How do you cope?

My ex-colleague's wife passed away yesterday. I believe she was only in her 30's. Cancer took her away. She left behind 2 young boys. It is difficult to imagine .. the sorrow of losing someone dear and close to you.

My friend made a remark - "husband and wife" are meant to be together. Being married, is fate that brings them together and to think that yet, there are so many couple out there going through divorces.

Few years ago, my close friend lost her husband in a car accident. He left behind 3 girls, the youngest was just months old. It is tragic to lose someone you love this way... and I do not think is easy to cope with such losses... My prayers goes out to these two friends of mine who lost someone dear to them..

Hyderabad as I see it

This is my 3rd visit to Hyderabad. This time around, the weather is hot, about 38 to 40 degrees. Yes, Hyderabad actually has 4 season and it is summer right now.

Walking on the streets of Hyderabad is very different than here in Malaysia. There are scores of people everywhere, literally packed with thousands of people walking on the street. The poor are very poor and when you sit in your car, being a foreigner, you would find poor children, ladies with their babies, old man and women knocking on your window screen begging for money. As you travel along the outskirts of Hyderabad, you will find rows of tents made of torn fabrics by the roadside. Yes, that is where the poor lived. Cows, chicken, goats can be seen loitering at the roadside. It is a common sight in Hyderabad.

Another sight that is common is the habit of the people peeing by the roadside. Within a 1km stretch, you will sight at least 10 people or more peeing everywhere and anywhere. Most of them are men but I was told that the woman does the same but I have yet to witness it.

Driving in Hyderabad is almost impossible. It is a norm for the drivers to honk ... infact is a must to honk if you want to reach your destination fast. You must be bold and be prepared to have your car scratched or knocked when you drive in Hyderabad. So forget about driving luxurious car. Not only do you have to watch out for the millions of motorist on the road, you will also have to watch out for the countless pedestrians among the crowd of cars, busses and lorries. Traffic light are very much useless but you will find that the police force controlling the traffic does command respect from the motorist.

I like the people in Hyderabad. Being a chinese girl, most of the time, I do get pleasant stares from the people. Makes me feel like a superstar! They would be very happy when you take their photo and would willingly smile and give their best post. However, it would be a disadvantage to visit street markets. There was this one time where I was being "mobbed" by the local traders trying to sell me their products. This was after I made a big purchase at one of the stores. So, shopping is almost impossible at the street markets...

Streets at Charminar - the place I was "mobbed"

One of the things to learn in Hyderabad is the terms of communication. Certain words are used differently there. Example, cars and motorbikes are called 4 wheelers and 2 wheelers. The taxi is actually a 3 wheeler vehicle. Bungalow is termed as independent house and the word square feet is just called SFT. I have still a lot to learn.

As for food, I have not mustered the courage to eat the food by the roadside coffee shops. Most of the time, I frequent good restaurants and cafes. However, if one were to work in Hyderabad, restaurants and cafes would be too much of a luxury. It is advisable to be careful with the water that you drink. So I either drink from a sealed bottle of water or fresh coconut water which is abundantly sold by the roadside. It is extremely cheap to drink coconut in Hyderabad and in the hot weather, it can be very refreshing.

Refreshing coconut

There is one restaurant in Hyderabad which serves Malaysian food. The staffs, chefs are from Malaysia and it is a ritual that I visit this restaurant, Awana, before I take my flight home to Malaysia. The food is simply delicious and is a good place to be when you misses home. It has a touch of old good feeling you get when tasting your mummy's food.

Delicious local Malaysian food served at Awana Hyderabad

Being here in Malaysia, a place so different than Hyderabad, I would say that I am very fortunate to be living in Malaysia. I would say that anyone who has been there would find our homeland to be the best place to stay...

Hubby's Birthday

Hubby's birthday was celebrated earlier this year as I had to be away to India on his real day.

So. on Saturday night, we went to the Curve for a sumptous dinner at Itallianies with Khor, Lisa, brother and Hui Yin. It is packed as usual at most of the restaurants at the Curve and we have to wait for 15 minutes to get a place. It is the first time for us at Itallianies. The ambience is just right for the occasion, lively and yet cosy. Staffs were pleasant, friendly and helpful. We ordered few different servings. I find the chicken lasagna to be good.

The staffs sang a birthday song for hubby of which hubby was then asked to say a thank you speech to all of us. I would say that hubby is always a good sport in these kind of gesture. A delicious chocolate cake and the company of good people makes the night a pleasant one.

The year of progress

Ahh.. time flies yet again and again. Each year passing and what have I achieved? I would say that 2007 has been a good year for me. A year full of changes and a good recovery from 2006. I know that I am always blessed and somehow deep inside me, I know that the almighty above is somewhat watching and taking care of me. I am all thankful for that.

2008 is going to be a year of progress for me. That is the thoughts I have instilled in me. A progress in my career and in my family circle i pray... So if all comes in together, it will definately be a whole lot of new experience again. So what do I ask for in the new year of 2008 - the strength and courage to do and carry out duties that have naturally been bestowed to me!

I just got back

I just got back from a 10 days trip from Macau, HongKong and Shenzhen. Went there from 26/12/07 to 04/01/08. Came back with a sore leg and amazingly a lot of photos. I hope to write about it and show some pics.. now all I need is to find time to do it..

Dilemma

What you do if you are in this situation? You have been with a girl for more than 10 years. You have trust and sense of responsibility towards her. But somehow, you lost that magic. It is not as magical as before. Passion is somehow lost. But the love you have for her is unconditional.

Then came along a girl in your life. She is all you wanted. The magic and the passion. The compability is just perfect. But she is someone new and you are not sure if it will last. Trust is yet to be established. Security is uncertain.

In this case, who would you choose? Well, that is the dilemma one of my friends are into. So what would you do if is you?

Keeping diaries

I started keeping diaries ever since I was 19. Back then, blogs were never heard of and there is hardly the luxury of owning a computer. Every thoughts, feelings were penned down in words, in a book or a dairy. Now, with blogs and the accessibility of computers, all thoughts are posted and viewed by the public. Back then, our diaries were very much a secret.

How things change! I am in my thirties and here I am feeling the significant changes in today and yesteryears. I find writing in blogs to be fast and easy. Thoughts flow easily and mistakes are wiped off easily. We can change our mind about what to write and what not to write. However, this makes writing to be not so true and we are afraid that it may be read by the wrong person. Few times when I have the urge to write, I find that I do not have the luxury of a computer. Hence, I understand why sometimes the old conventional way of writing diary is still the best.

They bitched and they talked

Sigh.. this is happening everywhere. Office politics. A group of girls come together and talk about everything that is not related to them. They talked about why, what, how, should have, would have and what not... and all these are not about them but about the people they supposedly called friends.

The irony is, there is so much to do at work, so many datelines to meet and yet other people businesses seems to be their priority. These are not young girls, some are mothers and wife and approaching 30's and yet they behave like a immature girl. Sad to say, this is happening everywhere.

How should one face it? Ignore them? Confront them? To hell with them?

All I can say is - "Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you". For every action there is a reaction and a repercussion. :)

Missing Misha

Misha went missing two days ago. Attempts to locate her failed. Is odd. One would have thought that losing a dog means nothing, after all, it is just a dog. It is not even my dog. But I have grown fond of Misha the past 5 months that I have been staying here. Misha hardly barks but she would wag her tail vigorously when seeing familiar faces. Few times when my landlord is out and Misha is left alone, she would come "knocking" on my door. She would quietly sit next to me while I was busy working on my computer.

Now that Misha is gone, I can't help feeling sad. Hubby and me went round the neighbourhood hoping to find her. She is no where to be found. I pray that she can find her way back home or whoever is keeping her, would take good care of her. Is the first dog I ever loved!

My heart goes out to her

I am grieving. Grieving to have read the news about Nurin. How could someone do this to such a sweet young girl? I do not know her but I feel the pain and the loss of her parents. Most of all, I felt the pain knowing that she has suffered before dying. My rage goes out to the beast who have done this. My fear goes out to all the children. Is no longer safe out there. Who are we to blame? The parents for allowing her to walk out alone? The police for the lack of security? The beast with a demon within?

I prayed for the safety of all the children, my niece, my nephews. I prayed that Nurin finds her peace and I prayed that the parents finds their consolation.

Been a long time

Been so busy and just can't find time to write. Shoulder aching, a sign of using too much computer.. for work of course, not so much as surfing..

Come to think of it, computer is such a common thing.. or rather, it is more than a common thing, it has become a thing of great attachment. The first thing I do when I reached my office desk is to switch on my computer, click my email messages, go to star online to check out the news and then start my work.

When I reached back home, I will do the same, switched on my computer, checked mails, surf a bit, watch video, switch on my messenger and chat with my niece and with my friends.

So recently, I shifted to my "weekdays home" where I do not have internet access during weekdays. It was odd at first, something missing, not having a computer. But then, it is really a good thing. I find myself sleeping earlier and getting more rest. Then I realised how health hazard computer can be, other than blurring your vision.

So, I gathered that I can sort of live without computer but.. not sure if I can live without my handphone.... :)

A message

Mic's mom passed away on the 1st day of chinese new year. It was shocked to me. Even though I fondly call her as Aunty, she was like a mom to me. She regarded me as her god daughter whom she proudly introduces to her relatives.

Just two days before she died, hubby mentioned to visit her during the chinese new year. I guess it was too late. I was told that she died at the point where all of her children and grandchildren was with her. Somehow, it is as though she chooses the moment to leave.

Something odd happen recently, well, at least I never thought it was odd until I relate it to Mic. It is exactly the seventh day after. I had a dream that night. I dream of Aunty sitting looking at a bowl of Hokkien mee. Next to her was Mic's father eating hokkien mee. The place was like a eatery place, packed with people. I did not find it odd at first as I tend to dream very easily.

The dream kept locked in my mind. The vision so clear. I finally sms Mic to enquire if her mom likes Hokkien mee. Mic called me immediately as she found my question odd. I related my dream to Mic and it was then that Mic said that they did served Hokkien mee to Aunty on the 1st day of the funeral. Infact, the whole family also ate Hokkien mee on that day. Emm.... I am speechless...

Is so fast

I am in Cheras, sitting in Old Town Kopitiam. Lots of people here, from young to old. I guess is the lifestyle now, sitting at a cafe, hanging out with friends and a few of them are like me, with their laptops either surfing or typing.

It is interesting when I looked back on how things were like before. I remember in my teens, when I met this boyfriend of mine from Johor, we had to correspond through snail mail. At that time then, pen pal was an in-thing. Now.. everything is so fast and easy. With just a click, you can chat with anyone anywhere in the world. And now you can even see each other face to face through computers. How things have moved and advanced. I wonder how things will be like 5 years, 10 years, 15 years from now...

So here I am sitting at a cafe, typing my thoughts in my laptop when years ago, I would have to write it down in my diaries or in a piece of paper. Now my thoughts can be posted to the world to read when years ago, it would just have been a private thoughts tucked in my secret compartment.

With the changes, when everything moves so fast... we have to be fast too...

What a service

Was out having dinner with some friends just now. So we decided to eat in this chinese restaurant by the roadside. They served rice with dishes and all. All of us decided to order our individual food.

We were greeted by a rude uncle who took our orders. He seems to be unhappy that we are not ordering the main dishes. After placing our order, we waited for the food. 5 minutes, 10 minutes.... 20 minutes... 30 minutes went by... As we sat there we realise that the other tables who ordered crab, fishes were first being served despite us being there first. It dawned on us that our orders were probably being put as the last priority.

So we decided to leave the place and since we have ordered some drinks, we asked one of the workers for the bill on our drinks. We told him that we have waited for more than 30 minutes and that we do not want to wait anymore. The worker chided and said that we should not talk this way. He walked away and said he will check our food. We placed some money on the table for the drinks and all 8 of us walked out from the place.

The workers shouted to the chef saying that we have left the place. We walked away not looking back and headed to another restaurant to eat. The food was served in less than 15 minutes despite the place being packed.

What would you do if you are in this situation? Wait? One of the things I learnt is to be patient. But as much as being patient, we should not let others take advantage of us. I believe in standing for my rights. In this case, we are not just a customer but we are human and should be treated right.

It is disappointing looking at how people can be so double standard. I especially dislike shop owners who treat customers rudely especially when they have business. I believe that business will not last if it is done that way.

Anyway, the restaurant I am talking about is the one Restoran 88 which is in OUG right in front of Shell Petrol Station....

I am blessed

New Year Eve was celebrated year after year with fireworks, street parties, wine and dine. This New Year Eve, was a celebration with friends for me. We had a simple steamboat followed by a walk at the Curve. Yes I mentioned a walk as getting a place to sit in the cafes was just impossible.

Looking back I cannot recall what I did for new year last year. Emm.. I should put on record of the memories of new year I have spent.

There is this one year, me and hubby decided to go to KLCC to watch the fireworks display. So we decided that it would be better to take the LRT to avoid the jam. Unfortunately, we have had the lifetime of experience being stucked in a human jam at the station. It was a horrible experience of pure human sandwich jam. Everyone was practically plastered to each other. It is really bad.

There was also a year which I spent my new year eve with some friend in KL city. It was also jam packed with people. We manage to push our way through and got a place in Swenson in KL. later after that we watch fireworks and went to a Danish pub. A simple one I would say.

Then there was one new year when I was in Penang. It was spent in a pub and a few friends have too much to drink. My boyfriend then, went around on the streets wishing everyone Happy New Year. Some responded, some looked at him in shocked. That was a funny year.

As years passed, celebration seems to be different. The first time I saw fireworks was when I was 21 or so. It was my first fireworks display. I was in awed. I thanked God for giving me the eyes to witness such magnificent sight. Last night as I was at the fireworks, it was different. The fireworks is the same but the feeling was different. I was less awed. I silently remind myself to be appreciative of this experience still.

Well, years passes so fast. I think is especially faster when we get older.. New Year only reminds me to be appreciative of what we have and of the people we love. To live to the fullest and do what we want in life. That we should not let anyone or anything stops us from realising our dream.

As I lie on my bed last night after coming back from the celebration, I know I am so blessed to have a comfortable bed to come home to...

What a joke

Night at the museum.. is a funny story and unique with everything in the musuem coming to life. The show gets better as they have good casting. Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and the all talented Robin Williams makes the movie a top notch. Emm... will buy the DVD for keeps....

Anyway.. after the movie I was in need to go to toilet. So hubby and me decided to go to the toilet in DiKayu as we are heading there for a drink. It was almost 2am. Guess what.. as it turns out there is no toilet in DiKayu. The toilet is located in Tesco itself but the mall is already all closed.

Upon asking the workers, apparently the nearest toilet available is in Petronas which is on the opposite side, further away. Which makes me wonder... how does the workers relief themselves? By the road side? Near the Curve?? It is near to drive to Petronas but it is definately far to walk. What a joke!

I wonder

It was in the headlines today.. an accident victim was awarded 9 million today for the injury that happened to her when she was just few years old. The accident leaves her paralysed waist down.

Now I am just wondering... how would they ever get the money? How would the wrong party ever manage to pay? I would think that the wrong party would rather declare themselves a bankrupt and escape from paying. What can the court do? or What can the victim do?? I wonder....

Ahh!!! Holidays!!

Ahh! Is Friday and just two days away will be new year's day. Time passes so fast. Just a blink of an eye and here I am older and wiser (I hope). I am looking forward to this few days as it is a long holiday. I misses my sleep tremendously. Misses the time when I do not have to wake up so early. I know that when work starts next week, i will even have to wake up earlier than normal. That is the time that school reopens and everyone will be back to work.

Tomorrow is Saturday and I need to do some shopping. Sunday will be a celebration with friends.. perhaps for a sumptuous buffet steamboat. Monday will be a bliss as I get to sleep.. let's call it sleeping day. Tuesday.. is still a rest day.. perhaps I will drop by to check on my colleagues in the show houses.... Wednesday is back to work!

You just wanna box them

Being with this new company of mine, I have come to the conclusion that almost 90% of the girls do not smile. I suspect they hide a chunk of gold in their mouth.

1st incident - on my second day at work, I walked into the sales office. I smiled at the first girl I met. I got in return a look that makes me wonder if I am invinsible.

2nd incident - I went to the show house and saw another girl. She was talking to a client. After the client left, she gave me a half smile look. I smiled at her, extent my hand to her and told her I am a new staff. I got in return a look that makes me feel like an alien. She did not take my handshake.

3rd incident - I had to replace my staff at the sales gallery. Sitting in the other desk, was a lady. She has an "i am almighty" look. Forget about talking to her despite we sitting side by side doing our work as flashing a smile seems harder than lifting a one tonne of load.

Geez.. there is a whole lot of other incidences.. I come to the conclusion that they do really have a load of gold in their mouth or either they are toothless. So I walk about in the office, deciding to mind my own business.

What a bliss

Is the holiday season. Is such a bliss traveling to work. Traffic is so smooth on a usual busy morning. It takes me 15 minutes when it would have taken me one hour on a normal working day. I am truly enjoying this smooth traffic but I know that come next week, it will be hell again. So for the next two days.. I can sleep an extra 30 minutes...zzzzz...