Grab the stars

EGYPT UPROOTED: PART 4`

2011-03-05T06:08:00.000-08:00

Day 3 29 Jan

Amal was still in deep sleep when we rose. Not knowing curfew has been imposed I decided to stroll alone at the sea front. With my DSLR I strolled up down catching photos of the beautiful sceneries against the morning breeze of Mediterranean Sea. I noticed there were very little traffic and not many people at the sea front. I remembered Amal saying that the day started about 10 or 11 am here. The morning was usually less busy. However, today it was super quiet. No traffic. No people walking around. None at all. Why? I saw a homeless under the bus stop and photographed him in his deep sleep. The sea breeze got stronger and I decide to go home as I was lightly attired

Top and bottom: super quiet highway and sea front due to the curfew

Few people passing by, taxi and tram co no where to be seen. Few people were waiting for the missing taxis and tram co. I believe they too were not aware about the curfew.

I saw a donkey pulling an overloaded cart loaded with recyclables waste. I photo graphed a few shorts as that was quite unique. .

“Why u photo?” a voice came charging at me from no where

A short big size guy stared at me

“It’s my hobby”

“Why you photo?”

“What’s wrong? This is unique. I don’t have this in my country!”

“No you won’t! No you won’t!” his hand gesturing at me, saying that NO you are not allowed.

Donkey cart, i was scolded while photographing this.

Not wanting to have any trouble, I headed home. With Amal, I went to meet mama the house owner to tell her that we are going to Cairo tomorrow, Amal translated. Though stammering at times, Amal did well. So proud to hear her talking and translating Arabic to Malay. Mama the house owner strongly advised us NOT to enter Cairo as demonstration there is getting worst. She even called Zul, another Malaysian student next floor to explain to me. Then only I knew there were a few other units of the apartment being rented by Malaysian. Zul, 3^rd year Medic student explained to me the situation and informed me that the curfew today was 5 pm to 8 am. I went out at 630 am! I breached the curfew! Masya Allah!

We went back to our apartment. Sat down, paused, and blinked. Puzzled.

We took a cab and headed for MARA building. Met few people and rumors started to spread about situations in Cairo and Alex getting bad. Met Hj Idris of Mara and he said better not to enter Cairo. Called our going to be guides in Cairo, Ustaz Nawi and Ustaz Mustaffa. Both of them said it was perfectly all right to go Cairo. It was safe! Pyramid was still open for visitors.

After lunch at MARA Office we headed for the ALEX train station. Cairo was safe. We purchased express tickets to Cairo @ 30 Jan 12.15 pm, Genih 36 X 3

Alexandria rail station.

From there we took a cab to Alexandria University to see the medical faculty. To our horror we passed a burning police station! It was badly damaged. The whole building equivalent to the size of our IPD office was completely burnt. A group of people gathered to see what happened. I took a photo quietly from the taxi, cautiously, after being scolded few times earlier on my DSLR. Traffic was heavy and all road junctions were guarded by big bodied youngsters, equipped with chains, woods, roods and what not!

What is this? Masya Allah….my heart trembled. Later part of the day, we learnt that all police stations and vehicles were burnt and weapons were stolen. Worst, about 6000 prisoners escaped. Police was no longer in power. Who ever remains, gone into hiding? Now only I understand why army tanks were every where. But who are the able bodied youngsters manning the road junctions? Who are they? Why are they carrying weapons?

Torched police stations. where are the policemen?

The taxi dropped us at a junction

We walked about 50 meters towards Alex Faculty of Medicine only to be stopped by three security guards. Nicely they told us we can’t get in as it was a holiday now and the current situation didn’t allow us to enter. We photographed from far and decided to go home. We walked home as it was quite near to our apartment. We crossed several junctions, passing through few groups of armed youngsters manning traffic. Every time we past hem, my heart trembled. They just did their work. They were nice guys. I console my self.

At home, we locked in ourselves.

Background: Alexandria University Medical Faculty

Day4-Day 6: 30 Jan-2 Feb

Days of uncertainty. We locked ourselves in most of the time. We were cut of from outside world. We did not know the development. The TV in Arabic kept showing demonstrators in action. Amal couldn’t really grasp the message. However we knew something bad was happening then.

We stayed in doors. We heard the screaming of people, shouting , yelling etc. We survived by eating breads and serunding we brought home. Survive on fruits we bought earlier. Shops were closed. Prices of food rocketed sky high.

Second day of confinement, we ran out of food. We braved ourselves going to the shops around Camp Caesar. Not that bad down stairs! Much movement going around. Many students seen shifting houses. They have been instructed to assembled at three different locations only to ease evacuation process, if need be.

Shopkeepers assured us all will be over within two days. Prices of goods escalated. Demand high, supply limited. We bought rice, fish, canned food and fruits. In case situations worsen. We ate what we had. At times, rice with sauce. Oh dear….

Third day of confinement, we stumbled upon a group of youngsters in front of grocery. Sharp samurai sword, sharp edge wood and what not. Who are they? Bad? Good? We took no chance. We rushed back to our apartment.

ght I realized our TV has English Channel! zeera and CNN. These two channels really blew out proportion the real situations. In away they too, blew our emotion, fear and worry. It showed shooting of protesters in Alexandria.

That night I couldn’t sleep a minute. At 3 or 4 pm I could hear voices of people talking, scolding and shouting. I dared not open the window. Some just switch the light off. I blocked the main door with the sofa. At least they find it hard to break open.

Messages, sms from home kept coming in. spent the night answering the messages until celcom sent a reminder that my credit limit is 99 % used. So was Umi’s phone.

Wahizan topped up the bills to keep us in contact.

I was in a living fear. Sms Dato Razif and Ustaz Fajuri, asking for their prayers and doa. I felt I was helpless in this alien world. Their encouraging words and assurance gave me comfort.

EGYPT UPROOTED: PART 3

2011-02-26T19:35:00.000-08:00

Day 2 : 28 Feb 2011

The day was supposed to be just like the normal, ordinary day.. We look forward towards discovering more of the beautiful Alexandria.

Without breakfast about mid morning , Amal the Guide took us to the Alex library. This was a land mark of Alex as it stood by itself with the modern architecture oblivious to the old worn out building surrounding it. It was very uniquely designed and I had been wanting to get myself photographed here ever since seeing Amal did that in her FB! We took photos around it .

Alexandria library

In the chill wetaher, hunger easily got the better of us. The little young guide, Amal, took us to Mandarah using tram co (a passenger van actually) for the NASI MANDI at Hadramont. On the way, we passed through a group of armed soldiers on the army tank. Gulp! We arrived before mid day and the restaurant was still closed. It would only open after mid day, we were told. Amal and Umi strolled the beautiful private beach while I went for the Friday prayer at a nearby mosque. The sermon was in Arabic of course and it was well 45 min long!!!All that I could understand was the mention of Masriah (MESIR), America, and Palestine etc. Every one was attentive and did not fall asleep like Malaysian mosque!

Another prominent land mark by the sea front

Hadramont Restaurant: Little demonstration took place out side.

Manshiah before the demonstration started

Locals, looking suspiciously at me with my DSLR

After prayer, I was heading for the meeting point to meet Amal and Umi. I heard a little commotion and Amal and Umi rushed towards me. Umi looked very frightened. I was cool. Demonstration took place beside the mosque.

We entered Hadramont Restaurant who was now open. Amal did the ordering and we ate out heart out! The restaurant staff was glued to the TV broad cast, showing protestors demonstrating some where. Later we knew it was in Cairo. Oh….Cairo. Land of far away, I said. We are in Alex.

We strolled to Mandarah the opposite edge of Alex and entered into a paid public park. It was 6 genih/pax. It was after lunch and the stroll was sluggish. This park housed the palace of King Farouk and it spread over a real large area. The number of korma trees planted here were said to represent the number of wives the king married !!!!!. Visited the beach and took a taxi out of the park as the distance was quite far.. Met a group of Malaysian lady students from Cairo holidaying in Alex. Asked them whether it was safe to go to Cairo. They said it was ok, as long we avoid Tahrir Square. We were advised to travel NOT after Dzuhor as demonstrations normally started then.

How many wives king Farouk has? Count the number of Korma Trees please!

Mandarah , the Garden Front

We took a tram co home. The young driver was speeding at about 90 km/hr on the cramp van withArabian music went full blast. It reminded me of our Bas Mini Wilayah in the 90s!

Lau Samah…(excuse me) ! An arab seated at the back gave me the fare and I instead passed it to the driver in front. So simple. The fare was paid to the driver by passing thru passengers. It was 1.5 genih/pax regardless how far you travel.

Back home we rested .Ready for the night outing later. Amal the guide said the next destination would be IBRAHIM MIA where nuts, fruits, vegetables were plenty at low cost.

Mandarah Water Park adjoining the sea

Every one was tired. Decision made…IBRAHIM MIAH trip was called off. We decided to stay home. We never realize that today was the real final outing without fear. We thought tomorrow would be there like many other days that came and go before. . We went to bed not knowing that there was a heavy demonstration in Alex itself other than Cairo and Suez and other cities!

Amal Tati, our little guide of the day.Well done though on stammering arabic at time!

EGYPT UPROOTED :PART 2

2011-02-25T22:23:00.000-08:00

Off we went, heading blindly and anxiously for Sesostress, Raml Station. The taxi was really in poor shape. Not surprise because we had been informed prior to this through internet reading. The taxi stopped couple of time asking for direction. He seemed lost and not knowing Sesostress St. After some back and forth movement in the city we were dropped in front of the building, no 17 Sesostress Street. Its MARA OFFICE cum Students' hostel.. It stood elegantly, outshining the other old worn out buildings around it.

Amal! Here we came! An indian looking guy greeted us. I looked at him suspiciously.

" Hello, are u from Malaysia? Don’t worry; I am working here in MARA." He intoduced himself. I felt comfortable, a bit. He carried the luggages together with few another boys to the lobby. I called Amal and she rushed down. We hugged. We kissed. We shed tears of joy. The Indian looking guy kept watching before we parted. Later I came to know that he was an Arab, working at MARA, good English and ardent supporter of Mubarak.!

A tearful reunion , Umi and Amal.

We adjourned to the SRI PUTRA CAFETARIA at the basement before we stumbled upon a MARA officer Hj Idris, whom I mistakenly addressed as Ustaz Isahak. We exchanged greeting and started talking about every thing. Ustaz Isahak came and we exchanged greetings. Small in size but super duper friendly. He was the director of MARA MIDDLE EAST

Tn Hj Idris who offered us a shelter at his house during the riot.

After stuffing away the luggage, Amal led us to the rented apartment at Camp Caesar. Miscalculation by Amal in getting off the taxi led us to struggling and negotiating the 250 meter walk with heavy luggages! Quite a distance though and it really kept us catching our breath

The two room apartment with cable TV plus cooking facilities was good. What more it was just 80 Genih /day. The conversion rate: 1RM = 1.85 Genih.

In The afternoon, Amal began her tourist guide role. The apartment was only 20 meter from the sea. We were taken to the sea front, wide beautiful frontage over looking the Mediterranean Sea. The breeze further lowered the winter temperature to close below 10 C.

A nice leisure stroll indeed while capturing some photos in between.

We hope into a van called tram co and headed for the Salehuddin Al Ayubi. A huge brick building where people picnic beside it. Spend about 1.5 hours there before Amal treated us with her favorite meal Ruz billaban. Very nice indeed.

Backround: Al'alah, Fort of Salahuddin Al Ayubi

Sun set , Mediteranean Sea

Beautiful murals

Leisure by the beach

We then headed for some tourist attraction along the beach before we adjourned to the city centre Manshiah For a stroll. It was about 745 pm and the street was bustling with traders trying to get the attention. Suddenly I observed two army tanks parked at the junction. I stared and walked past. Turned my head again to catch a second glimpse, and walked. Why army? Normal…may be, I said to my inquisitive mind. We had a simple dinner of take away kebab at a nearby park before call it a day. Jet lag was still heavy and that night, we dozed off peacefully till the next morning.

Egypt Uprooted: Part 1

2011-02-25T07:15:00.000-08:00

In the name of Allah the Most Merciful, Most Compassionate.

26 Jan 2011:

Arrived KLIA about 7 pm and check in at Qatar Airways counter went on smoothly. Met Dato Dr Wan Mokhtar who was there to send off his relatives, also to Egypt. The flight took off smoothly at 9.05 pm. The flight would have been smooth had it not been due to two aliens from Middle Europe, seated behind me who kept talking, coughing and laughing all the way. Occasionally they pushed my seats due to space constraint, hence disturbing my sleep. Mid way through the journey I confronted both of them for putting the feet against my seat in front. Their smelly shoes almost rub against my arm.

Duty Free: Doha International Airport

Landed Doha airport after 8 hours flight. Headed for the transfer lounge. A 7 hour transit. Our next flight was at 7.05 am, counter 20, Doha-Alex. After a nap I decided to go on line. Surprise Amal was there and chatted with her for a while. Anxious, both on her part and ours, to meet for the first time after 4 parting months.

Discovered the duty free shop downstairs and did some purchase of Lyndt, my favorite chocolate. Enough for Amal and us in Alex. For the trip home, I shall be stopping over for another 3 hours. I shall buy then, for the love ones at home. That was my plan.

27 Jan 2011

Flight to Alex ready for boarding. At the departure hall, Umi’s hand luggage was stopped into the cabin and directed to be checked in. Too large, and heavy, it seem.

11 am landed Alex Airport. Fist surprise, the El Nouzha airport was really in poor shape. Long queue to get through. Once my turn, the passport was examined and instead of being given back to me, it was chucked into a small box for the next officer next door. The same went for every one. Walked past the counter without the passport.

First impression of Arab system. We waited with large groups of Arab travelers for our passport back. We were the only two non Arabs. In batches, the passports were given back, one by one through name calling. What a system!

We hurried to conveyor belt to collect luggage once the immigration procedure cleared. Loaded the luggage on the handle less trolley and was stop by the custom officer for the boxes of dry stuff we brought along. Not much hassle all cleared within second. Changed US 300 for the Genih at the airport “bank”. Headed for the taxi. My first fear in this alien land.

60 Genih to Sesostress Street!

No! Only 40.

No! This a Government controlled.

Headed for another taxi

How much?

75 Genih! Government Controlled.

Heh..Goverment controlled! Ustaz Fajuri’s advices came into practice right away. Just go on and on till you get the cheapest!

How Much? Next taxi

50 Genih ok?

OK. Done.

The infamous Alexandria Taxi: old Junk!

Moments of truth March 11, 2010

2010-03-17T17:08:00.000-07:00

Breaking the good news to Umi and the loved ones...the jovial look was a far contradiction to the earlier situation before the result was out

Pengetua Cemerlang with Pelajar Pelajar Terbilang. May Allah bless you and your family Tn Hj Rafei.Ameen.

Mixed feelings...Happy,unbelievable,surprise....some still sobbing in disbelief when they were called upstage as top scorers

...others, anxiously queing ,waiting to know their fate...

Syukur alhamdulillah to Allah SWT for the blessing that has been granted to these children

..to all the teachers (Miss Zil is one of them) , for all the effort, assistance, knowledge, guidance and preserverance that you had given and gone through in moulding and upbringing my kid, may Allah SWT rewards you the blessing. Ameen.

...the inseparable twins. They were together thru thick and thin. Alhamdulillah...together with others they made it.

My beloved Amal, the success today, is just the beginning of a long challenging journey that lies ahead of you. Let the success today spur you to a greater height but never ever sway you from the fact that the journey to success is yet to complete. Remember: whatever that we do, what ever that we got, it is HIM that decides. To HIM we beg for mercy, to HIM we rekindle our sincere thanks and to HIM we surrender our life and soul. May Allah SWT bless us all, guide us all and protect us all. Ameen

Do remember: Sweet harvest of success will never materialise without endless effort. The victory is much sweeter when what ever effort you have thrown in, bears the fruit of success beyond your level of expectation.

Amal, I love you!

A STEP TOWARDS REALITY

2010-03-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

Today I played host to Amal and her 5 other friends in a study visit to Cyberjaya University College of Medical Science (CUCMS). KZ, ATAI,SALIA,FIKHRY, AMIR and AMAL met Prof Dr Latif of CUCMS and were given clear explanation about route to be a medical practitioner. I broke the ice by telling Prof that all these 5 + 1 aspired to be doctors. Why +1? Oh! That was because of the uncertain KZ who was still undecisive whether to be a doctor or an engineer. Well, I let them had the full 2 hour session with Prof Latif. Prof, was very professional, caring and loving figure. He was never biased towards CUCMS. He explained the various possible routes and opportunities to be a doctor. The kids listen attentively. They interjected intermittenly whenever there was doubt. Prof covered a wide spectrum of possibilities, ranging from doing it local to abroad, IPTA or IPTS, sponsored or otherwise.

I was engrosed witth the discussion so much so that I felt I was one of them who wanted to pursue medicine.

"Saya takut darah Prof, tapi saya nak jadi Doctor. Camana tu? " said KZ!

Prof gave a broad smile and responded. " You could be a specialist from A to Z in medicine. You hate blood? Then be a radiologist! Even a doctor could be a prime minister!" Smart answer.

A quick tour around the complex after dzuhor prayer gave us the feel of how the ambience of CUCMS was.

We left the complex about 4.30pm, heading straight to Precint 8 food court. By then KZ already forgotten being an engineer. Atai shifted from being a veterinar to a medical practitioner. Amal look firm about pursuing medicine abroad instead of doing local.

Dear beloved kids,
That was just a little effort Pak Cik could offer with the hope that it help you boys and gals be more decisive and determined. The rest, please seek blessing from HIM, Allah SWT . He knows the best

We tried our best
He will do the rest!

InsyaAllah, my prayers are all for you kids. Insya Allah, with His blessing, we would have 6 more young doctors who will serve for the benefit of the muslimin and muslimat, and...for the ummah. Ameen.

MAL TATI MADE IT AGAIN! THANK YOU AMAL

2010-03-13T19:58:00.000-08:00

27th Dec 2007.

I remember the date. I composed one blog which I shared with the wholw world how proud I was, when AMAL HAYATI @Mal Tati scored straight 9 As in her PMR exam. Three years later, on 11th March 2010, again Mal Tati made us a proud parents again, this time in a real much sweeter manner. Amal, my third beloved "very manja" daughter really made us proud when she again scored straight As in her 2009 SPM. Amal, the word thank you is too mild for me to describe, how mummy and daddy are feeling right now. We are so proud of you Amal. You have proven that you are such a very studious, dedicated, commited and visioned daughter.
Let me share the prelude to the auspicious moments when her exam result was announced, where she was declared as one of those top students with straight As.

After the exams, Amal kept telling us that add maths and chemistry papers were killing. She felt that she did badly in both. Of course, after the exam of both papers, Amal called home, sobbing in the phone, as usual!

For three months she was at home, she was confident with other papers but not the two. When the annoucement was made that the exam result would be announced on 11th March 2010, Amal went into her world of "abnormality"

10th March 2010:

That nite Amal took very little for dinner. She didnt get hook to the cyber world like normal. Restless, I would say. HP was clutched in her hand all the time. She was in constant contact with close buddies like KZ, Atiqah B, Hani etc. I could understand. Mummy was away in Kemaman. I had to pacify her. That nite she hardly slept.

11th March 2010

After breakfast, about 9 am we left for SEMASHUR.Only Amal and me. The rest were attending classes. Umi in Kemaman. Amal was real restless. My "counselling" session was fruitless. Her mind was well ahead of where we were. When I stopped by at Tang Ling, to kill time and had some nasi lemak, Amal for go the breakfast.

By 10 am we entered the school compound and Amal look pale! The area was already crowded with parents and students. For a while Amal was out of my sight. She was with her friends, in her very own circles of friends. Occasionally she would drop by my side, telling me that she was scared, nervous and anxious.

The announcement was delayed. The school need to analyze the result before releasing. By then words started spreading that SEMASHUR did well than last year. Alhamdulillah, I said, equally nervous. Umi and I cracked a deal. She wont call from Kemaman until I call her once the result was out!

By 1 pm every one converged into the TITIWANGSA HALL. Moment of truth finally arrived. I was very nervous then. It was obvious although I tried very much to hide it from Amal. I sat at the corner of the hall, all by myself. I didnt expect much though deep inside I did hope that Amal got excellent result. I was prepared for the worst. Who was I to feel dissapointed when my cute sweet daughter has spent all her effort in preparing for the exam? I kept telling myself, I shall accept what ever that the result may be. 5a? 4B? what ever. Amal had tried. Bertawakkal now. Allah SWT knows the best.

The moment of truth started! Three students were announced to have scored straight 9A+.Alhamdulillah. I applauded. Weakly.

The MC announced. "Now are the names of the students who got straight As. Please come upstage with the parents to receive the gift from the school".
There went the name of the first student. A male malay. The parents hug him and they went up to the stage. Deep inside I did a prayer to Allah SWT. I begged from HIM to grant Amal a success and give us both the opportunity to go upstage too. I was hopeful, though less optimistic.

The MC went on."Pelajar kedua yg mendapat straight As ialah......AMAL HAYATI SOBRI!"

What? Amal? Amal Hayati? I couldnt believe what Ive just heard until I saw her name flashed on the screen. We both rose and hug each other. Walked to the stage, with Amals friends shouting her name. We went up the stage. Amal received her gift. I hugged the HM and Cikgu Bahar. I was in tears. I wish Umi was with us and NOT in the city of Keropok Lekor, Kemaman. I wish my other daughters were there to witness the auspicious moment of Amal's success.

When we left the stage, Amal shook hand with the teachers. All congragulated Amal. Her add maths teacher chipped " Tu lah..Amal. Dulu nangis lepas exam. Kan dah A semua?"

When we settled into the seats many of her friends came congratulating her. The girls shared the joyous moment although they themselves were not sure of what would their results be.

Amal, you have done it again. Syukur to Allah SWT for all the blessing. Both daddy, mummy, sisters are extremely proud of you amal.

Tahniah Amal. InsyaAllah, with Allah SWT blessing, one day you would be Dr Amal Hayati Sobri. Ameen.

Raya oh Raya

2009-10-09T06:10:00.000-07:00

Ramadhan is now gone and insyaAllah, long life, would be meeting it again. Raya, for the kampong folks is long gone!For the urban guys, every day is an open day now. The number of open house per day increases as the month of syawal is approaching the end.

Surrounded by the angels

Colors of Malaysia!

memoirs of a kampong boy #3

2009-10-08T08:24:00.001-07:00

Now that I am back to work, I am really starving for time.TIME FLIES. I am trying hard to blog since that is my raya resolution to have these memoirs uploaded in stages. SMPS...SEKOLAH MENENGAH POKOK SENA .This was where I got my lower tertiary education. Where goes my friends like Amoi (Tan Mei Lee), Towkey (Khor Ah Check), Balaguru, Nazir, Sharifuddin, Faridah Ali and the rest.

To Wan Roslan and Norma Rose, if you happen to be reading my blog, my very best to you both. Sapa sangka hampa dua ni akan menikah one day!

Wan! Aku ingat lagi sapa goppren hang dulu...Noraini Ismail!

perjalanan jauh tak ku rasa

kerna hati ku melonjak tiba

bertemu sanak kaum keluarga

yang selalu bermain di mata

hey hey hey balik kampong

hey hey hey balik kamponghati riang.....

Me? Is this me? Is this me preparing the lemang?Kidding! Yezza...of coz this is me but purely

posing for the shot! Man behind the scene?...my lovely bro in law, abang Baharom who was really camera shy!

Memoirs of a kampong boy # 2

2009-09-26T06:44:00.000-07:00

Dik Nur di Makam Tok Wan. Al Fatehah. When I am gone , I wish all my beautiful daughters would be reciting their doa for me...insya Allah

This is the place where I first learn ABC, 123! No preschool, no tution. The school went through vast transformation but the main block, which was also the classroom of my dad, my sister, brother and the rest was still in tact! To my almarhum dad, getting first in class was mandatory, being second was unacceptable and third on wards ...needless to say! Fierce though! Any way this naughty boy has never regret at all

With blessing from Allah SWT, my late mum and dad moulded me to be a human being, being me today, me as I am now.

Sekolah Kebangsaan Jabi..I remember few names of my old classmates and wonder where they are now..Mashitah Ramli (teacher), Azizah (teacher), Dali (kg guy), Razak (kg guy), Wahab and many others I cant remember now . The teachers Cikgu Ya (HM) Cikgu Shuaib (class teacher), Mr Yaakob (English teacher who forced us to speak no other but English during his period) and many more I couldnt recalled.

One of my classmate, Lt Azman Salleh passed away few years back. Alfatehah!

Padang Kubor was "old trafford" of mine. It gains the name by virtue of its close proximity to the kampong grave yard. This was where, my buddies and me sweat ourselves almost every afternoon for foot ball games. It is over grown by lalang now. Wonder where goes the nowadays kids, have they lost their passion to this game? BTW since I was really kaki bangku, most of the time i was relegated to a position of a goal keeper (nasib baik bukan ball picker!). Mind you...Those days, the goal post were made of bambo!

Memoirs of a kampong boy # 1

2009-09-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

I am always proud of my root-as a kampong boy. That was where I not only saw first light of life but was also where I was born and grew up! I drove home recently for the raya celebration. Driving through many places which were so remarkable and memorable to me.Masjid Tanjong Musang, a place where the old imam pronounce morphine as mofayan and heroine as heroyan!

The late Imam Lebai Talib: "belia2 mestilah menjauhkan diri dari heroyan dan morfayan'' .....and half of the people listening to the friday sermon burst into laughter! Photo below is Sungai Muda@ Singai Sentab which is a stone throw from my family house. Of course those days it doesnt look like this. The water was clearer then. It was here I picked the swimming skills, self taught. After sekolah ugama, this was the place where each of us showed the individual skills...sommersault, hide and seek, water polo etc. At no cost, no training, no fee, we kampong boys pick up swimming!

Below is Kedai Tok Chop, the only grocery in my Kampong. It has gone a bit of transformation now. For a mere 20 sen, I could buy cookies and a bottled drink...

BIG TNBF IFTAR

2009-09-20T18:46:00.001-07:00

It surely took big effort to gather about 160 people for an IFTAR. My buddies did that. Honoured to be part of the crowd that wonderful evening. Bravo folks!

Raya Do 2009

2009-09-20T18:37:00.001-07:00

Farah, Ano and me put up at Seri Malaysia Astar last two nites. Another nite to go. As expected, the room reflected the cost. Cant expect much for RM 160/pax for a family room. What was really a pleasant surprise was the marvelous, tasty varieties of food available for the breakfast during this festive season. Bravo SM AOR!
This morning, I was really spoilt for the food. My best pick was of coz "pulut ikan keghin goi nyok!" which was glutinous rice, salted fish and coconut flesh! Dua pinggan balun sampai naik mengah! There went my diet for the day, there went the Food control enthusiasm that I have been careful of all this FASTING MONTH!!!!

Ho ho Balik kampung

2009-09-18T03:58:00.000-07:00

We started our journey home today rather early, anticipating the heavy traffic along the highway. Left at about 630 am and was pleasantly surprised to reached Astar by 1230 pm. In fact I performed Solat Jumaat at AlBukhary. The journey was leasantly smooth, copiloted by Along. The raya songs made the journey more enjoyable. Occasionally we were disturbed by the mild snooring of Angah, seated right behind the driver's seat! Ish....kalau dah kaki tidoq...mana mana pun tidoq
Already did last minute shopping at Pekan Rabu and visited mum's grave with Farah

ALLAH HUALBAR ALLAH HU AKBAR

All the best Syahir

2009-07-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday 11 July I attended a small gathering with buddies and mrs- to celebrate Syahir's migration from current company to another GLC. In the photo, he is seated second from left. He was my former assistant, for more than 3 years. Seeking greener pasture, he is migrating to MIRI Sarawak. One of The best assistant, I ever had. Fast learner, religous and above all, cool....It was indeed nice to work with him. We ventured to most islands and org asli's settlements in our quest to supply diesel for the rural electrification. He joined me for badminton games but last for only two weeks. He joined me for cycling, also last for two sessions! I hope, he he he , your tenure with the new GLC and your stay in MIRI are long lasting though.

Syahir, all the best to you. Hope you are able to take up and face the challenges in the new environment. Wherever and what ever you do, do remember always- dont forget Allah SWT. Seek guidance and protection from HIM. Good luck and all the best!

Home Sweet Home

2009-07-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

It has been a week I am resting at home after being discharged from the hospital. Alhamdulillah, I am recuperating well. The follow up, two days ago with the surgeon, showed great improvement. I am looking forward to get back to work next week. This rest at home is so meaningful to me. Iam enjoying this stressless situation. It gives me the opportunity to be with the family all day, watch the kids going to and returning fro school, mengaji sikit sebanyak, watch movies, read the books which have piled up and of cozzz TIDRON (tidur!).ZZZZZ ... Any way I still lost to Angah (who is in her semester break) who could do it 18/24 hrs!

1) When hospitalized, then only I realized how grateful I was when there were visitors. Hospital life was so bored. Confined to the bed and bath room when hooked to the drip. Though the hospital came with an international lounge, wifi etc, it wasstill damned bored!

2) Greatest lesson: Sihat sebelum sakit. Heard this, uttered this many times before. Now, I internalized it. I am extra careful with the food in take now. I have to e fair to my body system. All this while, I just tucked in what ever that came across, as long as it was HALAL! Sup ekor, sup tulang, steak, you name it!

3) The surgeon watched the video with me on the lapcoly surgery and took me through the whole process. Banyak lemak though! Bye bye...saturated fats!

4) Lost 3 kilos through out the whole period. Unexpected though. With the continous drips and controlled diet, I shed off 3 kilos easily. No exercise, tennis, cycling etc. I hope /want to shed more. Now reverting to purely mask singgang and sayur .

5) To all fellow buddies, take care ....sihat sebelum sakit.

Jumpa lagi

What an experience II

2009-06-23T01:13:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Its me again, this time still blogging from the international lounge of the private hospital. Syukur alhamdulillah. Yesterday I went through a successful procedure, lapcoly, to remove my stoned gallblader. I am now recuperating and doing fine in the hospital. Would be discharged in a day or two.

My earlier composition about hospital experience, if you realized, ended abruptly. I was blogging then, to kill my time when the nurse called me back to the ward for a discussion with the surgeon. Hence the abrupt end.

The fact that you guys out there are now reading my part ii, it simply prove that I survived the surgery, very much alive and still kicking!

Honestly, this admission to the hospital and all the processes and procedures that I went through, gave me lessons about life. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to my wife, children, friends, subordiates, peers, bosses, neighbours and all who had given me their strong support. Their doa and payers give me the determination and strenght.

To Ustaz FM, million thanks for the endless tazkirah that I got every time you drop by. May Allah bless you. As I said there were so much that I learnt from this episode of life. Among others, if not all:

1) Allah is the most mercyful, loving and caring. The root cause of my sickness was detected at earlier stage. In fact, very early. It could have been worst if gone undetected
2) All this happening, is actually a blessing from Allah SWT. He gave me the opportunity to recall and refresh about life. The Hikmah that He gave, to me, through this incident is taken positively.
3)As what ustaz FM said, the happening reflects Allah love us and through this incident it open up my mind to ponder about my health, my work life balance etc
4) True to the saying, please treasure health. Senang sebelum sakit, said Raihan. After going through this, I could really internalize the deep meaning of the saying.
5) It is extremely important to show concern and pay visit to some one not well. I had the bad habit of delaying the visits, under the excuse that I am always busy.Having gone through a hospital life, I could not say in words how boring it was. Bed ridden, immobilised due to the drips into the veins, disturbances from nurses who keep checking my temp and BP despite me being normal, seeing the hospital staff leaving home after office are all part of the invaluable experience. I promise, whenever there is any one who is sick after this I will make sure I will pay them a visit. The 3 star hotel like room could not take away the loneliness from me
6) From, the window, I could see my office and I just couldnt not stand the urge to get back to work. I missed the office environment, my peers, bosses and subordinates
7) It also reminded me how strong is, the love of my other half to me. She endlessly keep me accompanied at the hospital . So are my kids, who visited me every day and even blogged out in their blogs about my admission.

All in all, I am grateful to Allah that I am now coming to the end of this episode . Syukur alhamdulillah all went perfectly all right yesterday. I was put to sleep for three hours plus, only to wake up at 5, drowsy and sleepy, only to know that the gall stones were nicely packed for me and my gall bladder was gone.

It was an experience. To Allah, to you I surrender my soul and to you I seek forgiveness.

InsyaAllah, I shall be a better person, hereafter. Amin

What an experience!

2009-06-13T19:44:00.000-07:00

Today, I am blogging from the international lounge of one of the private hospital! Was admitted here, last week, discharged over the week end, readmitted again this week for the surgery and to be discharged today, without the surgery!

Sound weird? Not really. Last week after many series of different test, I was diagnosed with galstone and the physician recommended for the gallbladder surgery as the means of treatment. Friends, relatives and subordinates suggested alternative treatment without surgery. Came in test week for the said surgery but one of the presurgery procedure, known as ERCP was done without success. The after effect was unbearable and the whole week of this hospital stay was only to treat the after effect! Surgery postponed to 22nd June!

This is my first ever hospital experience. Never been admitted before. On the first week stream of visitors flow in. There were time when I was drowsy on medication and couldnt recalled who they are!

HELLO ! I am Back!

2009-04-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

Today, I had lunch with Lyn,Fir, RR and super shy Su. Nasi KUKUS Jalan Gasing, is one of the best hide out. Later VP and Ajizu joined. While having lunch, Lyn mentioned about how touching it was, one of my composition...HOMELESS AM I. She began to ponder about her own self, about her own family, about her own kids. All that I could say is this: Well, it might not exactly be the same for every one but the cycle is similar. I remember the time, the young days, I sent Along to Kindergarten, attended her sport day, her graduation day etc. Then, visiting her at the school hostel, universities etc. The questions below truly reflect the stages in life.

1) Anak hang dah Tadika?
2) Anak dah sekolah?
3) Anak asrama mana?
4) How is her SPM? How many As?
5) Anak buat course apa?
6)Dah graduate?
5) Bila dapat menantu.. and so on...

I remember driving back home to Alor Star, arriving in the wee hours in the morning, to be greeted by my late almarhum bonda who faithfully waited for us.
Now those are gone and what left behind is just memories, fond memories of the sweet days with my beloved mum and dad.

To Lyn, and those out there, while your mum and dad are still around, do care, love and give everything to them. Visit them regularly. You never know, you may delay your trip home coz you are busy, only to realize that tomorrow they are gone...
alfatihah to almarhum ayahanda and almarhumah bonda.

BANDUNG HERE I COME!

2009-02-14T08:10:00.000-08:00

BANDUNG PART 1

Thanks to all HRD activists who made this trip a reality. 7th Feb 2009, all 15 of us landed at Husein Sasteranegara Airport Bandung. This was my first trip to Bandung though not my first to Indonesia.

The airport immigration clearance was fast but the luggage collection was real slow. The very limited collection area was overcrowded with passengers and the poor air port staffs kept shouting to keep the curious and anxious passengers away.
“Ayuh Pak! Ayuh Buk! Mundur Pak! Mundur Buk!....”

The local guide, soft spoken, handsome PAK AGUS, picked us and soon all of us were on the PARAWISATA BUS heading for the TANGKUBAN PRAHU, about 1.5 hour ride out of the city. It didnt’t take long for us to realize the poor living conditions for some of the people here as it was pretty obvious in the journey 5 minute from the airport.

Stopped for lunch at Sunda Restaurant BALIBU, a short form for BAWAH LIMA BULAN . Served with appetizing meals of IKAN KALOI GORENG. The irony part was, the KALOI was served standing! Hj Kam, Lin’s dad surrended to the appeal of a street trader and parted his Rp 100,000 for the Angklung.

Tangkuban Prahu (Inverted Sampan) was the main tourist attraction in bandung. The weather was cool , and the strong breeze chilled us further. The KAWAH RATU was still smoky while the smell of sulphur was pretty strong. The beautiful place was however marred by hundreds of streets traders who sold almost everything you could think off. I know that have to do that to earn a living but their presence, in large numbers, coupled with their endless and continuous persistence , was really a nuisance. Regardless, I surrended to one of them for the Angklung at Rp 50,000

Descending, we stopped at the SARI ATER HOT SPRING for s short break. Almost every one stepped into the hot water, the hottest spot at 40 ‘C. This place was one of the week end destination for people from Jakarta. The ice cream tiga rasa was delicious though.

Back to Bandung city, the first FACTORY OUTLET was the batik centre. Can’t remember the name but Angah and Umi shopped till drop here. The ladies batik was real good and cheap. However design for men wasn’t that good. I always fancied Malaysian Batik. Those at Buluh Kubu were far attractive. Anyway, grabbed a pair of Batik Shirt for me since Aji Zu said “alang alang udah sampe..beli aja pak!” I was poorer by Rp 2.5 million here! Lin chided on the bus by saying “waduh waduh Pak Sob....bare pit stop pertama, enjin belum panas, tapi udah berbelanja besar!

Second factory out let was GRANDE, the long awaited spot, famous since TNB KOOP first promoted this. I was quite anxious as I always thought that these textiles were like those from Thailand or China, IMITATION. Back home, I was telling Zana, I don’t go for imitation product. Better go for unbranded, rather imitation branded. Walked into GRANDE and posh!!!!!! it was full of Arrow, POLO, CK (bukan my big boss aaaa...) and what ever. Everyone was so crazy. Grabbed a pair of HUGO jeans here ...Was looking for Levis but Pak Agus said it would be elsewhere.

The iterinary for the day ended with the delicious dinner at PADANG RESTAURANT. Superb meal. Was sharing table with bachelor boy Dhar. Warned him but surprised to see him biting, chewing and swallowing the “rendang daging sapi” . Innocently told him that it was beef and he smilingly said “yeah I know...why complicate life???” Mmmm.... a lesson learnt!Photos

By the way every time we were off or about to get on the bus, not a single minute we were spared of the street traders. Some of us, by now, already beginning to get the feel of the value of the Rp against RM were already parting away their money for the street traders.
I thought the day was over when each of us was checked in at PERDANA WISATA HOTEL. The body was weak and the eyes were heavy and ready to land when Umi, Angah and me discovered that the triple room allocated to us was actually a standard double room! Went down to the reception and was told that triple room was more expensive and I need to top up! Adrenalin began to flow. Called the IBU KEPALA , Lin who came down and spoke to the receptionist and Pak Agus (who was in different hotel). Finally we were given room 621, a triple room. Angah ,Lin and me proceeded to the room only to find the key not working! Hah! By now I was already the SARI ATER HOT SPRING!!! Lin called the reception again and I rang the room door bell. All of a sudden the door sprang open and out came Pak Dhar in his kain sarung, with Pak Hani his roommate grinning on the bed! How could we be given an occupied room? By now SARI ATER already turned into the volcano of KAWAH RATU TANGKUBAN PRAHU. I would have erupted if not for Lin to pacify me“ Bapak...sabar ya Bapak....kita ini kan di negeri orang ya Bapak.....”
Down at the counter, I let Angah and Lin did the talking. I just hold my breath. Apparently the poor receptionist gave us the right key with the wrong label. It was meant for ROOM 631 but was labelled as ROOM 621 , which was Pak Dhar’s. Luckily , Pak Dhar and Pak Hani were not involved in any activities when we disturbed them. Walked past Aji Zu’s room and heard nothing unusual though on my way to ROOM 631. That ends my day one in this highland BANDUNG

Malaysia oh Malaysia!

2008-12-07T19:49:00.001-08:00

Been told by Along and Angah about the landslide at Bukit Antarabangsa upon landing at the airport. Been abroad for 6 days and had been cut out of the outside world. Gave little thought to the news as I imagine it was something like the slide in ULU YAM PERDANA which occured a day before I left. Two casualties and only a house involved. Catched the news about Bkt AntaraBangsa through newspaper the next day and I said "Ya Allah! This is massive! Masya Allah!"

The next day inbetween the massive coverage about the tragedy, most newspaper carried out the very rhethoric statements from the administrators, authorities and regulators:

a) Hill slide developement- immidiate freeze!
b) No more development of high land
c) All states to stop development
d)No more approval of hill slopes

bla bla bla

I really got sick with all these rhetorics! It is always like that. Any tragedy that struck, immidietly the next minute these people would be issuing statements like these. It would be just months later, all theese restrictions be broken, consented by the very same people who made the ruling earlier.
If really we learnt from the Highland Tower tragedy in 1996, we wouldnt have seen the Bukit Antrabangsa tragedy, insyaAllah. SEE WHAT HAPPENED NOW?

Remember the car incidents that rammed into a person dining outside the restaurant at section 14? Immidietely after the incident, there was statement- NO TABLES AND CHAIRS ALLOWED OUTSIDE EATING OUTLETS. See what happened now? Tables chairs are just every where and any where!!!!!!

Back to Bukit Antarabangsa tragedy, a newspaper quoted the saying of the top leader " Saya HARAP semua permit pembangunan tanah tinggi dibekukan!" I am amused!!! am amazed! Why didnt the leader said "Saya BEKU KAN semua permit pembangunan tanah tinggi!!!"

DAto Seri, you have the power. Do it please! Do it! Stop the same old song which we all really got fed up!!! IF it is me, it is ok since I am power less. I am only "BERHARAP" but you who is the top leader you could "ENFORCE!"

Many years back, as I was about to board the cable car at the Sentosa Island in Spore, I suddently realized about the cable car tragedy there where a ship struck the cable, plungging the car into the water. Casualty, dont know how many. I asked the operator " Would it happen? I am nervous"

The operator responded "Mr, In Spore be rest assured that if it already happened, it will not happen again....."

I never believe him then, but now, in relation to the series of repeated tragedy in Malaysia, I think the operator was RIGHT!!!

Homeless? Am I?

2008-10-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

Last raya left me pondering and wondering for quite a while. Am I homeless? I meant back home in my hometown, am I really homeless? Or it was just my sheer perception about the whole thing. Since my beloved mum passed away in 2005 our family home has been rented out. Not really to generate income but just need a care taker to manage the house. Other wise it may just get rotten with time. RM 160 pm, thanks to Pak Cik Mat my uncle who manage to secure the tenant.
Ever since then, a trip back home either landed us in my sis house or bro's. Either one, no problem then. Time passsed. Sis and Bro both got their daughter and son in law respectively. My own children have grown up, both in age and size! :)-That drive us a step back ward about putting up nights at their places. Imagine the 7 of us checking in, surely the numbers are enough to cramp the house.

Raya time was even worse. Their children, inlaws etc were also back home. Not to mention the grand children. We took two step back, rented a hotel in the city.

Raya nite in a hotel? apa ni? Macam out station jer...no feel lah!

This year, we decided to stay back in our very own home. We did not go back up north. Just a day trip down south. Hey!!! No bad actually. We were kept real busy with activities. The children were busy in the kitchen and me in the garden. With so many things to do, we were kept occupied all day.

Home less am I?
Nope, I am not!

New Chef Back Home!

2008-09-05T21:00:00.001-07:00

Suddently Along is so crazy about cooking. Of late, she has been preparing delicious meals back home. It started with her trying out her skill based on the cook book. Now she has gained the confidence and hence been trying out all sorts of dishes yang kekadang tu tak tau apa nama. Well done Along. Thats the way, aha! aha! I like it. Week end, holiday or semester break, she would be in the kitchen, much to the delight of our maid!

The situation now is relly in great contrast to few years back where even her own plate need to be cleared up by the maid! Use to tell her to catch up with the cooking skills or she would be embarassed depan mertua!

Guessed my challenge is taken up.!!!! My regret? These few days I am down with the excruciating gastricitis pain and have to fore go those delicious meals!!!

Once again, well done Along!!!!!!

Angah Cam ne yer? Angah pandai gakkkk he he pandai beli lauk siap masak kat kedai!!! *peace*

A flower for my gal

2008-09-05T19:14:00.000-07:00

Adik received a bouquet of flower on her 20th birthday, delivered by a florist! What an event. At 20, a kampung boy like me, who first made a living in the capital city as a student, the birthday went unnoticed! When I was a child, birthday or birthday party were not heard at all. A kampung boy was more concern about nose diving into Sungai SENTAB, bicycle racing, lastik burung, tangkap ikan dalam sawah padi, main meriam buluh etc etc. Birthday? Whats that?

Today, my gal and her other siblings , being of Gen Y not only celebrated their birthday every year but started getting flowers from florist!

Asked, from who, she said "From Ampibia! her closest buddy at MMU Melaka". So thoughtful Phia.

Mmmmm.... eeeerrrrr... the one given by Phia , Adik shared with us all.
The one given by *ehhmmmm.....* of cozzzzzz Adik kept it to her self! :)-

Ouchhh!!!!! The pain!

2008-09-04T03:20:00.000-07:00

4th September 2008. @4 am. It was adik's 20th birthday. It was a day after the 3rd anniversary of my dearest almarhum bonda passed away three years ago.I woke to the excruciating pain in my upper stomach. Never felt like this before. It wasnt sharp but burning. Woke up my beloved, applied some oilment (what else could we do?), visited the rest room but fruitless. The pain continued and my beloved decided to send me to Azzaharah Medical Centre. After some discussion I decided to drive to PMC. Beloved wanted to accompany but i said I was all right. Drove there alone. The most unwise thing I had ever done! On the way the pain became unbearable and I headed straight to the PMC emergency unit. Was it "angin?" or Was it "heart problem?" I was praying it would be the former. Dr Shireen Kaur attended and I was put straight on bed. Called my close buddy Raziff to inform him of my where about. At least , there is some one around if anything WERE to happen!!!! He arrived in no time. Thank you buddy. Truly honour your thoughfulness.

Dr Shireen Kaur gave me a jab and she said the pain would go off if it is gastricitis. Raziff exchanged notes with me about his experience ( Two weeks ago I sent him to this same place-reason: Chest pain!!).

15 minutes the pain slowly dissapeared! Alhamdulillah. Blood test done. TEPONIN T negative! This is an enzyme excreted if a person has a heart attack. Raziff described the procedure and medication so well that the nurse later asked me "Your friend is in the medicl line? ke" Phuuuh! Caya lah "Dr" Raziff!!!!!!

By now sms started coming in. YONG, the super caring sister was pretty upset for not being informed. RR, CSM, RI SRD all asking about my well being.

Cardiologist Datuk Aru saw me and treted me to the stress test. Cleared all.

Given some medication and a day off.

What and experince!

1) Syukur to Allah SWT the most merciful
2) TQ to my beloved wife Dr Hendon
3)TQ to "Dr" Raziff who was in attendance through out
4) TQ to Along for your concern
5) TQ to all for the prayers

a dozen kids! the G8! SEMASHURIAN

2008-06-27T18:18:00.000-07:00

Recently, fresh after coming back from a family vacation in Redang, we drove down for another 3 days vacation in PD KONDO. This wasnt in the agenda initially since we already set our mind to go east coast. Angah the montel (opsss the comel) wanted to have a gathering of the SEMASHURIAN.They were starved of accomodation. As a way out, I booked out a two nite stay in PD Kondo.TQ to Hajah Saerah, the residence manager who was very obliging despite the short notice.

Of we went, in two cars. Amal and Along came in on public transport the next day. All in all there were 14 of us! Angah;s friend totalled 7! All ladies except me. Hah! The only kumbang antara bunga...PEACE!

It was fun...fun...and fun...the kids were so extrovert, sporting and adventurous! We went karaoke. Farah, being below 12 was barred from entering. I was doing the song selection when I heard the groups walked in noisily. Suddently I heard and saw Farah in front of me...Lerrrr cam ne boleh masuk?

We smuggled her! Said one of the girl. Makkk OOOiiiii...

the nite was really short when we went beserk singing in our very own ways. There was Broery(you know who)Ella, etc etc

That nite the girls stayed up till early morning, only t0 wake up the next day for go carting. Again the girls went beserk! As said by the operators...here goes all the beauty models..in the stop pit,Amal, mistaken the brake and the power pedal, bangggggg the cart in front..Blurrr ...PEACE!

Didnt join them for the banana boat ride, but I heard one....heee hee Sorry, tak ingat nama..could not get on board due to ........*Toooooot*

Farhana was out done with her heavy make up all the while. Dah besaq rupa nya anak kecil ini. Farah had her hey day with Farhana for they both share this same interest. Once farah make up me while I was in deep sleep!!! Huh!

Ayu...the most extrovert of all I think. Very out spoken, very open. She volunteerd automatically to be the POCO POCO lead dancer, though the session actually best known as KECOH KECOH!

Aminas was the real awet muda. Mistaken for a form 3 girl. Ini species Kancil, very tiny. Once a dentist one day, I think she need a platform to treat her patients! PEACE!

Amphibia ...the most matured..very quiet but pleasant characters. Minum;;air kosong. Makan:roti. Diet concious. :)

The rest were very pleasant and adorable too. Apa tak nye....on the way back sume jadi Paris Hilton lah konon..spect RM 10 kat batu lapan! ...PEACE!

Girls, Pak cik cant remember all your names but surely I would always treasure the warmth and excitement of the short outing.It was so joyful...and in fact until now I could still hear the singing and laughters

Girls, There is always another time. Let me know if you all are ready!

What an embarassment!!

2008-06-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

OOOOOO what a shame.
It was about twenty years ago, with only Along and Angah into being. For the first time in my life I would be going to Kelantan though I had, by then, been to so many other parts of the world. By the way, I could speak a “good” Klate through acquaintances during UNI days. Well, good in the eyes of the non-klantanese. With the Klantanese they know right away , I am “Klate Clup”.Hence, I promise not to try my klatenese while there.Early morning we drove up to DungunG Terengganu to fetch WATI, our relative. Can’t really remember whether LEHA our maid came along or not. After a nite at Batu BUruk we drove to Klate. For the first time in my life, I stepped to this land of Serambi Mekah. Fascinated by the extra super friendly people there. They are so courteous, so helpful, and so polite. So much so, my other half really got touched by the very klantanese, she didn’t take the change for the short ride on BECA RODA TIGA (Taxi to the klantanese). Those days RM 10 was big amount and the pakcik beca too was very touched with her gratitude.
In the morning I went out scouting for packed breakfast. (We stayed at the budget hotel though). Went to the stall scouting for breakfast. Here it goes:

MakCIK: Nok make gapo ?

Me: Ada apa Cik?

Mak Cik: OOO..ado belako , nasi kerabu, nasi dage, nasi goreng, nasi BERLAUK....

Me: Nasi BERLAUK? Nasi apa tu? Ada ke nasi tak ada lauk?

MakCIK: oooo..tu nasi biaso lah wey (awang), cumonyo dio ado mace mace lauk .

I learnt a new thing.

T cut short the story, it was time to drive home. We decided to drive back to Kedah via the east –west motorway connecting JELI and Grik. I was checking the engine before the long journey home when suddenly a PAJERO pulled up. Down came a big sized guy, serbaned (Turbaned) and politely asked whether I was having a breakdown or in difficulty. He offered his help if I was in need. Told him I was ok and politely thanked him. After salaam, we parted. MasyaAllah..in this new land, a stranger being so polite and helpful. Don’t talk about America, UK or elsewhere, even in KL you can’t and shouldn’t trust strangest!!!!

To the polite stranger, may Allah bless you.

Here goes the other incident, he he he which I shall never ever forget.
Many a time I related this TRUE incident to my peers, subordinates and even students and they burst into laughter.

We were driving on the outskirt of Kota Baru, looking for a way out to JELI. Though there were many signages, none depicted JELI. I presumed it was because JELI was a distance from KB and hence no mention of it. We went round and round and round until decided to seek help. I pulled by the road side and saw an old Chinese man, big belly, wearing singlet and a kain pelikat in front of a shop house. Knowing he was Chinese, automatically I was switched to be “Chinese”

Me: Hello Towkey aaa...sikit mau tanyia aaa,,sikalang wa mau pigi JELI. Wa sula pusing pusing manyiak kali , wa tatak yumpa itu yalan maaa.Mau pigi JELI apa maciam?

He looked at me up, down, up down in between his thick glasses on his nose. Then he smiled.

Chinese Man (CM) : oooooo sene jo. Demo gi terus ikuk jale ni, jupo sepe 3(simpang 3) kornar kiri, lepas tu straight ja,,, tu jale gi JELI larrrrr

Ya Allah! He could speak PURE PERFECT KLANTANESE while I was trying to imitate his dialect and be “Chinese”. I blushed. Embarrassed. Really embarrassing. Politely I thanked him in my real standard BM!!!!!!

CM: slamat jale..he he he..ni kawe nok tanyo ni. Guano demo kecek supo tu? Demo cino ko kawe cino?Oh my God!!!! Before more embarrassment I once again thanked him and drove straight towards JELI, grinning all the way, not sure out of humour or embarassesement!!!!!!

TIME .....FLIES

2008-06-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

TIME.....FLIES. From Cuana to Along. Adik to Angah.Mal Tati to Amal. Dik Nur to Ano and Fa'ah to Adik....
Yes, time flies. It is almost four months now since I last blogged. The taxing work and heavy schedule truly take away the precious time. Leaving home before the sun rises, coming back after it already set, really make me starving for more hours! What a different, life as a General Manager now compared to a Senior Manager then.
Yes, time flies. Realized or not my girls are all grown up now. Just like only yesterday they were fighting each other but today, they are all grown up. 1) Along
My eldest. Introvert, quiet type but truly shows responsibility as the eldest in the family. Very polite, very soft and very respectful. Farah, my youngest commented that Along very warak! When we are no longer around, Insha’Allah Along would be taking good care of her siblings, over and above her own off spring. Truly showing her real sign of maturity and responsibility. Used to tell her to learn cooking for one day she would be a wife and a mother and a daughter in law. Imagine at that age she only knew how to fry egg. However, time flies. Suddenly now I am being served on Saturday/Sunday with very different look tasty meals. Asked, the answer is Along Masak! The recipe book was stained with all the rempah, kicap, cili whatsoever. Forget that all..the meals are delicious!
Child hood collection:1) Ayah...eerrrr...Cuana dah cuci RADIO ayah. Besih tak? !!!!! There goes my little black transistor..very clean and very QUIET too! (She dipped my radio in the basin full of water, soaped it and brushed it cleaned! Creative indeed!)
2) Makan Cornetto kat Umah flet yang kita dhudhuk dhuduk tuuuuuuuu (About two years old, in Rasah Jaya N 9)
3) Ya Allah sembohkan lah mak caya. Supaye mak caye cepat sihat! (Praying for her dear Mom’s speedy recovery when Angah was about to come)

2) Angah
Came to being after
3 years of along existence. Contradicting Along in many ways. Extrovert in nature, outdoor, bit boyish at child hood and led a very active life! Born prematurely in Muar Johor. Very active, very talkative and used to sleep with eyes wide open! Can’t see whether she is indeed asleep or otherwise! Now already in year two university. Already got Bf..Blluurrrp! peace! That’s according to Farah, my reliable info minister! I think Farah is right, judging from the TWO, repeat TWO HP she is now having. In fact when she is messaging, the sound emitted from the HP is just like rain drops falling on the attap.
Child hood collection:
1) Adik nak duduk depan, cian kat ayah takut ayah ngantuk!!!!(konon nye lah duduk depan while Iwas driving home...less than .5 km off Semashur,elum pun keluar dari Ulu Yam ZZZZZZZZZ Z berdengkur lagi.......)
2) Used to do step climbing in between two walls in front of her bed room. Every one fancied, indeed by her antics. Bik Cory used to scold...Ya ampun....anak ini!
3) Was in form two...years ago. Rinnnnggggg...our home phone rang. On the other end of the line was her, sobbing heavily from SEMASHUR. When asked, in between sob, she related her hand phone was stolen.The forever cool mummy on this end pacified her, cooled her. ..TTOOOTTTT....the cries stopped. The conversation turned normal...(her strategy works!!!!no firing, no scolding,. Selamat aku! Peace!)
....and the list goes on endlessly. Well...with five grown up lads I could write a novel out of it.

THE HEAT IS ON

2008-02-25T06:22:00.000-08:00

Its election fever again. There, here and every where, posters , banners and slogan of all political parties are every where. This is the time where all the politicians would be down to earth, coming back to the rakyat and starts promising heaven! I remember, my chilhood days, where touching the PAS flag is a "sin", left alone to take it home. Dont blame them, my beloved parents, as they were the stauch supporters of the ruling party. They grew up with the party and it was just normal for them to be so fanatic about it.
Now the fever is back. The heat is on. Every where, you could see nothing but posters. My idol, Ustaz Haron is back on the track. God willing, insya Allah, victory would be his. Takbir! Allah hu Akbar!

Fated,bloody mat Pit, GP oh GP

2008-02-22T19:43:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, I went to Putra Perdana. Havent been there for so long. Too disheartening to see the apartment without electricity supply after Mat Dadah (bloody Mat Pit) cut away the cables. Went there with Razak after my neighbour, Siva called, saying that the house break in happened again. This time the aluminium window panels were stolen. True enough. When I arrived, the house was in a mess. Few widows were missing. Screws, rubbers and glasses were strewn all over.The bloody Mat Pit entered through the roof. Few houses suffered the same fate.

With Razak, I started fixing the temporary grill, just to stop Mat Pit from entering. I knew they could strike again through the house, if they want to. I am just making it thougher. On the door, I put up a notice, pleading them from further damaging the house. Could they listen? I hope they could....
We were about to complete the simple job when suddently a crazy idea struck. I decided to put back the glass panel without the frame!!!!!! The ever obliging Razak just followed. When I was fixing one of the glass panel, it tilted outward due to weight. Tried to balance it BUT ...crack,,,, BBBRRRRRRRRAAAANGGG it broke into two and the bigger top half went down flying to the ground floor (from fifth floor). It hit a motor bike and broken to pieces....Razak shouted saying that I got a cut on my hand.When I looked at it...YA Allah....my left little finger got slashed by the broken glass....blood was oozing out heavily, wetting my jeans and shirt. My T shirt was soaking wet! Razak panic as I was in pain. We ran down to the ground floor, got into the car and rushed to NOWHERE as we did not know the clinic/hospital. Blood was gushing out, bleeding heavily. Razak managed to fine a clinic and the GP, admitting she couldnt do well, stiched my little finger hastily . Pain and pain and pain..........

We rushed back to the house, Razak completed the job and we left home. The whole Saturday and Sunday were spoilt. Monday, went to see Dr Ranjit the specialist. He advised me to go through a surgery as the GP did a lousy job! Tuesday I was wheeled into the OT. Alone, no one with me. When the nurse asked, whether any one accompanied me, I responded negatively. I felt so alone and lonely then. In the OT I was sedated...and opearated. When I woke up, it was done. The nurse woke me up. It was in the evening...feeling drowsy, a staff fetched me and sent me home..

Given 4 days medical leave and now I am at home..bogging.
To Mat Pit...you will receive yours one day, if not here, in this world, in the the life after death!

UNITEN's Pak Guard!!!!

2008-02-22T19:33:00.000-08:00

UNITEN’S PAK GUARD

If you are very familiar with UNITEN then you must have observed the glaring differences between then and now-security services. Those days the security services is taken cared by TNB own Benteng Utama staff. Now, for reasons best known to the management, this service is outsource to the private company. I don’t intend to commend the services of the two, the Benteng Utama and the Outsourced. Rather I would like to touch on the current pathetic service by the private firm.
Wonder how this firm won the contract. If you drive through the main entrance you would not miss the guards seated lazily among them , or sometimes alone as though their butts are gummed to the seats. If they know some one big is coming, then only then started doing things implying that they are working as expected. This is in comparison WORLD APART compared to MMU securities. Every car entering and leaving the campus will have to let the car scrutinized for inspection. I wonder why the guards at UNITEN are employed if their presence are purely to occupy space!
Now in the name of modernisation at the entrance is installed the auto bar which open and close remotely or after identifying one’s ID. Great! But only the idea. For staff and students of Uniten , they have to touch the ID card in order to get in and out of campus. For visitor like me, I have to stop for the guard to lift the bar automatically. Well, so doing even get the guards to get fed up. Eventually creativity creeps in. Many a time one will not miss to see the bar being TIED to the grill by a raffia rope! Why? Pak Guard dah malas nak tekan remote control gamak nye.
I am perplexed with this situation. Why do we need these half past six security men? They have no self pride in their job and take up this job as this is the one and only available t them, I guess
One day after tennis I was riding home on my VIRAGO. The bar was closed. I approached. The guard pointed to the side lane which was meant for motorbikes. The small lane is blocked by two cones with a small bar on top of them. Kapcais (sorry err mat motor) could go through , through a bit of squezzing. The not so clever guard expected me to do same. OK FINE! Expect me to use the lane, yes but expect me to squeeze through , NO! Headed towards the two cones, increase the speed, rev the engines and vvvvRRRRRRROOOMMMMMM I blasted through , hammering the small tine bar and the two cones, leaving them all scattered all over . I picked up speed and vrrooooommmmm home. Of course I never bother to see what happened behind me or what the guard was actually doing there after. Good right? At least the guard learn to do new things that day .....

Proud of You Mal Tati !

2007-12-27T02:28:00.000-08:00

Two days ago on Christmas day I wrote a bit about Mal Tati, how she enjoyed disturbing Farah, how she earned "tear shedding princess" tittle etc.

Today, 27th dec 2007 she made us proud! Congratulations Mal Tati! We are so proud of you. Mal Tati scored straight 9 As today in her PMR. Gone was the worry that surrounded her the last few days. True to the tittle accorded to her she nearly broke down when the school official, jokingly, before handing her the exam result slip said "la....kenapa ni? Tak baca buku ke?". The joke, not very timely, I suppose caught Amal by sursprise. My heart stopped beating for a while. I grabbed the exam results slip from the officer, glanced through, I could see nothing but straight As! I said to Mal Tati " kenapa Amal??"

Before Amal screamed and went hysteria I grabbed her, hugged her and congratulated her. By then my other half, Norcaidah and Farah already joined us. All of us celebrated with cry of joy in full view of the school official.

We proceeded to the mosque to do sujud syukur and also solat Zuhor. We thanked Allah for all the blessing. Only if my beloved mum was still around, I would have contacted her right away.
After prayer we proceded to REBUNG RESTAURANT of Dr Sheikh Muszafar for a heafty lunch. My pocket was shallow soon after lunch but it was really worthwhile, since Mal Tati has been longing to go there for quite some time.

Mal Tati, you followed Along and Angah in showing perfect score in PMR. I just pray that Nurcaidah and Farah would follow you foot step,insya Allah.

Congratulate Mal Tati...here goes some of your trade mark:

1) Started pre school in Prestwich Manchester, but lasted only ONE (repeat ONE) day only he he :)

2) Could not pronounced letter "R" properly, hence replacing it it "W". ROTI became WOTI. In 1995 buckled in the stroller in the street in Italy, she was feeling thirsty. She told me "Dad I want dwink." I said " What?" Mal Tati said " Dwink! Dwink!" meaning drink! I asked her again as I didnt get her and she shouted loudly " I want Dwiiiiiiiiiiiiink!!!!!!!"

3) Would obliged with what ever decision I made but would cried and sob behind me. "Tak pe lah"...said Mal Tati as though agreeing with my decision, only to start crying heavily behind me as a sign of disagreement!

4) A real manja kid with my other half, only to slow down after joining the boarding school in 2005. in fact while in the hostel Angah played the motherly role on behalf of my other half.

5) Mal Tati made a lady dentist (u48 he he) one morning went scavenging the dustbin at SRK Jalan 3 looking for her text book. The poor dentist, discovered the book, in the dustbin, left over nite by Mal Tati.

6) Very bubly while at the very young age. I remembered during one of the trip to Malaysia Hall in London, from Manchester Mal Tati grabbed hold of the remaning satay in the plate in front of Along and Angah, loudly saying "THIS ONE IS FOR ME REMEMBER!"

7) One day while walking to the post office in Prestwich , Mal Tati was carring a few letters to be posted. At that age she assured me " I will hold tightly, dont worry Dad!" when I reminded her not to drp the letters.

Mal Tati...form 4 you are very soon. You may go full flesh with you English drama during this period coz by next year you would be back to be book worm and ready to give us another surprise.

Congragtulation Mal Tati...proud of you.

KERI

2007-12-25T07:06:00.000-08:00

Of the many friends that I had during my childhood days, the only one that is still in touch with me is Shukri. Really, I do not know what happen to others. In fact I have not seen them for many long years. I too do not know where they are now or what they are doing. Are they still around? Whoever and where ever they are my doa to Allah SWT may Allah bless them and their families.Amin

The only one, left is Shukri. Yes, we parted ways after school, lost contact for a certain period of time, get in touch, lost again and finally now back in contact. Shukri, or Keri as he is fondly known was my immidiate neighbour then. However he was not that lucky when his parent divorced and as a result of a broken family, he and his other siblings took different hard routes to survive.

During those childhood days Keri and me were very close. More often than not, our play time ended up with him having lunch at my place. Like any other kids we played together, quarelled, fight but in the end we remain friend. Keri did not fare well in his studies and hence survive doing odd jobs like selling ice cream, helping farmers in the kampong etc. What ever he did, he earned sympathy from the villagers, may be coz of his family back ground. However, the hard earned money, to Keri was hard to come but easy go. Never ever know how to save. Many a time the proceeding from his ice cream bussiness was given to me to be safe kept, only to be requested back the next day.That was KERI my child hood friend

When I entered university , Keri joined the army. That was the first depart point for us. I remembered him writing to me how he missed me and he just had no one else in the kampong. I did reply his letter at the beginning but some how we started to forget each other. When I returned for the term break, my arwah bonda told me that Keri was in the army. I got a mix feeling, shocked, proud and sad. Shocked coz Keri whom I know, so disorganized, so disoriented was now an army personnel. Couldnt believe it at first. Proud, coz Keri my friend at last was able to find a stable income to make ends meet. Sad, coz I did not know what will happen to him, whether we could meet again in the future.

Years passed without us in contact.

As has been fated by Allah SWT when I was first posted in Penang, Keri was based there too. I could not recall who initiated but it was a tearful reunion when we first met. We were both married when we met. I visited him at the army quarters with my other half at Air Hitam and he too visited me in Butterworth. I had just started a family and I remembered how Keri used to buy the PURNAMA products for me at the subsidized rate!

Again, as fated, when I got transfered to KL in 1986 we lost touch again, only to re established many years later during the eid gathering in the kampong. By then he already resigned from the army, ventured into the kedai makan bussiness and was not doing that well though. However, the greatest surprise was...despite all those, Keri is now on DOUBLE BARREL, the second one from South Thailand.

It had been twice I took my family to visit his. I just want to make sure that the bond between us is not loosen and we would be in close contact forever. Over and above that I just want my other half, my lovely girls to know how much I treasured the friendship that I endured with this real unique creature since when we were still running naked in the bendang and around the kampong. To you Keri, till death we are friends!

Langkawi revisited

2007-12-24T19:48:00.000-08:00

My first trip to this island was when I was in form two. The scouts of SMPS and the girl guides of SMTM co-organized the trip there. It was in the 70's and what Langkawi is now is world apart. We loaded the bicycle into the ferry at Kuala Kedah and off we sailed to Kuah Jetty. Kuah Jetty then was made of wooden pillars full of fishermen boats around. After collecting our bicycle we were briefted on the "rules and regulations" and off we went to the island tour. Hardly any cars. Only old bikes, bicycles around. Kuah was then just a row of wooden shop houses. There it was the most out standing shop then belonging to Manggaram, the father of my classmates, Suresh. He is also the father to the not so clever Dr Dev Anand who operated my daughter twice without success! Curse on you Dev!

Back to the 70's. We camped at the mosque compound of Masjid Jamek Langkawi.(the very same mosque where Taufiq lost his phone and wallet recently). At nite, Rahman, my buddy got a strange idea of getting the fresh coconuts up the trees. I believe hunger got the better of him. Mind you, those days young coconuts were valuables!While the girl guides and scouts were deep asleep, Rahman and me sneaked out of the tents and up he went like a trained monkey. I was at the base to collect the dropped coconuts. Boms! one, two three, four the coconuts tumbled down. "cukup Man" I said. "Sikit lagi Bie" he answered.

As Rahman was busy monkeying with the coconuts he was not aware of what was happening down there. An old man approached me and I knew that was the mosque official. Within a split of a second I made a quick dash into total darkness and straight into the tent. With heart pumping hard, adrenalin flowing fast, I peeped through the small opening of the tent. The man, waited patiently at the base, collecting the coconuts, on behalf of "Bie". Rahman kept asking "Bie" whether the collection was enough. Rahman only stopped and came down once "Bie" said "Cukup tu......"

Rahman, upon hearing a different voice, was shaking on the tree but managed to land down safely. The landing was as rought as Dr Sheikh Muszafar as his leg was unable to grip the tree trunk any further...

The man was sporting enough not to scold Rahman but in fact he divided the collection into halves, between both of them...

The next day, we all enjoyed. Both the young coconut meat and juice as well as the hillarious incident. As all of us, especially the girl guides burst into laughter, Rahman pulled a long sour face. Of course, till we departed Langkawi, not even a word, Rahman and I spoke to each other.

TIME FLIES

2007-12-24T07:57:00.000-08:00

Time flies, there goes the saying. Felt that it was only yesterday all my girls were running around in the garden,screaming and fighting over their toys and today, they are all grown up.Yes, time flies. It was only yesterday Along, my eldest was playing Teng-teng with Angah. Today, Along is in her final year at the university and Angah into her first. Both of them are busy attending classmate's, coursemate's, engagement; wedding etc. It is a matter of time that they both soon would be following the foot step of their classmates, coursemates and friends. Time flies. Amal, or Mal Tati as she was fondly known during the chilhood days is now a grown up teen ager. Slowly she shed off her well known trade mark as the "puteri air mata." Ops!!She is much capable of doing that still though..at the drama competition she burst, broke down like nobody bisness simply to get into a character!

Ano, is now in the intermittent stage as she is about to enter into her secondary education level. Still very much a kid, most of the time she is caught in a situation of being an elder sister and a kid at heart. Proven in the recent Langkawi Holiday Trip, Ano enjoyed disrturbing Farah all the way. As and when Farah reacted to her antics, it was seen as a success! Know what? Mal Tati too would join Ano in torturing their youngest!

Farah, in her 10th year of seing the light, is very much a kid still. Screaming at others and me is seen as nothing wrong. Grabbing full plates of "ketam masak lemak" before others is normal and is seen as "ni adik punya!". Any advices against her wishes is unacceptable. "Mulut muncung boleh ikat reben" simply reflect her disapproval for any thing against her wish. A trip to the supermarket is incomplete without buying something for her, even if it is not at all required. Any sign of maturity is reflected in her never ending love for cosmetics and make up! She promised me when she is grown up she would built me a palace!

There they are, my 5 lovely girls who are now grown up lads. To all of you, mummy and daddy dedicated our love, souls and hearts. Girls, we love you all , very very much.

Thanks for NO Thanks

2007-09-09T22:34:00.000-07:00

Thank You. Just a two word phrase which take less than 2 seconds to utter. Yes..2 seconds. Thats all it takes. However just ponder how many of us ever say the word thank you appropriately in our life? With the fortcoming Ramadhan, today I belanja the famous nasi beringin to my 39 subordinates in the office. Less than 10 came back to say thank you. So was when I issued birthday cards. It seems, to some, saying thank you is so expensive!
Not that I really want to be appreciated! Definitely not! All that I gave is out of my sincerity. It gives me no harm by them not saying thank you. All that I say is I wonder (and ponder) why it takes so much for these people to say that little meaningful phrase.

I remember, when residing in UK in mid 90's, I was amazed to see how a cashier at the grocery said thank you at least 3 or 4 times for a simple purchased I made.

1) When I put the thing I want to buy in front of her- she said Thank you
2) Gave her the money- she said thank you
3) She gave me the things I purchased-She! yes ! She said Thank you and not me!
4) She gave me the change- she said thank you

Immedietly upon my return to Malaysia I tried to practice that locally, and I met with an unpleasant incident one day:
I was queing up at the Sg Besi toll with my other half and when came my turn, I gave the toll girl my toll card. As expected(or as cultured!) the told girl didnt say a word. I said..thank you...when she took my card. Again I said thank you when I gave her the money, and she didnt say anything.
When she gave me the receipt and the change, I said thank you...love. She look at me, and suddently uttered " gatal!". I was so surprised and drove off dissapointingly. Probably what catced her ears was the word LOVE. That itself warrant me the word gatal!....I dont blame her for that. She was never exposed to the western culture I went through and I pardoned her for that. To me she was young enough to be addressed as "love" like what I went through and heard in Cheetam Hill, Manchester. Cultured~ and it would be there for many years to come. Sadly enough, by now , I who want to introduce change, has also been cultured! I am now part of the society, being and behaving like the toll girl, or...even worse than her!

Care less Bikers

2007-09-06T05:49:00.000-07:00

I am a biker myself. Owning a 535 cc Yamaha virago since the last ten years. It wasnt my first bike since I did own a few before. That include a kapcai and a RXZ.But the virago is my first big bike. Very proud of it and in fact not willing to part with it despite being under utilised now. Alhamdulillah since owning it, I have always been protected by Allah SWT from any untowards incidents and accidents. On my part, I am always a careful rider (and driver), being defensive most of the time.

Well, I am sure you readers must have experienced those bikers zigzaging squezing themselves in between cars right?Ever realized that those involve in those nasty acts are actually the kapcais or the small bike riders. Though I am a biker, I truly hate those small bikers who never ever value their life, left alone life of others. Everytime they get into the sucidal act, I would be cursing them. Not really fear for their safety but really that of others. Recalling some of their stupid acts:

1) Vrooming past red traffic light. Red is simply green to these species
2) Zigzaging in between cars whenever there is a traffic crawl.
3) Breezing past your car at high speed, ovbertaking you just by inches
4) Wheeling to attract attention...(mat rempiting actually!)
...and the list could go on and on endlessly.

To those crazy bikers, I have only this to say: Since you dont value your life at all...my sympathy is not with you but do have the heart for others..Its ok if your life is dam bloody dirt cheap but do treasure others!

2007-09-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

Wedding! Wedding! Wedding!
That was the activities i attended to during this long merdeka break. First september , I attended the wedding of Dr B's daughter. He and me are of the same age, but he has got a son in law!.
Today I again attended the weedding of GNB daughter at Mutiara Bangi. Tonite, I had just returned from PWTC, wedding KA's daughter. Expecting to see more friends from my old office but sad to see only a few regular faces. Baie was supposed to be there but was no where to be seen. It was a grand wedding of sort. Two ministers in attendance. Ops its past midnite now, need to pen off coz I need to be with the companys top guns for important meeting tomorrow.

I am a blogger!

2007-09-01T06:17:00.001-07:00

Heard about blogger being labelled as GOBLOK? Guessed it is not the very nice name to label the bloggers but I believed the politician (and many of us too) know the reason why. Whatever, I for one, enjoyed reading blog of some. I truly admirered the way they let their heart out by hitting the keyboards. GartBLUE once once proposed for me to blog. Told her I dont have time for all that. While that may be true, I did not know how to go about blogging actually. It was about few days ago I stumbled upon the blog of Angah. Sort of touched with what she expressed in her blog, especially the one dedicated to me on this year's fathers day. Sort like, i just realized, after reading through her blog, that Angah is now a grown up matured teen ager. Felt like it was only yesterday she was still running around half naked, disturbing Kak Cik. Now, she is 18 plus, transformed into a sweet young lad driving proudly her MYVY around campus.

Recall those child hood years. Angah was more adventerous compared to her elder sister ALONG. While Along is more intruvert, "good citizen" personality, Angah is on the opposite. A classic example: Whenever we went to the shopping complex, Angah would rushed for the escalator. She would jump on to the moving escalators for the second floor BUT on the decending escalators! She would be jumping every rung of the escalators until she finally made it, feeling proud whenever she made it to the top. When ever I asked her to get down, she would immediately abide, but surely through the ascending escalators!

Today, she is 18 plus. Next few days, September 4, she is gonna be 19! ...and this sweet young lad of mine TODAY taught me how to blog. Here, goes my first blog, dedicated especially for Angah. Insya Allah , I shall be a passionate blogger, and not goblok, from now onwards.