Mumbai's Attack

The recent Mumbai attacked was a tragedy to us – the Hannover Re staff. A day before the tragedy, three of my colleagues were flown into Mumbai for a meeting – 1 local, 2 Germans.

Thursday morning (27th Nov), my colleague called and informed about the incident and they are staying exactly at the under siege hotel – The Taj Mahal.

Friday, 28th Nov: When I came in my colleagues mentioned that the 2 Germans are contactable. 1 of them will be flying out to Germany and another back to KL but still no news of Hema – the local.

Her husband flies into Mumbai with a hope he can locate her. From time to time Hema’s boss contacting her husband.

Saturday, 29th Nov: Still no news of her… Later close to midnight, her department colleague text me… Her husband finally found her… He recognize her through her heart patient chain she wore, her body nearly burnt and that’s the reason the husband couldn’t recognize her… I was terribly sorry over the news and inform some of my colleagues about it…

Her body will be flown to KL and arrive on Monday morning. The funeral will take place on Tuesday – waiting for her children who study abroad to come back. I’ll be going for the funeral tomorrow and hope I will not breakdown and cry…

To Hema, may your soul rest in peace... and to the rest of the victim. Amen.

An Experience I'll Never Forget

Recently I was diagnosed with endometriosis – a kind of fibroid. The gynaecologist also found cyst on my right ovary and he informed that there are few options I can choose from to tackle this illness – pills, jap or surgery. Having discussed this with my boss, I choose to go for surgery. The date is fixed 3-weeks later that is on 4th November 2008. During that period I was so tensed, so worried and I lost quite a number of weight.

Tuesday, 4th Nov: Finally, the day shows its face. I was alone registering myself to the hospital – none of my family were told (I just don’t want them to worry) and the worst part, the person who I can rely was abroad. Around 2pm, the nurses start to take blood, get me change to the surgery gown and etc. This is a painful experience to me as I never get any jap after my primary 6, no one is there with me – I felt a bit sad but I choose it to be like that.

When the anaesthetist comes, he put me to unconscious and takes me to the operating theatre. There onwards I don’t know what happen until around six I was waken up by the doctor and they took me to the ward- room 603. I was not fully conscious and when one of my colleague came, I still drowsy. That night, until the day I was discharged, the doctor and nurses never stop looking after me, giving medicine, take blood pressure count, etc..etc..

Wednesday, 5th Nov: in the morning, the nurses help to clean my body. I was still weak, I can’t move and I was on the urine tube, blood tube and on soluble diet. During the day, my colleagues came and visit me. I was still weak that time. The person I can rely came and visit me the same evening (he came back one day earlier due to an urgent meeting he has to attend). Another colleague of mine from the same department came and visit me along with his girlfriend that evening.

Thursday, 6th Nov: still on tube, I can’t move. Life is so bored.

Friday, 7th Nov: that person come and visits me again – today is his birthday. Unfortunately, I can’t celebrate his birthday due to my condition but I make it a point that when I recover, I’ll make up that missing moment. Having chat for quite sometimes, he finally makes a move…

I am supposed to check out on Saturday but I had slight fever today afternoon and my gynae doesn’t allow me. He further convince that I can’t check out when he learn that I am going to be alone at home. This make me sick and I couldn’t take it anymore – staying further in the hospital can make me crazy - I was crying and crying.

Saturday, 8th Nov: called my boss and update him on my progress. He is unable to visit me as he is having fever. My colleague visits me again in the morning. He stays for sometimes and the same night my uni-mate visit me with her mother and sister – am surprised but happy that she turns up. They are nice people… they are willing to send me home (all the way from Damansara) if no one help me when I check out.

Sunday, 9th Nov: finally I can check out. The person I can rely suppose to fetch me but he has to attend to something in the morning therefore unable to do so. I call my colleague and he fetches me. Around 11 he arrive and finally, I am free from the hospital… Drop by the office for a while to take my books, my boss is there and he does everything for me - carry books, open the door, send me down…

I will be on medical leave until the 3rd Dec, stay all alone at home… Hopefully, I’ll recover faster and that I am mobile to go here and there especially to my exam which starts from 19th Nov.

Just hope for the best out of this faith…. and to my friends who all these while give me courage, thanks a lot - I appreciate it very much.

Yogyakarta

I was in Yogyakarta for a holiday with my sister end of July. We visited two cities i.e. Yogya and Solo. Was so excited over the trip as this is the first time we are travelling together.

The hotel we are staying is so..so.. only. Wanted to go for the high end but the lower category rooms are fully booked. Somehow, I managed to secure hotel that is closed to Malioboro street.

The first day, we visit the palace, taman sari and the famous Borobudur - nothing to shout about as it is not as great as the Angkor Watt. Did visit the mount merapi Kaliurang the same evening – can still smell the sulphur.

The next day, we are off to Solo. We take train and the fare is so damn cheap – only IDR 7,000 per trip. The train is like our LRT.

I don’t know why.. I am so lazy to visit interesting places in Solo. Just walk around the bazaar, don’t buy anything here, whilst my sis is pampering herself in the saloon. Suppose to stay two nights but changed my mind as I want to watch the Ramayana Dance Theatre in Prambanan.

We had our lunch at one of the local stall – bakso… wow, its so tasty. Whilst for dinner, we have nasi padang….

The next day, I went back to Yogya… take afternoon train.. so packed. Arrive Yogya, purchase the theatre ticket. Tonight, we gonna watch the theatre. Having watched… its ok la… something different.

Sunday… is a shopping day. I walk along the Malioboro street from one shop to another. Managed to buy 2 pairs of kebaya for myself, 1 pair for my uni-mate, 2 sarongs for my sis and 1 pair of batik for my mum. Not to mention, souvenirs for my boss and my friend, Faisal.

The last night we are in Yogya, we go to Café Vie-vie – recommended by my friends but unfortunately it is so packed. We ended up having our dinner at one of the restaurant close by Vie-vie.

It’s quite an interesting trip though I don’t really do what I want to.. watching sunrise/sunset at the Borobudur..

Here are some pictures taken whilst we were there…

The Entrance of Taman Sari

In the compound of the Palace

In front of the Hall at the Palace

The Borobudur

Myself at one of the level at Borobudur

The main stupa surrounded by the small stupas

The Kaliurang Mount Merapi

The local (short distance) train to Solo

My Sweet Little One - Update 3

Hi... its my kids turn....

Received the following pictures last Saturday. Moris fell down and hurt his front tooth - it has turned gray now. He has grown up and he is a big boy already. Sometimes he just being naughty and tease Roman until he cries - poor my little baby.

They might be coming to KL next year - I can't wait to see them. Miss you boys... with lots of luv..

Moris and Roman

Look at this naughty boy..

Why my darling, who has teased you???

My sweet baby... like little cat just finished the milk

First look, people must be saying this kid is a girl... so sweet...

Here is my macho man...

My sweet baby....

These pictures were taken when they were in Boston.

Euro 2008

Euro 2008 .... Welcome.

Have the chance to watch Euro 2008. My favourite team.. Germany beat Poland 2-nil during the first opening - thanks to Lukas Podolski who scored these goals for the team.... keep it up man!.

The German team

The second game, Germany meets Croatia. Sad that they lost this game 2-1 (also scored by Lukas). I didn't manage to watch the first 70 minutes of the game. By the time I watch, the score already 2-0. Was wondering why Miroslav Klose didn't show his strength this time... I admire this player (who is with the Bayern Munich team back in Germany) the first time I watch WC 2002. Just couldn't remember the match against which country but they scored 8 goals for that game and Miroslav scored the most goals. Since then, I follow the development of this team (only if I have time). The last WC 2006, I was again frustrated as they were only managed to get the third place - lost to Italy during the last minutes of the game in the semi final...uhuk..uhuk...

Miroslave KLOSE with J.Kleinsmann

Germany won over Austria by 1-nil and it was scored by Michael Ballack... Now they move on and will meet the Portugal. They've won this game at a score of 3-2 (scored by Schweinsteiger, Klose and Ballack) that qualify them (the first team) to the semi final.. hurrayyyyy...

Yesterday, the Croat was defeated by the Turks by 3-1 (over penalty after a draw of 1-1). This means, my favourite team will meet the Turks... Gosh! hopefully they can manage to go for the finale...


Finally, the semis come. Germany is meeting the Turks. Yahooooo.... they won 3-2 and yes, the Germans are going for the finale... against???? Another teams in the semis are Russia and Spain. Didn't watch this game - the result.... Spain move on to final.

This morning, I woke up to watch my favourite team play against Spain. Somehow... they don't play well, as if no spirit to win... gosh.... what happen to you guys????? where are my heroes all??? With no winning spirit, they lost to Spain 1-0. I was so frustrated. Well, its a tradition of a game there is win and lose... we have to accept it... :-(
Picture courtesy of irishblogs.ie

M I S T A K E

Mistake... what does this word means to you.... There are a few types of mistake and it depends on the discretion of individual.


Recently, I accidently done a mistake which I've promised myself I will never commit. I just couldn't forgive myself for committing this mistake and it bothers me now...

I hate myself for having commit the same stupid mistake - this is my weakness. I wish I could turn back time and correct the mistake but as proverb says "life is a drawing without an eraser". So, let the picture be our guide in the future, but this one... we, human will never remember.

Hopefully, I manage to get through this hurdle and become wiser.

Weekend in Janda Baik, Pahang

Janda Baik... I don't know where the hell is this place the first time I heard about it. The name itself sound funny... 'good widow'.

The first time I step my feet in this village was in March '08 - a trip with my college mates for our Ko-K program. This is a real typical village with small road, full of greens (jungle), river and the people make a living with odd job, kerja kampung and the like.

But to my surprise, there are visitors / tourists come to this village for camping, relaxing and to film a movie as well (wow!). There are a number of accommodations here and most of them cater for team building, company training and the like. There is one or two that cater for high end kind of weekend outing as well. One of it is Sailor Rest - the place where we gonna stay. They have 2 kind of accommodations - boathouse and house. Price range from RM 250 (boathouse) to RM 280 (house). They do cater food as well. My advice.... opt for the food they cater as it will be easier for those who just want to relax, afterall not much choice outside there.

During one of the weekend, me and my other 2 friends went for our weekend outing in Janda Baik and have booked a place at the boathouse. Arrived there around 11 am. We were being greet by the owner itself, Dato' Hashim and Datin Zana (we didn't know they have the title until my last visit to Janda Baik for my Ko-K program). That time we just call them auntie and uncle.

The place is further deep inside of the tribe/aborigine village. Though its quite deep inside but the minute you reach there... wow, fantastic! The house is just next to the river and the boathouse was built in a manmade lake (the water is piped in from the river). The view is superb and the air is fresh. Uncle and Auntie show us around the house, their fish pond, their kitten... We had a very warm welcome.

After our fruit punch, we walk to our boathouse. The minute we step into the boathouse, I was stunt with the decorations. It is so luxury, no doubt that it can't compete the five star hotel in town, but for that kind of place... RM 250 is worth the money.

Having looked around the boathouse, we get change and ready to go for our 'mandi sungai'. God... the water is so cold... This remind us of the Sungai Congkak we went few years back - but here is even better. Almost an hour and a half we were in the water. Get out of the river, we shower and ready to go for our food. Had our late lunch at one of the makan place there (drive out for 5 to 10 minutes).

After our late lunch.... here the incident started. I don't feel comfortable. Ask the makan place owner if there is a clinic I can head to - he shown us the direction. Drive there and its not a clinic but just a 'clinic desa'. Worst part... the doctor was not there.

We left the place and drive further down, in case there is clinic down there. By that time I couldn't stand the pain. I couldn't sit, stand, bend and everything.... I just couldn't.

My friend drive back to the 'clinic desa' try to see if the doctor is there... still no sign of him/her. I feel like vomiting and after sometime, manage to vomit everything out. Passers by were asking my another friend about me... My stomach is getting worst.

My another friend manage to get the doctor (fr the 'clinic desa'). They take me to the clinic. Myself that point of time.... I feel like I'm going to die. The lady who we thought is a doctor is just a nurse there... gosh! Asked her if she has gastric medicine and to my surprise, they don't keep other medicine than panadol, cough syrup and the usual medicine. That time I feel like yelling at her (sick like half dead, still want to yell at people...) but I have the energy to do so. Take the panadol and still no sign of cooling down. My friends decided to drive me to Bentong but they changed the plan. They instead pack our thing and drive back to KL.

They arrived Boathouse, make payment and tell Uncle and Auntie that we want to check out. They were surprised and by the time my friends want to leave the place, they say they want to come along and want to give me 'antibiotic'. My friends were hesitated but then, they agreed. There are another two person following them.

When they arrive, according to my friends, I wasn't look myself. Was jokingly tell them, why didnt they take a picture of me that point of time...

The person who followed Uncle and Auntie recites verses from the Quran. They ask me to drink the water and the one Auntie brought. In less than 20-minutes, I am back to normal, I start to laugh, can talk and .... no more pain! Its terrific!

Uncle and Auntie welcome us to overnight there but we've decided to go back to KL. Thank all of them there and Auntie hug me - I am touched!

We take a slow drive back to KL. In the car, my friend want to say something but dare not to until we are out of that place. Arrived KL, went to clinic to take medicine and back home. My friends overnight at my place and there we recall and chat how it started until we back to KL.

On the way home (almost reach my home), Uncle call to check if we arrived home - so kind of him. He advise me to finish the water they've given, this and that.... so concern....

To my surprise, on Tuesday the following week, he and auntie text me to find out if I am ok. I've called and talked to him... They are so very kind, and as a gesture of respect and thankful I'll visit him again (probably during my Uni programme in June '08).

Below are some pictures taken when we were there.... enjoy!!!!!

Newly born kittens...

The House

The Boathouse


Interior of the boathouse

The Garden (close to boathouse)


Myself... infront of the boathouse

The River... (next to the house)


The River


Nav... in the river...

Mok... testing the water (it is so cold...)

The three of us... (in the river)

p/s regrettably, we didn't take picture with Uncle Hashim & Auntie Zana. (Recently went to Janda Baik for my Uni program.. the village head told me that they are Dato' and Datin... I was surprised and even respect them more as they are very kind person).

S T R E S S

Lately, I have been receiving so many unnecessary and unwanted news. Though I try to ignore but it keep bothering me. Am fed up of these nonsence but as a human, I can't run away. Somehow, I have to face it and end up, I am stressed.
What would you do when you feel stress? Here, some tips I've got from the internet (by Alison B Dunham), should try this....

1. Talk: Don't hold all your feelings within! Discuss your stressful feelings with someone you trust who will listen without being judgmental or pressuring you to their own point of view.
Me: what if I don't have someone that I trust? Have no choice but to swallow it.

2. Be in Charge: Another way to reduce your stress is to find an interest, hobby or activity where you feel in charge and call the shots.
Me: hobby, interest???? impossible to me... as it is, to find time for myself also is very difficult....

3. Get Away: Sometimes a change, however small, can do wonders for your spirit. Forget it all for a while - escape! Go somewhere new for a few hours, or a few days if you can afford to.
Me: this sounds good to me... but still... time always a hurdle for me

4. Socialise: Spend time with family and friends for love and support. Don't be afraid to enjoy yourself! Appreciate friendship and let others know you care about them, too. Love may not conquer all, but it's a great start.
Me: have no comment on this....

5. Learn How to be Happy: One thing all of life's winners have in common is a sense of well-being, a positive attitude and realistic goals. Focus on the good things about yourself, and in your life. Nobody's perfect. Learn to enjoy the "little things" that make you happy.
Me: this is fantastic but when you focus on the good things about yourself, don't overdo, as you'll become ego.

Picture: courtesy of Kontansplace.com

So Close Yet Unable to Grab the Chance

Was so excited that Celine Dion will be performing live in Kuala Lumpur on 8th April. Tickets are ranging from RM 158 to RM 1000. My good friend agrees to sponsor me but I hesitate to purchase. Told myself to hold on (as my instinct says something not right will turn up). True enough, the concert is postponed to the 13th, which I am unable to attend. That weekend, the radio is playing Celine’s songs back to back. God… it drives me crazy. I’m so tempted to go and purchase the ticket but think back, I am unable to go as I have class the same evening – I wish I can forget about the class and just go.

End up I didn’t purchase the ticket…means I didn’t go :-(

The next day, I went to Tower Record to find out if Celine’s compact discs are on the shelf. I’ve been looking for it for quite sometimes but always not there (my collection: ‘Falling Into You’, ‘Lets Talk About Love’ and ‘A New Day Has Come’ were missing) and today, finally I manage to get it… 3 compact discs at 1 price. I was so excited and now these 3 are my favourite – everyday without fail, I will listen to Celine’s songs.

Last night, my friend text me that Celine’s concert in Vegas is shown over channel 105. Wow, it was the most fantastic concert I ever watched, the choreographer is brilliant. The best among the best was her number 1 hit “My Love Will Go On” – I was amazed with the choreography.

To Celine: I will always love your songs…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO_vFuzPJvc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aETZqx2QpQM&feature=related

A Weekend in Krabi

Hi readers... it's been long since my last post in January. Was so busy with work, daily routine etc.. Here, something to catch up what I've been ended up in January...

Took a short break - this time I headed to Krabi. My original plan was to Ko Lanta, but redirect to Ao Nang due to wrong info I've got from their airport staff.. :-(

It was so hot... my face, my body were burnt to the max and it takes almost 1 and a half month to recover. Thank God, my face now back to normal but there still marks on my body - it's like a zebra.. :-)

My unable to visit Ko Lanta was blessed with new friends I made in Ao Nang - Mei, Ayin, Winnie and Jackie. We are still contacting each other todate.

Here are some pictures for you readers to enjoy...

Sunset in Ao Nang

Tup Island

View from Tup Island to another. During low tide, we can walk to this island

My another new friend from Japan, Ary

Chicken island..

These are my new friends, (next to me) Mei, Ayin & Winnie

Hong Island & Lagoon

Time to leave Ao Nang... Jackie with us

My Sweet Little One - Update 2

It has been some times since my last update. Too busy with my work and studies.

Have received the following pictures from him sometimes ago but now only I manage to update it in my blog. Moris and Roman have grown up and Roman..... I begin to like him as compare to the time when he newly born.

Moris & Roman - Christmas 2007 (with his dad's colleagues)

Roman with his favourite soft toy (must have it when he goes to sleep. aka to Malay 'bantal busuk')

Holiday in Miami

In Miami

B I R T H D A Y

What does this word means to you… or affect you? beside it makes you wiser than yesterday.

Birthday can mean everything and may not to some people, but one thing for sure… it is a very special day to me.

Spend an hour or two to be with yourself and think what have you done or given yourself the last one year… did you treat yourself good? did you appreciate yourself?

Talking about celebration….what do you normally do during this special day. Whether you are alone or with someone special, you should celebrate this day. Celebrate doesn’t mean it should be a big one… depends on what makes you happy. It can be as simple as go for a movie or go for a vacation.
When you are busy celebrating your bid day, just remember to… perhaps…thanks to someone up there who give you another day to live.

What to Give in Return

What would you do when your friends, colleagues or anybody have given something (in a form of gift, cash or anything) during an occasion you are celebrating?

When come to think about this, I realize that some people seem not to take this matter seriously. From my experience, they (the receiver) just receive with wide-open hand without having to crack their head what to give in return.

We (the giver), actually do not ask for anything in return, but for a courtesy sake, can't the receiver just acknowledge it by giving back something practical that makes everybody happy - rather than giving a thing (you should know well) that some people will not appreciate. I'm surprised that some people out there, after having mixed around with so many people from different background (you readers should know who I mean) still couldn't think of what practical and what not to give in return.

In my opinion, the simplest thing to give in return is food - but remember, not anykind of food. The best would be either cake or chocolate. Open your mind and think, do these cake and chocholate really cost you a fortune (unless you are buying it from the Loaf?? MO?? or Shang?? - I don't think these places (MO/Shang) will hole your pocket for a whole cake). Try to put yourself in the giver's shoe. Don't you want to have something good?

Well, different people have different piece of mind. To me "try to be as far more practical as possible" because it is not that the giver is asking something in return but we as a receiver want to feel good and happy when we know that the giver feels good and happy to receive our returns - aka "win-win situation".

Just take a minute or two of your precious time to give this matter a thought.

Picture: courtesy of www.esn.po.opole.pl/gfx/cakes.jpg and www.go4cocoa.com