Daylight Robbery!

While I was shopping yesterday,
my sister was going through her scariest moments in life being trapped in her own car with 3 forceful unknown men!
For 2 long hours, she was taken on a joyride around town before being dropped off in some unknown expressway in Bangi.
While in the car, aching from her bruises, she was thinking about the worse scenarios that could happen next...will they ask for ransom, will they rape, will they kill?

My cousin was asking me about our eldest aunt whom we have not heard from for some time..my answer to her was..."No news is GOOD news"!

Don't you agree?

When I saw my sister's missed call during lunch ..i suspected it must be something important cos' being sisters we don't call each other at such time for no reason. My heart almost popped out when I heard the news. It is interesting to think back how the brain reacted and digested bad news. When I lost my car....i was at first sad of course. But later on...I started thinking about what's the next car I should buy :D

I can't remember what I was thinking about when I heard my sister re-cap to me her experience. I only knew that I was shopping when she was going through the most dangerous episode of her life. And I went on to tai ci class without her assuming she was working late..when she was actually in the police station and sorts.

This is like my 5th time trying to relay her experience. Instead of going through the details..this time I will start by saying that ...I AM VERY VERY THANKFUL THAT SHE IS HOME. And I hope this is the closest we get to losing a love one (no more in the next 20 years?).

Forget about the car...it's insured. She was telling me that she has original CDs and branded sunglasses in there..forget about those....most importantly she is not harmed and she is HOME.

Now..about those thieves...although they beat her up a little for struggling but we were thankful that they did not do more harm. She even had her handbag and laptop back. They apologised for harming her and even found her a spare pair of shoes in the car. Oh ya..she was also given 100 bucks to go home. God bless you thieves...nevertheless, it's still a crime you committed.

When The Power Window Gave Away...

When the power window gave away
I heard a loud thud so loud that I thought another car hit me
Soon, the window came sliding down regardless of what button I pressed
First thoughts? Can I still go to work with the window 'ajar'...
NOPE..and that means yippee..!
Secondly..where do I go to fix the window?
I pit stopped at the toll rest area to make some calls and send some sms to inform the office
Unfortunately, I couldn't avoid paying the toll although I hadto head back to where I came from, in fact I had to pay both ways :(

What was it like driving with an open window?
It stinks! KL roads stinks from..
... 'garbage juice' of filthy garbage trucks.
..smelly clogged drains
..smelly filthy river

It is also noisy...especially when there is a 'almost breaking down' truck struggling next to you

It is also very inconvenient to use the touch n card witht he window half open....oh! I can't leave with such inconveneience. and KT was suggesting to me not to fix the damn window (jus shut it and leave it)..I can't stand INCONVENIENCES man!


To my 'delight' the mechanic says it takes at least half a day for the parts ordering , arriving & installation *grin*
Where did I end up without a car and house key?
Well, I had my brother's house keys..so I ended in his house.
Used the toilet, made some calls / plans for the rest of the day..and bath his dog to kill some time
Later I went for lunch before meeting up with a friend..supposedly to do some shopping for my new house...I was so determined to achieve something out of this impromptu 'leave-day'

In conclusion...When The Power Window Gave Awaw...I ended up taking the day off, while waiting for it to be fixed, went shopping with a friend supposedly to be a productive shopping for the long overdue new house but ended up chit chatting at a cafe for hours. Tat was not all, while on the way to the car park before heading home, I ended up spending 400+ on apparels only to discover later that the entire power window system had to be replaced and that cost another 300!! I 'scolded' the mechanic for not calling me to give me a warning..i would have spend less on shopping..if only I knew!

NM.

How's the kitty doing?

Another Mind Boggling Encounter With Guards

I've wondered many times, what's the use of having guards who can't communicate. I always fear that there will be a day when I need emergency help and this happens...imagine this:

Help me!!
huh..Tak tahu!
Tolong..!
apa..? saya Tak tahu..!

In June, I wrote about a rather heated up argument over my clamped vehicle with some guards at ML's house. Last night, we had yet another experience with another group of so called guards! As we approached the apartment, I personally was very impressed with these smartly dressed guards with vests that says PEGAWAI (I think) and they seemed to be very alert and active admitting all vehicles taht approached the entrance. When my turn came..I wind down my window expecting them to ask me who I am visiting and had my particulars taken down. Instead... Guard at gate says...party ah? visitor full..masuk check dulu..Slightly puzzled...I made my way to the vistors car park. There were 1 or 2 other guards on stand by at the visitors car park which is not very big. There were about 10 lots on each side. The lots on the left were either occupied or reserved. The lots on the left were fully occupied. By now, there were at least 3-4 cars in front and behind me..equally puzzled on what to do next as it's a one way in and out area. To make things even more complicated..this 2nd guard stopped me and we had this short but enough to drive my blood pressure up conversation...

• Guard: Penuh. Full.
• Me: Macam mana? Mana boleh park?
• Guard: Penuh. Tak da.
• Me : Ya. so..macam mana? Balik ah?
• Guard : * gave me a not my problem look and a silly grin* and asked if the person I am visiting has any empty lot upstairs..
• Me : *what kind of solution is that*
• Guard : ada kenduri la...banyak orang
• ME : *but where should I go*...I asked..if we can park outside by the road
• Guard : Suka hati la and *gave me another silly grin*

Very puzzled..I 'landed' my car near the guard house, switched off the engine, on hazzard lights while my 2 passengers went to the guard house to clear the clouds. Do you beleive that..we were in this 'state' for at least 20 mins. We tried to explain to them that the house owner that we are visiting said that we can double park if we leave our HP numbr on the car. But they refused to give way..may be...they were actually expecting us to drive home.

Eventually, they gave in when J's (the house owner) hubby came down to discuss witht them..and I think one old chap that appearred to be a senior guards arrived. I was even given an empty lot..when this senior guard removed his vehicle from one of the lot. He claimed..he is going to balik soon..Hmmm..is that a good gesture or is he suppose topark there in the first place?

New Kitty in the House

There's another new member in the household after adding on the chicks in April. Btw, the chicks are fully grown now..can eat :p How could I not take this poor kitty home?Even Phoebe loves it!

Kiss kiss!

Eagles of Langkawi

Highlights of Langkawi

It was a bit dissappointing to have to deal with the unpredictable rainy weather in Langkawi, it rained on our island hopping day, it rained on our river cruising day, hence, I am only slightly tanned now :( 

Nevertheless, it was a very relaxing & enjoyable trip. The island is so small that everywhere is within easy reach as long as you have transport. Since we don't know how to ride a motorbike, we had to pay more for a car. There were iswara, saga, wira to choose from but chris opted for a newer QQ which cost slightly higher at RM150 for 3 days excluding petrol.

This poor China made car almost broke down due to over exhaustion. By the end of 2nd day it's exhaust hose gave away..and we had to send it back to the owner. Imagine travelling in this car emitting a very loud brrumm brumm sound in the sleepy roads of Langkawi.

FOOD - our search for good food was rather dissappointing in the beginning until our very last meal. I was on the verged of declaring food in Langkawi as thumbs down until we stumbled upon Fat Mum Seafood Restaurant. 

This is highly recommended folks. Halal. I think 99% of eateries in Langkawi are halal.

All dishes are personally prepared by Fat Mum herself. Look at those crabs and the BBQ fish! The sauces are simply delicious. 

There is a funny story behind the fish. We put our expectations very low after very disappointing experience in previous meals but Fat Mum was very confident when she took our orders. When fish first arrived, it was plain & dry without any sauce...we stared at it wondering if we should tuck in. Minutes later..we heard Fat Mum screaming from the kitchen to her staff --"belum siap lah..angkat itu ikan balik!!" The fish came back later complete as per above. Yum! Our bill was RM70 plus for fish, crab and one vege dish.

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Fat Mum Restaurant is located in Jalan Teluk Baru. 

You will spot this signboard on your left if you are on your way Awana Porto Malai from Pantai Cenang. She is on Facebook! and is also reachable via email at fatmum2001@yahoo.com or call the shop at 04-955 9882. She's planning to retire soon.. go quickly!

Did I mention that 99% of food in Langkawi are Halal. Despite that we managed to stumble upon two coffee shops in town that serves pork. On the 1st day I had this thai style pork leg rice for RM6.80.

The pasar malam is also a must go. The variety of food is so different from KL. Like the above Tokiaw - by my definition, they are like mini apam with kaya or coconut fillings.

Check out the variety of drinks....

Ok..so much about food. Here onwards will be a quick re-cap on activities and expectations you should have on Langkawi.

Durian Prangin Waterfall

Tanjung Rhu Beach

Pulau Dayang Bunting (Island of the Pregnant Maiden) & the lake. 

Married ladies come bath here if you want to conceive.

Eagle feeding is another must watch. You will get this in the island hopping package for RM40 per pax. It's nicer to watch at Kilim river cruise package at RM200 per boat.

The cable car is also a must do! TQ to Tun Dr Mahathir...I presumed he initiated this spectacular piece of architecture. 

At 710 meters above sea level..you get to see the whole of Langkawi for only Rm15 for Malaysians. (RM25 for foreigners). Great value for money.

Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells) Water Fall. Free entry.

We had to hike 509 steps to see this- see below is my calculation correct? Rather confusing signboard. 

TQ chris for doing this with me..I know you much prefer lazing by the beach drinking your wine.

AB Motel @ Pantai Cenang is where we stayed for RM100 a night - beach front!

The Cenang Beach is nice supposedly..but I am personally disturbed to see very little conserving efforts by the motel operators / authorities.

There are lot's of rubbish like this lying all over the beach. Nobody seems to care except one sweet old man, a foreigner on holiday here. He practically walked the whole beach picking rubbish, water bottles, newspapers placing them into the trash. I was half a step close to joining him..but I chickened out (*shame*)

Our last adventure was the Kilim Geoforest tour. For RM200 a boat (we shared with 2 other Iranian student) we got to experience an enchating cruise along the river. 

We had a brief stop at the cave of bats, see with our own eyes how mangrove looks like, terrorised by groups of agressive monkeys, watched eagle feeding in a superbly relaxing surrounding, visited the fish farm where I experienced being 'kissed' by the stingray. Do you know they have no teeth?

Our handsome guide at the fish farm showing off his pet the horse shoe crab.

Mangroves.

That's all about Langkawi. Oh ya. We also went to a spa. The alun alun spa. I spent about RM176 (including taxes) for a hot oil massage. A bit expensive..but it's quite worth it..a grand close off of the trip before heading to a nice dinner at Fat Mum and then the last flight out of Langkawi at 22:40.

20 yrs ago vs. Current

I am getting old!! I find myself behaving more & more like what my parents used to be like.

I keep comparing how good food used to taste like.
How cheap things used to be.
How I miss the siew yuk rice that I used to have with my F6 mates every week when we were on our way to economics tuition class.

I seem to prefer listening to old songs..songs that I used to like when I was in my teens *duh* Believe it or not..I found myself enjoying Rick Ashley's Never Gonna Give You Up and Tommy Page's Shoulder to Cry On when Red FM was playing them some evenings ago. This morning..My FM played one of Jacky Cheung's old song..I surprised myself that I could sing along some parts of it. It is a Cantonese song..I can't even read Chinese...how on earth did I learn those lyrics!

20 years ago, did you have visions or imagination on what your life will be like? I did. I'd have imagined myself working in some corporate position, dressed professionally, and will drive home everyday to my own family (with kids of course). Hint -- I'd never thought I will ever pick up driving skills. So..being able to drive was an AMBITION okay.

I'd also have visions..that I will be working in some meaningful job...for instance being a counsellor at hospitals, orphanages..or may be working with NGOs on some meaningful programs.

What was your vision 20 yrs ago? Are you anywhere close?

Me ..??? Well..I own a car now! And I drive everyday! That's about it!

Here I am...in my jeans, T-shirt and Crocs....blogging and FB-ing instead of working on some High Profile business project. Neither am I working on any meaningful non-profit program.

tsk tsk tsk...and oh yes. I am not even married :---

UPDATE:
After posting this entry I chatted with A about this topic.
A told me that she actually doesn't remember having any dreams or visions.
Conversation with A as follows:

A says (2:45 PM): yeah maybe i not so visionary. that's y, still stay where i m lor
A says (2:45 PM):dun hv a big hse n car
WSL says (2:46 PM):u were v focus on studying
WSL says (2:46 PM):not day dreamer like me
WSL says (2:46 PM):didnt u dream abt..wat u wil be like when u grow up
WSL says (2:47 PM):or rather wat u envision ur life wil be like
A says (2:47 PM):got oso........i remember i want to be air stewardess until i realize i very short

Some moments later, I told B about A's dream about being a stewardess. COnversation with B as follows:

B: that's also my vision - free travel

W SL: haha

B: I even went to hotel for an interview, then enter and saw all girls are tall and pretty, then I chicken out

PS: BOTH 'A' AND 'B' ARE NOW SUCCESSFUL AND WELL RESPECTED SENIOR MANAGERS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE FIELDS. EHHHMMM...TEENAGERS' DREAMS NOT VERY RELEVANT HUH..

Joke of the Day

I was away from the office for the whole of yesterday. For some reasons, there were more forwarded 'leisure emails' in my inbox than usual. Most were pretty good in fact. I have a habit clearing as many leisure emails from my inbox as soon as I can so that there are only pending work related ones left. Ocassionally, I will keep the good ones for a while in case I wish to forward on or share in the blogsphere here like this one. Light simple humor for you. Enjoy & have a nice day ahead.:



Below conversation really happened on S'pore radio recently, I think some of U in the South had heard it on the radio too. THIS IS REALLY FUNNY!

DJ : Good morning. This is Power 98 & do you want to play a game?
Contestant : Yeah, why not.
DJ : Good. It is a simple game. When I say something you have to give an answer that is opposite to what I have said. For eg. when I say Sharp, you have to answer Blunt. OK?

Contestant : OK.
DJ : Sun
Contestant : Moon.
DJ : Black
Contestant : White.
DJ : Tall
Contestant : Short.
DJ : Dog
Contestant : Cat.
DJ : Man
Contestant : Woman

DJ : Cock
Contestant : CHIBAI !!!

RADIO SILENCE !!!!!!

DJ : These things sometimes happen and we are on live.
Let's take a commercial break here.

Surprisingly I Enjoy Tai Ci now

Do you remember when I took up tai ci? I think it was about 2 yrs ago. I surprised myself that I am still into it. In fact I have grown to like it and look forward to classes. The initial lessons were such a bore...I used to yawn and yawn and kept looking at the clock waiting for class to end. A lot of people ask me why I am into such an 'old' activity at such a young age. I don't know actually.

May be I do. Well, I joined by accident..all because my sister and her neighbours were joining. But..I had always thought tai ci is about right for me because of some of the muscle and nerve problems I had. Days gone by...it's been 2 years! And I am enjoying it. I'm quite sure I will continue..in preparation for retirement :D

Seriously...tai ci is a good exercise for the old but..it is best to start at a younger age. Firstly, it's easier to pick up when one is physically stronger. Secondly and most importantly, the exercises helps the body prepare for older age..in other words..it helps us age better!

In case you are wondering..I am not as good as Jet Li and I will never be, 1-2 years in tai ci is very insignificant. My instructor is in his 50s and he started in his 20s. And there are many other seniors who started 5 , 10, 20 30 years ago. Everyone is very humble. There is no such thing is complete...and perfect..tai ci is a life long learning process. The skills just gets deeper and deeper.

Oh ya...and my health is certainly better. Fitness has definitely improved. I can now attend regular combat classes in the gym..no problem. I used to stay away from classes because I feared that I will not be able to cope.

okie dokie..am off to the gym to kick some ass!

Olympic Gold Medal = RM1million

The generous Malaysian government insisted that there should be a lucrative incentive to motivate the athletes to work harder for an Olympics Medal. The Deputy Prime Minister announced recently that a gold medalist in the coming Beijing will receive RM1mil from the government. On top of that, they will also receive RM5k a month for the rest of their lives. These have not taken into account other incentives from the sports council, state government etc etc.

The DPM was quick to add that many other countries offer similar amount of incentives e.g Singapore offers SGD1mil to their gold medallist.

I did a quick check on Google to get some facts for comparison. For some reasons, the Malaysian annoucement came out tops from several searches. Other relevant outcomes as follows:

Thailand offers approximately $300K
Peru offers $50K (and 2 yr scholarship)
Canada offers $20K
(assumed all in USD)

Wiki Answers had the this to say though:

How much do Olympic gold medal winners get paid?
Answer :
They don't. In the US there is no 'reward' for winning a medal. Some countries do award a medal winner some money, but the Olympics don't give money with the medal.

Spoilt Malaysians

The Star (and other major news agencies) reported this piece of news as as if it's such a wonderful thing to shout about...:

Effective Tuesday, police would halve the compound fines for traffic summonses, except those for serious offences, said Federal traffic chief Senior Asst Comm II Datuk Hamza Taib...READ MORE

I find it totally disgusting. This is a typical Malaysian mentality and sad to say this is our main problem is life. I totally do not understand why offenders are eligible to a perk. What about those who paid earlier? What about those who did not commit any offence..do we get rewards for good behaviour? What about tax payers who contributes billions every year withut fail--- do we get some benefits?

Sadly, this reflects how Malaysians are brought up? It's just how Malaysia works. It's probably how a Malaysian kid is brought up - oh..you did something wrong? Don't worry...if you be quiet long enough, the punishment will not be so heavy..may be they will even forget.

Or..for younger adults....oh..your results ain't very good eh? Don't worry...there are ways to get you into the right college.

And..for working adults...oh..work work everyday. Such a bore...oh wait..i can pretend to be busy..and no one notices anyway. as long as laze smartly and get some dumb ass to do my work.

And..for our leaders....oop...situation getting out of hand. we need to do some damage control...let's do this..we create lot's of distractions..or we stay low for a few months..the rakyat will forget very fast.