Still about the dead man...

On the next day, at last he called. NOT the dead man !!. It was his son. He got my hubby's contact through the police. He wanted to know the exact time of when his father died. Very good question huh..! The only info he gotten form my husband was the time when his father's body was found and that the body hadn't stink at the time it was sighted. He then started to tell his side of the story. He told that his late father had a bad accident that left him mentally retarded. That night, he didn't sense anything went wrong when his father didn't return home, because, "it happened many times". He said. His father would normally disappear but he would return home 2-3 days later. Sounded defensive, he also said that his sister left the old man with him, as she had to go overseas then. Then he said " I had no choice but to take care of him". Still sounded defensive, he also told my hubby that he could not monitor his father for 24 hours since he had to go out to work. That was the son of the poor old man's sayings.

Just Sharing Some Thoughts

'Tak kenal maka tak cinta' To love one, is to know one. I am not talking about love as in two lovers, here. Its about love as in care, concern and forgiving. I no longer take paranoia, irritation and annoyance as a reason to dislike the person. I've learnt accepting others as what they are. I am learning throughout my living. I've developed better awareness as I aged. Minus the insane and the inhumane, I believe every person has a soft spot. I just need to identify the soft spot in order to develop the said love. That's what getting-to-know is all about. I stopped regretting the mistakes I made, instead, I turned them to gratefulness, as I learned from every mistake. DO NOT keep on making the same mistake, is my guidance. Whenever I bump unto an irritating individual, I would choose to leave a gap by reducing associations and avoid unpleasant communication, just to reduce a sins of dislikes and hatreds, until I find the soft spot. When I find the soft spot, that's when I start working my way to narrow down the gap and build an enjoyable conversation. I share because I care. Its OK to be nice.

There is a dead body behind my house!

Not that we are joggers, somehow we bought the house because of the green scenery viewable right from our dinner table, with a jogging track laid just by the side of my kitchen area. I don't jog, but I enjoy watching joggers and brisk walkers passing by. Me, hoping to get the encouragement to start a healthy lifestyle. One of the regular joggers is my neighbor, Rick.

Today, I was getting ready to have my morning shower when my husband received a call from Rick.

Rick found a DEAD BODY.! of an old man at the jogging track by the lakeside behind my house. Terrible..!

We dropped everything and rushed to the scene. My hubby called 911. We waited for the police to come.

The police arrived 15 minutes later.

The poor man was probably in his 60s.The body was lying dead by the bush having cane on his hand, with his lips half open. Flies started to crowd on the body. I noticed part of his legs were peeled off perhaps he had been dead for more than 24 hours, according to the police.

We left the moment the police started their duty. I wonder if his family know his whereabout.

What a day to start...

A Housewife-Salute..!

I work 5 days a week from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Most of the time I will only reach home before Maghrib (late evening prayer). By the time I am done with my dinner, it was almost bed time, but I still have a chance to rest and watch TV or go out for a tea or supper, before my beauty sleep. Weekend is the D' time that I always looked forward. That's my rest day and its a precious moment where I could spend time with my family, doing grocery and cooking. Good God I have a maid to take care of the house cleaning and laundry. I have a choice to go on-leave and by end of the month, I still receive my salary. I can do many things with my own money and nobody tells me what or not to buy. Its up to my own conscience. Nobody would claim the money back from me if I don't do house work or if I don't cook. Nobody tells me off should I choose to contribute my money to whoever I want, on my own will. I am meeting people and colleagues everyday. We compare notes, laugh, eat, discuss and share our problems (if any).Even if my hubby forget my birthday, there would be others who remember. I cant imagine how would it be being a housewife. I salute them. I am putting my highest respect to housewives. Sorry to my hubby, as I don't have that patience nor passion to be one. A house wife works 24hr X 7. Even if she is asleep, she would be on standby and could be awaken by demands. A housewife could not take leave. A housewife is not on a monthly payroll. Whatever money passed to her is for the households and might be claimed, should there an argument or a fight triggers between her and her husband. A housewife does everything from sacrificing her body shape on pregnancy and giving birth, cooking, cleaning, shaping the children up, taking care of her hubby's needs, preparing and sending the kids to school, getting the scoldings, doing laundry, grocery. Those are just among the lists. At home, she has nobody to share idea with. Her birthday is not often remembered by him. All the hard work she had done is not often appreciated as those are considered HER OBLIGATION. All the $$$ contributed by her parents on her education, and her time spent attending her school days were dumped to her domestic affair. Isn't that to be honored? Thanks to the technology that allows some of them to connect with the outside world through internet. Dear man, aren't you lucky enough? I feel sorry for those men who do not appreciate. To those gentlemen who appreciate( I know some of them), I salute you too..!, and God bless you. To me, Housewife is the highest ranking of women profession. Salute...!

Eventful Saturday, aching Sunday

I woke up with body ache on Sunday and wondered why. Then I realized the hectic schedule on the day before, when we had small family gathering, then I had to get in a crowd of people, pushing myself into the train to KL city, sending my niece off to the bus station, then I got to send my daughter to work, followed by window shopping and dinner treat for my son and his cousins at The Curve. Oh ya.! I bumped unto my uncle, Datuk Datu Harun, who I adrressed him as Pak Harun, at The Curve. Too bad I didn't manage to meet my cute aunty Zurin (his wife) and the children, as we were busy looking for a place to eat then. Meeting cousins, inlaws, nieces, nephews, Uncle, People. At last, I went to bed at around 1:30 am.

It was a long Saturday, but entertaining. Family and relatives are always my priority in life. As much as I could, I like to spend time with them. Good to have everyone under the same roof. I enjoyed the bonding, the jokes, the laughter and most of all, the food.

It was a wonderful feeling seeing my parents-inlaws' facial expression with full of happiness, being surrounded by all the children again. I wished my eldest sis-inlaw, Kak DD, and the family didn't have to leave to Penang that early.

"Mummy, Papa, your children have grown up,having their own family, making their won decision, but their love to both of you are still undivided. I could bet on that."

As a human being, and not an 'abnormal' daughter-inlaw, It would be a lie if I say that I love my parents-inlaw as much as I love my own parents. Somehow, even if I'm not good in showing expression, I do care about them and I could sense, that there is 'love' connecting us. And as far as I care for my parents, my concern of their feelings, their wellness and my respect on them, no doubts, my parents-inlaw are getting those from me too. Like wise, I am expecting my hubby to treat my parents the same way. This is a mutual understanding.

Parents, regardless of whose, need love. Parents are irreplaceable while love doesnt cost a penny. Af far as the parents are still alive, one should make them happy. At this age, 'Love' is the best gift for them.

It was a gathering for prayers, asking for blessing from Allah, as a preparation for my parents-inlaws on their Umrah (A visit to the Holy land of Mecca), next week. May the Almighty grants them a safe journey and answers their prayers.

Ustazs were called to guide the event, which ended with eating spree.

My day didn't end there. I had to excuse myself and leave the crowd to join another crowd, as I had to send my niece, Munira, to the bus station, in down town KL. Noticing a bad traffic jam, I diverted my driving to the closest train station. Having my car parked on an illegal lot (thank God it didnt get clamped), we both boarded the train, Putra LRT, from Taman Bahagia Station to the station of Mesjid Jamek, which took us 20 mins. It could have taken us 1 hour or so, and she could have missed her bus to Johor, should we've continued our driving.

On the way back, I almost boarded a wrong train. The station was almost as crowded as in a weekdays, but I kept myself cool to eliminate unnecessary stress. I watched people, enjoyed the scenery and could have possibly annoyed some people with my camera.

My day didn't end there either. From the bus station I drove back to my inlaws. The gathering was over, leaving my hubby, my son and his 2 cousins, Danial and Mikhail joking and teasing their cousin, Laikha, the B'day girl, at the empty living room. We decided to bring the boys out for window shopping and dinner at The Curve. Again, we were surrounded by pack of people. Thats when I saw Pak Harun, wondering around searching for his family. "Aunty Zurin, dont leve my uncle behind will ya. He is lost without you. LOL!"

After Tom Yam treat, we let the boys off to look for a birthday present of their own choice, for Laikha. They found her a pillow. What a choice, boys. Then later, we engulfed ourselves with Baskin Robin Ice-cream. YUM......

Our journey back home was filled with laughter, teasing the youngest, Mikhail with her mom's word "Mikhail, jangan berpeluh!!" (Dont sweat!).

It was late at night after sending Danial and Mikhail home and we could have gone to bed after the eventful day, but Nadia took a late work shift and needed to be fetched at 12:30am. Next, everyone in the house ended with nothing in mind but ZZZZZzzzzzzz.............

Let them be

I want you to be a Doctor I want you to be a Lawyer I want you to be a ....... No, it doesnt work no more. Let them choose their own career, base on they own will. But... bear in mind.... 6A's in SPM is not good enough , especially for those who live in KL and needed a scholarship. The minimum requirement is 8A+, but still it doesnt mean you can easily accepted into the local university with a scholarship. 8A+ wil only qualifies you to be considered for scholarship. We were told, among 7000+ of students who got >10A+, only 1000+ are given scholarship. To apply for scholarship, a column is provided for you to plug in your form 4's result. So, beware, dont play play during form 4. For parents, start your saving now. Start them early with insurance for education is better (I'm not insurance agent, sorry). College costs a fortune. Tough..tough... During my time, >3 credits would jump me for celebration.

SPM Exam Result is released.

"Thats OK my girl, your mom didn't get straight A's in her SPM result too, but thank God she turns out being a 'living thing' and brought you up to a loving grown up sweet Teen".

Nadia got her SPM result today. I was in school observing facial expression of the students, transforming from one mode to another. I could feel their nervousness.

I didn't set my expectation too high for her this time, as I know she did her best. Being in a Science stream, I would accept anything above C on the following major subjects, English, Bahasa Malaysia, History, Agama(Islam), Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Additional-Math and Physic, which subsequently she got AAAAAABBB

And as for the additional(elective) Arts and English for Science & Technology (Honestly, I dont know what subject is this), she got B and C.

I was in a science class myself and I know how difficult those subjects are. So, I have no reason not to feel satisfied with her achievement.

(Although not to her satisfaction) CONGRATULATION girl.! I am happy for you. Nothing to regret. I know you have done your best.

Inflight conversation 2- War Movie-like

I've been listening to lots of stories in flight. Most of the time I made those unlucky people, whoever sat next to me, a story teller, while I just sat back and listened. Last night, on Penang-KL flight, its was as if I was in Iraq war zone or watching a war movie. Mr.A made me realized how lucky I am living in a peaceful country, Malaysia. He was in Iraq. He witness all the happenings that suppose to happen in a war. He was forced to live in denial then. He also told about the myths of Osama Bin Laden, and the scary plan of the big power, which sooner or later is due to happen. When it happens, its not going to be 'nice' to our world. I will not reveal more than I should for security reason. The 47year old Mr.A at last decided to opt for an early retirement. Enough is enough for him, after witnessing a 24yrs old suicidal blown his own head with a gun, right infront of him, in a 7 X 7ft investigation room. The young naive was being investigated for a brutal killing of a young American soldier, who was sent to Iraq to 'work'. Thank you Mr.A . Your stories let me forget about my tiredness after the long day.

Back to Penang

March 9, 2010. My partner and I took an early morning flight to Penang, rented a car and drove to 2 places in the state of Kedah.

The GPS took us wherever we wanted to go. Thanks to the technology.

I wished it was convenient to buy shells which were sold along the way, at the mangroove area of Sungai Petani, Kedah, which is about 1 hour drive from Penang.

Its a good feeling to see happy faces receiving our visit. Once in a blue moon visit to client is a must in our industry. Having librarian as clients, we need to deal with sensitivities and friendliness.

Other than that, enjoying the scenery is part of the job. I am writing on this post with beautiful ocean view, right infront of me, waiting for a sunset. Gurney Hotel is great for tourist. Travelling is no doubt is tiring and contributing to stress, especially when you have to witness an elderly lady being hit by a motorcyclist while crossing the road, as what we encountered infront of us, today, but its all in the mind. so, relax...relax your mind...no rush..enjoy the people....adapt to the environment..don't worry...be happy. Tomorrow is another long day. More meetings to come. We just need to deal with it and follow the flow. Penang, I bet I look familiar to you.

In-flight conversation with Ustaz

(Note: The dialog in this post is not exact, but somewhat similar) On the way back from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur, I sat next to a middle aged gentleman. He introduced himself as Wan Subki. I used 'you' and 'I' addressing both of us, throughout the conversation. I looked at his business card. M.A Usuluddin Univ. of Jordan, Jordan. Specialized in 'Hadith'(The book of good practice of The Prophet Muhammad during his life). Ehem.... (Re-arranging my sitting position to a proper manner). "So, we are totally in a different career. What actually do you learn in 'Usuluddin'? Sorry if this is a stupid question" I asked. "We learn uderstanding the Quran from transliteration, the nature of each 'Surah' (words of revelation to the Prophet Muhammad) , relating to its guidance of human life and living, among others. We also studied the Hadith ". He replied. " I specialized in Hadith" He explain further. Didnt want to sound more stupid, I stopped asking in details and let him do the talking. He told me he was a lecturer in International Islamic Univ, Malaysia for a couple of years before he decided to openup his own business, Jaiputra College, in Kelantan(up North of peninsular Malaysia). Ops...!too late, so I continued addressing him as 'you' instead of 'Ustaz'. I felt friendlier that way. He is a kelantanese, so is his only wife. He recited a 'Surah' from the Qur'an, stated something similar to this 'one may marry 2,3 or 4, if he could afford to be fair, but if one could not afford to be fair, marrying 1 would do and its impossible for one to be fair and equal'. To someone who understood the transliteration, this actually means 'marry only 1, not 2 or 3 or 4'. (To all the gentlemen, think about this) Ustaz Wan Subki, built many 'surau' especially in the secluded area of Cambodia, where the locals were mostly Muslims. His 1 day trip to Sabah was to look for areas where he could contribute 'surau' in the name of his religion. He has sponsored more than 20 student at his college. What a good man he is. May God grant him with more success in his business. This is the kind of Philanthropist that I want to be. At the end of the conversation, he said to me "Send my regards to your husband" 'InsyaAllah", I replied in Muslim way. " and tell him I'm sorry". He added. "Why"?. I asked a bit puzzled. "Because I had a long conversation with his wife". he replied. I extended his regards and apology with lots of question marks in mind.

Forced Vacation

I've been grumbling for a vacation. I got it at last, just to stop me from grumbling. It was just a night stay, but it helps to keep me zipped up for a while. Last Friday we left to Cameron Highland, as my kids was looking forward for a cool place for a change. Along the way, I took a few pictures of the green scenery, the 'Kampung orang asli' ( Malaysian aborigines) and their many stalls selling plants, vegetables and bottled honey, which they claimed gotten from the jungle. The jungle view was superb. I love the trees and the mountains and the cool breeze. On the way up we stopped by Lata Iskandar water fall. My kids love the place. They couldn't get enough with a single photograph, while I was busy buying, adding more to my collection of canes. The cane is made of jungle beetle nut tree trunk (according to the lady). Collecting canes? Yes, I do wierdos. Further up, we stopped by for tea at the plantation itself. We had tea and English scones. The tea was umph..! and the scone was excellent ! We put the night at The Heritage Hotel, which is among the well-known hotel. It was Ok, clean and neat, minus the mess done by my kids. We were lucky to get the new wing. It was newly furnished and having wonderful view. I spent a few minutes looking out of my room balcony. On a notebook made of pulp, which I bought along the way, and using the hotel complimentary pen, I sketched the wonderful picture of God's creation infront of me. The sketch was horrible, but the actual view was great. I wished we could stay longer. Before leaving on the next day, we stopped by the vegetable market. Cameron Highland is a paradise for a veggies lover like me. The flowers reminded me of my mom and nenek. Flowers turn them crazy. I bought some flowers for myself. We also bought the heavenly sweet corn, honey with bee hive bottled in and the bee polen. We witness a skidded lorry at one of the cornering, but it was a great journey after all. Waking up on Sunday with the normal KL heat, we were invited to join a breakfast gathering with sister and brother inlaws. Thanks to Diana for the treat. Gathering is always fun with them. (I was too busy eating. No picture taken) 6 hours later on that very Sunday, I was on my way to the airport. I got to conduct a 2 days session to the managements of University Malaysia Sabah Library. Now(while working of this post), at 2am, I am still on my computer to fill up my time. Despite having to travel often, I still have problem sleeping in a strange room. Promenade hotel is were I am. Not that the hotel is great, but I am used to this place, where many staff know me and everything is within reach. 2 days away from my family is a long day, but cruising 4km drive from the city along Teluk Likas, all the way to the university is eye-soothing.