A Happy Reunion

Every year when Hilda comes back from Melbourne, she always make time to meet up with our ex-colleagues. Last year I could not join them but Hilda came to visit me herself and brought to the rest, a card from me to express my thanks for their gift of flowers and well-wishes.

These ladies are very special to me eventhough I left the workforce over 8 years now. It goes to show that genuine friendships are lasting. Except for Hilda and Janice (two on the right), the rest like Evelyn, Florence, Selena and Seow Peng are much younger. I enjoyed working with them tremendously, we were together for many years in Finance and Control except the last two years when I moved to Regional Compliance, there I worked with HQ and country people from Asia Pacific. That was also very interesting in that I got to meet and work with other nationalities. I have always enjoyed my work life.

Though I did not stay through the lunch (I had infusion in the morning), I was very glad to hear that all are well despite still undergoing the merger process. I was even more delighted to hear Janice encouraging two ladies to attend Workplace Alpha. What a beautiful change in J, praise the LORD!

Tired and Weary

For some weeks now, I was a little tired and weary in mind and in body, therefore I did not post anything. But I know you understand. As I look into the New Year 2009, it's so uncertain and I really cannot see beyond the present. Though I am not really good at making resolutions, in the last few years (before I became ill) I do make a point to reflect on what I plan to do with my time and be actively engaged so that the days and time do not drift by aimlessly. The Bible tells us to seek the LORD who will "Teach us to number our days aright that we may return a heart of wisdom." But this year I could not get myself going ... though I am so much better than last year. In some way I was rather disappointed with myself. Sometimes I blame my mental condition on the drugs I take (ha ha). In times like this, one can only look to the Bible for strengthening - yes, even the young grow weary but GOD will give us the strength to go on - He will not grow tired or weary - He is the Almighty Creator of the ends of the earth - He understands our frame - His understanding no one can fathom. Jesus promises to those who are weary, to come to Him and He will give rest.

I am continuing onto cycle 3 of Velcade(Mondays and Thursdays), Zometa(once in 3 weeks) and Revlimid (alternate days). I am very thankful that the side effects are not bad as in 2007, except for bloatedness (my clothing have changed to baggy ones), water retention and some numbness. Sadly my veins are not cooperating, sometimes it is difficult to locate a good one for infusion resulting in a few unsuccessful jabs (ouch and double ouch). Any suggestion on how to have good strong veins?? I squeeze hand-size rubber ball.
Please pray that I can achieve some stability and be at a level where my condition can be kept at maintenance dose. Thanks, I know many of you are upholding me in prayers.

Isaiah 40:28Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
Isaiah 40:29He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:30Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
Isaiah 40:31but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Matthew 11:28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

A knitting bag, a devotional classic

I spent considerable hours to make little gifts to express my thanks to the many friends not because it is the season for giving but rather it is an expression of deep gratitude. I did not spent much time going out to the shops because that would have been too exhausting, so they were really "little" tokens of my affection.

I have also received some very wonderful and thoughtful gifts - a knitting bag, which I immediately used to put some yarns and knitting needles and now I carry it everywhere I go. A devotional classic - this friend knows the kind of books I enjoy reading the writings of these men such as Jonathan Edwards and D. Bonhoeffer - somehow the mind and intellect click together when one share similar interests and inclinations. A 3-D photo frame with photos of our trip to Hokkaido. This is very memorable and I can see the love that goes into putting it together.