Ruby and Trevor - A great 1st year together!

It has been exactly a year since the 13th of March 2008 since Ruby and I made a vow to be faithful to each other. I am glad that this 'declaration' happened in my backyard of Pulau Tikus, where I come from in Penang and has created a very big part of me.

When the question was directed to her, she paused for a moment, smiled and said "Yes". That is the fondest memory I have of that moment. We were having dinner at the Western Food shop near my home. The Western Food shop is actually my neighbours house. I was so happy because I was really fallen for her.

Well, so what can I say so far?

I love Ruby. Love to me can be defined as the psychological and emotional attachment to someone special in your life that makes you feel high up above the clouds! :) She is too kind, honest, helpful and to me, everything. Ruby is my support. I cannot imagine doing anything more without thinking of her and including her in my life. At my age then, I realized that inner beauty was the most important thing to me compared to physical looks and I was charmed by that within her. It was all about creating an invisible chain to each other. Ruby is beautiful to me in every aspect inside and out.

For us to cross paths would be the most unthinkable for many reasons. Reasons that are too deep to decribe. Trust me, it wasn't planned. It just happenned! However, it must have been something magical or may I say spiritual that brought us together.

My late grandmother always told me that I must find a good girl. My aunt in Spain prayed for me to get a good girl. My parents also are very protective over me and wanted a good girl for me. My best friend, Gan, prayed for me to find the right girl considering the years of friendship that we have been in together and how well we know each others ways. When Ruby came into my life, things changed for the better. They were so happy for me.

This year has been a moment of learning each other and knowing each other better. I have my traditional and sometimes narrow ways, goal oriented to the max to get things done and my values of being simple and humble. Never forgetting also to put God in front of us at all times.

I also admit, I do have my weaknesses and am not perfect. I do make mistakes here and there but I learn from them. Like any other couple, we do have our differences and I have to admit we express it openly! Haha! That is something new I have learnt and it is good because we know very well how each other feels at that particular moment. We are different but I guess this difference has brought attraction to each other. I have learnt so much from her and I hope she has learnt something useful from me other than cars. Haha!

Thankfully, Ruby has been patient with me all the way and I feel very blessed to come accross Ruby.

Although we are apart due to our work commitments, there is never a day that goes by that I never think of her or miss her. I wonder what she doing and where she is. I have picture of her curling up on her chair at her house to a good book. That image will be forever be embedded in my mind.

I will always remember the time when I was jobless for 4 months and Ruby was there for me, supporting me financially and emotionally during those trying times in getting a job especially when the economic crisis of 2008 hit. That was the worst/ lowest moment of my life being jobless. The stress was very much on her as well, hoping for me to get a job soon.

With all that I have mentioned, Ruby is precious to me. I care for her safety and ensures she is safe with any company where she goes. I am thankful for her friends and those that have been kind for looking out.

The Volvo 240 may be the ultimate dream in my life but the feeling of being in love with Ruby is the one that has topped it all other than my family.

For all that I have done wrong Ruby, I openly appologise for those short-comings and seek your forgiveness. Let us learn, share and grow together especially with the Christian faith. God bless us both in our journey of life! ;)

Made in China?

I have become very fearful of anything that comes from China.

However it is hard because most of the things we use or eat is from China. China has made a lot of things over the years from plastic materials to candy. Their raw material is even used by local manufacturers in Malaysia as well.

They export to the entire world and I wonder which country in the world does not have something that is made from China?

Why am I so concern about China made products?

Firstly, the melamine attack that caused the death of babies brought shivers to all of us. Melamine was not only used in babies milk but also to make candy and biscuits. There needs to be a certain level of melamine in these food items in order to declare it to be safe to be consumed. Exceeding this limit would cause harm to those that consume it.

China is clever in mirroring or immitating reputable items. These cars, handphones and music players are produced to be sold at lower prices. These manufacturers try to capitalize on the wants of many who wish to possess the latest and most trendiest items around but cannot afford the real thing. Production of these items maybe successful. It may be impossible to differenciate an immitation from the original. However, has anyone thought of the quality standards that are involved?

Take for example Proton and Perodua are both manufactured in Malaysia. In terms of the quality and reliability of both these products, I am certain that most Malaysians will tell you who has the edge in this small national car manufacturing industry over the local competitor.

Hence, the same goes for China made electronic products. I have heard of handphone batteries exploding.

When this items become faulty, we keep saying, "Oh China made what". It can be seen as a sort of discrimination. If I were a high ranking official in the China government, I would certainly want to change this mind-set.

Recently, I was informed of the death of a fellow church member. It is heard that he was travelling in China and contracted a unique disease. The disease proved to be fatal as he passed away recently. Autopsies are being carried out to identify better the cause of his death.

I sincerely do not believe that anything is wrong with China. China is just as good as any other country in exporting goods overseas with their resources and labour available. However, they may have overlooked health and safety regulations in order to maximize profits.

Countries should come forward together to discuss with China on how to overcome the pitfalls. Perhaps awareness should be made clear to China on the impact it has on the world. Either strengthen the manufacturing policies in China or end up losing out on global market share. There could also be a boycott on China made goods to create the awareness on the severity if the problem persist.