My Mom's Favourite Cotton Balm Oil

POY SIAN PIM SAEN BALM OIL - Have you heard of this oil? It's my mom's favourte medicine.

I am here to unveil another interesting story of my mom's best medicine oil that she has been closely using for long. One thing that is always in my mom's pocket would be this cotton balm oil, serving as an all-round medicine. Whenever, she mentions it's running low, I make sure to buy one for her. 

I have few stats of this oil from Google;

"Poy Sian Pim Saen Balm Oil is one of the most popular inhalers from Thailand. It is made of 100% natural ingredients such as patchouli oil, menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor. Gently inhale or rub it for relief from dizziness, stuffy nose, nausea, drowsiness, and other related issues."

My mom firmly believes in the power of this oil. She always keeps it with her for reasons that are deeply personal, even though I am not entirely convinced of its effectiveness. She uses it for everything from headaches and fevers to body pain, eye pain, and joint pain. 

Because she loves this cotton balm oil so much, I make sure she always has one in her pocket. I've been doing this since high school, saving up money to buy it whenever I visit home. She absolutely loves it!

As I am getting older, I've come to appreciate the importance of this oil. Whenever I have a mild headache, joint pain, or a cold, I use it, and it especially helps with headaches and nasal congestion. I'm starting to understand why my mom finds it so effective is for—the natural, warm, and strong yet clean scent of herbs clears nasal congestion, relieves stress, and provides instant freshness and relaxation.

With my mom's long-term influence and my own experiences, I now turn to this oil whenever I've a headache, a blocked nose, or some body pain. I even tried it for stomachaches!

There are many online reviews of this product. One reviewer mentioned, "Great! My wife and I have been using this balm oil for years. It has helped us relieve neck pains, muscle aches, headaches, and even mild migraines". 

While there are many benefits, I always warn my mom to keep it out of children's reach due to its strong aroma, which can affect their breathing, eyes, or any cuts. It should always be stored safely, away from young kids and in cool places.

Now, just like my mom, I make sure to always have one in my pocket for emergencies. As we age, illness can strike without any warning, so keeping one in hand is an essential part of self-care.

My mom introduced me to this Thai cotton balm oil long ago, and now I use it for many different purposes. It's truly a great product.

Power of Exercise

As the year 2022 draws to end, there are few breaking achievements to share and achieve here. Although I am not the type of person who really works with new year resolutions, or so, I hope next year will be more fulfilling and worth sharing with friends and families. Despite many mighty challenges and learnings, I called it a successful year. 

The whole year has been a roller coaster. In the wake of COVID-19 hangovers, there were numerous challenges but at the same time a lot of learning. We were relieved  from some national restrictions. Lockdown. Face-mask. Hand washing. No movement. Social distancing and no gathering. 

 

My father who is yet to be 63 years old has multiple diseases like high BP, Arthritis and Gastritis. Once a tuberculosis patient and more recently diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy.

 

Although, it wasn’t easy. However, I came to understand many things about different diseases and their management. I am almost certain of my future if I am less bothered by my health and diet. Now I understand the signs and symptoms of a person suffering from Arthritis and Peripheral Neuropathy because I have someone suffering from this disorder at home. 

 

As a farmer, his life was all about farm work and alcohol. Now he has multiple diseases and with a Gastric Oxyntic Mucosa with severe erosion and active Gastritis, I advise him to reduce, or if possible to completely stop alcohol intake for his own health benefit. What he can consume and digest before, now the same food items became poison. He is aging now. 

 

We have already failed multiple times in this mission because the signs and symptoms were evident in the earlier years too. However, this time his health has deteriorated far more than expected, maybe because of his age. I thought it’s a good opportunity for him and the whole family to give him a clean lifestyle free of an alcohol diet. I tried sharing many ideas to make him realize the severity and damages caused by alcohol consumption. Despite all the advice and trial, he seemed less bothered by our admission. For him -no best cloth, no best facilities, no best pilgrimage, no best friends, no luxury and no advice seems to work. 

 

Alcohol has taken all his life!

 

Dependent more with alcohol is like a double edged-sword. First it hooks you. Second, it won’t let you move.  Third, it takes your beautiful life. The worst part is, once you are addicted, with and without, both are omnipotent.

 

As he was having difficult times with stomach ache due to active Gastric and weakened nerves due to Arthritis, it was painstakingly difficult for him to be on his feet. Pain was severe and unbearably difficult with all medication and spiritual intervention. Despite all our effort and advice, he can never be like a UFC fighter and world sprinter, but we hope to give him at least a decent and alcohol free life before he becomes a burden to his own life and to other family members.

 

For the last few weeks, he was with a few cups of local bangchang. For two weeks, he was fed three times a day and the quantity was set minimal. I purposefully did this hoping some days he might quit alcohol. However, the big problem was the withdrawal symptom. Out of many, he experienced two deadly signs –anger and neuropathy disorder. The latter was more difficult to manage. He experienced a weakened leg knee and senseless feet. There is nothing to worry much, but only if he is active with the exercise. 

 

He has been completely bed-ridden for four weeks now with some numbness and pain around his knees. As I related the whole story, the doctor assured he may be alright after a month, or so. But regular exercise and a good diet are a must. I bullied a doctor on duty for Physiotherapy Service Appointment too.

 

As I walked away from the hospital chamber accompanying my father, I sincerely made a wish to give him a last chance to have at least a normal life with fine feet to stand and attend nature's call. As I approached the physio room, I made another wish to give my father a last chance, and may he recover to his fitness soon. I am a firm believer of exercise and a good diet, I seek the ultimate divine of physiotherapy to bless my father to recover soon. 

 

Like at the doctors' chamber, I shared the whole story of who and what and why, to a person in-charge in the room. I have immense trust and hope in the centre. 

 

First day was more of sharing, knowing and a few trips and exercises. We were advised to go for a simple 7-workout, three times a day with 10-short cycles. As his attendant, I was given full advice and authority, benefits and the seriousness to forge on this new journey. More, or less, I was aware of all the exercises. I agreed to take it very seriously. Damn, seriously! Sir, I shall train him like your suggestion at home mindfully, more meticulously as after all, it would benefit him. I shall be back a week later. 

 

With immense gratitude and trust, I left the hospital campus but prayed in silence to give my father a last chance to stand on his feet. I quickly left for my duty. He was home for the remaining hours to think and reflect. Back in the evening, I was prepared to make a move. Although, it wasn't easy for a typical farmer and more so for a reluctant person like my father. But I wasn't at all in the mood to give up. As much as it was difficult, I was in a mood to give him a new life and at least an independent life to attend some nature's call, if not full strength to work in a field.

 

Today as we approach the second week of exercise, the progress was huge and impactful. Almost 10-day down with exercise, he is slowly regaining his health. This is the ultimate power of daily physical exercise. Although, it wasn't easy to manage, yet it takes one's determination and positivity and courage to do things with utmost self-discipline.

 

I also would like to say that I listen and trust health professionals. In the world of technology, you can even leverage the opportunity to do more than an average for which everything is available online at a cheaper cost. 

 

It just takes courage and positivity. Just keep practicing and trusting yourselves. There is magic in daily exercise. From all odds, you can be on your feet again. 

 

The game is not over yet. The progress wasn't so fast and promising, but we are positive and hopeful that in a few months, he may stand on his feet. We are still continuing 2-time of the suggested cycles with few added exercises. 

 

I cannot guarantee his drinking habit, but there are some agreements and difficult times we have faced together to fight and come this far on this disorder. After all, it wasn't easy to give adequate love, care and manage an aging life. 

 

Of many beautiful and sad moments for the year, this eventful life of my father is something I shall remember with great sadness and pain, but at the same time a service that I have rendered him as a son to a father. Equally, I also would remember the power of exercise and self-discipline in life. This event would definitely be remembered as a year end memoir.

 

Advisory note:

When such a sad event occurs at your home with anybody, please do not panic and give up easily. Seek professional advice and do whatever possible therapies that are available. Particularly, health in our case is so cheap and available. It just takes your time. I have also tried all spiritual intervention to calm my mind. After all, he is my father!

My Finger Chips Story

Out of blue, my 4-year old daughter asked me for finger chips early morning, signaling that she was hungry. 

As I was frying the chips, unusual melancholy feelings ran down through my spine like a cold ice tea I had in Busan. I had all the fresh memory of how my mother used to fry and sell the chips around the locality. For 10 small rings, she used to sell at Nu. 5. Since, besides cardamom there wasn't another source of family income. It used to be arduous for my family to end meets with many young and hungry mouths to feed on. With that little hard-earned money mostly through the sale of chips she spends the money very carefully on our education expenses. 

We had our education, through the little money my mother had gathered out of such hard labor –by selling finger chips and few other grocery items like Parle-G, chocolate, etc…carrying on her back going from village to village on any occasion. She is a woman who really cares about money and has the courage to earn it and knows the value of every single buck she has in her pocket. 

Occasionally, my father used to assist her when he didn't need to attend any fieldwork. My brother and I had the opportunity to go to school, while many of my village mates who dared so much for education couldn't – some due to endless family obligations while few due to labor issues. My brother and I are lucky amongst many back then although our parents had to undergo tough financial burden to support our education besides manning village work to keep everything going and making sure other siblings don't go hungry and unattended. 

Let me share Nu. 55, and a Bata slipper story. When I get time, I share this incidence with my science students just to connect two different times. 

I was in grade three. It used to be absolutely hard those days to enjoy good meals, forget about good clothing and footgear. My brother and I completed our primary education mostly in a makeshift bamboo hut nearby the school campus. For the food supply, we go home on Saturday after school and return back on Sunday morning carrying all the rations and vegetables needed for the week or so. It was during one of the Sundays. I requested my mother to give me some cash to buy a Bata slipper, which cost Nu. 55. I saw some of my schoolmates wearing it. It was beautiful. The long-lasting nature made this slipper so attractive and ideal to me. Nevertheless, I wanted to surprise my feet that only saw Gambot with brand new Indian made bata slippers. Before she was convinced thoroughly, I had to cry bitterly hard for several hours before I departed on the long journey back to school. After several hours, she assured me the money but came with a heavy warning that I will never be asking her for any money in future. It used to be extremely hard with money those days. She has to be careful of any bucks she spent on children and for the household. Otherwise, things would turn out ugly and unkind with nearby landlords with multiple interest rates on borrowed money. 

However, these days it has become easy with everything. Money comes easily and goes easily as well. Like no other times, money these days has lost its complete virginity. Therefore, lessons on financial management must be taught in school and at home well. 

The finger chips have always held a special place in my heart and in my family. Every time I see these chips, it takes me back to my mother.  It was the great savior to my family and our education. Our education came so costly with the sacrifice of our parents and our sweating. Perhaps, I have learnt that there is no free lunch in life! 

My father's constant advice and support have made all these differences in my life. In the companion of little drinking, he has the vessel of stories to tell. More importantly, unfailing love and care of my parents have made all the differences in life. 

Her 3rd Happy Birthday

As we celebrate your 3rd Happy Birthday, your mama and I are so happy and lucky to be by your side growing older happily together each day –Playing. Fighting. Nagging. Requesting. Chasing. Sleeping. Eating. Jumping. 

As we celebrate your Birthday, we have few memorable moments spent with you –your heavy slapping often was surprisingly painful and unforgetful one. Biting and scratching game between us with an unfair referee was indeed painful when we used to miss your favourite candy. Dear, sometimes we forget purposefully for many good reasons, and on a few occasions we did not have enough cash $$$ to buy your candy. SORRY$$$ for that!

I used to blame Kinder Joy Owner, an Italian company “Ferrero” for being too selfish and smart. I am still unsure what that little crazy box contained inside has that attracted every kid of your age. I saw many similar wars and nagging happening around neighbourhoods of my kinds for the same candy.  

Playing by your side was another sweet moment everyday and every second of our life, it used to be as awesome as always, however bit tiresome when your demands are endless. Jump here. Jump there. Run here. Run there. Bring this. Bring that. In fact, endless squares of things happen especially when you have nothing to do. 

As you grow older, you are becoming beautiful and lovable each day, you are teaching us many lessons which we didn't learn in our schools. Our curriculum is still so selfish, usually it does not prepare anybody for the future although it says wholesome education for all. Life with you is no more solitary, everyday is a mixture of different experiences and a very different journey, perhaps, beautiful altogether.  

So as you grow older, we only wish you to become a responsible daughter, cheerful student, helpful friend, great leader, trusted wife, caring mother, kind neighbourhood, and patriotic citizen.

As the country is busy battling the COVID-19 epidemic, your Birthday is still so special and memorable one. 18th March is special in many ways than one. 

Dear YESHA Baby, I offer my sincere prayers for your continued happy life. Many Many Happy Returns of The Day, Happy Birthday! 

Chang's (Yesha) Second Birthday

18th, March ---

I can feel the time fly so fast. I feel it's like yesterday –You came tiny and alone. You cried and sobbed. You made us happy and sad. You made us special and honored.

Sometime, I wish I can turn back the clock and cherish those moments you came to us for the first time. But nevertheless, every Birthday is special for us because on this day you made us a parent, you made us a very special person in our life. Above all you taught us the parental love and the value of life. After you came to us, we experienced a new meaning in our life. You became the most powerful influence in our life.

You showed us how to love, how to care, how to cry, how to jump, how to run, how to swim, how to dance, how to nag, how to sleep and many more. But more importantly you brought many joys and happiness in our family. Thank you for everything, for the lesson you taught us.

So, for your Second Birthday, I dedicate you this lovely song which you sing every time and often to make us feel happy. Your babyish voice has never failed to impress us when we felt sad, when we felt empty and when we felt incomplete. 

Here your song goes...

Johny, Johny,

Yes, papa?

Eating sugar?

No, papa.

Telling lies?

No, papa.

Open your mouth

Ha!

Ha!

Ha! Ha! Ha!

If there is one thing I can cherish –It is your BIRTHDAY every year. I offer my sincere prayers for your good health and success throughout. You are only our hope. I wish you, Happy Second Birthday. May you grow up to be a very responsible human being!  and to a brave girl! May you live long and happily ever!

Night to Remember.

It was 7^th of June, when my better–half left for her official outing to Bangkok. I was compelled to be an acting mother to my little baby girl. 

Initially, I was bit worried about how shall I keep her happy, and my other worry was to manage her in the night–board.  Perhaps, with finger crossed I hate night approaching. I wish night to be the shortest or else no night at all. 

During the day, I can make her happy and laze her in many ways by taking her outside in the sun and in the rain. I can take her to drive and buy her favorite chips. With all these thoughts first night have approached sooner than expected, but wasn't troublesome as anticipated. She slept peacefully with occasional break through. But I have doped her with some milk and with her favorite nursery rhymes.  

For young kids, I know what it is to be without a mother. First few nights was completely a heart pinching nights for three of us? When she cried, I felt the weight of thousand nailing over my head both physically and mentally. It is not as easy as you see to manage, handle and understand innocent kids. They don't understand your feelings and vice versa.   

Few years back I used get annoyed with neighbor's child nagging and crying needlessly. Now I am married, and had my own baby. I feel the difference. I started to love kids. I finally realized every kids are perfectly same despite caste and creed, rich and poor, so treat them same.

I have one of my blonde–faced cousin who hate kids more than anyone. I saw him throwing pots and pans to his brother's kids few years back. He got married past some years. He now have two beautiful babies. Perhaps, he became world–class father. Now he does all kinds of baby keeping –he cooks for them and happily put them into sleep.

My little baby girl is a very peaceful girl. She hardly cry and nags. Occluded within her body is her damnless face. But she is such a loving girl. You all would love to hold her. 

But for past few days, I observed some change in her. She became more serious. She became the new boss. Although, I am experiencing quite unhealthy nights but I am also equally learning so many lessons from her as a parent and a father.

One strange thing is that, I have to repeatedly play her nursery rhymes even in the late mid–night and early morning. I am afraid what my neighbors or passerby may think of me. These days my room was completely flooded with the repeated rhymes sounds –'daddy fingers, heads and shoulders, and baa baa black sheep, etc...' Such odd hour's culture is something very strange for newlywed’s couple.   

My worries is not only to put her into sleep but also her sickness in her mom's absence. I always pray for her good health and sound sleep. Indeed nothing have worried me like this before.   

Nothing has come to me as hard as this moment. I have to do everything to make her happy, –I often have to walk like a cat, sing her song like a superstar and have to dance in the middle of the night. I fear how my father would have duped me into sleep during those days when light and nursery rhymes were absolutely rare. 

Although, with time and space everything have settled so well, but I am much worried about her emotional growth and emotional detachment. One good thing I have learnt from this moment is that she taught me to be more patient, funny and serious. 

I don't understand how some mothers can leave their child to be with another man. I also wonder how some well–educated parents can abandoned their baby to go abroad. With week–long practical on experience, I give up the idea of Australia Dream completely if I have to leave my baby girl behind. 

I say undeniably NO to Australia journey until my girl turn five or six or not at ALL!

Open Letter

Somewhere, someone told me "a stitch in time saves nine." I want to stitch you in time and save you from any danger. So, I am passing it to you today with concern and with the message work smartly, if you want to wrap your achievement at high end.  

I say you over again because I have hope in you. You are the only hope because you have the ability to reach very far and wide. You can reach the place of your choice that no one has reach in our family but only if you thoroughly keep working hard. I will tell you, things won't come that easy. Nothing is easy. Remember, things that comes easy don't last long and is never valued well in life. You need to sweat. You need lots of sacrifices. No matter what, you need to keep your high end spirit lighted 24/7. You have all the ability and skills to rise above the far hills, the Moroccan hills that you see in your dream. But, I will tell you it's not easy to reach that dream land. The land of fantasy. The land of destiny.

In the process of pushing you forward, I have scolded you, I have rediscovered you, I have put you down in several occasions and we even had irrevocable and though conversation and I have been harsh –beyond what you have imagined. If you remember well, I have used different techniques to arouse your energy, thinking that you will change for the better and harder so that your far dream would come closer vis-à-vis soon. But it isn’t happening the way it is expected from you. I also know it is not so easy to work harder like you are doing today. More than anyone else, I know you are working so hard risking every bit of your life and health but it’s not enough. Remember there are thousands of equally budding and able students like you. They all are having the same hope and dream like you have. Remember to put up the elite challenge so that you can survive well anywhere. Remember, you are competing amongst the finest brain of Bhutan, I call them cream. It is all the tough competition you are actually putting up this year. I know you are taking such cool journey that will sure to make you a gentle man someday –"risk or you will be thrown out from the race." But it is the only way forward to accomplish your passion and the dream. Remember, I told you I love that lens.

Remember, I wouldn't have pushed you, if I think you don't have that ability and the skills, the right potential. I am pushing you forward because I know you have that potent, skills to conquer from your competitor, you just need to polish your skills and ability so that you can shine like diamond someday. You need to work hard, constantly and smartly. I have been through your stage not so long time. I know how it it to be covered by such a selfish books. I know the contents of the book so well. When that voluminous and cumbersome with concepts of physics after chemistry after mathematics hit your 1.34kgs of brain cells, it is hard to resist and forget about its application, its action become so forgetful before you hit your head over your stinking pillow. It is extremely hard and challenging. But, it has everything. I will promise you, it is possible. You will going to enjoy your end goal –probably seven years down.

Remember, you would love to see your end result if you could come victorious, stand above all. That's what we are looking for these many years.

You are the last hope we have in our family. We were born unfortunate in many ways than one and we still have the time to change the clock of hope to a right direction. You still have the opportunity to turn back the clock to zero gravity and restart with hope. Especially, you carry a big dream of papa and our mothers. But I don't mean other do not cares about you. Perhaps, everyone –far relatives to family have the same hope and expectation especially from you. Because you are the hero and still are the hero, you have been doing so well so far. You are the last piece of hope and aspiration. You are the dream. Remember more than anybody else, I carry more hope and expectation from you. Because I know the best part of you. You have that ability and skills to rise above that hill. You have come this far. You don't dear to give up at this moment so easily with few failures and obstacles. Despite you trying so well, you may be feeling irritated at times when I say all these things. I am saying it out of my love and concern for you as a big brother. At times I feel pity on you because I see you working so hard and sacrificing many important things. But, I must also tell you, it's not enough. Don't ever lose your consistency, spirit and target so easily. Pace is what you need for everything. Learn to be competitive. You give a real try at least for few more months with your dedication and personal sacrifices, you are sure to win the race.

You have the choice to be you –"you want to be you, not everybody else."

You are the greatest gift of all

This week seemed so hectic, full and busy. BBC news wasn't so fair either; Trump falling into Kim Jong Un's trap was the most read international headline. But I was deeply sadden by the death of Science Superstar, Stephen Hawking. Because I look him as a crazy idiot. Perhaps, whole science family would miss his donkey work someday. Although, he left us but his science legacy shall remain forever. We have lost a great mind and a humble human being. But on the other hand, I doubt on Trump's legacy after his presidency. Besides all these attack and uprising of serious political unbalance within and outside we did not forget to make your day special and memorable.  

My Dear Daughter.

18^th March, 5:36PM, 2017 will be a very special for your mom and me. It is the most awaited date for your mom and me. It is the day you came to us as a little girl. The day your mom had risked her life just to get you out. The day your mom had experienced one of the most hurtful pain in the world. The night your mom had a cat sleep because she had to feed you often. I saw these part of your mom since I was busy accompanying your mom to put you into sleep. Needless to say that your big mama and distant Aunty was also present to see you. Therefore, don't forget to Thank Your Mom, big mama and our Distant Aunty when you turn sweet sixteen.   

We are happy for you since you turn one year today. Today is your First Birthday! So, unlike other day, it is a very special day for your mom and me. Today I feel as if I won some Oscar Award for something, felt completely swept up in the euphoric mood.

Perhaps this is your first birthday celebration and having you as our baby girl is the greatest gift of all. We have been waiting this moment for so long and finally it knock the door of your mom and dad. Nothing in the world seemed to me as special as today. It is your day! Nothing in the world would felt so powerful than the love I saw in your little face. Over the months you have given meaning to our life and played a significant role in reshaping our life. You have made us more responsible and watchful than before. You have showed us the triangle of love. When we feel morose, you make us feel happy and when we feel apart, you reunite us. Perhaps, you are an amazing baby girl and we are lucky to have you. 

Your birthday was planned just ordinary and simple, no expensive cake to cut and not even a Happy Birthday Song was played. It was exceptionally humble and Bhutanese style. But remember, we did it worth for you to live another thousand lives and forever with us. We made an offerings of some butter lamps and recited silent prayers for your continued good health and prosperity. Nonetheless, I pray with all my heart to bless you with all the happiness in the world.  Every day when the day turn into a pitch dark with nothing to be seen outside, I used to close my window shutter and used to take a quick watch at your sleep and fall in love with you.  

You have always given us the room to lift our happiness and banish misery. We always enjoy each moment of our life spent with you. One good thing is we are growing old with you and it will be the sweetest memory we would carry till the very end.

We feel happy to see you grow into a strong, bold, unique and beautiful girl but you are becoming more naughty and disobedient. You already started to dominate us. You are the new boss in the town!     

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LITTLE GIRL!

First few minutes of your life.
You are measured and weighted. 

You are inside the photo-therapy to
reduce your body bilirubin level. 

Your first official bathe with
your big mama.

This is officially your first
medical check-up for weight,
height and other fitness.

This is your first foot gear.

You are fit and fine inside
Uncle Tshogyal's hemchu.

You are the boss.