Sunday, February 03, 2008

SIN NIEN KWAI LERH

The PIG will soon make way for the RAT to take over and there start a new cycle. On 7 Feb 2008 the Chinese the world over will celebrate a new year. I cannot predict much about the year of the RAT except that it will be a great year for MII Toastmasters Club. Why? Because we all believe it will be and so it will. If each of us just do our part, I am sure the sum of this small parts will add up and at the end of our term we can all celebrate because we made it happen.

For the benefit of the non-Chinese and also the Chinese who are not not informed of the Lunar Calender let me show off a little of what I know.
. Rat
. Cow
. Tiger
. Rabbit
. Dragon
. Snake
. Horse
. Goat
. Monkey
. Rooster
. Dog
. Pig

And do you know why the cat was not in? The Rat was so smart and told the cat to come later and the cat miss the boat when Buddha took the first 12 animals. Since then the cat still hold grudges against the rat and that is why your mother would have scolded you when you quarrel with your sibblings by saying "You are just like the cat and mouse(rat)". Rat is an intelligent animal and has helped the human being plenty with their sacrifice in medical research.

I heard someone asked who I am. Well I am a Gorilla to my children a bigger form of the monkey. We are supposed to be very intelligent and bright but as always there will be an exception to the rule.

Want to know more of this just buy Lillian Too (my Harvard Club Past President) or Joey book ( I do not know him). Believe it or not just enjoy it.

In conclusion, may I wish all Readers of this blog who are celebrating the Chinese New Year "Sin Nien Kwai Lerh" or New Year Happy lah! (word for word translation) and the rest Have a good break from your work.

2 comments:

fcho said...

Yes, our honourable DTM as usual and always keep all of us update and inform.

Wish all members Happy Chinese New Year
& Happy Holidays...

leong said...

Dear beloved members,

As we welcome the year of the Rat,
let me share with you my views on how this year will turn out.
" Endless conflicts lurks beneath the peaceful outlook". i.e on the surface everything looks peaceful but beneath there is much instability.
This my fellow members is how 2008 will turn out.
Events over the last 2 months bear testimony to this prediction by the astrologers. China is on the way to a smooth Olympics and suddenly the unrest in Tibet breaks out. Just as Western Europe is entering a period of stability, Kosovo fights for and gains temporary independence. The BN govt was on course for a 2/3 majority but was mauled at the recent general elections. The opposition KMT has been returned to power in Taiwan and need I remind you of the turmoil in the financial markets due the subprime crisis in America. Even the ever dependable S'pore is not "Selamat" anymore because they still cant find En.Selamat as at today.
In our club, we are now facing a membership crisis despite the EXCO's best efforts.
So what should we do this year ??
Well, my humble advise is to dig-in, be prudent in your handling of money as the political and economic fundamentals in our country are a big question mark at the moment. And we still have 10 months to go !! Practice RESTRAINT,
be compassionate and passionate with your family and most importantly, come to the club and give more speeches.
My prayers are with all of you.
Lets band together and we will cross the finish line at the end of this year.