In Search Of...

SOFTLY AS I LEAVE YOU.

2012-01-27T10:41:00.000+08:00

Will 2012 be a time to cut ties? Maybe it's better to let go rather than to hang on false hope, unfruitful relationship. It's easier to let go and cut ties with vitual friends, but not the same as real friends right?

THIS CNY WOULD HAD BEEN PERFECT IF ONLY..

2012-01-26T10:36:00.002+08:00

I know Chinese New Year is suppose to last for 15 days, but for me it is officially ended today, as I will have to travel back to Johor . I will start work tomorrow. So how was chinese new year to all of you?
Hope you guys have a wonderful new year. For me it was good, but would be even better if some one the things I desire had happen, but unfortuately it did not. I guess as one grows older, nothing matter most than your family and you want everyone to be around. But atlas we are now living in a different era, the young no longer hang around you like we do in those days. They have their group of friends and prefer to hang around their gangs. My youngest and second son, seems so distant from me these days and he only comes back for a while to change and treat this home like a hotel more than anything and off he goes .We hardly talk these days. My elderest son too was like that, but after he got married he now spent more time with the family and show more concern to the parent. I guess marriage does some good to him. Hopefully his brother will changed after his marriage in a couple of month this year.? Lament number two, my God daughter did not visit me this year and of course I am disappointed even though I don't show it. Not even a call to wish me . How sad. I guess I was having to high hope. Maybe it's time to wake up to reality. What can I expect after all she is someone's daughter right?
On the brighter side at least I got to spent more time with little Darissa. She turn 3 months yesterday. Yesterday was also the first time she burst out in laughter. Her grandma was saying something funny and she started laughing , not once but a couple of times. So I told my daughter in law, she can start preparing her and to start reading some children stories to her, since she is such a quick learner.
I better start packing and get ready for my long journey back to my second home. It's gonna be a long lonely drive, but I have my eldest son for company.

I DID NOT DO TOO WELL.

2012-01-22T14:56:00.001+08:00

A day after my climb at Tabur, I am trying to figure it out what went wrong. I usually do not get tired too easily and at one time could hike two different hills on the same day and within 6 hours. But yesterday I could only to one and by then my legs were hurting and I was feeling the heat literally. Perhaps the weather was just too hot? I had planed to hike tabur west and east back to back with a group of friends. About 15 hikers turn up at the appointed meeting place which was Deen's nasi kadar restaurant just some where near the hills we were suppose to climb. I had scheduled to hike at 7.00am but as usual there will be late comers and so it was delayed by another half hour. Anyway we proceed to tabur east to park our vehicles , crossed a stream to tabur west to do our climb. It was our pre chinese new year celebration on the hill. I brought a bottle of wine . Could it be the effect of the wine that was the cause of my poor performance? Or was it lack of sleep. I did retired early the night before, but I woke up at 4.00am even though I had set the alarm to ring at 5.20am. It is an hour drive to the destination. Normally I would use the short cut through the plantation which will save us a good half an hour, but this time I wanted to use back the same way we climb up. Could this be the cause of my tireness? The only to find out is to do another experiment. Yesterday I fail to do the two hikes as posted on the event on facebook. After our first hill some opt out to go to the waterfall and so they took the short cut down hill. We bade them safe journey and proceed to descend . After one and a half hour we reached base. I told the remain group of five I could not continue and they have to proceed without me.

I was not too please with my climb yesterday. Even on my worst day I will still be able to continue, but yesterday I had to throw in the towel. One rule I had set for myself was never to push myself too hard and listen to my body. Come back to "fight" another day, and comeback I will before I go to my happy hunting group. That is a promise.

Tabur West

some of the group members

trying out new challenge

Ya, I am always surrounded with beautiful girls. can I help it?

Photos credit Aivee chong and Ray Lee

ME AND YOU AND A DOG NAMED BO

2012-01-20T20:18:00.004+08:00

Yes today I was appointed the unofficial nanny for Derissa my granddaughter, as everyone is at work.
I came back from my work place at kulai early this early and did not have any plan for today. Yes it was just me and her plus our pet dog bobo. My son had let her roam the house freely and did not put her in the cage. As usual she will put her mark everywhere as she likes. And I have to clean up the mess. Usually I don't mind , but today I had to take care of Derissa and so my hands were very tied up. Anyway I had a good time with her. I got up early, surf the net a bit and shower just in time to hear Darissa 's alarm. I bathed her and then fed her, before letting her to sleep again. I enjoyed every minute I was with her. I have to as I only got to see her like twice a month. Elation is the word to describe the state I am in now. I know she will not forget these moments even when she grows up This brought back memories of the time I spent with another child. Many years ago I help a friend of mine to take care of her little girl. Since I stayed nearby their baby sitter's care center. The center closed at 6.00pm, and because their work place was very far away they have sought my help to pick up their girl and later they will pick her up from my home. I continue with this arrangement for quite a number of years. The baby sister was also a mutual friend of ours and she knew I do not have any daughter of my own and I was very fond of the little girl I was taking care of,so she suggested they let me to be the girl's God father. I loved the idea and the parent too , as there was no objection. And so I became someone's instant God father . Sometimes the girl even stay over when her parent went on holiday. Few years passed by and the girl turn 13 and as usual I will open my arms to hug her, but this time strangely she shunned away and told me "things are different now" I still could not understand what she meant to this day. I told her father who promised to find out what happen, but I have yet to get an answer . These days even whenever she sees me , no more Daddy like she used to call me back then. It was just a simple hello. or hi.Where are your manners girl? I am much older if you can't call me Daddy at least out of respect addressed me as Uncle! Most of the kids in church will call me that .Damm! to think I even bathe her and clean her pet pet(her bottoms) and this is the reward I got? .The moral of the story your own blood will always be closer to you.

My grand daughter,Darissa

Bobo, the family dog

A BLISSFUL CHINESE NEW YEAR. IS ALL I WISHED FOR MALAYSIA.

2012-01-14T11:18:00.000+08:00

A touching video. This is the environment I grew up to, but our politician spoilt it all. I prayed the day we can all return to the time where all races lived happily amongst themselves without any suspicion of each other. Everybody was willing to help their neighbours and when one need help all chips in to help.
Happy Chinese New Year folks. May this year of the Dragon bring you much health and peace.

FUN TRIP TO UNIVERSAL STUDIO.

2012-01-08T10:38:00.005+08:00

This trip was long overdue. I had always wanted to make a trip universal studio .The nearest one years ago was at Austrialia, and since I was bearly making enough it was just a dream. Now's that singapore had one it is just reachable. So yesterday my son and I made it to the Republic after a lapse of more than 20 years. The last time he was at singapore was when he was a kid and we did visit sentosa island. But now there was so much change on this island. Initially we had planned for a trip to Arong at Mersing, but since there were reported of unfavourable weather and the place was closed to the public and so we deceided to go to singapore instead. I was glad we did because we had so much fun together. If you ever come here don't missed our the transformer because it was super fun. The special effect was just fantastic. We did tried a few others and where are are water and heat you can actually feel them , especially the water literally you will be splash with them.
We wasted a lot of time at the checkpoint, plus waiting at the bus terminal. As the terminator would say "I'll be backk"

This familiar icon is the first thing that will greet you as you enter

Reuben looking at the location map

One of the best ride I had.

This ride is not for the faint hearted

Revenge of the Mummy. -no bags allowed ,so did not go in.

This is inside the food court.

One of the many pretty girls at the souvenir booth.

at the entrance of the food court.

this is a much safer ride

Lolipop tree

My son, so excited with his new toy

girls dressed up as in the 60s or 50s?

more photos here

FOOD COURT WITH A DIFFERENCE.

2012-01-05T14:32:00.000+08:00

I couldnt help but notice whenever I passed by this this food court in Taman Johor Jaya, there was a stage in the center of the food court. I could hear music. So I last night I droped by after my wall climbing session to check out this place. I invited a few of my friends and my son along.We choose

a table almost at the center ,but not too near to the stage. This was what I saw.

This is the first time I have seen this kind of entertainment in a food court. Of course such sight is very common during ghost festival. Do you have such joint at your place?

I ordered sotong and katong, but it tasted horible. I notice the one preparing was a foreigner. This is a common sight these days, because of the cheap labour the owners and bosses leave everthing to their foreign workers. No more local taste, what was suppose to be a local dish has now become foreign.

2011: NOT A BAD YEAR REALLY

2011-12-31T06:34:00.001+08:00

Today is the last day of 2011.

The auditors will come in soon to do a stock check at the factory where I worked. So likewise it's time to do a stock check on my life. Oh well just a quick one of what I have done or not done in 2011. Maybe I should indulge only the done.

Healthwise God has been gracious and I have not had any serious illness that kept me in bed for a long period.

1)My outdoor activities:-

Surprisely I manage to find some like mind people to hike with me whilst I am here at Johor.

When I first started working here, I thought there goes all my hiking activies. However I have to give up my gym activities, and there are none here in Kulai where I stay.

But I make up by having a door bar for my chin up and a abs workout bench.

Still no sign of any 6 pack yet. Have to carry forward as part of 2012 resolution? I must also include my indoor wall climbing activies. Manage to find one in Johor and even rope in my friends and my son to accompany me in my wall climbing which I have rekindle the love for it once again.

2)Photography.

This was another area I thought I had to give up, but since I was able to do some hiking here in Johor and also back home when I make my monthly trip to my hometown I took the oppourtunity to snap some photos mainly on nature and my friends.

Oh yes, I manage to join one or two photo shooting event and even organise two on my own.

Also on one of those event I manage to bring along my son to join me.

3)My God daughter, Snow

Had spent some quality time with my dear God daughter as well whenever I got back to my hometown. She will leave to further her studies in New Zealand next year.

4)My Grand Daughter,Darissa

Yes, this was the year when my first grand child was born. She was born in the month of october. That makes 3 members who had their birthdays in October, namely yours truly(Grandpa), Her Dad(my son) and Darissa.

5)New friends

I am thankful also for 2011, where I made so many new friends both physically as well as on the

blogosphere.

6)My Lovely wife

It would not be right and complete without making mention of my wonderful wife. She had been a pilar of strenght to me and help in keeping the family together while I am away working in another state.

Thanks Darling for all you have done.

That's sum up my round up for 2011.

Soon 2011 will be history as we ursher in 2012. Whatever things has been done , cannot be undone,but what has not been done, we still have the opportunity to do it in 2012.

My wish for 2012 is Malaysia will enjoy peace and all races will live in peace, there will be good and honest law makers in the government.

WHAT A STRANGE REQUEST.

2011-12-28T07:57:00.004+08:00

Honestly I just can't find any thing wrong with these photos.

this one maybe?

But these two definately ok what.

But my darling daugther sent me a message asking me to take it off from facebook. Of course I do get such request from female friends who are somewhat sensitive saying, they look fat on that particular photo or not their best side of the face etc. As a proud dad I want to display and show off my daughter, but unfortunately she don't share the same enthusiasm as me. Any of you girls feel or react this way too? Strange guys have no such problem.

SEASON'S GREETINGS

2011-12-23T15:54:00.000+08:00

It's gonna be a busy weekend for me. Tonight will be in church to celebrate our church's dedication. We just moved into a bigger building a few months ago and tonight we will give thanks to God. The General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God churches in Malaysia will grace the function. Tomorrow some friends found out I was coming back for the weekend prompted me for another hike, and so will celebrate Christmas with them , with gift exchange etc on top of the hill. Then sunday will attend another Church -lunch function at the invitation of my former National Royal Rangers commander Ps Albert Ong's church.
What a nice way to end the year. In case I am away from my blog, here's wishing all my friends and visitors A Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

DIFFERENT SHADES

2011-12-16T21:51:00.000+08:00

This post is somewhat influence by a canadian blogger . When I commended on his Ray-ban., he suggested I pick up one too. Well I did not give it much thought until now.
I don't remember when I first started wearing a sun glass, but I know it was after I started working.
This was my first shade, a mona lisa. except maybe with a bit darker tone. What makes me wore one? Apart from looking cool, it protect my eyes from the sun and wind. yes even wind, as I was riding a suzuki motor bike then.

a Mona Lisa Sun glass

I think some of the American movies has some influence on me too. Guys with shade really look cool, with all the hot chicks around them. I did set my eyes on ray-ban even back then, but since I just started working, I could ill afford getting one. Mona lisa seems to be the cheapest one I could afford. I was using it for quite awhile until I ran into a lorry, no actually the lorry was in the way. Anyway I came out unscratch, but my mona lisa was history. I got another replacement and used it for a number of years ,but I can't recall where I had placed it.

Over the years, I was using different brands even though I had upgrade from motor bike to cars. Lee Cooper was one brand recomended to me by a sales girl at a shop near the gym I frequent. Just as stylish and most importantly practical.

A Lee Cooper Sunglass.

Of course nothing beats a Ray-ban, but lets face it not everyone will look nice in them.

One can't escape to take notice of the cool shades on Erik Estada in the popular tv series c.h.i.p.s.

Erik Espada in the tv series C.h.i.p.s sporting a cool
ray ban

Wonder if I will look as cool as Erik Espada in these.? Never mind no need to answer.

A Ray-Ban sunglass

LUCKY IS DEAD.

2011-12-08T00:45:00.003+08:00

Lucky the Brown dog is always a welcome sight whenever I hike at Bukit Tabur. But lately have not seen her. Today I saw a post on Face book she is dead- suspected poisoning. I just can't understand why people can be so cruel to do such a thing. Her real name is Peace,but she is called by different names by different people. Rest in peace Lucky. You will be missed.

LUCKY RIP.

this dog is real smart .someone who is ignorant about chocolate being harmful to dogs, fed this bitch with a chocolate bread. the dog took the bread and burried it in the sand.

this video is posted by her owner.

CAN LOVE BE MEASURE?

2011-12-03T08:01:00.001+08:00

Love means never having to say you're sorry" is a line from the novel and 1970 film Love Story starring Ali MacGraw and Ryan O'Neal
Love is a many splendored thing and can be expressed in many ways, but can it be measured?
The Bee Gees sang how deep is your love? So if there is a question there must be an answer right?
I asked my God daugther the other day do you love dad and how much? This is her answer
Love is an uncountable word , I can't measure how much that I love u dad , but I can tell u , is my pleasure to have u be my dad, Appreciate paternal love from u ..u hav a place in my heart

Sometimes silly old man like me need an assurance. Her answer really warm my heart. It's good enough for me.

We need love and we want to hear it from our loved ones.

FATHER AND SON AND BEAUTIFUL GIRLS

2011-11-28T15:47:00.036+08:00

After my son's maiden photo shoots, I took him to yet another journey of looking at beautiful models through the lens. This time the location was at I-city , Shah Alam, very much nearer to home. I have been to quite a few shoots and most of the organisers are men. However this time the organisers were the models themselves. They goes by the name of D.S.L.which is the acronym of their names namely
Denise, Sandy and Lydia. Since it is almost Christmas time and naturaly the theme they selected was Santarina and I city has lots of Christmas trees and so it was quite obvious why they choose the location at I-city. There were about 9 photographers and since there were 3 models, we were asigned to one model each for a 20-30 minutes shoots and later to rotate. During the last shoot it rained heavily and we ran for shelter . In an event like this,it is customary to have a group photograph,but since it was raining cats and dogs , bufallos and horses,we told the model, it was alright ,but the models being professional, insisted. She somehow was able to arrange for 3 cars to ferry us from where we were and took us to a shelter area and had our group photos taken before we call it a day.

Here are some pose by
Denise Tai

The three together as D.S.L.

GUESS WHO IS BOSSING AROUND HERE

2011-11-27T14:18:00.000+08:00

I was awake by my wife this morning around 6.30am. She brought baby Darissa into my room as she wanted to go to the toilet and later to clean the house. It's the grandparent's turn to take care of the baby, as her parent have been kept awake all night and they need to catch some sleep. Darissa had been staying with her other grand parent(on her mum's side) since the day she was born. She came back after her full moon and since I am back for the week end I am doing my bit to take care of her.
It's been almost 29 years since I last take care of a baby and I have to relearnt everything all over again. I did not do a good job with Darissa's father, I guess this is the time I will have to redeem myself.
Ok when baby cries it could either means she is wet or hungry. So that ought to be easy to remember.
It is true what they says a cute is only as cute as they can be until they cry. I rediscovered that truth again.
Seems that is their secret weapon. My cute granddaughter drives me nuts at time. She does not know the meaning of patient, she will just wailed whenever she finds convenience. She knows no time. My second son complaint she cries is lounder than a siren. Anyway I think since they can't talk yet, that is the only way to get attention for just about anything: when she has done her business, hungry(most of the time for this) and when she is uncomfortable. One thing I got to admit she sure shows who is the boss around. Everybody will drop what they are doing when she let out her war cries.

yes, I am the boss

What I want, I get pronto

CHLOE SWEE

2011-11-26T19:00:00.000+08:00

This morning, I brought my son to go for an outdoor photo shoot.It was his first and he enjoyed it. We started our journey to Sekinchan, Kuala Selangor as the organiser has choosen the paddy field theme for this shoot. I had been to this location before and so finding the place was no problem. In fact we arrived half an hour earlier , even had time for breakfast. A few minutes later the organiser arrived with the model Chloe Swee,but the rest of the photographers had not turn up. Just typical of malaysian to be late for every thing. They finally shown up fifteen minutes later and we head for the paddy fields. I think the weather has changed so much. Those days at 9.00am it was still cool, but not the sun was already up and burning hot. So we had to rush with our shoot in order to complete it as fast as possible. I really admire the model who did not complain despite of the scorching sun. Took quite a number of shots, but these are my favourite and hope you will like them. More photos here on my facebook album.

Show Gratitude for Your Spouse

2011-11-25T16:54:00.000+08:00

Found this interesting article. At last something about appreciating the husband. A must read for wives(hint hint)

In my new book, 52 Ways to Wow Your Husband: Put a Smile on His Face, my friend K!mberly shares how picking up a pen helped her create a Thanksgiving attitude all year and fashion a long lasting love:

I love keeping a handwritten journal. . . . exhausted after one too many international moves . . . I found myself having less and less on my mind that I wanted to write down and let anyone, even if it's just me, remember. The handwritten journal turned into one long chronicle of a pity party. Among other physical issues, I . . . was diagnosed with depression.

One of the antidotes for this was starting an exercise of "choosing joy." I bought myself a little week at a glance calendar and made a pact with myself that everyday I’d write only the highlight, or even multiple highlights, of each day. . . . I want to remember the good. I’m sticking in the business card from the nail shop where a friend took me for my birthday manicure; the theatre or movie ticket from a night I got out of the house . . . ; the rare note from my 12 year old son that says “you are awesome.” It’s becoming a little treasure book. . . . God has new things for me. Scripture says his mercies are new every morning. With this joy journal, I’m keeping track of it.

read the rest of article here

FULL MOON

2011-11-24T22:24:00.002+08:00

Today is Darissa's full moon.She is now one month old according to chinese calender. As it is customary to give out red eggs and red cake(Angku kueh) to let relatives and friends know. Of course it is easier to order packages from some of the company who provide such facilities. Another option is order from Ayam mas. Since I had to attend a meeting at PJ Hilton I was not around when all the ceremony was carried out.
Here are some photos of her.

Come with the full moon package.

IT'S OUR 30TH YEAR

2011-11-21T07:00:00.001+08:00

God Bless the day I found you. No words can expressed how much I appreciate and love you.
Just say it the best way I know how. Happy 30th Anniversary darling" Love you so much. Thank you for sticking and puting up with me all these years.

with my sweetheart, taken during cny 2010

With my Darling wife and my grand nephew

LEARNING THE ROPE

2011-11-19T12:42:00.001+08:00

Yes, I am learning the rope literally.
Ever since love for wall climbing have been rekindled, I have been visiting the local wall climbing gym on a regular basis. Last week when I make my trip there together with some friends, we discovered the boss had gone on a holiday and there was no one to belay us. We had to rely on a customer to assist us. Since it was not fair to him, I volunteer to take over from him. My over problem was I have not done it for over a year and have forgotten some of the basis things. So it's time to refresh my memory again.
The first thing one need to know is how to tie a figure 8 knot, on the rope that will be secure on your harness, This procedure is for both the climber and the belayer.

The Figure 8 Knot. Probably the most versatile and common climbing knot. This knot can be tied two ways depending on how it will be used. The first sequence shown below is for tying the knot into a harness or any other type anchor. The second sequence is to create a loop end that can be clipped with a carabiner or locking carabiner.

full article found here

I am never good at remembering things, I guess better remember some of the basis things, as safety is of utmost essential.

I prefer visual,so this video is very handy.

sure hope I will be able to do this one day

HOW IT ALL BEGUN

2011-11-17T11:26:00.002+08:00

Here is a little secret I like to share. It all started when I was in Thailand in 2009.I felled in love with this girl with long hair.

Her parent was there for a meeting. During the time there we got rather close and she will stick to me most of the time, except the time when she got a bit moody and only mummy or daddy could handle her. I got to see her again when on a holiday at Kenyir in september, the same year.I did not get to see her again until her parent came to klang for a seminar a year later. We lost touch after that. I retired from work in october 2010 then got reemployed in December and was posted in Johore.

Johor Baru was just a 45 minutes drive from Kulai where I stayed. I had the opportunity to see her again and visit her on a regularlty basis. Sometimes my son will join me when I visit her and her parent , who ran an orphanage home.

My son too took a liking to her. Sometimes we met at a shopping mall in Skudai where she had her music class. We had such good times together. Her name is Darrisa.The name Darrisa means"nugget of wisdom" So when my son knew his first child was going to be a girl and naturally the name Darrisa came up .When I suggested it he readily agreed. That was how my first grand daughter got her name.

Meanwhile here are some of the photos of the first Darrisa I knew.

Darissa at Surathani, Thailand 2009

at Kenyir, sept 2009

Darissa ,Johor Baru recent Birthday celebration.

Cannot wait for my grand daughter to grow up to her age.

WHAT'S WITH THE DATE.

2011-11-12T23:41:00.000+08:00

Seems like everybody gone gaga yesterday. It was Friday the 11th and not 13th. Why and what's so special about this date. Well for one it will only happen every century. Couple rush to get married on that special day. I guess it will be a easy date for them to remember their anniversary.

One of my friend got married yesterday and I took the opportunity to make a trip back to my hometown to attend his wedding .

This couple met at one of the marathon . You might say they ran into each other and now they are running together in their life's marathon.

Congratulations Dannie & Carrie. Maybe you continue to run and stayed in love forever.

HOWS THIS FOR MOTIVATION.?

2011-11-07T20:40:00.000+08:00

well you might not had a head start like this boy here

but surely it is still not too late.If this grandpa can have such a well tone body what's stoping us?

Just thought that will encourage you guys. Nothing is impossible if we put our mind to it.

A LOOK AT INVITATION.

2011-11-04T11:30:00.001+08:00

This post is just for fun with no intention to poke fun at anybody.

Senario one : you invited someone over for a drink or dinner and he end up picking the bill?
Senario two is more common: I am sure most of us gets invited for Wedding, Full moon celebration and all kinds of celebration. I am sure we give out Ang pows when we attended the functions right?
Have you ever wonder why? I remember asking my mum when I was younger, but I forgot what was the answer she gave me.
Anyway it has become a norm that Angpow is the way to go whenever we are invited for a function.And for weddings you will note there will be someone taking note of the amount received from a particular person and the reason being, to keep track and ensure the same monetary value is given out when the time comes should they get invited by that particular guest. Not sure if that is the same reason they do for wake service. Why are we doing it. Is it because it is expected of us because every one is doing it? Or is it because it would be very embarassing if we dont?

By the way I had attended two wedding functions where the host insist of No Angpows and would be offended if someone actually tried to pass on the Angpow. The host was very rich . Have you ever attended one such function before?

WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS MY FRIEND?

2011-11-01T16:51:00.001+08:00

This is a sad tale about a friend of mine. He has just retired not too long ago and have the only child, a young man who is already working. Well actually he is an adopted son. He just adore this boy, and seems to get him almost everything, the moon if possible and if he has the means to do it.

I learnt he has spent almost 20k on this son from Lap top to the latest handphone. He even sponsor his holidays but deprive himself of such luxury. That is not all he even gave him a supplementary credit card to him. Oh goodness that is a big mistake. He will go on a shoping spree I told him. He said no lah, he always call whenever he wants to use them and promise to payback. I asked him , so far has he been reimbursed? Silent. Why are there such people who spent on an old man's hard earn cash.? And why is there such silly man who gives in? If he does not take control and put an end to all this very soon his saving from his EPF will be gone in no time. When you loved someone does not means you have to give them everything. I wonder would we have handle it any different if we are in his shoes?

CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY THIS YEAR

2011-11-01T11:57:00.000+08:00

Here are some of the stuff on my wish list which I got

Multi purpose work out bench

Columbia Hiking shoes

columbia cap and Hiking short

30 Lit dry bag.-good for waterfall hikes

Backpack for hiking(not water proof,but with rain cover)

50mm Macro and Portrait Len

Yeah October was a good month.

BABY DARISSA

2011-10-30T18:27:00.003+08:00

This is the comment left by Eugene Ung, which I find most meaniful. thanks Bro.

"Lord,I thank you for the wonderful gift in the child Darisa that you have brought to the household of Johnnie's, pray that you shall keep this child healthy and make her the abundant of joy.Lord shield her from harm and danger and guide her in her growing up years with Godly wisdom,love and compassion.Amen"

Since the arrival of Darissa so much have been changed especially around the Lims.Everything seems to be centered around Darissa. She got so much attention now. Everybody is happy and excited. My Eldest son, nows know the responsibilty of being a Parent. Even the youngest son is excited and visit her almost daily. Darissa stays with her grandma (her mum's side) at least after the confinement. My mum wants to see more photos of her great grand daughter, but not fun to take photos when she is asleep most of the time.Maybe my timing is not right. I will only get to see her once in two months. Sigh. Hope she will knows who is her grand father when she grows up.

Sheoh Yan too have requested more photos so here are some of it.Some taken by my son.

Darissa after her bath.Photo by Reuben Lim

Sleeping beauty

DON'T CALL ME UNCLE, CALL ME DATUK

2011-10-27T08:54:00.001+08:00

Yesterday I had the shortest and quickest hike ever. I was invited by my good friend Tony, who was leading a group of young hikes to a waterfall nearby. In the jungle there you are totally cut off from the rest of the world. Reception if any are weak, so when I check my phone there were countless of voice messages and missed call. I got a message from my Eldest son, saying he was at the airport rushing to get home as his was about to deliver his first child and my first grandchild. I manage to talk to him a bit but was cut off half way. Once we reached the 2nd tier of the waterfall, I took a couple of shots(the least photos in any hike for me) told my friend I had to rush back to civilazation. I need to check with my son on the lastest development. I am so anxious and at the same time excited to welcome the new additional to the Lim family. Finaally I got news my lovely grandaughter Darissa was born around 11.15 am weighs 3.1kg.
Officially I have been promoted to Datuk(grandpa) a title no one can take away. I have people calling me uncle, but only my grandchild earn the right to call me grandpa.

Hello world meet my grand daughter Darissa. Isnt she just adorable? I think I can't wait to spoil her silly.

THANKS MUM FOR BEING MY MUM

2011-10-21T17:32:00.001+08:00

Got time off from work to attend a family gathering for an early celebration of my Mother's birthday.
Even though she has not been well lately, she obliged to be with her children, grandchildren and great grand children. She single handed raise 3 of us, my Eldest Brother my Kid sister and I when my Dad(whom I had no memory of) pass on.I was only three. I am forever grateful for bringing us to this world and seeing us through life . Happy Birthday Mum and we loved you.

my Bro ,mum and sis in law. behind my mum is my lovely wife

This song is for my mum.

A FATHER'S ANGER.

2011-10-19T10:48:00.001+08:00

“If you want to finish me off, do your worst, but leave my innocent children alone,”
These are the words of the Penang Chief Minister, Mr Lim Guan Eng

read the full story here

Usually I try not to blog about politics especially malaysian politics, which will make me angry and more sick.
But after reading yesteryday's story how the pro umno blogger is attacking LGE really make me very very angry. Why are they doing this? If they have a bone to pick with the chief manister and in particular LGE, just direct your attack to him. In today's star online this was what Mr Lim said "If you want to finish me off, do your worst, but leave my innocent children alone,” Right on Mr Lim . I think these sick people are just coward, cannot face their opponent , so they are going after their children. This is akin to boxers hitting below the belt. Mr Lim I feel for you. As a parent I know I would be angry if anyone were to hurt my children and I would do anything to protect them.
Why do they have to stoop so low? But then this is malaysian politician Really no class at all.!
I really prayed come the General Election , we will vote in a new government. Only then we can hope for better things, with lesser dirty and good for nothing so called law makers to contend with.
God Bless Malaysia!

IS IT BAD BEING STRAIGHT FORWARD?

2011-10-17T20:04:00.001+08:00

Got a call from my kid sister this morning, informing that she had arranged for Mother's birthday to be celebrate earlier.She suggested the coming Thursday night.Then She enquire how was work? So I told her well like that la. She asked for clarification what do you mean. So I said well just passing time. She got upset and said how can you said like that. You should take this as if is your own factory. I was just saying from my heart , no beating around the bush. Was it wrong to be honest? You see I am working for her husband and her expectation was I am to look into their interest. I know I had done that , just that my answer was not to her satisfaction. All I can say is too bad sis, that's the way I am.

OH NO, NOT AGAIN!

2011-10-16T11:48:00.000+08:00

I Thought I will not have this problem again, but last night I almost had a nightmare. While synchronizing
my phone with itune I was prompted with the message , there is a new version of ios. Do you want to update. Of course I click yes, since my phone have not been jailbreak and therefore what could go wrong right? Previously I was using a jailbreak phone and once you click yes all your data will be wipe out and the phone will shut down. The only way to get it working will be to reinstall back the ios again. That happen about a year ago and I thought that will be the last time I will be sending my phone to the shop at the mall. Apple just release the new version of the ios5 which has alot of new functionality and looks cool. Comes free with it is the icloud ICloud is seamlessly integrated into your apps, so you can access your content on all your devices. I spend three hours just to download this and then an error message appear saying my ios5 could be update on my device, and then the familiar apple logo appear and then the phone shut down. Oh no not again I thought. Panic went through my hear. I don't want to go through this again. Good thing I had earlier copied all my important contact numbers. The other application I was not too worried as I could easily retrieve them on itune should something goes wrong.
I quickly turn on the phone and on itune click on the restore button.

My phone will be restored to the original factory settings. I click ok( as if I had a choice)

After a while I begin to see some of the application appearing on my phone again after I did another synn with itunes. The first thing I did was to check my phone contacts followed by other applications that I had purchased. Good most of my back up seems intact. What a close call. Then I checked the version which appear to be the latest. What give? I cloud was installed too. However I can't use Siri

as this is only possible with the new Iphone4S. The only way I could still use this is to jailbreak my phone . No way I am gonna do that again ever.

Meanwhile enjoyed these cool video about the new application.

SHE IS ALRIGHT

2011-10-13T21:01:00.000+08:00

Being not able to reach her on the phone I sent out a message on WhatsApp.this afternoon. Thank God she just installed this application two days before she left for her trip. I got a response from my darling daughter a couple minutes ago. This was what she replied:-

Thank you everyone for your concern and prayers. What a relief knowing she is alright. This is another prayer God answered. Thank you Lord.

DEAR GOD PLEASE KEEP HER SAFE

2011-10-13T15:58:00.001+08:00

Fear gripped me as I read about the quake in Bali moments ago. New report here and here

My girl has gone there a couple of days ago for holiday. I prayed she is alright. May the Lord keep her and her friends safe. Hope she call in and let me know she is safe.

WALL CLIMBING AT ROCKWORLD

2011-10-12T17:56:00.003+08:00

I never thought I would do another wall climbing again.
The last I did was at the damai wall here on 21st Sept 2010. The reason I had laid off this sport was I still could not overcome my fear of height. Somehow I did not feel secured up there even though there was a harness around my waist. Funny when I was on top of mountains I have so much fear. Only when I am wall climbing. Why is this so?
Call it fate or destiny ,suddenly I found myself climbing again. I even brought my eldest son along for this climb. I guess my love for wall climbing was rekindled again after I met some hikers a few weeks ago on one of my hikes. They shared about their indoors climbing gym located at Taman Desa Cemerlang. It was not very far from where I stayed.
The name of their gym is called Rock world . I told them I will check it out. So I did. Their rates are cheaper than the one I went back home. However they have only limited high walls compare to those I had climbed before. Anyway I like the atmosphere here and the people are very friendly.Their tagline "Life is a climb" They are on facebook too.Do drop by if you are around this area.
I invited my hiking friends to joined me, but all of them seems to have all kind of excuses. So in the end I just went with my son. I might come back more often to built up my confidence and skill. Meanwhile I will just let the photos tell the story here.

my son, enjoying himself

Our Belayer.小黑

A MEMORABLE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

2011-10-09T21:48:00.001+08:00

Last Saturdays a few hiking friends deceided to celebrate our birthdays on top of the hill. It was at Tabur ,where some of us met for the first time. So it is some sort of a reunion and birthday celebration, with a difference. Earlier we had planed to have our wines on top of the hill, but changed our mines as it would be much better to have them after we finished our hike to enjoy our wine during our lunch. And besides it would not add extra weight to our already heavy back pack.

with some friends. photos:Jamie Phua

the oct babies. photo credit: Jamie Phua

red wine provided by Marcus and White by Cindy

OCTOBER AND BIRTHDAYS

2011-10-09T21:39:00.001+08:00

October will always be my favourite month because:-

A lot of my friends' birthday falls in the month of october

I have some gyms friends , actually class instructors whose birthday are one day apart from mine and one on the same day as mine.

I have hiking buddies one a day before mine, one on the same day and another friend two days later.

We purposely have a hiking trip just to get together.

One model , Benny Lee whom I had a photo shoot recently was born on oct 6^th as well.

Another God daughter have her birthday on the 7^th which happened to be my Eldest son's birthday too.

I have two office staff who have their birthdays the following week after mine.

Oh yes my blog friends Hayley ong and Euguene Ung also have theirs in the month of oct.

Last but not least

My eldest son's birthday day is one day after mine and very soon my 1^st Granddaughter will be born in the month of october.

My Birthday cake from my lovely daughter in law, Candy

My Lunch date with my lovely Daughter, Snow.

A Present from my lovely Daughter, Snow

Now isnt that reason enough for me to like October?

T.G.I.F.

2011-10-07T07:58:00.005+08:00

Thank God I've Family and Thank God I've Friends

Just had my birthday yesterday.Had a simple meal with my son,who's birthday is today. Happy Birthday son!
So many Birthday wishes on Facebook (Thank God I've Facebook) and Sms messages.
Among the valued, treasures messages from

1) my lovely daughter:-

"Wish you Happy Birthday my lovely dad. stay healthy always. All the best Luv u"

From my two daughters in law:

2)"Daddy Happy Birthday" 天天开心
3)"Happy Birthday daddy, stay healthy and happy always"

From another God daugther

4)Khai ye... Happy birthday o.. Wish you healthy and happy always~

From my Eldest son

5)Happy birthday daddy i love u

and from my youngest son

6) "Happy Birthday Daddy! Thought of buying cake just now , giving you a surprise, but when I call koko , he told me you will be back tomorrow only and sorry for the late wish.Love you Dad."

Lastly from my lovely wife(I thought she had forgotten LOL)

7)Yappy yappy birthday uncle johnnieeeeeeeee. How old r u after 12 midnight? Don 't worry ya v all will reach there 2. Good night.

Now isnt that enough reasons to Say T.G.I.F.?

Have a good Fridays friends. Thanks for being a Friend. and to my family. Thanks for the Love.

Ps :Tomorrow I have a date with my hiking kakis who's birthdays are in the month of oct to celebrate our birthdays on top of the hill. will blog about it when I get back.

MEMORIES OF YESTER YEARS

2011-10-02T21:01:00.005+08:00

Have you ever remember things from the past, but it was like just yesterday? Well not every details,but just a bit of it. This is about the time my mother took me to a movie over forty nine(49) years ago. I can still remember the main actress. which was the late Linda Lin Dai, who was very popular in her hay days until she comitted suicide. The name of the movie was call Madame White Snake. Some of you might be too young or even seen this 1962 production by shaw brothers.
Here is the movie clip for your benefit. Of course the special effect is a far cry from the new remake.

Just yesterday I went to the new production, the remake of this classic. Staring Jet Li and the gorgeous
Eva Huang. Raymond Lam and Charlene ChoiIf you like love story , this is a must see movie.

Eva Huang

Eva Huang Shengyi & Charlene Choi

Now see the trailer of the new movie you will agreed this is a better version.

LOTUS EVERYWHERE.

2011-10-02T16:56:00.001+08:00

Have heard from my friend who found this place by the road side in Kulai where there are so many varieties of Lotus. I am staying in Kulai for almost a year now , but did not even know such place exist. It took some one from Ulu Tiram to tell me that. Actually he told me prior to staying at Ulu Tiram he used to lived in Kulai for more than 20 years. No wonder he knows all the back lane and all the nice places where they served good food. Anyway I finally got to explored this place this morning, since I was free. I did not have any hiking activities and also it was my off day. Six days shall you work, but on the seventh day you are to rest so says the Lord. Here are some of the shots of these beautiful flowers. Hope you will like them.

FAMILY TIES.

2011-10-01T08:45:00.001+08:00

Was rather surprised when I got this message in my inbox on facebook.
Hi TC, When did you take up photography ? Many nice shots you have posted . I heard you now work in Johor .What is the name of the factory and location?. I trust you are well and healthy , judging from your many activities and photos !

What's so surprising you might ask as it looks like just an ordinary message. Well, the sender is not from a friend or stranger, but it's from my uncle. We normally will only meet during chinese new year or during a relative wedding or worst senario during funerals. Now since Grandma is no longer with us, I guess it will even be less frequent. But thank God for FB now at least we can get in touch this way.
Hip Hip Hooray for Facebook.

NO QUICK FIX FOR FAT LOSS

2011-09-21T10:21:00.000+08:00

An interesting article I saw on the sun on line.

Posted on 21 September 2011 - 05:03am

Daniel Chandranayagam

DRIVING down the road in USJ after boot camp recently, I noticed a huge billboard advertising the chance for consumers to lose 10 lb in one week (or something like that). Shaking my head, I thought to myself, "If it takes longer than one week to put on 10 lb, what makes them think they can lose 10 lb in one week?"
This is the problem: when it comes to weight loss, people want a quick fix. I suppose, like every other Malaysian solution, short-term easy solutions are the most viable for us, and businesses capitalise on this. I think this phenomenon can be observed by perusing a particular newspaper I have a soft spot for.
This newspaper has an extensive section devoted to consumer complaints. Every three months or so (or every month on occasion), someone always writes in to complain about some "health" or "beauty" service provider that failed to deliver its version of the lose-10-lb-in-one-week service. Once, I read a letter from an indignant woman who gained a few kilos instead of losing weight.
One news report which caught my eye was of a businessman, Lim, who spent RM80,000 on a weight loss programme but ended up with about 30 wounds, one as big as his fist at his waist.
This shocking report stated that Lim, unlike others, decided to try the "needleless injection" treatment before he made an investment to start the business in the country. Lim unfortunately ended up having to get surgery to get the wounds sorted, and therefore couldn't work, losing any form of revenue.
Tough call for RM80,000. That would have been 33 years of gym dues, which most likely would have been a more effective weight loss treatment. Again I say, if you didn't gain all that extra weight in a short time, what makes you think you can lose it in a short time? Ten pounds in a week? Get real!
First, "weight loss" is a misnomer because people don't want to just lose weight, they want to lose fat. Losing weight can mean many things, and with quick fixes, it's usually water loss.
Second, the recommended guideline on safe fat loss on a weekly basis is about two pounds. This requires a degree of commitment and dedication, not only in terms of nutrition, but also exercise.
However, there are ways to lose more than two pounds a week. Jodie Nikolic, founder of a personal training studio, says that two pounds a week of fat loss is only a general recommendation and a good benchmark for setting weekly goals." She says, "It's sensible and realistic because it's based on average or typical results."
She adds, "The actual amount of fat you can lose depends on many factors. For example, weight loss tends to be relative to body size. The more body fat you carry, the more likely you'll be able to safely lose more than two pounds per week. Therefore, we could individualise our weekly guideline … by recommending a goal of one to two pounds of fat per week or up to 1% of your total weight."
read more here

SHE IS A BITCH

2011-09-19T14:06:00.002+08:00

No matter what I tell her, she will not listen. She seems likes to do things her way. She is just driving me up the wall at times. I just lost my patience with her. What can I say except she is a bitch. Should I be kinder to her?

No I am not refering to her

Nor her

I am actually refering to the family dog , a bitch named Bobo.

She is of Shih Tzu breed. I read this type of dog is a bit slow and not so easy to train. True enough as we soon found out. She will do her thing anywhere she likes and when she feel like it she might do it in the toilet. She is very playful most of the time and adorable at times. I remember when we first got her
she was so scare even to come down from this chair (see picture below)

But now she can jump and even climb up to the dining table.

Whenever we had our meal, she will come with her pitiful face. Many a times I had to tell her human eats human food and dog eat dog food, but that don't seems to get to her head. As much as I would like to share our food, but knowing that they are bad for her I had to deny her. only time I gave her some of what I was eating was when I was having bread.

Well this post is specially for my friend Lee who asked what dog I had.

bobo with her pityful looks.

KEEPING MY WORD

2011-09-16T18:47:00.006+08:00

When we speak do we meant what we say? I am now very cautious what I say or write even on someone's fb wall these days. This is because people will take your word for it for what ever you say, more so if it is a promise, especially if made to children. Of course sometimes we say things without thinking of the implication or consequences. Let me relate a true story(one which I am not proud of)

Many years ago, and I can't even recall what was the occasion or when but it was about the KL tower which my children have been pestering me to take them there.

So I said something like ok daddy will take you there one day. Soon I forgoten all about it, but it remain with my children. So whenever I said something like this again they will checkmated me and said Daddy your one day never come one la. And they reminded me the subject of their missed trip to the KL tower. I have erred since and now learnt not to say things I might regret later on. So if I know I can't do a certain thing, I prefer not to comment or kept quite, but if I was very confident I will be able to fufill it I will let them know but with an open date and I will make sure I get back to them.

Today's event is one example. I remember this girl whom I had done a photo shoot before wrote to me asking if I could do another shoot for her to make her look good, as she seems to like my photos.(I am flatted, but honestly I don't think much about me so call skill) I told her I will try but will not be able to confirm a date as I was busy with my work, but I will let her know once I have the time. I only goes back home once or twice a month and that usually coincide with my hiking programe or a friend's wedding. It so happen there was a public holiday on the same week of my planned trip back home. I quickly informed her and make some arrangement with some of my phtographers friends to join in. Different photographers have different styles.This will give her more selections to choose from. She also brought along another friend. Wow we got two models to shoot. Never had so much fun shooting the girls. So Mei Yan, here are the photos as uncle promised. Hope you like them. Sure feel good to be able to keep my promise.

meiyan & her friend Benny

More of her photos here and here

SO SORRY I JUST CANNOT SAY IT IS NICE.

2011-09-13T21:14:00.001+08:00

When it comes to food, one cannot take another person's word for it. You just got to try it out for yourself to know if it is really good. My friends have been telling how fantastic, classic this wanton mee was. After hearing it for so many times, I just got to test it out and taste for myself if it is as good as I was told. So last sunday I made arrangement with my friends and we met up at the restaurant. We even have two friends who came all the way from singapore just to try this out. And my verdict? To be honest I thought it was too salty.

However I like the wanton and the chicken legs. As they says "one man's meat is another man's poison" Anyway you may want to check this out for yourself. The name of the shop is
EN JI NOODLE HOUSE is at No. 41, Jalan Beladau 4, Taman Puteri Wangsa, 81800 Ulu Tiram, Johor Bahru, Johor. First look for the Esso Petrol Station(it's about 1.3km inside Puteri Wangsa from the main road(JB-Kota Tinggi).

LOVE IS NOT ABOUT SPOKEN WORDS

2011-09-09T09:27:00.001+08:00

No words are needed to express love. It is best displayed by action. A touching clip about a father's love for his daughter.
Lesson to be learnt: we should always appreciate those around us and not be ashamed of them. Show it when they are still around because you might not get a chance if you missed it.

SLOWLY, BUT SURELY I MADE IT TO THE TOP.

2011-09-05T12:47:00.003+08:00

Mount Belumut (Gunung Belumut), standing at 1,010 metres (3,314 ft), is located in the state of Johor, Malaysia. The trek can be completed within a day, while the average climber would take two days one night. For the average climber, the climb to the summit takes 5 to 6 hours and the return to the foot (by the same route) takes 3 to 4 hours.

The route upwards to the false and true summits is uphill almost all the way. It is considered quite a tough climb for those less fit or first timers. It takes about 20 mins to reach the true summit from the false one. Except for a huge boulder there was not much of a scenary.
Just a brief account on my trip on sunday september 4^th 2011. We arrived at the entrance at around 0830hrs and started climbing immediately after posing for some photos.

The starting trail was quite easy, but after a couple of km was steep all the way, with a few flat land then it's back steepness till eternity. I must have walk for miles. Have you ever walked until you can't walk anymore and all you wanted to do is to sit down, have a cold drink? That was how I felt, but I knew I had to keep on pushing myself in order to complete the hike. For this expedition we had a group of 14 people , the oldest was about 65 years old. Everyone took their own time and at their own pace. It took me 3 hours to reach the peak and about the same time down. It rained on my way down and the wet condition makes it quite difficult to descend and I had to slowed down abit. At one point there as a fallen branches and I had to bend low to get to the other side and got in the way of a twig ,which cut across my forehead between my eyes. Had it been a few inches nearer I would had been blind. Finally reach the foot of the mountain at around 1550 hours. This is by far the highest peak I had climbed and the most difficult one for me and I don't think I would be in a hurry to try another similar or higher ones. Even if I wanted to I doubt my body could take such punishment anymore. Here are some photos that serve as memories of the trip.

difference species of mushroom

the main entrance

at the peak

a pyramid like pinacle at the peak

On the boulder at the peak

the crown rock and from here another 3km to the summit

masterwordsmith-unplugged: God Will Take Care of You

2011-09-03T20:50:00.000+08:00

Read this on MWS's blog and it is such a nice message and it will be such a pity if I don't share it.
Hope you enjoy the deep truth in it. Also enjoy the little boy's singing.I just love it.

masterwordsmith-unplugged: God Will Take Care of You

SOUL SURFER

2011-09-03T17:49:00.000+08:00

If you are looking for an inspiration movie. this is it.

I cried watching the trailer. Looking forward to the movie already.

more about Betheny Hamilton here and here

AN UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENT.

2011-09-02T23:54:00.003+08:00

What was suppose to be a simple dinner turn out to be nightmare for me tonight. I had just finish dinner and was on my way back to my home. I stopped at red. Then I heard siren, I looked on my mirror and saw a fire engine speeding by right behind my car. There was no space on my side , the only choice was to turn to the left. I almost got clear, when I heard a loud bang . I knew someone had bang my car. Got down to have a look, it was just my bumper. Just then a car came by and stop behind my car and two persons got out of their car and started shouting, I told them to calm down but to no avail especially the female whom i presume must be the wife of the driver. To avoid problem and inconvenience I was prepare to pay for the damage, but when they gave me a rather absurd amount, I told them in that case I will make a police report and they could claim from the insurance company. Since it was also the company's car I was driving it was the only logical thing to do. But they would not allow me to leave and insisted I settle with them. I tried reasoning but they got more aggressive. I make a quick report to my General manager to let him know what had happen. He came within half an hour and brought with him two policemen. Even they could not calm down the lady. We were all summon to go to the police station to file our reports. Even after the report have been lodged, that lady was still cursing away when she saw me. I just don't understand why people behave like that? It was an accident , what had happen had happen which is something nobody wants but the inevitable had happen. why can't they accept it and discuss like a human being. This is so unlike the one I encountered a few months ago. I was at a round about and waiting for the traffic was clear. unfortunately the car in front of me stopped half way and I jammed my brakes , but not soon enough. My car (not the same one I drove tonight) just hit his bumper , a Honda . A guy got out with his lady friend. This was a real gentleman, no shouting. I told me it was my fault and I was prepare to pay for his repairs and gave me call card , and he gave me his.
From his card I could tell he was someone important who works in an international company based in singapore. What he said really left a good impression on me. Whether it was to impress his lady friend, I do not know. This was what he said," I will call you if there is anything, but I don't think I will be calling you" and with that he left with another piece of advice, please drive carefully. What a contract with the one I had to dealt with at this recent accident. After more than an hour it was done and could not wait to get out of the police station.
This is one place I would not like to go again. I was looking forward to September, but I guess it did not start off too well. Let's hope it will end well.

SEPTEMBER

2011-09-01T20:18:00.001+08:00

September, the nine month of the year. Three more months to the year close. I have been looking forward to this month and it is finally here. Another 13 more days, I will be back home. Gonna hugged my darling wife tight, Hi -five my son and my precious daughter. Played with my Dog. Yes, I will honour my word and do a photo shoot with a girl whom I had promised. Once I have give my word I will do it. Then I gonna chilled out with my former gym buddies. Lastly I will also be taking a group of 40 hikers to one of the hills at Kuala Lumpur. September is gonna be fun.

Roll’ of English

2011-09-01T17:35:00.000+08:00

A worthy cause that need mentioning. Perhaps all is not lost for those children who's English is lacking.

story in yesterday's star

Armed with four-wheel drives, volunteers and lots of books, two teachers hope to improve the reading and English skills of disadvantaged children.

JUST a short walk away from the swanky bistros and trendy boutiques along Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, lies the Sri Pahang flats.

The low-cost flats house families who would not otherwise be able to afford a roof over their heads. I am sitting in on an English language reading programme for children in the small community centre.

A mobile library used as part of the Reading Bus programme initiated by Cheli Tamilselvam and Kong Lai Mei.

Holding a colourful picture book before him, teacher Cheli Tamilselvam is leading his class of young charges on animal noises. “And what sound does a cat make?” Cheli asks, to which the children respond with enthusiastic meows. Two welfare workers sit nearby, carefully observing the lesson and occasionally getting up to coax in curious children peeping from the doorway.

Adding to the mix are a group of university students who are here as part of their Moral Studies course and to individually guide the children with their reading.

While the scene looks like a run-of-the-mill community outreach programme, it is in fact the remarkable result of the Reading Bus initiative started by Cheli, 51, and his wife Kong Lai Mei, 50.

Reaching out

After teaching in Sarawak for the past 27 years, Cheli and Kong decided to pack up and move back to Kuala Lumpur, partly out of a desire to start a Reading Bus here.

‘Around 140 children turned up when the tuk-tuk (Reading Bus) pulled into the village! It was a touching sight,’ says Kong Lai Mei.

The premise of the Reading Bus is simple: stack up a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle with books, drive out to a community in need once a week, unload the books and coach children on reading skills.

Cheli explains that the process is repeated for a set duration of time, before the books are left in the community to serve as a library.

“We identify locals in the community, whom we then train to continue the programme.

“The books are loaded in a customised wooden set of shelves, which can be folded away for easy storage,” says the father of two sons aged 22 and 25.

After starting out with just one 4WD in Kampung Pasir Ulu, Sarawak, they now have eight Reading Bus vehicles; six in Sarawak, one in Sabah, and one in Peninsular Malaysia.

Cheli says that the project began out of a desire to address the difficulties rural students had with the English language.

“I was concerned by how these students were going to cope with their studies in English when they don’t have sufficient exposure to the language.

“After discussing the idea with some friends, we managed to raise enough funds for the bus (4WD) in two weeks, and set off to Pasir Ulu with 400 books.

“Our mission is to give every child the opportunity to enjoy their school studies through a love for reading,” he says.

‘Even my former students who have gone on to university would return to help coach the children,’ says Cheli Tamilselvam.

The initiative has also since expanded beyond Malaysian shores – to Cambodia.

“Lai Mei and I went to Cambodia last year, and we were so overwhelmed by the situation there,” says Cheli.

“We felt that the Reading Bus model was applicable, so after making some contacts with the locals, we started the project there in June.”

Operating in a small village in the Baray district, the Cambodian “reading bus” is in fact a tuk-tuk.

“Around 140 children turned up when the tuk-tuk pulled into the village!” exclaims Kong.

“It was a touching sight; some of the kids looked like they had barely enough to eat, and so little to wear, but they were so excited at the chance to flip through the books.

“They had such a hunger to learn.”

Safe haven

Aside from the Reading Bus series, Cheli also started an after-school centre in Kenyalang Park, Kuching.

According to Cheli, the centre’s aim is to help weaker students catch up on their studies in a safe environment.

“When I was the vice-principal of SMK Bandar Kuching No 1, I found that around 20% of my students found it hard to cope with their studies.

“The problem with mass education is that it does not target the cream of the crop, and it does not meet the needs of the weakest.

“For years, my primary focus was on how to keep those who were struggling in school, and how to teach this group because the school hours were just not enough,” he says.

As a result, the couple set up Bethany Home, which aims to provide students a conducive place to catch up on their studies.

The centre also provides food and transportation, thanks to the help of generous donors.

“We would have 50 students showing up daily, just to do their homework or revision,” says Cheli.

“While we encouraged independent study, we found that students were ever ready to help their weaker peers.

“Even my former students who have gone on to university would return to help coach the children at the centre.”

He adds that most of the students who came regularly to the centre went on to do well in their examinations.

Bethany Home continues to operate with the help of volunteers, while Cheli has replicated a similar centre in Segambut, KL.

“The model works, so I thought it would be a good idea to use it to cater to students from marginalised communities here,” he says.

Driving force

When Cheli speaks of his community projects, it is clear that they all have one common driving force – his students.

“Schools tend to operate like prisons, but I want them to be like gardens, where children can bloom and be the best they can be.

“But I guess my ways are quite radical,” he says with a smile.

These “radical ways” involve getting to know his students, listening to their problems, and even treating his more “problematic” charges to cakes.

“I want to hear their (the students’) stories,” says Cheli.

“We tend to forget that when students act out, there may be more to them than meets the eye – and I think most children want a second chance, a chance to be heard.

“The minute I stop writing them off as ‘problem children’, I see them change for the better; it’s not an easy process, but they do change for the most part.”

In fact, some of the students’ stories are hard to ignore; like the student who constantly got involved in fights in retaliation to his abusive family environment.

Or the 15-year-old boy who was late for school because he delivers newspapers from 3am to 6am to supplement his family’s income.

Cheli adds that while his former students have gone on to be doctors, lawyers and engineers, he is equally proud of the ones who have managed to complete their schooling despite the odds.

“I still meet up with former students to catch up on their lives,” he says. “At one such reunion, I was with students who were getting by with average jobs – clerks, mechanics, and sales assistants.

“But they were happy and content with earning an honest living, giving their best in what they do – that, to me, is what an education is supposed to be about.”

A wish list of freedoms

2011-08-31T15:35:00.002+08:00

This is an article by Marina Mahatir that is worth sharing

We still need the fundamental freedoms that every human being desires, especially freedom of speech and expression. Our foreparents understood 54 years ago that we had a fundamental right to freedom and self-determination.

FIRST of all, let me wish everyone Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Also, as the days happen to almost coincide this year, Selamat Hari Merdeka. In many ways, this is very significant.

Raya is the day we free ourselves from a month of abstinence and restraint. Ramadan is a time for reflection on what good we have, or have not, done over the past year. It is a time to ask for forgiveness for our past sins and mistakes, and hurt we may have caused others.

Sadly, this Ramadan has hardly been an exemplary one. With insults galore, shouting and screaming, burning and threats, it has hardly been one of restraint and reflection, at least on the part of public figures. Nor was there any sense of shame at these violations of the good and holy month.

Since Raya coincides with Merdeka this year, I thought I would write a list of freedoms we should give ourselves in these coming months, besides the freedom to now eat.

First, let us have Freedom from Imagined Slights. I am sick and tired of the people who have nothing better to do than scour the media for all sorts of insults, while at the same time feeling entitled to slight others.

Some people’s skin is stretched so thinly over their rounded bulks it’s a wonder it hasn’t ripped. Every little imagined offence calls for protests and demos, almost always outside mosques after Friday prayers. One wonders if God feels slighted at this trespassing on His property, which should be oases of calm and tranquility.

As a corollary to that, let us also have Freedom from One-Sided Prosecutions. For example, some people seem to insist on having the monopoly on being sensitive. Everyone else is assumed to have thick skin, so much so that it is now apparently OK to insult people to their faces.

Thus, action is taken only when they have been offended, but never when they offend others. One has to wonder what is so great about displaying such thin skin? Won’t you wither under the sun?

Let us also demand Freedom from the Forgetful Politician, that is, those who forgot who voted them in. First off are those who insist that we should be grateful that they are there to lead us. Talk about a circular argument!

Then there are those who, although usually insisting that Malaysians are a unique species of people, totally different from everyone else in the world, are then quick to equate those same Malaysians with the worst of foreigners, those who riot, loot and destroy property.

Makes you wonder how that gels with our tourism campaigns. Are we supposed to be nice hospitable people or rioters?

One great freedom that I really wish we would give ourselves is Freedom from Snoopers, especially those intent on sticking their noses into our private lives. If one wants to create a moral society, then let’s widen that definition to include ethics instead of just keeping it totally focused on our sex lives.

A moral society is not just one where everyone behaves well sexually, if such a thing even exists, but also where people feel a strong civic duty to uphold the law, not be corrupt, treat the poorest and most vulnerable well, and protect and preserve the environment.

Instead, we have increasing official “busybodiness” coupled with the encouragement of society to be busybodies. Thus our young feel that they are constantly under suspicion of doing something bad, even when they are not. Does this stop all sorts of social ills? Of course not.

Indeed we should also demand Freedom from the Ostrich, the stick-their-heads-in-the-sand attitude that insists that some things just don’t exist in our country. On the one hand there are people who see a conspiracy under every pebble and on the other there are those who just refuse to connect the dots.

For example, young people don’t have to become pregnant outside marriage if we educate them and provide the services they need to make the best choices. Instead, we refuse to educate them and then blame them for having babies out of wedlock. Some even insist that the solution is to marry them off early.

That’s where we need Freedom from the Short-sighted, those who only think in terms of short-term solutions and not the harm that will come many years down the line.

At heart, however, we still need the fundamental freedoms that every human being desires, especially freedom of speech and expression. Without these, the Snoopers, Ostriches, Short-sighted and all these others will continue to thrive and make our lives miserable.

Our foreparents understood that we had a fundamental right to freedom and self-determination 54 years ago. Let’s not forget that the next time we vote.

Merdeka!

original link here

DINNER WITH A BEAUTY NAMED MAGGI

2011-08-30T18:07:00.001+08:00

My son had gone back to our hometown without me this time. Due to the Hari Raya holidays and most of the muslim staff are away and the plant has shut down for maintenance work, yours truely have been instructed to keep an eyes on things. It is raining outside, the weather is cold, but the atmosphere is just right for a warm meal. Put on the music .Aah just perfect now to enjoy my meal in the company of a beauty named Maggi. surname Mee.

cepat di masak sedap di makan..

Enjoy your holidays folks while I sulk myself in self pity.

Ladies and Gentlemen meet my friend Maggi.

my dinner.

DOWN BUT NOT OUT.

2011-08-29T18:56:00.001+08:00

I was looking forward to the adventurous trip to Gunung Panti. I had previously gone to this mountrain from the forest reserve main entrance. It was an easy hike for me as the path was clear, with lots of rocks and roots forming like steps.Where there was none I could rely on tree trunks and what ever along the way. This will be a tottaly different from the previous hike. My friend,Eric informed me we had to climb some huge boulder and that got me excited immediately and I was looking forward to the climb .Unfortunately on the eve of the event I was told I had to be at the plant. Some last minute work arrangement,which I would not go into details. I quickly got in touch with my friend and after a few short message exchange all parties agreed to delay the trip a couple of hours later. You can read my post on the trip here.

This side of the mountain was practically unknown and not many people had hike from this side. There were hardly any markers and there don't seems to be any visible sign of any kind of track, and the continuous rain for the past few days had make it worst. Only Eric had been here before and we had to rely solely on him to find the correct path. We followed closely to his intructions and used some old newpaper to marked our route as we explore deep into the unknown.Each time it was a deadlock.We seems to goes in circles , and at times we thought we found the correct trail only to find out it was a false trail. After more than two hours we decided to call it quit. Putting up the marker was easy, but trying to locate them on our way back was not easy as we thought. We felt like Hansel and Gretel trying to find their out of the woods. Only difference was we did not use bread crumb like they did.We used old newspaper which the birds could not eat and so we manage to find our markers and make it out of the woods. This is the second time I have been in such a senario.The first time was when I was in Tabur with another group trying out a new route but we manage to find the trail in the end. However this time at Panti no such luck. Our failed mission will not deters us.Yes we were disappointed, but we will not give up .

Perhaps we could go by the forest reserve way and work ourselves down to the other sides. One thing for sure we will be back.

a rock stuck in the roots. the tree was uprooted, along with it the rock.

one of my friends trying to find the correct path,which was no easy task.

HAPPY MERDEKA RAYA MALAYSIA

2011-08-29T11:48:00.000+08:00

An Independence Day is an annual celebration observing the anniversary of a nation's independent statehood, usually after ceasing to be a colony or part of another state. All countries honor their respective independence day, celebrating it as a national holiday. The independence of Malaysia is different from that of the independence of other countries. It was a peaceful independence attained by holding talks with the British. Thus on 31 August 1957, Malaysia got its independence from the United Kingdom.

So we will be 54 come August 31st this year. We have come a long way, since independence.So we got liberated from the British, but are we really liberated? After 54 years why are still suspicious of each other? why must everything be about race, or religion? Unless we can see beyond color or creed, we have not really been liberated. we can have all the merdeka celebration, year in , year out, it is not going to make any different. I prayed for the day when we can really call ourselves malaysian without looking his color or religion, then celebrating Merdeka will be more meaniful.

Anyway happy merdeka and Selamat Hari Raya.To those travelling, travel safe.

WORDS AND THEIR EFFECT

2011-08-24T14:36:00.003+08:00

Got this interesting articles from my friend Mary Ch'ng. Fact or Fiction. ? You decide

Can water be affected by our words? Dr. Masaru Emoto, a Japanese scientist,

believes so. And he has proof. Dr. Emoto took water droplets, exposed them to

various words and froze them for three hours. He then examined the crystal

formations under a dark field microscope. And he took photographs. The results were

totally mind-blowing.

Dr. Emoto exposed the water with the various negative words: “You make me sick.

You're such a failure. You're a loser. I hate you.” Below is how the frozen water

droplets looks like under the microscope after being exposed to the negativities. The

molecular structure is in disarray and it evens looks like a cancer cell.

The biggest part of your body made up of water. Yes! 72% of your body is made up

of water. Imagine how your words affect your own body.

People with the crabby habit of mind who constantly searching things to criticize not

only make themselves ugly on the outside and inside, but also expose themselves to

dangerous illnesses such as cancer. Their negativities decrease the metabolism in

their bodies and make them grow old faster.

The photos below is water after the positive words of praise, appreciation and

gratitude being said. It’s simply breathtaking. Utterly beautiful, right?

Dr. Emoto also experimented with cooked rice. He placed one cup of cooked rice in

two airtight jars. On one jar, he wrote, “I love you,” and on the other, “You fool.”

Everyday for 30 days, Dr. Emoto would say these words to each jar of rice. After 30

days, the “I love you” rice was still white. But the “You fool” rice was so rotten, it was

black.

If you were taught as a child to pray before meals, you now realize it wasn’t just a

nice thing to do. When you pray over you meal, you know a material transformation

my thoughts: We all like praises and when someone says something nice about us it really makes our day and our day will be productive. On the other hand if we receive negative comments or criticism I don't have to tell you how does that affect us. So start practicing to say good things.

In the book of proverbs 18:21: says The tongue has the power of life and death,

and those who love it will eat its fruit.

here is the illustration on video

DEAR SANTA

2011-08-23T17:30:00.002+08:00

I know christmas is still few months away,but I thought I will give you a head start to get your presents ready.

Since I have been a very good person can I have the following items for christmas? Pleassseeee

Columbia Mountain shoes

Backpack bag ,must be water proof

columbia hiking pants,which is cooling and comfortable.

sincerely,
your fan

Ps, while you at it, you might as well throw in an ab bench. That will really make my christmas.

WE DIDN'T KISSED BUT WE DID MAKE UP.

2011-08-22T21:20:00.003+08:00

Remember my friend who drove like a F1 driver? She did message me both on my cell as well as my inbox on facebook. But I totally ignored them. A few days later she did message me on WhatsApps , this time I did response to her query, albeit with some what lukewarm response . I was trying to avoid any kind of meeting if I could avoid it, however yesterday morning she call up asking if I will be available in the afternoon to join her on a hike at a nearby hill in kulai. I told her I could not as I need to fetch my son back from work. It was a genuine excuse. She volunteer to fetch me from the factory where my son work once I leave my car there. She had me cornered; there is no escaping now , so I agreed to her proposal.
Then another call from her informing me she was approaching kulai, but it was raining and she asked if it was the same in kulai to which I replied No. She also enquired if we should proceed with our hike should it rain?. I said why not ? Since she had make an effort to come all the way from Johor Baru, it will be unfair to disappoint her. As a seasoned hiker we always had our poncho handy.
Finally she reached the factory , I handed over my car key to my son and I hopped into her car and make our way to the Hill. We hike for an hour or so as the sky was getting dark, and it was almost dinner time ,so we made our way downhill. I suggested we have dinner and invited my son to join us. She wanted to foot the bill, but I would not hear of it, lest it be misconstruted our friendship was renewed over a meal. Further more this was my turf and she was a guest so it was not right for her to pay. Yes, we finally make up but minus the kissing part.

I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND IT WHEN....

2011-08-22T09:47:00.000+08:00

This post is just a reflection of some of the things that happen to me this year. Since it's almost year end , it's time to take stock of my life, self check, attitude check even .Have I offended anyone without even knowing it?

1)People invite you to visit them. And when you arranged your time and give them a date

they came back and said they are not free on those dates.If that happen not once but twice? What gives?

2) GUASHA FaciaL good for you so they say.Just to obliged and support you said ok. and when you make an appointment, they are busy and promised to get back to you and you wait and wait. I think I will have a full grown beard by now if I don't shave

3)People asked me why I never invite them for a certain outdoor event and when I invited them they never show up. Then there are those who always click attending, but never even change their rsvp when they know they cannnot make it . Wonder if it is so difficult to call up to inform they are not coming?

4)You want to invite someone for lunch or dinner they told you ok you set the date and when you do, they seem so elusive? Why is this so? I just don't understand.

HOW TO KEEP A WOMAN HAPPY

2011-08-21T15:08:00.003+08:00

Just got this in my mail from my Friend Tony chin. This is just for fun and not meant to insult any one particularly the woman.

It's not difficult to make a woman happy. A man only needs to be:
1. A friend
2. A companion
3. A lover
4. A brother
5. A father
6. A master
7. A chef
8. An electrician
9. A carpenter
10. A plumber
11. A mechanic
12. A decorator
13. A stylist
14. A sexologist
15. A gynaecologist
16. A psychologist
17. A pest exterminator
18. A psychiatrist
19. A healer
20. A good listener
21. An organizer
22. A good father
23. Very clean
24. Sympathetic
25. Athletic
26. Warm
27. Attentive
28. Gallant
29. Intelligent
30. Funny
31. Creative
32. Tender
33. Strong
34. Understanding
35. Tolerant
36. Prudent
37. Ambitious
38. Capable
39. Courageous
40. Determined
41. True
42. Dependable
43. Passionate
44. Compassionate
WITHOUT FORGETTING TO:
45. Give her compliments regularly
46. Love shopping
47. Be honest
48. Be very rich49. Not stress her out
50. Not look at other girls
AND AT THE SAME TIME, YOU MUST ALSO:
51. Give her lots of attention, but expect little yourself
52. Give her lots of time, especially time for herself53. Give her lots of space, never worrying about where she goes
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT:
54. Never to forget:
* birthdays
* anniversaries
* arrangements she makes
on the other hand HOW TO MAKE A MAN HAPPY

very easy really.

1. Leave him alone

FRIENDS OR FIENDS?

2011-08-17T11:37:00.004+08:00

Saw this on my friend's facebook status

time for list clearing....why having FB when he or she hides everything??? weirdos

so I join in the conversation by saying I delete you can or not? And her response was:

"mr lim...delete me, then u'll see me the nxt day giving u a warm smacking right on ur face....good morning n good day to ya^^"

LOL This is one friend for keeps.

another one ask Johnnie I add you did I not?-oops actually I deleted her sometimes ago. Either she is unaware or have too many friends that she dont even know I exist.

I have been clearing some of my so call friends, but new one keep adding me, cannot bring down the number. Keep adding up. Now I only keep those I have contact with or share a common interest be it, blogging, hiking or photograhy apart from church network.

There are friends I know but I don't add them and they likewise.

What kind of friends do you have and what are they to you? Care to share?

Here is an interesting statement about friendship.

Anaïs Nin

puts it beautifully when she said, "Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." Though some natural loners are happy without them, most of us depend greatly on the company of true friends. As with any relationship, friendships bring support and joy and occasionally strife. Here's how to make friends, understand friendship better, and be a great confidante to others.

WHAT IS PURE RELIGION?

2011-08-16T12:27:00.001+08:00

I read with disbelief in today's Sun daily here the three men and nine women in their 20s and 40s were also given counselling by JAIS officers. For crying out loud they need aid not couselling.If someone is dying of hunger you don't counsel them you take care of his hunger first la moron.

The following text explain it clearly.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

(James 2:14-17)

They are so consumed by the religion but the missed the whole point. Want to know what true and pure religion is?

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world < James 1:27>

I am invoved in an orphange in klang, and part of the programe was to provide aids to some poor families in klang, regardess of their race or religion. The orphange gave out foodstuff items received from goodwill of people and some charity organisation. This is part of their external programe. When ever there was any fuction like movie or party orgarnised by clubs or the mall their children will join the orphange children .There was no issues at all.

Then there was another case, where food stuff was also given to the widow of one of my muslim colleage in my previous company. I saw the need and made the recommendation to the home and the board approved it.There was no hidden agenda. So I just don't understand all the fuss when people help another malaysian and they make all kinds of accusation. If they had provided the necessary help in the first place, they would not have gone to the church for help right?

And when they do, why must they link everything to religion and politic? Something must be done if we want to be truly 1Malaysian.

TEMPER, TEMPER

2011-08-14T15:32:00.002+08:00

I was still at the office working today, when I got a chat message on my whatsApp . It was from one of my hiker friend, who was at one of the hill.She asked if I want to do lunch so I said ok, but she have to wait as I will only finish by 11.30am. Everything was confirm. She was to let me know the moment she is down at the foot of the mountain. She asked for a meeting and I suggested one which is near by my office . Later I got a message asking where I was. I thought she had already reached the meet up point, so I quickly locked up the office and when I reached our meet up point, she was no where to be found. I called her, she was still at the mountain. See people rushing you and they are still not ready? Any way when she finally arrived, she asked where we want to have lunch so I told her as agreed earlier -ulu tiram where another friend was waiting. She gave me a rather unhappy reply what? you should have asked me to wait there as I know the way there. So I am at fault now is it? Didn't you asked for a meet up point? That's what people do right especially if they are coming from the same direction. I asked if she was to lead the way since she was familiar with the place, but she said no and asked me to lead. I had my GSP so no worries. She was following closely until we reached ulu tiram , then she overtook me and droved like a F1 driver. Very soon I lost her, as I stopped at a traffic light and I had no way of calling her as my phone decided to go on a long sleep. I could not get it to boot up . Frustrated, I had to

returned home as I was anxious to check on my phone. Google a bit and finally found how to wake it up.

Footnote: she called later to apologized, her excuse was she could not stop by the roadside as motorist has honking at her. oh well I will give her the benefit of a doubt, but I will think twice , maybe trice if she asked for a lunch date next time.

NOW EVERYONE CAN DRIVE

2011-08-13T14:54:00.002+08:00

Read this piece of amusing news in the star-online today.Wonder if they are trying to lower the standard of driving or what. Last time we used to take our test in a normal sedan. Then they allow kancil car for test and now this. Don't know what they will think of next.? Maybe stimulation driving?

Automatic cars for driving tests soon

OTHER NEWS & VIEWS
Compiled by LEE YEN MUN, ALLISON LAI and A. RAMAN

THE plan to allow the use of cars with automatic transmission for driving tests will be implemented this year.

Sin Chew Daily quoted Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha as saying that studies on the plan by several relevant agencies had been completed.
Kong said the current provisions under the Road Transport Act 1987 and the Motor Vehicle Regulations (Driving Licence) 1992 needed to be amended to facilitate the implementation.
Under the plan, a new class of driving licence specifically for drivers of cars with automatic transmission would be introduced, and those holding that type of licence will not allowed to drive manual cars.
Those taking the class D test could still drive cars of both types of transmission.
Thus, he said, there was no need to amend the entire Act but just to include the provisions regarding the use of automatic transmission car, he said, adding that the market would determine the fees charged by driving

Link here

Stimulation driving

AIYO DON'T BE SO CHEAP SKATE LA.

2011-08-11T08:06:00.004+08:00

Read this story in the star today here. Don't understand why people can go to this extend, just to saved 20 cents and in the end, got lock up. So malu only. If really want to save,go to to the super market They have free toilets there. Takes all kind.

MEMBERS of the public using automatic toilets located at tourist spots around Kuala Lumpur will have to pay or they may get stuck in the cubicle, reported Nanyang Siang Pau.
According to the daily, they have to pay 20 sen for 15 minutes in the toilet but some people tried to sneak into the cubicle if the previous occupant had left before his time was up.
However, the door could not be opened after their turn in the toilet, sounding the alarm.
The daily reported that if the person in charge of the toilets was not around, they might have to end up waiting for a mechanic from City Hall to free them from the cubicle.

BIRTHDAY AT CHILDREN HOME

2011-08-11T07:09:00.003+08:00

Had a wonderful celebration at the Berkat home in Johor last evening. The home is run by Pastor Raymond choong and his lovely Filipino wife Nerisa. Their daughter Darissa just turn 7 yesterday. I have known Ps Raymond a long way back when we were both serving in the Royal Rangers ministry, which is a uniform group like the Boys Scout. The home is situated at N0.44A Jalan Dapat Kampong Baru, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor West

A HOME for the HOMELESS
Children who are orphans-loss of both parents,
Share love for the unloved, children with derelict parents,
Protect and Assist the abused and abandoned.
To EMPOWER THE weak to be strong to help others

Do visit them when you are at Johor.

In the meantime enjoy the photos of the Birthday girl taken at the home

Birthday girl Darissa

two of the girls staying at the home

Ps Raymond and his parent

some of the children having enjoying their video games

More Photos here

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY

2011-08-08T20:52:00.004+08:00

Didn't released it was Friendship day yesterday,until I read it in our daily journal here.
I would like to share some of the high light of the story

In honor of Friendship Day (being celebrated today), Winnie the Pooh was named the world’s ambassador. Those familiar with the famous red-shirted teddy bear know that the collection of Pooh stories highlight the friendships Winnie has with a group of good friends: Piglet, Christopher Robin, Tigger, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, and Eeyore. The group experienced many fun and challenging adventures together. On friendship, Winnie once said: “If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.”

Solomon put himself in the shoes of a man who lacked companions and wrote on the importance and value of true friendship: “Two people are better off than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). His reasons? Friends help you succeed (Ecclesiastes 4:9), care for you when you fall (Ecclesiastes 4:10), keep you company when you’re lonely (Ecclesiastes 4:11), and protect you when you’re in danger (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
A friend is someone who shares the joy of your triumphs and the pain of your troubles (Ecclesiastes 4:9). A friend lifts you up when you stumble on life’s rocky roads (Ecclesiastes 4:10). A friend walks with you through the dark valleys (Ecclesiastes 4:11). A friend stands with you to help you face life’s challenges (Ecclesiastes 4:12). “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” (Proverbs 17:1

So to all my friends and bloggers friends(both old and new) wishing you a Happy Friendship day

RAINY DAY AND GOOD FOOD

2011-08-07T18:22:00.000+08:00

I had planned to hike Gunung Pulai 2 this morning together with two friends. On the way to our meeting point ,I picked up one friend and stop by at our regular coffee shop.
I sent a message of whatsApp to find where she was and since she was still a long way to our meeting point, we order our breakfast .Then suddenly it rained. We waited a while for the rain to stopped.Well it did not stopped completely, it was still dizzing ,we paid up and droved to our meeting place.We were debating whether to carry or to abort our hike. As we were already there might as well we proceed to our destination and who knows the rain might stop once we reached there, but no such luck rather we had worst luck. The place was closed. Gunung Pulai 1 is just around the corner and that seems to be a logical choice and so off we went. A quick check on the water which was murky does not appeal to us. We had read enough and heard enough whenever that happen it means there is chances of flash flood occurring.Since my friend that came later did not had a breakfast and she was craving for Bak Kut Teh,so we aborted our hike and head to another town nearby. we had bakut teh ,eel , ginger chicken and a vegetable and the bill came to around rm38.90 which was quite reasonable. On the way back we stopped by a durian store and had some by the roadside. Today we did not burn any calories,but instead put on more. Well blame it on the rain.

,

murky water, which is a bad sign

our meal

who can resist Durian?

ANY TEACHERS OUT THERE?

2011-08-06T08:24:00.000+08:00

would appreciate your feedback to a friend of mine,who is a teacher by profession and will be doing her masters soon.

Dear teachers,

This is my fourth year in the teaching profession and I’ve noticed that many of my fellow beginning teachers, including myself, are not getting much satisfaction from our profession. In fact, a number of us are showing signs of burnout – Monday blues, depression, extreme fatigue, disillusionment, etc. I’ve been pondering over this for a long time… what has gone wrong? Does the problem lie with us individually? Or the system? Is there anything we can do about it? Is it possible to teach in a public school and find satisfaction in our teaching career?

All of us entered the teaching profession with big dreams and good intentions. We want to make a difference. We desire to be good teachers. Me too. However, the real world out there is not a bed of roses. Honestly speaking, I have seen my ideals shattered and there were days I cried myself to sleep because of work-related issues. Not to mention the nightmares that plagued my sleep!!

For your information, I’ll be on study LEAVE for two years on the pretext of doing my Masters. I’m doing it full-time to give myself a breather, i.e. to get away from school to regain my bearings. I’m still passionate about teaching and come what may, I think I’ll still be in the education field. After I’ve completed my Masters degree, I’ll be going back to school… for how long I have no idea, but I hope to at least fulfill my bond to the government (or rather the taxpayers).

You may read the rest of the story on her blog here.

OH I LOVED BANANA LEAF

2011-08-05T19:00:00.000+08:00

It's been quite a while I had a banana leaf lunch,more so since I moved to Kulai. So today I was craving for
a banana leaf lunch. Further more I was fed up with the food at the factory's canteen. So I invited my Indian colleagues at the factory and they were only too happy to join me.
I was introduced to fried bitter gourd, the first time I have tried this. I have eaten indian style cooking of bitter gourd, but never deep friend. It would be a wonderful lunch had it not been interruppted by a call from the GM saying there was no one at the lab to do the test. Don't he know today is Friday and the Muslim staff need to go for their prayers? Haiz had to quickly swallowed everything within minutes to rush back to the factory to fix the 'problem' Since it was Friday they prepared payasam for desert, but it was not nice at all, since missing some ingredients like noodle and cashew nuts. Another complaint I had was they serve in a small cup, unlike the ones back home in a larger cup. Anyway since my colleagues did not want their share I walloped their shares too.

my banana leaf lunch

Malaysian to be the first man on the Sun

2011-08-05T11:10:00.000+08:00

Something funny I read, and would like to share .

Putrajaya, 4 August. Malaysia is set to join the elite club of space faring nations. We will actually go one step further by becoming the first nation to send a man to the Sun.

The Aeronautical and Space Agency of Malaysia (ASAM), the little-known agency under the Prime Minister’s Department, revealed its ambitious plan at the 4^th International Conference on Astronomy and Astronomical Space Travel held at the Federal Administrative Centre today. According to the Rector of ASAM (RASAM), Tan Sri Dr Farid Chris Merican, the expedition costing some RM 265 billion, codenamed POMJOM 1, will see a Malaysian flag planted on the dark side of the Sun before the end of 2018. Monyet News Network has learnt that ASAM has been planning this venture since 1998.

“We have the vision, we have the technology, we have the brains. All that remain are to build the spacecraft and find 32 of the finest Malaysians to be the crew. We have six years to do that”, Tan Sri Merican informed more than 100 local and foreign media correspondents gathered in Putrajaya for the conference.

When quizzed by journalists, Tan Sri Merican added “Our scientists have developed our own ASAM’s Jet Amplification & Warp Acceleration (JAWA) technology which will enable our spacecraft to travel at over 124,000 km/hr and reduce the travel time to the Sun to just under 14 months. The JAWA technology is foolproof and we have tested it extensively at our jet propulsion laboratory at Ulu Kinta, Perak. There is nothing to worry. I assure you - we will land on the Sun. And we will prove to the rest of the world that Malaysia Boleh”.

In a subsequent technical briefing by ASAM’s senior ASTRO-scientists, Dr Ananda Krishnan and Dr Latifah Samsuddin, the media was shown the design of the spacecraft, booster engines, flight paths, safety measures as well as the various scientific equipment that will be carried on board the craft. Dr Ananda, sensing sceptism amongst the newsmen, quickly explained “We are aware that many people are sceptical of our ability to land a man on the Sun. We are not stupid, you know. We know how bloody hot the Sun is and we have planned for it. And I am sick of the jokes about travelling at night which I don’t think is very funny”.

Dr Latifah explained the plan. “We are targeting November 2018 because there will be an eclipse of the Sun then. As you know during the eclipse of the Sun, the Sun goes dark which means it won’t be that hot. Nevertheless we will be taking precautions. Our spacecraft will be carrying more than 2 million cubic metres of water and 55 tonnes of ice for the purpose of cooling. Before our spacecraft touches down on the surface of the Sun, the water and ice will be sprayed gradually to induce the cooling of the surface. Ourangkasawans will be equipped with the best protective clothing that money can buy. We will also supply them with our traditional remedies such as the bedak sejuk and herbal tea that will keep their bodies cool. Furthermore, our angkasawans will be trained by Jabatan Bomba to handle fires - as we expect some pretty big fires on the Sun. They will be safe”.

MNN has been informed that most of the angkasawans will be on the surface of the Sun for about 3 days to conduct scientific experiments and collecting rock and gas samples. According to inside sources, one of the experiments will be to confirm whether Ultraman really obtained his special powers from the Sun. There have also been unconfirmed reports that ASAM may also set up a permanently manned research station on the Sun, primarily to investigate the effects of extreme heat on human health.

Meanwhile, ASAM has placed advertisements on all major newspapers and on its website, inviting Malaysians to apply for the 32 places on the POMJOM 1 expedition. “Half of the places or 16 are reserved for religious scholars because we need people to pray along the way so that nothing goes wrong. 8 will be cooks because it is a long journey and our angkasawans have to eat well. Another 4 will be bloggers because the rakyat back home will need to know what is happening on the flight to the Sun”, added Dr Latifah. Application forms may be downloaded at www.asam.gov.my

When contacted by MNN, the US National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA), the European Space Agency (ESA) and theJapanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) - all declined to comment. MNN received a text message from the Director of Khazakstani Research Institute for Space (KRIS), Dr Hishem Moodyn, congratulating ASAM on their endeavour.

Other related news

The popular South Indian restaurant, Sri Meenatchi Curry House in Brickfields, has filed for an injunction in the Kuala Lumpur High Court to stop the Rector of ASAM from using the abbreviation RASAM. The restaurant has claimed exclusive rights over the term RASAM which is a spicy Indian soup on its menu.

Monyet News Network

Your most reliable source of unreliable news

original post follow the link here

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRECIOUS

2011-08-02T08:36:00.004+08:00

It's my darling girl's birthday today. Due to my work and separate by great distance will not be able to celebrate with her today. So we had an early late dinner together at Sushi King, last weekend.

Birthday Graphics

Happy Birthday dear,and may all your dreams come true.

STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

2011-08-01T16:15:00.000+08:00

Yes I admit it. I am guilty. I still dig comics after all these years. I started reading comics during my school days and I was still crazy even through out my working years. In fact working life give me even more opportunity to read and explore to other comics title. In fact my best friend, the late Richard chua was even crazier than me and being a business man he could afford to buy more comics than me. We used to travel regularly almost every week to a novety shop in kuala lumpur that sells comics. So you can understand whenever one of our superheroes make it to the big screen I am excited and looked forward to catch the movie. My only regret was if only my friend were still alive , we would have fun together to catch the movie,just like we did whenever we go through our comics collection. As our collection grew I realized the need to get organized . That was when I suggested we have them all bound up , just that those journals and magazine, people sent to the bookshops to have them bound. When we first sent our comics , we used go get funny looks, but as kept sending more and more order, the looks changed to that of a welcome look. I guest we were the only one that kept coming back weeks after weeks, whereas the others only comes once a year.

One of the many volumes Comics

While searching for something in my cupboard this morning I saw my lost comics . It's a shame none of my children have any interests in them. My late friend's collection must have been destroyed during his demise and I dare not ask for them as my wife was already complaining my collection was taking up space at home.

I'TS MOMENT LIKE THIS.

2011-07-29T12:21:00.000+08:00

My eldest son likes movie a lot and will always 'pester' me to go to a movie with him. I am less enthusiastic than him when it comes to movie. Even if it is a good movie I can wait for the DVD

Maybe it has got to do with age? But since he so sincere and persistence ,I usually give in and end up going to the movie with him. I am glad I did because I do enjoyed his company. It also give us the opportunity to catch up and make up for the time lost during his growing years. I confess, I did not get to do that during those times. I am not offering any excuse here. Just spilling out the truth. I hope none of you will repeat my mistake. Anyway we were at the cinema last night to catch Captain America, which happen to be one of my superhero as well. It was a nice movie and both of us enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. We were early and the show only starts at 8.10pm and so we went to the nearby stall by the road side.He bought dinner and we ate by the road side. He sometimes surprise me with his acton. He waited till I finish my dinner , collected the empty box to throw it in the rubbish bin. At the cinema hall treat me further to a massage at those massage chair. I'ts moment like this we enjoyed each other's company.

I am excited that one by one my super heroes make it to the big screen. Reading comics and seeing it on the screen are totally two different experience.

Climbing Uphill On Your Way To Health

2011-07-28T06:36:00.002+08:00

An interesting article from bernama. Those who likes hiking,hill climbing will like this.

By Kurniawati Kamarudin

KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Bernama) -- Bukit Batu Putih, a hill adjacent to Taman Awana in Cheras, is teeming with motley crowd during the weekends as hundreds of people from far and near visit the place not just to relax or soak in the fresh air, but also exercise by going uphill.

Streams of people from all walks of life, young and old, can be seen ascending and descending the hill to sweat it out while enjoying the greenery provided by the jungle covering the hill, something that is increasingly rare in Kuala Lumpur nowadays.

Bukit Batu Putih, with its peak at 1,010-metre from sea level and steep gradient, is ready to put to test anybody's physical endurance.

ROUTE TO THE TOP

As for those who have not been there, there are several routes leading to Bukit Batu Putih, some being Taman Awana (the route used by most people), Taman Mudun, Cheras Hartamas and Taman Melur from Bukit Saga, Ampang.

Many come to the hill daily and some like Uncle Lim, 75, are well known faces of the hill. Other climbers at Bukit Batu eagerly wait for the genial Uncle Lim who almost without fail visits the hill daily.

The classic Mandarin song reverberating along the route winding up the hill, whether it rains or shines, indicates Uncle Lim's presence.

With a cheerful face and a 1.5 metre stick, he starts his way up by 8am as he feels it is the best time to get vitamin D other than enjoying the fresh morning atmosphere.

"I sing aloud while climbing because it is good for the lungs. If I don't sing, I get bored and it takes me longer to reach the peak," shared this senior citizen, who lives in the neighbourhood.

Looking hale and hearty, with his t-shirt wet from sweat, he greets anyone whom he meets on the hill and has made a lots of friends.

Uncle Lim's hill climbing routine started 10 years ago when he realised his body was slowly becoming weak due to inactivity after retirement.

"When there was no work, I just ate and slept, and soon my body started becoming weak. So I started climbing the hill to sweat it out. I climb daily, rain or shine, because I feel healthy and sleep well. When I return home, I take a short nap before proceeding with other outines," he said.

Ever since he started hill climbing, Uncle Lim has been in the best of health, except for some fever and common cold. He is free from heart ailments, high blood pressure or even diabetes.

He added that he watches his diet too and advised others to start taking care of their health right from an early stage.

"Many are gluttons and lazy to exercise, that is why they suffer from a host of disorders. Always think of making money, never happy, sooner or later they fall sick and die," said the father of two children.

Uncle Lim, who has six grandchildren, noted that climbing Bukit Batu Putih also helped him overcome loneliness as he meets his old friends there while making new ones.

HILL CLIMBING AND WELLNESS

Hill climbing is a recreational activity that calls for physical and mental strength.

According to Universiti Teknologi Mara's (UiTM) Sports Science and Recreation lecturer Associate Prof Dr Anuar Suun, more people are taking up climbing as it is another wellness lifestyle.

Apart from Bukit Batu Putih, there are many hills within the Klang Valley where this activity is popular - Bukit Gasing, Bukit Saga, Bukit Tabur, Bukit Broga and Bukit Takun.

Dr Anuar pointed out that climbing hills regularly could help in maintaining body weight and keep heart disease at bay. The heart becomes stronger and works optimally through physical exercise.

He said that even those with heart problems, except if it is serious, could climb hills but they should seek their doctor's advice beforehand.

"The same goes for those with high blood pressure, they have to seek the doctor's advice beforehand as climbing activity pushes up the blood pressure and causes extra stress to the heart," he said.

Hill climbing also reduces stress and mood swings, and improved blood flow helps to slow down the aging process.

PERILS OF HILL CLIMBING

Meanwhile, Lt. Muda Shahrul Kamar Mohd Joha, an officer with the Federal Territory Civil Defence Department, said while climbing Bukit Batu Putih is a healthy recreational activity, climbers have to be aware of the perils.

He pointed out that first timers should be careful as there is a risk of getting lost because the hill has 30 Y junctions and those who lose their way may end up deeper in the jungles of Hulu Langat.

However, to help joggers and visitors find their way, numerous markers have been put up along the way, including six checkpoints. Despite this, people get lost.

Even those familiar with the place also go missing, especially when they suffer from sprained ankle or chest pain that immobilises them.

"Often those who get lost are the ones who start late in the evening. Some start late without any preparation like proper shoes and attire and this slows them down, and when darkness sets in they fail to see their way out," observed Shahrul, who took joint search teams in five cases where people went missing on the hill.

original article link here

WOM4N

2011-07-27T11:02:00.001+08:00

Drawing woman from the inside out. Someone put a HUGE amount of work into
this. Now this is simply amazing! Please click on the link below and be blown away.

http://fcmx.net/vec/get.swf?i=003702

EVERYTHING IS OK NOW

2011-07-25T12:15:00.003+08:00

For the past few days I just could not post any comments on my blog. I thank all my friends who came to my aid with your suggestions . Tried so many ways still could not figure it out. Given google and tried out all the tips given,still could not get it work. Even thought it might have been the template which I changed and revert back to the original template. Still same result. Finally I tried using another browser. I was using firefox, which is still my favourite browser. What do you know it works! The moment I log into my blog and saw the pencil image I knew it will work. Just to share so that in case any of you guys have the same problem like mine , try a different browser. During the time I was unable to comment I was thinking of switching to another blog service like wordpress. Apart from Caroline anyone else is using this? What about other blog service? Which is better and easier to use? I have been using blogger since I started my blog and so accustom to it, and to change now will means alot of adjustment and getting use to the new site. But sometimes changes are necessary right?

SORRY FRIENDS ,UNABLE TO COMMENTS.

2011-07-25T06:32:00.001+08:00

Of late I have not been able to response to comments on blogger. Have tried many times , don't sure what went wrong. will contact brogger and wait for their feedback. So until this is fixed I will not be able to reply to any of your comments. Just to let you know lest you think I become sombong.
By the way anyone has this problem before? How to fix this?

CLIMBING GUNUNG PANTI

2011-07-24T20:14:00.008+08:00

I Always enjoyed myself whenever I goes for a hike and today was no different. As usual it is my habit to log into Facebook whenever I got the time or in between waiting for someone or time to pass by. Since I was still early, I quickly check my facebook and there in my inbox was a girl saying she had written to me requesting for contact numbers as she wanted to join the hike too and she does not know the way. I just can't understand people, I had created the event months ago, giving her ample time to make contact.
Anyway I reponsed but did not hear from her till much later in the afternoon. she said she was caught in a traffic jam. Again lack of planing. Then there was another guy who brought his friend along and half way he threw up. I learnt latter he had a late night and drank excessively. I have put some pointers on facebook as well as in the blog here and here. One of the rules was no late night and get enough sleep.
apparently they are not following and end up unfit to hike.
Other than those two hicups I had a good hike in the company of friends. I just love the last part where I could use my hands to hold on to the roots and the rocks to climb. Just like in Tabur, which is my favourite hill in kuala Lumpur. Today's quest on Mount Panti, which is 513 meter high is one more tick on my list of places I wanted to go. There are many more hills to go and I hope to be able to climb them all as long as I am able to.

just love climbing this way

with a new found friend, serene, Photo credit:Chris Kho


the steep climb up

with some of my friends

a scene from above

OMG, Dad wants to be a friend!

2011-07-24T19:11:00.000+08:00

Saw this interesting article in today's star. What do you think should children add their parent ?

OMG! There goes my privacy!” That was Shareen Gopal’s reaction when she received a friend request from her father, retired lawyer Gopal Annamalai, 65.
She had asked him to go to Facebook to check out her pictures but she never expected him to actually join the social media network.
She soon overcame her initial worry, however.
“I accepted him as a friend as I feel that it is all right for him to be in Facebook. It is a social networking site after all, and everyone is entitled to be in Facebook. I cannot keep him out of Facebook even if I wanted to, anyway.”

Rejected: Many anti-parents groups are sprouting on Facebook in an attempt to safeguard the privacy young users.

Her friends rubbed it in further when they asked to add him (as their friend on Facebook) because they think he is more active on Facebook than she is.
Still, Shareen is now a strong advocate of having parents on Facebook.
As she puts it, the social media network has improved her relationship with her family as well as with her relatives, especially now that she is studying in Russia.

read it all here

JUST FOR LAUGH

2011-07-21T15:45:00.001+08:00

This came in the mail from my friend Jane.

my comment: if you have enjoyed reading their funny signboard you will enjoy this.

China Southern Airlines Announcement ...Hilarious ! This is a good one!
[Pre-take off announcement on a China Southern Airlines Flight].
This is true account of what was heard on a recent flight from Shenzhen to Qingtao .

Chinese Air Stewardess

'Good afternoon, Ladies and the German. This is your cheap purser Wang Lui speaking.
On behalf of China Sudden Airlines, I would like to waycome you on board our Bowling 737 fom Shenzhen to Qingtao.
Members of my kew speak Chinese and other languages that you do not know.
It is a great pressure serving you to-die.
Should you need any resistance during the fright, peace do pest the call button.
I and my gals are available to make you feel comfortable.
Meanwhile, the airkwaft is going to fry.
Peace sit upright and keep you belt tightly fastened until dinner is served at five dirty p.m..
Hope you would enjoy your fright with us. Funkkiuu.' (thank you)

Now you know why I never text my wife?

2011-07-21T13:57:00.001+08:00

Even if one were to run a spell check on the computer, the following mistake would not have been highlighted as itis a correct spelling! Now you know why we need BIG FONTS!

So do check carefully, even after you have run a spell check through your document. Iphone can put you in trouble at time with their auto spell.

One spelling mistake can destroy your life!

A husband wrote a message to his wife on his business trip and forgot to add 'e' at the end of a word...

" I am having such a wonderful time! Wish you were her "

The divorce trial begins next week .

ripped from MWS 'post here

BABY BLUES

2011-07-19T07:31:00.007+08:00

I Just got back yesterday from my hometown with my eldest son. Since we were still on leave I asked him if he would like to check around fro some baby clothings for his daughter who is due in October. It would be better to start buying bit by bit now instead of waiting for the arrival of the baby,because by that time there will be a lot of other expenses I am sure.

At the same time I could check out my guy equipment. So we droved to Scudai which is about 45 minutes from Kulai. We stopped by at Sutera Mall, but there was not much choice so we headed to Jusco at Bukit Indah. I was so shocked when I saw the prices of the clothings. The cheapest was between Rm15 to Rm20 and some of the simple ones-just the top mind you was selling for Rm89.00 which is more expensive than an adult's tees.

We walked out of the shop empty handed as it was not worth spending that much for baby clothings since they will outgrown them anyway. How come baby stuff cost so much? I don't remember paying so much for my two boys when they were born. But then that was some twenty plus years ago. Our ringgit is skrinking. Should call it skringgit instead.

Perhaps we should get them at the pasar malam(night bazaar) instead.