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Book Review : God, the Devil and Me (Alf Taylor)
I can’t recall how I learnt about this book. Definitely a section in the newspaper; but was it the obituary or the book review section? I have no idea.
“God, the Devil and Me” is a memoir written by Alf Taylor, an indigenous Australian, chronicling his years spent in the monastery in New Norcia during the 1950s-60s.
I read the first twenty pages with mixed emotions – laughing at the dark humour, pausing to wipe my tears of the ordeal of a child. Most of the images that I build up in my imagination is in black and white.
At times the paragraph would get me chuckling :
Page 29 At times it made my heart squirm. I felt like running back home and hugging my kids tightly.
Page 15 See – back in 2019, I went to New Norcia to survey the place to offer in my company’s tour destination option. I recall the quaint town, with the cosy little cafe that also serves as the local post office, with photos of the monks adorning its walls.
See – I was at a boarding school between 12-17 years old. I recall the loneliness, surviving by yourself. Not as harsh as ATs experience.
See – from where I came from (Malaysia), the Malays are labeled as lazy, useless, incompetent . When in fact “content” would be my preferred word. We are happy with our surroundings, not kowtowing to the capitalism culture to simply devour your nature and churning out as much as possible stuffs to sell.
See – my youngest is currently 6 years old, so I could tell how vulnerable a child is. When he wets his bed, we don’t usually give him cold shower in winter and a flogging as a reward.
I do from time to time get them cold shower in winter, just to remind them to embrace nature and be thankful of a running hot water (96% of the time I will take cold shower in winter myself).
The plight of the indigenous people of Australia is something that I take interest in recently. Years and generations of neglect, I reckon it would take a few generations before the proud Aboriginal people could stand up again.
Alf Taylor passed away on 29 July 2023 – else I would have loved to hear him talk, cracking jokes while sharing his experience.
Stay hungry, stay safe.
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The ongoing health journey
If you are aging (doesn’t matter what age) and feels like getting healthy, I welcome you.
If you have neglected your health all these years, and for some reason you wanted a new breath of life, I welcome you.
If you are playing chase with your child, or trying to lift them of the ground, but running out of breath, of pain on your arms, you know it is not an enjoyable feeling. I welcome you.
I welcome you because that’s what I did for 20 years since I left university.
Just by a stroke of luck, during a gathering (for a feast of course) a few of us decided to meetup for a basketball session.
So for the past 2 years or so on embarking a healthier lifestyle, I have found numerous things that work as well as heaps others that don’t.
I rekindled my love of basketball, the joy of my teenage years when daytime in the classroom were spent thinking of the late afternoon sessions.
I learnt that you need to have patience with your body; the mind knows what to do and where to go, but the body just won’t comply.
I learnt that occasionally painkillers are needed to manage pain when you push yourself over the edge (earlier point – mind and body doesn’t align). Do get your GP advice.
I learnt that resting and adequate sleep is a vital part in your quest for a healthier body and mind.
I learnt that the simple exercise I used to “look down on” because of it’s simplicity, like a calf raise, helps a lot with my ankle strength.
I learnt that joining my local gym doesn’t mean access to the equipments/sauna/pool, but also the support of the instructors with their advice, knowledge and like minded participants. As one gets older, it gets much harder to make friends.
I learnt that there are heaps of things available on the Internet, telling you what to do and not. But if you are still stuck on your phone, or your sofa binge watching paid tv, it just wont do.
I learnt that in order for me to enjoy basketball, I also need to do side quests to build up strength. Leg pull, arms stretch etc
You, yourself has to start doing something. Even something small, as small as just putting on your exercise clothes and walking around your house.
Welcome and enjoy the journey.
Stay hungry, stay healthy, stay safe.
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Of longing and belonging
1989. 7am.
I was walking between my aunt’s houses in Melaka; a misty and chilly morning. Started to have this mixed feelings; a bit of sadness – melancholy might be the word.
Feels like crying even though there’s no reason to, so no tears came out.
Feels like I am missing something, or longing for someone’s touch, but I don’t know what or who.
This weird emotion would lasts for a few days and eventually go away, usually when the weather changes.
I recalled feeling it when I was in Kuala Kangsar during my teenage years at a boarding school. It was such a welcomed feeling because I was homesick and it reminded me of home.
All my life I have only experienced it a handful of times, both in Malaysia and Perth. It is happening now – as this is published I am on my 7th day.
Pretty sure someone else would have had this unexplained emotions, but just couldn’t explain or meet someone who has similar experience.
I can’t predict when it will happen but when it does, it is something I cherish. Like meeting an old secret lover who turns up at your front door unannounced. You are happy that they are there, but for some reasons you can’t tell or share with others about it.
That – may be the worst way to explain it.
Just like when I discovered the word “petrichor” a few years back, who knows I might actually find it in my lifetime.
Unti then- stay hungry, stay safe.
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The night before the election
It is amazing, this short life that we have in the face of the earth. With 8 billion breathing souls, as the sun rises on one side, another side is now blanketed with the darkness, preparing humans for hopefully a good night rest.
Not for all, I’m afraid.
Tomorrow, Saturday 12 August 2023 – some states in Malaysia are heading for the PRN (state election). A good friend in high school is offering himself as a candidate in Penang.
Sometimes I would close my eyes and wonder how it is at the candidates HQ the night before the election – the commotion, buzzing atmosphere. People coming and going, phones ringing, keypads clacking with messages and social media updates, documents printed out, information shared (whether it’s cold hard fact or just plain gossip, it’s hard to tell).
Food are everywhere – to entertain guests, for the volunteers, for people working through the night.
Forget about the shiny, organised row of teeth you see on the campaign banners – these candidates still wishes that they could be anywhere and everywhere, covering more bases, meeting more people.
Then again, it could be a 100% contrast to what I think. The background work and campaigning has started weeks, if not months before. Maybe it turns out to be a quiet night, with the candidates deciding to head back home for an early slumber. Very unlikely.
If he wins, it will only be the start of the long years ahead, serving his constituents, just like his father did.
Making friends and enemies along the way would be part and parcel. No matter what you do, you can never satisfy everyone.
If he loses, then Sunday will be as other Sundays. He would have breakfast, mind still fresh from the lost the night before, thinking what or where it went wrong.
Coulda, shoulda, woulda.
I wish him and all the candidates nothing but the best; for we need more capable leaders to lead Malaysia.
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Amazon Kindle Paperwhite – My Review
After months (more like years) of spying, looking, thinking, reading reviews, asking for opinions; I finally got my hands on Amazon Kindle – Paperwhite 16GB 11th Gen to be exact.
It arrived right after my one week escapade to Malaysia & Singapore – else I would have been able to test it on the road. Nahhh…who am I kidding? The trip was too filled with 3Fs – food, family, friends. The only time I managed to squeezed some reading time was on the plane or train.
Yes, it is still in its original plastic cover from packaging.
Before you give me that condescending look, please be informed that my 3 year old TV still has that front plastic layer from the time we unboxed it. So yeah, that’s that.
A good friend said he has a 10 year old Kindle, without a cover or screen protector – and still running fine. I have doubts doing the same to my Kindle, so I’m waiting out for a cover from Ebay before throwing the plastic out.
So how does it fare?
For starters, it is l-i-g-h-t. Listed at 205g, I can spread one hand to fit it or hold with both hands like a book.
Still trying to get use to the stale looking paper colour – guess that is what “Paperwhite” actually mean, hey?
Has WiFi connectivity – I love how I could search and buy a book straight from the gadget. Two clicks and its ready to read. (The Kindle app on my phone requires the book to be purchased first through the Amazon website).
I can now “show a good example” – kids could see me holding a gadget and know I am reading, not watching someone dancing on TikTok (not like I do it anyway 🫣)
I plan to give the battery life a test on my one week trip sometime later this year. Update coming later.
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Day 6 : Karratha – Port Hedland
This is part of the Perth to Broome series.
Karratha – Port Hedland : 240kms/2h 30m
After a quick climbing session of playing with the machines (see previous post), we departed Wickham and passed by the town of Roeburne (40kms from Karratha).
Our style of traveling was to stop whenever we see something we fancy – we made an exception for Roeburne.
Main reason was because we heard stories of a high chance that your windows might get smashed if you leave items in your vehicle. We weren’t planning to find it out ourselves.The next 2 hours or so of driving was quite uneventful, which is good. We even overtook a long truck carrying … yup you guess it…more machines.
Found out later that these trucks are not allowed to travel at night time due to safety reasons. Before the sun sets, they need to stop and parked somewhere safe for the night.Transform and roll out! Wow! Just wow! Never thought we would be able to visit the Erys!
We reached South Hedland around 515pm. Unloaded everything – this will be home for the next two nights.
I lied down and stretched my back after driving for 6 days. I can’t imagine how the kids survived sitting at the back – it is usually more tiring.
At that moment, a brief thought entered my mind –
“What the hell did I sign-up for?”
Ready to unpack again.
A moment of “regret”, wondering why did we plan this trip. 
All smiles when you know you won’t be driving for the next week 😀 Until then – stay hungry, stay safe.
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Hello Winter Read
I skipped May and went straight into winter (aka early June) with my blog post. It has been interesting few weeks since mid April – Eid, weddings, traveling, work etc.
While in Malaysia last weekend I picked up an old Dilbert book written by Scott Adams.
First published in 1996 (my final year in high school), this book is filled with witty remarks, sarcastic comments and weird suggestions; you can’t really tell if it’s legit or you might get fired from work if you decide to implement it.
My reading habit has taken a seatback for a while so I thought I’d just start with something light. I kept a bookmark and so far has managed to read 5-10 pages in each sitting. My aim is to slowly get back on a regular reading/writing habit.
It’s a steal at AUD5. I think even Mr Adams himself would be surprised this book is still selling😅
Until then; stay hungry, stay safe.
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The constipated mind
I have not written anything for a while. 19 days to be exact.
It’s not that I don’t want to; I started a few drafts but just couldn’t put the necessary touch to finalise and publish it. I felt like my mind was having a block, that I kept churning the same repetitive blog post/draft again and again.Drafts
The thing with these drafts is that even I can’t stomach reading it. Getting likes, that thumbs up icon was never my main intention when I started writing this blog. I just needed an avenue where could take out these thoughts, like a tangled roll in my head. I am like the kitten that keep playing with the rope ball and getting nothing done in the process. I just needed to get this rope ball, put it on a table maybe to be used later or at least gets it rolled properly for future use.
All this coming from someone who is so easily satisfied (read lazy). I sometimes use the same drinking mug again and again, alternating between coffee and plain water because washing is a hassle.
Random photo from lunch, 22 Mac 2023. Had dinner at the same place, the night before. Refreshment
This morning I read a few pages of Anne Lamott’s book, Bird by Bird and came across this eye-opening line :
“The word block suggests that you are constipated or stuck, when the truth is that you are empty”.
This hits me like a gong sound at 3 in the morning. I realised that maybe I am empty. I have not read much lately. My brain is not as active as I would like it to be.Aftermath
So I decided to take a suggestion in the book – to write a 300 words article, doesn’t matter what topic. I started writing a bit about my primary school years. One thing that bugged me was that how do know I have written down 300 words? Later I realised that you could actually see it at the bottom of the Word app. Silly me.
I reckon this should be my though process for now; to keep writing 300 words daily and see how it goes. My current progress of Bird by Bird is at 80%; hope to finish reading it before my next post.Until then, stay hungry, stay safe.
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The Red Hot Experience
Things I learnt at the RHCP concert in Perth (12Feb23).
1. Come early, you might appreciate the opening act
Most of the times I am not interested with the opening acts. Just realised that some songs I heard on the radio was sung by Post Malone.
2. Sitting down is not bad
“You have to be standing in the pit area to experience a concert”. Not really.Nowadays we prefer staying away from the crowds when possible. Not to mention the sweat, alcohol spilt, brazen vapers, losing your place at the front because of toilet breaks, fights. List is endless.
3. Toilet break before the breaks
Its still ok if you are a man – just point and shoot. Ladies, the queue gets super horrendous. Best bet for you is to head to the loo when the show is still on, or before half time break.4. Business opportunity everywhere
The official tshirt costs roughly A$60-ish. A pass for me considering we got the tickets at around the $80 mark.As we walked back across Matagarup bridge, there were people selling RHCP tshirts. Can’t tell the quality, but pretty sure it doesn’t go to the official merchandise coffers.
5. Go for it; you might not experience it again
We skipped the last two Foo Fighters concert in Perth. In 2022 the drummer, Taylor Hawkins passed away and we won’t see him perform again.If your favourite aging performer is coming to town and you are undecided; my advice would be, just go.
6. You choose how to age
The RHCP are still going strong despite turning 60 recently. Having a healthy body ensures that they could perform better for their fans.
7. Alcohol and vaping spoils the mood (mine at least)
“Drink Responsibly” is the theme – but would you “Act Responsibly” when under influence?The last World Cup in Qatar did not have alcohol served – all is well. Less fighting, less headache. Definitely a better thing for everyone.
We also see people vaping while in queue to enter the stadium. Come on man!
8. You can go to concerts solo
I was amazed at the solo guy sitting a few seats from us. When his favourite song comes, he will stand and sing his heart out. He doesn’t need a company to feel good. Good on him.
9. Different performers, different style
Post Malone chatted more with the audience while drinking, smoking, doing a shoey. Once he paused his show to check on the well being of a spectator – the mosh pit area is a really human salad bowl area. New found respect for a performer who checks on his fan.10. Always time/place to worship your Creator
Concerts are usually done around the Maghrib time (Muslim early evening prayer). One other reason why I prefer seating – you can wander around, find a quiet spot to do your prayers and continue with the concert.
Stay hungry, stay safe.
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Kammys Musing 