My dear friends

When I was very young, I didnt need friends because the number of cousins that I played with were good enough for me not to look for other accompanions. Among my good companions then were my own sister, Norhaini(Nong), my cousin, Sadariah(Eya) and her younger brother Surya(Su), Rosita(Ita),her younger brother Zulkifli(Jul), my brother Munasir(Munas) and Basir(Ating), my young uncle Hasan(Asan), Hashim(Asim), my distance relatives the late Norsiah(Nursa) and the late Roslia Abd Rahman(Lea).

My good friends at early primary school, St. Dominic, whose name I remember were Anita Moris, Rosita Ghani(Ros), Vincenta, Josephine, Deodasdo(Dee),Cristita Abayon(Indai), Lok Cheng Heng(Lok), Chu Li Moi, Runai, Chia Teck Hon, Wong Su Yen and Narajan Singh.

As I moved to Kuala Lumpur attending standard 6 at Methodist Girl School, Brickfields, I found new friends, but forgot their name as the period was too short for me to get closer. The only friend I remember is Saraswathy.

Then at secondary Methodist Girl School, I met another group of good friends. Among the closest to me were Kaluvinder Kaur, Jean Brenda Peter, Lau Hong Kai, Akmaliah and Fawziyah.

Quite recently I met my former classmate, Zilfalela, but I dont remember much about her as we were not very close then. I also got to know that my junior, Sheila, is actually now known as Sheila majid. We were in the same choir group at MGS.

Before attending Form 3,I moved to Sabah College. There, many more interesting friends with colorful characters I met. Living in a boarding school gave me an experience observing and studying different characters of people. I remember, my senior, Rohana (Kak Ron), Aisyah, Rosta, Quin, Marhani and few close friend of mine, Rahimah, Junainah, Suzy, Sophia, Rita, Masjan, Margaret, Hefni Kadri, Adnan Hijo, Rosley Idris (now a drama actor), Jalil. I also remember a few names like Gabriel, Pijon, Dzulkarnain (I am stil in contact with him), Muhamad, Sam Singh, Wahab( I found his facebook recently), Norman Ramli (My house captain), Zainal Abidin Suhaibul, Suin, Aminah Shaw, Hamidah Yusof, Rod and not to forget my first admirer, Tajudin Awang Tengah, and the late Rukiah who passed away during a school holiday. The bad news caused the whole class to tears on the first day of school.

Then during my university days. There were Azlan (Che' Pa), Idrus (Mat Yoh), Razak, Tipton Loo, Karim(Mundo),Haris, Shahadan(Dino), Ibrahim( Imam), Tajudin (Malai), Chu Li Chan Brian Brown, Ezzah Aziz Fawzi (Now with TV3),Sharifah(Sherry), Mohd. Ghouse, Idah (Ghouse's wife),Normah, Datu Kassim(my uncle),Rosli, Jufinah,Sharifah Putih, Jessica, Uzaidi, Hasri Hassan (Say), Shamsul, Awang Tuah, Abang Ahmad (Now Sabah TYT), Azzah (now a journalist known as Wahti Mahidin), Wahid(Paco), Kibin, Lina, Abang Hanan, Christ and her husband, Abang Amir, among others that I am still trying to recall.

And of course not to forget my ex-boyfriend, Zulkifli Rosli, who I only got closer while I was about to leave the univ. upon graduation. No chance for a good date. I married him anyway, and still am.

I purposely putting all the name that I could remember here, as my memory is getting worse that I hardly remember names of my own friend. Putting all those names in one article, I am proud to realized that I dont practise racism. I mingled with all races and genders regardless of religion. I've been encouraging my kids the same practise. Sorry to say, that I sensed racism when I started working in the peninsular. Im not sure who to blame between the parents or the education system as a whole.

Nadia is driving

My daughter just got her driving license. The proud girl was so enthusiast about it. She is already talking about getting her father to buy a car for her. Wait..... girl... you think its like buying sweets?

She had been barking about wanting to drive, but his father, being the Mr. Worry, wouldn't let her touch the car. As usual he is full of "what ifs".

Last weekend, Mr.Worry went out of town. Nadia at last had a chance to drive. I let the excited girl drove to the shopping mall, The Curve, which is about 5 kilometers away. Cruising through the heavy traffic was her first driving experience in reality. I sat next to her, holding on to the handbrake, just in case. She drove 'OK'.

On the next day, she also drove to the nearest McD, without me. She came back happy. The McD staff missed out one order. No, Nadia didn't get angry. It was a blessing in disguise for her, as she had another chance to turn back, enjoying her driving, while I stayed at home praying to see my car, back in one piece. It did.

Mr.Worry reached home turning blue, knowing I took the risk to let his daughter drive. On the next day, he reluctantly at first, had no choice but to sit in the car pretended relaxed, while Nadia sat on the driver's seat with confidence. I am happy for her, but not happy seeing the sign of big 'P' pasted on my car screen. One need to learn how not to worry, else life will never improve. Happy Driving, girl..!

Where is the newspaper?

My husband had been complaining about not getting the newspapers several times.
I don't like reading news as they are depressing, nowadays. So, I am not bothered by not getting them every morning.

This morning, as I was driving out of the house, cruising through the housing area and turning at one corner, thru the side mirror, I glanced somethings were flying off to the air. I stopped the car and looked back out of curiosity. Pages of today's news papers were scaterred all over. I picked them up. The newspaper man dropped it on top of my car. That solved the disputes.

I wonder how long I've been polluting the area with newspapers. Looking at a positive side, I am proud for being able to contribute free news to the neighborhood.

Flight resumed

Thank God, I received short message via my mobile phone from Candy. She arrived safely in Warsaw.

The message reached me at around 12.30am last night. That was about 24 hours from the time she boarded the plane from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, after her actual flight was cancelled on the 20thApr2010, due to the volcano eruption in Iceland.

My last sms to her before she boarded was "take care, work hard and be rich" and "Come back to Malaysia"

We miss her.

My friend's husband

Judy has a lot to say about her husband. He is a lazy bump. He has his own opinion which most of the time opposing hers. He doesn't pay for the households expenses. He always complain about not having money, but could afford spending for himself. He doesn't wear decent outfit just because he is in a construction business. All he knows is giving instruction.

He orders the maid around, that she could not even make the maid does thing for her. His time at home are mostly spent on the computer, forwarding emails, Facebook'ing, etc,etc,etc. He would invite others even if it was only meant for her family dinner. He always call others to join his family outing too. He is this..he is that....

The word 'stupid' often comes out of hers every time when she talks about him. Sometimes, listening to her story giving me and urge to offer my slap on her husband. But then, I was just listening from one party.

Sometimes, I wonder if they actually still share the same bed. It was just too personal to ask, and I've trained my mind not to be tortured by other's family problem, although I didn't mind lending my ears and shoulder. I also understand that an anger could turn sweetness to sourish. Anger could lead to other dissatisfaction.

Problem will not be solved by fulfilling the satisfaction, but by identifying the root that causing the anger and finding the solution to the root problem. I didn't only listen. I also read between the lines.

I could gather, that her husband is a good man. He brings her mother to the market. He always volunteer to take her parents out for outings. He is loyal to her. I'm sure there are many more goodwills he is contributing, that she could not catch, due to her irritation. What I didn't ask her is that, how would she feel if he dies?. That's the same question I would ask myself whenever I come to the grouchiness state towards my husband. That helps to turn me into loving and appreciating my husband more. InsyaAllah (God's willing)

Applying Visa to Pakistan

I am required to go to Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad in May. Business trip. To avoid delay and abiding the Visa application procedure, I banked in the required RM50 check to Affin bank in Raja Chulan and got the receipt, yesterday. Off I went to the High Commissioner at Jalan Ampang, today. There is a bumpy car park area next to the building, beside Maya Hotel and not too far from Renaissance Hotel. I parked under an old tree, praying for no branch would land on my car.






Lucky for me as there were only 3 persons ahead of me.

My turn came. My bank receipt was not accepted because I didn't get a stamp of verification from the bank, on the receipt. Forget about the check, What the heck..

I walked about half a kilometer to the nearest Affin bank and paid another RM50 in cash just to get the pink payment slip with stamp, and walked back to the place. It was a good exercise. Now I know that I can bank in from any branch, not necessarily at Raja Chulan Branch as stated in the application form.

That was my first time walking around that area. The used to be the tallest building in the world, Petronas Twin Tower (KLCC) stood right on my sight throughout my walking. I noticed few beautiful old trees around the area and snap photos of them. I passed a few banks too. Besides Affin Bank, Public Bank and Al-Rajhi Bank are also available, located side by side.

The closest monorail station is 'Maharajalela' station.

While walking, A lady asked If I knew where British Council was. "I don't know", I answered.

The only British Council I know is near the National Mosque, which is not a walking distance. So she boarded a taxi.

Not even 20 steps ahead, I noticed British Council sign right on my left. When I turned back, she had gone with the taxi. Poor lady.

I reached the High Commissioner's office once again and the guy processed my application. Passport pickup counter is only open at 4:30-5:00pm. No point to wait, so I drove back to the office.

At 4pm I was already infront of the closed gate together with bunch of men. my friend and I were the only ladies. The gate opened at 4:30pm. The office got ambushed. I was hoping to get number 1 but didn't manage to squeeze myself among those tall and hairy guys.

How glad I was when the guard specifically call my friend and I to take the front queue. Being ladies, we were given a special treatment. This is what I like about Pakistanis. The respect for ladies is top.

Thank you sir!

Within 5 minutes, I got my passport. I am given a single entry. Pakistan, here I come.......

Should you need to apply Pakistan visa, these are the requirement:
1) Application form (husband name, father's name,
2 guarantor's name and address, 2 names and address of people in Pakistan)

2)Invitation letter from Pakistan

3)Photocopy of your passport

4) 2 passport photos

5)Bank receipt (must be stamped)

6)Employment verification letter

No Poland yet Candy,flight cancelled

Candy, my niece, was ready for the airport, last night.

Her flight to Amsterdam then Warsaw supposed to fly at 11pm, 20thApr2010.

My hubby made a call to the airport and was told that her flight cancelled due to the volcano erruption in Iceland, causing all the flight passing Europe being cancelled.

The situation at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is a havoc now. According to the news, 14000 people were stranded.

"Welcome back girl"

Then, instead of going to the airport, that night, we went for another farewell dinner. The next flight will be on the following day. We will try to get her on board. Dont worry, we will try our best, but we do not want her to board any available seat to Amsterdam then stuck there waiting for another available seat to Warsaw, not knowing anybody at the strange country. My husband got an insider trying to get a confirmed seat for both sector, for her.
Got it! Her confirmed ticket is on the 25thApr2010.

Turn Back Time In Medan

I was browsing around the internet, checking on airfares and found a cheap flight with MAS to Medan, Indonesia. Ticket were bought without thinking much.

On the 16th Apr 2010, my husband, my 2 kids and I reached Medan. It was hot and humid. We were told that the last rainy day was more than a month ago.

Our first sight of the country was filled with banners along the busy and narrow roads. It was almost a polling time, balloting for 'Walikota' (Mayor), in Malaysia, the position is called 'Datuk Bandar'.

The traffic was quite bad. There, where you could find the best driver in the world. Not even Shoemaker could beat their expertise.

To avoid stress, keep your eyesight straight ahead or within the car although there would be times when you fell as if the person on the other car was sitting next to you.

Along the uneven pavement you could not get rid from seeing 'Becha'(Tri-cycle), homeless people and food stalls. It was like turning back time. Its was a mixture of sympathy and anxiety for me.

That was the first trip out of the country for my kids. They were excited, having nothing but SHOPPING! in mind. Not too fast kids. Shops are still closed.

Our flight arrived at 9am, so the driver suggested us to make a stop at the 'Istana Maimoon' (Maimoon Palace), which is full of family history of the Sultan. We were told that the current Sultan is only 12 years old. How interesting.The close relative of the Sultan are still living in the palace, while the hall at the main entrance is open for public.

There is no entrance fee, however, you are expected to contribute some amount to the palace and also to the tour guide who would do the explanation about the Sultan and the predecessors. The amount of your contribution is totally up to your own conscience. I took a chance sitting on The Queen's 100 years old chair, imagining.....

Our next destination was 'Pasar Ikan', translated as fish market. Don't expect to find any fish there. The place is where you could find local clothing, handy crafts, and Muslim prayer accessories. Its was a fish market years ago. My kids didn't like the crowded and dusty place, but my hubby and I, did.

We found a tailor shop, Lata Lestari who could get our trousers ready within 24 hours, and sent directly to our hotel room on the very next day. Cheap and nicely fit. WOW..!!

Still it was too early to checkin to our hotel. At last!! we reach the shopping mall. Primitive sights transformed to civilization. The prices at the mall were not as cheap. The prices of goods in Sun Plaza are equivalent to Malaysian KLCC. It is a place for tourist and expatriates. But we could not find a free WiFi everywhere. Neither at Starbucks Cafe.

We hopped from one shopping mall to another. The kids were of course enjoying their shopping, causing quite a damage to our pocket.

We were turned into millionaires in Medan, where I witness the highest number appeared on my lunch bill. FYI, RM300 is approximately 1mil Rupiah. The bill total was equivalent to RM110 only. We didn't bother the bill amount, as we LOVE the 'Minang' food at Garuda Restaurant, which gained me 1.5 kilos within 3 days.

We checked in to the hotel, after an allday-shopping-spree. Phew...!
Had ample time for nap. We like the cosy room, overseeing the town right from the bathtub, having a swimming pool on top of the world. Its the highest hotel in town. J.W.Marriott.

"Lets get it over with".
We spent another 45 minutes on a bumpy journey. The kids were feeling restless.

We reached a nice comfortable home belongs to a relative. We spent about 1.5 hours with those welcoming relatives of my hubby. Its was worth going. We met Mak Chak, Cik Asan, Boy, Fitri, and the 2 boys, Ikhban and Tufail.

On the next day, we continued shopping, so did we,
on the last day. Sun Plaza, Medan Plaza and Tamrim Plaza we went. The kids ended getting their clothings from ROMP and SOGO which we could easily get from KL. Wierdos.

On the way to the airport, we made another stop at a bakery. We were looking for 'Kek Lapis', (a well-known layered cake), but they were sold out from Zulaikha Bakery. I couldnt believe it.

At the airport, I bought a few CDs of my used-to-be favorite singers Ebiet.G.Ade and Iwan Fals, apart from songs of Kris Dayanti. We ended our food festival with indo-mie (Indonesian instant noodle) at the Polonia Airport.

Home sweet home alas! Bringing all the sweet memories of Medan back to Malaysia.