I haven't been writing in a long while and it didn't strike me just how long until I logged into my webpage and saw the date! Time has really flown by! Much has happened in the short 4 months that has passed. I received my exam results (another marginal fail! wonder how many more of those I'll see before I clear this difficult hurdle but that's another story for another day), attended two concerts as a proud parent and last but not least, paid a doctor visit 2 times in 2 weeks and seeing him again this Saturday to make it 3 for 3...
It's been a difficult 2 1/2 weeks (started 2 months ago but the difficulties only accelerated in the last 2 weeks or so), emotionally, mentally and physically. Not so much the last actually but doctor says I need the rest to recuperate. I had a minor surgery - minor because it's done in a day and treated as outpatient - but in terms of the recuperating period, not so minor.
2 months ago, the ladies group in my church invited a radiologist to give a presentation of breast health/care. Dr Evelyn Ho, a radiologist with extensive experience in the field, thought us how to carry out self breast examinations ("SBE"). The SBE ought to be conducted on a regular cycle, preferably once a month after the menstruation has ended.
I've done SBEs before but wasn't really doing it the right way until Dr Evelyn came. So, that very same evening I decided to give it a go. And lo and behold, I discovered something that every woman dreads, a lump! To console myself, I said, it must be a bone. But the thought that it may not be disturbed me and after another couple of times, I decided to seek medical help. Was wondering which doctor to see, no one else seems to know, and some friends told me to see the OBGYN. After a week of unsuccessful calls to the clinic, I decided to look up Dr Evelyn Ho at her clinic.
She confirmed my worst fears and in fact, told me that there were lumps in the other breast as well. However, those lumps were confirmed to be benign but the one that bothered me bothered her to. Apparently, the ultrasound worried her as the 'lump' was really more of a mass that was complex. She suggested that it be removed.
Many people told me to seek a second opinion but after much prayer, I have decided not to. A lump is a lump and it won't go away. And if a doctor with YEARS of experience tells you to remove it, then what are the odds of another saying the same? Besides, if the other doctor says differently, it would make it worse because then I'd probably want to seek a third opinion and waste time and money in the process. The stress would triple and I didn't want that.
So, long story short, I had the operation last Saturday and will see the doctor this Saturday for the biopsy results. That's really the part that is giving me more sleepless nights. I do trust the Lord and whatever His will for me, I pray He will give me the strength to overcome. Why I'm writing today is actually because I want to give thanks. Many would ask how I can give thanks for stress like this... but the Lord says to give thanks IN all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), He didn't say to give thanks FOR all circumstances.
I want to thank God for how he 'spoke' to the ladies in our church to include the breast health talk in the activities for the year, and how the doctor could make the time to give the talk, how He has been with me and kept me sane and given me peace. I want to thank Him for giving me such a wonderful hubby, a lovely daughter, supportive parents and dear sisters and brothers (from my earthly family and God's family) who have been praying and caring for me. I am thankful that the surgery was successfully carried out and that there has been minimal effects from it. Thank you God for everything!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Of Rafa & Rafa
My heart is aching and my soul is grieving. The manager who was so beloved at Liverpool, and by me too, is leaving the club. I guess this end was inevitable in the light of the events that have taken place since the new owners took over the club.
No thanks to Hicks & Gillett, Rafa Benitez is leaving the club he Truly, Madly, Deeply loved. Yes, he may have made some mistakes in his purchases of new players or employing certain tactics in some of the games, but hey, name me one manager who has not made such mistakes. It's easy for commentators, who have the gift of hindsight, to make comments that have been critical of the manager or the club.
For a club that has prided itself in the motto "You'll Never Walk Alone", today's events have opened my eyes to just how much the club has changed with the induction of the Americans. For a club well known for its history and the loyalty of its supporters, it's sad to see that it has become one that airs its dirty laundry for all to see and there is a lack of unity in all ranks, be it the players, the manager, the board or the owners and sometimes, the fans themselves.
Rafa, I wish you all the best. You are the only manager in my lifetime who has brought delight and reward for my support. The tears I've shed during your tenure, in pain and in joy, will be remembered even long after you've gone. If it's true that you're joining Inter Milan, then I sincerely wish that their fans will appreciate you as much as I have. Thanks!
On a much happier note, Nadal is through to the semis at Roland Garros! Yay! He is still way off his best but he's getting back there so I hope he lifts the cup this year. I hope it will be a Soderling-Nadal final so that Nadal will get his revenge on his defeat last year.
Well, it's just one more week to the world's greatest event - the World Cup! Olé olé olé!
No thanks to Hicks & Gillett, Rafa Benitez is leaving the club he Truly, Madly, Deeply loved. Yes, he may have made some mistakes in his purchases of new players or employing certain tactics in some of the games, but hey, name me one manager who has not made such mistakes. It's easy for commentators, who have the gift of hindsight, to make comments that have been critical of the manager or the club.
For a club that has prided itself in the motto "You'll Never Walk Alone", today's events have opened my eyes to just how much the club has changed with the induction of the Americans. For a club well known for its history and the loyalty of its supporters, it's sad to see that it has become one that airs its dirty laundry for all to see and there is a lack of unity in all ranks, be it the players, the manager, the board or the owners and sometimes, the fans themselves.
Rafa, I wish you all the best. You are the only manager in my lifetime who has brought delight and reward for my support. The tears I've shed during your tenure, in pain and in joy, will be remembered even long after you've gone. If it's true that you're joining Inter Milan, then I sincerely wish that their fans will appreciate you as much as I have. Thanks!
On a much happier note, Nadal is through to the semis at Roland Garros! Yay! He is still way off his best but he's getting back there so I hope he lifts the cup this year. I hope it will be a Soderling-Nadal final so that Nadal will get his revenge on his defeat last year.
Well, it's just one more week to the world's greatest event - the World Cup! Olé olé olé!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Electrostatic Shock
Electrostatic shock is not a word you'd hear often, but it occurs on a regular basis for everyone, some more often than others. Static electricity is all around us all the time but goes unnoticed on most times. Ask yourself this; have you ever received a shock from a car door or other door handles, the shopping trolley or even when you touch a friend's arm? Well, that's electrostatic shock!
In recent months, my colleagues and I have had more than our fair share of electrostatic shock at the office. Everything we touch seems to give us an electrostatic shock - even when passing a simple piece of paper without the touching of our hands! This in turn has led us to making numerous complaints to the company to look into this issue because lately, the shocks are more frequent and the impact much greater. One colleague even commented that her fingers are numb after each shock.
Our health and safety officer finally made his rounds today to look into this problem and find a cost-effective solution that would be most practical for all. First thing he did was distribute, to all of us, a write-up which articulates the reasons for electrostatic shock and the ways we can protect ourselves.
We all had a good laugh when we read that one of the ways to protect ourselves was to remove clothing! No way that's going to happen in our office! But one method that we really think would help in our office environment in the short-term is to place water containers/plants around the room (but this only offers a protection level of 3/10). So, that will be one method we will try while we wait for the management to put in place a better protection plan for us. Anyone know of any other methods, feel free to share!
In recent months, my colleagues and I have had more than our fair share of electrostatic shock at the office. Everything we touch seems to give us an electrostatic shock - even when passing a simple piece of paper without the touching of our hands! This in turn has led us to making numerous complaints to the company to look into this issue because lately, the shocks are more frequent and the impact much greater. One colleague even commented that her fingers are numb after each shock.
Our health and safety officer finally made his rounds today to look into this problem and find a cost-effective solution that would be most practical for all. First thing he did was distribute, to all of us, a write-up which articulates the reasons for electrostatic shock and the ways we can protect ourselves.
We all had a good laugh when we read that one of the ways to protect ourselves was to remove clothing! No way that's going to happen in our office! But one method that we really think would help in our office environment in the short-term is to place water containers/plants around the room (but this only offers a protection level of 3/10). So, that will be one method we will try while we wait for the management to put in place a better protection plan for us. Anyone know of any other methods, feel free to share!
Ten Things I Love About You
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Julia Quinn's latest historical regency, Ten Things I Love About You, will hit the bookstores (in America) on May 25. When it will hit Malaysian stores is another matter, but that's another story for another day. Ten Things I Love About You is the story about Sebastian, who was introduced to us in the book What Happens In London.
If you're one of those who have been waiting anxiously for this book, you can check out the excerpt! Her website www.juliaquinn.com offers a lot more on her other books, so check it out too!
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Julia Quinn's latest historical regency, Ten Things I Love About You, will hit the bookstores (in America) on May 25. When it will hit Malaysian stores is another matter, but that's another story for another day. Ten Things I Love About You is the story about Sebastian, who was introduced to us in the book What Happens In London.
If you're one of those who have been waiting anxiously for this book, you can check out the excerpt! Her website www.juliaquinn.com offers a lot more on her other books, so check it out too!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Via Dolorosa
Tomorrow will be Good Friday. And at this time every year, I'm blatantly reminded of how Jesus was crucified... and rose victoriously from the grave just a few days later.
So, in order to fully appreciate the significance of Good Friday, we must never forget the greater day, Easter Sunday! Good Friday would be meaningless if Jesus had died and it'd stopped there. His death would have been any ordinary death and it would have meant that he is powerless against death if he had not risen again.
Yet, Good Friday, for me, would always be special simply because Jesus died FOR ME and uttered these words "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).
But it's sad how Easter has been overrun by bunnies and commercialism. In these days, if we do not tell our children about the real meaning of Easter, all they would think about would be Easter Eggs and having a good time. Just like Christmas has become a tradition of giving gifts, Easter has become a day of decorating and hiding eggs. I'm just glad that my child understands this bit - now I just have to pray that one day my child will also accept the salvation that Jesus offers.
Well, words will never be enough to describe the pain our Saviour had to endure for our sake but this song does help, in a small and simple way, to remind me of how Jesus not only died but suffered at the hands of those who'd just praised and hailed Him as the King just a few days past.
Down the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem
The soldiers tried to clear the narrow street
But the crowd pressed in to see
The Man condemned to die on Calvary
He was bleeding from a beating, there were stripes upon His back
And He wore a crown of thorns upon His head
And He bore with every step
The scorn of those who cried out for His death
Down the Via Dolorosa called the way of suffering
Like a lamb came the Messiah, Christ the King,
But He chose to walk that road out of
His love for you and me.
Down the Via Dolorosa, all the way to Calvary .
The blood that would cleanse the souls of all men
Made its way through the heart of Jerusalem
Praise be to my God and Saviour who loved me and gave His life for me. Hosanna to the son of David, Hosanna to the King of Kings! Amen
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The Biggest Loser
Lately, I've been hooked on the programme The Biggest Loser - the determination of the participants to lose weight and how they look after the weight loss is really interesting to see. It's also given me tips on how to trim some kilos from my own body weight.
I'm not overweight though I've put on at least 13kg since high school! That's close to 30 pounds, not much if you consider that I'm in my late 30s - to console myself, I've done some calculations and have determined that I've only gained an average of 1.7 pounds per year... not too much when broken down like this. :P
However, I have a tendency to gain around the waistline and in the cheekbones. So, I look fat every time I look in the mirror or take a picture. And my metabolic rate is close to zero, which is no help at all.
So to lose weight, I've resorted to eating more vegetables and fruit and less carbohydrates and getting some exercises done. So far, I've seen a drop of some 3kg but I don't feel any different.
But slow and steady wins the race - that's my strategy in my weight loss programme. I've realised that if I were to do it too quickly, it won't be healthy and probably won't stay off for too long. I just hope that I can stick out the programme and hit my target of 13kg by end of June.
I'm not overweight though I've put on at least 13kg since high school! That's close to 30 pounds, not much if you consider that I'm in my late 30s - to console myself, I've done some calculations and have determined that I've only gained an average of 1.7 pounds per year... not too much when broken down like this. :P
However, I have a tendency to gain around the waistline and in the cheekbones. So, I look fat every time I look in the mirror or take a picture. And my metabolic rate is close to zero, which is no help at all.
So to lose weight, I've resorted to eating more vegetables and fruit and less carbohydrates and getting some exercises done. So far, I've seen a drop of some 3kg but I don't feel any different.
But slow and steady wins the race - that's my strategy in my weight loss programme. I've realised that if I were to do it too quickly, it won't be healthy and probably won't stay off for too long. I just hope that I can stick out the programme and hit my target of 13kg by end of June.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
The higher you climb, the harder you fall
This old adage is certainly true for Liverpool FC. We started the season on a high after losing out on the EPL trophy last season by a miserable 4 points. The vibes were good pre-season but the loss to Tottenham at the season opener brought us back down to earth with a loud thump! From then on, it's been downhill all the way with little climbs along the way, in a one-step-forward-three-steps-back kind of way.
Consider this - we achieved 86 points and only had 2 losses last year but with only 7 games to go this year, we've amassed only 51 points but have already had 10 losses this year! The worst kind of statistics anyone could ever hope to see.
It's taken me this long to get over the loss to Man Utd on Sunday last. Not that long because my mood hasn't been very cheerful this season. And the latest news that Riera will be leaving for CSKA Moscow has brought me even lower.
Can someone please explain to me why we're releasing good players when we're already down to the very bare minimum? Just what is Benitez trying to do? Force the owners to fire him because he can't afford to pay off his remaining term by just walking? Well, if that's his plan, then I think he'll fail because the owners don't have the money to pay his sacking fees.
So, at the end of the day, the only ones to lose big-time will be the club and its fans. With promises of silverware and the possibility of finally landing the EPL trophy at the beginning of the season, now the only highlight is to win the Europa League...
Latest I've heard is that Benitez has lashed out at Torres, asking him to "focus a little bit more".... Excuse me, did I read this right? Torres has been the ONLY player, it seems, to be focused on playing well. The other players were mostly napping on Sunday and he was the only one who seemed determined to win. And if I were to start a rant on Benitez, this post will be at least 10 pages long.
At the rate we're going, I certainly won't be surprised if Torres leaves at the end of this season. It would absolutely break my heart if that happens, but nothing surprises me any more...
Consider this - we achieved 86 points and only had 2 losses last year but with only 7 games to go this year, we've amassed only 51 points but have already had 10 losses this year! The worst kind of statistics anyone could ever hope to see.
It's taken me this long to get over the loss to Man Utd on Sunday last. Not that long because my mood hasn't been very cheerful this season. And the latest news that Riera will be leaving for CSKA Moscow has brought me even lower.
Can someone please explain to me why we're releasing good players when we're already down to the very bare minimum? Just what is Benitez trying to do? Force the owners to fire him because he can't afford to pay off his remaining term by just walking? Well, if that's his plan, then I think he'll fail because the owners don't have the money to pay his sacking fees.
So, at the end of the day, the only ones to lose big-time will be the club and its fans. With promises of silverware and the possibility of finally landing the EPL trophy at the beginning of the season, now the only highlight is to win the Europa League...
Latest I've heard is that Benitez has lashed out at Torres, asking him to "focus a little bit more".... Excuse me, did I read this right? Torres has been the ONLY player, it seems, to be focused on playing well. The other players were mostly napping on Sunday and he was the only one who seemed determined to win. And if I were to start a rant on Benitez, this post will be at least 10 pages long.
At the rate we're going, I certainly won't be surprised if Torres leaves at the end of this season. It would absolutely break my heart if that happens, but nothing surprises me any more...
Monday, March 15, 2010
F1 is back! Yay! Not...
The highly anticipated return of Michael Schumacher (for this blogger it was) to the F1 circuit has finally arrived!! It was with much excitement and glee that I sat down in front of my tv last night just to catch a glimpse of my all-time favourite F1 driver make his long-awaited comeback.
Alas, his return was the ONLY highlight of the entire race. With the banning of refuelling during a race, pit-stops were BORING!!! In fact, the entire race was boring as there were little, if any, overtaking except when someone's engine stalled or some other thingamabob burst. Yes, I know, the refuelling was done to cut costs but hey, then what's with the additional racing teams??? Why cut here when you're gonna add it somewhere else? If it was done to make the race more exciting, then all I can say is that it failed, to me it did anyway.
So, all I do know is this, I'll not waste another minute watching another race. I'll just read the news for more glimpses of Schumacher.
Alas, his return was the ONLY highlight of the entire race. With the banning of refuelling during a race, pit-stops were BORING!!! In fact, the entire race was boring as there were little, if any, overtaking except when someone's engine stalled or some other thingamabob burst. Yes, I know, the refuelling was done to cut costs but hey, then what's with the additional racing teams??? Why cut here when you're gonna add it somewhere else? If it was done to make the race more exciting, then all I can say is that it failed, to me it did anyway.
So, all I do know is this, I'll not waste another minute watching another race. I'll just read the news for more glimpses of Schumacher.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Pray without ceasing
Sounds dramatic, doesn't it? Who can possibly pray without ceasing in a literal sense?
Well, a sister once shared that praying without ceasing actually means that we have to consciously maintain a bond with our God at all times whether it be listening to Him, talking to Him, shedding tears with Him, having communion with Him, reading and meditating on His word or just sitting in His presence. This in essence means that we should have a relationship with God. And I have to agree with her on this.
She also further stated that God will answer our prayers if we are earnest in presenting our requests to Him and in accordance to His will. I have to add that I believe that God ALWAYS answers our prayers. Often times, I've heard people grouching that God has not answered their prayers but I believe that this is because God's answer may not have been the one they expected/sought, so they did not realise that He has answered.
I have only one child and many a person has asked me when I will have another child. It's a funny question - why? Well, having a child isn't something that I can control. I can put in a lot of effort by eating the right stuff, or tracking my ovulation calendar and ensuring that I'm living a healthy life. But, at the end of the day, only God can give me another child, and even then, it will only be done if it is His will for me.
Well, let me just say this - I have prayed daily and I've prayed hard but I do believe that God has heard my cries and HAS answered me. For now, I've accepted that His answer may be No or Wait (not too sure which one it is exactly but I do know He has answered)...and the only things that I can continue doing are to pray for His will to be done, that I will be able to overcome my disappointment and grief (and that my child can do the same too) should He continue to reply in the negative and that I can take comfort in the reminder that God ALWAYS works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Praise be to His great and awesome name!
Well, a sister once shared that praying without ceasing actually means that we have to consciously maintain a bond with our God at all times whether it be listening to Him, talking to Him, shedding tears with Him, having communion with Him, reading and meditating on His word or just sitting in His presence. This in essence means that we should have a relationship with God. And I have to agree with her on this.
She also further stated that God will answer our prayers if we are earnest in presenting our requests to Him and in accordance to His will. I have to add that I believe that God ALWAYS answers our prayers. Often times, I've heard people grouching that God has not answered their prayers but I believe that this is because God's answer may not have been the one they expected/sought, so they did not realise that He has answered.
I have only one child and many a person has asked me when I will have another child. It's a funny question - why? Well, having a child isn't something that I can control. I can put in a lot of effort by eating the right stuff, or tracking my ovulation calendar and ensuring that I'm living a healthy life. But, at the end of the day, only God can give me another child, and even then, it will only be done if it is His will for me.
Yes, it grieves me that I've not been successful. At last count, I personally know seven other women who are pregnant at this time and I have to acknowledge that the longer it takes for me to get pregnant, the harder it becomes. But what grieves me more are:
1) my child grieves too because she's so lonely and longs for someone to play with and to share her experiences; and
2) the fact that most people have commented that I've not prayed hard enough or put in enough effort, hence God has not answered.
Well, let me just say this - I have prayed daily and I've prayed hard but I do believe that God has heard my cries and HAS answered me. For now, I've accepted that His answer may be No or Wait (not too sure which one it is exactly but I do know He has answered)...and the only things that I can continue doing are to pray for His will to be done, that I will be able to overcome my disappointment and grief (and that my child can do the same too) should He continue to reply in the negative and that I can take comfort in the reminder that God ALWAYS works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Praise be to His great and awesome name!
Friday, February 5, 2010
The road less travelled
Around the World in 80 days was a special favourite book of mine simply because I love to travel and Jules Verne was able to describe the sights and sounds so intricately that I was caught up in it. It's one of the reasons why I love to travel.
The world has so much to offer but I've seen so little of it. Yet, I have been privileged enough to see the beauty of Europe in Germany and Denmark, Asia in Malaysia (since this is where I reside :P), Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand and the Oceanic in New Zealand. Many will wonder why I visited Germany and Denmark instead of the more famous countries like France, Italy, Holland and England. Well, I like to take the road less travelled where I can. Denmark and Germany boasts beautiful old buildings and structures and a history so steep that it fascinates me. And Denmark has the best hot chocolate with marshmallows, in my opinion.
It will probably surprise many who know me when I mention the word History. It was a well known fact that History was not my favourite subject back in school but that was simply because we were only taught the history of our own country year in year out (every year is a repetition of the previous year with slightly more details thrown in) and the teachers taught by reading from the teaching materials. So, how interesting can that get?
In this age of technology, the world has opened its doors for me. Google has made it easy for me to learn history through images, write ups and best of all, from the comfort of my own time and leisure. Now, I study history for the simple reason of wanting to learn, not just to pass an exam. And I realise just how interesting it becomes.
Now, if only I can apply this same thought when I hit my Law books tonight. Corporate Law is so dry. Yawn...
The world has so much to offer but I've seen so little of it. Yet, I have been privileged enough to see the beauty of Europe in Germany and Denmark, Asia in Malaysia (since this is where I reside :P), Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand and the Oceanic in New Zealand. Many will wonder why I visited Germany and Denmark instead of the more famous countries like France, Italy, Holland and England. Well, I like to take the road less travelled where I can. Denmark and Germany boasts beautiful old buildings and structures and a history so steep that it fascinates me. And Denmark has the best hot chocolate with marshmallows, in my opinion.
It will probably surprise many who know me when I mention the word History. It was a well known fact that History was not my favourite subject back in school but that was simply because we were only taught the history of our own country year in year out (every year is a repetition of the previous year with slightly more details thrown in) and the teachers taught by reading from the teaching materials. So, how interesting can that get?
In this age of technology, the world has opened its doors for me. Google has made it easy for me to learn history through images, write ups and best of all, from the comfort of my own time and leisure. Now, I study history for the simple reason of wanting to learn, not just to pass an exam. And I realise just how interesting it becomes.
Now, if only I can apply this same thought when I hit my Law books tonight. Corporate Law is so dry. Yawn...
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Patience, patience
Patience is a virtue. It is also one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). And it's something that I really need to work on. As I grow older, I find that my patience level is diminishing and that's not a good sign. The King James version states patience as long suffering and that has caused me to ponder anew the extent of being patient. Patience means that we have to suffer and suffer long too! Wow!
I lost my patience with my daughter twice in just 2 weeks. She's at a stage where she likes to dilly dally when getting things done. Morning is not my best time of the day (and I think it's not hers too!) and it is when my patience level is close to zero. So any dilly dallying at this time of day really gets on my nerves. And the counting to ten before shouting really doesn't work when said daughter doesn't get moving after ten. So now, I'm learning to resort to prayer and getting up earlier so that the dilly dallying can be factored in. One small step at a time as I learn to be patient.
It's also just struck me that of the nine fruits of the Spirit, love is the underlying factor if we want to be able to exercise these fruits. If we love, then we can be kind, gentle, faithful, patient, good and self-controlled and we can attain joy and peace! Well, in my opinion that is what it means. So, then I must first learn to really love. Not just the superficial kind of love but to love with an everlasting love, as Jesus loved, because it will see us through the obstacles life throws at us.
I lost my patience with my daughter twice in just 2 weeks. She's at a stage where she likes to dilly dally when getting things done. Morning is not my best time of the day (and I think it's not hers too!) and it is when my patience level is close to zero. So any dilly dallying at this time of day really gets on my nerves. And the counting to ten before shouting really doesn't work when said daughter doesn't get moving after ten. So now, I'm learning to resort to prayer and getting up earlier so that the dilly dallying can be factored in. One small step at a time as I learn to be patient.
It's also just struck me that of the nine fruits of the Spirit, love is the underlying factor if we want to be able to exercise these fruits. If we love, then we can be kind, gentle, faithful, patient, good and self-controlled and we can attain joy and peace! Well, in my opinion that is what it means. So, then I must first learn to really love. Not just the superficial kind of love but to love with an everlasting love, as Jesus loved, because it will see us through the obstacles life throws at us.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Live it up, Liverpool!
This is a sad, sad season for any die-hard Liverpool FC fan. From the start of the season, it's been downhill with little to be happy about. We're no longer in contention for the Premier League Cup, Champion's League and the FA Cup and the only thing left to fight for is the fourth place in the Premier League - and even that looks like Everest at this point in time.
But the heartache for me, as a Liverpool FC fan, is not the losses we've had but the way we've played. There seems to be a lack of passion and energy in many of the games. Everyone seems to be talking about Benitez and his folly and mistakes but hey, he's just the manager! Just one man in the team... what about the players? Yes, Benitez may be making mistakes with some of his choices (Lucas for me is not what we need in midfield) but at the end of the day, there are 11 players on the field, each with his own specific job to do. But so far, it's been one lacklustre performance after another. For a team to succeed, it should not be about one or two players, it's the whole team! Last year's squad is only 4/5 players different from this year's. So, what does that say about the team?
And to make things worse, everyone is putting the entire blame on Benitez, including the likes of Jason McAteer and Ronnie Whelan. There have been numerous calls for the sacking of Benitez which has done more harm than good. I've learnt from my own working experience that it's always easier to make mistakes when under pressure or when there is a lack of faith shown by the boss. It has not helped that the American owners know nearly zilch about the game and has not had the financial means to turn the club around and have shown lack of support for Benitez. To have ex-players condemning the manager at this time will only make it worse.
Liverpool FC is not the first club to hit a slump. Just take a look at Arsenal, or Arsene Wenger in particular. Arsenal's last trophy was the FA Cup in the 2004/05 season and they've only managed 3rd or 4th placing in the last 4 seasons of the Premier League. Yet, there is no mention of terminating the manager! No ex-player moaning about Wenger playing a young team and selling off his experienced players. Well, at least, none that I heard of anyway.
It's easy for us to give critical comments but at this time, there is a need for the whole club to be united. It's time to talk less and do more. Show the others just what Liverpool FC is really made of. Let's show them what You'll Never Walk Alone really means!
But the heartache for me, as a Liverpool FC fan, is not the losses we've had but the way we've played. There seems to be a lack of passion and energy in many of the games. Everyone seems to be talking about Benitez and his folly and mistakes but hey, he's just the manager! Just one man in the team... what about the players? Yes, Benitez may be making mistakes with some of his choices (Lucas for me is not what we need in midfield) but at the end of the day, there are 11 players on the field, each with his own specific job to do. But so far, it's been one lacklustre performance after another. For a team to succeed, it should not be about one or two players, it's the whole team! Last year's squad is only 4/5 players different from this year's. So, what does that say about the team?
And to make things worse, everyone is putting the entire blame on Benitez, including the likes of Jason McAteer and Ronnie Whelan. There have been numerous calls for the sacking of Benitez which has done more harm than good. I've learnt from my own working experience that it's always easier to make mistakes when under pressure or when there is a lack of faith shown by the boss. It has not helped that the American owners know nearly zilch about the game and has not had the financial means to turn the club around and have shown lack of support for Benitez. To have ex-players condemning the manager at this time will only make it worse.
Liverpool FC is not the first club to hit a slump. Just take a look at Arsenal, or Arsene Wenger in particular. Arsenal's last trophy was the FA Cup in the 2004/05 season and they've only managed 3rd or 4th placing in the last 4 seasons of the Premier League. Yet, there is no mention of terminating the manager! No ex-player moaning about Wenger playing a young team and selling off his experienced players. Well, at least, none that I heard of anyway.
It's easy for us to give critical comments but at this time, there is a need for the whole club to be united. It's time to talk less and do more. Show the others just what Liverpool FC is really made of. Let's show them what You'll Never Walk Alone really means!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Finally! I'm writing...
I've always been a procrastinator, putting things off till the very last minute (sometimes permanently!). Yet, if I really set my mind to getting something done, I'd give it my best shot and make whatever I'm doing perfect. So, I'm extreme either way! :P
Well, what better time to start off my blog then at the beginning of a new year? Most of us would probably identify with this phrase, "so much to do and so little time to do it". I know I do. But I have to start somewhere and this seems like a good place to do it.
I've always wanted to be a writer but somehow life has turned out differently for me. And now that I'm a wife and a mom, it's even harder to find the time to write. I tried to do some editing work for a community paper for free once but the deadlines were way too tight and I felt like I was drowning. So, it got thrown out the window.
Then, I tried writing reviews for movies that I watched (I am an avid movie fan) but you guessed it, being a mom means less time for movies. So, dead end on that one too.
So as a last resort, I'm trying my hand with this blog. God willing, this one won't get cut off too soon because I have lots to say! :P
Well, what better time to start off my blog then at the beginning of a new year? Most of us would probably identify with this phrase, "so much to do and so little time to do it". I know I do. But I have to start somewhere and this seems like a good place to do it.
I've always wanted to be a writer but somehow life has turned out differently for me. And now that I'm a wife and a mom, it's even harder to find the time to write. I tried to do some editing work for a community paper for free once but the deadlines were way too tight and I felt like I was drowning. So, it got thrown out the window.
Then, I tried writing reviews for movies that I watched (I am an avid movie fan) but you guessed it, being a mom means less time for movies. So, dead end on that one too.
So as a last resort, I'm trying my hand with this blog. God willing, this one won't get cut off too soon because I have lots to say! :P
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