Look who is among y’ol, Penangites

 

Not stalking, but following. I did that to this elderly man, who I value his creativities and his enthusiasm on Arts.

By purely coincidence, nothing to do with cheese nor burger,  my internet browsing pointed to his blogsite http://cheeseburgerbuddha.blogspot.com/

I started reading and reading more, but could not finish my reading as I had to also read and figure out the meaning in between the lines. Lots of them, which at times I could not understand. Somehow, there is something in his illustrations that makes me keep on wanting to follow his journals, other than liking his sketches and paintings.

This Penangite is an international Artist. His name is Shamsul Bahari, which doesn't mean anything.

Who..??

He is just an ordinary mixed up kid, singing Rudy toot-toot to the moon. He said that as part of his intro about who he is. I don't know if he was referring to the song lyrics, which I’ve never heard throughout my younger age,  or does it express an untold story about him. That keeps me continue visiting his blogsite, searching for the answers. As I was planning to visit a few clients up north the peninsular. I decided to give it a try. I emailed to him about my intention to visit him.

Due to long lingered prior meetings, my business partner and I reached the Pearl of Orient, Penang Island at dusk. It was too late to meet. So we agreed to meet on the following day.

There he was, dropping everything he was working on, spending his valuable time, showing me his art works. 

Who would believe that he has captured everything that I could think of, about this nostalgic place, Penang Island. Tricycle, temple, the oldest mosque, the clock tower, Komtar, Gurney drive, bubur cha-cha hawker stall, the ‘Songkok’ maker, Chinese Opera, famous local celebrities, just name it, you will find it in his 100ft long drawing block. He did it all by himself. Salute you, Sir.

Such a valuable master piece of Penang heritage.

Still in the making, he is also sketching all his sights, seen from his previous experience working in a heavy industrial fields

More and more of his art works were shown to me. I am touched, Sir. Thanks for your time.

I felt guilty a ‘lil, but I enjoyed my journey through all his creativities. And I wanted to see more. He even brought me to where he meditates through his blogging activities and  does his paperworks.

He showed me volumes and volumes of his early sketches.

They should be preserved properly and stored in a safer place. But, where?

They should be known, but by who?

I reserved my thoughts. We continued our walk to the next building, where had his work pending due to my arrival.

        

It was past lunch time. He skipped his lunch waiting for me to come. I agreed to accompany him for lunch. He took me to the port. What a nice scenery, but there is nothing for him to eat there. The restaurant was still closed. We made do with only drinks and chips.

I’m married to wonderful Penangite and I had been to the island many times. Somehow, that was my first time sitting by the ocean, overseeing ‘Pulau Jerjak’ (Jerjak Island) right infront of me. I was there with Shamsul Bahari, the Penang owned International Artist.

I witness the picturesque beauty of the Pulau Jerjak, located about 20 minutes ferry ride.

After a short chat , sharing a little expression about our lives and socialization concepts, we headed back to the museum of Universiti Sains Malaysia, where we met initially.

It was time to depart. I had to return to where I left my colleague. USM library, where the presentation was held. In fact, I was there to provide a moral support to the business partner of mine, in her presentation, instead, I chose to detour my direction, in order to meet the artist.

To my pleasant surprise, he got me something valuable to carry.

Oh my God..!!!!!  Its for me..????

I didn't know what to say other than THANK YOU….once again… thank you very much, Sir.

To the librarian, I mentioned and suggested a preservation method on all the paintings that were shown to me not too long ago. She was surprise that I knew what were there behind the wall of the museum. She admitted that she had never been there. After listening to my story, she planned to make a visit, someday. I hope she will bring the matter to her management. I mean… about ‘preservation’. Its not a jargon word to libraries on the other side of the world.

Look what we have and who we have. Appreciate them while they are still around. Don't wait until there is  nothing else to say, but ‘Sayang’, which in this context, means  ‘what a waste’.

The bird flew before me.

 

Its Thursday already ?? That fast?

Time flies. So does  a bird.

I was at Penang Airport yesterday late afternoon. My flight was supposed to take off at 7:45pm didn't happen. I was told that there was a bird, flew in to the propeller. Bird juice, anyone…?

I sat back, relaxed and continued my munching at the waiting lounge. When the announcement was heard at 9pm, my business partner and I rushed to the boarding gate. We and a few others were told that the flight was full and they could not board us. WHAT???

We then were told to go to the next gate. There was another flight about to take off. We went. At the other gate, we were told that the business class was full and all our seat had to be downgraded to Economy class. HUH..????

Our families are waiting and we could not afford the time to put up another night. Nothing great about sitting among the VVVVVVIP, especially when I all I could see are longggg… faces. “Fine, I will take the seat”.

“you can get a refund from the MAS ticketing counter at KLIA, the staff informed. Good enough.

As we landed at KLIA, we headed towards the friendly staff at the ticketing counter.

“Sorry Ma’am, if you want to refund, we will charge refund fee of RM100”. WHAT..???

“Another option is, we will refund in a form of voucher, but you can only use it if you purchase your next ticket from the MAS office, not via internet” WHAT..?? WHAT??..WHAT..?????? AARRGRHHH…!!!!

I felt like killing the bird that caused me all the troubles, but its has committed suicide earlier.

It was almost midnight. I was tired and I realized there was no point of creating a scene. Plus I didn't feel like having confrontation. I had a good trip and needed a good night sleep. Instead, I picked up a complaint form and started filling in, practising my story writing skills.

I handed it over to her with smile.

If you have read my posting prior to this….you’ve got the answer now.

Also part of Arts

To avoid money leaks from the company’s account, I always fly economy class, but today, when my flight was late evening I decided to go on business class.

I purposely checked-in early to get a longer time relaxing at the lounge, enjoying those cute little pastries, juices, sandwiches, a good sips of coffee latte sitting on a comfortable seat. When I got bored, I switched on my laptop and played with my Webcam. I looked tired….tired of eating.

I ate a lot at the lounge not to waste the money spent. Since I ate too much, I got heavier.  The airline didn't let me in to my flight. Instead, I was only allowed to board the following flight which was 2 hours later. Furthermore, my seat was also down graded to economy class, deducting the cost of food I consumed, to balance out the price, equally.

I needed to go back to my hubby and children, so I accepted whatever seat I was given. That was the consequences that I had gone through, for eating too much at the lounge.

As I was walking along the aisle, I was hit by a flying bird, which entered the aircraft. The bird died on the spot without getting to its destination. Poor bird.

Story telling is part of Arts. Able to catch a lie is a skill.

I feel sorry for you, should you have believed what I have just wrote. You need a liar detector.

In my next posting, I will tell you the actual incident why my supposedly 7:45 flight, delayed to 9pm from Penang International Airport. You might also want to know why my seat was down graded.

Cerita purbaku- Episod 5

Pak Chot semakin dekat. Dia cuba sedaya upaya untuk memahami bisikan yang didengarnya dari sebalik dinding itu. Apabila Pak Chot mendakapkan cuping telinganya ke dinding, bisikan itu terhenti. Pak Chot terus melompat ke ruang dimana Intan berada. Anak kecil itu telah nyenyak dan tiada sesiapa di situ. Meremang bulu roma Pak Chot. Beliau terus mendakap Intan. Beliau bersyukur Intan selamat. Diciumnya bertubi-tubi. Beliau sudah terlalu sayang pada anak itu. Beliau tidak sanggup merasakan kehilangan lagi. Di tenungnya si kecil sepuas-puasnya.
Intan kelihatan nyenyak sekali. Bibirnya yang mungil bak kuntum mawar yang baru merekah, kulitnya halus mulus dan putih gebu bagaikan bidadari dari kayangan. Pipinya kemerah-merahan. “Begitu indah sekali ciptaan Tuhan “. Bisik hatinya.
Pak Chot baring dekat Intan. Dia termenung dengan fikiran yang penuh tanda tanya. Apakah beliau meracau? Suara siapakah itu? Apakah dia sudah tidak siuman? Siapakah yang mendatangi rumahnya untuk menghantar susu untuk Intan?
“kali ni aku tunggu”. Bisiknya dalam hati.  Dia mau berjumpa dengan orang itu. Mungkin dia ibu intan.
Pak Chot duduk bersandar ke dinding di tepi Intan. Dia nekad tidak akan tidur. Tapi malam semakin pekat. Beliau terlalu penat hari itu. Mata Pak Chot semakin berat. Pak Chot baringkan lagi badannya tapi cuba sedaya upaya untuk tidak tidur. Dia menutup kelopak matanya untuk menenangkan fikiran. Fikirannya agak terganggu oleh peristiwa tadi.
Dalam menutup mata, Pak Chot teringat kembali kisah malam itu. Dia didatangi oleh bebayang seorang wanita. Dia teringat cincin tersebut yang betul2 menyerupai cincin hadiah perkahwinannya pada Limah. Beliau sendiri yang mengukir nya. “tidak mungkin aku tersilap pandang”, bisik hatinya. Kemudian Pak Chot teringat pulak bisikan pertama yang didengarnya.
“Ya..!!!” Pak Chot sepantasnya terduduk dengan tangan tergenggam. Pak Chot agak pasti bahawa bisikan tadi adalah dari suara yang sama. Sekali lagi meremang bulu roma Pak Chot. Beliau melihat sekeliling. Tiada tanda2 yang aneh. Tudung saji masih tegantung. Intan masih nyenyak. Dia menarik selimutnya. Entah kenapa tubuh Pak Chot terasa sejuk malam itu. Atau kah dia tiba2 ketakutan? Pak Chot sendiri tidak pasti. Yang pasti, beliau tetap akan menunggu.
Kemudian Pak Chot teringat lagi bisikan pertama yang didengarnya dari bawah kolong rumahnya, pada waktu itu. Apakah bisikan tadi juga datangnya dari kolong rumah? Hati Pak Chot terdetik untuk mengintip ke celah lantai. Dengan gerak perlahan Pak Chot melihat kebawah, ke celah lantai yang terdekat dengan Intan.
………………..Ikuti sambungan nya di Episod ke-6…………….
Episod 6:


http://philantropist-wannabe.blogspot.com/2011/07/cerita-purba-ku-episod-6.html

Just so you know

 

Sharing knowledge does not cost a cent. I’ve been telling myself that. I’ve been telling my children that too and thats the same old thing I’ve been telling all my staff in every appraisal interview I had with each of them.

So, let me share what I learned recently, when I picked up a book. I like  his thoughts. Richard Templer stated in his book The Rules Of Wealth,

‘Debt holds us back…..Pay off your loans and debts as a priority’.This way, we are not wasting money paying interest.

I believe him. Interest is ‘unnecessary cost’. This is what I’ve been trying to do. Paying debts of credit cards as much as I could. It doesn't mean I have to cut down my spa visits though. I still need a little treats and a little life enhancers. ‘I work hard for the money’. It a song lyrics.

Another statement that I always keep in mind is…“Always read the small print”

When you read a nice appealing offer displayed on a brochure, do read the term and condition, which normally printed using small font.

NEXT….

“Spend less than you earn”. HAH.! this is the big word that I am still practising. Lets do it together, you’ol.

Cerita purbaku – Episod 4

Pak Chot teringat kain pelikat isterinya yang masih belum terpakai, terlipat kemas di atas para. Beliau telah menukarkan 20 ekor sembilang yang diperangkapnya menggunakan bubu, dengan kain tersebut sebagai hadiah kepada isterinya yang tersayang itu, walaupun beliau terpaksa berjalan selam 4 jam pergi balik ke pekan Singgamata.
Pak Chot mengambil kain itu. Senyuman Limah semasa menerima hadiah darinya terbayang. Cahaya kegembiraan terpancar dari mata isterinya itu. Tiba-tiba Pak Chot tersentak. Bayangannya terhenti. Pandangan Pak Chot beralih kepada Intan.
Ada sesuatu pada pandangan mata kecil itu yang membuatkan Pak Chot terasa dekat, bahagia dan sayang pada Intan.  Siapa kah gerangan anak kecil itu masih menjadi tanda tanya.
“Intan sama pakcik saja ya..” Dia mengucup dahi Intan. Di bungkusnya Intan dengan kain pelikat lalu diikatnya kedua belah hujung kain ketengkoknya. Intan kelihatan selesa dalam dakapan Pak Chot. Pak Chot meneruskan pencarian kayu api. Setiap kali beliau berhenti, Intan diletakkannya di atas rimbunan daun2 kering. Beliau juga membawa Intan ke sungai untuk memungut  hasil tangkapan bubunya. Baru beliau sedari yang bubu2 itu telah seminggu ditinggalkan. Pak Chot mendapat bekalan ikan yang banyak.
Dalam keadaan Intan tergantung di dadanya buat pertama kali begitu, langsung tidak menjadi beban pada Pak Chot. Kehadiran Intan malah memberi kebahagian pada hari-harinya.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Malam itu Pak Chot terjaga apabila terdengar tangisan Intan buat pertama kali. Beliau panik. Intan tidak pernah begitu. Apakah dia kena sampuk di hutan tadi? Apakah Intan merindui ibunya? Apakah Intan masih lapar?. Tudung saji masih tergantung di dinding. Pak Chot semakin panik. Tangisan Intas semakin kuat. Dia mendukung dan membuai Intan, tapi masih tidak memberikan kesan. Intan diletakkannya kembali ke tempat tidur, beliau lalu bergegas ke dapur mencari bekas buloh. Tidak setitik susu yang tinggal. Tangisan intan masih kuat kedengaran.
Ketika Pak Chot bergegas kembali untuk mendapatkan Intan, tangisan Intan terhenti tiba-tiba. Langkah Pak Chot juga terhenti. Beliau diam. Intan Senyap. Dalam keheningan malam yang sunyi Pak Chot terdengar bisikan itu lagi. Dia cukup kenal dengan bisikan itu. Itulah bisikan yang pernah didengarnya seminggu yang lalu.
Perlahan-lahan Pak Chot meneruskan langkahnya. Bisikan itu terus kedengaran, semakin jelas tapi masih tidak difahami. Intan masih senyap.
Hanya beberapa langkah lagi beliau akan dapat melihat siapakah bersama Intan, di sebalik dinding itu. Selangkah demi selangkah…….
Nantikan eposid ke-5…………..tunggu………….

Episod 5:


http://philantropist-wannabe.blogspot.com/2011/07/cerita-purbaku-episod-5.html

Weekend stroll to UKM campus.

 

Its Saturday. My hubby and I decided to bring our children to visit University Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, just for them to have a look & feel of being in a campus. The National University is located about 45 minutes drive from where we live. Driving there during weekend is not too bad.

Its among the few earliest and prestigious universities in Malaysia. We strolled around looking at the wide campus area, with old and new buildings standing not too far from each other. In my every visit to this university, I always notice new development, which is good, of course.

          

I’m hoping for this short campus trip would give a positive impact to my children on their future education target.

Cerita purbaku-Episod 3

Ya Allah…!! Pak Chot terpegun apabila melihat apa yang ada di depan matanya. Tudung saji tadi masih tidak dilepaskan dari tangannya.
Pak Chot terus merenung. Mata kecil itu dan senyuman itu terlalu indah bagi Pak Chot. Renungan mata kecil itu bagaikan pernah dan biasa dilihatnya sebelum ini. Ketakutan Pak Chot langsung hilang melihat bayi yang comel mungil yang tadinya tertutup di bawah tudung saji. Diambilnya si kecik, di belainya dengan penuh kemesraan dan dikucupnya dengan sepenuh kasih sayang. Sekian lama Pak Chot tidak pernah mengalami kebahagiaan seperti itu. Beliau tidak sangka perasaan itu rupanya masih ada pada beliau.
“Tapi..anak siapakah ini? Siapakah yang tergamak….” Pak Chot melihat ke pintu yang tidak pernah berkunci itu. Beliau meneliti sekeliling ruang rumahnya. Tidak pula kelihatan tanda2 seperti dimasukki orang lain. Setahunya, kampung yang terdekat terletak kira-kira 200 rantai dari rumahnya.
“Tidak mengapa, sayang. Akan ku jaga kau dengan sepenuh hatiku, wahai intan”. Pak Chot terus merenung dan membelai2 bayi kecil itu. Sedang beliau asyik membelai dengan penuh kemesraan, mata Pak Chot tiba-tiba tertumpu pada cawan buloh yang terletak berdekatan dengan bayi tadi. Ianya dipenuhi cecair putih.Susu. Keanehan itu tidak dihiraukannya. Di ambilnya susu tersebut dan perlahan2 menuangkannya ke mulut Intan.Bagaikan bayi yang sedang menikmati susu ibunya, Intan begitu berselera meminum seteguk demi seteguk. Pak Chot menuang dengan penuh berhati2.
Seharian Pak Chot tidak keluar mencari kayu api. Kayu api yang di kumpulnya kelmarin masih cukup untuk bekalan seminggu lagi. Hasil Ubi kayu dan Ubi rambat yang di tanamnya masih banyak. Ikan salai hasil rambatan beliau juga masih banyak.
“Aku tidak perlu keluar hari ini” bisik hatinya. Pak Chot setia menunggu kalau2 ibu bayi itu akan datang semula untuk mengambilnya, walau pun hatinya tidak rela untuk mengembalikan Intan. Seharian Pak Chot merenung Intan.  Itu ciptaan Tuhan yang terindah bagi Pak Chot. Pak Chot tersenyum.
Hari semakin lewat. Masih tiada tanda2 kedatangan tetamu. Bekalan susu itu nampaknya cukup untuk seharian. Tidak basi hingga ke malam. Pak Chot bersyukur kerana Intan tidak banyak karenah.
Maghrib menjelang. Masih belum ada yang datang.Akhirnya Intan tertidur. Bekalan Susu juga habis. Pak Chot bimbang bangaimana sekiranya Intan terbangun meminta susu sedangkan ibunya masih belum datang. Dia berbaring di sebelah Intan. Merenung ke atas. Bertahan untuk tidak tidur. Di lubuk hatinya, beliau masih terkenangkan Limah.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Ya Allah., aku aku bermimpi rupanya”. Pak Chot bingkas duduk. Hari sudah semakin terang.
“Intan???”. Pak Chot terkejut melihat bayi itu masih berada di sisinya. Yang disangkanya mimpi rupanya adalah kenyataan. Beliau menyelak daun tingkap. Tiada siapa di luar.
Tiba-tiba kedengaran rengekan Intan. Pak Chot cemas. Di mana akan beliau dapatkan susu. Pak Chot terpandang ke sudut sana. Kelihatan tuding saji yang kelmarin telah disangkutkannya di dinding, sekarang sudah berada di sudut yang sama.” Aneh” bisik Pak Chot, tapi Kali ini beliau tidak takut2 untuk membukanya. Cawan dari batang buloh yang berisi susu sudah tersedia untuk bekalan Intan untuk hari kedua.
Pada keesokan harinya, keadaan aneh itu berlaku lagi. Begitulah juga terjadi pada hari yang seterusnya. Masih tidak siapa yang datang mengambil Intan. Namun, Intan tetap dijaganya dengan penuh kasih.
Seminggu sudah berlalu. Intan mulai menampakkan ciri2 kemanjaan. Dia sentiasa mahu berada dipelukan Pak Chot. Intan sudah pandai merengek manja apabila Pak Chot meletakkannya.
Sampai masanya untuk ke hutan mencari kayu api. Bekalan ikan salai juga semakin sedikit.
“Tapi..Intan , bagaimana?” bisik hatinya. Panggilan nama itu sudah lekat pada si kecil. Pak Chot sudah terlalu sayang pada Intan.
…………..bersambung ….nantikan Episod ke-4.


http://philantropist-wannabe.blogspot.com/2011/07/cerita-purbaku-episod-4.html

Judging book by its cover

 

I was at the airport, sending my parents, earlier today. I’m gonna miss them. As I turned my back after saying good bye, I could not stop my tears from coming. I walked to the car ignoring people around me who noticed my redden eyes.

I passed by an Arabs couple getting a ride on a buggy to the hotel nearby the airport. 6 of them could not occupied one buggy, so he let his pretty wife and his 3 children aged 3-9 to go first, while he and his teen aged boy waited for the next buggy.

He was so loving, saying good bye, joking with the wife, poking his little ones, making them laugh. It was such lovely family event, that made me smile on my way to my car.

I remember reading a few books, which were based on true story. The book were telling about the horrible life of a wife of an Arabs. Once I pictured Arabs men as aargggh….!!! people that I felt like slapping whenever I come across. If only I let my mind conquered by the influence from my reading, I could have built as much hatred as being pictured, on those people.

Throughout my reading, there were times when my emotion were carried away by the story and I admit they caused me anger on Arabs and frustration. But they didn't last. I realized, as a writer, one has to know how to maneuver  their words, and play with their readers’ feelings. I respect those writers. They are so good at their career.

Having to encounter those happy Arabs family today, even strengthen my mind set that, love is every where, regardless of what race, religion, custom and gender.

There we sayings..” don't judge the book by its cover”.

Somehow, most of the time, an attractive covers are selling the books well.

Angio gangs

Coronary angiography is a procedure that uses a special dye (contrast material) and x-rays to see how blood flows through the heart.

Once the specialist identified any blocks of the arteries, he will set an appointment when the next procedure shall take place.

A catherer is a long flexible tube which to be inserted into the blood vessel in the arm or groin. The tube then will be threaded into the heart. enuf..enuf..enuf..as if its being done on me, I couldn't describe any longer.

Today my mom-inlaw just went through the procedure. She is so brave and tough as ever. SALUTE…!!!!  you, Mummy. Thank God Mummy is ok. It took about 1 hour. We all waited patiently at the well provided waiting lounge.

My both Dads, biological and inlaw, had gone through the same procedure and both did a by-pass too. They both continue taking bunch of medications every morning and night. Thanks God they are okay.

My brother-inlaw, Irad also recently had his artery inserted by the tube. The most health conscious amongst the siblings, he shocked everyone for being the 1st to experience it. There was a little complication, I was told. Thank God the procedure went well.

I'm living surrounded by brave gangs.

My hubby, the biggest size of all, has no intention to check whether or not there is any blocks. So am I. ngeee……

Cerita purbaku- Episod 2

Panas pancaran matahari menyedarkan Pak Chot dari tidurnya. Beliau bergegas ke dapur. Dicapainya penyedok yang dibuat dari tempurung kelapa yang bertangkaikan dahan kayu. 
Beliau terbayang isterinya duduk di tangga pondoknya, melilitkan akar rotan ke lubang yang ditebuknya di tepi tempurung itu, lalu meneruskan lilitan rotan ke dahan kayu untuk menguatkan posisi tempurung itu. Ketika itu hujan lebat. Pak Chot hanya memerhatikan isterinya yang tengah khusyuk mengejakan kerja tangannya itu. Cincin yang Pak Chot ukir halus dari batu sungai itu kelihatan indah tersemat di jari manis isterinya itu.
Isterinya yang ketika itu, 4 bulan hamil anak pertama, menjeling ke arah Pak Chot, melemparkan senyuman manja.Pak Chot membalas. Ketika itulah pancaran kilat menuju tepat pada Limah. Pak Chot melambung akibat kuatnya gegaran.
“LIMAH…!!!! Pak Chot teriak sekuat-kuatnya apabila beliau bangkit dan mendapati isterinya sudah tidak kelihatan. Puas beliau mencari keliling halaman rumah dan ke dalam hutan sekitar rumah nya. “LIMAH….!!!!” Teriakan beliau bergema tanpa membuahkan hasil. Itulah kata-kata terakhir yang keluar dari mulut Pak Chot. Semenjak itu Pak Chot tidak lagi pernah berkata-kata. Dan Pak Chot sudah di anggap bisu oleh sesiapa yang terserempak dengannya di dalam hutan ketika mencari kayu api.
Malam tadi  teriakan Pak Chot yang terakhir itu kedengaran lagi. Nama itu terus bermain-main di benaknya.  Air di tempayan masih tidak tersentuhnya. “Siapa kah wanita semalam?” Dia tertanya-tanya. Gayung tempurung masih dipegangnya. Beliau melihat wajah beliau di permukaan air di tempayan yang masih penuh. Itulah pertama kali Pak Chot melihat wajahnya sejak 47 tahun lalu. Sejak Limah hilang tanpa kesan.
Pak Chot terus merenung wajahnya. Ia bagaikan orang lain. Pak Chot tidak pernah menyangkah begitu hodohnya kedutan-kedutan dan garis-garis yang ada pada wajah beliau. Begitu hebatnya kesan kekecewaan yang beliau hadapi.
Cermin wajah itu hilang apabila gayung tempurung akhirnya menyentuh permukaan air. Pak Chot terus menyedok air yang dingin itu dan menyiram kepalanya. PakChot menyedok lagi dan lagi dan lagi sehingga beliau basah kuyup dan dan menyedari air di tempayan telah hampir habis.
Setalah bersalin pakaian, mata Pak Chot tiba-tiba tertumpuh ke sudut sana, tempat di mana Pak Chot dan isterinya sering duduk menjamu makanan.
‘Tidung saji?” Pak Chot keheranan. Dia tidak tahu bagaimana tudung saji yang tidak pernah digunakan sejak 47 tahun itu berada di sana. Perlahan-lahan Pak Chot menuju ke sudut itu. Tudung saji yang semalam masih bersawang kini kelihatan bersih. Dengan terketar-ketar Pak Chot perlahan-lahan membukanya.
Apakah yang ada didalam tudung saji itu?….nantikan episod yang seterusnya.

Episod 3:


http://philantropist-wannabe.blogspot.com/2011/07/cerita-purbaku-episod3.html

Me no talk politics

 

What say you, What say they, me no care. Me work. Me eat. Me happy.

Ya…ya..ya.. I'm ignorant when it comes to politics. But don't blame me. As far as I know, I studied hard to get an okay job and I worked hard for the money.

Corruption? No one had ever asked from me. Maybe I’ve made it clear in some ways that its a no-no. Its not applicable to my way of work nor my way of life.

You friend me, I friend you.

Regardless of who, a nice person is a nice person. A good friend is a good friend. There is no reason for differences in ideology to jeopardize a good relationship.

Politician unfair?? To who?

Who would like to see his/her family to suffer? Any Tom, Dick and Harry wouldn't. I wouldn't.

He is not a capable leader? No problem. Interview another candidate, put him on 2 years probation. Train him. Observe his mind set. Check on the development he did, if any. If no-good, give warning. If still no-good..sack. Get another candidate.

Wooo….that easy ah..?

You see….I told you…, me no talk politics.

I'm happy living in this peaceful county of mine. Of course, I'm complacent with such life I’ve been living. And I want to continue living with such complacency. Why not?

Go ahead .. I allow you to say this to me…. “No wonder you cannot be a politician” or you may also tell me this..”I'm glad you didn't become a politician”. You can say it, because I’m glad, I'm not and I’m happy that I didn't.

Jack Sparrow & Jack Separuh

 

I'm related to one of them. He is my brother. I’m telling the truth. We came from the same ancestors, same mother and the same father.

The Malay word ‘Separuh’ (suh-puh-rooh) means half.

Since he is not Jack Sparrow, but look like one, I’ll give him half credit. Jack Separuh would do.

My brother, Taib won The Best Dress in his recent company’s gala dinner. Congratulation, my dear brother. You deserved the title.

My classic story (Cerita Purbaku)-Episod 1

I was thinking that, it was time to polish my Malay writing. I decided to write a classic story on the wall of one of my Facebook group. Line by line, on the comment field, I dumped my impromptu ideas. Its bee 2 days now and I realized, my stories has reached more than an A4 page.
I feel crazy, funny but thrilled. I want to continue the story. I'm sharing my story here. It is still in a making. Stay tuned…………….

Pada suatu hari, ada seorang tua yang tinggal di pinggir hutan.Orang tua tersebut terkenal dengan nama Pak Chot. Suatu malam, Pak Chot terjaga dari tidur. Beliau terdengar bisikan dari celah lantai rumahnya. Pak Chot mendekatkan telingah beliau ke lantai, cuba memaham apakah yang di bisikkan itu, tapi bisikan tersebut terhenti. Pak Chot cuba melihat ke celah lantai.

Tiba-tiba Terpancarlah cahaya berwarna merah , memancar terus ke mata Pak Chot. Pak Chot kesilauan . Pak Chot lalu terduduk dan tersandar di dinding kamarnya.Buat seketika Pandangan Pak Chot gelap. Dia menggosok2 matanya. Beliau terdengar bisikan tadi semakin dekat dengan telinganya.
Pak Chot kaku seketika Suara bisikan itu semakin jelas. Pandangan Pak Chot tiba-tiba kembali terang dan tepat di hadapan Pak Chot kelihatan bebayang lagaknya seorang wanita yang berdiri membelakanginya.
"Siapa kau?" Pak Chot bertanya, ketakutan.
Wanita itu tidak menoleh. Pak Chot memberanikan diri, perlahan-lahan berjalan ke penjuru kamar unduk melihat wajahnya dari sisi. Malam masih gelap. Hanya pancaran bulan samar-samar menyuluh menyisipi celah2 dinding pondok Pak Chot.

Selangkah demi selangkah, Pak Chot memberanikan diri terus bejalan ke hadapan. Namun wanita itu seolah-olah enggan menunjukkan wajah nya.

Sekali lagi Pak Chot bertanya "Ss..ss..siapa kau ah?. Apa kau mau?".

Tiba-tiba Pak Chot terpandang pada jari wanita itu.
"Cinicin ..cincin tu...mana kau dapat?". Perasaan takut Pak Chot tiba-tiba hilang dan beliau langsung melompat hendak menangkap tangan wanita itu. 'wuusssshhh..!!!' bagaikan silap mata, bebayang wanita itu lesap. Pak Chot jatuh tersungkur ke penjuru.
Pak Chot duduk dan menepuk-nepuk kepalanya. Wajah nya kelihatan terlalu sayu. "cincin itu...cincin itu..."
Pak Chot menangis terisak-isak. Dia tidak dapat menahan perasaan sayunya. Kenangan silam menghantuinya semula.
‎"LIMAHHHH.....!!!!!!!" teriakan Pak Chot memecah keheningan malam. Pak Chot terus menagis. Beliau yang selama ini di kenali sebagai seorang yang tegas dan bengis, tetapi tidak pada malam itu. Pak Chot kalah dengan kesedihan, dengan kekecewaan, dengan kekesalan yang sekian lama terbuku di hatinya
‎"Limaaahh...." suara Pak Chot semakin lemah. Beliau terlena.
Siapakah perempuan itu? Siapakah Limah? nantikan sambunganya di episod yang akan datang…………………….
stay tuned…………..

Episod 2:

http://philantropist-wannabe.blogspot.com/2011/07/cerita-purbaku-episod-2.html

She ate her placenta

 

Both, Nadia and I, were peeping through the curtain. We were happy, curious and  extremely anxious tonight. We pushed each other, couldn't wait for each other’s turn to look through the small opening. We didn't want to open the curtain wide, not to disturb her.

I looked curiously. She was, as if, mauling her baby.

“She is eating her..???”, suddenly I became nervous. Nadia too.

“No lah…that's just the placenta”, My mom, who happened to visit, explained. without even looking at what we were peeping at. It sounded normal to her but not to us.

“eyyeewww… she ate the placenta??” . Luckily I just had my dinner, then. I continued my peeping business, while Nadia, continued stuffing her food. Nadia had her dinner late. She could have lost her appetite hearing that statement.

My hubby kept on rushing me “lets go, it getting late” and I kept on telling him to wait.

I couldn't wait any longer. It was getting late. Half heartedly I had to leave her, giving birth alone, out there. Poor her. She was bloody. I could not help, neither could Nadia.

As planned,I went with my hubby to my in-laws’. I’ve planned to visit them since last week and the week before and another week prior to that week, and never did. But tonight, I told my hubby, “ lets go, it been a while since my last visit”.

The house is just 5 minutes drive from ours. I brought a set of new plastic containers with me, for my in-laws.

You asked “why plastic containers…?”

Because I like plastic containers. I could not help myself from buying them, but I don't have enough space to keep them in my kitchen. So, I bought them for my Mom-inlaw. She has plenty of space in her cabinet-full-kitchen.

Another reason for buying those containers….I’m feeling guilty for not returning many containers sent by my mom-inlaw to my house. Those containers were sent filled with food. Mummy is a good cook.

And tonight, I sent new containers to Mummy, but empty, except for a few Avocadoss flown from Sabah, picked from our own Avocado Trees.

We had a little chat with Papa and Mummy.It was quite late. We went home at around 10:30pm.

As I reached home……………..

“Mama, they are 2 babies, black and white”, Nadia told me, excited. I quickly peeped thru my curtain.

“oh ya….. 2 of them”, I joined the excitement.

We were so excited to see the 2 newly born kitten that we had been waiting for, for months.

Another stray cat of ours became a mother for the first time, tonight.

 

Later I learned, she actually gave birth to 3 kittens.

Great..!! Soon we will have more cats guarding our backyard. No salary required.

Our next grocery trip shall include additional items. CAT FOOD for kitten.

Another sleeping disorder

 

Perhaps the article I read was correct that excessive exercise contributes to sleeping difficulties. I am having the said problem, at the point of working on this post.

And when it happens, I could come up with a full blown movie out of my imagination, whenever I forced close my eyes.

Tonight I thought about my schooldays. My likeable friends, my dislikeable non-friends, my former school, my teachers, and how I was according to what described by my ex-classmate thru the Facebook today. But..no..no..no..it must have been a mistake. She didn't sound like me, or am I living in denial?. ok…ok..whatever it is guys and gals..sorry if I had ever offended you then. I love you all.

My following attempt to sleep, I imagined all the joyful events during my favorite day,then, sports day. My dear friend posted a photo of funny-looking-me in my sports wear.

Next, I thought about all my cute nephews and nieces. I could never had enough of hugging them. They all are so lovable and smart too.

Then, I thought about all the backlogs of work pending and preparations for my presentation in the next seminar, which I have not even started thinking about what to say other than .err…emmm….arr..uhh..

I also thought about a few horror dreams that I had last night and the night before. What a nightmare.So real, I saw the lady daemon sucking blood from a relative’s toe. I shouted at the scary looking creature. I shouted at it so loud, using language which I myself could not understand.WWOOAAHH…!!!  (I’m getting goose bump )

Good that I never muttered any numbers or mentioning names during my sleep though.

My old folks said, when one often had a nightmare, that means the under bed is dirty. The thing is, I kept on forgetting to check. When it time to sleep I could only see bed, not whatever underneath it.(This maid is going to get it).

For many weeks off, I just re-visited my Gym session, today. The 1 hour session, I cut short it to 45 minutes. My trainer must be grateful for getting an extra 15 minutes free time. 7pm is probably too late for a heavy workout, which might  be the cause of this sleeping disorder. I will try an earlier workout next time.

I tried picking a book. The History of Islam by Akbar Shah Najeebabadi. Arrgghh…even the author’s name is too difficult for me to read. Not at this time. I shelved it back.

I’m gonna close my eyes again in a sec. Lets see what's new in the movie this time. ZZZzzzzzz…..

I am who I am,who I was

Each time I find a long lost friend thru the Facebook, brings old memories back. They just popped out off my brain compartments. As if being hypnotized, I could turn back time to  20 – 30 years prior to my migration to the west.

I was too young to read their mind and was too naive to understand their feelings then. All I had in mind is sincerities of friendship. The naiveness left me with only 2 categories of groups. Those that I had fun to be with and those that could not accept my friendship as how I wanted it to be. One knows when I liked or disliked. Openness was the path I chose.

Openness at a young age somehow leads to a negative perception to some. I could have appeared as ‘naughty girl’, then, but to me, I love Allah, I love my family, I love my friends, I enjoyed what I did and had fun with what I am doing. Neither unnecessary stress nor depression is invited in my daily life. That's all it takes to my attempt of keeping those wrinkles less.

Back to the future, among those , only one who could accept me as who I was, and that's what am I, still, now. I married him. Whether he is lucky or unlucky, God knows. As for me, I am the luckiest.

And now, after going through this life for almost 50 years, I’ve forgiven everyone, although my naughtiness then, might have offended some people, who I am still searching to ask for forgiveness. ‘Sorry’ is not a shameful  word to say.

Come to think about it… I actually enjoyed my younger days and I had nothing to regret.

Life is an art, we do the paintings, while Allah gives us the creativities. We are who we want to be. Be sincere and be who you are and live simple life is the key I'm holding on.

Surprising Mr.next door

 

1 million copies of his books were sold and I didn't know him.

He started his career as a writer since 1955. That before I was born. I grew ups reading some of his write-ups, and still didn't know who he was.

He has produced 284 series, since 1981. I think I read some, but I still didn't know who the writer was.

Such a respectful and humble guy, I greeted him almost every morning and every other day and STILL I didn't know who he was until……..

I read today’s paper.

He, having his pen name as Tamar Jalis, is standing high among the famous novelists , someone who hold the record of the longest novel series ever written in Malaysia.

FULL ARTICLE

Little that I knew, his novel was included into the Malaysian high school literature syllabus.

Little the I knew that he had been living next door from us for many years and we exchanged food once a while.

Today I got to know that I have a famous local writer living next door.

I’m very proud of him.

I had to pay not to waste?

Its Saturday, my precious resting day, but I had to wake up very early to send my son to his Marathon Run at school.

RM 8.25 for a set of coffee, Fillet-O-Fish and hash brown. Those many times I ordered this set, I the hash brown ended in the dustbin because…

1. I don't like potato

2. reducing intake of carbohydrates

“gimme just the Fillet and coffee please”, I ordered. It was too early to go to my  favorite not-so-fastfood restaurant,then.

“A-la-carte?” She asked. Not that I speak French, neither did she, somehow we both understood what it means. In English it means ‘by-the menu’, which described as each item is priced separately.

I decided not to waste the hash brown this time. So I answered……

“Yes, a-la-carte”. I decided to reply in French too.

“That will be RM8.75”. She informed.

“But why do I have to pay extra 50 cents? I don't like has brown”. I told her.

“If you don't want to waste the hash brown, we are charging you 50 cents extra”

Omit the last dialog. No..no..no..she didn't say that. I simply interpreted the situation in such a way. RM8.75 I paid.

Feel like writing

 

The last sentence should say “…other than signing cheque”

lalalala…la..laaaa…(I wished)

Now I realise how bad my hand writing is.

First generation of my straycat went missing

      

Remember her? She is one of my stray cat who were patronizing my backlane, and she is still. We call her pirate. She is still untouchable wild stray cat. She just come for the food. Strictly business.

 

I wrote earlier, that she gave birth, for the first time and we continued giving shelter to her 1st generation, 2 cute, little black kittens.

A week later, my daughter and I went to check if they were still around. Yes, those lovely kitten were there.

Although my friend warned not to touch a kitten, as that would irritate the mother, but I could not hold myself from touching those adorable tiny dots.

They are so cute.

The next day, they were gone.!!  no where to be found. As for the mother cat, Ms.Pirate, she is still around enjoying her free food from us.

Lesson to learn…DO NOT TOUCH A KITTEN..let it grow happily and attached to it’s mom.

Some caution about sharing knowledge

 

Knowledge is something to be shared, somehow, if the individual does not value your knowledge, its better to keep them covered up, as sharing it with him/her won’t earn you any prize. It could even make him/her jealous. Distribute your knowledge to others who are willing to learn.

Its sad to know that, there are people who talked about improvement, somehow could not accept knowledge or opinion from others.

I’m not a fighter, I’m a lover'. I learned this words from a comedy movie, Back To School. And I kept them engraved in my mind.

So, whenever I find myself in that situation, I would work on getting out of the situation, for my own well-being. I wouldn't let anyone pollute my mind, or adding unnecessary stress on me. Its not worth it. I want to keep holding on 'Stress-Free-Life’ and ‘Make Others Happy’.

Having said that. I just clicked on ‘leave the group’ on the Facebook.

I found my best friend

Through Facebook, we got hold of each other.

30 years ago was our last meeting, and this evening, we met. She happened to be in Kuala Lumpur. I picked her up from where she stayed. I couldn't believe I found her again. We were together attending our beloved high school, Sabah College, one of the prestigious school in Sabah then.

‘yook’, for some reason, thats how we addressed each other during our school days, and this late evening we still used that word. How nice to hear someone special called me with that name again, after so many years without any correspondences.

We talked, we laughed, we shared stories. That was the highlight of my day. We could not stop talking until after mid-night. I reached home around 1am, when the security guard at my housing area had fallen asleep on his seat.

Goodnite Yook!

Nostalgic antiques

 

I’ve seen this a lot during my younger days. They seemed to exist in all my Chinese friends’ houses. The antique look never fade from my mind and I still love the look and feel of this almost forgotten wardrobe. If you ever find this model nowadays, check the price. I figure it would be a boom!

 

 

 

Next…..traditional light lamp. I still remember my beloved great grand mother’s voice, "light up the lamp. its time to sleep”. I lit as ordered. I then sleep with my hand smelt of gasoline.

  

 

 

Then in the morning, after shower, I waited for my maid (then) who earlier burned charcoals and placed them into the traditional iron, made of copper. She carefully, not to touch the burning hot copper, placed it on top of folds of banana leaves to smoothen the base before using it to press my school uniform.

  

 

 

For sure this model is much older than me, as I don't remember riding this bicycle or perhaps I’ve forgotten. I do remember the model ‘Chopper’ though. Anyway, I do like this nostalgic model.

  

 

Even if you ever found them being sold, those antiques for sure would be way.. too… expensive compare to the good old days.

Somehow, I can afford them though. And I have them all fit in my space limited house.

Except…they are in a smaller version.

HEHEHEeee…….

Big eyes family

 

  

She is a daughter of my nephew. Different skin tone, different look. Somehow, big eyes is a trademark of our family, and she has them.

So has Jiha, my niece.

So has my daughter and son.

 

TARAAAAA….!!!

  I have them too.

Getting poorer each day

 

My business partner and I went to Pullman Hotel, Putrajaya last Sunday. I wouldn't volunteer to go if it wasn't for my big boss, who came all the way from The States.

Putrajaya is a planned city, located south of Kuala Lumpur, that serves as the federal administrative centre of Malaysia. It took me about 45 minutes to an hour to reach the neat place, which explains why I don't favor the journey.

We had dinner. 3 of us cost almost RM400 (USD 130). It was too expensive form me, while my tummy was still complaining of ‘not-enough-food’. I could have eaten the whole plate should I knew it cost that much.

Perhaps part of the $ goes to fund, beautifying the place.

No doubts, its a perfect place to relax…….

 

 

I enjoyed the lake view. Too bad Ididnt have a good camera capture the picturesque scene.

It probably reasonable price for many people, but not for me though. (sigh…). Either the economic has gone bad or I am getting poorer. The later sounds ‘clicked’.

Its time to look for an extra income.

Whosthat..!! Phew..!

 

It was a long day for me. Driving to and needed to be in Putrajaya at 8:00am is not fun. 1 hr to get ready and another 1 hour journey makes 2 hours of buffer before the actual event.

I made it on time.

Such a neat, and non-congested area with beauty of the hotel setting added to it, I didn't appear grouchy among many participants who were some locals and some flew all the way from Fiji, USA and…. I forgot where else.

I sat next to Pam, from one of the library in Fiji. So used to conducting session instead of attending, I spent the whole day, keeping my eyes wide opened. A few times my effort to fight the sleepiness almost fail, that I could see stars * * * * * lingering above me.

WAKE UP..!!! I shouted within.

 

The beauty of the Pullman Resort and the calling for lunch break made the highlights of my day. The buffet dishes were my kind of choices…

 

At last……the conference ended, but it was late evening then.

I planned to go to bed early that night. After dinner, I checked my mail and did some work at home.

11pm, it was time to go to bed. That was still too early from my usual bed time though, but I’ve decided. I stopped by the kitchen to drink water.

As I turned back towards the kitchen window ……………….

WWWHHOOOAAA..!!! whosthat???whatdoyouwant..???

My potato couch hubby jumped to the rescue. He opened the door. There was a young boy, looking pale.

“They are chasing me..please help”, he said.

“You come over to the front” My hubby said. He obeyed. We met him at the front gate. I was holding my ‘SAMURAI’ sword (shh…its fake and made of cheap piece of wood, which didn't seem to bother him)

We asked him many questions. We did not believe his answers though, as they were not rationale. When my husband asked for his identification card, he handled over his IC. My God…He was only 18yrs and such an obedient guy.

My hubby then called the patrol car. The policemen came 15 minutes later.

“you again..???” That was the first word came out of the policeman. They then took him into the patrol car and left.

Phewww..!!!   Back to peacefulness, but it took my sleepiness and tiredness away too.

Now I could not sleep thinking…Poor guy…. He was such a young man and good looking too. At 18 years of age, he has turned to a school drop out. We figured he is also a mentally disorder boy. ..sigh..