Interesting People

Its always makes office a fun place when you have colleagues from different countries. Ppl share their experiences, their backgrounds & believes whenever there's a time for tea.

I've two quite buddy Iranian friend in the office, both occasionally shared their stories during days back in Iran. Just like yesterday, we were talking bout war during lunch. Two of them looks a bit disturbed during the conversation. Apparently, two of them witnessed war when they were young.

This is what they recalled...

Friend A : "u know, their used to be a army airport behind my primary school. It was Iraq & Iran war.. one day during the class, the airport was bombed. The glass window of the classroom just shattered & out of sudden everything was in a mess." "best part, the teacher ran away without checking our safety. I've to rush out from school & ran home myself. It was scary..."

Friend B : "My dad used to be in army force, most of the time we have to seperate from him & worry bout his safety until we moved to Teran. It was a tough time, my mum has to take care of me & my two younger brothers. Everytime the siren sound, she will drag us into the underground tunnel to hide. sometimes 20mins, sometimes even longer" "I've seen dead ppl lying infront of me, it was sad."

I've seen documentary about war, heard my popo & elderly ppl talking bout war during the 40's. It takes a lot of courage to talk about it & often see the sadness in their eyes....Same goes to these two friends of mine...I guess this is something we cant imagine how difficult it was for them to let things behind & move forwards. That makes them more humble & treasure what they have now.

Perhaps we dont need to witness war like what they have seen & learn how to be humble, but through these ppl we should learn how to love and honor of what God has given to us.

2011 Running Calendar

Hmm....how to begin this....I noticed the registration fee for running events in M'sia is getting more expensive over the years. As a comparison - I registered for one in year 2008, it only cost RM30 (the most), and today one annual race will cost easily RM 50 & above.

Well, I can't complaint much. These figures are not simply added up for the sake of "following the trend, ppl increase...v do the same".

Organising a run is not as simple as ABC, which I personally got involved in some of the small scale race organised by our own running group. It requires alot of coordination & logistic planning. I know some ppl might think "what's gonna do with the RM50 we have paid??? Dont they already have sponsors for drinks, running vest & goodies???"

The truth is, a part from all these freebies they get....somehow fund is needed to cover things such as meals for volunteers, medals, prizes, rental for event venue, advertisement, local authorities fees charges for road closure & safety....and the list goes on.

So, what's my proactive action then??? I'm keen to run....yet the fee is eating up what's in my pocket. I took a step back to look at the running calendar again for this year and concluded these few run in my list. (perhaps if i've a little extra, i might consider a bit more later on.)

1. Energizer Night Run (ENR)

2. Borneo Run

3. Standard Chartered KL Marathon (SCKLM)

4. Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM)

(further wish list i plan to achieve)

1. Gold Coast Marathon

2. Bangkok Marathon

Happy Running!! ^_^

See The Best in Everyone

This morning while i was waiting at Gloria Jeans' at Kenanga, i read this article in The Sun newspaper which i find worth while to read.

It's written by Bridget Menezes (a 70+ guru)...This is how it begins...with a beautiful quote : "You Don't pursue happiness.It comes to you when you give it to others."

Happiness can be spontaneous and natural but it also requires nurturing and development. What brings happiness to many of us is the simple sharing of our lives, done with pure love.

People are always happy when they are with the ones they love, especially in the absence of conflict. Some have little material wealth but are happy. Children are good cases in point.

The quality of happiness depends on how receptive we are internally. Small things like a beautiful sunset or a child's smile can make us happy. If your happiness spills over into the lives of others and uplifts them, you can consider that true happiness.

Imagine you've been asked to speak at a special occasion in celebration of someone else's life. Get help from others. Write their virtues out to make an uplifting gift. Instil in yourself the habit of seeing the best in everyone. Focus on the positive and help others to be the best they can and you will remain happy.

When we give happiness to the world, our stock of happiness increases. It creates zeal and enthusiasm, creativity and adventures! Great work is done when we are happy.

Happiness is not in things, people or physical comforts, but it is in the mind.