Posts from — May 2008

I’ve been driving a lot recently. So much that I am not afraid anymore to maneuver about in the narrow streets of Brussels. I have a ‘kosenrufu car’ – that’s what I call it. We’ve been having many late night practises and rehersal so I’ve been sending the girls home thereafter. (otherwise it takes them ages to hop on the metro, trains and busses)

Well, so yesterday, I grabbed a few CDs from my long forgetten CD box. (who still need CDs! Its Ipod era now – but I’ve lost mine… boohoo)

Anyway, I listened to Air Supply. Oh my, how it transformed me to the past. Listening to ‘Goodbye’ brought me back the good ol memories. Those moments just before I left my hometown to venture the world and never have returned to live there again (yet!). My besties sang that song to me in the little quaint Cheers! pub in our hometown. It was also the first time I got really drunk and discover I am allergic to alcohol. (i’ve overcome that now, obvioiusly) Did you remember all that, girls?

It amazes me how much music can etch my past. Listening to it, I relive my past in my mind.

I’ve also got the track on Joni Mitchell which brings me back to the journey in NZ. Those lovely long drives along the beautiful alleys which made me felt like I am travelling in the middle of the earth, at the core. Of course, in reality, my surrounding now is the flat plains of Brussels.

Sometimes, the music brings me sadness too. Those were the times when I will switch them off and tune back into the rocking house music of TopRadio (A flemish radio station in Belgium)

Anyway, I am always happily singing along obliviously in my car. I think that can be quite a sight, ain’t it?

Guess what! I woke up this morning, feeling rather determined to set some concrete prayers and do some 30 mins of daimoku… early in the morning! (which is rather unusual for Ms Teh as she hates mornings) One of my prayer is to receive my passport today. First thing I did when I got into my office is to call the Malaysian Embassy in Belgium but no news.

Then at noon, the guy called me back and said he has some VERY good news for me. I got it. My precious little red book. (though I rather like my picture in my old passport better, but heck!)

Yay! Let’s go for a holiday? Wherever. Whenever.

There are just days like this when I seriously need some boosting…

(frantically searching for some calming words)

A person with a vast heart is happy.
Such a person lives each day with a broad and embracing spirit.
A person with a strong will is happy.
Such a person can confidently enjoy life, never defeated by suffering.
A person with a profound spirit is happy.
Such a person can savor life’s depths
while creating meaning and value that will last for eternity.
A person with a pure mind is happy.
Such a person is always surrounded by refreshing breezes of joy.

- Daisaku Ikeda (Short Essays “What is Happiness?“)

Oh, my heart goes out to those who had suffered and who is still suffering now in China. It is devastating! They have found about 2000 bodies and suspect that still 18000 are trapped beneath the rubbles. Almost 20000 fellow beings!

It pained me so much to see the pictures of the people – so much sufferings painted on the faces.

Sometimes I do I wish that I can do something else beyond what I am doing now to help humanity…

(What can I do? think. think. think.)

Shiny days are over. Here, we are back with the typical grey Belgium days.

Just realised how the weather affects so much one’s emotions.

Or am I just feeling blue?