What's New? - When was the last time I wrote something on this blog? Geez, god knows... Eons ago perhaps...
But the long hiatus I took away from writing was mostly attributed to occupational hindrances rather than intentional self-deprecation.
During the long absence, I took time to reflect on my personal cornucopias, the many ups and downs, the myriads of fascinating turbulence and thresholds I came across during my short, sheltered life. Worthy of every penny... It refreshes my personal predilections in life.
So, here I am... writing again on this crazy, no audience Blog. A very self-absorbing piece of literary armamentarium that was launched solely for the purpose of leaving behind a simple legacy...
What's The Promise? - Just allow me to submerge and sink in beneath the splendors and the squalors of my moronic and archaic expressions and lamentations...
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Thursday, July 22, 2010
May - mid July 2010
What's Demotivating - One by one... they all left the building (so to speak). It started with the 3 Creative fellas about a year ago... and it went on until earlier this month. Almost everyone has left the building for greater and greener pastures. There's no stopping the 'trees from falling'. It had to happen, it was only a matter of time before frustrations began to sink in. Why it had to happen? For the obvious reasons... No one could endure the whims and fancies (and the paramount stupidity) of the so called 'Capo Regime' or Head of the Branch. Poor people skills? Inept managerial attributes? Lack of warmth? A hard-headed plank who could easily be described with plenty of smutty superlatives... In short, nobody could stand 'the big boy' - a double dork who didn't realize that he was such a doofus. I was probably too tolerant of him and among all of us, I was in all likelihood the one with the patience of a Greek God. Which was disheartening for me, in the end.
What I Should Have Done - I should have just left long time ago (especially when the fire was still burning). Enough said...
What I Needed To Do - Life has to go on. It is certainly not the end of the world, yet, for me. There are plenty of alternatives out there. I just need to double up my effort and search for the right avenue to continue driving my perpetual passion and enhancing my immanent talent...
What I Should Have Done - I should have just left long time ago (especially when the fire was still burning). Enough said...
What I Needed To Do - Life has to go on. It is certainly not the end of the world, yet, for me. There are plenty of alternatives out there. I just need to double up my effort and search for the right avenue to continue driving my perpetual passion and enhancing my immanent talent...
Monday, April 5, 2010
STOP PRESS - LAGU UNTUK MIKAEL
(Sung to the tune of “Anak” by Freddy Aguilar)
Ketika kau dilahirkan
Papa & mama menantikan
Kehadiranmu bagai pelangi
Bilaku sentuh jarimu
Hatiku rasa terharu
Terpandang diriku dalam dirimu
Hai Adam ...
Kau menjanjikan kebahagiaan di balik harapan
Kau memberi kekuatan untuk ku hadapi segala dugaan
Hari-hariku berlalu
Tanpa sesal tanpa jemu
Rahmat kurnia dari Ilahi
Ku belai halus rambutmu
Ku peluk erat tubuhmu
Tak terbatas kasihku padamu
Hai Adam ...
Kau menzahirkan rasa cinta yang tak pernah ku rasa
Kau merubah segalanya agar kehidupan ku lebih bermakna
Sebelum engkau dewasa
Mengejar impi dan cita-cita
Jangan kau lupa asal-usulmu
Biarpun kau kan dewasa
Menghadapi pancaroba
Fahamilah erti hidup ini
Hai Adam ...
Ku pasti kan pergi meninggalkan dunia yang fana
Usah sedih usah pilu
Tabahkan hatimu terima segala
Ketika kau dilahirkan
Papa & mama menantikan
Kehadiranmu bagai pelangi
Bilaku sentuh jarimu
Hatiku rasa terharu
Terpandang diriku dalam dirimu
Hai Adam ...
Kau menjanjikan kebahagiaan di balik harapan
Kau memberi kekuatan untuk ku hadapi segala dugaan
Hari-hariku berlalu
Tanpa sesal tanpa jemu
Rahmat kurnia dari Ilahi
Ku belai halus rambutmu
Ku peluk erat tubuhmu
Tak terbatas kasihku padamu
Hai Adam ...
Kau menzahirkan rasa cinta yang tak pernah ku rasa
Kau merubah segalanya agar kehidupan ku lebih bermakna
Sebelum engkau dewasa
Mengejar impi dan cita-cita
Jangan kau lupa asal-usulmu
Biarpun kau kan dewasa
Menghadapi pancaroba
Fahamilah erti hidup ini
Hai Adam ...
Ku pasti kan pergi meninggalkan dunia yang fana
Usah sedih usah pilu
Tabahkan hatimu terima segala
Saturday & Sunday - 3rd & 4th April 2010
What's Unsatisfying - Waiting for another 2 weeks to go for a Blood Check at the General Hospital... duhh!!!
What Had To Be Done - I did not have the patience to wait for another 2 weeks. This is no simple matter. It is a matter of the Heart literally. There should be some seriousness there, shouldn't it? The hospital doesn't think so... And so, I went to the Johor Specialist Hospital and made an appointment with the well-known Cardiologist, Dr. Mohd Shahrom Ujang.
What I Went Through - 1st my Blood Sample was taken for a quick Cholesterol and Blood Test. Next, I had to provide a Urine Sample since I was also complaining about my Kidney Stone. Later I went for an Echo ECG.
What Was The Result - My BP came down to 115/80. Great! My cholesterol level went down to 4.2. Even better! But my Urine indicated traces of Blood and Infections. Had to bring back home a Huge Container to collect my 24-hour Urine Sample for the whole of Sunday until Monday Morning.
What's Next - I was asked by Dr. Shahrom to come again to his Clinic on Monday Morning. Apart from returning the 24-hour Urine Sample, they want to put a Holter Monitor on me for another 24 hours. A Holter Monitor is a portable device for continuously monitoring various electrical activity of the central nervous system for at least 24 hours. It is often used to monitor any abnormal Cardiac Activities in one's body. And the doctor went at length at even suggesting me to undergo an Angiogram Test, which would definitely cost me a bomb. That, I have to wait and check with my company's Insurance Coverage before I could say yes to all their recommendations and suggestions.
What's In My Mind - Serves me right for not looking after health much earlier during my younger and fitter days. I am now serving the sentence due to my own negligence. I pray to God continuously so that there will be a light down the tunnel that I am heading. Hopefully, there is a way, a cure to all the sickening symptoms that are consistently bothering me. Ya Allah... do look after me and give me the strength to overcome all the challenges in life.
What Had To Be Done - I did not have the patience to wait for another 2 weeks. This is no simple matter. It is a matter of the Heart literally. There should be some seriousness there, shouldn't it? The hospital doesn't think so... And so, I went to the Johor Specialist Hospital and made an appointment with the well-known Cardiologist, Dr. Mohd Shahrom Ujang.
What I Went Through - 1st my Blood Sample was taken for a quick Cholesterol and Blood Test. Next, I had to provide a Urine Sample since I was also complaining about my Kidney Stone. Later I went for an Echo ECG.
What Was The Result - My BP came down to 115/80. Great! My cholesterol level went down to 4.2. Even better! But my Urine indicated traces of Blood and Infections. Had to bring back home a Huge Container to collect my 24-hour Urine Sample for the whole of Sunday until Monday Morning.
What's Next - I was asked by Dr. Shahrom to come again to his Clinic on Monday Morning. Apart from returning the 24-hour Urine Sample, they want to put a Holter Monitor on me for another 24 hours. A Holter Monitor is a portable device for continuously monitoring various electrical activity of the central nervous system for at least 24 hours. It is often used to monitor any abnormal Cardiac Activities in one's body. And the doctor went at length at even suggesting me to undergo an Angiogram Test, which would definitely cost me a bomb. That, I have to wait and check with my company's Insurance Coverage before I could say yes to all their recommendations and suggestions.
What's In My Mind - Serves me right for not looking after health much earlier during my younger and fitter days. I am now serving the sentence due to my own negligence. I pray to God continuously so that there will be a light down the tunnel that I am heading. Hopefully, there is a way, a cure to all the sickening symptoms that are consistently bothering me. Ya Allah... do look after me and give me the strength to overcome all the challenges in life.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Thursday & Friday - 1st & 2nd April 2010
What Used To Be Relevant - APRIL FOOLS DAY! Back when we were in our Schooling Days, we used to highly anticipate the arrival of the April Fool's Day. All sorts of funny tricks were already up on our sleeves waiting for the right moment to execute them, one by one... shoelaces, toothpastes, hidden items were the usual elements that made up all the fun that came along with the momentous occasion. We never really quite understood why the Older Folks were so mad at us when we played little tricks on them. To us, kids, nothing beats the crap out of watching other people suffer or humiliated (albeit in a very humoristic way). However, as we grew much older, and much wiser too, we realized that slowly and steadily we became closer to like being one of the Older Folks we used to despise and complain about. We too look at kids rather differently nowadays. But, I guess, times have changed so much that my 6-year old son no longer fancies an April Fool's Day. Heck, he doesn't even know if such day exists on the Calendar. After all, what are simple little tricks compared to the wonderful world of Internet Games and Computers? Gone are the days when our lives were so much simpler then...
What's Shocking - What was meant to be just an ordinary check up with the GP to complain about the incessant pain on my right thigh turned out to be a turning point in my whole spectrum of life. I had to inform the GP what I have been going through all these while i.e the Chest Pains, the inconsistently High BP, and the history of high cholesterol level in my body. When the GP found out that my BP when up again to 150/90, she quickly assigned me for an ECG examination. The results of which indicated that there could be a potentially hazardous circumstance underlying in my blood. I was diagnosed by the GP as suffering from a potential Ischemia or in much simpler terms, potential heart blockage. I was astonished as none of the previous ECG's ever indicated such a threat. The doctor set me up with an appointment for a Blood Test and gave me a medicine to reduce the potential blood clot. However, the next appointment is in 2 weeks time. 2 weeks time??? That's government hospitals for you...
What's Depressingly Heart-breaking - After such news, I have been closely observing my son. He used to be so close with his mom. But as he grew older, he has become much closer to me. He would sleep on my thigh at night. He would want me to bathe him and play with him. He would be the Head of a Lion and I would be the tail. We would be dancing to our own rhythmic nuances like as though we were tranced in an exotic competition of Lion Dancing. It saddens me each time I think of what might happen and what would they do... Ya Allah. If you're listening, please consider that I am not asking for much. I am not asking for much richness and wealth. All I am asking for is the chance to LIVE long enough to see my son grow into a sensible young man, able to take good care of himself, and his mom, when I'm gone...
What's Shocking - What was meant to be just an ordinary check up with the GP to complain about the incessant pain on my right thigh turned out to be a turning point in my whole spectrum of life. I had to inform the GP what I have been going through all these while i.e the Chest Pains, the inconsistently High BP, and the history of high cholesterol level in my body. When the GP found out that my BP when up again to 150/90, she quickly assigned me for an ECG examination. The results of which indicated that there could be a potentially hazardous circumstance underlying in my blood. I was diagnosed by the GP as suffering from a potential Ischemia or in much simpler terms, potential heart blockage. I was astonished as none of the previous ECG's ever indicated such a threat. The doctor set me up with an appointment for a Blood Test and gave me a medicine to reduce the potential blood clot. However, the next appointment is in 2 weeks time. 2 weeks time??? That's government hospitals for you...
What's Depressingly Heart-breaking - After such news, I have been closely observing my son. He used to be so close with his mom. But as he grew older, he has become much closer to me. He would sleep on my thigh at night. He would want me to bathe him and play with him. He would be the Head of a Lion and I would be the tail. We would be dancing to our own rhythmic nuances like as though we were tranced in an exotic competition of Lion Dancing. It saddens me each time I think of what might happen and what would they do... Ya Allah. If you're listening, please consider that I am not asking for much. I am not asking for much richness and wealth. All I am asking for is the chance to LIVE long enough to see my son grow into a sensible young man, able to take good care of himself, and his mom, when I'm gone...
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
STOP PRESS - The People I Met In Hanoi
Americans - Usually the loudest of the bunch. The ones I met were very open, direct and friendly. They were the 'life' of the group.
Brits - Gentlemen and gentle ladies. A few couples we met were very nice and soft spoken. They talked with a gentle intonation and a calm pace.
Aussies - Adventurous bunch. Friendly as always, and would normally stay for weeks (some, up to months) in a place like Hanoi.
Europeans - Mainly French. There was a Russian on board our Shuttle Bus when we were heading to Halong Bay. A few Germans and Scandinavians too. But since Hanoi (and Vietnam) was a French Colony (since the French took control in 1888), a lot of the city's architecture and designs were modeled to the tastes of the French people. This led to the distinctively unique aesthetic appearances of the city, leaving behind rich legacies of stylistic French heritage.
Thais - We met 2 Siamese Monks during our trip to Halong Bay, who barely spoke a word to us. I figured they did not know how to communicate with us in English. Personally, I felt that the Vietnamese language is so much similar to the Siamese language, although the Vietnamese would often like to emphasise otherwise. The lingo, the intonation are somewhat similar to me. And Vietnamese language is probably one of the hardest languages to learn...
Filipinos - Filipinos and Malaysians (especially the Malaysian Chinese) look the same. But once they start to open their mouth and talk, we could easily identify their origins. We made friends with 2 Filipino chaps during our visit to Halong Bay. One was rather friendly while the other is a rather silent type. We exchanged Cards and this chap, Ernesto, even invited us to his hometown and were prepared to arrange for our ground arrangements if we decide to touchdown at Manila one fine day.
Indonesians - I established a contact with a Torajan (a descendant from one of the Sulawesi Clans). He told me he had to travel and move somewhere out of his hometown in order to earn a better living. He is now living in Hanoi with his Sarawakian wife and son. He is currently learning the Vietnamese language in order to better understand their way of life. He shared with me the hardships of the people living in Indonesia as a whole, particularly the squabbles in Sulawesi among the Bugis Clans. We also shared our earnest thoughts on other Political Issues facing this region, citing Corruption and Nepotism being the number one contributors to the Political Instability in most Asean Countires. He agreed with me on many grounds. But the best was when he complimented our Malaysian Leaders for being kind and generous enough to provide all sorts of benefits and facilities to the people and most importantly 'Free Education' to all Malaysians. He was lamenting on how stupid it is if Malaysians do not grab the opportunity of studying and learning in the local schools and institutes, as not all countries are blessed with such 'a luxury'. Some interesting observations from an outsider... and yet we still do not consider ourselves 'lucky'...
Malaysians - We met many visiting Malaysians there, especially at the only Malaysian Muslim Restaurant in Hanoi, Nisa Restaurant. Some were there for a brief working stint (courtesy of Multinational Companies like Ericsson, Canon and such). And some were there for a short visit to the ever-populous city of Hanoi. Some even had the chance of traveling from Ho Chi Minh upwards. Anyway, Malaysians being Malaysians, nights in Nisa Restaurant reminded me of a typical Kedai Mamak scene anywhere in Malaysia minus the chilly weather. You can hear the shouts for a 'Teh Tarik' and 'Roti Naan', simply illustrating the notion that 'you can never change the way you are'...
Brits - Gentlemen and gentle ladies. A few couples we met were very nice and soft spoken. They talked with a gentle intonation and a calm pace.
Aussies - Adventurous bunch. Friendly as always, and would normally stay for weeks (some, up to months) in a place like Hanoi.
Europeans - Mainly French. There was a Russian on board our Shuttle Bus when we were heading to Halong Bay. A few Germans and Scandinavians too. But since Hanoi (and Vietnam) was a French Colony (since the French took control in 1888), a lot of the city's architecture and designs were modeled to the tastes of the French people. This led to the distinctively unique aesthetic appearances of the city, leaving behind rich legacies of stylistic French heritage.
Thais - We met 2 Siamese Monks during our trip to Halong Bay, who barely spoke a word to us. I figured they did not know how to communicate with us in English. Personally, I felt that the Vietnamese language is so much similar to the Siamese language, although the Vietnamese would often like to emphasise otherwise. The lingo, the intonation are somewhat similar to me. And Vietnamese language is probably one of the hardest languages to learn...
Filipinos - Filipinos and Malaysians (especially the Malaysian Chinese) look the same. But once they start to open their mouth and talk, we could easily identify their origins. We made friends with 2 Filipino chaps during our visit to Halong Bay. One was rather friendly while the other is a rather silent type. We exchanged Cards and this chap, Ernesto, even invited us to his hometown and were prepared to arrange for our ground arrangements if we decide to touchdown at Manila one fine day.
Indonesians - I established a contact with a Torajan (a descendant from one of the Sulawesi Clans). He told me he had to travel and move somewhere out of his hometown in order to earn a better living. He is now living in Hanoi with his Sarawakian wife and son. He is currently learning the Vietnamese language in order to better understand their way of life. He shared with me the hardships of the people living in Indonesia as a whole, particularly the squabbles in Sulawesi among the Bugis Clans. We also shared our earnest thoughts on other Political Issues facing this region, citing Corruption and Nepotism being the number one contributors to the Political Instability in most Asean Countires. He agreed with me on many grounds. But the best was when he complimented our Malaysian Leaders for being kind and generous enough to provide all sorts of benefits and facilities to the people and most importantly 'Free Education' to all Malaysians. He was lamenting on how stupid it is if Malaysians do not grab the opportunity of studying and learning in the local schools and institutes, as not all countries are blessed with such 'a luxury'. Some interesting observations from an outsider... and yet we still do not consider ourselves 'lucky'...
Malaysians - We met many visiting Malaysians there, especially at the only Malaysian Muslim Restaurant in Hanoi, Nisa Restaurant. Some were there for a brief working stint (courtesy of Multinational Companies like Ericsson, Canon and such). And some were there for a short visit to the ever-populous city of Hanoi. Some even had the chance of traveling from Ho Chi Minh upwards. Anyway, Malaysians being Malaysians, nights in Nisa Restaurant reminded me of a typical Kedai Mamak scene anywhere in Malaysia minus the chilly weather. You can hear the shouts for a 'Teh Tarik' and 'Roti Naan', simply illustrating the notion that 'you can never change the way you are'...
Wednesday - 31st March 2010
What's So Important About The Day - It's my Birthday. The Day I turned 34. Yeap, 3 and 4. 34. I ain't getting any younger most definitely (as my body, without much of a haste, would agree) and I have reached the stage where I should already know by now what I want to do and must do in life. But I still believe that, regardless of how old you are, there are plenty of opportunities for you to try out something new, as life is a continuous process of learning... and this goes on until your last breath of air.
What's Different This Year - My stepmother, Mak Cik Normah, celebrates her birthday on the same date too. This would be the first time I am celebrating my Birthday with someone else within the 'Family Circle'. I had actually forgotten about her birthday until my father reminded me of it. So far, she has been very nice to us, and to my father especially. She is indeed a welcome addition to the 'Family Circle'. And I'm really glad that my Dad is so much happier these days. A testament of 'Youthfulness' that transcends age barrier.
What's For Lunch - Aidee treated me with a wonderful Lunch at The Apartment (restaurant) at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara. A scrumptious dining experience indeed as we were treated with one of the best Shepherds' Pie I've ever tasted and Slices of Chicken wrapped with Mashed Potato and Avocado. I was serenaded with a Birthday song by the Restaurant Crews and were offered a Cheese Cake as well. God of Mine... the cake was so delicious... The whole Lunch affair was exquisitely tasty, even the Tomato Soup tasted good. 'A birthday boy served with scrumptious food and delicacies is indeed a happy boy'...
What's Overwhelming - About more than 100 friends from Facebook greeted me with various kinds of Birthday Wishes. From long lost friends to dearest cousins and relatives, they were all lined up to convey their heartfelt wishes and remind me that I have now crossed a new age group. One chap gave me the best thought of the day - I can be in whatever age group chronologically, but mentally and emotionally I could still be as young as ever... It's a classic case of 'Mind over Matter'...
What's Different This Year - My stepmother, Mak Cik Normah, celebrates her birthday on the same date too. This would be the first time I am celebrating my Birthday with someone else within the 'Family Circle'. I had actually forgotten about her birthday until my father reminded me of it. So far, she has been very nice to us, and to my father especially. She is indeed a welcome addition to the 'Family Circle'. And I'm really glad that my Dad is so much happier these days. A testament of 'Youthfulness' that transcends age barrier.
What's For Lunch - Aidee treated me with a wonderful Lunch at The Apartment (restaurant) at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara. A scrumptious dining experience indeed as we were treated with one of the best Shepherds' Pie I've ever tasted and Slices of Chicken wrapped with Mashed Potato and Avocado. I was serenaded with a Birthday song by the Restaurant Crews and were offered a Cheese Cake as well. God of Mine... the cake was so delicious... The whole Lunch affair was exquisitely tasty, even the Tomato Soup tasted good. 'A birthday boy served with scrumptious food and delicacies is indeed a happy boy'...
What's Overwhelming - About more than 100 friends from Facebook greeted me with various kinds of Birthday Wishes. From long lost friends to dearest cousins and relatives, they were all lined up to convey their heartfelt wishes and remind me that I have now crossed a new age group. One chap gave me the best thought of the day - I can be in whatever age group chronologically, but mentally and emotionally I could still be as young as ever... It's a classic case of 'Mind over Matter'...
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