Thaipusam

Thaipusam festival falls on 1 February this year, but I completed my thanksgiving to Lord Murugan over the weekend. There would be about 1 million people in Batu Caves on the auspicious day so I decided to go much early by going over the weekend.

I carried the paal kudam , a small pot of milk and climbed the 272 steps to reach to the caves. This is the first time in my life I had carried a paal kudam. In fact I only carried a small pot filled with about 0.75 liter of fresh milk. I also started carrying the paal kudam from the foot of the hill to the top. At first I put the paal kudam on my head and held it with my right hand. I felt is heavy on my head and was wondering how I am going to complete journey to the top of the hill. My cousin who came along with me suggested I put in on my right shoulder. I did so and found the paal kudam to be not so heavy.

I saw other devotees carrying kavadi but many carried the paal kudam. Parents were also carrying their newborn babies slung in a cloth-cradle hung on a pole shouldered at both ends by both the mother and the father as thanks for a safe birth.

Others shaved their head bald. I shaved my head bald for last year’s Thaipusam and then decided that I will carry the paal kudam as long as I am able to climb the steps. Batu Caves is the place I went to shave my head when my hair started dropping for during chemotherapy.

Most times I would be panting while climbing the steps but suprisingly on that day with minimum stops to catch my breath I completely the journey faster then before. I have also been a vegetarian for the past two weeks.

As I watched the milk that I carried being poured to the vel (lance) and offered my prayers, I was at peace as I have completed my vow and prayed I would have many years to carry paal kudam.

Breast Cancer Welfare Association, Patrons’ Nite

Last Wednesday, I attended the Patron’s Nite of Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) held at The Royal Lake Club. It was an occasion to welcome another newly appointed patron of BCWA, Y.B Pn Sri Datin Seri Dato Akmal Abd Salam

There were about 140 people including guests, members and their spouses at the Club that day. Members came in style, colour and elegance. Some of them wore very beautiful traditional costumes.

While waiting for the function to began, members were excited to see each other. Many could be seen hugging and chatting away happily. It was very pleasant sight to see and witness the high spirits of the members.

The dinner started off by the President of BCWA, Ranjit Kaur welcoming address. Chinese Course dinner was served. We were also entertained by a senior member Evelyn who dedicated and sang songs to the members.

This was followed by the founder patron Y. M Raja Toh Puan The Zaitun Bint Raja Kamarulzaman delivering her speech which was filled with so much of laughter. This is the first time I have seen her and what an amazing fun and friendly lady she is.

The guest of honour Datin Seri Dato Akmal then gave her speech. This was followed by giving away token of appreciations to among others, founder members, the technical advisors of BCWA, former president, other dedicated volunteers and staff.

I left by 10.10pm although the programme had not finished as I had to drive all the way to Klang. It was an interesting night. I took some photos which are below but could not take many as I was shy to walk around to snap them. He….Hee!

[New Member, Valli, Selvi and Lucy]

[Dynamic President Ranjit with her opening address]

[I finally got to meet fellow blogger Dalilah.In the picture Dalilah, Valli, Rogayah and Paik]

[Datin Seri Dato Akmal with her speech]

[Both Patrons giving away token of appreciations
to volunteers, staff and advisors]

I Lost Weight

I went for my usual medical check- up last Wednesday and bummed into my friend Pat. She came for her check- up too. The first thing she said to me was besides asking how my mother was, “…you have lost weight. Is it because you are taking care of your mother?”

I laughed and told her that is was my tai chi exercise that has made me loose weight! She was surprised. I also told her my mother was fine.

Yes, that is right, I have lost a bit of weight and I contribute it to my tai chi work outs. I endeavor to go at least 2 days during the week days and if I have the time I do a bit of brisk walking during the weekend. I started to join the tai chi group in August last year. Looks like it is slowly working on stubborn fat of years old!

My mother is recovering quite well. Of course she of and on complains of pain, numbness and discomfort. She then has this worried look on her face. I would immediately assure her it is all due to the surgery and will be alright when it heals. I also had to look at her surgical scar to assure her that it would look like mine when it heals in a couple of months’ time. It is so funny actually to have both daughter and mother comparing notes on a matter like this.

For the life of me i can't seem to remember the type of pain or feeling i had. It has only been less than 2 years and i cannot remember....it must be the chemo brain!

Anyway i hope to continue to keeping in shape with tai chi and hope to see better results soon!

Receipe For A New Year

The first week of a the 2007 has passed. The new year, started off with meeting long lost friends. I met friends whom i have not seen for a couple of years. We sat, ate and talked about how early life as law students. Wow! That sounds so...so long ago. We had so much fun that there were so many times i laughed until tears blurred by vision. What a cheery way to kick start the year.

Then it was back to work and time to think of careers and other matters for the year.

I received this message in my email today and felt the writer has conveyed the emotions, thoughts and feelings superbly...this message has to be shared...so i have posted it below.



Receipe for a new year!!!!!!! Take twelve whole months.
Clean them thoroughly of all
bitterness, hate, and jealousy.
Make them fresh and clean as possible
Now cut each month into twenty-eight,
thirty or thirty-one different parts,
but don't make the whole batch at once
Prepare it one day at a time
out of these ingredients.
Mix well into each day
one part of faith,
one part of patience,
one part of courage,
and one part of work.

Add to each day
one part of hope,
faithfulness, generosity,
meditation, and one good deed.

Season the whole with a dash of good spirits,
a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play,
and a cupful of good humor.

Pour all of this into a vessel of love.
Cook thoroughly over radiant joy,
garnish with a smile,
and serve with quietness,
unselfishness,
and cheerfulness.

Have a blessed New year!!!!

BY
Sai bhakt,
Deepa H

To all my blog visitors may you too have a blessed year filled with joy, laughter, prosperity and good health.