatigue (I'm so tired, It's so cold outside), fear of opposition (they are mocking, ridiculing me!; threats and false accusations) and forgetful (lost sight of the vision, can't see the purpose in what I'm doing).

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The four maple trees surrounding the house have been shedding their leaves; much faster than we can rake them. In the beginning, it was fun as we have never raked leaves before. But after a while, any task no matter how exciting it was initially can become routine and monotonous. Discouragement can easily set in when we feel tired, when we don't see any progress, and when our mind starts reminding us that it's futile because the ground will soon be covered with fallen leaves again!

When frustration sets in, giving up seems like the easier option. We can sit down and refuse to rake further. But no, we'll persevere for the rewards of work well done will be worth the effort. I reckon it will be another two weeks or so before the trees shed off their leaves completely. Until then, we will just keep on raking together as a couple and take it as our daily exercise. As the Amish people would say, "if all that life hands to you is scraps, then make a quilt out of them."

Tribute: Last weekend, our pastor, Dan Nold, asked us to consider those who have encouraged us in the past. Speakers of hope in our life. People, whom by their deeds and words, have shaped our lives. I have a number of persons on my list. At the top will be Brother Lawrence, my former principal at St John's Institution, KL. Although we never had any one-to-one encounter, it is incredible how much this old priest has impacted my life. Here are four inheritance I received from him - (1) one story "Hope of the Flowers", (2) one song, "Impossible Dream", (3) another song, "When You Look Back on Your Life", and (4) the art of reflection. Once, he made us stare at a picture for 10 mins in silent contemplation. And another 10 quiet mins looking at a leaf. The point of the exercise was that if we stared long enough, the picture and the leaf will speak to us! As a result, we learn to see and hear things which at first glance are missed. He taught us, instead of just listening to the music, to appreciate the lyrics! We grew to become more reflective people who have depth and character.
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The chorus of the song "When You Look Back On Your Life, What will You See?" goes like this. "Upon life some will see the rough, there will be times your best will not be good enough. Then you must ride the storm, just hanging on.... And when the calm has come again, you'll still go on!" . It has a very catchy tune. This song has carried me through a number of storms in my life. It reminds that we will face difficulties in life. Sometimes, even our best may not be enough! Instead of giving up, the song encourages me to hang on! Don't give up! The calm will come again!

So, to whom would you rather listen? People who speak hope or people who criticize? Some are very good at using words as weapon to bully and intimidate others (through sarcasm and criticism) . Well, I would rather listen to my principal, who was a speaker of hope. His words have helped me beat the odds coming from a tough background and challenging environment!

Application to marriage: Right is a simple card I handmade for my wife the day after our wedding. It reads, "Married life is a marathon. It is not enough to make a great start. You will need determination to continue." And below is her first card to me after our wedding. It is always easier to continue running when there is a loved one spurring you on. Someone who believes in you, even when the world don't!.

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"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same."

Visitors Welcome

Below are photos of some visitors who knocked on our door for "trick or treat" on Halloween night. The front porch lamp has to be switched on to signal to the visitors that they are welcome.

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Our first visitor, "Tinkerbell" Sarah! Next year, she will dress up as a PennState cheerleader.

Jedi Knights


Indiana Jones and Lara Croft


Thai monk and his ketchup



Supergirl!

The Higgins
dressed as a knight and an actress