Preparing

I am still in Tokyo, and will leave for Beijing in the afternoon, and tomorrow, will evening will fly back to Penang for my Seah cheak's funeral.
My Boss has approved my leave, though schedule is damn tight, and I have not really slept well since 2 weeks ago. And nowadays, it seems like i need to sleep lesser and lesser, perhaps older, perhaps energy coming from somewhere else.

Ciao.

Choong, Shinagawa

I Have Been Asking.....

Within a Span of one year plus, my dad and my seah chek (small uncle) left this world, forever.
I have been asking, the meaning of life....
To live to the meaningful, by contributing more, and by demanding less, by gaining more merits, and asking from others, lesser
I have been asking, why it happens in this manner
Life is unpredictable, life is impermanent.....

All these are in Buddhism text, and has been explaining well. But being a human being, sometimes, you tend to question, you tend to ask, you tend to query, and you tend to doubt...but all are already well answered.

Thanks for my dear friends for calling and sending sms upon seeing and reading this message. I appreciate.
I will be doing fine, since the day my dad passes away, or since I am aware and accepted death as it is, like what I understood and learned from Buddhism.

I did what I should did, for my uncle, and I am happy that I did that.Between me and uncle, there was a form of bond that nobody understands. He is not easily understood, and does seem nice in many aspects, but uncle has been nice to me, since the day I know what life is all about, thanks for that, my dear seah chek.

I wish you a good journey to another life.


Sincerely,
Ah Heng, Shinagawa

My Small Uncle Passes Away

I received a call from sis this morning, saying uncle has already passed away.

I cannot say anything else........



May Buddha guides him to the path of Nirvana


Sincerely,

Praying For Recovery Of Small Uncle

Just got calls from Ailing saying that seah cheak (small uncle) is not doing very well, and have to go through a small duck or tube insertion into his left lung (good lung), according to my friend is called on lung ventilation, to bypass airflow from to only his remaining lung, which is the left lung, to prevent further air pressure exerted to his heart.

I have asked Ailing to check how with the doctor the status of the 'leakage, how did that happen and what can be done to mend this problem. According to Dr. Kevin, there is a possibility that air leaks through the stump. I hope more findings with the Doctor will take place and how to improve that further. The Dr. doing this operation says Small uncle has only 10% chance which I think sounds horrible. I hope it is not the case...........and Seah cheak has to prove that himself, that he is able to fight this off, with the support of all family members, yours sincerely included.



Choong, Shinagawa

Croissant-A different Form

Come across this at a bakery at Akihabara, while trying to check out the camera for Devil. And come across this croissant, they called it orange croissant. I think it is interesting. I like croissant, but they make it in this form, very interesting and I think I should share it here.
While writing this, I am enjoying it with a cup of tea,taste good, like croissant with fruit jam. I appreciate that the baker is so creative and to come out with this new idea. For my readers information, Japan's bakeries are very good, and you will love all types of breads they have here. Superbbbbbbbb, and delicious.

Choong, Shinagawa.

Shinagawa-Singapore Seafood Republic

Curry crabs, Ya char kuey, fried Kangkung.....





Yesterday, while walking around this area (Shinagawa is about 12 minutes away from Tokyo station), I saw Singapore Seafood Republic, the building, I did not take any picture but a surprise for me. Then in the evening, my friend, Goh-San called me, inviting me to join him.

Though food could not be exactly the same like what we have in S'pore or Malaysia, they tasted unique. I like the so called satay sauce, I think they used some pineapple to make the sauce. ANd for the Rojak, may be the miso (fermented beans was added), which I think is nice in terms of creativity used by the owner of the restaurant. ANd Goh_San says one of the shareholder for this restaurant in S'pore Tourism Board. If it really is, I think it is a very clever move. Not only it makes money (business, was superbly good last nite, all tables fully occupied, it also helps S'pore to advertise, and a tool for them to market S'pore and its activities. Really smart idea (just wonder what Malaysian Tourism board does........may be they should consider it too).


But glad that Goh-San invited, not for the food, but for the atmosphere we were in. It was also a form of blessing, haha. Actually I was at H&M shopping,at GInza, but I rushed back to join them, and I think I made the right choice.

Choong, Shinagawa.

Taishan-Part 3 (Taishan Temple)

One of the biggest temples I have visited in China, Taishan Temple. Built since Ming Dynasty, continue to be used until Qing Dynasty, and until now, present dynasty.......for the people to visit. More to come....








Big Gingko seeds


Old Gingko Trees


Bonsai Tree


One of many temples in Taishan Temple






On overall-view of the temple (only one section)







Long Life, look at the big tortoise


Old tree (古树）, look at the structure, more than a few hundred years old


Fully blooming.......



All wishes will be coming true, or responded!


Choong, Nagoya

Shanghai To Nagoya

I am not in Nagoya, staying in Sofitel Cypress Nagoya. Weather is very hot here, and sweating too much. Had very good dinner, barbecue meat, and with sweet corn.
One thing when I was about to leave the custom at Nagoya airport, the standard question was being asked, on whether this was the first time I come to visit Japan, though they flipped through my passport and seen my Visas, seen the stampings, but sort of like the standard protocol questions.
I really hope, or one of my biggest wish is to see The immigration system changes in Japan, too conservative, too old and too outdated, just like what Japan is now. Every country in Asia is changing, but I think they are not. This is my wish at this moment.

Other than that, I just love Japan, and coming back for every visit, even now, back every month is always very nice. Japan, the nostalgic feeling........hard to describe it here.

By the way, Nagoya Airport is not a bad choice, at least lest crowded compared to Osaka and Narita, hence immigration is faster, and secondly, from airport to city centre only takes about 30 mins. Fast and easy.

Choong, Nagoya.

Read This Article

http://www.malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/newscommentaries/33823-utusan-columnist-tells-critics-to-go-home#comments

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/utusan-columnist-tells-critics-to-go-home/

I do not have the time to paste and write more, but you can write.

My question is, who is he, to ask us to do so? Is he not the same, just like one of us, a Malaysian?

Thanks.

Choong, Beijing

After Lung and Lymph nodes operation- Day 10

hihi, short update from me. In S\pore airport now.
Arrived Thursday morning, visited uncle at Adventist, then went for breakfast. Then, m managed to meet the Doctor to understand more. Arrh, too many things to write, but I am running short of the time to write here.
Though my visit was a short one, and expensive trip too, considering the air-ticket alone cost me more that RM 3500, but I am glad I made it.

1) I think the support of family members, in terms of their ability to play their roles well are important, in balancing up the roles to be played, and responsibilities. Otherwise it would not be easy. For my uncles' family, I think only my cousin sis, Ailing is playing more roles than others, and she is facing more pressure that other siblings of hers. I analysed this and told the other family members too.
I can recall how it was with my dad, both sis and myself were doing practically alone,and when sis was resting, I did it at home alone, though small uncle sometime came and offered assistance. I am glad for that, and that was one reason I was back home repaying the good deeds done.
I remember, the whole week I was there, I did from morning to evening, taking care of dad, and then because of internet issue, was out of home, rushing to Mary's place, then back home again, made sure dad went to bed with full stomach before sleeping, all alone. Nobody offered any help back then. But having learned the lesson, and with Buddha's guidance, I am doing what I could to relieve the burden of others, within my own means.

The siblings all my share the responsibilities, to support each other well, so that my uncle's needs would be well supported, and they do not feel that pressure that much, working together as an entity. This will help to lighten the burden.

2) I think the skills of caring for my uncle, from the family members are still very much lacking in expression. My cousins are all saying, 'my dad would not listen to this and that, but I said, being the children, can we also find ways to persuade him, like what he did when they were young, persuading them, convincing them to take their food, medicine, etc etc. So, I asked them to consider this aspect well.
The skill of asking and following up with Doctors and others, like nurses and secretaries in the hospital is still lacking. This I think needs effort and skills.

3) My uncle himself is having some difficulty, emotionally and physically to get himself well soon. He needs motivation I think.
The Surgeon says he is very negative and I think he becomes too easily agitated and not stable himself. I am fully aware, he is suffering a lot now, but that is part and parcel of this, though as I understood, he was not well informed and prepared for the unexpected outcome of this operation, such as now, he is not being able to breathe as normal as he expects it to be (though as I understood, this needs training).

The problem as I see it is (from the discussion with nurses and the Surgeon and also with Dr. Kevin in Taipei).
i) He is not being able to breathe well as yet. Oxygen dependent is still at 6 level, which as I understood is still not good enough. 2-3 would be more ideal.\
Hence, he still has this ventilation tube inserted through the mouth for better breathing. The nurse told me, they tried to reduce the dosage of oxygen supply to 5 level, but the oxygen content in the blood is not sufficient, and my uncle seems to be too tired with the breathing process.
ii) They now, have taken out paralyzing agent and only remaining part is the sedation, but seems like he becomes too emotional and excited and restless most of the times. Hence, they have to increase back the dosage of sedative.
iii) Understood his good lung, the left hand side, is expanding in capacity but he is still not breathing as normal as it should be.
iv) The operated part is recovering well, and clear of infection and cancerous cells are fully taken and cleared out.
v) That there might a need to go for tracheotomy (that means by opening up a hole, or opening an outlet for inhalation and exhalation to improve the breathing situation better. Doctor says it will be a few more days before this is possible. Kevin says this would not be done immediately. But I think, as I said, there is the factor of my uncle condition is being considered (by having tracheotomy will help him to improve his breathing further, thus having enough oxygen content to the blood system. The other aspect is the escalating ICU and treatment cost, which is jumping like nobody business. I think the Surgeon is trying to find the best alternative solve this problem without creating further problems to the family members of my uncle in terms of their worries and burden, and also solving the breathing issue and emotional aspect of my uncle for now.

I have also asked my AIling to contact Tzuchi centre to get some aid, in terms of providing counseling to uncle to cool and calm him down, and to support him emotionally more( thus helping him to breathe better, and on the road to recovery).
Secondly, possibly of guiding them (my cousins) to find better support financially and assistance for this NGO/charitable foundation. Ms. Ong SG, my ex-colleague is willing to fetch Ailing to Tzuchi, providing a form of emotional support to her.
I told sis that I felt bad that I could stay longer to help out as I need to go back to Beijing for now. She consoles me, saying I did my best, and we did support quite a lot so far. I think within these few days, I have also done my part and contributed, direct and indirectly quite a lot too.

Anyway, I will not talk too much here, as I am tired now.
But I will meditate and do more chanting, to help to transfer some good merits to uncle, hopefully to let him calm down more in order to recover faster. for other friends, relatives and readers, irrespective of your religion background, to help to pray or transfer merits to my uncle, to speed up his recovery chances, his name is Mr. Choong Foh Min.

Choong, S'pore airport

v)

I am flying back to Penang

I am flying back tonite, as situation I think calls for it. Need to boost up the morale there, the place where my uncle is in now, in the hospital (打气，打气）。
I hope small uncle will give a good fight as I think he is too young to give up on his life and he must be strong enough to fight further.........

Choong, Beijing

Taishan-Part 2 (Food)

Chicken with soya sauce, ginger, garlic (terribly strong smell, and chilli).


Taufu with yiamchooi, terribly salty


Fried Vegetable and egg, like eating bunch of salts, also very salty


Local tea, no salt la.




A type of cake, made of corn, the only type that is not tasty, and suitable for me.


Some Introduction on the food taken, one word, SALTY..........tak boleh tahan liao, but the kampung chicken is really good leh. Will talk more in next part, as I want to go home now, too tired.

Choong, Beijing

Journey To Taishan-Part 1

Just some teasers, will share more.

Choong, Beijing

Sweet Potato Buns

I am so crazy about these steamed sweet potato buns, and they are so delicious.
You can take a look at the pictures.


Choong, Beijing

Another Type Of Chinese Cake-GuangQiang

Made this last nite, with yam, flour, beancurd skin.
All taken up within a few minutes when I brought this to office.
But still not so satisfying in terms of taste and texture. Too much salt and too much rice flour. WIll monitor this in my next trial and will challenge myself to make a better one.





After deep frying, golden color


After Steaming


Choong, Beijing

Praying For Seah Chek-Part 2 (XieXie)!

Yesterday, heard from my cousin, Ailing, that uncle was still bleeding, need 10 packs of blood, and of course during that time, someone was helping out. But I at the same time, sms for help (SOS) and immediately, SB (the first one to respond though he has just landed from long flight from USA) and my insurance agent and friend, Pohsuan responded. Then Ginny. SB immediately contacted Tsu-zhi members and Pohsuan arranged 4-5. Ginny is on standby, and AiLeng responded at nite time. And this morning, BM sms asking for the place and venue. To all these friends, I would like to say a big Kamsiah from the bottom of my heart. My uncle has stabilised and do not need any blood transfusion, as the internal bleeding has stopped. And thanks to Devil too, for sharing his advice (as everyone was panic, because of the bleeding). Devils says there are too many blood vessels in the surrounding areas, hence, we have this problem.

I was overwhelmed by the support given, by everyone and I appreciate every little tiny drop of blood donated, and the human warmth given, which makes me believe this, 人间有情。


Thanks。

Sincerely,
Choong, Beijing

Remembering Dad

Actually, it has close to 2 months since I came back from Malaysia, praying to dad, on the 1st Anniversary of his passing away and I have not really found the time to write anything. First busy, very much indeed, secondly I have not found the mood the write my feeling here.

Things for sure has improved better, I mean emotionally in handling all these, but you know, deep inside my heart, the missing part, I would say, you would never recover fully. Seeing his empty room, I do not cry anymore, meaning to say I accepted the fact he has left this world already.
But during the free time I have, wherever I am, when I recall him, the tear drops will never fail to 'roll out like little diamonds, little beads', so smooth, so warm, with so much feelings.
Nowadays, the pictures of him appearing suddenly in certain scenes, in our old houses, in the orchard, having meals, in many many more places will just come into my mind automatically.
Having said that all, and having done what I could have done as a son, as a child, and together with my sister, I think we at least feel good, that he is safe somewhere, with Buddha's blessing and with his good Karma to protect him. One thing good about after the first anniversary was that, sister had a dream that dad told him in the dream that he is feeling good, and I hope he is and trust so.
Sometimes, the feeling of being orphan for both sis and myself is not easy, like going home for new year, or in fact any celebration at all, the mood is very different already, totally.
Esp. on my part, having stayed with him for more than 16 years after graduation, I missed the part of 'arguing some issues, esp. on politics, on buying food, or fruits for prayers, esp. during festive seasons, or smelling the burning incense every nite (dad was praying a lot and very good at that, and I almost collapse during CNY, with some many things to take care, so many deities to pray on...i know how dad felt, haha). In short, I miss my dad, and having the thought that you will never see him for the rest of your life and never have a person to call dad for the rest of your life is miserable, esp. for the age I am in, still I think considered very young. ANd I can emphasized with orphans that I met around.........I know how they felt. Ad I think my sister felt the same too, though we sometimes try to comfort ourselves that after all, we are not that close' to dad and we are also very independent. The value of that so called little family members that I have had, and having only a single parent for almost part of my childhood, it is always hurting. Haha, now recalling all these, it makes me believe and trust Buddha and his teaching more and more. Life is basically a suffering, and the whole process is also suffering. But we can only face it, strongly. And we can only try our best to minimise this suffering.

And that dad, where ever you are now, we will always pray for you and hope somehow, somewhere, in my after life, we will meet up again (whenever I stare at the clear nite sky with many stars lining up, I always wonder whether dad, whether granny, whether ah mak, whether all other relatives are they..........and would I meet them someday, esp. granny, and dad. I miss them..........a lot.

Enough for now, part of the story and legacy I will leave behind, for someone to read, when I am not in this world anymore, haha. Anyway, life is short, we never know.
And I also take this opportunity to wish for fast recovery for my small uncle. Amitabha.


Sincerely,
Soon Heng
Beijing

My Prayer For My Seah Chek

Tomorrow, my youngest uncle, Seah chek is to undergo a operation for lung and lymph node cancer. I hope, and I pray that everything will go smoothly for him, that is my prayer for tonite, and also my thought for the nite.

Just as the soft rains fill the streams,
pour into the rivers and join together in the oceans,
so may the power of every moment of your goodness
flow forth to awaken and heal all beings,
Those here now, those gone before, those yet to come.

By the power of every moment of your goodness
May your heart's wishes be soon fulfilled
as completely shining as the bright full moon,
as magically as by a wish-fulfilling gem.

By the power of every moment of your goodness
May all dangers be averted and all disease be gone.
May no obstacle come across your way.
May you enjoy fulfillment and long life.

For all in whose heart dwells respect,
who follow the wisdom and compassion, of the Way,
May your life prosper in the four blessings
of old age, beauty, happiness and strength.




Choong, Beijing

My Sweet Potato Steamed Buns

I bought a stainless steel steamer, and last nite, I rushed back home, to try and make these buns. I am not sure why, since I was a boy, I have already had this strong affinity to steamed buns, esp. Sweet potato buns, and the color I like most would be the from the purplish Sweet potato, not only it tasted yummy but looks fantastic too, don't you think so.

So, last nite, I only tried the yellow colored sweet potato, as I did not manage to get the purple colored type.
Anyway, all in all, I finished that within two hours. Chee Soon and Yung Peng, eyes wide open:)

How to make it: I did not weigh all the ingredients, just based on my 'feeling' loh.
One sweet potato, steamed in advance, and then you mesh them. Flour-organic, yeast, sugar,
enough warm water. And steaming time is also important, 10 minutes under medium flame.






Choong, Beijing

Dinner At Landmark Palace

Landmark Palace is the place I stay for now, it is a condominium, so, in another word, I am staying in a Palace, which in the past, it is only fit for a 'King' to use. Now, hahahaha，I am staying in a Palace, Istana Landmark, Beijing. Acah je.


Talking about dinner, last nite, two colleagues were at my place for a short discussion on job related issues, and since I do not want to take food outside (I almost cannot take outside food now, may be because of the super hot summer heat, I prefer to take what is available at home, meaning to say home cooked.
Here are some dishes:


Boiled Broccoli with dried scallops


Egg Plant, Ikan Bilis and dried prawns with sambal tanpa belacan:)



New collection, ceramic bowls from Jingdezhen. Check it out, one of the best type of Ceramic ware.....:)


Deep fried chicked, ingredients from Japan


And comment was, superb, they asked me to open a restaurant here, haha.


Choong,
Landmark Palace, Beijing