Blipfoto - Save Your Life

I signed up for Blipfoto quite some time back but have not been using it as much as I wanted to.  Too many apps and gadgets, one tends to get distracted very easily.

Unlike Instagram, I find Blipfoto to be more photography specific.  Most of the photo posts are of better quality and purpose or meaning.

"Save Your Life - it's catchy tag line says. Blipfoto encourages users to blip (snap) 'that moment' of the day that you'd like to remember or share.  Only one blip a day ..so one's gotta find "that moment' of the day that is worth sharing.

So, in a way, it's different from intagram or facebook where most will post their lunch, shoe, etc.


Trust me ..not that easy to have 'that one moment' every single day..as most of us live a somewhat mundane  life day to day.


I used to post a lot on the pets. Then they died and / or went missing :(
May be that's why I stopped posting..since then.

Check out my blips by clicking the below:
(Note, use right / left arrow button to scroll to other pics)




I'm trying to revive it.

How You Can Help

Recently, there was news on an old man about how he selflessly climbed into a monsoon drain to rescue a lady from her over turned car.  It was only a small piece of news, I can't even remember where I read it and where it happened.  If I'm not mistaken it was in the East Malaysia.  While everyone stood by the side watching and taking photos of the over turned car, he asked around if the driver was still in the car, the answers he got was "don't know".

Without much thinking, he climbed down to check and found that the lady driver was trapped semi conscious in the half sub-merging car.  I think I read that he had to single handedly moved the car rear away from the concrete bank so that he could break a window to unlock the door.  The lady must be so relieved to be out, Thanks to him.

Shortly after the ambulance arrived, he disappeared to get on with his delayed daily routine delivering dumplings to the market.  Reporters managed to track him down to ask him about his heroic do.  He said he was just acting out of instinct as a normal human being.

In my case, I think at least a dozen of people came out from a nearby building or stopped their own vehicle on a relaxed Sunday morning to checkout the post accident drama.

As mentioned, the first person that came to me was the other driver who collided with me.  He helped a lot in making sure I was unhurt and calm.  Despite his own shock and with some previous experience with accidents and road mishaps, he didn't say a word about why and how I didn't see him coming instead focused on the bigger picture i.e. we escaped unhurt. And, what are the next steps - call the insurance company to send the tow trucks!

The second person that came to my aid was a calm helpful man (may be in the 50's).  The first thing he said to me (after making sure that I wasn't hurt) was "take care of your valuables, don't leave them in the car".  I was still in a daze but was alert enough to make sure my phone is in hand, I grabbed my iPod, Touch n Go card, cheque book, etc but couldn't get my pouch that was stuck in the gym bag that was pinned under the passenger seat.  He went in and managed t get it out for me. He also found my rayban shades somewhere in the car..it must have flung out somehow when the impact hit.  He, then reminded me to call my family members.  Thank you who ever you are.  He told me that h works inside the building, I hope to see him again some day when I'm there.

A police patrol car came by later but left when they saw that things are under control.


My sis and bro in law arrived shortly after.  My bro in law was very focused and headed straight to clear everything out of my car.  Something that I didn't think was necessary.  I was wrong obviously.  The car will be in the workshop for a long period of time so it should be emptied.  CDs, shoes, teddy bears, car locks, letters, documents..everything comes out.  Note to all - don't keep too many things in the car :)


The auto assist team from Nissan was also very prompt in making sure I get the right help.

A random 'rescue' vehicle arrived too, out of nowhere, and became such a nuisance.  They claimed that they are 'with the police' and showed us a 'badge'.  A second police car arrived shortly after them and they 'worked' together to bug us even more.  One asking for business.  The other asking for 'tips for helping out'  This is what we Don't. Need.

The tow truck operators (the official ones sent by our own insurance companies) was also very professional and efficient.  No time wasted and experienced.

The experience at the police station ... shall I say .."no surprises there"  If I'd have to rate I'll rate the experience at the front desk officer as the most pleasant amongst the "unpleasants".



So, if you happen to witness or be part of an automobile accident (touch wood), stay calm, stay focus, be nice, be helpful.

Peace.

Picnic @ Janda Baik

Finally, we did go back to Riverside, Janda Baik for a small picnic.

It was the second day of Hari Raya, we didn't expect to see anyone there, but we were wrong.

There were at least two other families there earlier than us.

City folks, the Chinese (in Malaysia) especially are more into eating at restaurants, visiting malls or going away for a holiday elsewhere.

I really like this place.  It's only about 45 mins to an hour's drive from the city.  The water is cooling, clean and clear.  The place is surrounded by trees and is always cooling.

Good for kids...especially city kids who rarely breath fresh air, catch fishes, water spiders...

There's a BBQ pit in each pondok. They only charge RM20 for day use.  If you're up to it, you can even stay overnight on the upper deck.  More information and pictures of the facilities - HERE

This time we are slightly more prepared.  We brought marshmallows, sausages, skewers, charcoal, mosquito coils, and some other pre-cooked snacks.  P/S - We stopped for lunch and coffee at Kampung Bukit Tunggi before heading here.  The picnic was just for fun.

"Someone"  I know was here few weeks back for a birthday party.  Look what she left behind :D

I'm still around

Oops..just realised that I've not blogged for a week.  Can't remember what exactly I've been up to though.  Moving on as claimed :P

There was a news recently about an accident of very similar nature to mine, unfortunately the driver in this case did not survive.  I must really thank my lucky stars and God of course for sparing my life and any serious injuries.

The incident also reminded me of what the palmist said about me many many years ago.  He "predicted" that my life is somewhat karmic as in it's meant for me to go through a several 'events' in life.  None of the events are fatal as I have guardian angels protecting me but the experiences will mould me to be a better person, he said.

Well, if I'm not mistaken, he also said that I will find my life partner by 36 or 39.
How come this didn't come true? o.O


Anyway..so I've been moving on.  I've started looking around at the cars in the market.   My budget is around 80-90k preferably.  I'm so spoilt by choices.

I started with very a practical plan by testing the Nissan Almera.  With all that I gone through with cars, I thought I should settle with a basic car, with limited functions and techy stuff so that I spend less on maintenance and repair.  Perfect sense?

The Almera is very spacious, performance wise quite good for a 1.5, I enjoyed the drive.  The highest spec which comes with intelligent key and push start technology is about RM79K before discounts.  I really miss the intelligent key thingy.  It had been so convenient not having to scramble for keys, especially under our current safety conditions in dear old M'sia..our aim is to get in and lock ourselves in the car in lightning speed!

But the Almera has a major setback..it's interior is so bare! There are hardly any compartments.  No compartment for sunglasses, Touch n Go card, water cups.... no USB port...etc etc.

Despite that, it was still in my consideration set. In fact I was planning to have a post about it alone..until I tested the Honda Jazz.  Ooopss.


All my practical sense went haywire.  Reminds me of how I fell in love with the Latio.  I'm all for Jazz now :D

And I've yet to test the City, new Vios and the highly recommended Fiesta.

Sigh..tough choices!

A week after...

It's been a week since the accident.  The bruises are clearing well.  No other hidden or more serious injuries surfaced.  The fate of the car is still unknown pending insurance adjustor's conclusion, the process was delayed due to last week's festive holidays.  Anyhow, I won't have a car of my own car till end September, at least.  

I"m currently driving my friend's Kelisa.  I've never driven a 'mini' before.  MY first experience driving around was with my brother's Saga. Then I got a Kembara, followed by a Spectra before the Latio.  Yes, I do have had many cars!  I have peers same age as me..who had driven more years than and still driving their first car!

I don't know.  I think I have this 'luck' with cars.  Stolen lar. Problems lar.  And now..this c r a s h episode.

Sigh..

Anyway..life has moved on..presumably.    

I'd like to thank my friend for letting me have the car for as long as I need.  Not having a car in KL is really very inconvenient.  Basically, one can't go anywhere without a car.  I've been using the 'mini' for a few days now..to the gym, to run errands, etc.  Initially, it was quite scary cos it seemed like all other cars are gonna crush me.  And being not so used to it, I daren't accelerate much. I'm a little phobic with speed anyway. Just today, a cab driver behind me honked and swore at me for stopping when the traffic light turned yellow.  Idiot.  But, on the other hand, it can be real nice driving a 'mini' around..especially during parking.  So easy!

Yea..I've been real careful with driving.  The seat belt saved my life..so I always put in on now..even for the shortest distance.  I got real nervous while driving to the gym .. and deliberately avoided that particular junction, although, there are many other similar junctions and turn everywhere else.. I'm just not ready to take that turn again.  

When I make similar turns... I still wonder..how I could have missed an on coming car on that fateful morning.

I also concentrate more when on the road.  Strictly no answering calls.  No playing with the radio.  No reaching out to do something else. No multi tasking. Strictly driving.  Everyone should do the same too.  You will never imagine what that one second of lapsed concentration can do to you and the car.

  

So, we had a long holiday last week.  I've loads of "things to do" in the list. While I claimed that I'm moving on...I have not really get back to the 'serious' but boring yet important stuff.

And... I'm holding back strong urges to go car browsing.  I've got to admit..I'm getting kinda excited.

Bruises from the Accident

In case you're expecting some photos from the accident.

Here are the bruises of the left leg:

A day after:

Third day:

The bottom bruise is from hitting a corner of a compartment cover that was forced out due to impact.

The bruise near the knee should be from hitting agaisnt the gear or something from the centre console.

There was also a nasty one near the left hip which was from the seat belt buckle.

The other injuries atthe shoulder, chest, nose, etc has almost healed about 80% I believe.

I was back at the gym last night.  Not too bad..very slight "malfunction" on the left leg due to the bruise near the knee.   Some pain on the chest during push up. Otherwise, all good.

Life must go on

My uncle had his good leg amputated recently.  His other half of body had been paralysed due to a stroke and now this.  With only one good arm, half a good leg and an extremely weak body and mindset, life will be extremely difficult for him.  A simple task like sitting up from a lying position seems impossible for him now.


I, on the other hand, had been given yet another chance to lead a normal life with a strong healthy body and all four limbs intact and functioning.

I have no reason not to move on.

Sad? Yes..I do feel sad when ever I think about the car, my dear loyal companion.  I do keep wondering why and how it happened.

But that doesn't mean I can't move on.


Time is precious. Life is precious.  I cannot waste it.

I have to Thank everyone who had been concerned and had helped me out in any ways throughout.

Hello world, I'm back in action :D

I thought I was gonna die

It was just like any other Sundays where I woke up and prepare to go for a workout at the gym.  A weekend warrior I am, weekends are the most productive and enjoyable when I go for all my favourite activities.

This particular Sunday, was suppose to be just the same.  A good dose of bodycombat at the gym, a good lunch and followed by badminton.

I'd leave the house as usual.  Take the same route. Road is clear on Sunday and easiest and nicest to drive around.


I reached the same junction that I take almost every other weekends.. as with all Sundays, road is normally quite empty.  I took the turn... without knowing that this turn could have been the last turn I'd ever take in this life.


It was a very very hard hit.  I heard honks and the hard crash hit me in less than a second.  FIrst thing that came to mind was ..there goes my gym plan before realising how bad things were (lol). My body felt like I was being shaken real hard that my internal organs had all mixed up or dislocated from their respective positions.

Looking at the position of the car, it must have been a couple of seconds.  The car spun about 180 degree and landed on a curb.  There were alot of pain and I couldn't breath for a moment.  I thought it's "that's it" this time.  I sat still for a while and the pain subsided slowly.  I didn't die after all.  I looked around the car and started to realise the huge mess that I've landed in.

By then, the guy who hit me was standing by the window asking me to unlock the door. I lifted my hand slowly ..good its functioning, I thought.  Then, he showed me his hands and asked me "how many fingers?"  He was very careful in making sure I wasn't hurt.  Next, he asked me to try getting out of the car, then raised my arms, etc.  In conclusion, I was fine and that's the most important thing he said.  Don't worry about the cars and why and how it happened.  Most importantly, we were both fine.


True.

It's Monday morning now.  I had a rather good sleep despite the bad experience.  I was up for a while at 4.30am..but managed to go back to sleep.

So, I survived the most horrific crash.
Did some scans at the hospital and didn't find any signs of fractures nor dislocation.  There're some bad bruises on the left leg, thigh and hips.  I also had to differentiate aches from SAturday's Muay Thai vs real injury aches, you see?  After a night I think I can pin point, other aches are mainly from the seatbelt eg the neck, shoulder, chest, hip/lower abdomen.  Neck's kind of stiff this morning, probably due to whiplash.

Oh..there's a bruise at the bridge of the nose too, must be the sunglasses. And was slightly sun burnt too cos the mid-morning sun was shining at its peak while we were standing around waiting for the tow trucks.

I should be fine..


Well, the fact that I've recollected my thoughts to write this post tells ... that I should be quite alright.

Life goes on...

Run Runs 2013

It's August!
Did it feel like I've slowed down on running activities?  Take a click on the "running" label on the right hand column, I've only blogged on two running stint this year.  Nope I didn't forget to blog about any.  That was about it.

Started with a bang in April with a Half Marathon at the first Women's Marathon in M'sia.  Woo hoo...!  Then it was all quiet..till the recent Salomon S-lab Jamboree Trail Run which was more like a nature walk for me.

Didn't run much on my own too. Sigh..

But the craze will start soon.  We registered for three runs in September, back to back!


7 Sep - 5km Men's Health & Shape Night Run at Putrajaya
8 Sep - 10km Sokka Gakkai M'sia's Run for Peace at Dataran PJ
15 Sep - 12km Great Eastern's Live Great at Menara Martrade

Followed by:
20 Oct - 10km Adidas King of the Road at NPE Sunway
3 Nov - 15 km 2XU Compression Run at Padang Merbok
10 Nov - 10km Wild Tiger Run at Dataran Merdeka by Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT)

That's 62 km in total.
Total registration cost is close to RM300!
Lol.

I think I'll go for a jog this evening!