Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Belog untuk awak, Malaysia Negara Saya

For English viewer, this post will be in Bahasa Malaysia, Malaysia language. This is for 5xmom and to keep the Malaysia spirit.

Macam biasa, I sudah bangun pada tepat waktu 10 minute sebelum 12 pagi dalam malam sebelum hari merderka. Tak tahu kenapa, mungkin kerana darah yang mengalir dalam badan aku tetap adalah darah warganegara Malaysia. Walaupun kebelakangan ini jiwa dalam hati ku macam tak berapa beryakinan terhadap beberapa dasar yang telah dikemuka oleh orang yang sepatutnya melindungi hak warga Malaysia. Aku tetap buka TV untuk melihat suasana riang di tempat seperti KLCC, bukit bintang, sunway dan lain lain. Ini adalah perkara perkara yang saya selalu laku kan untuk mengingatkan saya sendiri yang saya masih adalah orang Malaysia.

Pada Hari ini, adalah hari Kermerdekaan Negara saya Malaysia yang ke 48. Hari ini adalah hari yang sama 48 tahun yang lalu di mana kita telah menjadi Malaysia yang bebas, bebas dari jajahan Mat Salleh. Di mana kita telah menglangkah tapak pertama dalam perjalanan untuk mendirikan Negara kita untuk kita sendiri. Sehingga hari ini kita masih tetap dengan semangat yang kuat untuk terus perjuangan, walaupun saya berasa ada golongan yang ada pandangan lain seakan akan sama dengan Mat Salleh pada masa itu. Harapan saya adalah untuk kita tetap sama sama berjuang untuk Negara Kita bukan untuk Negara mu atau ku atau Negara lu. Mari kita bersatu jiwa dan menghadapi larangan larangan yang selalu ada sama sama untuk Negara kita, Malaysia.

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Merdeka Eve

I am not sure why this year my “feel” of a Merdeka or Malaysia National day celebration is lesser than the past year. In the past years I have even put a few flags (small one) in my house but I am not sure why this year the festive feel is not there. It could be due to the numerous news reports which I think it’s not so Malaysian, I do not wish to say which news but it somehow has dampens or lower my Malaysia Boleh feeling.

Or it could be this is the first Merdeka celebration that my dad is not around. I just could not explain. However I am still a Malaysian and I am in Malaysia, I guess I will again wake up few minutes before midnight to see the fireworks splashing across the late sky and the honk from cars signalling the Merdeka spirit. My wish for this Merdeka is that I hope Malaysia will be truly Malaysia whereby all of us are Malaysian…..

Monday, August 29, 2005

Civic 2007

I was talking to my friend on the possibilities of buying a honda. He told me the civic 2007 will be in Malaysia early next year. I search Google and I got some photos from Motortrend and some additional photos from Honda Club in europe I guess... I have put some here also. I am also looking forward to Camry 2007, another possible entry into our market early next year. My saliva dripping...slurp! slurp!... Someone knock me on the head or slap me please I am dreaming again....

Sunday, August 28, 2005

QuickCam Pro4000

I got myself a webcam to replace my beat up one. It is a Logitech QuickCam Pro4000. It cost Rm275. I bought it in MidValley IT centre as today I went there to have my haircut. What prompted me to replace my current webcam? My wife bought hers, a new QuickCam Zoom to replace her beat up one yesterday in Bangkok. I saw the difference in quality between hers and mine.

She looks more beautiful and my “ugliness” was magnified with the “Hazy” video churning out of my old webcam. This is made worst with my long hair which zig zags across my big face and neck. Hence I went and have it cut to the spiky look that I love. As for the webcam I was interested in another model called Logitech Orbit or Sphere. It cost Rm600. Its one of those, which will physically follow your face within a 180% turning radius.

After looking at my wallet, I finally decided to buy the QuickCam Pro. It is not as high tech as the sphere but its churns out pretty nice looking video of me with my newly cut hair. I guess that is good enough as I do not think the sphere will makes a Tom Cruise out of me hence no point wishing a miracle….

Saturday, August 27, 2005

New Addition to my blog roll

I have added the following blogs to my blog roll.

**Ches_Ca, with her blogs called "Just Dream" and her profile says "It takes gut to approach me...but don't worry, i won't eat you"

**Consuela, with her blog called "My So Called Ramblings" and her profile says. "Here I am as perfect as I'm ever going to be. You'll see, love me for me. Stick around, I'm not the kind of girl you wanna leave. You'll see, love me for me. . ".

Friday, August 26, 2005

What were you like

I got tagged by adiejin.

20 Years Ago: (1985 - I was 18)
I was fresh from school. My butt was still hot from seating in those old wooden stools when I started to work as a Trainee Draughtsman. This year was my first year in the survey office. Those were the days where I was out on the fields, carrying loads of equipment to just survey a piece of land or roads. The days whereby I hammer down screws on the streets, paint it, sit around watching the world goes by and I was back for lunch in the house before 2 pm. I was also driving my old car which is a mini manor aka Flintsone car.

10 Years Ago: (1995 - I was 28)
The previous 10 years is fill with events. My mom dies, I shifted house, give away my dog to SPCA and etc. When my life reaches this point in time, I was flying in and out from Thailand frequently. It was fun, my first overseas assignment in my current company. It was also the first for my company hence the benefit was quite good. This is the year where I catch a glimpse of my wife in Bangkok. I was the tester that conducted a programming test for potential employees. My company will screen them by groups.

5 Years Ago: (2000 - I was 33)
I went to Switzerland for 2 weeks, spent one of the most memorable vacation ever. I went there as a sick and worn out “puppy” but came back as a rejuvenate and I can kill a few tigers human. I was in a local project in one of the pioneer bank for Islamic Banking where I could see the Reformasi activities for almost a year right in front of the High Court building. My wife was with me in the same project. The year, I bought my current car which is still running fine until now, touch wood.

3 Years Ago: (2002 - I was 35)
I was in a Jakarta. I was involved in a turn key project for the biggest bank in Indonesia, which I have come to regret. I witness the 9/11 in a hotel in Jakarta. This is a project whereby I almost suffocated with work. My team was planned with 7 to 8 members (including me). I ran with only 2 (including me) for almost 4 months. I scream for help but the answer I got is “coming” same as when you ask the noodle vendor about your orders.

Last Year: (2004 - I was 37)
In the early part of the year I was enjoying myself, there is a trip which I started from flying to Bangkok to Hong Kong and then I spent few days with my father, sister and my wife in a space of 2 weeks in Langkawi. It was my last vacation I have with my Dad. In the 3rd quarter of the year I was diagnosed with Kidney cancer and after 2 months plus my dad passed away suddenly. My life was totally changed from a 210 lbs elephant to a 165 lbs quite ok looking guy. My eating habit transformed from frequent KFC to steam fish and vegetables only. I started this blog after the tusnami.

This Year: ( 2005 - I am 38 )
This year is the year whereby my wife moves into the Bangkok house. Money was going out like running water from a pipe. I am still sticking to a strict diet and I have gone through 3 follow up checks. Occasionally I went out and dine but its in organic eatery or eatery that does not use MSG. And so far everything is fine although now I am on medication for “Heart Burn” which was diagnosed after an endoscope. Just got my increment and it’s the worst so far after 12 years in the company. I guess it could be that the economy is bad or finally they realise that I could no longer contribute as I used to. That is fact of life as I am now under the deadwood category.

Next Year:
To drive a above Rm140K car and still breathing. If I could find a nice place to stay, I will buy it.

10 Years From Now:
I hope I am still alive and enjoying my fruits of labour.

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Best 'Out of Office' Reply of the lot

>>1. I am currently out at a job interview and will reply to you if I fail
>>to get the position. Be prepared for my mood.
>>
>>2. You are receiving this automatic notification because I am out of the
>>office. If I was in, chances are you wouldn't have received anything at
>>all.
>>
>>3. I will be unable to delete all the unread, worthless emails you send
>>me until I return from holiday on 4 April. Please be patient and your
>>mail will be deleted in the order it was received.
>>
>>4. Thank you for your email. Your credit card has been charged £5.99 for
>>the first ten words and £1.99 for each additional word in your message.
>>
>>5. The e-mail server is unable to verify your server connection and is
>>unable to deliver this message. Please restart your computer and try
>>sending again.'(The beauty of this is that when you return, you can see
>>how many in-duh-viduals did this over and over).
>>
>>6. Thank you for your message, which has been added to a queuing system..
>>You are currently in 352nd place, and can expect to receive a reply in
>>approximately 19 weeks.
>>
>>7. I've run away to join a different circus.
>>
>>AND, FINALLY, THIS ONE TAKES THE CAKE:
>>
>>8. I will be out of the office for the next 2 weeks for medical
reasons...
>>When I return, please refer to me as ' Margaret ' instead of 'Steve'.

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Sexy Singer

I guess every year in the seventh month of Chinese, the hungry ghost festival; I always see this particular new item, singers and dancers performing sexy routines. I am not sure how come there is a big fuss about it. Some comments I heard (from early 30’s reader) so far is that it is not appropriate for them to wear such outfit in such occasion whereby the main theme is Ghost Festival. However the remark by 71 years old women (refer to news article) really make my day, she finds it enjoyable and fun.

I guess maybe “IT” might also be enjoying the sexy dance and routines being performed. I do not think the costume they wore is that revealing. “IT” might have been looking forward to this type of shows as it could be quite boring on the other side of the world, not that I have been there. I seen worst one in MTV and Channel V, boobs were popping in and out of a dress synchronising with the drum beats. Up and down it goes with each “Bomb! Bomb!”. I could even see some girls with thongs parading around and all this is from reputable and famous singers.

As for the singers in the ghost festival, they need to wear that type of dress to spice up the show and also to entice the audience. Bear in mind this singers is not as famous as Siti Nurhaliza who can just moved thousand ships with her voice and face. If they wore plain clothes and stand still, they could have been booed off the stage. To me as long as the dress is not that revealing, it should be fine, it just add some spice and fun to the festival.

Sunday, August 21, 2005

Your own private space and time

Human live in a community, where everyone shares its space, is there such thing as own private space and time? Even if there is one it will not be permanent. As we sat in the toilet conducting our business, we have the whole four walls to ourselves. However once you flush, wipe your ass and walk out the door, you are back to the open space. Even at that most private moment you are actually using a space which is meant to be shared.

A small window of time whereby you are by yourself, deep in thoughts, thinking the next big plan or in solitude after a long day putting on a false face. It is just you and the by product from your body that is being pushed out. Some wish that time is a time where you could be left alone with your own thoughts. However most of us will ultimately think of the things that were happening or have happened outside the toilet door. As we are still human we care and shared our everyday lives.

The only way that you can really be alone is how you can really control the tiny little brain of yours. Once you mastered that you are your own master of your soul. You can be alone in whatever place imaginable. However some have overdone it until it has breached that level of “loss contact” with the outside world. We should have our own private space and time, however we are human we live in a community, we interact to stay “alive” although there are times we need that space and that time. When and what do you deem to be your own private space and time?

Saturday, August 20, 2005

Wireless in BKK

I managed to setup the wireless router at my friend, Chat’s house yesterday. So my wife was surfing happily. I did surf a while until sleep bug bites me. It was quite tiring as I need to walk across the road, set it up, goes back to my house, test it out at the first floor. Then walk 3 flights of stairs then test it at the master bedroom. It was fun though, the joy of seeing the wireless signals lighting up.

Initially we were quite skeptical if the signal can really reach the house as it needs to travel across the street, passing my friend Toyota Hilux which is a tall car which could actually block an elephant if it’s needed, hahaha just joking. So when we went to the mall, we did not go to Panthip as it was quite far and I was still feeling a bit sick (feverish). Hence we went to the nearest mall instead. We were shown with 2 brands and multiple models to pick from.

First there is the Belkin model which could actually transmit up to 900 meters. Believe it or not but of course the price is approximately Rm890. The next available model or shall I say cheaper model could transmit up to 200 meters and it cost around Rm450. We then look at the D link models. There is one which could transmit up to 200 meters which cost around Rm420 and another Rm390 which could transmit up to 300 meters. The curious thing is that the model that transmits less is more expensive.

After comparing the features, it seems it’s a 104mbps model hence the word extreme is part of the model name. Anyway we are just looking for a model that is cheap and can be use, hence we finally bought the model DSL-G604T and I am now using it, in my bedroom on the 3rd floor…

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Second Home

I will be going to Bangkok tomorrow. I will be there until Monday. Bangkok has become a second home to me. This trip my main priority is to look for a wireless router that is if I have the time to shop around Panthip Plaza, a place similar to Malaysia Low Yat plaza. I am looking for a router that is strong enough to transmit across the street, a distance of approximately 50 meters. Why some might ask?

The reason is that now my house in Thailand does not have a phone line. We have applied for one and it has been almost 2 months already and there is no news at all. A friend of mine has waited for a year for his second phone line and he is still waiting. According to the phone company the ports have been used up hence they are waiting for a certain number of applicants before they install another exchange or whatever they called it.

I am trying to use my friend broadband to access the internet. We intend to have a wireless router install at his place which is just across my house. We hopes that the router is strong enough to transmit the radio signal across the street, possibly by passing a few SUV, jeeps, dogs, cats and a few walls before reaching my house. Or anyone has any suggestion as my wife is desperate and hunger for some net surfing activities……

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Haze Free Night

After 4 days of haze free, below is a night of photo. I post this here instead of in my photo blog as I would like to update the haze situation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This photo speaks for itself.

Monday, August 15, 2005

Oops I forgot the key! (Final Part)

I could not see anyone but I guess it could be the ongoing renovation, which was highlighted in the lift. I could feel the room temperature suddenly turn icy cold; I told myself, “Hotel air conds always has a temper, sometimes hot sometimes cold”. I stagger towards my bed, my eyes and brain still adjusting to the darkness and the sound when I catch a glimpse of my watch laying beside my bed. Its almost 11:45 pm, “Gosh, Singaporean contractors are damn hard working”.

I was about to lift my foot onto the bed, when a knocking sound was coming at the direction of the door. “Knock! Knock!”. “What Now!” I grumble and walk toward the door. “Knock! Knock!”, “Coming!”, I shouted back. I looked at the small little hole at the door. There is no one. I opened the door and I could see from where I was standing until the end of the other side, the place is practically deserted. Well, it could be the next door tenant that might have forgotten the key and was knocking.

I closed the door and walks toward the bed again when “Knock! Knock!”, I turned around as fast as I could and immediately peep at the hole again., no one, strange. I opened the light, hoping that it will scare away whoever, be it a prankster or whatever. I waited near the door and hoping to catch the culprit. I waited for 5 minutes, no sound nor any movement. I switched off the lights and I walked towards the bed. “Knock! Knock!” Huh! I bow down and my sight was set on the gap of the door and floor. Although it was dark but the lights from outside glaringly sip through the gap. Umm… no shadows or whatsoever, Aiyah! “Knock! Knock!” again? At this point of time, all the hair on my hands is already pointing upwards. I quickly switched on the lights and headed straight to the bed hoping and praying that “IT” will not bother me.

I half slept and half awake for the rest of the night searching the room for possible sightings. As I heard “IT” loves to lurk around the lamp post beneath it, shedding from the lights and also around the corner of the bed staring at you. Although I did not manage to see any head nor any figurine floating around but after my mind was clear, the first sign of “IT” was the “Bang! Bang!” sound of the window as at the point of time it was 11:45 pm. Further inquiries and confirmation from the reception, I was told that there is no ongoing renovation at that point of time and it seems my neigbour shifted to another room as he complains of being "suffocated" as though someone is sleeping on top of him. Facts or Fiction or my ding dong brain is playing a trick on you and me.......... you decide.

Sorry for the delay of this post, I guess its a bit anti climax as the build up its actually in Part 1 and Part 2. My original idea is to have it post in 2 parts but fate has it that it has now become 3 parts.... hahaha

Sunday, August 14, 2005

Clowns in a big circus in a hazy condition

I wanted to stay neutral on this issue and not blog further since my last post on it. However as I read the newspaper that say an old man dies , suspected asthma as the reason. The fire in me starts to lights up, what has this old man done to deserve this, to have his life cut short because of someone decided to “Fart” and pollute the very thing that is free, that do not has a price tag to it. Some might say he is an 83 years old grandfather, he has live a long way. To me that is very sick reason that someone should ever try to mention.

The newspaper stated some guidelines on actions to be taken under Haze emergency. I was sick in the stomach when I read some very basic things that the government should do is part of it, “Ensure information on the pollution index is given to electronic and print media as frequent as possible”, “Urge the media to advise people to always stay indoors as well as on preventive actions they should take”, “Ensure the Information Ministry continually broadcasts the above information” and “Enforce the ban on open burning”. All of this should be done since day one (or years) when the haze appears and not when the API hits above 500. Until today I still scratch my head, what does staying indoors helps. Is the air in the house is differrent from those just outside our window and doors? Does all of us has air cond and air filter in the house? I give the media thumbs up as I think they are the one who pressurize the government into at least to do something about the haze.

I was actually sad to see that initially our government actually has the "humor" to say that the API could not be release to the public as they do not see is necessary as the API is not that high. I was at the center of the city right smack in the petaling street, I could not even see the Maybank building clearly and the government still say is alright, do not be alarm, we are monitoring the situation, we do not want to cause any unnecessary panic as potentially it will impact our tourist industry. I have seen cases of unscrupulous business men that did business in a way that they just reap profit without caring about the side effect like in the case of a lot of slimming pills and herbs, it helps you in getting the “reward” which is a svelte figure but the organs in your body suffer. We would love to live in nations that prosper but we need to have a healthy body to enjoy it.

There is also one "member"of the government who say that he leaves the decision to the school principal to decide if it’s necessary to close the school. He could not be the one deciding it for thousand of schools in the countries. Wouldn’t it be fun if you are following someone tracking halfway in the jungle, when he turns around and tell you, “What the hell are you doing, following me? You should decide your own path, man”. You must be thinking, “What the hell I elect you as a track leader in the first place? Is it for the fun of electing?”.

An interesting piece by Lee Cheen Siong on the topics of lead by example. No wonder I do not feel comfortable when I visit the doctor in Malaysia. I find more comfort and confidence in Thailand medical industry. I love Malaysia as my home, the very place where I would want to die in. I swear by the slogan "Malaysia Boleh" but we cannot live with just a slogan. We should be doing it. I hope the Haze is gone forever....... if not there will be more jokes in the front page of newspaper than the comic strips in the center.

Saturday, August 13, 2005

Jokes from a Friend

These are from a book called Disorder in the American Courts, and
are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down
and now published by court reporters who had the torment of staying
calm while these exchanges were actually taking place.

ATTORNEY: Are you sexually active?
WITNESS: No, I just lie there.
______________________________

ATTORNEY: What is your date of birth?
WITNESS: July 18th.
ATTORNEY: What year?
WITNESS: Every year.
_____________________________________

ATTORNEY: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget.
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you
forgot?
_____________________________________

ATTORNEY: How old is your son, the one living with you?
WITNESS: Thirty-eight or thirty-five, I can't remember which.
ATTORNEY: How long has he lived with you?
WITNESS: Forty-five years.
_____________________________________

ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that
morning?
WITNESS: He said, "Where am I, Cathy?"
ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?
WITNESS: My name is Susan.
_____________________________________

ATTORNEY: Do you know if your daughter has ever been involved in
voodoo?
WITNESS: We both do.
ATTORNEY: Voodoo?
WITNESS: We do.
ATTORNEY: You do?
WITNESS: Yes, voodoo.
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his
sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
___________________________________

ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty-one year old, how old is he?
WITNESS: Uh, he's twenty-one..
________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?
WITNESS: Would you repeat the question?
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Uh....
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death.
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated?
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard.
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a
deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on
dead people?
WITNESS: All my autopsies are performed on dead people.
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you
go to?
WITNESS: Oral.
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing
an autopsy on him!
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check
for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when
you began the autopsy?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: But could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and
practicing law.

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Oops I forgot the key! (Part 2)

The room’s layout is typical of most hotel room. From the door to the bed, there is a 6 foot lane or corridor. On the right is the toilet and bath area. The bed is a welcome sight especially after a full day in the office. My butt touches the soft surface of the bed and my head resting on the puffy pillow, unloading my soul from the "pressure cooker" that I was in an hour ago. I turned on the TV and I flipped open the Straits Times. There is not a lot of news; I guess the world is “sleeping”. I looked at my watch, hmm; the short hand of the clock is nearing 11. I guess it’s also time for me to sleep. But before that I am going to head to the shower to cleanse the filth of my big body.

As I walked into the toilet, my mind starts to recall back the horror stories that my colleague told me. Its one of those “true” creepy stories that were encountered by a colleague of ours and the place that it happens is right here, at the same hotel and it happens in the toilet. My colleague has encountered an unexplained “second head” in the mirror with a pair of blood shot eyes staring back at him and another is about "movement" in the toilet seen through the shower curtain while they are showering. Arrg, I told myself, to stop thinking about it as it could simulate the brain and it might to start concocting something eerie.

I walked into the shower and open the water tap. A gush of hot water rushing down from the shower head beating my tired body, it helps my body to relax, preparing it for a night of hibernation. As I was drying myself, at the corner of my eyes I could see that the mirror has already been covered with a layer of mist, probably due to the hot shower that I took just now. Unconsciously I realise that I am looking at the mirror, searching for something. “You see, you see” I told myself, reminding myself to stop thinking nonsensical stuff. As I brushed aside the mist, all I saw its a pair of kind small eyes.

I could not sleep with lights on, the bright florescent light in the room is good for reading newspaper but it’s definitely not good for someone whose body and mind is already halfway to slumberland. I close it off and I happily snuggle in to the warm bed, away from the chill of the cold wind blowing from the air cond. I was about to doze off when a banging sound was heard coming from the window. “Bang! Bang!”. My eyes open up immediately. The room is in total darkness except for a shine of light coming in via a gap through the curtain in the window. My vision quickly adjusts to the surroundings. My foot is already taking my body towards the sound. “Bang! Bang!” it grows slightly louder. I lift the curtain and I could see wooden plank surrounding the outside of the window. I could not see anyone but I guess it could be the ongoing renovation, which was highlighted in the lift.

To be continue....

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

Oops I forgot the key! (Part 1)

During my tenure in my current company I have been to Singapore a few times on assignments. There is this one particular trip which stands out. It is an interesting one, one that challenges the brain to branch out and open to another dimension. This particular incidence has since been repeatedly told as a story, one that defies the logic. When we are in Singapore we will normally stayed in a hotel, a strategically located hotel right in the middle of the town. Someone told me that this particular hotel was once a hospital, a place where birth and death happens almost simultaneously.

I have been staying in the hotel for a number of times and on this trip I was alone as others has since moved to the company apartment. After checking in I head towards the lift. The Lobby seems deserted, it is quite late; most of the guest could be in bed by now. “Ding! Dong!” the lift opens up. I drag my feet into the lift feeling a bit tired. I could immediately see a notice paste in the wall of the lift. As I am the only one in the lift, I went closer to have a look. It reads, “We are doing some minor renovations to enable us to serve you better. There could be some noise in certain floors. Sorry for the inconvenience. From the Management.” I sighed, lets hope is not on my floor.

When the lift opened at 7th floor, a draft of wind gushes in, as though as someone has just actually walks past me. A bad “sign” I thought. I walked out of the lift and in front of me was a board, that shows a range of room numbers. Mine is on the right and it looks like is the last room. As I walks past rooms after rooms, sounds of TV blaring was quite evident. As the room number becomes closer to mine, the TV sounds seems quite distance, sounds as though, the surrounding rooms is not occupy, 764, 768, 770 and then 772, that’s my room number. Its right beside the fire exit.

When I walked into the room, I felt uncomfortable. You called it instinct or sixth sense but something is bothering me. As I felt as though I walked into somebody room, a room that belongs to another person and I was the intruder. I felt my body hair, especially those on my hand, starts to curl up and pointing upwards. I was contemplating of requesting for a change of room but based on what basis, guts feeling that I am not alone? Anyway this trip will be a short one, just 4 nights. So I told myself, nothing will happen.

To be continue.....

Monday, August 08, 2005

My Thoughts is hazy.

This pass few days my thoughts were hazy and I barely could string up some decent thoughts. My mind is still contemplating and undecided on my next course of action. Should I or should I not do an endoscope? Or even a colonoscopy? I am now flipping an imaginary coin in my head. Tik! Tok! Tik Tok!.

As I am still experience some funny feeling on my stomach and in the surrounding area near my lungs. Sigh! like I have discuss with a colleague, when a car has its engine spoilt it can be replaced by some spare parts but a human body? What can be done? I saw from newspaper last week about a boy who has implanted the Thoratec Implantable Ventricle Assist Device (IVAD) system to help his heart pump blood. The report in Star.

Others specialist, I am not sure but as for heart specialist I think Malaysia has a lot of highly trained and qualify heart specialist. There are numerous high profile surgeries that have been conducted successfully. I have visited hospital in thailand, their facilities is world class. For example when I did a medical checkup, all records including blood results, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI images are all centrally located and accessible by any specialist in anywhere within the hospital by a click of a mouse. Over here in Glenneagles Ampang, it seems its decentralise. One specialist record is not accessible by another. Anyway I am still flipping the coin and deep in thoughts... Tik! Tok! Tik! Tok!

Saturday, August 06, 2005

A neighbour fart

A few days ago there was this sudden haze which has blanket the whole area of KL city with dark clouds. It was reported that it is caused by some peat fires started by a group of illegal immigrants in CyberJaya and it was also due to fires or hotspot in Sumatra. Consistently Sumatra has never let us down. It has always been a place where our fingers will start pointing whenever a haze is seen over KL city. “Oh its Sumatra fires again” that’s what my cousin say when I went there for my dinner.

I think we should allocate a few days in the year to celebrate this. We should call it “Sumatra Fire” day. It can be used to attract tourist. There are not a lot of place in the world whereby whenever a country “Fart”, its neighbour get the smell and the smoke. It will also allow clinics over KL to get ready on the influx of patient that will flood the place. My sister came back coughing and sneezing and the very next day registered a fever of 101 cc. My cousin husband has a better reading, a 103 cc. Most of my cousin was coughing randomly and some lay on the sofa as though they have taken some sleeping pills as they look tired.

As for me I am not sure why this time around I am still standing without visiting my family doctor. However I am not feeling as well as I want to. My weight has been consistently dropping (4 lbs already) since I move to the new office building. I am not sure why, it could be that I walked more and I took the stairs daily. Anyway back to the subject haze, lets hope our elected minister would look into the matter, instead of just pointing somewhere else wherever a haze surround our city and immobilize most of its residents. We cannot control our neighbours but we certainly could control whatever happens within our own country. So guys in the relevant ministry please do take up the issues. Do not just point one finger at the neighbours as the remaining four fingers will naturally point to you.

A report in the star. Photo just taken and added at 4:30 pm today....
This photo is taken on a clear morning...

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

Happiness for Men & Women

I got this from a friend via email..

Men Are Just Happier People
>What do you expect from such superior creatures?
>Your last name stays put.
>The garage is all yours.
>Wedding plans take care of themselves.
>Chocolate is just another snack.
>You can be President.
>You can never be pregnant.
>You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
>You can wear NO shirt to a water park.
>Car mechanics tell you the truth.
>The world is your urinal. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>You never have to drive to another gas station restroom
>because this one is just too icky.
>You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
>Same work, more pay.
>Wrinkles add character.
>Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100.
>People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.
>The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
>New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
>One mood all the time.
>Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
>You know stuff about tanks.
>A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
>You can open all your own jars.
>You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
>If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
>Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
>You almost never have strap problems in public.
>You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
>Everything on your face stays its original color.
>The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
>You only have to shave your face and neck.
>You can play with toys all your life.
>Your belly usually hides your big hips.
>One wallet and one pair of shoes one color for all seasons.
>You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
>You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.
>You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.
>No wonder men are happier!!
>Send this to the women who can handle it and to the men who will enjoy reading it.
>Since men are naturally happier, here are some tips to make women happy too:)

How to Make a Woman Happy
> It's not difficult to make a woman happy.
> A man only needs to be:
1. a friend
2. a companion
3. a lover
4. a brother
5. a father
6. a master
7. a chef
8. an electrician !
9. a carpenter
10. a plumber
11. a mechanic
12. a decorator
13. a stylist
14. a sexologist
15. a gynecologist
16. a psychologist
17. a pest exterminator
18. a psychiatrist
19. a healer
20. a good listener
21. an organizer
22. a good father
23. very clean
24. sympathetic
25. athletic
26. warm
27. attentive
28. gallant
29. intelligent
30. funny
31. creative
32. gentle
33. strong
34. understanding
35. tolerant
36. prudent
37. ambitious
38. capable
39. courageous
40. determined
41. true
42. dependable
43. passionate
44. compassionate WITHOUT FORGETTING TO:
45. give her compliments regularly
46. love shopping
47. be honest
48. be very rich
49. not stress her out
50. not look at other girls
AND AT HE SAME TIME, YOU MUST ALSO:
51. give her lots of attention, but expect little yourself
52. give her lots of time, especially time for herself
53. give her lots of space, never worrying about where she goes
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT:
54. Never to forget: * birthdays * anniversaries * arrangements she makes

HOW TO MAKE A MAN HAPPY
1. Show up naked
2. Bring food
3. Hand over the remote

Monday, August 01, 2005

Belated TGIF

This post is supposed to be posted on last Friday but due to some technical problem was delayed, here is it.

Today is a days; we are shifting again to another place. An old branch of OCBC was renovated to accommodate us and other smaller departments. The place is quite a place to be in. I guess it has gone through a lot. Although the building was beautifully paint and retouch but its external structure still radiates a glow. It beckons to have its history told. Just like old wine with it’s nicely bottle exterior but inside there lies all the treasure with its refine taste that was captured through years of fermentation.

I have asked the bank staff, she say the building itself could be more than 50 years old. It has gone through years of rains, sun and maybe tons of bird shit showering down on it. As you know if you are a bird flying around, you could have no where to go to lighten the “load” except for straight down. I guess no birds has yet to think of having a quietly and brightly lit place to set up a pay toilet like the one in KLCC that cost Rm2.

If some smart birdy did, then you could see bird heading towards a place with brightly lit neon light with an arrow shape. They will be queuing up with worms in their beak that will be used to pay for its entrance. You know nowadays petrol increase, everything also increase, bird is also a living thing it still needs to survive. We human could try, I say try to ask the bosses to increase our salary but what can a bird do, knock on our window and ask for worms?

At the floor that I am working in, it still smell of freshly paints and tint of glue. I guess I could be highly intoxicated by all these fumes, so if I wrote something illogical please do pardon me or the person or IT that is beside me. As you know old buildings not only attracts all those that I have mention above but all those IT that is surrounding my working area now. OR it’s the paint and glue fumes that is playing trick on me?….. Oh! What can I say lets call it a day as TGIF…….

U Khao Yai Resort at Khao Yai, Thailand

Room and surrounding view of the resort #travel #khaoyai #Thailand #asia