I was on leave for two weeks, and as always, it was heavenly. Not in any particular order, saw Nisa, Enid, Leha, Hanim, Pak Ghaz, Maaz, Kam, Bad, Adly, Amir, Meor, Hizral, Eleena, the doctor, my sisters Zamie, Kana, Nana, my parents and Anita Sarawak at a high-tea show.
Nisa: Enjoying unemployment and the leisurely life as a chauffer, driving important people and socialising with rich datins at high teas, boutiques and spas.
Enid: Happy to annoy her neighbours by being mysterious.
Leha: Cracking her head on a new novel.
Hanim: Just had a baby girl.
Pak Ghaz: Enjoying his new post as a no-post, as posted by a very jealous regime management.
Maaz: Very pregnant and has no clue of the baby's sex.
Kam: It was always about politics, Umno, MIC, MCA, and the office.
Bad: Optimistic about the new management and the changes in the office, but laments about the dogs in the neighbourhood.
Adly: About to have a baby. Doesn't care about the people in the office.
Amir: Started a radical blog and suddenly resigned from work.
Meor: Thought about leaving the company but stayed on. He is writing another novel.
Hizral: Into multi-level marketing.
Eleena: She is in love, deeply, madly and sadly.
the doctor: was very puzzled as how I knew him and why I came to see him.
Zamie: She dragged me to the gym. I nearly fainted after half hour on the treadmill.
Kana: She smiled, her in laws stayed for the school holidays. She bought another car.
Nana: Heavily pregnant with her first baby and suffering from severe backpain and water retention. Otherwise, very happy.
My parents: Apasal tak cakap nak datang? (I arrived at their doorstep at 1245am) They are happy. Mum's ever busy with pelamin. Pak with his new MP4.
Anita Sarawak: She cried thinking of Siput Sarawak. It was a good show.
Everybody has something to say about many things and events. Highest on list was the PM, Tun Mahathir, Proton, Bridge, Ghani Othman, petrol price, Petronas and 9th Malaysia Plan. Nobody spoke of traffic jams or road accidents anymore as was the normality of balik kampung issues.
Suddenly people are becoming very concern about the future of the country. Was it concern or fear?
Monday, June 12, 2006
Monday, May 22, 2006
Baby in Cistern
On 15 May morning (the Monday after Wesak Day) a shopper flushed the clean toilet and suddenly, instead of water, blood filled the bowl. It came from the cistern. She screamed her head off and the cleaner rushed in. The cleaner lifted the cistern lid and there was a bloated baby boy, blue black and maggoty, half stuck in the cistern. News papers carried the news on follwing day.
Kina who resides in Pasir Gudang said that was not the first time somebody abandoned a baby at the Kompleks Pusat Bandar Pasir Gudang. She asked why is it most of them babies are Malays. Could it be because we, Malays, abhor these out of wedlock child?
Could be, hence the term anak haram and not anak cinta (lovechild).
Kina said maybe if we have shown a bit more compassion these babies would not have ended up in cisterns or bowls. "Bukannya nak menyokong zina, tapi kan anak-anak ini tak berdosa?"
True, but the sad reality remains that people are not very nice to anak gampang (another not very nice term for love child). What if the Welfare Department trumpeted a campaign for suraus and masjids to have baskets for these unfortunate babies. Let me guess: Some clever people would say, " We are not condoning zina. This action symbolises support for immoral acts."
Have any of these clever people seen how the bloated babies look like? Not very nice. The image would stay in your unconscious and claim your peaceful slumber. Somebody clever however, must think of some ways to stop zina (if they are seriously against it) and stop these infanticide. It is cruel and dehumanised whoever did it.
Kina who resides in Pasir Gudang said that was not the first time somebody abandoned a baby at the Kompleks Pusat Bandar Pasir Gudang. She asked why is it most of them babies are Malays. Could it be because we, Malays, abhor these out of wedlock child?
Could be, hence the term anak haram and not anak cinta (lovechild).
Kina said maybe if we have shown a bit more compassion these babies would not have ended up in cisterns or bowls. "Bukannya nak menyokong zina, tapi kan anak-anak ini tak berdosa?"
True, but the sad reality remains that people are not very nice to anak gampang (another not very nice term for love child). What if the Welfare Department trumpeted a campaign for suraus and masjids to have baskets for these unfortunate babies. Let me guess: Some clever people would say, " We are not condoning zina. This action symbolises support for immoral acts."
Have any of these clever people seen how the bloated babies look like? Not very nice. The image would stay in your unconscious and claim your peaceful slumber. Somebody clever however, must think of some ways to stop zina (if they are seriously against it) and stop these infanticide. It is cruel and dehumanised whoever did it.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Suddenly Muslim
There's a lot of money in 'muslim'.
Today the papers published about Al Quds Jeans an Italian designed material which is described by product development manager Susanna Cavalli as: "The idea behind the jeans is not political, ideological or religious at all. It is a cultural act." The jeans is specially tailored for Muslim youths for use in mosques (by that is roomy and allowed freedom of movement in prayers).
Then there is Islamic Financial Centres. Last week MB Johor said it should be a niche market in global finance world, and Malaysia should become a leader.
Then there is Halal product market world wide which is estimated at US$80 billion. Today Tesco said they will market RM1 billion Malaysian halal product to UK via 50 of its stores over the next five years.
All these after Sept 11 2001. Some brand Muslims as potential terrorists, others a niche market but whichever way you look at it Muslim means money, whether you are selling guns or groceries.
Closer at home declaring you are a Mulism may mean being pretentious.
Alaa pakai je tudung, bukannye baik sangat pun.
alaa nampak je ketayap putih, siang malam pegi masjid entah ye entah tidak.
alaa konon je pegi majlis agama sebenarnya suke juga kalau ada joget-joget.
Today, a friend over the phone said: "They are all such pretentious lot. The Abim guys, Anwar Ibrahim, uggh."
I thought eh?
"Ya laa... He took the media over and although that has nothing to do with music industry directly but the Islamic movement crippled creative people. We're banckrupt of ideas."
eh?
"That's why nobody wants to buy any CDs. We can't produce good albums. You think Siti Nurhaliza sells? Heeeh Only Raihan sells. It the cultural revolution I tell you!"
"But..."
He butted in: "Exactly my point. That's why we need Islam Hadhari...." and he rattled on and on.
Quite lost with the exact point, I decided to let him be. After all, in a pretension game, the pretenders would pretend to win.
Today the papers published about Al Quds Jeans an Italian designed material which is described by product development manager Susanna Cavalli as: "The idea behind the jeans is not political, ideological or religious at all. It is a cultural act." The jeans is specially tailored for Muslim youths for use in mosques (by that is roomy and allowed freedom of movement in prayers).
Then there is Islamic Financial Centres. Last week MB Johor said it should be a niche market in global finance world, and Malaysia should become a leader.
Then there is Halal product market world wide which is estimated at US$80 billion. Today Tesco said they will market RM1 billion Malaysian halal product to UK via 50 of its stores over the next five years.
All these after Sept 11 2001. Some brand Muslims as potential terrorists, others a niche market but whichever way you look at it Muslim means money, whether you are selling guns or groceries.
Closer at home declaring you are a Mulism may mean being pretentious.
Alaa pakai je tudung, bukannye baik sangat pun.
alaa nampak je ketayap putih, siang malam pegi masjid entah ye entah tidak.
alaa konon je pegi majlis agama sebenarnya suke juga kalau ada joget-joget.
Today, a friend over the phone said: "They are all such pretentious lot. The Abim guys, Anwar Ibrahim, uggh."
I thought eh?
"Ya laa... He took the media over and although that has nothing to do with music industry directly but the Islamic movement crippled creative people. We're banckrupt of ideas."
eh?
"That's why nobody wants to buy any CDs. We can't produce good albums. You think Siti Nurhaliza sells? Heeeh Only Raihan sells. It the cultural revolution I tell you!"
"But..."
He butted in: "Exactly my point. That's why we need Islam Hadhari...." and he rattled on and on.
Quite lost with the exact point, I decided to let him be. After all, in a pretension game, the pretenders would pretend to win.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Kueh Pau Day Out
Yesterday was spent, most lovely... It was my day off and I decided to treat myself to a nice restaurant and lunched alone. It was wonderful, no small talks, no pretense, no arguments, no wry jokes. Just me and serenity. I had read in the papers, a few days ago about creme brulee served at this restaurant, and thought I should give it a try. It was not what I had expected and feeling generous, I decided to fill in the comments card. To my surprise the manager actually read my comment and immediately reverted it to me.
"Why do you feel the creme brulee falls below your expectations?" In all seriousness.
Alamak. Err think think. "It lacks vanilla and the texture has bubbles."
He called in the chef and interrogated him in front of me.
"When did we make this creme brulee?"
"Saturday."
"What's wrong with it?"
"We did not have enough vanilla extract."
"Ok." Next he turned to me and said,"We are very sorry about it Ma'am," with suddenly a heightened American accent, of which I could not quite figure out why. "We will definitely improve it and the next time you are here, the creme brulee is on us." Suddenly he whipped out a card entitling me to a free dessert.
Ooo wheeee this is what you call SERVICE!!! Then again they charged me ten percent of my bill for service charge. I did not get it free like at any 786 Bulan dan Bintang restaurants. Still I was happy.
"Why do you feel the creme brulee falls below your expectations?" In all seriousness.
Alamak. Err think think. "It lacks vanilla and the texture has bubbles."
He called in the chef and interrogated him in front of me.
"When did we make this creme brulee?"
"Saturday."
"What's wrong with it?"
"We did not have enough vanilla extract."
"Ok." Next he turned to me and said,"We are very sorry about it Ma'am," with suddenly a heightened American accent, of which I could not quite figure out why. "We will definitely improve it and the next time you are here, the creme brulee is on us." Suddenly he whipped out a card entitling me to a free dessert.
Ooo wheeee this is what you call SERVICE!!! Then again they charged me ten percent of my bill for service charge. I did not get it free like at any 786 Bulan dan Bintang restaurants. Still I was happy.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Happy Teachers' Day
Cikgu Rohaizan was in LRT with Nolly. She was very happy to meet one of her first students in an LRT far away from a class room, so she sent me an sms about it. Immediately, I called her and she bubbled away of how wonderful it was to meet her students now that she no longer taught.
Nolly, who is now pregnant with her seventh child (congratulations), and I were classmates and we had Cikgu Rohaizan teaching us Bahasa Malaysia decades ago. Ooh those ancient times. I was never any teachers' pets, being lembab, clumsy and blur all the time, but Cikgu Rohaizan and I grew close after last year's homecoming event.
Cikgu Rohaizan then, told me she had asked for a transefer to KL. She wanted a desk job. Early this year, her wish was granted but suddenly on Teacher's Day she missed her students.
"It's different. Everybody wished everyone Happy Teachers' Day, but it is not like what it was in school. Meriah!"
Teachers thinking of their students on their special day. Wondered how many students thought of their teachers today. I'm for one is terribly guilty, apart from Cikgu Rohaizan, I wished no one else.
To those who taught and prided in their noble profession, Happy Teachers' Day.
Nolly, who is now pregnant with her seventh child (congratulations), and I were classmates and we had Cikgu Rohaizan teaching us Bahasa Malaysia decades ago. Ooh those ancient times. I was never any teachers' pets, being lembab, clumsy and blur all the time, but Cikgu Rohaizan and I grew close after last year's homecoming event.
Cikgu Rohaizan then, told me she had asked for a transefer to KL. She wanted a desk job. Early this year, her wish was granted but suddenly on Teacher's Day she missed her students.
"It's different. Everybody wished everyone Happy Teachers' Day, but it is not like what it was in school. Meriah!"
Teachers thinking of their students on their special day. Wondered how many students thought of their teachers today. I'm for one is terribly guilty, apart from Cikgu Rohaizan, I wished no one else.
To those who taught and prided in their noble profession, Happy Teachers' Day.
The Golden Spoon
There were a group of us at the food stall at JOTIC: Mas, Ayek, Inul, Norman, Nyngket and me. We had our breakfast, but late comers like Norman, who ordered vanilla coke waited for a while before his order arrived. Nyngket ordered Horlicks kosong with roti bakar, while Inul preferred nescafe. When the boss of the stall came he was summing up the bill, so we told him that we are still waiting for the roti bakar.
The mere question pushed him into an overdrive of emotions.
"Macamana nak buat kejap orang sana panggil kejap sini panggil. Kalau nak kena tunggu aaa."
Nyngket whose getting a trifle irritated, knit her brow and said,"Orang tunggu a nii."
The stall owner, who donned a red and yellow t with Sudu Emas Cafe logo printed on it, went into another burst of emotion about being over-burdened with customer orders. All of us could not make head or tail what he was saying. Norman got embarrased and simply paid.
He hastily took the money and while waiting for the change, Norman said,"The last time I ordered nasi goreng kampung, I had to wait for 45 minutes."
Obviously, the stall owner is someone who despise the customers for placing huge orders. Maybe he is happier if he has less. Maybe God would grant him the happiness he sought after.
The mere question pushed him into an overdrive of emotions.
"Macamana nak buat kejap orang sana panggil kejap sini panggil. Kalau nak kena tunggu aaa."
Nyngket whose getting a trifle irritated, knit her brow and said,"Orang tunggu a nii."
The stall owner, who donned a red and yellow t with Sudu Emas Cafe logo printed on it, went into another burst of emotion about being over-burdened with customer orders. All of us could not make head or tail what he was saying. Norman got embarrased and simply paid.
He hastily took the money and while waiting for the change, Norman said,"The last time I ordered nasi goreng kampung, I had to wait for 45 minutes."
Obviously, the stall owner is someone who despise the customers for placing huge orders. Maybe he is happier if he has less. Maybe God would grant him the happiness he sought after.
Friday, May 12, 2006
dari kejadian
Ramli Sarip, in his yellow t and denim dunked a biscuit in his teh tarik and said:
ada yang menjadi,
ada yang terjadi
ada yang menjadikan
dan ada yang jadi-jadian.
Jangan jadi penyanyi jadi-jadian.
So he hope to shape the AF4 hopefuls...
ada yang menjadi,
ada yang terjadi
ada yang menjadikan
dan ada yang jadi-jadian.
Jangan jadi penyanyi jadi-jadian.
So he hope to shape the AF4 hopefuls...
Friday, May 05, 2006
Between the Butane Spheres and the Burning Tanks
The Petronas Dagangan petrol tank at Johor Port went ablaze after it was struck by lightning on the evening of April 28. Fire is a fascinating thing, I believe. People lined the closed down roads and walked up as close as they can to get the best view of the blaze as it licked the three petrol tanks. Smoke billowed, in the drizzling weather and smell of burnt rubber filled the air. Fear and fascination were written on the faces of the onlookers.
One of them said, "the butane spheres are very close. If the fire reaches the sphere, the whole Pasir Gudang and Permas Jaya would go up in flames."
Another said, "There are underground pipes loaded with flamable liquids linking Johor Port to Sembawang. If the fire reaches the sphere, the pipes would go all the way to Singapore."
How did they know? "Oh we have fire drills every year. The Firemen told us." Small wonder half of the residents at Kampung Pasir Puteh and Taman air Biru left their home helter skelter that night.
A week after the fire, the secretary of Pasir Gudang Local Authority said," oh there's no need to evacuate. The fire was under control. We didn't want to create panic. My handphone battery konged out, so I couldn't inform the relevant authorities to inform the people. They don't need to worry anyway."
Now, who actually cares if the butane spheres went up in flames? Only those, about 130,000 population of Pasir Gudang whose only access out of the town is the two lanes potholed highway.
Note: Some said it was the wrath of God on the 30 sen a litre petrol price hike.
One of them said, "the butane spheres are very close. If the fire reaches the sphere, the whole Pasir Gudang and Permas Jaya would go up in flames."
Another said, "There are underground pipes loaded with flamable liquids linking Johor Port to Sembawang. If the fire reaches the sphere, the pipes would go all the way to Singapore."
How did they know? "Oh we have fire drills every year. The Firemen told us." Small wonder half of the residents at Kampung Pasir Puteh and Taman air Biru left their home helter skelter that night.
A week after the fire, the secretary of Pasir Gudang Local Authority said," oh there's no need to evacuate. The fire was under control. We didn't want to create panic. My handphone battery konged out, so I couldn't inform the relevant authorities to inform the people. They don't need to worry anyway."
Now, who actually cares if the butane spheres went up in flames? Only those, about 130,000 population of Pasir Gudang whose only access out of the town is the two lanes potholed highway.
Note: Some said it was the wrath of God on the 30 sen a litre petrol price hike.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
when a life is lost
National Service trainee Haziq Jaafar died on 21 April 2006, allegedly being beaten by another in a not so friendly fellow in the tv room squabling over maybe the control of the tv remote buttons, a ciggie, 50 sen coin, name calling or some other reasons known only to those in the tv room. The next day the whole clan waited for his body at Kluang District Hospital. At some point a man walked up to the mother and said in the most inaudible voice, a trifle whisper told her, his name and that he is the Jurulatih Disiplin at the camp. And he said:
"Sabar banyak-banyaklah kak." then he walked away. Everybody just looked at him. Is that all he could offer? Obviously Haziq's family and relatives have good upbringing, else someone would have beaten the trainer to pulp.
The nerve of some people.
"Sabar banyak-banyaklah kak." then he walked away. Everybody just looked at him. Is that all he could offer? Obviously Haziq's family and relatives have good upbringing, else someone would have beaten the trainer to pulp.
The nerve of some people.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Bridge? What Bridge?
Johor Menteri Besar was ashen as he gave the news. The bridge project, which is supposed to link the spanking new Customs and Immigration Complex to Singapore, was null and void as announced by the Prime Minister by fax to all media and was flashed by Bernama at its website. Everyone, well at least those in Johor, was shocked. The MB, put on a brave face on the camera.
But the people thought the idea was unthinkable. The PM is talking about the country's sovereignity, sand and airspace included. So people, forget the bridge, don't be selfish, we need airspace and sand more than mere links. The Causeway still works, doesn't it?
tsk tsk tsk.
But the people thought the idea was unthinkable. The PM is talking about the country's sovereignity, sand and airspace included. So people, forget the bridge, don't be selfish, we need airspace and sand more than mere links. The Causeway still works, doesn't it?
tsk tsk tsk.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Sank
The Muar Sessions Court judge looked at the two accused, both are brothers, in the dock with disbelief. They have just pleaded guilty on two offences. He talked to the elder brother.
"Awak faham?"
"Ya." he looked bewildered.
"Kenapa awak melakukan kesalahan ini?"
He didn't reply, as if the words did not sink in.
The judge repeated the question.
He answered in a quiet tone. A matter-of factly, "Saya tengok VCD lucah."
The judge shook his head. He then delivered the sentence of 15 years jail and 8 strokes of rotan for each offence.
The 23-year old factory worker would be 53 after serving the sentecne for raping his sister 17 year old for the past two years. Then it sank. He shuddered and wept openly as the police took him out of the dock.
"Awak faham?"
"Ya." he looked bewildered.
"Kenapa awak melakukan kesalahan ini?"
He didn't reply, as if the words did not sink in.
The judge repeated the question.
He answered in a quiet tone. A matter-of factly, "Saya tengok VCD lucah."
The judge shook his head. He then delivered the sentence of 15 years jail and 8 strokes of rotan for each offence.
The 23-year old factory worker would be 53 after serving the sentecne for raping his sister 17 year old for the past two years. Then it sank. He shuddered and wept openly as the police took him out of the dock.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Rayaaa... Episode 1
To sum it up: This raya is one of the best holidays I've had for a long-long time, so here's the re-cap of the events.
My Raya Holidays began on Saturday 28th of October. It was the day that I received both good and sad news. On that day, all my plans for Hari raya took a different turn.
Two weeks before I didn't know that my leave started on the 28th, so I had planned to work right until Nov 1 (that was Deepavali) and would have two solid weeks of Raya Leave thereafter. It was only after the last week I realised that my boss had given me off days since the 28th, so the initial plan to drive home to Rawang had to change to taking the train from Kempas Baru at 9.35am on Sunday 29th.
And it was ten days ago I placed a booking on a Waja, hoping against hope that I would get a new car for Raya. As miracles do happen, I got the last registration number before the RTD counter closed on Friday and the salesman called me to collect a 'galaxy grey' Waja on Saturday morning. I was elated. All my life this was my first time buying a brand new car. My first very own car...
It was while waiting for the car keys that I received the sad news. Eton's father passed away. Eton is my schoolmate and once we used to work in the same office. Her father had suffered the aftermath of stroke for 11 years before he breathed his last. The phone call was from Idah, another schoolmate, shortly after Enid, another school mate phoned to tell the news. My mobile went crazy after I texted our friends about the death, most of them asking about the funeral and other details.
I should call Eton. I should offer my condolonces but words and empathy escaped me. What do I say to her? All I managed to do was quietly recite Fatihah in between signing documents and such. I figured it was better to wait for a while before calling Eton. To send text would be too impersonal.
I was elated for the car and at the same time deeply touched by the news. Kinda hard juggling the two ends of emotional spectrum. Driving home, it felt weird adjusting to the new machine (which actually swallowed RM100 worth of petrol) and deep down I knew this Raya is going to be different.
My Raya Holidays began on Saturday 28th of October. It was the day that I received both good and sad news. On that day, all my plans for Hari raya took a different turn.
Two weeks before I didn't know that my leave started on the 28th, so I had planned to work right until Nov 1 (that was Deepavali) and would have two solid weeks of Raya Leave thereafter. It was only after the last week I realised that my boss had given me off days since the 28th, so the initial plan to drive home to Rawang had to change to taking the train from Kempas Baru at 9.35am on Sunday 29th.
And it was ten days ago I placed a booking on a Waja, hoping against hope that I would get a new car for Raya. As miracles do happen, I got the last registration number before the RTD counter closed on Friday and the salesman called me to collect a 'galaxy grey' Waja on Saturday morning. I was elated. All my life this was my first time buying a brand new car. My first very own car...
It was while waiting for the car keys that I received the sad news. Eton's father passed away. Eton is my schoolmate and once we used to work in the same office. Her father had suffered the aftermath of stroke for 11 years before he breathed his last. The phone call was from Idah, another schoolmate, shortly after Enid, another school mate phoned to tell the news. My mobile went crazy after I texted our friends about the death, most of them asking about the funeral and other details.
I should call Eton. I should offer my condolonces but words and empathy escaped me. What do I say to her? All I managed to do was quietly recite Fatihah in between signing documents and such. I figured it was better to wait for a while before calling Eton. To send text would be too impersonal.
I was elated for the car and at the same time deeply touched by the news. Kinda hard juggling the two ends of emotional spectrum. Driving home, it felt weird adjusting to the new machine (which actually swallowed RM100 worth of petrol) and deep down I knew this Raya is going to be different.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
post raya blues
I guess after too much fun at hari raya, one has to suffer the adrenalin withdrawal, hence the post-raya blues.
I shall not elaborate the madness of the last day in KL which was Friday, and the quiet discontentment which follows onto yesterday and today. Nevertheless... after minimal deliberation, I dyed my hair red, perhaps a sign of the desperate need of liberation.
After three hours of the colouring and steaming (kinda complicated. Thank god I didn't try one of those home colour kits... I would have ended up looking like a lost in time Cyndi Lauper fan) I looked not bad at all. Groomed and somehow, it made me feel liberated.
I shall not elaborate the madness of the last day in KL which was Friday, and the quiet discontentment which follows onto yesterday and today. Nevertheless... after minimal deliberation, I dyed my hair red, perhaps a sign of the desperate need of liberation.
After three hours of the colouring and steaming (kinda complicated. Thank god I didn't try one of those home colour kits... I would have ended up looking like a lost in time Cyndi Lauper fan) I looked not bad at all. Groomed and somehow, it made me feel liberated.
Friday, September 30, 2005
what happened?
A lot. After my last entry, I attended a funeral, was hospitalised for two days and didn't come to work for 20 days, visited a mental institution, spent a night in prison, bumped into a total jerk of an ex-boyfriend, and just two days ago was in Singapore basking in the luxury of a five star hotel.
But of all things, since the last entry I have not been walking. It is, apparently, very easy to lapse into intertia.
But of all things, since the last entry I have not been walking. It is, apparently, very easy to lapse into intertia.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Nasi Lemak Hantu
It rained again. I seriously have to think of Plan B or I will lapse into inertia again. The colleague, Zin, who is off duty today, proudly informed me that he did a 30-minute aerobics on the treadmill yesterday.
Iamsam posted a comment suggesting I should walk like an Egyptian, an ultimate weight control solution. Thanks for the suggestion, but I am tackling bigger issues here like boredom, mental and physical health. I gave up on losing weight, a long time ago.
Khairyn posted a comment today. Ha ha ha... I shall never forget the nasi lemak that almost became our staple dinner. It was one of the best nasi lemak in town but a cruel rumour has it that the food there is cooked by djinn. No joke. Harian Metro even carried the story. The pakcik's business almost collapsed by the vicious rumour. His customers are made up of those who do not believe in the rumours, Khairyn and me included.
Now I have cut down on Nasi Lemak. Maybe all this while I've been associating food with friends and outdoor activities. Now that I have less friends (everybody seemed to live in KL) and that I walk everyday, so maybe I think less of eating. Really?
Iamsam posted a comment suggesting I should walk like an Egyptian, an ultimate weight control solution. Thanks for the suggestion, but I am tackling bigger issues here like boredom, mental and physical health. I gave up on losing weight, a long time ago.
Khairyn posted a comment today. Ha ha ha... I shall never forget the nasi lemak that almost became our staple dinner. It was one of the best nasi lemak in town but a cruel rumour has it that the food there is cooked by djinn. No joke. Harian Metro even carried the story. The pakcik's business almost collapsed by the vicious rumour. His customers are made up of those who do not believe in the rumours, Khairyn and me included.
Now I have cut down on Nasi Lemak. Maybe all this while I've been associating food with friends and outdoor activities. Now that I have less friends (everybody seemed to live in KL) and that I walk everyday, so maybe I think less of eating. Really?
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Hanging out the clothes
Today I walked for 25 minutes, after a five-minute warm-up and finished off with another five minutes cooling down exercise. I re-gained my lost rhythm and it was a smooth walk. I often change my route to make my walk more interesting, new sight, new sound, that sort of stuff. Today I passed by a corner terrace house and saw a man was hanging out the laundry on the cloths line.
The moment he saw me he turned sheepish. He was wearing a baju melayu (traditional Malay tunic) with a pair of shorts. Oh well he was just doing laundry he need not be dressed to the nines, right? He eyed me if I was staring at him. I looked away pretending not to notice him but was actually dying to have a proper look of his sheepish expression. The sixpence song came to mind:
The king was in the counting house counting out his money,
The queen was in the parlour eating bread and honey,
The maid was in the garden hanging out the clothes
and down came the blackbird and bit off his nose.
Was he sheepish because he might be viewed as the maid or for fear that a blackbird might come down and bit his nose? Dunno.
I walked fast and passed.
The moment he saw me he turned sheepish. He was wearing a baju melayu (traditional Malay tunic) with a pair of shorts. Oh well he was just doing laundry he need not be dressed to the nines, right? He eyed me if I was staring at him. I looked away pretending not to notice him but was actually dying to have a proper look of his sheepish expression. The sixpence song came to mind:
The king was in the counting house counting out his money,
The queen was in the parlour eating bread and honey,
The maid was in the garden hanging out the clothes
and down came the blackbird and bit off his nose.
Was he sheepish because he might be viewed as the maid or for fear that a blackbird might come down and bit his nose? Dunno.
I walked fast and passed.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Late
I was late. When I opened my eyes this morning it was 8.40am. I freaked out. First because I have missed my favourite routine of walking about in the neighbourhood secondly I have an appointment at 9am. I scrambled off bed, into bath, into no-need-to-iron-clothes, gulped water (so as not to be dehydrated later) and off hopping like a Mad Hatter minus the pocket watch. Met my appointment and the rest of the day was as rushed as always. Then, I realised that my so-called sedentary life was actually a blinding rat race without a finishing line. good thing that I wlked, it slowed things down. At least I have time for myself.
I talked to Khairyn today. She's as bubbly as always. Kinda missed her company, when she was my colleague (now transfered to the Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur) we used to plan all sorts of activities mostly involving food. She was the one who introduced me to blogging and I find it quite useful as a journal. Thanx Khairyn.
And also Nisa advised me to join the aerobics dancing classes. Once, maybe five years ago I thought of enrolling into a tap dance class. Now why does Richard Gere tripping over poles comes to mind?
Tomorrow: Must walk.
I talked to Khairyn today. She's as bubbly as always. Kinda missed her company, when she was my colleague (now transfered to the Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur) we used to plan all sorts of activities mostly involving food. She was the one who introduced me to blogging and I find it quite useful as a journal. Thanx Khairyn.
And also Nisa advised me to join the aerobics dancing classes. Once, maybe five years ago I thought of enrolling into a tap dance class. Now why does Richard Gere tripping over poles comes to mind?
Tomorrow: Must walk.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Monday Blues
I was up early and fired up to walk after yesterday's heavy rain. Today was bright and sunny and I enthusiastically started my walk almost flying, which I found out later, not good. I was too ambitious. I made the mistake of skipping my warm-up 5 minutes walk and sort of flew into brisk walk. after 10 minutes, I panted and my legs were strained. I lost my rhythm and had to slow down. So I eased it off with my normal pace and walked home.
Lesson learned today: take it easy and do not get overzealous.
Milestone for the day: I beat the Monday blues. For the first time in many years, it was easy to get out of the bed without wishing it was still Sunday.
Lesson learned today: take it easy and do not get overzealous.
Milestone for the day: I beat the Monday blues. For the first time in many years, it was easy to get out of the bed without wishing it was still Sunday.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
It rained
I woke early, did my subuh and it rained, cats and dogs almost throughout the day. I only managed to stretch.
I realised that I have no Plan B. How would it be during the monsoon, when it rained everyday? So I talked to a colleague who wanted, intended, but never got around to doing it, suggesting that maybe we should take our shoes and try the local gym, which only charges RM20 per month. He said yeah why not good idea. Several hours later I thought, the gym idea never took off because lack of drive and motivation. If I want this gym idea to materialise, I have to drag him out of the office. Not very attractive. I will definately think of an alternative.
I realised that I have no Plan B. How would it be during the monsoon, when it rained everyday? So I talked to a colleague who wanted, intended, but never got around to doing it, suggesting that maybe we should take our shoes and try the local gym, which only charges RM20 per month. He said yeah why not good idea. Several hours later I thought, the gym idea never took off because lack of drive and motivation. If I want this gym idea to materialise, I have to drag him out of the office. Not very attractive. I will definately think of an alternative.
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