Yvonne Foong

It is that time of the year again, when we stop to ponder about the previous 364 days that are rounding to an end. 2005 had been a significant and rewarding year for me. This milestone is recognised by the extra friends I gained in the past several months. I developed a significant amount of self-worth and confidence because of them.

The year began with a trip to the land of Mickey Mouse with my mom, her sister and children. It was not entirely enjoyable, and I yearned to come home.

Because here in Malaysia, I had just found a new family I love dearly, and I longed to be with them than to do anything else. It was not about the location, but with whom we spend our time together.

Knowing Cordy and Wai Kong is a big blessing to me. Not only did I gain two new friends, but our bonds were formed in a very special way.

I may very well be the luckiest person on earth. Many people come and go, but Elena and Cordy are definitely here to stay for good. They come together very well too!

The biggest gift I received this Christmas was my reunion with Alicia and Tremayne, the two people who played key roles in my earliest milestones. If you don’t like the Yvonne Foong you see today, well, you know who to blame.

Not only are they here for me, they are truly happy for me as well. Elena and I have shed many tears and shared many laughters together in the recent years, and we will continue to be so in many more years to come. Don’t cry for me Argentina!

I’ve known Keisha since 3 years ago when I was first diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis. Yet, it took us the same amount of years to become close friends. She is one person who truly understands what NF means to me, and I’m blessed to have her support all these while. Thank you very much, Keisha!

If you have been a keen reader of this blog, chances are, you are already familiar with the name John Ling. Similiar to Cordy’s existance in my life, John makes a big difference too. Because of him, I got to publishing my very own book. Because of him, people recognise me for my cause. Because of him, oh…. there are so much to say about this guy. You should get my biography to understand it all.

There is a chinese proverb about how we need to help people to the fullest. Don’t just start things off and let it be. John was the ignition, engine, navigator, and passenger who stuck along through thick and thin.

But John did not come alone. He brought along a wonderful friend named Yi Liang, who is by far, my craziest friend ever. Ah! Another passionate writer.

John led me to winning the Dream Malaysia award too! Finally, my battle with NF is recognised by the public as a plausible accomplishment.

My beloved brothers and sisters

When people talk about second homes, I talk about 1st, 2nd, and 3rd families. This year, I began my walk with Christ, who embraced me into a loving family.

Me and Eva at Jia Yin’s Christmas party

And it was all because of her!

Look how much has changed since the good ol’ days. My journey may have taken many blood, pain, tears, and heartaches. But in the end, it is all worthwhile.

The next year? Even more are expected so, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I am back from Langkawi! Will blog about it later. Before that, let me just announce that John finished editing my manuscript! Hurray! He did a good job. But it’s not the end yet, because I still have some loose ends to tie.

This version is by far my best, which is a huge contrary to the original. It’s my biography. A story about my life. So naturally, I felt outright violated at the thought of John going through my manuscript inside out. Now that he has done a better job than I did, I thought, “damn. He knows me better than I do”. Literally ofcourse. How much exactly he manage to gauge, only he will know.

But this is only the beginning. The editor is probably the first person to slice me up. In the future, there are bound to be countless people dissecting, analyzing, and judging me word by word. There will be words to account and truths to defend. I might even get severely hurt. But that’s the risk I am ought to be prepared for. By putting myself out there, I’ve to brave up to face the world. Or else, I might as well choose to hide in the nutshell.

In the process of editing the manuscript, John repeatedly remind me that it’s fine with him if I wished to seek help from someone else. He was only being kind to assure me that there’s no obligation involved. Surely, there are many editors out there. But to me, this was so personal that it felt like a father threatening to disown his child. Somehow or rather, I feel that the author-editor relationship is very important. A good editor won’t just edit technically like what copy editors do. They would try their very best to understand the author and the context in which the story is written. As John said, he tried to bring out the best in me.

John confessed many times that he does not write well enough to impart knowledge to other aspiring writers. But I feel it’s not the level of expertise, but the fact that he does it wholeheartly is what truly matters. Similiarly, there may be many more editors who can do far better jobs than John, but are they willing to understand the author and the story wholeheartedly before editing?

Truly, it is the heart that matters most.

I discovered a new technique for writing short stories. Instead of pondering on each and every sentence like novelists do, I kept banging the keys and volla! a masterpiece was produced in less than 10 minutes. Ofcourse, there was still much editing needed, but the big picture was already in place.

That’s what I did this afternoon. Both John and Yi Liang are submitting their works to Book Project 3. As a true blue Malaysian, I cannot lose out!

John was kind to advise me on how the story could be further improved. It’s about this little boy who discovered his dream. The story seem alright to me now, but who knows, I might cry over it upon returning from Langkawi this Thursday. Meanwhile, I am off for holiday! Psst… you won’t find Cordy and Yi Liang at this time either.

This is the book I spent the whole afternoon reading yesterday. “The heavenly man” by Paul Hattaway, chronicles the ministry of christian brother Yu in China during the days when Christianity was forbidden. The love of God endures all pain and suffering, even to the brink of death.

The book brought me tears and laughter. It reminded me of God after a long time of spiritual dryness. It told me of my purpose in this life, and the answers to questions I have previously asked Him.

What a meaningful way to celebrate my first christmas.

Raspberry, ice-cream, chocolate fudge, candy floss,
Tidtat bits of bitter sweet savours,
Merrily chimes, candlelights, and caroling rows,
To celebrate a newborn’s first tear.

T’was Bethlehem a silent night,
Of warmth, peace, and love,
With grace, to here a child was sent,
From His golden throne above.

Fears are eased,
Tears are wiped,
By His special gift of love,
Tis’ the time we come unite,
With lips that form upward curves.

A dove that flew from east to west,
With wings that gently flutter,
Upon a branch it came to rest,
Spreading peace in cold winter.

Open up your mellow hearts,
Embrace the season’s cheer,
Ringing bells and gentle glow,
Merry Christmas, my dear.

Yvonne Foong 24/12/2005

It was a jolly good friday night when Yi Liang, Elena, Keisha, and I got together to catch a movie and dinner. And you know what movie? Perhaps Love. But as the show began, I felt like walking out of the cinema without watching further. It was a MUSICAL, for goodness sake. How could they be oblivious to the fact that I can’t bloody hear? hahaha..! But I was not mad at anyone, because the movie was good. It touched and made me cry, to say the least. Yah! bugger. While both Yi Liang and Keisha enjoyed every bit of the show in sugary sweet, Elena and I were left sulking.

And not to forget, I was classically trained to sing musicals. I loved to sing, but now, I can’t even WATCH others flex their larynx! I was reading the subtitles all the time. Peter Chan did an excellent job to the visuals. Not sure about the singing though. I don’t even know if Takashi kaneshiro sounded like a frog.

Besides my own personal feelings, I think this movie is good and should be recommended to others. It’s fast-paced, gripping, and stimulating. Yes, a musical! that evoke emotions and stimulates the mind. My, was I in circles watching the quickly changing scenes.

I got out of the cinema feeling all depressed. But that’s my fault, and NOT the movie quality.

We could only have dinner AFTER the movie. And guess what? We ate sushi! Mua favourite.

Yi Liang munch munch

Keisha gulp gulp

cheese!

Yvonne and one of her best buddy!

Yes, it proves that I bought the right camera

Months ago, Sharon dropped me a comment containing links to sites with interesting short stories.
I liked this one best…

So it has been ever since. On any night, head full of messages, he may rap upon any window to remind someone - to remind you, perhaps - of love that outlives memory, of love that needs no names.

Excellent ending. What is this story about? Go read yourself.

Zarina Abu Bakar, the general manager of the Perdana Leadership Foundation, forwarded us an e-mail from Eric Garris, who highlighted a post in his blog about his scary experience upon returning to America.

My Scary Return to the US

I had a wonderful trip to Malaysia to attend the Perdana Global Peace Forum. While in Malaysia, I had no snags or run-ins with any authorities.

This was not the case on my return to the US.

I don’t think I look much like a terrorist. Despite my utter contempt for them, I am always careful to be exceptionally courteous and cooperative with police and bureaucrats who can make decisions that affect my future.

I went through the main line at US customs at San Francisco International Airport. After scanning my passport, the first officer sent me to a different station than the others she was processing. I don’t know if this was a random check, or if I looked like a terrorist because I hadn’t shaved in a day, or if my name popped up when she scanned the passport.

At the next station, I was questioned about what I did for a living. I explained that I was a webmaster. That was not sufficient, so I had to mention Antiwar.com. That sent me to the next escalation and a third station.

At the third station, I was questioned about the nature of Antiwar.com, the forum I went to, and everything I did in Malaysia. The officer looked through all the literature in detail. He made me unfurl an 8-foot banner I had brought back with pictures of all the speakers. He asked me about each speaker in detail, asked me about my relationship with the former PM Tun Dr. Mahathir, who he explained was “very anti-American.” He didn’t just go through my luggage, he examined the political content of the books and papers I had. He made comments about much of it. He was alarmed by the copy of Helen Caldicott’s book because the cover has a photo of Bush, Cheney, and Powell smiling beneath a mushroom cloud. He found it “anti-American.” Then he saw that it was personally autographed to me, which he clearly didn’t like.

He asked me whether there were a lot of Muslims (Duh! It’s Malaysia!). Did I meet anyone I thought might be associated with terrorists? Were there any people from Thailand? (Not that I knew of.)

It didn’t seem to be going well for me, and I am pretty sure that the next “station” would have been “the room” for more intensive interrogation. However, all of a sudden he noticed a group photo with me standing next to a Buddhist Monk, Dr. Chin Kung, who was a speaker at the event. The officer claimed to know who he was and said he saw him on television and liked him. His attitude changed, and he let me go. I am pretty sure he was wrong, because Dr. Kung does not speak English, so I doubt he saw him on TV. But probably to the officer, all Buddhist monks look alike. I am very happy that I met Dr. Kung.

This was a pretty scary experience and in stark contrast to my friendly welcome in Malaysia. I think I came close to a detention/interrogation session that could have turned into something much more serious. With all the articles we run on the site about this sort of thing, it was really brought home to me in a personal way.

Oh well, I guess the officers have their reason to suspect Eric was terrorist. He did, after all, carry documents that were pretty touchy. I think he was lucky to have been released. ooops!

Book Project 2 is a short story collective driven by Karen-Ann Theseira, a flight stewardess-turned-restauranteur. Karen also piloted Book Project 1, which was launched in July this year.

So why am I writing about this? Because my work is a part of it, ofcourse!

Book Project 2 is a compilation of 27 comtemporary writings by 22 local writers. Among us are students, working young adults, and parents from various races, religions, and backgrounds. Some are repeat contributors from Book Project 1 while the rest are newly onboard.

Stories are made up of both fiction and non-fiction, as well as poems and personal reflections.

Thanks to Karen-Ann, amidst this tough world of publishing, Book Project helps unearth talents by highlighting new writings in the local literary scene. The stories may not as good as John Grisham or Tom Clancy, but our distinctly new voices are a testament of our hopes and courages to dream.

I didn’t have a wide-angle SLR, that’s why.

The turnout was bigger than expected. Mom and I arrived late, when attendees were already present. As soon as I stashed away my belongings, I was asked to sign a huge pile of books (aaaah!) before blending myself into the crowd. Next time, I should bring a box of pens because mine ran out of ink today. Just when we were about to begin, Yi Liang appeared! I almost couldn’t recognise him because of his untrimmed hair. He looks a lot skinnier. Must have been mistreated in UK. Hmmph! Keisha and her mom turned up as well. Kenneth was stuck at work. Double hmmph!

The book launch itinerary was the normal introduction, speeches, book signings, and minglings, with camera flashes going off everywhere. I caught sight of suspected journalists by their unmistakable analytical eyes, focused looks, expensive SLRs, and notebooks filled with scribbles.

Karen-Ann must have given a touching speech, because many passerbys picked up the books and asked for our signatures. This is a fairly good response compared to many other local writers.

But the best response was my HEART4HOPE t-shirts. heh heh… We brought up the shirts a little late, so we could only sell to writers, co-ordinators, and those who stayed back. We made a total of RM660 at the event. That’s excellent, considering that only RM250 were made at the Trumpeting for Elephant Bazaar. I think we need to be extra wise in selecting places to sell.

It was most kind of Jet, to send his sister to my book launch. She was this beautiful young girl who appeared to be genuinely concerned about me. She even bought a book! Thanks Jet, for sharing about me with your lovely sister. I hope you can make it for my next book launch!

But before that, we did what most Malaysians do after an event like this, we MAKAN!

Yi Liang and my mommy eating!

More photos when Yi Liang rejuvenates from a 24-hours flight with lack of sleep. He was so sweet to rush there despite being tired! Oh, I am so evil. dang.