I love you. Asshole.

New Year Resolutions.

New Year resolutions are like mistletoe, they only appear at the end of the year and disappear again at year's end.

If I were to make a New Year's resolution, I would just make this one. Every year. 

 

Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash

How Not to be an Asshole. (DBAA)

Being an asshole is like being stupid. People can see you but you can’t. 

Believe me I know, I've been there. 

Truth hurts. The more it hurts the better you’ll become. 

Here’s my 10. 

1. When was the last time you smiled? Genuinely?  Now Smile please. 

2. Look people in the eye. And smile. 

3. Say 'please' and 'thank you' always.  And smile. 

4. Don’t be late for anything. 

5. Especially if you’re meeting your Mother/Granny or your Grab ride. These people are important. One gave you life, the other support life for his family. For all of them time is short. 

6. Be nice to the waiter and everyone in the service industry. Give genuine tips when appropriate.  *compliments are also tips. 

7. Say Yes to everything. For once. See how it feels. 

8. Listen to music. Really listen. Feel it. 

9. Stop joking. Really. Stop yourself and pay attention to everyone and everything around you. See how it feels. Really feel. Nice isn’t it? 

10. Tell your mother, your wife, your daughter, your son, your father, your husband “I love you” at least once a day. 

You never know when you will see them again. 

I love you. Live. For A Happy Happy New Year.

I love you. Merry X'mas

 Mary's boy child Jesus Christ was born on Christmas Day.

It's the most wonderful time of the year. 

One can't help but to celebrate the holidays, nicely planned towards the end of the year leading to the start of a brand New Year. Signifying it's time to let go of the past and prepare to start anew. 

On this Merry and Happy note, I would like to share a Verse from the Tao Te Ching that compliments the season and coincides with the message of Christianity. 

It seems that Lao Tzu and Jesus share and preach the same gospel.

Photo by Gareth Harper on Unsplash

Tao Te Ching v.81

Faithful words may not be beautiful,

Beautiful words may not be faithful,

Those who love do not quarrel,

Those who quarrel do not love.

Those who know are not learned,

Those who are learned do not know.

The riches of the self-controlled person are in the Inner Life.

When one spends for others, one has more for oneself.

When one gives to others, one has much more for oneself.

Heavenly Tao blesses all and hurts no one.

The way of the self-controlled person is to act and not to fight.

*Translated by Isabella Mears

Merry Christmas One and All...

I love you. December

 One Fine December Sunday morning.

Went to a dim sum brunch at The Ritz Carlton meeting up with A & B. 

I haven’t had a meal with B, a good friend in 16 years. With A, an ex-client, much longer. Foie gras dumplings were served with love at the table. The highlight was confirmation of a love secret never shared.

After brunch I floated from the Ritz, through StarHill onto StarHill Road mingling with the tourists, to the MRT Station leaving a trail of Stardust in my wake.

I boarded the northbound train sitting shoulder to shoulder with immigrant workers sharing a Sunday afternoon ride together in the cool comfort of the new coaches. Seven stops later I alighted at my destination descending among the locals in the upmarket suburb of KL at an evening market waking up to the night. I wandered around, stardust still in tow, as I picked up some coffee and a cup of strong long black brew while resting my legs in the shadow of a local artisan cafe- Shadow cafe* (English translation of a Malay name).  

Kueh Koci:Pineforest

Abu Abu- PineForest

Caffeinated and well rested, I walked away from the shadow with a bag of my favourite arabica blend from Gayo Mountain, tucked under my arm. I took to the streets again taking another route to ply the five-foot way of the rows of shops walking and meandering through the stalls of the evening market, picking up some local Kueh from very friendly local staff at one of the more serious authentic Malay restaurants fronting the main thoroughfare. I found what I was searching for- nuggets of Kueh Koci and a bonus Abu Abu, both precious as gold. I paid RM4.50 for three pieces of delicious nuggets. I paid in cash as well as compliments to the kakak who made the kueh and explained Abu Abu to me. Clutching my newly acquired treasures I then floated across the main road ducked under the pedestrian railing and ended up in Mr. DIY to find my ice lolly maker and quickly left to forage for food in Hero Mart. 

Bypassing the swanky Kenny Hills Bakery filled to the brim with the gentry drinking hipster coffee and eating overpriced bread, I slip into the speakeasy side entrance of the super mart to Manchu-purveyors of fine pork stuff. I spot good cuts and roast pork belly on sale. Made a note to return for pork belly cuts next time. Bought a big beautiful Nyonya dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves. Another treasure to relish. 

Also spotted CNY goods already on sale alongside Xmas goodies which can simply mean that CNY will be soon after Xmas & New Year. Be prepared for jingle bells and prosperity drums playing in the air. 

It is the end of the year and soon the start of a new one.  It is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. 

Go on make it wonderful. We made it to December y’all!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai in advance.