Datuk

Until today they are still haggling about Shah Rukh Khan coming to receive his datukship. WTF! I think is stupid and absurd to even be haggling about this. In all honesty, I really have no idea to the real reason how one is awarded this title. I am sure there is some guidelines to it but then, well this is Malaysia and Malaysia Boleh, so whatever guidelines imposed can be disposed. I am getting bored with Malaysia news... a lot of the issues being harped on are just pure nonsense, of no importance or relevance. Pure stupidity is the word for all those senseless people creating senseless news. Emm.. I still wonder how Shah Rukh Khan pronounce the word "Datuk"??? Will he ever use it in his own country?? And whatever for???

Puchong

How much Puchong has changed. When I first settled in to KL, Puchong was the first place I stayed - only at that time, I did not really comprehend the difference between KL and Selangor. Geography is not really my favourite subject. Now I know that Puchong is in Selangor and that there is a difference between KL and Selangor.

Back then, 5 years ago, in Puchong, there was IOI, Puchong Jaya and my township, Pusat Bandar Puchong. Bandar Puteri was still under construction then. Of course there is the "Puchong Dalam Dalam" as my friends called it, which is where Puchong Perdana is. Now, coming to Puchong, you can see such vast development.

Puchong Jaya has expanded its commercial shops to additional rows with lots of new hip cafes, with the latest one called Old Taste. And smacked in the middle of Puchong Jaya is a business centre called IOI Boulevard. On top of that, IOI Mall has expanded additional new wings and next to it is another commercial development comprises of office blocks. Not to mention few years ago, YTL made its mark with Lake Edge. They have again recently opened some new phases for sale.

Driving just a few km before the food court is another commercial centre called Puchong One (I think). Until now, I have no idea who the developer is. Just a block away is a major township called Pusat Bandar Puchong (my place). This is a beautiful township developed by SP Setia. The landscaped and the serenity of the place 5 years ago is the reason why I choose to stay here. Now Setia is venturing into a mix development called Setia Walk. It comprises of mixed development with office, shops and service apartment. I believe this would be a phenomenal development.

Of course, there is this massive and impressive development by IOI - Bandar Puteri. 5 years ago, this place is nothing but empty land. Today, you see a well developed township, with Giant, major banks such as Citibank, AMBank, Al-Rajhi flooding the area. They are currently constructing an office block which I believe would be an iconic tall structure in Puchong. Puchong is no doubt a place that is good to stay with amenities that is so readily available. It is unfortunate though there is the imposition of the LDP toll. I believe that without the toll, residential properties in Puchong would be on par with PJ.

I have a year ago, moved to SS2, PJ just so to be nearer to my work place. My home in Puchong is still there and I go back as frequent as I can during the weekends. It is somewhat like a weekend home now. Shifting to PJ is another whole different experience... which I will share in time to come..

Lesson to learn

Neereehs passed away on Sunday at the age of 53 - brain tumour. It was about a year plus since she was diagnosed. She did not have a chance to recover. I only know her briefly in my few months in the company. After the diagnosis, she was hospitalised, getting in and out of hospital.
She was in coma for a while before she passess away. She left behind her husband and 3 young teen sons.

There is a lesson to learn from Neereehs passing away. She is a career woman. Someone who prioritised her job, she basically loves her job. She goes back late most of the nights. It does seem that her time is mostly spent at the office than with the family. It seems that her example can be used as a lesson for many of us who does the same. We sometimes get stressed up at work, we slough for the company, we sacrifice our weekends sometimes for the company. We worked till 7pm or 8pm every weekdays. When we reached home, little time is spent with the family - we usually are tired. Sometimes, when we are back home, we even bring our work home. It is in the mind - thinking of work etc.

So I had a conversation with Nyri, a friend this morning when she found out that I had to go on medical leave for migraine. She is in her forties and she gave me a good advise on not to stressed myself up. At the end of the day, no matter how much we worked, the company will not really know for sure of our efforts. Everything that we do, we must have a balance. We must learn to de-stressed.

It all seems true. 2 days ago was Neerahs funeral. After the funeral, everyone is back to work, back to their own life. In time to come, Neerahs will just be a friend to miss. Occasionally her name will cropped up in between conversations but I guess that is about all. I can't help but to think that it will likely be the same if I passes away. The ones that would always cherish us would be our family. They are the ones who will find it difficult to let go. So, question is, have we been spending enough time with our family or is work the utmost important in our lifes? If your answer is the latter, then is time to review your priorities. I know that I will.

Migraine

I have been missing. Been away from writing. Nowadays, most of the time, I am busy doing photography. Yesterday, my migraine started and till now, I am still having it. When I see the doctor, I try to refrain from using the word migraine. I learned to my surprise that some doctors do not like this word. They claimed that it is not a migraine - it is a headache. I once tried explaining to a doctor that I have been having this migraine attacks quite often to know that it is definately migraine. The doctor ridiculed my claim - that was my first and last visit to her clinic.

I guess there is no cure for migraine, you can only take pain killers to stop the pain for several hours. If you are lucky, then the pain will stop and not come back until the next episode. It is really difficult to know the cause of migraine. There could be several causes - lack of sleep, too much thinking, food etc. I suppose that is the reason why the doctors do not like it when i use the word migraine - the fact that they could not really determine the cause of it and there is no definate medication to it. Some painkillers work on some people, some don't. So when I have this attacks, I will sleep, sleep and sleep zzzzzzzzz.........

Joey Yap Congress - Day 1

Today was the 1st day of Joey Yap's congress which was held in KL Convention Centre. Is amazing how many people are interested in Joey. He does have a series of fans lining up to have their books signed. I have known of Joey through a commercial TV program that he did for a property developer many years ago. I think that was years back and he started to bloom and become popular ever since then. Mom and bro has always been a fengshui fanatic. They were really into Lillian Too then but all that changed eversince I brought mom to Joey's National Congress last year. No offence to Lillian but I think Joey's practice is more real and practical.

Knowing Joey was incidental. I thought that he would be good for our company and suggested to my boss to engage his service in an attempt to boost the sales for one of our projects. I was surprised that the suggestion actually went through and ever since then, Joey has been seek to do few consultancy for the company. I would say that what is impressive about Joey is the fact that he is very knowledgeable and is truly good in his field. His ability to communicate and charm his audience is very apparent. He is truly good on the stage and he is probably the only reason why people grouped to the congress. Tomorrow would be another day. Hoped to load some interesting pictures of the congress.

Street Party @ 06/09/08

The sky has been clear the past one week. Yea, it frustrates me in a way, simply because it rained the whole day on the day of my Street Party.

The party started at 6.30pm but at about 5 pm, there were already some guests strolling in to the site. The rain stopped for a while then but it started again at approximately 7pm plus. It was a challenge to organise an event under the rain. As the theme was a Street Party, we only had canopies to protect the food areas.

Visitors coming in to the show unit

Despite the rain, the turnout was quite amazing. Many came to savour the food and of course to take the door gift. It was a celebration for the residence in celebrating the change of name of Damansara Indah Resort Home to Tropicana Indah Resort Homes. We also celebrated two occasions - the "Buka Puasa" for our Muslims purchasers and Mooncake Festival.

We have actually lined up a few interesting programme and performances and the event went on despite the rain, except for the lantern parade and the fire-eaters which actually have to end their show earlier.

Fire eaters

Mooncake Fairy and one of it's suitor

Chinese orchestra

The street was lined up with stalls of food that varies from mee mamak, nasi lemak, chendol, rojak, sushi, satay whereas at a private area, a sumptuous "buka puasa" meal was served.

As the rain progress throughout the night, many of the visitors walkabout in their umbrellas. Some were wet as despite the rain, they still queue for the food. The spirit were high as the the visitors continued to wait on for the lucky draw. All of them thronged to the show unit at the porch area.

The night ended with many happy lucky winners taking home electrical goods. The main prize was a 32" LCD TV which was won by one happy purchaser.

Who do you think you are?

One day, you will learn your lesson. You will learn that money does not make you greater. You will learn that money does not give you the right to insult. You will learn that the one thing that you think is cheap will be the thing that you will be deprived of. You will learn that we do not question or fight God's will and that all this will be shown to you. You will reap what you have sown and every harsh word and insults that you put onto others will reflect upon yourself. You will know that when you die, you will be nothing and all the money that you think makes you powerful is just going to be ashes. When you break, the people that you looked down on, will be the people that you will come begging for help. And these people who are poor to you and whom you have insulted will still pitied you and because this poor people has a gold of heart and they will still bestow you with kindness. But all that you have condemn, all that you have insulted, you will still be judged when the time is right!

6 September 2008

It would be the day for the street party. We have been so busy organising this event. Invitations to our guest went out yesterday. Some of the guest have already received the invitation. I am amazed at the speed of our post Malaysia. The secret is, to send urgent mails to the main post office in Daya Bumi. The mails apparently will be delivered the day after. I am impressed.

It has been a really tired week and next week will be another tired week. So much to do, to plan, to buy, to execute. I have been doing so much thinking the past few days. I woke up with a splitting headache yesterday and the pain still last till now. Today was a shopping day - work shopping day - where I buy stuff for the event. Glad that my good colleagues are there to help. I would have enjoyed my day better if not for the splitting headache.

Anyway, we were at The Curve and tonight there will be a street concert. All the stage has been set up. It was almost 9pm when we were at The Curve but to our surprise, we noticed the lack of crowd. it seems to be less enthusiasm in celebrating "Merdeka Day". I hope the crowd will turn up much later at night though.

It has been a long day today. I am glad tomorrow I get to rest, for I am making a trip to Bukit Tinggi for some photography session. Ah! That is a nice thought!

Too much to do

Dead tired. Been coming home late most of the nights. Simply too much to do at work. I am to pull off an event on 6 September. A street party with lantern night theme and Buka Puasa event. Time is so short. So much to think, so much to plan. Love the challenge.. but I need a break now.

7th month

This month is the chinese 7th month. It is the month of the hungry ghost. Today apparently is the "real day". I never really did know there is such thing as the real day until few years ago. No incident to make me know about it but rather my acquaintance with a friend with a gifted third eye lead me to this information. It seems that today, the gates of hell have opened fully and all the underworld being is free to roam the place. So while we are sitting at the coffee shop or the cafes or while we were at public toilets, these beings could be there, except that we cannot see them. If we have been sensitive, we may be able to sense them, that is when we have goosebumps I guess.

So, today, at 6pm sharp, most of my colleagues left the office. They have asked that I leave early too. So I went home at about 7 plus and deliberately cook myself and hubby dinner so that we would not have to go out anymore. With the warnings and all, one have just got to be careful. Despite all that, me and hubby still did went out to the nearby 7-Eleven at 10 plus to buy some supplies.. maybe we have walked among them but my thought is, if I do them no harm, then they shall do me no harm.

Power Failure

Last night was a hot night, not hot in the "exotic hot" kind of way but rather it was a really hot, without air and wind night, simply because there was a power failure in my housing area.

This happen in SS2 near the fire brigade. Just next to the fire brigade, there is a TNB substation and just sitting near the fence, a feeder pillar. A Mercedes Benz driver has carelessly rammed into the feeder pillar causing the blackout. I can only guess that the driver must have either drove too fast, too drunk or maybe just too sleepy.

The accident happened at about 11 at night but the power failure only came about around 1am in the morning. Sleep was just impossible. The heat became so uncomfortable. I only came to realise how important electricity is and how important air conditioning is then. It dawned on me that I never did know who invented air-conditioning.

I googled and found the name Willis Haviland Carrier. Is this somehow related to the famous "The Carrier Man Can" advertisement? Now I am beginning to see the connection. My searched in Wikipedia found that Willis Haviland Carrier was an engineer and inventor and is known as the man who invented the modern air-conditioning in 1902. My further search on the History of Electricity in Wikipedia leads me to a long list of names and history. Geez, I am not even going to talk about it as history is really not my thing. It just makes me sleepy.... Yes, I should catch up on my lost sleep last night... zzzzz....

Assessment

Today, after 5 years of purchasing my property, I went to MPSJ to check my assessment dues. It came up to RM1466.40, interest included (ouch!). My appeal to waive the interest despite me telling them I have never receive any assessment bills (bills were sent to previous owner address) fell on deaf ears. "Memang tak boleh kurang". I knew all along that I am to pay the assessment but somewhat, somehow, it just "slipped" my mind and since I never did receive any bills, I simply have forgotten about it.

So if you buy a subsale property, be aware that you are to inform the council of the change of name within 3 months from the purchase, so that you will receive the notice of assessment in your name. All along I knew that has to be done, except that I did not know that I have to make that change within 3 months from purchase.

So what will happen if you fail to comply the 3 months rule? It states clearly in the transfer form that - "You will be charged with a fine of RM2,000 or jailed 3 months or both". I panic somewhat and asked the counter girl if they do really carry out this rules. She "dengan selamba" said "actually sepatutnyalah... tapi.... taklah.. "

80 feet high

Today I went up on a crane, 80 feet above ground. It was a photo shoot of a building conducted by my company's photographer. As I was on the crane at a height that is despairingly high, it brought back memories of my old 17 storey flat in Penang.

I used to live in a one room flat on the 8th floor. It is a highly densed flats with about 20 over units per floor, multiply that with 17 floors and you will have more than 300 units per block. In the areas where I used to lived, there are about 10 blocks of flats, multiply that with 300 units and you will have more than 3,000 units and multiply that with approximately 5 person per household, you will have..... well... more than 15,000 people.

Rifle Range Flats in Penang

My flat has a balcony (yes despite it being a one room flat) it does have a balcony. My block is apparently the best as it faces directly to campsite of "FRU" (Federal Reserve Unit). I used to run to the balcony each time the sirens goes off and loads and loads of police trucks would drive out. During the evening, I would sit at the balcony and watch the men playing "sepak takraw" and football at the open field. Yes, it is amazing to know that lots of activities can be seen from my little balcony.

The place is practically so convenient, you can find food anywhere and anytime.. ahh.. I still remember "Ah Teik Char Koay Teow", "curry mee" and the economical Fried Bihun Mee... not forgetting "Koay Kak" and on the wheel "fried chicken"... yummy!

The evening market along the main road

Famous "Kek Lok Si" Temple

Beyond the yonder, there are the hills where you can see the famous Pagoda and the beautiful "Goddess of Mercy". It is exceptionally beautiful during chinese new year when the Pagoda is all lighted up.


Well, coming back to being on top of the crane, I have not been up so high for a long time and it does give me the goose bumps when I was up there. I do not have fear of course as I am quite used to height but somehow, today, I still felt a faint quiver when I was 80 feet above ground.. I guess age is catching up on me.

Mixed emotions

I have not been sleeping well the past few days. There is a lot of mixed feeling inside me. If everything goes well, I may be leaving the country. Everything is still in discussion but here I am, thinking of many many things. I do feel excited and yet at the same time wary of my decision. There is really a lot to think and a lot to do if I ever leave the country. Until things are being finalised, I am still in a "in-between" feeling.

Bird Tongchai McIntyre

I am not a Thai song fanatic but my recent exposure to a thai song by a friend lead me to being very interested... especially to one particular singer famously known as "Bird Tongchai McIntyre".

Geez, one song I heard on "You Tube" got me hooked for hours searching all his songs. I am just amazed not only at the number of fans he has but also the fact that young and old alike are simply crazy about him. To add to the fact that he is quite charming on stage. My search on his biodata revealed that he is actually 50 years old and yet he looks so young and good.

Even though you have never heard thai song in your life and do not understand a single thai word, you should still check out the following link:

Bird - 2007

Bird - Medley

Beautiful creature

Beautiful creatures live amongst us. I was praying the other day, in my house and I chanced upon this grasshopper right on top of my Buddha statue, as if silently meditating.

You Raise Me Up

This is a beautiful song dedicated to papa and mama...

You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

The Wooden Bowl

I received this beautiful piece through email and thought it would be nice to share and remember. Message from the sender - "I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now...

The Wooden Bowl

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.

The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor.
When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. 'We must do something about father,' said the son. 'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.'

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded, 'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up'. The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life..'

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back .

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you but, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.

People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

Accident and the after that

If you ever are involved in an accident, the last thing you want to do is to go to the police station. Yes, you would hope that you can settled the matter with the parties involved without having to report police. However, two days ago, hubby met with an accident and as the damage was quite bad, we had to make insurance claim and make a police report.

It was a motorbike accident and hubby was knocked down by two cars. Yes, horrible. Imagine my shock when I got a call from him. But thank God, he is fine and the injury was just minor. The night itself after the accident, we head our way to the police station. In case you are not familiar with the procedure of making an accident report, here is how it works.

1st step - you fill up a form listing your name, vehicle number etc.

2nd step - you pass the form to an officer and wait to be called.

3rd step - when you are being called, you will have to enter your details in the computer system. The details involved would be your name, address, ic, vehicle number, driving license number etc.

4th step - you will proceed to type your own report on how the accident happened. A sample report is paste on the side panel of desk and provides you a guide on how to use it. After finished typing the report, you are to save it and print it out.

5th step - the officer will take your report and assigned you to meet a sergeant in charge. He will tell you to go to a particular so and so floor at so and so counter.

6th step - the sergeant will ask you questions and interrogate you on how the accident happened. They will proceed to write their own report to deduce who is wrong and who is not.

7th step - the sergeant will then follow you to your vehicle to take a photograph of your vehicle.

8th step - you go back home and will have to come back the next day to buy the report.

Now, that is the last step. Not too hard really. Except that a few questions popped into my mind. Now, what happens if I am illiterate and what if I do not know how to type? Would the officer helped me? Why the impression? Cos, I do not find the officers to be friendly. I saw a poor guy slowly typing, struggling to find the letters on the keyboard.

When we were assigned to the sergeant, we have to wait more than 1 hour as he was away for his late supper break. Question - why would we be assigned to someone who is on a break? Unless he is not suppose to go for the break? or they don't really care do they?

During the meet up with the sergeant, we realised that we did not mentioned a certain details in the report. So after meeting up with the sergeant, we went back to the counter to make changes to the report. Well, what you need to know is - changes to the report can only be made within 1 hour after filing the report! We waited for the sergeant for more than 1 hour and we were not able to make any changes after that!

Well, the ordeal of an accident is bad enough and it does not get better when you have to go through such lengthy procedure at the police station. Sigh..

I just want to run away...

Sigh... if you believe in fengshui, I would say this month is a quarrelsome month. I am just so tired. Just this one month alone, I have met from rude people to arrogant, self-centred, bossy, sarcastic, immature, destructive .... the list is endless. As I write this, a few faces comes to mind.. 1,2,3,4,5,6,....

The world is really not that big. Life is short. Why the need for such attitude. Well i believe in repercussion, that you will reap what you have sown. I pray that these people will see it soon enough so that they make amends. People like this, makes you lose hope in the society sometimes, people like this can demoralised you and shun your beliefs that there are good people out there.

I have been feeling down the past 2 days. I have encountered the most unpleasant personality of a particular person. I make a resolute decision to let go and forgive. I woke up this morning and unhappiness sets in. It seems that the episode still plays in my mind and I am trying to forget. Ya, moments like this comes and goes.. one moment you are ok and you decide to move on, let go and forgive, other days, you remembered and it gets you down, it makes me angry and sad. So I only have to remind myself there are still good people out there... there are still good people out there...