Penny - Slow learner

Money/Blood Sucker/Cheats

2009-08-14T08:23:00.012+08:00

During our recent bereavement I found out there were cheats and money/blood suckers around especially times like this.

I had a call from my niece at about 7.45am saying that her dad had fainted. I told her to send him to Sunway Medical but she does not know where it is. So she send to HUKM but was pronounced dead after trying to revive him a couple of times. Then I inform all my other siblings residing in Malaysia and leave those overseas to my eldest brother.

I went to HUKM to witness my 2 ko's body and death and further arranged for the hospital assistant to take shower for him and then we all went home to arrange for the coffin and so on.

Since my niece has a friend who is an agent, we called him and he came over with the guy selling coffins. The smallest 'PACKAGE' starts with RM8,888.00 which includes:- coffin, the 'Lam Mo Lo' (LML), jossticks, candles and items needed for praying, water for our guests and of course sending the hearse to the burial ground. The 'PACKAGE' is for 3 days and 2 nights. After some discussions, my sister-in-law insisted a bus to ferry her sisters and nieces so that they won't get lost which was a good thing. So the 'PACKAGE' is now RM10,888/- which include a bus and a band and a paper house and car, and an extra car to lead/direct traffic all the way to the burial ground .

The burial ground was not decided yet cos my sil wanted Nirvana and it cost RM55,000/- the next option was Nilai which was RM19,000/- The deal will be done with another guy the following day.

By the time we finish discussing it was already 2.30pm. I was worried that the tent would not be erected in time but they promised that it will all be done properly. Ok, next we went to choose the coffin. The coffin that was suppose to be in the 'PACKAGE' is kinda small for my brother so we opted for a bigger one where we were asked to pay an extra RM800/- which actually fits my brother with no extra room. Strange no prayers were said in the hospital when we brought the body out. When we arrive home with my brother's body, the tent was still half way and the hearse was left in the car in the hot sun for a good hour before they actually erect the tent and the prayer place. Then one the guys started to take stock of the jossticks and other items for praying and asked one of my niece who was totally blur to sign the book for the items. She noticed RM1,000/- F.O.C. but did not take note of the total of the invoice. Our mistake.

Then the LML came and start ordering this and that to be done. Now the whole show is directed by and how he wants it. He was not asking for it to be done, but ordering and shouting for it to be done.

Half way thru it, I was told to order more water, kacang and candles as we have run short of it. That was the time I woke up. After some arguements, I said no need, we will go and get the water and kacang ourselves which ended up cheaper than what we paid for.

My cousins suggested to SIL to bury my 2nd bro in Sepang where all our ancestors are so that if and when all their girls are married off, even if they don't come back to pray to them, my cousins would still drop by to do that. That sounded logicaL So after some discussion with my eldest bro, decision is made to be burried in Sepang.

The guy was informed and within minutes he appears at our doorstep but to tell me that since the burial ground is changed, there will be extra charges for the difference. Before he open he say future, I agree since we are going an extra couple of miles, BUT when he say the amount, I just glare at him with open mouth. He mention that we have to top up RM1500/- to go up to Sepang. I totally disagree with the amount. To be fair I said that we top up RM500/- for petrol for all the vehicles for travelling the extra miles from Nilai to Sepang and not from our home to Sepang cos afterall the 'PACKAGE' is to send the hearse to Nilai. There was total disagreement from their boss. So after a lot of 'hoo-ha' we ended topping up RM1,000/- with the band only playing for us at home and no extra car to direct the traffic.

I requested for the band to play some of Teresa Teng's song which is my bro's favourite but they only ended playing one miserable one and the rest are mostly marching tunes. A Big DISAPPOINTMENT!!!!!

In the mist of bidding last farewell to my bro and all, they have to do the checking of the praying items. I saw this guy waiting to get hold of my then sobbing SIL to sign the book. I called him over and asked what he wants from her and he showed me the book saying that we have to foot another RM214/- for some of the items used. I disagree but told him that I will talk with his boss cos no point scolding him cos he is only under instructions to this.

When we were at the burial ground, the LML was very very brief. We hardly spent 15 mins for the burial and were quickly send back to the bus. We did not even throw the soil into the grave as a sort of last farewell. The roasted pig was suppose to be offered to the earthly God was also not done. The minute we reach the place, straight away chop and eat. Of course with the LML instructions.

After we reach home, the LML again give instructions to my SIL to do this and that. Then told my niece to put an angpow (specifically RM66/-) in the earth God. He did some prayers and very professionally, folded the angpow and conveniently put it into his pocket. He also insisted on a table to put things to offer to my bro and the half table and 2 small items cost us another RM80/-

We pay but no say. Come to think of it, who says we need a LML that cost about RM3,000/- to RM4,000/- coffin seller. Who says we have to burn so many things - the coffin seller. See, most things are planned by them. Every item we use. they make at least 50% of it.

We could have just invited the Monks from Brickfields to come and say prayers like we did for our mom. Nice, clean and trouble free.

I am writing this story to highlight to EVERYONE to be careful and specific in times like this cos in most cases, the people involved are normally blur and in a rush rush manner to get things organized. In times like this, it is best to put one person in charge to organize these things.

Yeeko gone.

2009-08-01T07:58:00.002+08:00

31.7.08

My yeeko is gone and it is SO unbelievable cos I just went to his hse and had dinner and we talked and he telling me that he is doing a lot of exercise, showing me all the tapes he bought for exercising. Asking me where the famous steam fish stall that Chui Ling (in TV) introduced is located. And I told him that I wud check and then take him there. He was so happy. In spite of my hubby and sis-in-law rushing me to go home, somehow, I just continue to talk with him, asking him to take me to the farm to buy the huge mangoes. And joke that I want to harvest all the big ones.

Then he went out for a walk and we went home and that was the last I saw of him.

We (that is my family) all love this brother very much cos he spoil us alot. He will get us the best fruits, fish and food he knows. He welcome us ANYTIME and bring out the best he has for us to eat. There is no lies....... my kids are the living proof. And when ask to do ANY favor, without hesitation, he will do. I am glad he knows that I love him too cos I always cook for him his favourite food like nonya chang, nonya curry chicken, otak otak, assam curry fish and even normal curry chicken where he will have double servings. I will cook him simple french toast when he just happen to drop by . He is very shy even with us and always say I have enough, I eat very little nowadays but by the end of the day, he ALWAYS finish the food cos first of all he never like to waste food. I really feel good when I see how he enjoys all the food I cook for him and my other brother cos their wives don't cook the same way our mom did.

I feel so sorry for him cos in spite of all the love he showered to his wife and three daughters, they never reciprocrated. Maybe becos he don't know how to do it the right way. I am glad we had talks although short ones. Glad to lend him an ear where he vows out all his frustrations. But sad not being able to help cos all parties stick on to their own thinking thus difficult to drill into their head.

ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT THERE IS ONE PERSON LESS IN THE WORLD TO LOVE AND PAMPER US.

Not that I have so little to talk about him but I have to go to his hse to help out with his burial on Sunday at 10.00am. Perhaps when I have more time I can share more memories but then I will cry each time I talk about the people I love. Well, lets see how later. Still have not got over it yet. I dare not cry so much cos when I do that my chest hurts. ...............................

Working & Politics

2009-05-24T09:04:00.002+08:00

Been working for the past 3 months at a medical centre. I was taken in as a transcriptionist but I know I cannot take that job cos the medical words are too long and it is too tedious for me to start learning now. Perhaps if like school days, we get to sit down and learn it by hard then possible, but then while working it is like I am on the go all the time. Now as a runner which means, I sort out the films and make sure the proper reports goes into the proper envelopes and then despatch it out to the front counter where it is then despatched to the patient.

It would have been a wonderful place to work in IF the people don't find opportunity to find faults. There are 4 places for us to put the envelopes. First- OP (out patient) goes to the main desk, second - staying in patient where we will leave it at the counter at the back, third - ESP (executive special programe) will be left just next to the in pt. envelopes then fourth - those applying for visas will be left on a tray. /there are also some day care and resus and referrals BUT they will still be around the same counter in the same building.

However/whenever one envelope goes to the wrong place, the counter clerks will come into our station and ask who send that particular envelope out. My point is, why bother to find out who send it out, the main thing is we find it and despatch it. Then this will be complained to the higher authorities. So petty/childish.

Of course they make mistakes too. And wasting our time going out to the front to ask them to change the code (for docs). Sometimes they take some time to change and it will delay in our reports. We don't complaing about them.

Everybody makes mistakes but I think we should work as a team and find a solution to the problems we face but here, they like to point finger. Not nice to work, in that sense.

Working again.

2009-02-26T17:53:00.002+08:00

I was recommended to work as a transcriptionist in a 'HOSPITAL'. First of all the word trans.................................... is so long, already scare me and what more in a hospital. My friend was very convincing and assuring me that it is not what it looks like. I just had to type the reports done by the doctors on the X-rays.

So I went for an interview. I was tested on typing speed which was ok ok but when it comes to spelling, out of the 70 + words, I could not spell about 15 - 20. SHAME. I got the job anyway but, NOT becos I pass the test well but because they needed some matured people and urgently.

On my first day at work, I was put at the station with the most scary doctor who has a very hot temper. After some observation, he wasn't that bad to me. He flares up cos he knows his job very well and can't take stupid mistakes made twice on the same issue. I am not worried about working with him but I am very worried about the spelling of the medical terms. So many long and boombastic words like:- hydronephrosis, neolasic, ascites, cannulated, duodenum, intrahepatic and many many more. So alien to a layman like me. Sigh!!!!!!!!!

I manage to learn to sort out the films and report fast and I am pretty happy that at least I have started working and not sitting and doing nothing but worrying.

Well, I am only one week old there....................let's see how it goes. Praying very hard to cope up with the job.

But sad to conclude that I caught the flu from the new colleague who went to work with me on the same day. And each time I get sick, it takes ages to get well.........

I got a very good surprise again tho. My little sweetheart came back for a short visit but sad she does not reconize me anymore.And probably when she does, it is time to go home again. But it is good to hold her again.

MY LIFE

2008-12-30T11:10:00.004+08:00

I have been having sleepless nights recently cos I have been having my cough again and feeliong breathless. Sometimes pain at chest area too. I know this time there is something not right although my last check was ok. But I am not going for any surgery cos it is very painful and it will cost a bomb. The insurance company has already put in papers that they will not pay for any illness that has something to do with diabetics. And also, how many more years do they guarantee after the surgery. I DO NOT want to live that long anyway cos if I am sickly, I will bring alot of inconvenience to my family.

My children seem to be able to take care of themselves. They do not heed my advise anymore. And I think I am begining to be a naggy. I often remind my eldest girl to keep her room tidy, come home early and contribute some help around the house. Each time she cooks something, she will mess up the kitchen. My second one will help to clean up the house as and when she is in the mood and when she does, she will be complaining about her eldest sister. But she fail to realise that she also leave her things around sometimes which result in an arguement most times and me getting frustrated and upset at the same time. And my son, he is in the food line and uses my kitchen often. Each time he cooks, I will get very very upset cos, he will leave it in a massive mess. I get so upset that I could not breath. I even cried out of frustration. He will clean the pots and pans but not properly leaving smell of butter/some sauce cooked with cheese or stew lamb WHICH I DREAD. He will leave bits of veggie/cream and even bread crumbs in the fridge. Plates and glasses used are not properly placed back into the cupboards AND SO ON AND ON AND ON.

Their dad often leave our toilet bowl and the basin dirty. I have to clean it cos I cannot stand it. He will leave the cups all over the kitchen table, his diaries/newspapers everywhere in the hall. He has got about 4 - 5 office bags all over the hall. Oh yes, I do keep them in place once in a while but I got fed-up with it cos the place will look tidy but only for 2 weeks max. Everybody knows how to take towels and bed sheets from my cupboard but never know how to put it back. The 2 girls will NEVER fold the clean laundry. It is mostly done by their father or me and sometimes the brother.

My mistake is, I do everything for them when they were small and when I was much younger. And I had a maid for 2 years. I am not that old now but it is my heart which cannot take all these. When I wash the toilet, I could hardly breath afterwards. Or even when I squat to take a pot or pick some onions or wash the table cloth I feel so tired and breathless. I feel so useless. It is so frustrating when I compare what I can do now and before. I could rearrange the whole house furniture by myself in a day but now, I could not even change my own bedsheet. Sometimes I have to beg or get angry for my sheets to be changed.

The good thing about my children is they are not involved in drugs. That is the only consolation. They always feel that I am domineering. I feel that if I don't tell them, I am not doing my duty but when I tell, they feel I nag too much. The thing is: when I say one time, they NEVER listen. Well, I always say this, probably they will appreciate what I have done and said to them when I am gone.

This may just be a coincidence. I have dreaming about the dead quite often these days. Probably I will meet them soon. My mom died at about the same age as I am now. I am not afraid to go cos I have a lot of friends up there too.

AWAY FROM HOME

2008-09-19T01:35:00.002+08:00

It is almost 4 months since I have been away from home. I am glad that I manage to visit some places. Spend all my money but at least I get to see some friends. Go back home - have to eat porridge every day. Luckily Wen gave me some pocket money for babysitting.

Today Wen and I did some packing. I came with 2 bags and going home with 5 bags and shipping a big box of mine and baby's old clothings. Bought a lot of clothings for myself and my family and some souveniours for my friends. And I also bought a buggy wheelchair. Sound absurb but I bought it for several reasons. First of all, we might not have the buggy type in Malaysia, secondly, I am the youngest in the family and there are other older brothers, sisters, sis-in-laws and bros-in-laws. As age catches up, a lot of uninvited friends will come finding us. So I think it will come in handy. And most importantly, my legs are failing me. Each time I walk fast or a slight twist, it hurts a lot. So tell me if I am wrong to purchase the wheelchair for future use.

Got two astonishing news just couple of weeks ago. My ex-colleague, very sweet young lady, just had a baby told me that she is getting a divorce. And another of my close friend who is married for the past 30 years, had 3 beautiful kids. Eldest girl - 28, just had a 9 lbs baby, Second boy - 26 and the youngest being only11, broke the news to me that her hubby is involved with a 22 year old china girl. He told her that he cannot leave the woman because she was a virgin before he slept with her. Has given my friend an alternative to either let him keep her or divorce him. Up to date, I still do not believe that he would do such a stupid thing because he adores his kids. I am still praying that he is doing this for a special reason. I know my friend is going thru hell and I regret not being there for her when she needed me most.

These few months have made me realise true love. Well, I must say that it has indeed made me a smarter person.

Sure am looking forward to go home. Especially the food is still the best in Malaysia.

I always say this prayer. May the GOD ALMIGHTY / GODDESS OF MERCY / ALLAH bless and keep harmony in the world.

Trip to Chicago

2008-08-23T19:25:00.004+08:00

So nice of my godson's parents (Lyn and Seng) to arrange to take me to Chicago. At first I was worried of the long journey by coach cos my legs will swell but the parents kept assuring me that they will stop every 2 hours for us to go for a pee and stretch ourselves. Tickets all booked and paid............no turning back.

Took Lyn days to finish buying and packing the stuff for the trip. The food items are more than our luggage. There were fruits, cakes, sweets, peanuts, kuachi, biscuits, 20 boxes of cup mee and 3 tubs of 5 lit water. But it was smart thinking and worth in spite of all the carrying off and on the bus.

Been in NY the whole week, there was no rain but on the morning of our trip, it rained. So we had to call for a cab. Good thing cos 3 of us had to carry about 7 bags (big and small) excluding our handbags. And carrying it up the subway station is no joke....errrrr for me. Altho both of them are ever so nice to hand me the lightest of the whole lot.

When I first went into the bus, I slipped and hit my leg against the foot rest. It was very painful (imagine my bone against the steel bar) and a pc of flesh actually came off. I only get to put a plaster after I reach the hotel.

I sat in the middle section of the bus and the bus stinks with urine smell. Obviously I was not the only one who smell it. I sounded to the tourist guide, John and he said that he would do something about it. Anyway, he did not get rid of the smell and I suppose we all got use to the smell after a while.

The journey started of with John telling us where we will stop to pee and stretch. I was not able to understand him properly cos he could not speak english well. So for two hours, there was complete silence in the bus where most of us were sleeping cos we woke up really early. Our first stop was 'The Frog City' . We all had to line up, switch off all out mobile phones to pass through the security check at the entrance. When I went in I thought we were going into a court house. Then John show us a picture of a big frog on the floor. It was made of tiles and guarded by a lady guard. That was what we all lined up through strict security for.

I am glad we went by coach otherwise we will not be able to see all the towns in between New York and Chicago. I remembered Ohio, Detriot, Cleveland, Illinois, Indiana, Toledo, Pittsburgh, Michigan. Might have miss some in between cos I was sleeping most of the way. Went to Holland and German Village too. Went to see Henry Ford Museum - Vintage Cars Exhibit. Beautiful. All the old vehicles - from bicycles to planes. Then we went to see the new porch cars. Oh! and Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth..............my goodness the place is soooooooooooooo big and they sell only x'mas decorative items and there must be trillions of them. We were there for about and hour but I hardly had enough time to go through 3 rows of the deco items. Sad to say tho, 99% of the things are made in China.

Went for a cruise just round and round the same spot and had dinner on board. I only had salad cos most of the food is not to my liking. ( I do not take lamb or steak or anything cooked in cheese). Had lunch in china town in Chicago. The best lunch or meal for the whole trip ......... well for me. Most of the lunches are either Macdonald or Kfc. We were told that we'd probably have that again for dinner so while at china town, we bought some roast duck and ribs. Stoped by a rest area for dinner and we had ours in the park. Then when we reach the hotel, we had cup mee.

The best place we went was a park in Chicago. There was a large group of people there doing exercises and we all followed including John. It was fun.

On the way back there was more fun in the coach cos we all started telling jokes and singing songs. We were all more relaxed with each other and all of us were having so much fun. I think that should be the way to start the journey. But then everybody was so shy. The journey back seem so much shorter.

On the whole, I am glad I went for the trip. Tks again to Lyn and Seng ko.

Rain

2008-08-15T03:36:00.003+08:00

Went to The Big Apple (New York) for 2 weeks to visit my godson Jason and family. Not very familiar with the parents. Just had a few dinners with them for the past few years. The whole family are very hospitable. Will elaborate more in my next post. Must tell this joke before I forget.

Jason's parents took me for a trip by bus to Chicago. It wud have been a very long and boring trip if he did not sit next to me and tell me jokes. And this is one of them.

He told me when he first came to the states about 20 years ago, he went to china town and it was raining. He heard a chinese woman shouting - 'Ti Li Ta La' - Ti LiTa La'. He thought that she was shouting to everyone that it is raining but as he approach nearer to her, he noticed that she had a lot of umbrellas with her and still shouting 'Ti Li Ta La' - Ti Li Ta La'. He stood there for a while and still wondering why she is shouting those words. AND found out later when someone went to buy am unbrella and paid the woman - THREE DOLLARS.

New/Future Home

2008-08-04T22:34:00.002+08:00

Today I got a surprise from my daughter. She told me that my husband has bought me a new home or shall I say a future home.

I have got mixed feelings over this. Don't know how to explain it but it sure spoils my day as I will be thinking about it all the time.

He has bought a place for eternal rest at the Shah Alam area. It is not cheap cost RM25k each. Don't know if this is planning for us or for the sake of the kids?

UL just told me not to think about my age and I was telling myself to let go and feel young and so on but how la when u get some news like this? Kinda depressing. Sigh!!!!!!!!!!!

Greetings from New York

2008-08-03T04:39:00.002+08:00

Hello! greetings from New York. Reached JPK airport on the 30.7.08 at 10.30am, an hour early. My godson's parents came to pick me and we went by train and got lost cos the particular train do not go to the station they came from. I think we went off and on the train for about an hour. It was their first time by train too. So I decided to ask and finally got the correct train. What a joke!!!

There is 3 steep flight of stairs to reach the streets. When I reach the top I was already breathless. Had to stop a little while. We finally got back to their home on the 3rd floor. The weather was so unkind to me. It was sooooooo hot. I felt to sticky cos there was totally no air at all.

Lyn, godson's mom cook and we had dinner at 4.00pm cos they were thinking of taking me to some nice night spots. With the heat and my swollen leg, I just did not feel like going out at all. So we did not go out but just chit chat at home.

I fell asleep while waiting for my godson to come home. He came back at almost 12.00am after his shower, he came to my bedside and talk to me. He was very tired too but he refuse to go back to bed. Anyway, I had to chase him out cos I was very tired myself.

I really slept like a baby and Thank God they had the aircon on. They have the whole family planning to take me to places and shopping. Will tell more soon.

Visit to the Orchard/Farm

2008-07-28T02:13:00.003+08:00

Been here in London for 2 months and went twice to my favourite spot - the Orchard/Farm. It is my fourth visit. My first two visits were the most memorable ones.

First trip - about 5 -6 of us, we took a train there. I picked a lot of strawberries, blueberries and a little of raspberries and one apple (cos not in season). Walked around the farm joking and had so much fun and found many other vegetables like potatoes, carrots, huge bourgettes, cauliflowers, cabbage and brocolli. I was the oldest there but the most childish when it comes to picking fruits. They keep calling out 'Aunty Penny look here - taking photos' I just told them.you all go ahead, I am very busy..... hahahahaha!!!! Then comes the highlight of the day. We looked, searched and asked everyone/everywhere and OMG there was no toilet. The only toilet available is the one at the shops before you come into the farm. We were somewhere in the middle of the farm. So the boys went behind the raspberries plants, and the younger ladies says they are fine and me......oh gosh I need a pee. Looking around frantically, arrrhhhh! I saw a huge pile of twigs. So I told Wendy, I am going to pee behind the pile of twigs, you 'watch water' for me.
As you know, when you have waited for a long time, it takes you ages to finish doing it. Still at it for a couple of seconds cos it went like long and short then long and short................ still at it WHEN I HEARD THE SOUND OF A TRACTOR COMING THIS WAY. Oh! no, not coming to collect this pile. I wanted to pull up my pants but cannot it has not finish yet and not like tap can turn off......... just didn't know what to do but pray lor. Thank GOD, they did not come for the twigs. After this incident, I never dare to keep my pee for long long time and never dare to do it in the open.

Second trip - Wendy hired a car and five of us ladies only drove there. We ate a lot of strawberries, corn and sugar plums. Was so fasinated cos we had to squat down to pick the sugar plums cos they were all at the tree trunks orhanging down from the branches. We actually had to crawl under the tree to reach those fruits. It was so beautiful and amazing and that is one of the reasons why I keep yearning to come back to london for visit.

The farm closes at six, the crazy ladies decided to drive 2 hours to Brighton for a bowl of curry noodles. By the time we reached home it was almost 2am.

One thing good was for the first 2 trips, we started he journey very early so it was not so hot and we get to spend more time looking around for other fruits and vegetables.

Besides coming to see the little sweetheart and taking care of Wendy during her confinement, I wanted very much to pick cherries. I was still not well by May so I prayed very hard and took all kinds of medications to get well and fit for the journey. I was still a little breathless but I dare not complain cos when and if I do, my family will not let me come as I was travelling alone on the long flight. Praise the LORD, I made it.

Unfortunately this time around, I find it totally different. No more umph!!!!!! Ok, perhaps it is just me. Like my daughter said, everything is just me, me and me. Perhaps I am just over reacting/sensitive whatever. First of all this time we went with different groups. Secondly, Wendy must have gone a hundred times thus lost interest and moreover there is BB to feed and sleep and so on. And thirdly, we went there so late.

This time, the first trip went with Wendy, BB, Wendy's sister in law and son, the weather threatens to rain, so BB and Wen had to stay in the car. Only manage to pick some strawberries and raspberries. Cherries is only available two weeks later. We were in the farm probably for about an hour then went to the shops for another half hour.

Second trip went with Wendy, Jon and BB too. It was so hot Wen and BB had to stay in the car with the air con on. Spend less than 1 hour there. Only harvested 3 cauliflowers, some sweet peas and 2 miseerable potatoes. Cherries were not available anymore. SSSSSSSSsssssoooooooooooooo disappointed.

The only cheeries I get to pick was the few that Pearly purposely left for me from her cherry tree and the ones I stole from a neighbour. According to Pearly, well at least you have picked some. Hahahahaha!! Good thots Tks Pearly.

Nevertheless, I must say thank you to Wendy and Jon for the time and effort. Thanks.

Old Age

2008-07-22T02:37:00.002+08:00

Old age comes with forgetfulness, clumsiness, uselessness, brainless, strenghless and breathless.

I am only 53 yrs old and I already encounter all those mentioned above. I used to be very systematic and energetic in my house work when my kids were young. We were staying in a single storey house when I only had my two girls, before my son came.
First thing I do when i get up is to take whatever I want to cook out from the fridge, then rinse the clothings already prewashed the night before. And next, sweep the floor, then hang up the clothings and after sending them off to school, I will mop the floor or manage to change all the furnitures from the hall to the second hall or from the first room to the back room when I am bored with the settings. Then I will put the soup to boil and season pork/chicken or fish and cut the vegetables and place them back into the fridge. Everyday, I wud prepare different menu for lunch for my kids. There were chicken chop, scramble egg on toast, fried rice, soup noodles, fish and chips, fried wanton with ikan bilis soup and sometimes just milo with cornflakes. I am done by noon. Then start to prepare dinner at 5.30pm.

Where have all those energy gone?????? I hate myself for being so useless. Not that I wanted to be forgetful or something like that but it really hurts when you are shouted at or screamed at the slightest mistake you make.

So far, I have only seen one man who is very filial and patience with his parents. His name is David. His mom is sickly and he is the only one to take care of her in spite of having 3 other siblings. She is one difficult lady. In one day, she can demand to be send to the doc 5 times. Even in the wee mornings. The poor chap will do it. And he will conspire with the doc to say that all is ok. He will feed her with so much love while she, having lost her sense of taste will throw tantrums. This is a daily affair. He took care of her for years before she is called home. His dad is still around at he age of 80+. He is staying in another town and the cute part is the old man will not eat until he hears the son's voice. So he makes it a point to call his dad daily no matter how busy he is.

I don't wish to be like his mom (sickly and dependant) BUT I DO WISH TO HAVE CHILDREN LIKE HIM

Like everyone else, wish I can turn back the clock and do justice to myself. Not that something bad has happened but then I just wish to be wiser.

How I wish.......................

2008-06-30T18:04:00.002+08:00

At this very moment, staying in the room of my niece's father-in-law' flat, feeling very hungry and do not feel like going out to the kitchen to find a bite, (got up at 8am and it is already 11.10am) how I wish that I have enough money to sponsor my niece to get an apartment of her own. Yes, my niece bought me a lot of biscuits and other stuff, but if u have to eat that daily, it sucks. Oh that makes me miss all those, chee cheong fun, mee yoke, char kuey teow, curry mee, nasi lemak or even a simple char kuey wit coffee back home.

Staying in a stranger's house is really torturous. Not that he is not nice, but each time we do something, you know that there is a watchful eye which makes me VERY UNCOMFORTABLE so I opt to wait for my niece to have breakfast/brunch together.

If I have plenty of ££££ then I can pay for her operation to remove her gallstones and then I can go HOME and maybe come again to see the little sweetheart. She is so cute really. At 6 weeks she already knows how to 'ang ku ku'. I love it when she laughs heartily in her sleep and when she does that, she is such a beauty. But she has been spoilt in a way by many people around. She is used to being carried so now we have a little problem with that. She wants to be cuddled all the time.

Anyway, since I have travelled to many hundreds thousands of miles, I might as well move around a bit to other places cos i don't know when I am coming this way again. So nice to have some relatives/friends around. Planning to go to Leicestershire, Holland, Germany and New York.

So how I wish..................................... (I KNOW EVERYBODY DOES TOO) have plenty of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

Mis-communications

2008-06-17T06:27:00.002+08:00

I bought some fruits (apples, bananas and oranges) from Sainsbury cos I need fruits after taking so many types of medications. When I saw the fruits I wanted to buy many many more types cos it is so cheap......... I mean dollar to dollar. £1++ for a bag of 8 nice sweet crunchy green apples and 5 big navel oranges. 5 Bananas is less than $1/- .

In all the supermarts, I noticed that they only sell one type of bananas that is Montel. I was explaining to Jon's family (sister/bro-in-law and dad) that in our country, there are so many kinds. We have pisang:- emas, raja, susu and berangan and those big big ones where they make kuih kodoh (sp) and the green ones used for making goreng pisang besides raja. They were surprised there were actually so many kinds.

Then after taking the bananas for a couple of days, I noticed I had alot of wind and keeps on farting which is so embarrassing. So I stopped eating. Jon's dad saw the balance and asked why I did not finished it. I told him that after taking the 'kong chiew' (banana in cantonese) I felt my tummy bloated with wind. Then he said, it happens becos u eat 'kong chiew' (male banana) - u should eat 'na chiew' (female banana). To my surprise, I exclaimed - eh! u have a different kind here too. He also claim that it is very good for diabetics. Then I said - ok , the next time u see those, u buy some for me to try. So, the very next day, he went out early and bought 4 huge pcs back which only cost $1/- He told me that these are specials ones and sold by the africans. When I saw it I thought eh! it looks like the ones they make kuih kodoh. Anyway I have to try it to show my appreciation since he is so nice to go all the way to the wet market to buy for me and keep repeating that it is good for diabetics.

I took one and cut it into half to share with him cos I said it was too big for me. He refuse to eat saying that he is not a diabetic and I end up eating the whole thing. Altho it has turned yellow, it still has the raw kind of taste. but I ate it all anyway. Does not nice lor. Then I said - oh! so the 'na chiew' is like that one arrrrrh! He just smile saying that maybe it is till not ripe enough. Ok, I shall wait till it is a bit soft.

Then on Beatrix's full moon, Jon's eldest brother and family came. The SIL prepared dinner while I just stayed in the room to tend to BB. During dinner, I noticed that 2 of the 'na chiew' was missing. So I asked - oh! someone has eaten it. Then the SIL said, no, I fried it. And showed me the balance. I took one and I said it definitely taste better after being fried. Then she started laughing and said that of course - this type of bananas have to be fried. NOBODY eats it raw.........then, the father laughed till he almost got chocked when I told them that the father purposely went to buy this 'na chiew' for me.

So naive of me, taken for a ride.

I can communicate with Jon's dad but then his hakka slang is terrible. One morning he was making ' kau yuk' (steam pork with some veg and herbs) . I heard 'kow yuk' (dog meat). Then I asked, huh! u eat 'kow yuk' one arrrrh! First time he said --- ya. Then I asked again, really arrrrh! u eat 'kow yuk' ?????? He roared into laughter and said NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT IS 'KAU YUK' ................................... There is plenty more of these mis-communications. I must say, it irritates him at times but it makes his day most times.

In London

2008-06-05T21:21:00.002+08:00

I arrived in London on 27.5.08 at about 4.08 as scheduled but by the time I check out, it was almost 5.15pm. Jon came to fetch me. Took about an hour to reach his home. Traffic was ok compared to our traffic back home at that particular hour. Altho the roads were narrow the traffic flows very smoothly cos all the cars follow their lanes unlike M'sia where some suka suka cut lanes.

Finally able to see the little sweetheart with big big eyes. So adorable. She is one person who lives up to the name:- a hungry girl is an angry girl. Nothing and no one can stop her cries except the bottle or her mummy's tits. She sure knows her rights. hehehehehehe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am totally lost in other people's house. Don't know where their things are kept. Can't find sesame oil, cornflour, tomatoe sauce and used the salt they use to wash veg for soup. Cooking for Wendy is no problem cos she eats anything whether nice or not. But I also have to cook for her father-in-law. Considered him very nice to accomodate me and Jan n baby who was here a month earlier. BUT when it comes to food he is sooooooooooo fussy. He does not eat chicken any other style except fried or roast. Does not take eggs, ginger, prawns, shrimps and even pork. Nor does he takes spicy food. I feel very bad if and when he takes only a bowl of rice cos his nornal intake is two bowls. He practically eats only the vegetables and he ALWAYS buy two types only. So the lunch or dinner is always the same. Anyway, I have tried my best to cook to suit him cos we are staying in his home. His freezer is always full with chicken drumsticks and wings, pork and ribs. But there are not much spices around. Well I can understand cos he is a Vietnanmese. His food is totally different from ours (m'sians). He does not cook while I am around (so far) except did roast chicken drumsticks 2xs but he did most of the marketing. {Oops!! just found out that he is NOT a Vietnamese. He moved from China to Vietnam but he is 100% chinese}

One thing I must salute to him is that he is very tidy and clean. Water for drinking and boiling soup must be double filtered and preboiled and all plates and chopsticks/spoons must be rinsed in boiling water before use.

As I get up quite early, normally I wud prepare the ingredients for lunch and dinner and place them back in the fridge and then I have time to laze around for a bit while waiting for the princess and her parents to get up. When she does, I will help get the bottles sterilized while her mom attend to her needs.

This weekend will be the full moon. Both Wendy and I are just waiting to go shopping a bit and of course not forgetting my visit to the orchard. I pray I am able to harvest cherries (my dream). Initially when I shop for some groceries at Sainsbury's, things were so cheap. Most items that I bought were less than £3.00. The total came to about £14.00 - three bags full BUT when converted to RM it is RM90.00. Went to china town with Jon and bought a durian. It cost £16.00 and that is almost RM100.00 . They say that durian is good for confinement woman so I bought for Wendy but that after eating, she had a bad attack of gallstones. Poor child. Was sent to hospital by ambulance. NO DURIANS FROM NOW TILL SHE HAVE IT REMOVED.

Counting the days for my visit to the orchard.

Lost yet another friend.

2008-05-07T21:32:00.000+08:00

This is also sudden and unacceptable. My dear friend Allan Kuek is murdered.

We form a group when we were elected as committee members of my club in Subang. Initially there were just 7 of us. Namely:- Henry , YS Lee, Steven, Dom, Robert, Allan and myself. Then some close friends decided to join in so now we have 13. Additionals are: Wendy, Francis, Vincent, Lee Pang and Kathy. We celebrates each others birthday and have a gala time. We will eat good food, sing and dance and not missing out drinks too. We are about 8 yrs old already.

I feel good about it as I think that out of the billions of people, God brought us together.

Then Dom left us for Dubai but then we will try to meet up whenever he comes back. Ya, we miss him but then we cannot just think of ourselves, he has to give the best to his family so he choose to work where they offer better.

Allan is a very gentleman. Basically a quiet guy. He never disturb the girls during party. Good dancer - so all night long he has to go round dancing with all his dancing group of ladies. Best part of him is he always has his limits in drinking. When he has had enough, he will sit quietly at a corner and start drinking plain water. Also a very caring person. When I sms to inform them that I am not able to go to UK cos I had another bad attack of cough, He was so concern, he quickly called and asked if I am alright cos he mistook that I have a heart attack. YS confirmed saying that he is also very helpful in many ways. And he is one guy always with a smiling face. Oh! I can go on and on and on about him but the important thing to do now is:- try to do justice for his uncalled for death.

Allan's case was sad cos he did not go on his free will. They abducted him and kill to silence him.

He went for drinks with 2 other friends at Hyatt Saujana, they called it RP. After the drinks and dance, all left for home but only he did not reach his home. 10 days later he was found floating down the Kuala Selangor River. They must have thrown him into the river for many many days cos his body was badly decomposed. His wife Catherine cud hardly reconized any part of him except for the old fashion brief he was wearing. "Mo tuen tuen" his 3 kids (youngest being 6 only) became fatherless. And Catherine is not working.

Don't you think that this is a brutal act? YS suggest that we bring up this issue, Hope the press and the new leaders will help to curb this. So if there is anyone out there who can help in any way, please do keep in touch with me. Thank you.

SENSITIVE ISSUES

2008-04-18T10:43:00.000+08:00

Most agree including myself that this is a free blog where u can put in anything that comes into your mind BUT I must remind that there are some sensitive issues that must not be done just like I told my daughter Pam. I won't scold her in her blog and create a scene like some people. Behind closed doors, we can scold/shout/scream at each other but in our open blog, I see no reason why we should mislead other bloggers cos we are not detailed in what we write.

And thus it is not fair for the other bloggers to post any comments base on just one side story. When and if I want to write a post, surely I would write all the flowery and best things that I have done. Who would tell what has been swept under the carpets. As a matter of fact, it is the family members or the people involved who is clear about the whole picture. Some people tends to elaborates a great deal in what they do for people but some choose to stay quiet about it (until maybe cannot tahan la). But when that happens, which I call the no turning point then things will turns sour especially when half the world knows but........................... half the story.

That is why I said, always leave some room for amendments. Yes I too will get very pissed off if someone tries to bully my family esp. parents but then, when we react, we must think of the consequences. First we do not bark blindly cos too many people will be hurt in the process. Aim at the target and bark or bite. Sad to say, there are some people who are just too stubborn and won't listen. Trouble is when they think they are wrong, nobody is right. And when they think they are right, everybody is wrong.

I still can't believe that one silly post can cause or stir up such an unfriendly situation or is it the comments from other bloggers which adds salt and pepper to the wound??????????? This is something all the bloggers need to think about as and when you post comments on other blogs. Please do not touch on sensitive issues.

BLOGGING

2008-04-07T20:43:00.000+08:00

I wonder what blogging is all about? I thought it is a place where you can say/view what is in your mind and for others to read and help find solutions/ or make friends but recently I found some squabbles.

It is not necessary, if you think you don't like what the writer writes, then don't read his or her blog. What is written may be misinterpretted.

Funny Familiar Forgotten Feelings

2008-04-05T10:49:00.000+08:00

Each time I fall ill, I have those FFFF (Funny Familiar Forgotten Feelings) and that is the yearn for my mom. Somehow, she will know what medication to give and cure me almost instantly. She has the look of a matron but never was in medical line at all.

I have been quite sick last year and thot that it is all over but the cough attack came back again. All those cough tablet and phlegm medication did not stop it. Went to see a physician in Ipoh yesterday and he thinks it cud be due to the failure of my heart. It scares me a little cos he cud be right as I have an abnormal heart which only function at 40 - 60%.

Why I have FFFF?? Cos I was coughing the whole night in spite of an aid to sleep and 2 times of cough mixtures, I just cud not sleep but cough and cough and keep throwing out the phlegm. NONE of my family members noticed nor came to ask if I needed anything.

It is so different the things a mom do for her kids and what the kids do for the mom. When my kids are not well, I will fetch them water and medication and check on them everynow and then. And when I was coughing and throwing out and so on, I simply miss my Mom and wished she cud/wud help me but of course she is not able to even if she wanted to.

This morning when I woke up, my eldest and youngest already disappeared from the house without knowing even if I am dead or alive. The father continue to do his theraphy in spite of Saturday which he normally don't go. Luckily number 2 is around. She knows I was very sick cos we went to Ipoh together and she slept in the same bedroom with me and also went to the doc with me. She know how serious my condition is. I am sure she wud have told the rest of the family, but it hardly make any difference to some. Oh! yes they care............... but with they mouth only. Base on their disappearance from the house you already know the answer.

I am sure I am not the only mom who feels like this. Sometimes we just don't know how to let out so like most times, we just keep quiet and let the matter pass but honestly, it hurts. I only can cry, Cry for my mom. I know I am too old for that but I simply miss her.

2007......GLAD IT IS GONE.

2008-01-11T17:22:00.000+08:00

What a year it is for me. Besides loosing my job, having to go thru an operation, being in and out of hospitals and clinics, I lost a dear uncle and his daughter (who is supposedly my half sister - my father's daughter given to my mom's sister) and a very close friend.

Well there were marriages too. My sister's son got married but within 3 months, the DIL refuse to let the MIL to stay with them. Wants to put her in the old folks home. I don't know it this is going to happen. So far, my house is her sanctuary. At the moment she is still staying with me. Hope they will work something out.

Luckily there is a great news to console and make back for those bad times. My big girl Wen has finally got married and now having a baby. And Jan has a cute son. So I naik pangkat again besides the 3 from Pearly.

Glad that the new yr has set in and I am slowly but surely getting better.

Pray that 2008 will bring loads and loads of health, joy, luck and peace to the world.

Turning Back

2007-12-13T13:28:00.000+08:00

As usual, we will go to my club on the eve of a public holiday (10.12.07) for karaoke. Haven't been there for quite a while cos I was not well and with a bad cough, how to sing? Anyway, my usual group of friends called and said they were 'thirsty' so there we went. Not a large crowd but then becos the dj was new, he messed up all our requests which made some people pretty upset.
There was a girl there who sang very well that night. I have not seen her before but I know she will be back soon.
I have been a member of this club for almost twenty years. That means, all the people who frequent this place would know each other.
Met this friend (J) who used to sing with me some 11 years ago. For unknown reasons, he started telling me that he has totally wrecked his life for the past five years. He lost his family and many of his friends. He admitted that it was his fault cos he was arrogant and was flirting around.
First I told him that where family is concern, there is no overnight hatred and that he shoud try to make back. Well, at least if you try, you will know the answer rather than to keep quiet and feel sorry not knowing if they are prepared to forgive you. As for friends, if they all leave you, I have learned that they have never been there at all so go and make new ones.
The place was pretty noisy so he said that he would like to sit down one day with me to tell me all about it.
Anyway, I requested the two songs we used to sing and that was:- the night chicago died and river of babylon. My, my after the song, he thanked me and told me that he felt real good after the shouting/letting out.
I am glad that helped him, probably he had a good sleep that night.
I hope he will find a way back into his family again.
Any one out there have better suggestions PLEASE???

So funny!!

2007-10-09T11:26:00.000+08:00

Had an invitation from an ex colleague for his son's wedding at the Palace of the Golden Horses. So decided to go with my friend Poly and then stay over at her place.

Both of us have not been to that Hotel but manage to after we missed the junction and reversed a short way back. To avoid the jam at the race course junction, we were the earliest guests. Poly was very hungry, so we scout around for some food but at 6.30pm none was found around the hotel. So both of us had two full glasses of drinks and ate up most of the tibbits they served. Then the minute we were allowed to enter the ballroom, she ate her share of cake as well. That shows how hungry she was.

Then came all the ex-colleagues - that is Poly's ex. I join in after all of them left if not we were working at different locations. So there were lost of catching up for all of them and yes there were nice to include me in their conversation.

So the dinner went well with all the slides and the cake cutting, wine pouring, toasting and our friend dedicated a song to his son and new bride.

Going home from the hotel is no problem BUT as soon as we reach the junction of Bandar Tun Razak, for reasons unknown, there was a crazy jam. The whole area was jammed up with triple parking of cars on both sides of the road. Poly said she has never encounter this before. So it was lucky me.

It took us about 35 - 45 mins to reach her flat from the junction and guess what???????? There was black out. It NEVER happened before in her 3 years stay there. So it must be me again lor. Climbing up to her second floor was not problem cos a nice gentleman has placed a candle on the stairway. I told Poly, earlier that I will take 1/2 a sleeping tablet so that I can sleep better but now looks like I have to take the whole tablet. Then she said........'U remember to breath arh!!' (After talking about Freddy, she is worried that I will just go too).

I slept on the floor in the hall and Poly joined me. We chatted and Poly started snoring ( and I thot I am the one who took the sleeping aid). Thank God the current came back at about 1.30am and we both went back into the room to the comfortable bed and air-con. In spite of the sleeping aid, I did not have a good sleep cos of the new enviroment. I got up around 10.00am. Had my shower and started packing my things when Poly jumped out of bed and she got a shocked when she saw that it was 11.30am. So I told her, I took the sleeping aid and YOU got the effect.

Went for breakfast at Sri Petaling then to Tong Kee to pack some tarts and so on. Then took Poly for a hair trim. Then for dinner and send her home.

Exercise!!!

2007-10-05T18:56:00.000+08:00

Exercises is one thing I dread but definitely much needed. My other half always reminds me to do my walk on the treadmill. Tq much appreciated.

I have stopped walking for sometime due to my health. Each time I fet the cough, my lungs would get congested and thus I cannot breath properly and so on and on. Well, maybe I am just giving myself some silly excuses. Anyway, I have started again trying a 5 mins then a 10 and supposedly more and more.

The first few steps was ok but then after ten steps it is like your legs are tied to a 10 ton brick. Each step really take a lot of effort. Then I decide to turn my mind to other things and...............

Automatically I thought of my dear friend Freddy. I thought of him because he use to hold my hands and ask me to take care and do more exercises and eat more healthy food cos of my health problem in 2005. He would also supply us the health food that he sells - oats, sugar free jam and peanut butter and so on. Mana tau he goes earlier than me. Guess God needs him more than us.

Then I think of all the bloggers. All of you can write so well. So many topics to write about, so many nice pictures to along with the nice things you say or do. Then I look back at the treadmill meter and tarrrrrraaaaa.......... it is time. Thank God.

When one's mind is busy time flies. This is why I always look forward to a busy day at the office so that time flies and it is time to go home.

DO NOT WASTE TIME.

2007-10-05T13:41:00.001+08:00

My last post "Lost a close friend" makes me realise that any next moment could be our last.

So my dear friends and family out there, please do not waste the precious time we have. Call/visit those whom you might have neglected. When that person is gone, there is no use crying over his/her dead body or talking to his/her soul.

DO NOT WASTE TIME.

2007-10-05T13:41:00.000+08:00

Lost a dear friend.

2007-09-27T16:27:00.000+08:00

Had a call from my friend Wendy and could not hear a thing she was saying cos she was crying at the same time. She slow down and told me that Freddy is gone...................................... I was not sure cos there was no sign of any sickness. So I called his office but the office dare not confirm it, so I asked for the eldest son's handset number. I called and he confirmed it.

Freddy and wife Stephanie has been our close friends for the past 35 years ........... way before we (both couples) got married. Each time we have dinner together, he would hold my hands and tell me how much he appreciated our friendship. Each time I think of his words, tears would just flow down my cheeks whether I am in the office or in the car or even when I am on the phone with my daughter. Shireen was very concern and ask me not to go to the funeral parlour because my health this year is real horrid BUT I just have to go and see him for a last time.

It is so sad the way he died. He collapsed at the bank and NONE came to his aid. The post mortem shows that if someone would have just gave him a hard push at the chest area, he would have been saved. Worst was, there was a doctor at the bank at that time. He was only 59. It is so hard to accept his death. And I know it is worst for Stephanie who share most if not all her time with him.

But I pray Stephanie will be strong to go through all these as she still has four sons who need her most at this time.

Meanwhile, Freddy, we will all miss you very much and may you go in peace. Bless all your love ones who you left behind.

WHAT DO U CALL THIS???

2007-08-22T13:37:00.000+08:00

I was asked to leave the company when I wrote to my boss for an increment after working with him for 9 years. Earlier there was a decrement and thanks to my immediate boss who recomendded my increment back to where I started just before he left the company.

When he asked me to leave somewhere in December, he said that he will give me enough time to look for another job and will compensate me 3 months salary. Then just before chinese new year, he gave me a cheque and told me that it was my bonus and I said a big TQ.

Comes March before he went in for his heart operation, he gave me a letter which states that he is giving me the 3 months salary he mentioned and one month of which I have taken in advance during chinese new year.

This really shocked me as much as it upsets me. In the first place, I did not asked for any advance pay so why should he consider that as an advanced payment?????

I suppose that might have caused the heart attack which I supposedly have without realising it which was confirmed by my heart doc. Oh yes! if I had died then, I would take it to grave with me. Can anyone tell me any reason why I shouldn't??

Each time I think of it, I get very very upset cos I feel so cheated.
Well, you can't blame me for hoping that the same thing will happen to the person who does this to me cos the world is round and EVERYBODY has ups and downs in one's life.

HALO

2007-07-02T21:17:00.000+08:00

Hi! Been silent for a while because I just did not think of any interesting to say.

Went back to work in a totally new enviroment. Must say that it is an eye opener for me. Did not realise that there are so many things to learn in that industry. Been there a month and sad to say that I still have not learnt 5% of the trade. I must thank my guru though. She has been very helpful cos my boss is not in most of the time. Thank you - Angeline.

Was not well recently and got myself worried sick thinking it is my heart which causes me to have difficulty in breathing. So I had to make an emergency appointment to consult my doc. He checked and finally found that it was the new medication that I took for balancing my hormornes. So he gave me something else to ease it. Phew!! I thought another angioplasty.

Another sad news. My uncle (late ah yee's husband) passed away on 28.6.07. If I had been a healthy baby, I would have been given to him for adoption. He adopted my half sister instead. He loved me as a daughter anyway cos I was a good girl since young. Ahem!! Ahem!!

I feel very sad for him cos he actually worked till he die. I believe many people goes through the same but then this uncle had a daughter who was married to quite a wealthy guy. She probably could not buy him a bungalow or employ maid for him but I am sure that she can offer a trip to nearby countries when he was ok, or maybe help pay some of his medical bills. When I went back to see him some time ago, he actually cried when talking about her.

I may sound cruel or maybe cocky but I just cannot accept her. With her is just hello - goodbye. Nothing more nothing less.

Hard to believe there are such children. Pray that God will wake them before it is too late. Hope that whatever ill-feelings there is between parents and children - all will be forgotten after a good sleep.

First day at new job

2007-06-01T20:16:00.000+08:00

After 2 solid months of rest after my surgery, have become kinda of lazy. Started worrying 2 weeks ago whether I can get up that early as I have been getting up at 9am, or whether my rusty brains can pick up the tasks.
Comes 30.5.07, told the whole world (my family - hehehe) that I have to sleep early so that I can get up in time to go to the new office which is a couple more miles from the old one. Aiya! lagi teruk, toss and turn the whole night cannot sleep. And when I finally got to sleep, the alarm clock and my handphone reminder rang.
Surprise the road was not that bad - of course it is school holidays now. Manage to reach the office at 8.08am. Hope the traffic flow can maintain like this all the time.
On the way home, I paid the toll and turn wrongly to the federal highway and join the jam again. How stupid. Grrrrr!!!!!!

Shocking/upsetting matter

2007-05-28T12:17:00.000+08:00

I just learn this from a close friend Jenny about a week ago. It is a shock to me and find it upsetting or rather worrying too.

Another "friend" Hellen (wrong spelling intended) asked Jenny to take care of her mom who is 84 yrs old. The old lady has 4 kids. 3 sons and 1 daughter. Jenny asked for RM2K .....AGREED. Asked to let her continue her part time - 1/2 day 3 times a week ..... AGREED. So Jenny offered to fix the astro and air conditioner for the room. BUT Hellen rejected the offer. Strange as any daughter would want their mom to stay in a comfortable house.

All the children told Jenny not to bother them for little matters. Hellen stay in the same town but told her mom that she is working out-station.

Maybe the old lady is naggy or selfish but whatever it is, I think the children have no choice cos that is THEIR MOM and she is already 84.

This really makes me miss my mom. I get sort of jealous when she chose to stay with the eldest son and not me.

Anyway, Jenny did not agree to take care of their mom by the end of the day cos she was afraid the the old lady might not last long at her place.

WE - ladies n gentlemen - must learn from this and try not to be tooooo naggy when we get older. Not easy but try to be a friend to the children.

Perfect family

2007-05-09T11:25:00.000+08:00

When I was young, I go to loads of movies with my mom.

Some of the shows I remembered has very good stories, like loving understanding husband, nice and accomodative parents-in-laws and very very filial children. There is so much harmony in the family.

The kids place their family NO. 1. Come home early, have meals with family. When they grow big they take care of the parents and help in whatever way they can in and around the house.

I thot these are only in shows. But I really do come across this type of family but sad to say only one.

My aunty in Singapore. She has 4 children, 3 girls and 1 boy. All the children are married and have 2 kids each except the youngest who married late and only one (at the moment). All except the youngest one who is married and migrated to Hong Kong, comes home for dinner everyday. They all have a maid each and drop them mom's place every morning (Mon - Fri). Every weekend they will take turns or plan together to take the parents out for dinner. Every few months the children will plan a holiday for the parents. When they come home they sit in the hall watch tv and chat. Mom is fair to daughters, son and all the in-laws. Whatever she cooks/buy - everybody gets a fair share.

Close to perfect eh?????

But nowadays, if our children are not involve in drugs or crimes - we can thank God already. Agree parents????? Some might think - "I've enough of kids".

Exactly what my aunty said. But I told her, just wait. Wait till you hold the baby then you tell me. When she came back for a short holiday, she made so many calls home to check on her food, sleep and whether she has done her biz (pang sai). YA IMAGINE. She even worrys about whether she shit or not.

Isn't that nice to have such a family atmosphere???? Good for the parents and the children. Can see your children/grand children everyday and for the children, have someone trustworthy to keep an eye on their kids and come home to warm home cook food.

A dream - for me at the moment.

Line Dancing

2007-05-07T14:30:00.000+08:00

This is not an advertisement but my club - Lake View Club organized buffet lunch every sunday and it is very reasonable. That is why some of the dance studio take the opportunity to make some money by organizing some practice there.

I use to go there for lunch and I just can't help peeping. My! some can really dance well. There are vegetable sellers, fish mongers, tailors, canteen operators, bus operators and so on and on. The ages ranges from 25 to 65. Ya, the olders ones moves slower but they did not miss the steps and variations. Some dances like soldiers but they can remember the movements. Makes me feel so cacat. I have had wanted to take line dancing but up to date still - just wanting. Never really 'tik hei sum kon' to do it.

Went to one once. When I learn the first step, they have already gone to the third. Aihh!!!!! so 'pai seh'. I really admire those who can dance well.

What a mistake!!

2007-05-03T13:18:00.000+08:00

Went to visit a friend in Penang who is diagnosed of lung cancer. She is a very jovial lady. In spite of being sick she was telling us this joke.

She was sent to the hospital by her friends. She was trying to catch her breath when a doctor asked her some questions. Come to this question, do u have any children. She said, "I don't have any children........" then she try to catch her breath again. The doctor then send her to the ward.

The following day, a lady called up and happen to speak to the same doctor, tried to ask about this patient Madam Veronica Ooi. Normally doctors are not allowed to tell unless he/she is the patient's immediatel family. So he asked "who is this"? She replied, "I am the daughter". Puzzled the doctor told her, " cannot be, she told me that she don't have children". Quickly the doctor went to see Veron and told her. Then she said to the doctor,"I was breathless yesterday and could not finish my sentence - I do not have any children her in Penang. My daughter is in KL and my son is in US" .

Wonder whose mistake this is??????????????????

Marrying the dead.

2007-05-03T12:47:00.000+08:00

This is a true story told to me by the bridegroom's sister-in-law. The story goes like this:-

One day this boy A came home with some jewelleries wrapped with a pc of red cloth. Couple of days later an elderly couple came to their house and related their daughter has come to their dreams and told them that A found the jewelleries and even taught them how to find him. So they have to admit. The couple came to confirm a proposal. Ya, WHAT PROPOSAL????

Seem their daughter who passed away some years ago asked for a husband. Now where can they find a husband for a dead person?? Normally people would burn the paper ones but she doesn't want a paper one. She wants to have 'ming fun' (a surname/title). So they came up with this idea - they call it fate. Whoever (male I mean) picks and keep this gift will become her husband. At first A and family disagree until A became very sick for unknown reasons. This time they approach the couple and finally an agreement was made. That is they will go ahead with the marriage provided A can still marry a human. OK - agreed by the dead.

The ceremony:- nothing less than the normal human's marriage. The exchange of gifts, house all decorated with red ribbons and even dinner for the immediate family. Coming to the prayers, A has to go thru with a live chicken.

Couple of years later, A found a girlfriend and then decide to get married. Yes they sought the medium and ask permission from the dead wife. All went well, she agreed provided the 2nd wife pay respect to her.

I would say A is lucky cos he married a reasonal spirit. What if she disagree?????

So guys, be careful, things don't just fall from the sky - hehehehehehehe!!!!!

Foul Languages

2007-04-26T17:21:00.000+08:00

I notice as I read from some of the blogs that nowadays foul languages is going so freely. To some people they may think that by saying or writing such words, it might make them more "yau ying". My personal feeling is that it is so degrading oneself. I can accept when one is in anger but not all the time.

I am really ashame to admit that some of my family members say them like it is a holy word. The minute they open their mouth such words will just automatically come. Don't you feel proud and happy when you speak to somebody, say a child who speaks good words and is well mannered????? He or she says thank you and please or may I? I for one will. I am sure a lot of parents out there will agree.

I am indeed proud of my children cos I always gets compliments from my close friends. Yes, they do speak some foul languages when they are pissed off. But I pray they will kick that off.

Nick Names

2007-04-23T10:52:00.000+08:00

This incident goes way back almost 40 years ago. My mom use to go for mahjongg at this uncles's place who has a shop that collects rubber sheets from the small rubber estate holders. He has a few sons and I remembered well that one of them is called 'Tai How' (big mouth) cos his mouth was bigger than others. Then there is one who has a big patch of eye brow called 'Or Bai ' (black eyebrow). This is just to give you a few examples.
About four shops away there is another shop owner who is called ' Mo Tuen Tuen ' (suddenly).......God help me, I don't not know who name him like that or why.
Anyway the story is:- one day Tai How was reading the newspaper and reading out loud to Or Bai, aiyoh don't know why this guy mo tuen tuen go and burn the house down and kill 2 people. Then Or Bai's reaction was:- HUH!! why Mo Tuen Tuen go and burn people's hse????? And Tai How replied:- " don't know why he mo tuen tuen go and burn the house".
Did you get the joke???? Obviously after a couple of minutes of who, when, why..... the matter was clarified.
Don't know why some people mo tuen tuen nick name 'Mo Tuen Tuen"

Song title

2007-04-17T13:25:00.000+08:00

Ace wanted some jokes. This came to my mind as I was mentioning Karaoke. Was with some friends at my club and if there is crowd sometimes it takes quite a while for your turn. We were waiting and my friend Richard ask if I have put up my song. I noded and said "you needed me". He quickly shake his hands and head. I was wondering why but I repeated "you needed me". And he did the same. Then I realise and laughed and told him that, that was the title of the song I put up. And he felt so embarrassed. But up to date we are still good friends - no hard feelings.

Ya I know....silly joke/silly man.

First quarter of the 2007

2007-04-16T13:11:00.000+08:00

My! My! My! So many happenings in just the first quarter of the new year for me. Well, first I was retrenched by the company with whom I have worked for 9 solid years. Sad but it is ok otherwise I would not realise that there are other companies out there who still wants senior/matured people like us to manage an office. Yes, I went for an interview and got the job with a higher pay but then I have to reject it when they wanted me to start immediately which I have a good reason to.

Then I had a goooooood surprise when Wen conspire with all my kids and gave me a surprise birthday dinner. Oh yes it is great and thank God my heart could take it. Honestly I was feeling kind of upset cos we choose the wrong spot for the dinner. We invited my brother, a friend and families and the place was sooooooooooooooo crowded and we were so late. I was so worried that my brother and that friend would be hungry and as the saying goes, a hungry man is an angry man. Anyway. when Wen and Jon came, all went well cos, those two I mentioned... no food , no problem, got drinks - solved all problems. kekekekekkeke!!!!!!

And I am happy to meet up with some of the bloggers. Met Shasha (n baby), Laundry Ah Mah, Ace, Kenny, Winnz and Nonya (2xs). Honestly, first I felt kind of out of place cos all them are so young. But later, it ease off. Hope able to Karaoke with you sometime. Sorry I missed the one with Wen. Heard that you all like to joget a bit eh!!!! Well I can sing some songs with fast tempo.

Then I had to do a surgery - to remove a fibroid. It was not that big, just as big as a fuji apple only. Joke was, when the Doc brought it in, my husband was looking around it and asked where is the fibroid and the doc told him, "the whole thing is the fibroid"............. yak!!!!! it was horrible. After the surgery, I am suppose to take 6 weeks rest that is why I rejected the offer. It was like having another baby. Same cut where I had my son, Shawn. Tks to Eve who keeps on advising me to have it OUT. No regrets.

Then I have another surprise when a niece who finally told me some dark secrets which she has known and really making a fool out of us. Anyway, everybody has their own lives to live and only they themselves can make the choice. So be it.

Then I have the sad news from a close cousin whose 7 years of friendship/partnership turns sour and she has to rent a room to stay on her own. This is scary. 7 years is a long long time. How could the friendship just disappear like that........hmmmmm I wonder what went so wrong. OR was the friendship ever there in the first place?? Debatable eh?????

And then just 2 weeks ago, a relative's house was broken into. Did not have much time to ransack the whole house but manage to get the car spare keys and the bank statements. Seem they came back 3 days later to try to steal the car. Luckily the husband's car was blocking hers so they could not remove it. AND NOW, they have phobia staying there. Is there a safe place anymore??

Here we go for the first quarter.