Marley & Me

I am extremely excited and can't wait to watch this fantastic movie - "Marley & Me". It's actually based on the true story, written by John Grogan. I had the novel book, recommended by my cousin last year..one of the best selling novel in US. You should go get one from any big book store. Another reason why I am so excited about this movie is because of the main character of the story - Marley, a Labrador! superb cute.

Definitely a movie to watch, showing in Malaysia next March'09!

Ten ways to beat stress in 10 minutes or less.

Kiss Off Stress

Ten ways to beat stress in 10 minutes or less.

By Alison Kotch, Best Life

Did you know that the holiday season is the time of the year when you're most likely to die from a heart attack? According to research at the University of California , the deadliest day is Christmas, when you're 5 percent more likely to have a cardiac event. Of course, all the key stressors (finance, family, travel) seem destined to be worse this year (they always do). Since a restful night's sleep or an hour at the gym isn't always possible, here are 10 quick ways to stress less.
1 second: Swear
Researchers at England 's University of East Anglia Norwich looked into leadership styles and found that using swear words can reduce stress and boost camaraderie among coworkers. Good luck, @#!$*%&*!
5 seconds: Pop fish oil
According to research from the University of Pittsburgh , people with the highest blood levels of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids are happier, less impulsive, and more agreeable. Try a daily supplement of 400 milligrams each of EPA and DHA fish oils.
10 seconds: Eat dark chocolate
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed that the flavonoids in cocoa relax your body's blood vessels. Look for lowfat dark chocolate, which has more stress-busting flavonoids than milk chocolate.
30 seconds: Know your hoku
Acupressure is a quick tension releaser, according to researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University who found it can reduce stress by up to 39 percent. For fast relief, massage your hoku (the fleshy part between the thumb and index finger) for 20 to 30 seconds. "This is the universal pressure point for easing upper-body tension," says Patrice Winter, a spokeswoman for the American Physical Therapy Association.
30 seconds: Sit back
Forget what you've been told about sitting up straight to relieve tension in your back. Researchers at the University of Alberta Hospital in Canada found that leaning back at a 135-degree angle is the best sitting position for alleviating back pain.
1 minute: Add garlic
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham believe they've figured out why garlic is good for heart health, and their finding implies it's a powerful stress buster too. When you digest garlic's main ingredient, organosulfur allicin, your body produces hydrogen sulfide, which relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow.
3 minutes: Brew tea
In a study at University College in London , 75 men were given tea before completing two stressful tasks. Afterward, their cortisol levels dropped an average of 47 percent, compared with 27 percent for men who weren't given tea.
5 minutes: Take a YouTube timeout
Just the anticipation of laughing decreases the stress hormones dopac, cortisol, and epinephrine by 38, 39, and 70 percent, respectively, according to researchers at Loma Linda University in California . And when researchers at the University of Maryland showed short movie clips to study participants, those who watched funny films experienced a 22 percent increase in blood flow to their hearts.
8 minutes: Budget wisely
"Money is the biggest source of stress for a man during the holidays," says Bonnie Eaker Weil, Ph.D., author of Financial Infidelity (Hudson Street Press, 2008). And with good reason: Men who avoid making budgets spend an average of 36 percent more on holiday gifts than those who don't, according to a 2002 survey. So go easy on your wallet and your heart. Sit down with your wife and quickly calculate how much you two want to spend on gifts this year.
10 minutes: Just do it
Kissing or hugging your wife can reduce stress because it raises levels of oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding and love, say researchers at the University of North Carolina . And a Scottish researcher found that having sex regularly lowers anxiety, stress, and blood pressure.

Missing for quite some times

Career

Have not been blogging since Sept 13. Well..have been really busy, especially at work. Two of my colleagues resigned concurrently in October and both were handling Accounts Payable..It was difficult to get replacements due to the short notice..hence, I have to assist my Manager in this matter..and gotta travel to our KLIA branch office 3 times a week! Initially, I wasn't taking it positively..especially of the 1 hour traveling journey..I still remembered for the first week, I almost felt asleep during my way home from KLIA office and nearly got into an accident..but Thank God, for the past 1 month, He had granted me journey mercy.

Basically my jobscope is to deal with oversea agents/suppliers - in layman term, make payment to them! :p It wasn't an easy task as the handover procedures was done in such a short time..moreover, the new system that we are using now had so much problems..sometimes, to generate a simple information from the system took me more than 30min..felt so frustrated..Besides that, some of the agents/suppliers I dealt with are not friendly, can be very harsh at times..well, I understand their feeling especially when the amount due was long outstanding..I can only do my very best to meet the payment term..through this process, I actually learn alot, for eg, preparing TT form, booking of exchange rate with the banker and also get to know new friends from oversea countries..

Besides the two colleagues who resigned, another colleague, Jesslyn also resigned..she was my GM's secretary..well, didn't expect her to leave but she is leaving for a better career advancement..Hence, we had a farewell gathering for her at Modesto, Centro Klang..15 of us! I think this was my first time joining them in such gathering (after my 3.5 years working here)..Towards the end of the gathering, I was asked to give a short speech/wishes to Jesslyn, at the DJ's corner, using the microphone! I happily accepted the task and thank God, no stage fright..I guessed by attending Dale Carnegie class, it helped alot..am able to do public speaking without hesitation..Once again, wishing Jesslyn all the best in her future undertakings.

Singapore trip (24/10-26/10)
During the Deepavali holiday, my family and I managed to go for a short trip to Singapore, visiting my sis, Ai Lee and bro-in law and to celebrate her birthday. As usual, we went by train..Aunty2 and Mei Yi tagged along too..Basically, lots of shopping and eating...we visited Koh Sang's family too..also my first time meeting his newly borned son, James..

During our away from home..thanks to Mark for taking care of our dog, Zhai Zhai..usually whenever we wanted to go for holiday, Zhai Zhai will be our major concern..worry that no one to feed him, to walk him etc..Luckily for this time round, Mark is back home and to take up this responsibility, and at the meantime, building good bonding with Zhai Zhai..lol

You can click here for more photos..

Wedding photo
Finally, the wedding photos design had completed and we brought mum , Ai Hoi and Mei Yi along with us to check it out and to finalise some matters with the bridal studio..Another agenda would be to shop for dinner dress for mum and Ai Hoi at Sunway Pyramid..lots of shopping! I also activated our wedding blog..check it out..

Madagascar toys
In view of the movie Madagascar 2, Mcd had launched a series of Madagascar's toys..and yep, I had completed the collections of the toys..in total 8 of them..I think the last Mcd collections was the magnetic bears...am gonna get a cupboard to display all my collections soon.



Church
Usually towards the end of the year, church will have lots of activities..especially Mission Conference and Christmas events..This year, I was involved in the 4th Children Mission Conference as the treasurer..been attending meetings with Pr Maggie and committee for the past few weeks..this coming Saturday will be the big day..pray for good weather, all the working committee in various areas and also the participants..Am not joining Christmas caroling organised by YM this year as I could not commit myself into the practice..kinda sad about it! Then, my CG will be having a Christmas Gospel gathering too..my last CG event for this year..

Weddings!
Don't know why, people like to have their wedding towards the end of the year..In total, I have 5 weddings to attend in December'08 - 2 are my relatives and 3 are my friends..but it is always happy to be able to share their happiness..December will b an eating month for me too..besides weddings, there will be a family trip to Penang too..hehe

變老和長大的差別

我們不是因為年老而停止玩樂，我們是因停止玩樂才會變老.

所以奉行及時行樂就是我們的新工作

此言不虛！

變老和長大的差別

開學第一天，教授自我介紹後，要每位同學主動去結交一位新朋友。
當我站起來環視四周時，有人輕拍我的肩膀。
我轉過頭，看見一位滿臉皺紋，個子矮小的老婦人對著我微笑，那笑容光亮璀璨。
她說：「嗨！帥哥，我叫羅絲，今年８７歲，我可以抱你一下嗎？」
我笑起來，熱切的答道：「當然可以！」，她果真緊緊地將我抱個滿懷。
我開玩笑的問她：「你年紀這麼小，怎麼就來上大學了？」
她也調皮的回答道：「我準備來這吊個金龜婿，生幾個孩子，然後退休去雲遊四海。」
「此話當真？」我明知故問。我很好奇，到底是何動機，促使他年屆古稀，還來上大學。
她告訴我說：「我一直夢想要受大學教育，如今終於得償宿願。」
下課後，我們散步到學生聯合大樓，兩人分享了巧克力奶昔，從此我們成了摯友。
往後三個月的每一天，我們總是一起離開教室，天南地北的聊個沒完。她像部「時光機器」，將智慧和經驗與我分享，而我總是聽的津津有味。
一學年下來，羅絲成了學校鼎鼎大名的人物。不論走到哪裡，她總能輕易的結交到新朋友。
她經常打扮得漂漂亮亮的，陶醉在同學對她的關注之中。
學期結束時，羅絲應邀到我們足球隊舉辦的晚宴中演講。我永難忘懷當晚她賜予我們的珍貴禮物。
主持人介紹她給聽眾之後，她碎步走向講台，正當要開始演講時，她手中的講稿不慎掉落地上。
有幾秒鐘時間她顯得有點懊惱和靦腆，不過立刻就幽默的對著麥克風淡淡的說：「抱歉，我最近老是喜歡掉東西，剛剛我本想喝杯啤酒壯膽，卻喝了威士忌，沒想到那玩意簡直要我的命，看來我是記不得事先準備的東西了，那我就講最熟悉的事情吧。」
在大家的笑聲中，她清了一下喉嚨，然後開始說：「我們不是因為年老而停止玩樂，我們是因停止玩樂才會變老，只有一種秘訣能讓人青春永駐，快樂成功。就是你們必須笑口常開，幽默風趣；
你們必須時時懷抱夢想，當你們失去夢想時，你們就形同死亡，我們周圍有許多人像似行屍走肉，卻不自覺。」
「變老和長大之間有很大的差別，任何人都會變老，但不一定每個人都會長大。長大的意思是，你必須不斷在蛻變中找尋成長的機會而善加利用。要活得無怨無悔；上了年紀的人，通常不會因做過的事後悔；卻常因在年輕時，未曾去做自己想做的事而遺憾，只有心懷悔恨的人，會恐懼死亡。」
那年底，羅絲終於完成他的大學學業。畢業後一星期，她在睡夢中安詳去逝。
超過兩千名同學參加她的葬禮。
我們聚在一起，向這位以身教教導我們的長者致敬；只要下定決心，不管年紀多大都可以實現夢想 …
年復一年，你「長大」了嗎？還是，只是「變老」？

5 good lessons

1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady. During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one:

'What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?'

Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name?

I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

'Absolutely,' said the professor. 'In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say 'hello.'

I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain

One night, at 11:3 0 p.m.., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride.
Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 60s.. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab.

She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached..

It read:'Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away... God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others.'

Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King C ole.

3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve.

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.

'How much is an ice cream sundae?' he asked. 'Fifty cents,' replied the waitress.

The little boy pulled is hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.

'Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?' he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient.

'Thirty-five cents,' she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins.

'I'll have the plain ice cream,' he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on
the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies..

You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he h ad to have enough left to leave her a tip.

4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simpl y walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand!

Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts...

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister.

I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, 'Yes I'll do it if it will save her.' As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded.

He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, 'Will I start to die right away'.

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her but he had chosen to save her anyway.

Selection of wedding pictures

We went to Stareast one week later after our outdoor shooting to select the photos..altogether we took 176 poses and we are allowed to choose 50 poses...

The indoor shooting was good but I prefer the outdoor shooting..especially the way the photographer captured all poses..We shortlisted 96 poses and had to say NO to many poses..finally we managed to select the top 50 poses and we were satisfied..

The final artwork will be ready by end of October..

1 day outing to Tg Sepat

Date: 1.9.08 (Mon)
Venue: Tg Sepat (dragon fruit farm, longan farm, beach, mushroom farm etc)

This is my first outing with my church Sunday School teachers..My mum and cousin's sons also tagged along..It was a good trip..

You may click here for more pictures.

Wedding shooting-Outdoor

Date: 29.8.08 (Fri)

Venue: StarEast Garden Studio, Prai
Time: 9am-12pm

Because of this shooting, I had to take 1.5 days annual leave and flew to Penang on 28.8.08, 4.30pm flight. As usual, Mark will pick me from the Penang International airport. We went shopping at the Sunshine Carnival Mall and Queensbay Mall. We had dinner at this Indo-China cruisine restaurant called Golden Triangle inside Queensbay Mall. The food was alright but the service was bad...we ordered 2 dishes and drinks. By the time we finished our food, the drinks were yet to come..we waited for awhile but the drinks were not here, even we had reminded the waiter..so, we were so unhappy and decided to cancel the drinks..what made us more angry was that the waitress did not even apologise for the delay..bad service and we had blacklisted this restaurant..

As we were ready to leave the mall, suddenly Mark received a call from StarEast, reminding us of our shooting tomorrow..(StarEast had called us more than 3 times to remind us of tomorrow shooting..this is what we called good customer service)..During their conversation, I was wondering why StarEast did not call me but Mark (coz usually they will call me)..Then, I thought probably they called me but I missed their call..so I wanted to check my mobile phone was there any missed call from them..but I was panic to see that my mobile phone was not inside my bag!!! I searched thoroughly and confirmed my mobile phone had lost! (No wonder StarEast had to call Mark) Luckily, I remembered where I left my phone - at the Golden Triangle Restaurant! Mark tried to calm me down and we quickly rushed to the restaurant..Before we entered the restaurant, the waiter saw us and approached us with my phone! phew...another lost and found case! (I almost lost my phone 2 weeks ago during CG time)..Really thank God and StarEast for their call..and Mark jokingly told me that if there is another 3rd time of lost and found case, he will swipe his phone with mine! hehe

The next day, we reached the studio at 9am sharp..Our photographer and make-up artist were late..Praise God for good weather..We really enjoyed the whole shooting session especially the photographer, Ah Yong, she was very professional and always made us laugh..

After the shooting, we went to the newly opened Jusco at Seberang Prai and had lunch there..at night, we rested at home and played scrabble..long time didnt play this game already and donno why, I always lost to Mark..darn!

We drove back to Klang the next morning..journey was long and tiring..

We had scheduled to select our wedding photos 1 week later..here is the only picture we managed to snap with my mobile phone..

Wedding shooting-Indoor

Date: 16.8.08 (Sat)

Venue: StarEast Bridal Studio, Sunway
Time: 11am-6pm

Wow..finally this day has come! Our wedding photo shooting day. We had booked the wedding shooting package in February and decided to separate the shooting into 2 sessions-indoor (16/8) and outdoor (29/8). The gown selection was on 2/8.

One day before the shooting, I went for manicure. It was nice but then had brought me some inconvenience especially in dealing with contact lens. Kinda regret. :p

It was a long day! We had 6 shots with 6 sets of gowns-2 bridal gown, 2 evening gown and 2 costumes. Our photographer was Lucas and make-up artist was C.Ling. I had changed 6 different styles of hairstyles, to match my gown. Very tiring as I had to change 6 gowns and Mark is relatively free as compared to me. During my make-up time, he got to take short nap while waiting for me and just need to change his hairstyle as and when needed. Perhaps because we were so busy with the shooting, we actually skipped lunch and do not feel hungry at all..hehe.

The photographer was basically directing our shots..showing us our poses, reminding us to smile and relax..We chose the Korean and Chinese ancient costumes as our last 2 shots. The whole shooting session was really fun, despite the tiredness. Our outdoor shooting would be in Prai in another 2 weeks time. Gonna be another long day and hopefully the weather will be good!

After the shooting, we had dinner with Mark’s friends at the opposite restaurant-Buffet steamboat. The business was so good that you can see people queuing up patiently to be seated. Luckily WT came earlier and managed to get a place. I guessed the main attraction of this restaurant is their chicken wings. We sort of counted that they served chicken wings every 20 minutes and you would be surprised that people actually rushing to grab the chicken wings. If you are slow in action, then sorry, you gotta wait for another 20 minutes and better be fast during the next attempt.

We went home around 8.30pm. Mark twisted his ankle 2 days before during his badmin

ton game. His ankle was swollen after a day long of shooting. Hopefully he will get enough of rest and his ankle will get better before our next shooting.

I liked this gown with the hairstyles..made me looked like the Disney princess..hehe..and
Mark looked smart!

1 day outing to Lanchang, Pahang

Date: 10.8.08 (Sunday)
Time: 7am-7.30pm
Venue: Lanchang, Pahang

About a month ago, my boss, TC, discussed with me that she wanted to organize a family outing within her department (Accounts/QA/IT/Admin) and appointed me to be the organizer, together with 3 other secretaries. After gathering feedbacks from my colleagues, we had decided to go to Lanchang, Pahang on 10.8.08.

Our main destinations were the Elephant Sanctuary, Kuala Gandah and the Deerland. I was in-charged of the logistics matter. I managed to engage the bus drier that I have known and he also suggested to me to visit two more places, Sempalit groundnut factory and Taofu factory at Raub.

I have included my mum, sis and my cousin’s sons to join me for this outing. On that day, we departed from my office at around 7.20am. The journey was pretty smooth. About an hour later, we met up with TC and family at the Genting Sempah R&R before continuing our journey to the first destination – Sempalit groundnut factory. This is a famous groundnut factory in Raub. Each of us bought packets of groundnut. Next we went to this Taofu factory, which is famous of the ‘Taofu pok’. The owner let us tested the taufu pok. Most of the ‘aunties’ enjoyed their ‘shopping’ there.

We stopped by for lunch at Raub. Then, it took us about 1.5 hours to reach the Elephant Sanctuary. It was so crowded. Elephant Sanctuary and Deerland were the main tourist spots in Lanchang. The entrance fee to Elephant Sanctuary is free, however, if you wish to participate in the elephant feeding, riding, bathing, you need to pay for it.

We spent about 2 hours there. We saw how the workers bathed the elephant, we had the chance to feed the elephant and also had a ride with elephant. It was fun.

Deerland is located nearby the Elephant Sanctuary. The entrance fee is RM5 for adult and RM3 for child. The main attraction was to feed the deer. They are so cute and tame. We fed them potatoes. Besides the deer, there are animals like ostrich, porcupine, sun bear, chicken, birds and monkeys. The sun bear is being treated like the king. When we were there, the near was basically lying down on the ground, eating nuts and we are allowed to take pictures with the bear.

After a long day, finally we departed from Lanchang at around 5.30pm. Most of us were so tired and slept in the bus. Two hours later, ended our 1 day outing. Thank God the weather was good, journey was smooth and everyone had an enjoyable day.

Click here for more pictures.

婚姻存摺

我的'婚姻存摺'是出嫁那天，媽媽遞到我手上的，

當時,我以為會是一大筆錢，打開一看發現只有1000元，

我用失望的眼神看著媽媽，媽媽卻笑著說:'這是我特意為你們辦理的'婚姻存摺'，

'以後每逢值得紀念的日子，都可以存一筆錢，

等到老的時候,裡面除了錢,還有無限的幸福…'。

當時,我對母親這份心思不以為然,倒是丈夫記在了心上。

婚後沒多久!，他就先後存了兩個500元，

一個是因為他升職了，第二個是因為我手術治愈出院。

當時我嘴上笑他無聊，其實心裡甜蜜無比，

畢竟他把我的健康也當作一件讓他感到幸福的事。

沒過多久,我懷孕了,這一次,我足足往裡面存了2000元。

但很快，我們開始有了爭吵和冷漠﹔

孩子出生帶來的快樂是短暫的，洗不完的尿布、喂不完的奶，

進一步加劇了我們感情的惡化而那本婚姻存摺像被遺忘了，

寂寞地躺在抽屜角落，上面的數字久未見漲。

我們鬧離婚的時候，媽媽說:你們先把存摺上面的錢花光了再離吧，

雖然錢不多，但是你們共同的財產。

於是，我第一次取了1000元，然後拎著幾件心儀已久的衣服離開商場時，

我又回去對售貨小姐說:'對不起,我不買了!請你退回我剛才付給你的錢。'

也許當時的局面窘迫極了，

但我腦海裡想到的是那1000元婚姻積蓄的來源:

他是個害羞的男人，但曾在街頭大聲地對我說'我愛你'，我為此存下100元，

他記得我的生日、鞋號、密碼及最怕的事，我為此在生日那天存下300元，

他對女人有風度,也有距離，不給暗戀他的女下屬任何機會，我為此存下500元...

啊，這1000元裡就有這麼多的幸福積累，

再看看婚姻存摺上的兩萬多元，我的眼睛忽然就有些濕潤起來。

晚上回到家，我把存摺交給他，說:'趕緊花吧，花光了好離婚。

第二天晚上，他把存摺遞到我手上，我打開一看，發現反而多了1000元。

他說:'那上面的每一元錢都記錄著我們走過的歷程。'

我第一次發覺原來是這樣的愛你，索性又存進了1000元，

我們從此又和好如初了。

還是媽媽說得對，以愛情的名義為婚姻開個戶口，

把夫妻間所有快樂的、幸福的、浪漫的事，通通存進銀行！

有了這本日積月累的婚姻存摺，即使是再貧窮的婚姻，也決不害怕透支。

這一生，你可能會遇到許多喜歡你的人。

但是，你可能永遠都遇不到一個你真正愛的人。

所以，一但遇到了，一定要好好的把握。

很多事情，錯過了就沒有了，錯過了就是會變的，緣份也是。

關 於 榮辱觀的小故事 十二生肖

有一次，我有機會和歐洲貴族聚餐。 可能酒喝多了，一位德國貴族站了起來， 諷刺說 ：你們中國人都是屬什麼豬啊！狗啊！老鼠啊！ 不像我們，都是金牛座、獅子座、仙女座 ……真不知道你們祖先怎麼想的？ 當時這些貴族聽完哈哈大笑，還互相碰杯，先前的優雅完全不 見了。 按理說，人家在罵你祖宗了，你即使沒有話說，起碼可以掀桌子啊！ 但所有人都坐著不吭聲，也可能是還沒反應過來， 我當時只好平和地告訴在場所有外賓： 中國人的祖先是很實在的，我們十二生肖，兩兩相對，六道輪迴， 體現了我們祖先對中國人全部的期望跟要求。
這時 ，現場氣氛雖然從嬉鬧轉為安靜 ，但是他們臉上還是一副不屑的樣子。

我說 ：

第一組是老鼠和 牛。老鼠代表智慧，牛代表勤奮。 智慧和勤奮一定要緊緊結合在一起。 如果光有智慧不勤奮，那就變成小聰明；而光是勤奮，不動腦筋，那就變成愚蠢。 所以這兩者一定要結合，這是我們祖先對中國人的第一組期望和要求，也是最重要的一組。

第二 組是老虎和兔子。老虎代表勇猛，兔子代表謹慎。 勇猛和謹慎一定要緊緊結合在一起，才能做到所謂的膽大心細。 如果勇猛離開了謹慎，就變成了魯莽，而你沒有勇猛，一味的謹慎，謹慎就變成膽怯。 這一組也非常重要，所以放在第二組。 我看著這些貴族，補上一句： 所以當我們表現出謹慎的時候，千萬不要以為我們中國人沒有勇猛的一面。 實際上，我們祖先追求的是一種和諧的智慧和圓融，從來不會單獨給一個要求和任務。 看著大家陷入沉思，我繼續往下說 。

第三組是龍和 蛇。龍代表剛猛，蛇代表柔韌。 所謂剛者易折，太剛了容易折斷，但是如果只有柔的一面， 就易失去主見， 所以剛柔並濟是我們歷代的祖訓。

接下來是馬和羊。馬代表勇往直前，直 奔目標，羊代表和順 。 如果一個人只顧自己直奔目標，不顧周圍，必然會和周圍不斷磕碰，最後不見得能達到目標。 但是一個人如果光顧著和周圍和順，之後他連方向都沒有了，目標也失去了。 所以一往無前的秉性一定要與和順緊緊結合在一起，這是我們祖先對中國 人的第四組期望。

再接下來是猴子和雞。猴子代表靈活， 至於雞呢，以前的年代沒有鐘，都是聽雞鳴聲決定一天的開始， 所以雞定時打鳴，代表穩定。 靈活和穩定一定要緊緊結合起來。 如果你光靈活，沒有穩定，再好的政策最後也得不到收穫。但如果說你光是穩定，一潭死水、一塊鐵板， 那就不會有我們今天的改革開放了。 只有它們之間非常圓融的結合，一方面具有穩定性，保持整體的和諧和秩序， 另一方面又能不斷變通地前進，這才是最根本的要旨。

最後是狗和豬 。狗是代表忠誠，豬是 代表隨和。 一個人如果太忠誠，不懂得隨和，就會排斥他人。 而反過來， 一個人太隨和，沒有忠誠，這個人就失去原則。 所以無論是對一個民族國家的忠誠、對團隊的忠誠，還是自己理想的 忠誠， 一定要與隨和緊緊結合在一起，這樣才容易真正保持內心深處的忠誠。

這就是我們 中國 人一直堅持的外圓內方，君子和而不同。 中國人每個 人都有屬於自己的生肖，有的人屬豬，有的人屬狗，這意義何在？實際上，我們的祖先期望我們要圓融，不能偏頗，要求我們懂得到對應面切入。比如屬豬的人能夠 在他的隨和本性中，也去追求忠誠；而屬狗的人則在忠誠的本性中，去做到隨和。

解釋完十二生肖，我說：不知道你們那些寶瓶座啊、射手座啊、公羊座啊，體現了你們祖先哪些期望和要求？ 希望不吝賜教。 結果呢，這些貴族老爺們很長時間都沒說話，全場鴉雀無聲，一根針掉在地上都能聽見。 最後貴族們紛紛由衷地表示對中國人和中國人的祖先非常敬佩：

沒有想 到中國的十二生肖有這麼深刻而實在的意義。