Just like stroke, that attacks with very little sign, espcially to first time victim, the recent quake measuring 9 on the ricther scale that hit Sumatra has caused more damages than everyone thought it would.
Malaysia, while lucky enough to be outside of the tetonic belt, aren't spare from the aftermath of the quake.
Tsunami, or harbour wave, as it is known after translation from japanese, has caused great loss of life. At press time this morning, The Star reported 23750 life lost.
Malaysia, the northern states of Penang, Kedah and Perlis in particular has so far seen 58 life being lost after the huge waves, some claiming to be 10m high, hit the coast.
Now, the government wants to set up a tsunami warning system.
Ironically, thre is one in the Pacific Ocean, but not much could be said about the existence in the Indian Ocean.
The Malaysians that cares has since set up a tsunami/tidal wave fund, to help relieve victims at this point of crisis.
Again, just how ignorant are malaysians?
When i heard about the quake on Boxing day, on TV3 noon news, i've already anticipated that there will be tidal waves forming. I've even told wifey that to prepare for more news, as earthquake that happens on ocean floors are usually not so forgiving as those that happen on land itself.
True enough, by the time the next news came on, there has already been casulties.
Malaysians, being *jakun* on these matters, though that it was beautiful to see such big waves, and some paper even reported that one hotel in penang actually sounded the siren like 10 minutes before the first wave crashed.
Ironically, again, it was the foreigners that was smarter, and had moved away from the beach front.
My sympathies goes out to all the families of the victims, true, we had not had these level of national disasters since MRR2 issues, but nevertheless, i could already sense all those ringgit and sen to not to be accounted for, somehow, it will take like ages, before the full account of who gets what and where is tabled for the general public to know.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Monday, December 20, 2004
Stroke
Guys and girls,
sorry for being missing all these whole past 1 week.
My dad had a stroke last monday, and was in hospital since.
I took off from work, thanks to a very understanding boss, and remained in the hospital just to take care of him, while my mum and sis manage the food shop.
Too many things happening at once, with 2 other relative being admitted for two different reasons as well.
Just too many things to think at the current moment, and this first time writing again, after so long, does feel awkward.
sorry for being missing all these whole past 1 week.
My dad had a stroke last monday, and was in hospital since.
I took off from work, thanks to a very understanding boss, and remained in the hospital just to take care of him, while my mum and sis manage the food shop.
Too many things happening at once, with 2 other relative being admitted for two different reasons as well.
Just too many things to think at the current moment, and this first time writing again, after so long, does feel awkward.
Monday, December 13, 2004
The Day He Divorced us.
Mr & Mrs Harrisson Prabu
Divorce Proceeding/Hearing aka Church Ceremony:
Date: 11th December 2004
Time: 3.45pm
Venue: St. John Church
Official Annulment aka dinner:
Date: 11th December 2004
Time: 8.00pm
Venue: Park Royal KL.
Strength:
Aminuddin aka Toncet
Nizam aka Arjuna
Akmal
Faris + Wife
Zafri aka Manai + Wife + Baby due in April 2005
TJ + Gf
Kenneth aka Bear
Chen
Lim + Wife
Can't Make it last minute:
Maizu aka Penyu - Called to say that he have to go to KLIA to pick up someone.
It was raining heavily in the afternoon at 2.45pm, with minimal people in the church.
Perbu was no where to be seen. The best man could be seen waiting at the entrance, with the bride's relatives.
It was not until 3.10pm that perbu came marching in. His wife came in the second car a minute later.
"Caught in jam la bro" , Was what he said to me.
For a moment, i thought he was chickening out. :Þ
This is my 3rd wedding in church that i went in the past 6 months, the previous two was of wifey's friend.
Looking at people getting married, makes us both want to get over with the ceremony as well.
It was my wife's birthday as well actually. And at least i've killed 2 birds with one stones, by attending both my friend's wedding, and be with wifey the whole day long.
The marriage was in full mass, since both sides of the newlywed are catholics.
After hearing both of them saying "I Do" and all the nessasary wording and phrase (in sickness and health..yada..yada..yada), they went on to sign the marriage registration of the church.
Yes, that is where you sign it!
Best Men, Bridesmaids, witnesses and the Newlywed.
Dinner
Smile!
Dinner was much later that same evening. With us RMC boys taking up 1 table and a quarter (There were 13 of us present, incl wife).
The MC was heard asking where is the RMC boys, of which we just lifted our hand and acknowledged her.
Chen, Nizam & Toncet
Of course, the next two table was filled with stewards and stewardess from Air Asia. Mr Tony Fernandez was seen amongst the crowd as well. Such sweet of him to grace his own staff's wedding. This is what i call good PR stuff.
Dinner was served after speeches from all concerned and the newlywed was addressed.
We've also found out that Zafri is expecting his 4th child next April 2005. Guess he jsut putting undue pressure on the rest of us.
Kenny was dressed to the nine, he came in a nicely pressed long sleeve shirt complete with tie. The rest of us were more casual.
Kenny TJ & Gf
Chen rushed back from JB to be with us that evening.
So did Nizam, which ditch the counter in PC Fair to make it there as well with Aminuddin.
Newlywed at the RMC Table
Faris, as his usual punctual self, was in the Hotel lobby by 7.15, a good 10 minutes earlier than me! Well done. So was Akmal, came armed with his SLR, was already sitting at the table as me and Faris went into the ballroom.
Overall, it was a great nite. We managed to catch up with everyone, and Kenny didn't had the guts to talk to some stewardess, for fear that the stewards will *check him out* (yes, one of them was wearing a Tiffany bracelet, metrosexual, or simply confusedsexually, you decide).
When the band played the first song of the nite with Jingling Nyoya, Perbs and his beautiful wife took to the floor, it wasn't any longer that Zafri and wife(plus 5 months feotus) went to join him. Later, it was a slow number, where Liaw and girlfriend joined in the fun.
The Loving Couple waltzing
Yeah Baby...groove it!
Slow sikit Bro...
The rest of us were more than happy to just sit and watch (ie tak tau menari la tuh).
We left, happily, to know that the first 388xxx has ended his bachelorhood, divorcing us in RMC to be one with his Wife Andrea. But i know, and we all know, that Perbu, as we all know him by that name, will still be having *affairs* with the rest of us guys.
To Perbu and Andrea, may this day mark the beginining of many more wonderful days.
May both your life together be filled with much joy, laughter and lil Perbs and Andreas running around!!!
Friday, December 03, 2004
My Body Composition
Went for lunch with a few friends just now to Ikano.
Had 2 servings of the Ikea Hotdogs.
Then, we went into one of the health/exercise place to get my body fat checked.
The person behind the counter, Rueben, was very helpful.
He offered a free body composition test, which all 3 of us quickly obliged.
Machine used: Tanita TBF-300
Here are my results:
Body Type : Standard (yeah, what else?)
Gender : Male (I am glad about this)
Age: 28
Height: 173cm (i know, i'm short)
Weight: 83kg (after lunch)
BMI(Body Mass Index) : 27.7 (reccomended: 18.5-25.0)BMR (Base Metabolic Rate) : 7249kJ/1733kcal (Basically the amount of energy i need for normal body functions)
Impedance : 364 ohm
Fat % : 21.1% (High for my level of activities)
Fat Mass: 17.5kg
Fat Free Mass : 65.5kg (if i am 0% fat, whish is impossible)
Total Body Water: 48.0kg ie 57% (reccomended is 50-70%)
Desirable range:
Fat %: 14-20%
Fat Mass : 10.7kg -16.4kg
My target body fat: 12%
Predicted weight : 74.4kg (At 12% fat)
Predicted fatt mass : 8.9kg (at 12 %)
Fat to lose: 8.6kg (gosh....)
So, there! despite being active and doing 10km run every other days and cycling every weekend and doing weight training...i jsut have to watch what i eat from now on...
Had 2 servings of the Ikea Hotdogs.
Then, we went into one of the health/exercise place to get my body fat checked.
The person behind the counter, Rueben, was very helpful.
He offered a free body composition test, which all 3 of us quickly obliged.
Machine used: Tanita TBF-300
Here are my results:
Body Type : Standard (yeah, what else?)
Gender : Male (I am glad about this)
Age: 28
Height: 173cm (i know, i'm short)
Weight: 83kg (after lunch)
BMI(Body Mass Index) : 27.7 (reccomended: 18.5-25.0)BMR (Base Metabolic Rate) : 7249kJ/1733kcal (Basically the amount of energy i need for normal body functions)
Impedance : 364 ohm
Fat % : 21.1% (High for my level of activities)
Fat Mass: 17.5kg
Fat Free Mass : 65.5kg (if i am 0% fat, whish is impossible)
Total Body Water: 48.0kg ie 57% (reccomended is 50-70%)
Desirable range:
Fat %: 14-20%
Fat Mass : 10.7kg -16.4kg
My target body fat: 12%
Predicted weight : 74.4kg (At 12% fat)
Predicted fatt mass : 8.9kg (at 12 %)
Fat to lose: 8.6kg (gosh....)
So, there! despite being active and doing 10km run every other days and cycling every weekend and doing weight training...i jsut have to watch what i eat from now on...
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Sorted...
Thank you MPPJ...i never know that i would be free from charges from you guys.
Lets hope it never happen again.
Lets hope it never happen again.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Aiyo...what now?
What a rude shock.
I've always been a law abiding citizen.
I get summoned, that's fair, it is my fault.
I paid up within 2 weeks, no doubt.
Proud to say, since my last offence with the *Parking Monster* on 15th October 2004, i've been spared from the mouth of this beast for more than 1 month.
But not this time.
I was slapped with a notice to pay up a RM30 compound.
The very same summon that i've already paid up with RM20.
have a look:
Letter printed on 24/11/04 from MPPJ.
see la...paid within 14 days on 29th october 2004 in the morning!!!!
as if DOING ME A FAVOUR by letting me compound this offence at RM30!!! What F... ???!!!
Yes Miss Lulu, MPPJ is being lulu by telling me this nonsense!!! I paid up BEFORE 19/11!!! Also, Please change your tag line...a bit sad and has just ended up as a joke.
I called MPPJ at 79602657 and spoke to Ms. Dun Have Name (yeah, she refused to introduce herself, but i did). She checked through her canggih PC system and told me that i had 6 summons, out of which, i've paid all 5 but this one.
I gave her my summon number (56005251) and she checked with 56002521 and asked me what is the car number, which i then asked her to tell me MY car number stated on her PC. Obviously, she got it wrong.
I had to repeat myself 4 times, before she got the summon number right. What? someone doing something to you under the table and you can't concentrate?
After getting the reference number right, and verifying that i've not paid my summon, i told her i got the resit resmi infront of me. I offered to read to her the resit resmi number, which she then asked me to come to MPPJ to settle this matter.
Look:
1. I do not have the luxury of time
2. Why is my resit resmi NOT good enough as a proof of payment?
3. I have to ask you where i need to go...imagine if i dind't i'll find myself running from Civic Center and MPPJ Building...and who is gonna pay for my parking???
by the way, i've noticed that MPPJ is governed by people that do not know how to use Bahasa Malaysia Proper...
Resmi, as far as i can recall from my Form 3 and Form 5 SRP and SPM paper states that it is a habit, behaviour or characteristic, like adat resmi..but never resit resmi!!! Click here for the link to Resmi
Rasmi, on the other hand means official...now, doesn't that make more sense?
Click here for the link to Rasmi
How is the citizen in PJ supposed to learn to use the proper Bahasa Kebangsaan, when the Council itself didn't even care?
Oh ya, they promised to call within this evening. until now, at 3.30pm, i'm yet to hear any vibration, or even tingle from my phone...or house phone...or office phone...
I've always been a law abiding citizen.
I get summoned, that's fair, it is my fault.
I paid up within 2 weeks, no doubt.
Proud to say, since my last offence with the *Parking Monster* on 15th October 2004, i've been spared from the mouth of this beast for more than 1 month.
But not this time.
I was slapped with a notice to pay up a RM30 compound.
The very same summon that i've already paid up with RM20.
have a look:
Letter printed on 24/11/04 from MPPJ.
see la...paid within 14 days on 29th october 2004 in the morning!!!!
as if DOING ME A FAVOUR by letting me compound this offence at RM30!!! What F... ???!!!
Yes Miss Lulu, MPPJ is being lulu by telling me this nonsense!!! I paid up BEFORE 19/11!!! Also, Please change your tag line...a bit sad and has just ended up as a joke.
I called MPPJ at 79602657 and spoke to Ms. Dun Have Name (yeah, she refused to introduce herself, but i did). She checked through her canggih PC system and told me that i had 6 summons, out of which, i've paid all 5 but this one.
I gave her my summon number (56005251) and she checked with 56002521 and asked me what is the car number, which i then asked her to tell me MY car number stated on her PC. Obviously, she got it wrong.
I had to repeat myself 4 times, before she got the summon number right. What? someone doing something to you under the table and you can't concentrate?
After getting the reference number right, and verifying that i've not paid my summon, i told her i got the resit resmi infront of me. I offered to read to her the resit resmi number, which she then asked me to come to MPPJ to settle this matter.
Look:
1. I do not have the luxury of time
2. Why is my resit resmi NOT good enough as a proof of payment?
3. I have to ask you where i need to go...imagine if i dind't i'll find myself running from Civic Center and MPPJ Building...and who is gonna pay for my parking???
by the way, i've noticed that MPPJ is governed by people that do not know how to use Bahasa Malaysia Proper...
Resmi, as far as i can recall from my Form 3 and Form 5 SRP and SPM paper states that it is a habit, behaviour or characteristic, like adat resmi..but never resit resmi!!! Click here for the link to Resmi
Rasmi, on the other hand means official...now, doesn't that make more sense?
Click here for the link to Rasmi
How is the citizen in PJ supposed to learn to use the proper Bahasa Kebangsaan, when the Council itself didn't even care?
Oh ya, they promised to call within this evening. until now, at 3.30pm, i'm yet to hear any vibration, or even tingle from my phone...or house phone...or office phone...
Friday, November 26, 2004
Dear Dr. Tan...
i can't help it...being branded as some killer on the road by virtue of the car that i drive...so, here goes, a complilation of cars, and their owner that are "more cleverer" than the automotive engineers in *designing* cars and thus, creating the *ultimate ride*
Car 1 : Wiralution
Loud exhaust, smoked rear lights, huge stickers covering views, lowered-until-bouncing handling, the ultimate Wira...
Car 3 : Do You Have a Honda?
Again, loud exhaust, lowered-to-hell ride, huge F-16 spoilers, huge-wheeled fly-me to the moon honda.
Car 4 : Is-wanza
Loud exhaust, 15 inch wheels, rear, front and side skirtings, blue coloured reverse lights MPV wannabe 7 person carrier Iswara.
Car 5 : Satria GTTi
Loud Slanted Exhaust barely touching the ground pipe, 15 inch wheels, GTI Spoilers with imitation racing bucket seat Satria Gtti
Car 6: Mafia Honda
Err...are you above the JPJ Ruling on tinting my dear friend? Not forgeting the lowered 17 inches wheels...
Car 7 : Ultimate Bengwara
16 Inch Wheels, loud exhaust, DIY Front bumper(see those crude fittings???) , heavy tinting, imitation race bucket seat and a MPPJ Saman-ed Self-disintergrating Bengwara
stupe: again, of the same bengwara with now, a confused identity
Crystal headlight with el-chepo *look like HID* bulbs and Mitsu VR-4 front grill Bengwara with confused identity about ebing an all wheel drive car....
Car 8 : Two of a Kind
Loud exhaust lowered confused kancil with pseudo roof rack in double sided tape bad apple kancil and equally loud exhaust racing stripped, 15 inches wheeled satria with imitation bucket seats in lowered Lotus handling Satria GTTi V-Spec
Car 9 : The Ultimate Driving Idiot Machine
Super fast loud exhaust 17 inch wheeled dark tinted ultimate lowered driving machine that don't give a fuck about other road users with his super F-1 Driving skills
Car 10 : Super Fast & Furious Satria Confused
17 inched loud hanging exhaust imitation bucket seat look i'm going at 80km/h with traffic infront of me Satria-lution VR Spec
Car 11: Ferrari Wiralution
Ferrari red super loud exhaust i could hear you a mile away 17 inched wheeled lancer half cut front lowered bouncing wiralution...
Car 1 : Wiralution
Loud exhaust, smoked rear lights, huge stickers covering views, lowered-until-bouncing handling, the ultimate Wira...
Car 3 : Do You Have a Honda?
Again, loud exhaust, lowered-to-hell ride, huge F-16 spoilers, huge-wheeled fly-me to the moon honda.
Car 4 : Is-wanza
Loud exhaust, 15 inch wheels, rear, front and side skirtings, blue coloured reverse lights MPV wannabe 7 person carrier Iswara.
Car 5 : Satria GTTi
Loud Slanted Exhaust barely touching the ground pipe, 15 inch wheels, GTI Spoilers with imitation racing bucket seat Satria Gtti
Car 6: Mafia Honda
Err...are you above the JPJ Ruling on tinting my dear friend? Not forgeting the lowered 17 inches wheels...
Car 7 : Ultimate Bengwara
16 Inch Wheels, loud exhaust, DIY Front bumper(see those crude fittings???) , heavy tinting, imitation race bucket seat and a MPPJ Saman-ed Self-disintergrating Bengwara
stupe: again, of the same bengwara with now, a confused identity
Crystal headlight with el-chepo *look like HID* bulbs and Mitsu VR-4 front grill Bengwara with confused identity about ebing an all wheel drive car....
Car 8 : Two of a Kind
Loud exhaust lowered confused kancil with pseudo roof rack in double sided tape bad apple kancil and equally loud exhaust racing stripped, 15 inches wheeled satria with imitation bucket seats in lowered Lotus handling Satria GTTi V-Spec
Car 9 : The Ultimate Driving Idiot Machine
Super fast loud exhaust 17 inch wheeled dark tinted ultimate lowered driving machine that don't give a fuck about other road users with his super F-1 Driving skills
Car 10 : Super Fast & Furious Satria Confused
17 inched loud hanging exhaust imitation bucket seat look i'm going at 80km/h with traffic infront of me Satria-lution VR Spec
Car 11: Ferrari Wiralution
Ferrari red super loud exhaust i could hear you a mile away 17 inched wheeled lancer half cut front lowered bouncing wiralution...
Thursday, November 25, 2004
How Scorpio Am I???
Got this from Reta's Blog...
You are 93% Scorpio
Now, does this mean that i'm like some overly possesive testesterone charged highly confident revenge taking bastard? You decide.
You are 93% Scorpio
Now, does this mean that i'm like some overly possesive testesterone charged highly confident revenge taking bastard? You decide.
Friday, November 19, 2004
Traffic Bigotry
I couldn't believe it.
Some idiot wrote in the paper yesterday, saying that people with smaller cars are the most dangerous on the road.
The idiot was saying something like he was driving on the highway at 110km/h and was overtaken by those in kancil overtaking them.
He even go on and say that he drives a japanese 2.4 liter car.
OK, Look here Buster.
You are rich. I'm not.
Those that drives Kancil are not dangerous. Infact, those that drives bigger and more powerful cars are even more dangerous!
I pay Road tax as well. Infact, i ensure that my car is in tip top condition every week. But i tell myself everytime that it is ok. Because you are paying more Road taxes than my puny-worthless car.
Classifying Kancil drivers as being irresponsible is just like blaming half of America that didn't vote for Kerry and let Bush won the last election!!!
Hello!!!
Look here BUSTER.
I've lost count on how many times i felt my life being threaten jsut because people like you that drives a bigger car thinks that kancil do not deserves to be on the road.
I've lost count of how many times i was shown the fingers, just because i was trying to push pass the enxt vehicle, so that you could whizz pass me at 140km/h.
I've lost count of how many times you open your big car door and just treated as if my car wasn't there. I know dents in my car are cheap to repair. But how would you feel if i smash your windscreen, and smash your nose as well?
I've lost count of how many times i see Kancil involved in accident, just because you overtake cars in teh opposite direction, thinking that your big powerful-could-fly-to-the-moon car could manage to cut in. The only thing you are cutting is our life.
Get a grip of reality BUSTER. Your big car is drinking more fuel that my car, and you are using more of the subsidies that the goverment allocated, so that you could cruise in your virgin calf leather seats with your 8 speakers set up sound system and point fingers at others that is not worthy to use the road, like you do.
And BUSTER. It is not cheap to modify car. You got that point right. Don't just blame ALL Kancil drivers for modifying their cars as if they could take off like a F-16 jet! I've seen more Wira being turned into God-Knows-What-Car and Iswara fitted with engines bigger and more powerful that your pathetic 2.4 liter Japanese car.
I've see more Civics with exhaust pipes so big, you could barbeque a whole chicken at the tailpie.
I've seen more Wajas involved in accidents just because they think that the "Tuned By Lotus" Stickers could justify them taking corners at 80km/h.
I've also seen more BMWs and Mercs, being driven by those rich brats in Bangsar trying to squeeze through everyone and triple park their car, so that it will raise their chances of getting some action that night.
So. Buster. It is unfortunate that you had studied so much and earned your Ph.D. and call yourself a Dr. It just show to the rest of us, that you are just as bad as the next person that didn't go to school! Oh sorry, that would be an insult to the people that didn't go to school, as some of them are more humble than you are.
Now, go and shove your 2.4liter tailpipe up your ass, and stop complaining about Kancil trying to kill you in your GOA certified Car body.
Some idiot wrote in the paper yesterday, saying that people with smaller cars are the most dangerous on the road.
The idiot was saying something like he was driving on the highway at 110km/h and was overtaken by those in kancil overtaking them.
He even go on and say that he drives a japanese 2.4 liter car.
OK, Look here Buster.
You are rich. I'm not.
Those that drives Kancil are not dangerous. Infact, those that drives bigger and more powerful cars are even more dangerous!
I pay Road tax as well. Infact, i ensure that my car is in tip top condition every week. But i tell myself everytime that it is ok. Because you are paying more Road taxes than my puny-worthless car.
Classifying Kancil drivers as being irresponsible is just like blaming half of America that didn't vote for Kerry and let Bush won the last election!!!
Hello!!!
Look here BUSTER.
I've lost count on how many times i felt my life being threaten jsut because people like you that drives a bigger car thinks that kancil do not deserves to be on the road.
I've lost count of how many times i was shown the fingers, just because i was trying to push pass the enxt vehicle, so that you could whizz pass me at 140km/h.
I've lost count of how many times you open your big car door and just treated as if my car wasn't there. I know dents in my car are cheap to repair. But how would you feel if i smash your windscreen, and smash your nose as well?
I've lost count of how many times i see Kancil involved in accident, just because you overtake cars in teh opposite direction, thinking that your big powerful-could-fly-to-the-moon car could manage to cut in. The only thing you are cutting is our life.
Get a grip of reality BUSTER. Your big car is drinking more fuel that my car, and you are using more of the subsidies that the goverment allocated, so that you could cruise in your virgin calf leather seats with your 8 speakers set up sound system and point fingers at others that is not worthy to use the road, like you do.
And BUSTER. It is not cheap to modify car. You got that point right. Don't just blame ALL Kancil drivers for modifying their cars as if they could take off like a F-16 jet! I've seen more Wira being turned into God-Knows-What-Car and Iswara fitted with engines bigger and more powerful that your pathetic 2.4 liter Japanese car.
I've see more Civics with exhaust pipes so big, you could barbeque a whole chicken at the tailpie.
I've seen more Wajas involved in accidents just because they think that the "Tuned By Lotus" Stickers could justify them taking corners at 80km/h.
I've also seen more BMWs and Mercs, being driven by those rich brats in Bangsar trying to squeeze through everyone and triple park their car, so that it will raise their chances of getting some action that night.
So. Buster. It is unfortunate that you had studied so much and earned your Ph.D. and call yourself a Dr. It just show to the rest of us, that you are just as bad as the next person that didn't go to school! Oh sorry, that would be an insult to the people that didn't go to school, as some of them are more humble than you are.
Now, go and shove your 2.4liter tailpipe up your ass, and stop complaining about Kancil trying to kill you in your GOA certified Car body.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Damn it!
Spent the whole day today formatting my PC.
Apparently there was some virus or some stuff that caused it not to work when i rebooted this morning.
I've lost all my pictures i have in this PC and looks like life will now be a clean sheet, again.
Got to get back and ensure everything is running as per how i like them to be!
Apparently there was some virus or some stuff that caused it not to work when i rebooted this morning.
I've lost all my pictures i have in this PC and looks like life will now be a clean sheet, again.
Got to get back and ensure everything is running as per how i like them to be!
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Back!
Thursday - 11th November 2004
AM - Was still lazing in bed at 10.30am and decided to wake up to go to Surin's house. It is a ritual where i never missed since i was 10 or 11 years old. Only time that i didn't go was when Surin was studying in UK. Usual suspects was there with a few of Surin's new work mate in DHL. Surin mum make the best home cook indian food i've ever known...gosh...i pigged out!
PM - Was at Suresh's place later that night for dinner. Saw Mano and Eileen for the first time since like 4 months ago. Suresh's uncle had a new dog. Prince was his name and this is how he looked like:
Prince
It was fun catching up with friends, especially those that grew up with you. Suresh whipped out a mama of a rocket, it cost him like RM15 for this one stick..and you could see in the background, one of them exploding...
WooHoooo!!!
Friday - 12th November 2004
AM - Woke up at 11am. It was great to be able to just sleep and do nothing. Was supposed to go to Bukit Tinggi, but decided not to, since all the people we've asked told us how boring that place is. Gave that place a miss.
We went to Carrefour in Wangsa Maju to get the EX Curl bar i've always wanted. At RM59.90, that is a good RM5 cheaper than the cheapest place i've found in Summit USJ. Other places are selling them at at least RM75 for that 4 feet long of steel. I decided to get another set of weights, at RM48.90, it was a steal for the 15kg dumbells! Did a bit of grocery shopping and as i was paying the stuff, i noticed that the dumbell was priced at RM69.90. Went to the information counter and clarify it. Apparently, some jokers that has problems in life shifted the price tag of the 10kg set to the 15kg set. Did a bit of adjustment and exchanged the RM69.90 set for the original RM48.90 set. That is, after causing the express counter where i paid for the stuff, queue to be even longer than the other lines...i felt so bad...
PM - Went back to PJ and basically sat and see the whole season of Sex And The City. HBO is currently showing(or rahter, just showed) The Ick Factor, where Sam Jones found out she has breast cancer. Let me know if you want to know what happens at the final episode of this final season ;-)
Went off to Petaling Street later in the evening to check out some stuff. Actually, was craving for some beef noodles. The best around i know was not at Lai Foong, but across the road from Lai Foong. Horror of horror, they weren't open for dinner, they closes at 3.30pm! So me and wifey went to eat the reputably best Hokkien Mee in town. LOL...smack right in the middle of chinatown, where the mee are whipped up in two big wok and loads of oil...hmm..heavenly!
After dinner, we went to search for things that might fancy us. I ended up buying 2 imitation Nike DriFit at RM15 each. Thought i would make use of it for sports. Original Drifit, costing up to 8 times the price, are by no mean suitable to be used and throw around. I do not believe in spending so much for something i'll use to sweat in. Call me cheapskate, i got my hokkien genes to balme for being thrifty.
Saturday - 13th November 2004
AM - Woke up with a kiss from wifey wishing me Happy Birthday. Oh shucks...the time of the year again. I'm 28, yes, so what? Still as young as i wanted to be (minus the fact that my joints are starting to creak because of all the pounding from my physical activities). Wifey bought me the bars and weight yesterday for my birthday. Well, something functional i guessed!
PM - Decided to drive down to Petaling Street again. Wanted to visit one of the shop there that sells cheap torchlights. I'm sucker for things that emits light and glow. I've bought one of these Surefire lookalike about 2 months back. Powered by 2 units of CR123 batteries (the same that is used for some cameras), this unit rocks! It is more powerful that my 6D cell Maglite!
The shop was closed For Raya. Shucks.
Me and wifey then went to eat the beef noodle. It was open that day! I downed a big bowl of the beef noodle and ordered another bowl of the beef ball! Full beyond words, we went throdding down towards Kotaraya to check out Mydin. The Malaysian answer to Carrefour and Tesco. Mydin was around before Giant became a hypermarket. I've heard that CR123 batteries could be obtained for less than RM6 a piece. So, i thought, since i can't get the torch today, i could at least get the ammo!
The plan backfired. The whole old Metrojaya building, Kotaraya and Sin Ma was filled with immigrants! Sensing that wifey ain't too comfortable about the whole scenario, i decided to jsut give that a skip. No point pushing with those immigrants that made KL looked like a mini indonesia and risk being mugged or stared at.
We then went to Midvalley. And it was like i'm on autopilot mode and went straight for Tearproof. LOL. Wifey then got me a pouch, because she knows i badly needed one. My old pouch needs to be retired, after being used, and abused for the past 10 years. I ended up getting myself a High Sierra haversack, a 70+10 liter sack at that! They were having a sale and it was 30% storewide. It was a bargain at RM200!!!
Later that night, Wifey spent me dinner. We went to TGIF in 1 Utama. Ordered a Mushroom chicken, mushroom and wifey ordered a swiss mushroom burger.
Appetising!
It was one of the day where getting old and cramming so many activities in one day seems enjoyable!
The night was ended with another kiss, and one last Birthday greeting from Wifey and a kiss on the lips before i go to sleep.
Sunday - 14th November 2004
AM - Woke up early today as i have to help mum and dad at the shop. Kakak Aishah was on leave today and both my parents will be short of hand to help them at the shop. Wifey was sweet enough to come over and help as well, where she had the choice to just laze the whole day with my sisters at home. My sisters were at home, taking care of the 3 cousins that was creating havoc at home.
Lunch crowd start packing in after 10am. I had my hand full making popiahs and serving the customers. Wifey was busy taking orders and cleaning the tables as well. Time flew and before i know it, we had to go, as Wifey had an appointment with her two other partners to discuss about which items to be put on sale in their shops later.
PM - Left Sentul at 3.30pm and was in Damansara Perdana by 4pm. Traffic was C-L-E-A-R. Bliss of major celebration in Malaysia!
Later that night, i had dinner with my in-laws. Went to Taman Bukit Mas for seafood. Buttered Crab, Nestum Prawn and loads of other food too salivating to be written here (you see, i'm already drooling). The decided to spent me dinner as a gift for my birthday. I'm not complaining though! The food and company was great!
Monday - 15 November 2004
AM - Wifey was working that day. Had breakfast and sent her to work. Decided to stay in her shop and keep her company. I ended up rewiring half her shop's power cable that was strewn all over the floor! I fixed her shop's sound system and got it to work again to how i've done it for them a year back. I ironed clothes and basically worked part time (without being paid though) in her shop until late afternoon. I kinda enjoy doing those feminine stuff though...hehehe...
PM - Went to TTDI to run with Doc and Amir. Their after raya run, so to say. We did 5 smaller loops with 2 bigger loops in total of 60 minutes. Pushing it, since they are no more fasting. So, no more excuse.
Later that night, me and wifey went to her friend's place for Raya Open house. My first infact this year. Her usual suspects were there and it was again, time for them to catch up with each other's life. The night didn't end until midnite. Again, i forgot to bring my camera for any picture taking oppurtunities! Dang!
Tuesday - 16 November 2004
AM - Last day of Holiday. Sent Wifey to work and then headed straight to office to check my emails. There were like 500+ mails in my inbox. Out of which, 200 are junk/spam. Boss was there in the office as well, for the obvious reasons that i shalt not disclose here. Spent the rest of the morning doing nothing, but surf the net and check out friends' blog. Gosh, i miss you guys (and girls)!!!
PM - After lunch (of tuna and more tuna), i headed home and decided to clear the store room under the staircase. Mum-In-Law welcomed the idea as the place wasn't touched/restored since my late Father-In-Law past away 3 years ago.
So, there i was. In shorts and bare chested. With Murphy keeping me company, venturing into the unknown. It was amazing how much that small lil space under the stairs could fit. Check it out:
There was more that the camera can't accommodate
I was like a kiddo smilling and eyes sparkling over all the finds i found. It was like the best way to know my late FIL. I never had the chance to know him, though my dad had the chance to work with him last time.
The floor of the store room was downright dirty, with dust that was collected near to 1000 days ago. Here is how it was, before and after:
Before
After!!!!
3 hours later of hard scrubbing (that even failed to remove some old cement, i didn't have the right tools) i've found boxes of spotlight and motion detector with lights, one whole box of curtain hook and railings, pingpong balls and bats and 3 nets(!!!), tennis balls still in their vacuum and sealed packing, loads of telephones, one very very old CD player and one very very old cordless phone (it could be collector's item by now).
I've also found out that my FIL was a gun collector:
Wanna Rob banks?
And i've also found out both my Sis-In-Law was up to all mischeifs during their younger days:
Anyone lost these badges?
Even Murphy enjoyed himself with those mats and towels that was hidden inside the storeroom for eons!!!
warm and cosy eh?
I then went on to clean the whole house and picked wifey home for dinner.
6 days of holiday just went past like that, and could be summarised in just 2 hours of writing!
I'm back people...wait up for more of my incoherent ramblings.
AM - Was still lazing in bed at 10.30am and decided to wake up to go to Surin's house. It is a ritual where i never missed since i was 10 or 11 years old. Only time that i didn't go was when Surin was studying in UK. Usual suspects was there with a few of Surin's new work mate in DHL. Surin mum make the best home cook indian food i've ever known...gosh...i pigged out!
PM - Was at Suresh's place later that night for dinner. Saw Mano and Eileen for the first time since like 4 months ago. Suresh's uncle had a new dog. Prince was his name and this is how he looked like:
Prince
It was fun catching up with friends, especially those that grew up with you. Suresh whipped out a mama of a rocket, it cost him like RM15 for this one stick..and you could see in the background, one of them exploding...
WooHoooo!!!
Friday - 12th November 2004
AM - Woke up at 11am. It was great to be able to just sleep and do nothing. Was supposed to go to Bukit Tinggi, but decided not to, since all the people we've asked told us how boring that place is. Gave that place a miss.
We went to Carrefour in Wangsa Maju to get the EX Curl bar i've always wanted. At RM59.90, that is a good RM5 cheaper than the cheapest place i've found in Summit USJ. Other places are selling them at at least RM75 for that 4 feet long of steel. I decided to get another set of weights, at RM48.90, it was a steal for the 15kg dumbells! Did a bit of grocery shopping and as i was paying the stuff, i noticed that the dumbell was priced at RM69.90. Went to the information counter and clarify it. Apparently, some jokers that has problems in life shifted the price tag of the 10kg set to the 15kg set. Did a bit of adjustment and exchanged the RM69.90 set for the original RM48.90 set. That is, after causing the express counter where i paid for the stuff, queue to be even longer than the other lines...i felt so bad...
PM - Went back to PJ and basically sat and see the whole season of Sex And The City. HBO is currently showing(or rahter, just showed) The Ick Factor, where Sam Jones found out she has breast cancer. Let me know if you want to know what happens at the final episode of this final season ;-)
Went off to Petaling Street later in the evening to check out some stuff. Actually, was craving for some beef noodles. The best around i know was not at Lai Foong, but across the road from Lai Foong. Horror of horror, they weren't open for dinner, they closes at 3.30pm! So me and wifey went to eat the reputably best Hokkien Mee in town. LOL...smack right in the middle of chinatown, where the mee are whipped up in two big wok and loads of oil...hmm..heavenly!
After dinner, we went to search for things that might fancy us. I ended up buying 2 imitation Nike DriFit at RM15 each. Thought i would make use of it for sports. Original Drifit, costing up to 8 times the price, are by no mean suitable to be used and throw around. I do not believe in spending so much for something i'll use to sweat in. Call me cheapskate, i got my hokkien genes to balme for being thrifty.
Saturday - 13th November 2004
AM - Woke up with a kiss from wifey wishing me Happy Birthday. Oh shucks...the time of the year again. I'm 28, yes, so what? Still as young as i wanted to be (minus the fact that my joints are starting to creak because of all the pounding from my physical activities). Wifey bought me the bars and weight yesterday for my birthday. Well, something functional i guessed!
PM - Decided to drive down to Petaling Street again. Wanted to visit one of the shop there that sells cheap torchlights. I'm sucker for things that emits light and glow. I've bought one of these Surefire lookalike about 2 months back. Powered by 2 units of CR123 batteries (the same that is used for some cameras), this unit rocks! It is more powerful that my 6D cell Maglite!
The shop was closed For Raya. Shucks.
Me and wifey then went to eat the beef noodle. It was open that day! I downed a big bowl of the beef noodle and ordered another bowl of the beef ball! Full beyond words, we went throdding down towards Kotaraya to check out Mydin. The Malaysian answer to Carrefour and Tesco. Mydin was around before Giant became a hypermarket. I've heard that CR123 batteries could be obtained for less than RM6 a piece. So, i thought, since i can't get the torch today, i could at least get the ammo!
The plan backfired. The whole old Metrojaya building, Kotaraya and Sin Ma was filled with immigrants! Sensing that wifey ain't too comfortable about the whole scenario, i decided to jsut give that a skip. No point pushing with those immigrants that made KL looked like a mini indonesia and risk being mugged or stared at.
We then went to Midvalley. And it was like i'm on autopilot mode and went straight for Tearproof. LOL. Wifey then got me a pouch, because she knows i badly needed one. My old pouch needs to be retired, after being used, and abused for the past 10 years. I ended up getting myself a High Sierra haversack, a 70+10 liter sack at that! They were having a sale and it was 30% storewide. It was a bargain at RM200!!!
Later that night, Wifey spent me dinner. We went to TGIF in 1 Utama. Ordered a Mushroom chicken, mushroom and wifey ordered a swiss mushroom burger.
Appetising!
It was one of the day where getting old and cramming so many activities in one day seems enjoyable!
The night was ended with another kiss, and one last Birthday greeting from Wifey and a kiss on the lips before i go to sleep.
Sunday - 14th November 2004
AM - Woke up early today as i have to help mum and dad at the shop. Kakak Aishah was on leave today and both my parents will be short of hand to help them at the shop. Wifey was sweet enough to come over and help as well, where she had the choice to just laze the whole day with my sisters at home. My sisters were at home, taking care of the 3 cousins that was creating havoc at home.
Lunch crowd start packing in after 10am. I had my hand full making popiahs and serving the customers. Wifey was busy taking orders and cleaning the tables as well. Time flew and before i know it, we had to go, as Wifey had an appointment with her two other partners to discuss about which items to be put on sale in their shops later.
PM - Left Sentul at 3.30pm and was in Damansara Perdana by 4pm. Traffic was C-L-E-A-R. Bliss of major celebration in Malaysia!
Later that night, i had dinner with my in-laws. Went to Taman Bukit Mas for seafood. Buttered Crab, Nestum Prawn and loads of other food too salivating to be written here (you see, i'm already drooling). The decided to spent me dinner as a gift for my birthday. I'm not complaining though! The food and company was great!
Monday - 15 November 2004
AM - Wifey was working that day. Had breakfast and sent her to work. Decided to stay in her shop and keep her company. I ended up rewiring half her shop's power cable that was strewn all over the floor! I fixed her shop's sound system and got it to work again to how i've done it for them a year back. I ironed clothes and basically worked part time (without being paid though) in her shop until late afternoon. I kinda enjoy doing those feminine stuff though...hehehe...
PM - Went to TTDI to run with Doc and Amir. Their after raya run, so to say. We did 5 smaller loops with 2 bigger loops in total of 60 minutes. Pushing it, since they are no more fasting. So, no more excuse.
Later that night, me and wifey went to her friend's place for Raya Open house. My first infact this year. Her usual suspects were there and it was again, time for them to catch up with each other's life. The night didn't end until midnite. Again, i forgot to bring my camera for any picture taking oppurtunities! Dang!
Tuesday - 16 November 2004
AM - Last day of Holiday. Sent Wifey to work and then headed straight to office to check my emails. There were like 500+ mails in my inbox. Out of which, 200 are junk/spam. Boss was there in the office as well, for the obvious reasons that i shalt not disclose here. Spent the rest of the morning doing nothing, but surf the net and check out friends' blog. Gosh, i miss you guys (and girls)!!!
PM - After lunch (of tuna and more tuna), i headed home and decided to clear the store room under the staircase. Mum-In-Law welcomed the idea as the place wasn't touched/restored since my late Father-In-Law past away 3 years ago.
So, there i was. In shorts and bare chested. With Murphy keeping me company, venturing into the unknown. It was amazing how much that small lil space under the stairs could fit. Check it out:
There was more that the camera can't accommodate
I was like a kiddo smilling and eyes sparkling over all the finds i found. It was like the best way to know my late FIL. I never had the chance to know him, though my dad had the chance to work with him last time.
The floor of the store room was downright dirty, with dust that was collected near to 1000 days ago. Here is how it was, before and after:
Before
After!!!!
3 hours later of hard scrubbing (that even failed to remove some old cement, i didn't have the right tools) i've found boxes of spotlight and motion detector with lights, one whole box of curtain hook and railings, pingpong balls and bats and 3 nets(!!!), tennis balls still in their vacuum and sealed packing, loads of telephones, one very very old CD player and one very very old cordless phone (it could be collector's item by now).
I've also found out that my FIL was a gun collector:
Wanna Rob banks?
And i've also found out both my Sis-In-Law was up to all mischeifs during their younger days:
Anyone lost these badges?
Even Murphy enjoyed himself with those mats and towels that was hidden inside the storeroom for eons!!!
warm and cosy eh?
I then went on to clean the whole house and picked wifey home for dinner.
6 days of holiday just went past like that, and could be summarised in just 2 hours of writing!
I'm back people...wait up for more of my incoherent ramblings.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Happy Diwali and Selamat Hari Raya!!!
To all my Hindu Friends and Muslim Friends...
HAPPY DEEPAVALI AND SELAMAT HARI RAYA!!!
Many Many best wishes for this two celebration!!!
I'll be on leave on Friday. This also mean that this blog will be a very very quiet place until after Hari Raya.
Will update when i come back from the long holiday!!!
And hopefully, some pics as well!
HAPPY DEEPAVALI AND SELAMAT HARI RAYA!!!
Many Many best wishes for this two celebration!!!
I'll be on leave on Friday. This also mean that this blog will be a very very quiet place until after Hari Raya.
Will update when i come back from the long holiday!!!
And hopefully, some pics as well!
Of Falling...
"Bugger, is it raining in PJ?" Doc sms-ed me at 4.30pm
"Oi! bugger, the rain has stopped, everything On at 6pm?" I replied.
"ON!" He text me back within the next 20 seconds.
Ah...can't live without sms, can't we? It account for half my mobile bill every month. The ought to give me their so called Loyalty after being loyal to them for such a long time. heck, i'm even helping to pay a few of my friends' monthly wages!! (...you know who you are....hahahaha!)
I left office at 5pm yesterday. Well, home and office is like 7 minutes away, max.
I was wrong. The thing about this place where i work is that there is ONLY one entrance and exit point. Traffic has been horrendous lately. With the developer's security guard trying to pull off some traffic police's antic (yeah, and i do appreciate your effort sir, but you are just making the traffic situation worse!!!)
Traffic build up to about 1km away on a good day.
Flashback
3 years ago..this freaking place was so empty that you could park your freaking car right in the middle of the freaking road, playing streetsoccer was a norm as to playing badminton without worrying that any cars would run you down
Back to reality. Development has it's price. This place is choked with apartments, condos, flats...gosh, it is like some mini Singapore here!!! And just like how Singapore should be, the people here are starting to be realllly Kiasu. If you think DBKL doing the triple or quad parking is bad, wait till you see some stupid driver going against the traffic and then parking their cars right in the middle of the road!
Unfortunately, MPPJ isn't any better...They have the uncanny timing of summoning you for not putting in enough coins for the parking like within 5 minutes of your parking expiration! The most ridiculous i've ever encountered was that the officer was so blind, he actually summoned a car with season parking!! Obviously, the owner wasn't too happy, and i found out later that he had to go through 3 floors of bereaucracy just to try to waive off his summon, and yet, he had to pay RM20 for paper work!!!! What nonsense!
Yeah, Falling. Falling of the space that we all need so much. Falling of the local councils. Falling of basically everything that you see everyday in life! it makes you wonder; is everyone so caught up with their own life that they forgot to smell the flowers along the way???(well, most of the time now, we are just smelling those clogged up drains)
Ah, nevermind that. It could be worse.
I reach Taman Tun park at 6pm sharp. After a round of change parade ala RMC style...there i was, reaching jsut on time to meet up with 4 friends for my evening run.
Stepped out of the car, said the usual "Bugger!" to them and as i was about to take anohter step, i fell.
Fell right into a drain. About 450mm deep. The FRP (Fibre Reinforced Plastic) grating gave way under my weight. It was a shock. I quickly pulled myself out and accessed the damage done to myself.
ok, apart from a sore butt, i have 1 deep gash on my right shin complimented with 3 others bruises which was caused by the sharp edges of the gratings. My left calf had one looong bruise starting from my ankle up till my mid calf.
Doc asked i am ok. Which, by now, i was cursing the stupid grating. not to spoil the day, i told them everything is fine and we continued, or rahter, start our run.
We ran pretty hard yesterday, doing Kiara hill in 30 minutes (total distance of about 8km), with loads of uphills (some at 10 degree inclination).
Finished the run with a smaller loop of the TTDI park and for the first time, we managed to finish the whole run and warming down right before the Mahgrib prayer was heard, signifying that those who fast, could break their fast. I didn't fast, too greedy to do so. :P
I did tell wifey later that night, she find it hilarious that i fell. I found it funny as well. It dawned to me that it was lucky that it was me that fell when the grating gave way...knowing that park are frequented by old and young alike, i can't imagine if pregnant ladies or kids or even old folks were to be in my shoe!!! That would be disaster!
I guess, there is a good thing afterall...or maybe it is just bad karma?!
"Oi! bugger, the rain has stopped, everything On at 6pm?" I replied.
"ON!" He text me back within the next 20 seconds.
Ah...can't live without sms, can't we? It account for half my mobile bill every month. The ought to give me their so called Loyalty after being loyal to them for such a long time. heck, i'm even helping to pay a few of my friends' monthly wages!! (...you know who you are....hahahaha!)
I left office at 5pm yesterday. Well, home and office is like 7 minutes away, max.
I was wrong. The thing about this place where i work is that there is ONLY one entrance and exit point. Traffic has been horrendous lately. With the developer's security guard trying to pull off some traffic police's antic (yeah, and i do appreciate your effort sir, but you are just making the traffic situation worse!!!)
Traffic build up to about 1km away on a good day.
Flashback
3 years ago..this freaking place was so empty that you could park your freaking car right in the middle of the freaking road, playing streetsoccer was a norm as to playing badminton without worrying that any cars would run you down
Back to reality. Development has it's price. This place is choked with apartments, condos, flats...gosh, it is like some mini Singapore here!!! And just like how Singapore should be, the people here are starting to be realllly Kiasu. If you think DBKL doing the triple or quad parking is bad, wait till you see some stupid driver going against the traffic and then parking their cars right in the middle of the road!
Unfortunately, MPPJ isn't any better...They have the uncanny timing of summoning you for not putting in enough coins for the parking like within 5 minutes of your parking expiration! The most ridiculous i've ever encountered was that the officer was so blind, he actually summoned a car with season parking!! Obviously, the owner wasn't too happy, and i found out later that he had to go through 3 floors of bereaucracy just to try to waive off his summon, and yet, he had to pay RM20 for paper work!!!! What nonsense!
Yeah, Falling. Falling of the space that we all need so much. Falling of the local councils. Falling of basically everything that you see everyday in life! it makes you wonder; is everyone so caught up with their own life that they forgot to smell the flowers along the way???(well, most of the time now, we are just smelling those clogged up drains)
Ah, nevermind that. It could be worse.
I reach Taman Tun park at 6pm sharp. After a round of change parade ala RMC style...there i was, reaching jsut on time to meet up with 4 friends for my evening run.
Stepped out of the car, said the usual "Bugger!" to them and as i was about to take anohter step, i fell.
Fell right into a drain. About 450mm deep. The FRP (Fibre Reinforced Plastic) grating gave way under my weight. It was a shock. I quickly pulled myself out and accessed the damage done to myself.
ok, apart from a sore butt, i have 1 deep gash on my right shin complimented with 3 others bruises which was caused by the sharp edges of the gratings. My left calf had one looong bruise starting from my ankle up till my mid calf.
Doc asked i am ok. Which, by now, i was cursing the stupid grating. not to spoil the day, i told them everything is fine and we continued, or rahter, start our run.
We ran pretty hard yesterday, doing Kiara hill in 30 minutes (total distance of about 8km), with loads of uphills (some at 10 degree inclination).
Finished the run with a smaller loop of the TTDI park and for the first time, we managed to finish the whole run and warming down right before the Mahgrib prayer was heard, signifying that those who fast, could break their fast. I didn't fast, too greedy to do so. :P
I did tell wifey later that night, she find it hilarious that i fell. I found it funny as well. It dawned to me that it was lucky that it was me that fell when the grating gave way...knowing that park are frequented by old and young alike, i can't imagine if pregnant ladies or kids or even old folks were to be in my shoe!!! That would be disaster!
I guess, there is a good thing afterall...or maybe it is just bad karma?!
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
I can't believe this...
I was picking up wifey from her shop yesterday. Sales was really bad. Maybe due to the fact that some people has started their Deepa-Raya exodus back to their kampung.
It was drizzling lightly and we both offered R, wifey's fulltime worker a lift back home.
Though not very far away (She stay like 5 minutes walk away), but because of the weather and the fact that she was carrying some extra loads, we decided to ask her if she wants a ride.
She agreed and off we went in my small lil car. I was about to take the usual turning when Wifey told me that she shifted to the Condominium nearby. Well, the condos are running parallel to her old place anyway, so it not much of a differences.
But it kept playing in my mind why did she shift.
OK. A lil bit of history.
I knew that this girl, R, came from a broken family. Parents separated and she and her younger sister, lets call her S, which is 12 years old, stays with their father and the father's girlfriend (lets call her B).
Their Mum will only call R when she needs money.
OK. History lesson ends.
After dropping R at the guard house. I can't help but asked wifey what happened.
Stupe: What the F happened?
Wifey: Oh, i dind't tell you? She got chased out from the house by her dad and B.
Stupe: ??? What about the younger sister, S???
Wifey: She is staying with her father. But R did offer if she wants to shift out with her.
Stupe: What exactly happened, really?
Wifey: Her dad and B put up a notice on her bedroom door and gave her a week to shift out of the apartment.
At this point, R story about her past and her young sister's struggle to put up 2 meals a day just keep on flashing on my mind.
R rented the condo near the shop for RM400, inclusive of water and electricity. She don't earn much, about maybe twice the amount of what she pay for the room anyway.
Her dad, some 40 something DOM (Dirty Old Man) has a stay in girlfriend that has a baby, which B claimed to be her nephew. But R told us that it wasn't as she once read a piece of letter meant for B, that was left on the table, and it was clearly stated that the baby belongs to B.
The problem is that the DOM, never do cares about the welfare of his own children. He do not give two hoots if S did went to school. S, being only 12, needs all the support she could get.
I gathered tha S haven't even pay her school fees, least her transportation to school, which she was lucky enough to have someone picking her up, SHOULD she go to school. She has no breakfast, lunch or even dinner sometimes. Dinner came when B, cooks porridge for the baby to eat, and B lets S eat the leftovers. That said, B do tell her to watch how much she eats, if she gets to eat, that is.
R gives her sister RM5 or RM10 everytime she sees S. R says she would sometimes rahter starve a lil to feed her sister. Kudos to her. Being a good sister.
When i heard all those form Wifey, i could feel tears welling up in my eyes.
Never could i imagine that some 12 years old has to fend for herself this way.
R is only 19, and she is without a family, and it is not because her parents are dead, but because her parents are just plain irresponsible!
I always thought that these things only happen in movies or in some more out of town area.
But to know one that is of so close proximity to yourself, it is really bad.
The father, the DOM, oogle at all girls walking pass, as he was working near one of the newly open pub around the area. He even once made a pass at one of wifey's partner! How inappropriate!
After yesterday, my heart lurched. It pained to know that some 12 years old didn't eat breakfast today. It pained to know that R is struggling to face the consequences of her own parents being overly selfish.
i've told wifey that if S do come to her shop, just buy her some food. Afterall, life is too short to be calculative.
As i'm writing this, i'm trying hard not to let tears roll down my eyes. I felt that i'm very lucky, despite all my shortcoming and despite all the problems in life that i have...i still have a family, to call my own.
You should too. And don't tell me that the sun don't shine for you.
It was drizzling lightly and we both offered R, wifey's fulltime worker a lift back home.
Though not very far away (She stay like 5 minutes walk away), but because of the weather and the fact that she was carrying some extra loads, we decided to ask her if she wants a ride.
She agreed and off we went in my small lil car. I was about to take the usual turning when Wifey told me that she shifted to the Condominium nearby. Well, the condos are running parallel to her old place anyway, so it not much of a differences.
But it kept playing in my mind why did she shift.
OK. A lil bit of history.
I knew that this girl, R, came from a broken family. Parents separated and she and her younger sister, lets call her S, which is 12 years old, stays with their father and the father's girlfriend (lets call her B).
Their Mum will only call R when she needs money.
OK. History lesson ends.
After dropping R at the guard house. I can't help but asked wifey what happened.
Stupe: What the F happened?
Wifey: Oh, i dind't tell you? She got chased out from the house by her dad and B.
Stupe: ??? What about the younger sister, S???
Wifey: She is staying with her father. But R did offer if she wants to shift out with her.
Stupe: What exactly happened, really?
Wifey: Her dad and B put up a notice on her bedroom door and gave her a week to shift out of the apartment.
At this point, R story about her past and her young sister's struggle to put up 2 meals a day just keep on flashing on my mind.
R rented the condo near the shop for RM400, inclusive of water and electricity. She don't earn much, about maybe twice the amount of what she pay for the room anyway.
Her dad, some 40 something DOM (Dirty Old Man) has a stay in girlfriend that has a baby, which B claimed to be her nephew. But R told us that it wasn't as she once read a piece of letter meant for B, that was left on the table, and it was clearly stated that the baby belongs to B.
The problem is that the DOM, never do cares about the welfare of his own children. He do not give two hoots if S did went to school. S, being only 12, needs all the support she could get.
I gathered tha S haven't even pay her school fees, least her transportation to school, which she was lucky enough to have someone picking her up, SHOULD she go to school. She has no breakfast, lunch or even dinner sometimes. Dinner came when B, cooks porridge for the baby to eat, and B lets S eat the leftovers. That said, B do tell her to watch how much she eats, if she gets to eat, that is.
R gives her sister RM5 or RM10 everytime she sees S. R says she would sometimes rahter starve a lil to feed her sister. Kudos to her. Being a good sister.
When i heard all those form Wifey, i could feel tears welling up in my eyes.
Never could i imagine that some 12 years old has to fend for herself this way.
R is only 19, and she is without a family, and it is not because her parents are dead, but because her parents are just plain irresponsible!
I always thought that these things only happen in movies or in some more out of town area.
But to know one that is of so close proximity to yourself, it is really bad.
The father, the DOM, oogle at all girls walking pass, as he was working near one of the newly open pub around the area. He even once made a pass at one of wifey's partner! How inappropriate!
After yesterday, my heart lurched. It pained to know that some 12 years old didn't eat breakfast today. It pained to know that R is struggling to face the consequences of her own parents being overly selfish.
i've told wifey that if S do come to her shop, just buy her some food. Afterall, life is too short to be calculative.
As i'm writing this, i'm trying hard not to let tears roll down my eyes. I felt that i'm very lucky, despite all my shortcoming and despite all the problems in life that i have...i still have a family, to call my own.
You should too. And don't tell me that the sun don't shine for you.
Monday, November 08, 2004
Gmail-ed!!!
YESSSS!!!
Some sweet netizen has made my dream come true...i now have a Gmail!!!!!
Okok, big deal, but you all know right, the things that is hardest to get, are usually the most precious.
1gB storage...and never to have to delete the email again. Cool!
Now, i only one more wish is that it could be POP enable, ie could be checked using those email client...then i'm all complete...
muahhahahahaha...
Only thing is, i do not have the privy to invite anyone to have Gmail, as yet. So, don't worry, once i got the offer to do so, i'll post it here, and i'll gladly invite any of you here, that is reading of course, on a First Come First Served basis...ok ah?
Some sweet netizen has made my dream come true...i now have a Gmail!!!!!
Okok, big deal, but you all know right, the things that is hardest to get, are usually the most precious.
1gB storage...and never to have to delete the email again. Cool!
Now, i only one more wish is that it could be POP enable, ie could be checked using those email client...then i'm all complete...
muahhahahahaha...
Only thing is, i do not have the privy to invite anyone to have Gmail, as yet. So, don't worry, once i got the offer to do so, i'll post it here, and i'll gladly invite any of you here, that is reading of course, on a First Come First Served basis...ok ah?
Friday, November 05, 2004
Experiment
"pamela anderson siti nurhaliza erra fazira beyonce free sex pamela anderson siti nurhaliza erra fazira beyonce free sex pamela anderson siti nurhaliza erra fazira beyonce free sex pamela anderson siti nurhaliza erra fazira beyonce free sex pamela anderson siti nurhaliza erra fazira beyonce free sex pamela anderson siti nurhaliza erra fazira beyonce free sex pamela anderson siti nurhaliza erra fazira beyonce free sex pamela anderson siti nurhaliza erra fazira beyonce free sex pamela anderson siti nurhaliza erra fazira beyonce free sex pamela anderson siti nurhaliza erra fazira beyonce free sex pamela anderson siti nurhaliza erra fazira beyonce free sex"
LOL, before you guys get this wrong, sorry, this isn't the site for you to find all those pics, though i would wish it is the case...i meant, yes, but not here though.
OK, this is a lil experiment by me. To see how preverted some surfers(or should i say too much time in hand people) are... my current counter registered: 834 hits as of NOW.
Lets see how many hits i would get by the end of today.
UPDATE:
THIS EXPERIMENT IS A TOTAL FAILURE.
Well, at least i know that there is less people surfing for porns nowadays. hahaha...
as off today, 8th November 2004, there was only 40 odd hits since last Friday.
The Page hit was pretty standard, if i average it out.
I'll refrain from posting all these nonsense experiments to kill my time.
LOL, before you guys get this wrong, sorry, this isn't the site for you to find all those pics, though i would wish it is the case...i meant, yes, but not here though.
OK, this is a lil experiment by me. To see how preverted some surfers(or should i say too much time in hand people) are... my current counter registered: 834 hits as of NOW.
Lets see how many hits i would get by the end of today.
UPDATE:
THIS EXPERIMENT IS A TOTAL FAILURE.
Well, at least i know that there is less people surfing for porns nowadays. hahaha...
as off today, 8th November 2004, there was only 40 odd hits since last Friday.
The Page hit was pretty standard, if i average it out.
I'll refrain from posting all these nonsense experiments to kill my time.
Thursday, November 04, 2004
24 Hours MTB Race
Wow!!!
a 24 hours cycling(ie MTB) race?
I guess it will never happen in Malaysia!
Check this out: 24 hours Moab Race
I remember Chepox telling me something like we should do a 24 hours endurance race in Putrajaya Wetland...maybe i should consider it and perhaps start planning from now for it?!
Riding this Saturday in Putrajaya, not gonna go offroad this time but ride around Putrajaya's tarred road instead!
a 24 hours cycling(ie MTB) race?
I guess it will never happen in Malaysia!
Check this out: 24 hours Moab Race
I remember Chepox telling me something like we should do a 24 hours endurance race in Putrajaya Wetland...maybe i should consider it and perhaps start planning from now for it?!
Riding this Saturday in Putrajaya, not gonna go offroad this time but ride around Putrajaya's tarred road instead!
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Letter to Jeysey
I was blog-hopping a couple of moment ago and chance (well, not exactly chance, it is a long story, worthy of anohter blog write up) upon this Girl's Blog.
Decided that the issue at hand are worthy for some comments, since i'm still could be clasified as being in that age bracket...here is my 5 sen worth of opinions:
Hmm...deep thoughts.
I guess i still qualify to be called *twenty-something*.
1. Stop going along with the crowd - hell yeah, i could very well say that i'm my own man now. I do not need to succumb to peer pressure, or do stupid things, just to be acknowledged by the crowd.
2. Feeling insecure - yeap, i graduated pretty late, i would say like about 3 or 4 years ago. By then, most of my friends, my age, or younger, has been working for like 3 years or so. Being left out in the chase(for the big piece fo cheese), and starting to feel responsibilities coming in, it is definately better to be sitting for exams, than face the daily stress of thing called work.
3. People being selfish - You can say that again. Infact, as where i am now, it still applies. People will be still be selfish even if they are 70. It is human nature.
4. Work - well, i am totally doing something different from what i was totally trained for. Infact, from as far as i can remember, i've been doing loads of stuff, from being an office boy after finishing my form 5, to being some bicycle mechanic and delivery boy after my Form 6, then i found myself doing a couple of odd job, like setting up giant speakers in teh wee hour of night, when you are supposed to be having some wet dream...well, i guess life goes on.
5. Stronger opinions/character - I used ot think that i was very very much an introvert than an extrovert. Well, tha tis until someone told me that they hated my guts. I've been fairly outspoken throughout my life, and i've blabbed things i shouldn't. Then again, it is my opinion, they are more than free to take a hike and F Off.
6. Love - Strange as it is, it is funny if you were to think about it. I came out of a sore relationship that lasted like 8 years and found that she was cheating on me. Once bitten, twice why, people would say, but what and how would you feel, if the girl went back to the otehr guy the very next day, after seeking your apologies yesterday? I've had my fair share of encounter with people that thinks that love is all about money. Glad that i've found the ONE and married to her since. We sometimes go searching for the things we want, but fail to realise that the thing is right infront of US!
7. Boring your friends with the same thing - LOL, sounded like the usual stuff me and my best bud would go through. He comes back once every year, and we could talk until the next morning, and after a couple of jugs of homemade Milo Ice...gosh...and he thinks that Malaysian Food are fattening! hahahaha...
So, there you go, as bad as it is, i guess, there isn't any cloud that the sun won't shine through!
Decided that the issue at hand are worthy for some comments, since i'm still could be clasified as being in that age bracket...here is my 5 sen worth of opinions:
Hmm...deep thoughts.
I guess i still qualify to be called *twenty-something*.
1. Stop going along with the crowd - hell yeah, i could very well say that i'm my own man now. I do not need to succumb to peer pressure, or do stupid things, just to be acknowledged by the crowd.
2. Feeling insecure - yeap, i graduated pretty late, i would say like about 3 or 4 years ago. By then, most of my friends, my age, or younger, has been working for like 3 years or so. Being left out in the chase(for the big piece fo cheese), and starting to feel responsibilities coming in, it is definately better to be sitting for exams, than face the daily stress of thing called work.
3. People being selfish - You can say that again. Infact, as where i am now, it still applies. People will be still be selfish even if they are 70. It is human nature.
4. Work - well, i am totally doing something different from what i was totally trained for. Infact, from as far as i can remember, i've been doing loads of stuff, from being an office boy after finishing my form 5, to being some bicycle mechanic and delivery boy after my Form 6, then i found myself doing a couple of odd job, like setting up giant speakers in teh wee hour of night, when you are supposed to be having some wet dream...well, i guess life goes on.
5. Stronger opinions/character - I used ot think that i was very very much an introvert than an extrovert. Well, tha tis until someone told me that they hated my guts. I've been fairly outspoken throughout my life, and i've blabbed things i shouldn't. Then again, it is my opinion, they are more than free to take a hike and F Off.
6. Love - Strange as it is, it is funny if you were to think about it. I came out of a sore relationship that lasted like 8 years and found that she was cheating on me. Once bitten, twice why, people would say, but what and how would you feel, if the girl went back to the otehr guy the very next day, after seeking your apologies yesterday? I've had my fair share of encounter with people that thinks that love is all about money. Glad that i've found the ONE and married to her since. We sometimes go searching for the things we want, but fail to realise that the thing is right infront of US!
7. Boring your friends with the same thing - LOL, sounded like the usual stuff me and my best bud would go through. He comes back once every year, and we could talk until the next morning, and after a couple of jugs of homemade Milo Ice...gosh...and he thinks that Malaysian Food are fattening! hahahaha...
So, there you go, as bad as it is, i guess, there isn't any cloud that the sun won't shine through!
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Many Happy Returns to Mr & Mrs. Tin Wai Han!
Had the pleasure to attend a wedding of my College mate.
Had more pleasure sitting together with the Motley Crews on the table.
We had loads of laugh, and Cheng never fail to stop amusing everyone with his own brand of jokes and cock talking.
I can't even believe what he did with Tin's younger brother...
Everyone is looking fine, i would say, after 3 years of leaving College and charting our own way in life and career.
Many well done to all of you!
Here is the link to the pics, where the wedding pictures are aplenty!
Stupe's
Kong's
oh ya, did i tell all of you i had a nightmare that night?
It was hilarious!!! I dream that all those at the table was tranported back to Jurassic Park. No kidding.
Velociraptors abound, we were chased by those dinos and in one portion of the dream, we were kicking the raptors with whatever energy we had...
and i was rudely awaken by wifey asking me why am i kicking her in bed...
Sorry darling, it wasn't done on purpose...blame it on Cheng, the Kerang Berbulu.
Had more pleasure sitting together with the Motley Crews on the table.
We had loads of laugh, and Cheng never fail to stop amusing everyone with his own brand of jokes and cock talking.
I can't even believe what he did with Tin's younger brother...
Everyone is looking fine, i would say, after 3 years of leaving College and charting our own way in life and career.
Many well done to all of you!
Here is the link to the pics, where the wedding pictures are aplenty!
Stupe's
Kong's
oh ya, did i tell all of you i had a nightmare that night?
It was hilarious!!! I dream that all those at the table was tranported back to Jurassic Park. No kidding.
Velociraptors abound, we were chased by those dinos and in one portion of the dream, we were kicking the raptors with whatever energy we had...
and i was rudely awaken by wifey asking me why am i kicking her in bed...
Sorry darling, it wasn't done on purpose...blame it on Cheng, the Kerang Berbulu.
Kong, the Sweetie...
What can i say?
Such a sweetie like him, ever thoughtful!!
Check it out, what he brought back from Korea for me and Aileen...
Bookmarks & Keychain from Korea!
Many thanks Kong
Such a sweetie like him, ever thoughtful!!
Check it out, what he brought back from Korea for me and Aileen...
Bookmarks & Keychain from Korea!
Many thanks Kong
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Joint Pain
Did some training yesterday by myself.
Elevated the heart rate to almost 95% of my Max Heart Rate for some speed exercise, then let it fall back to about 50% of my max before pushing for the 95% again (roughly 1km of hard running, and 1km of recovery run).
It was good.
But, this morning, as i woke up, i could feel pain in my knee. Omigosh...the dreaded knee pain.
I lost weight from my previous 90kg to about 82kg now. I guess, technically, in order for me to be able to run/bike/swim ie continue to do those trialthon, i better get my weight reduced by a further 5 kg.
Seems to be an achievable feat, actually, considering that my body fat percentage is still pretty high. (LOL, whadaya expect? i'm no model!)
Anyway, a bodybuilding friend of mine reccomended me to take Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
The effective dosage per day is 1.5g and 1.2g respectively.
What these two susbstance does is to treat arthritis actually. but it is used by atheletes as a form of joint health and maintaince.
I've seen too many of my active friends busting their knees. It is no fun.
Only problem in Malaysia is that these are hard to find in normal pharmarcies. The only place i could think off is to buy it off from Weider or Shiff from Weider Shop in Sunway Pyramid.
But of course, as per usual, i will do my own research on this.
US FDA has a good write up on this.
Also, there is news report about Glucosamine, chondroitin propel natural arthritis gains published in August 2000.
And there is Consumer Report article telling the world about this drugs.
As for now, i'll keep my options open, maybe the knee pain is just because i was inactive for clsoe to 3 weeks, while my blister heals.
Elevated the heart rate to almost 95% of my Max Heart Rate for some speed exercise, then let it fall back to about 50% of my max before pushing for the 95% again (roughly 1km of hard running, and 1km of recovery run).
It was good.
But, this morning, as i woke up, i could feel pain in my knee. Omigosh...the dreaded knee pain.
I lost weight from my previous 90kg to about 82kg now. I guess, technically, in order for me to be able to run/bike/swim ie continue to do those trialthon, i better get my weight reduced by a further 5 kg.
Seems to be an achievable feat, actually, considering that my body fat percentage is still pretty high. (LOL, whadaya expect? i'm no model!)
Anyway, a bodybuilding friend of mine reccomended me to take Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
The effective dosage per day is 1.5g and 1.2g respectively.
What these two susbstance does is to treat arthritis actually. but it is used by atheletes as a form of joint health and maintaince.
I've seen too many of my active friends busting their knees. It is no fun.
Only problem in Malaysia is that these are hard to find in normal pharmarcies. The only place i could think off is to buy it off from Weider or Shiff from Weider Shop in Sunway Pyramid.
But of course, as per usual, i will do my own research on this.
US FDA has a good write up on this.
Also, there is news report about Glucosamine, chondroitin propel natural arthritis gains published in August 2000.
And there is Consumer Report article telling the world about this drugs.
As for now, i'll keep my options open, maybe the knee pain is just because i was inactive for clsoe to 3 weeks, while my blister heals.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Of Puasa Month and Exercising
It is Day 12 of the Puasa Month.
So far so good, at least for the one particular group of friends that never cease to STOP running or cycling.
I was running with them yesterday in TTDI Park. We did 3 big rounds and one small round, totalling circa 10km i would presume.
Non of them showed any sign of being tired or out of energy.
I, on the other hand, with my blister/sore just at 95% healing stage, was struggling a bit. Due to the fact that i was not active for the past 2 weeks plus.
Gonna get back in shape, and start improving my fitness level.
Gonna run again today. Alone this time. Interval training maybe?
I treated myself to a few issues of back issues of Men Fitness, Muscle&Fitness and Flex recently. Priced ar RM9.90 each, i am not gonna complain if it is a July 2004 issue.
The thing about exercising and fitness is that it is addictive. If you think that Sex is addictive, then wait until you start to get your body in shape. It is exhilirating!
So far so good, at least for the one particular group of friends that never cease to STOP running or cycling.
I was running with them yesterday in TTDI Park. We did 3 big rounds and one small round, totalling circa 10km i would presume.
Non of them showed any sign of being tired or out of energy.
I, on the other hand, with my blister/sore just at 95% healing stage, was struggling a bit. Due to the fact that i was not active for the past 2 weeks plus.
Gonna get back in shape, and start improving my fitness level.
Gonna run again today. Alone this time. Interval training maybe?
I treated myself to a few issues of back issues of Men Fitness, Muscle&Fitness and Flex recently. Priced ar RM9.90 each, i am not gonna complain if it is a July 2004 issue.
The thing about exercising and fitness is that it is addictive. If you think that Sex is addictive, then wait until you start to get your body in shape. It is exhilirating!
Monday, October 25, 2004
Facial
Before any of you had any funny thoughts of what i am talking about, i really meant facial, as in the beauty/grooming regime, not, well...some other *facial* you guys, or girls, (dis)like!
And also, before any of you think that i've lost my manliness by going for this facial thingy, think again, the pain and humilation sometimes are so overwhelming, it could make any Malik Noor wannabe (or Dorian Yates, even Ronnie Coleman), cringe.
Actually, this wasn't like my FIRST facial. Been at it since i was 18. Only difference this time, was that the last facial i had, was dated 8 months back. I swear it wasn't THAT long!
Went with wifey to her friend's place, where i've signed up for a package. She was surprised to see me and she was expecting for me to appear with my face full of acne, blackheads, whiteheads etc etc.
I was excited of course.
Maybe it was the feminine side of me crying out for attention again (or is that what you call, metrosexual?)
First Diagnosis. "You've grown darker, just got back from beach ah?". I replied an aye of course.
"OK, we will do a light peeling for you", she mustered through her surgery mask covered face.
At this point, i almost freaked out. SKIN PEEL? Err...HELLO? What and why in the world would i need this? I do not want my face to be some *whitening* experiment.
Somehow, i could just muster a "Yes, pls, peel it".
I felt so ashamed. My innerself conflicting with what my lips just mustered. I blame it on the estrogen in me. Or was it the oil diffusers in the room?
It was too late to say NO to the peeling anyway, as when i came to my senses, some cold paste was already all over my face.
Then i heard plastics being stretched. Those plastics that we use to cover our food with to be stored in the fridge, or to be microwaved.
Err..homocide? I guessed she sensed my insecurity. She explained that it is used to prevent the skin from drying while the solution are slowly etching my face to look like some superstar.
Yeah right.
I felt tingling sensation. Instinct told me that any tingling sensation is good. It meant that my nerves ending are still functinoning.
About 5 minutes later, she came in and removed the plastic. She wiped the face clean and she proceed to start to remove all the white/black/yellow/orange heads there was on my face. It was painful.
"Tell me if it is painful", She said.
OK, now look here lady. IF it WAS painful, I WON'T tell you. I'm a man. I am supposed to be oblivious to pain. Thank God for the wet cotton that was placed on my eye, she did not see the tears rolling down.
There wasn't very much coloured heads to be pinched in the first place. It was all over in about 10 minutes, the pinching i meant.
Then there was this mask that she put on my face. I know i fell asleep and was rudely awaken by my own snore.
2 hours and one more mask later, it was all over. i was asked to rehydrate my face skin. It is dry. That means, i could steal some of those Aesop stuff that wifey has! (Giggle)...
OKla, 150 minutes later, i looked into the mirror. Not that i noticed any differences in the skin tone, but i definately felt the benefit of the facial. My skin was so much more smoother, and i came out alive, without my face's skin peeling like some lizards we see in the 1980's show V.
And also, before any of you think that i've lost my manliness by going for this facial thingy, think again, the pain and humilation sometimes are so overwhelming, it could make any Malik Noor wannabe (or Dorian Yates, even Ronnie Coleman), cringe.
Actually, this wasn't like my FIRST facial. Been at it since i was 18. Only difference this time, was that the last facial i had, was dated 8 months back. I swear it wasn't THAT long!
Went with wifey to her friend's place, where i've signed up for a package. She was surprised to see me and she was expecting for me to appear with my face full of acne, blackheads, whiteheads etc etc.
I was excited of course.
Maybe it was the feminine side of me crying out for attention again (or is that what you call, metrosexual?)
First Diagnosis. "You've grown darker, just got back from beach ah?". I replied an aye of course.
"OK, we will do a light peeling for you", she mustered through her surgery mask covered face.
At this point, i almost freaked out. SKIN PEEL? Err...HELLO? What and why in the world would i need this? I do not want my face to be some *whitening* experiment.
Somehow, i could just muster a "Yes, pls, peel it".
I felt so ashamed. My innerself conflicting with what my lips just mustered. I blame it on the estrogen in me. Or was it the oil diffusers in the room?
It was too late to say NO to the peeling anyway, as when i came to my senses, some cold paste was already all over my face.
Then i heard plastics being stretched. Those plastics that we use to cover our food with to be stored in the fridge, or to be microwaved.
Err..homocide? I guessed she sensed my insecurity. She explained that it is used to prevent the skin from drying while the solution are slowly etching my face to look like some superstar.
Yeah right.
I felt tingling sensation. Instinct told me that any tingling sensation is good. It meant that my nerves ending are still functinoning.
About 5 minutes later, she came in and removed the plastic. She wiped the face clean and she proceed to start to remove all the white/black/yellow/orange heads there was on my face. It was painful.
"Tell me if it is painful", She said.
OK, now look here lady. IF it WAS painful, I WON'T tell you. I'm a man. I am supposed to be oblivious to pain. Thank God for the wet cotton that was placed on my eye, she did not see the tears rolling down.
There wasn't very much coloured heads to be pinched in the first place. It was all over in about 10 minutes, the pinching i meant.
Then there was this mask that she put on my face. I know i fell asleep and was rudely awaken by my own snore.
2 hours and one more mask later, it was all over. i was asked to rehydrate my face skin. It is dry. That means, i could steal some of those Aesop stuff that wifey has! (Giggle)...
OKla, 150 minutes later, i looked into the mirror. Not that i noticed any differences in the skin tone, but i definately felt the benefit of the facial. My skin was so much more smoother, and i came out alive, without my face's skin peeling like some lizards we see in the 1980's show V.
Friday, October 22, 2004
bored
I was just blog hopping online. I realised that somethings i wrote was of any substance. I write. Yes. But of yesterday's news.
There wasn't anything exciting. Or Sexciting for that matters.
Sometimes, i wish, i could just leave everything i'm doing everyday behind. Just for a day.
Impossible.
My phone almost never stop ringing.
*private numbers* on my CLIP aren't the best thing everyday. It meant that some pesky bigger than thou so called engineer are calling you. Most probably to irritate the heck out of your fucking mind.
I was recieiving calls on the day i was registering for my marriage. For all it is worth, wifey was pretty tense up as well, as she can't believe that she is getting married.
I, for one, can't believe that the phone hasn't stop ringing.
I switched it off.
It didn't help. An hour later, barrage of SMS came in.
"Call me back or i'll ask boss to call you back" was what the pain in the arse engineer's sms said.
"where the fuck are you" echoed anohter one.
"Authority are making my life hell in this inspection", said my blurry colleague.
Heck. I sometimes dread Monday. I am even more afraid of Friday.
They call and call they will. Asking for the impossible to get the things done BY Monday.
If my fahter owns this blardy company, or my grandad(peace be with him) owns those pumps company, i would ensure that those blardy pumps are delivered to their door in the next 30 minutes.
Well, it is weekend again. And it haven't changed a thing.
Am expecting many many calls coming in tomorrow, at circa 11.30am till 1pm. And asking me to get my stuff done by Monday.
sigh...
There wasn't anything exciting. Or Sexciting for that matters.
Sometimes, i wish, i could just leave everything i'm doing everyday behind. Just for a day.
Impossible.
My phone almost never stop ringing.
*private numbers* on my CLIP aren't the best thing everyday. It meant that some pesky bigger than thou so called engineer are calling you. Most probably to irritate the heck out of your fucking mind.
I was recieiving calls on the day i was registering for my marriage. For all it is worth, wifey was pretty tense up as well, as she can't believe that she is getting married.
I, for one, can't believe that the phone hasn't stop ringing.
I switched it off.
It didn't help. An hour later, barrage of SMS came in.
"Call me back or i'll ask boss to call you back" was what the pain in the arse engineer's sms said.
"where the fuck are you" echoed anohter one.
"Authority are making my life hell in this inspection", said my blurry colleague.
Heck. I sometimes dread Monday. I am even more afraid of Friday.
They call and call they will. Asking for the impossible to get the things done BY Monday.
If my fahter owns this blardy company, or my grandad(peace be with him) owns those pumps company, i would ensure that those blardy pumps are delivered to their door in the next 30 minutes.
Well, it is weekend again. And it haven't changed a thing.
Am expecting many many calls coming in tomorrow, at circa 11.30am till 1pm. And asking me to get my stuff done by Monday.
sigh...
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Sultan Of Selangor Rocks!
Kudos to you sir,
At least we all know that you are serious about whipping those Latuks(sic) and stripping them off their title because they are undeserving!
Whoop Their Arses
At least we all know that you are serious about whipping those Latuks(sic) and stripping them off their title because they are undeserving!
Whoop Their Arses
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Si Kar Chuk*
Taken in Sg Melaka. This way to see Monitor Lizards
But i found this bugger further upstream obviously flustered by my presence, it made a dash for the water!,
This baby was a good 8 footer. This pic was taken using a 1.3megapixel camera, and this pic was cropped and enlarged by 200%!
*Si Kar Chuk - Hokkien for Monitor Lizard.
Of Old and New
Took this pic last week, when i was at site checking the progress of work near Discovery Cafe
I then sent it to NST and i guess i was the only one that sent in picture on that particular day.
It got published in the Online NST. Check it out and see:
NST Pix of the day
Come 2006, the whole Sg Melaka beautification project will be completed. The current Phase 1 work is in the process of being handed over to the Majlis Bandaraya.
So, if you are in Melaka, check the walkway out along the river. Just becareful of the Si Kar Chuk!
I then sent it to NST and i guess i was the only one that sent in picture on that particular day.
It got published in the Online NST. Check it out and see:
NST Pix of the day
Come 2006, the whole Sg Melaka beautification project will be completed. The current Phase 1 work is in the process of being handed over to the Majlis Bandaraya.
So, if you are in Melaka, check the walkway out along the river. Just becareful of the Si Kar Chuk!
To those that is trying to improve their Bahasa Malaysia, better start reading up this ride report written by OP Doc Hisyam.
BERBUKA PUASA DI EMPANGAN BATU
17 oktober2004/3 Ramadhan 1425H
430petang
Peserta:
Azman
Ashley
Zeyus
V(tak tau nama penuh)kawan kepada Zeyus
Loh(Teman lelaki Stephanie)
Amir(Teman lelaki Azman/ peserta baru)
Doc(saya)
Aktiviti riadah yang tidak dirancang ini bermula apabila Zeyus membuat panggilan telefon kepada saya untuk bertanyakan khabar. Apabila ditanyakan tentang acara berbasikal lasak, Doc dengan segera mencadangkan agar dapat berbasikal di Empangan Batu pada keesokan harinya iaitu pada 17/oktober. Melalui kaedah SMS, rakan rakan berbasikal dihubungi dan akhirnya walaupun dengan masa notifikasi yang singkat, 7 anggota dapat menghadirkan diri. Sememangya acara dirancang untuk dimulakan pada waktu petang untuk membolehkan sahabat musliman berbuka puasa pada penghujung acara.
Keadaan cuaca amat mendung. Kuala Lumpur baru dilanda hujan lebat. Kesemua peserta berada di tempat letak kereta tepat pada masa yang ditetapkan, dan setelah menukar tiub getah baru bagi tayar basikalnya, doc dan rakan-rakan memulakan aktiviti riadah mereka. Kesemua peserta agak tercungap kehabisan udara apabila menaiki lereng bukit yang pertama. Mungkinkah cuaca yang mendung dan udara lembap memainkan peranan disini? Hujan sudah reda pada masa tersebut dengan titisan renyai membasahi kami semua. Agak lega rasanya bagi kami yang berpuasa.
Keaadaan jalan adalah lembut dan berlumpur. Kami semua dibasahi lumpur dan apalah nak di kata empangan Batu, lika tidak disebut tentang pacatnya yang bermaharajalela pada petang itu? Saya menerima tidak kurang dari 10 gigitan pacat.
Kami teruja apabila sampai di anak sungai yang pertama. Anak sungai yang selalu menjadi tempat bermain, telah menjadi sebuah sungai yang deras dan dalam! Air sungai yang selalunya jernih kini menjadi kotor dan berbahaya.Kami menyeberangi sungai dengan was was.
Pada dakian yang berikutnya,keadaan adalah amat sukar disebabkan oleh keadaan tanah yang berlumpur. Banyak dahan yang jatuh disebabkan oleh hujan lebat. Walaupun begitu, keadaan jalan masih boleh membenarkan kami untuk mengayuh sebanyak yang mungkin. Pengalaman baru bagi Amir. Ini adalah kayuhan denai yang pertama baginya. Bagi V, ini bukanlah kayuhan pertama memandangkan dia pernah menakluki denai Kiara. Walaupun begitu, dia tetap berpuas hati dan gembira dengan denai Empangan Batu walaupun pada kali pertama di situ. Zeyus telah mengalami masalah teknikal dengan sistem gearnya. Syukurlah tidak serius, dan dia dapat meneruskan perjalanan dengan bantuan daripada Azman.
Laluan turun bukit menuju sungai utama diredah dengan perasaan gembira! Sungai tersebut juga kami dapati telah menjadi dalam dan amat deras.Loh telah berbaik hati dengan memberi bantuan kepada semua anggota untuk menyeberangi sungai tersebut.Doc hampir dihanyuti arus deras. Dia pun amat kecewa kerana tidak dapat mandi manda ditempat kegemarannya.
Memandangkan cuaca buruk(keadaan semakin gelap dan hujan renyai), dan untuk mengejar masa, kami bergegas meneruskan perjalanan. Runtuhan pokok yang telah menghalang denai pada masa lalu telah dibersihkan. Kami meneruskan perjalanan menaiki lerengan bukit menuju ke puncak bukit dimana bermulanya acara kegemaran semua iaitu acara turun bukit.
Pemandangan amat cantik dengan kabus selepas hujan meliputi puncak bukit dan juga lembah lembah yang diselubungi kabus. Kebanyakan denai dapat dikayuh walaupun tanah agak licin. Udara yang sejuk juga membantu kami . Keaadan persekitaran juga semakin gelap dan membuat kami bergegas ke puncak dakian.
Acara turun bukit apabila tiba tetap memberi kepuasan dan kegembiraan yang secukupnya kepada kami, walaupun denai ini telah dilalui berkali kali di masa lepas.Loh dan Zeyus berada dihadapan diikuti dengan V, Man dan Ashley. Saya dan Amir mengayuh dengan berhati hati.Sememangya Empangan Batu memberi kepuasan yang tidak dapat dibandingi!
Kami berkumpul semula di kedua sungai. Keaadan sungai yang berbahaya membuat kami berwaspada menyeberanginya. Pada laluan terakhir, kami mengayuh dengan kelajuan agak sederhana dan tidak memecut seperti yang selalu dilakukan. Keadaan yang hampir malam dan pemandangan yang amat cantik membuat kami menikmati persekitaran dan lebih berwaspada.
Azan Maghrib berkumandang tepat apabila kami sampai ke pinggiran empangan.Selepas berbuka puasa dengan air kosong dan roti(terima kasih kepada MAn), kami terus ke tempat letak kereta dan mendapati pintu utama telah berkunci! Doc terpaksa mencari pak jaga yang pada masa itu sedand berbuka puasa di rumahnya.
Dengan perasaan gembira kami meninggalkan Empangan Batu....
Jumlah masa:2jam 15 min
Denyutan nadi maksima: 186
Purata denyutan nadi: 146
Keseronokan: BEST GILA!!!!
PS: Jangan lupa bersenam walaupun bulan puasa!
BERBUKA PUASA DI EMPANGAN BATU
17 oktober2004/3 Ramadhan 1425H
430petang
Peserta:
Azman
Ashley
Zeyus
V(tak tau nama penuh)kawan kepada Zeyus
Loh(Teman lelaki Stephanie)
Amir(Teman lelaki Azman/ peserta baru)
Doc(saya)
Aktiviti riadah yang tidak dirancang ini bermula apabila Zeyus membuat panggilan telefon kepada saya untuk bertanyakan khabar. Apabila ditanyakan tentang acara berbasikal lasak, Doc dengan segera mencadangkan agar dapat berbasikal di Empangan Batu pada keesokan harinya iaitu pada 17/oktober. Melalui kaedah SMS, rakan rakan berbasikal dihubungi dan akhirnya walaupun dengan masa notifikasi yang singkat, 7 anggota dapat menghadirkan diri. Sememangya acara dirancang untuk dimulakan pada waktu petang untuk membolehkan sahabat musliman berbuka puasa pada penghujung acara.
Keadaan cuaca amat mendung. Kuala Lumpur baru dilanda hujan lebat. Kesemua peserta berada di tempat letak kereta tepat pada masa yang ditetapkan, dan setelah menukar tiub getah baru bagi tayar basikalnya, doc dan rakan-rakan memulakan aktiviti riadah mereka. Kesemua peserta agak tercungap kehabisan udara apabila menaiki lereng bukit yang pertama. Mungkinkah cuaca yang mendung dan udara lembap memainkan peranan disini? Hujan sudah reda pada masa tersebut dengan titisan renyai membasahi kami semua. Agak lega rasanya bagi kami yang berpuasa.
Keaadaan jalan adalah lembut dan berlumpur. Kami semua dibasahi lumpur dan apalah nak di kata empangan Batu, lika tidak disebut tentang pacatnya yang bermaharajalela pada petang itu? Saya menerima tidak kurang dari 10 gigitan pacat.
Kami teruja apabila sampai di anak sungai yang pertama. Anak sungai yang selalu menjadi tempat bermain, telah menjadi sebuah sungai yang deras dan dalam! Air sungai yang selalunya jernih kini menjadi kotor dan berbahaya.Kami menyeberangi sungai dengan was was.
Pada dakian yang berikutnya,keadaan adalah amat sukar disebabkan oleh keadaan tanah yang berlumpur. Banyak dahan yang jatuh disebabkan oleh hujan lebat. Walaupun begitu, keadaan jalan masih boleh membenarkan kami untuk mengayuh sebanyak yang mungkin. Pengalaman baru bagi Amir. Ini adalah kayuhan denai yang pertama baginya. Bagi V, ini bukanlah kayuhan pertama memandangkan dia pernah menakluki denai Kiara. Walaupun begitu, dia tetap berpuas hati dan gembira dengan denai Empangan Batu walaupun pada kali pertama di situ. Zeyus telah mengalami masalah teknikal dengan sistem gearnya. Syukurlah tidak serius, dan dia dapat meneruskan perjalanan dengan bantuan daripada Azman.
Laluan turun bukit menuju sungai utama diredah dengan perasaan gembira! Sungai tersebut juga kami dapati telah menjadi dalam dan amat deras.Loh telah berbaik hati dengan memberi bantuan kepada semua anggota untuk menyeberangi sungai tersebut.Doc hampir dihanyuti arus deras. Dia pun amat kecewa kerana tidak dapat mandi manda ditempat kegemarannya.
Memandangkan cuaca buruk(keadaan semakin gelap dan hujan renyai), dan untuk mengejar masa, kami bergegas meneruskan perjalanan. Runtuhan pokok yang telah menghalang denai pada masa lalu telah dibersihkan. Kami meneruskan perjalanan menaiki lerengan bukit menuju ke puncak bukit dimana bermulanya acara kegemaran semua iaitu acara turun bukit.
Pemandangan amat cantik dengan kabus selepas hujan meliputi puncak bukit dan juga lembah lembah yang diselubungi kabus. Kebanyakan denai dapat dikayuh walaupun tanah agak licin. Udara yang sejuk juga membantu kami . Keaadan persekitaran juga semakin gelap dan membuat kami bergegas ke puncak dakian.
Acara turun bukit apabila tiba tetap memberi kepuasan dan kegembiraan yang secukupnya kepada kami, walaupun denai ini telah dilalui berkali kali di masa lepas.Loh dan Zeyus berada dihadapan diikuti dengan V, Man dan Ashley. Saya dan Amir mengayuh dengan berhati hati.Sememangya Empangan Batu memberi kepuasan yang tidak dapat dibandingi!
Kami berkumpul semula di kedua sungai. Keaadan sungai yang berbahaya membuat kami berwaspada menyeberanginya. Pada laluan terakhir, kami mengayuh dengan kelajuan agak sederhana dan tidak memecut seperti yang selalu dilakukan. Keadaan yang hampir malam dan pemandangan yang amat cantik membuat kami menikmati persekitaran dan lebih berwaspada.
Azan Maghrib berkumandang tepat apabila kami sampai ke pinggiran empangan.Selepas berbuka puasa dengan air kosong dan roti(terima kasih kepada MAn), kami terus ke tempat letak kereta dan mendapati pintu utama telah berkunci! Doc terpaksa mencari pak jaga yang pada masa itu sedand berbuka puasa di rumahnya.
Dengan perasaan gembira kami meninggalkan Empangan Batu....
Jumlah masa:2jam 15 min
Denyutan nadi maksima: 186
Purata denyutan nadi: 146
Keseronokan: BEST GILA!!!!
PS: Jangan lupa bersenam walaupun bulan puasa!
Saturday, October 16, 2004
Friday, October 15, 2004
Blister on left heel, 2 days after the Perhentian. Seen covered in Tegaderm courtesy of some cronies...
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Yeap, He did it again!
What did i tell you?
in my posting yesterday, i qouted him as saying that it will take a week to clear the place.
Now, it will take...3 months!!!
Well done Samy!
OK, To be fair to him, there was 2 stretch of the road that will be opened, converting it into a 2 way street.
An officer from IWK this morning that i met, told me about how precarious the whole road looked, since this portion is almost at the apex of the hill, chances of you being stuck behind a 3 tonnes lorry carrying 15 tonnes of goods/stuffs are high (We are the citizen of Bolehland, Any 3 Axle vehicle could be transformed into a 4 axle to carry more goods), and it is definately not a pretty sight to be following them up the hill at 30km/h.
If the Lorry breaks down how?
Or how about those daredevil bus driver that would speed, it isn't any prettier with them tailgating you at 80km/h, knowing very well you got no where to go but up front faster, then you meet with the slow moving lorry upfront, then what?
And raining days are back again, lets hope there is no further earth movement (i bet the department in charge would had said that they have been monitoring the situation...hahahahahaha)
Well Done! Again!
in my posting yesterday, i qouted him as saying that it will take a week to clear the place.
Now, it will take...3 months!!!
Well done Samy!
OK, To be fair to him, there was 2 stretch of the road that will be opened, converting it into a 2 way street.
An officer from IWK this morning that i met, told me about how precarious the whole road looked, since this portion is almost at the apex of the hill, chances of you being stuck behind a 3 tonnes lorry carrying 15 tonnes of goods/stuffs are high (We are the citizen of Bolehland, Any 3 Axle vehicle could be transformed into a 4 axle to carry more goods), and it is definately not a pretty sight to be following them up the hill at 30km/h.
If the Lorry breaks down how?
Or how about those daredevil bus driver that would speed, it isn't any prettier with them tailgating you at 80km/h, knowing very well you got no where to go but up front faster, then you meet with the slow moving lorry upfront, then what?
And raining days are back again, lets hope there is no further earth movement (i bet the department in charge would had said that they have been monitoring the situation...hahahahahaha)
Well Done! Again!
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Sigh...
Remember the eagle that has a wing broken in Perhentian?
Well, looks who made it into the pix of the day!
I sure hope the eagle will recover, and take to the sky, as it should be...
Ironic isn't it?
Well, looks who made it into the pix of the day!
I sure hope the eagle will recover, and take to the sky, as it should be...
Ironic isn't it?
Oppss..he did it again...
Less than a year after the Bukit Lanjan Rockslide, now we have the Gua Tempurung Landslide.
IN the land of many Slides...and not to forget, Boleh-ness, this comes as lil surprise.
The highway owner, PLUS, should had taken all nessasary action prevent these incident from happening again.
Bukit Lanjan was kind enough not to cause any casulties.
But Gua Tempurung was less forgiving, at least one was injured and many more shocked at their luck and predictament to be so close to death itself.
One week to clear the rubble?
Well, that was what they said about Bukit Lanjan to take more than just a few weeks, which turned out to be a few months!
Of course, I can already hear what our beloved Work minister would say.
"Act of GOD!" (ok, which he didn't say this time around, but he did say...)
“You cannot say it is the design because the highway has existed for 18 years. At areas where there have been hill cutting, even though we have placed retaining walls, we can expect such incidents to happen.”
OK, 18 years, aren't the slope supposed to be stabilised by now?
“We will assess the situation and if feasible we will build the tunnel at dangerous stretches like this one. We could not do it before because it was too costly,”
Hmm...after his attempt to build a tunnel at Bukit Lanjan..looks like he wants a tunnel in Gua Tempurung!
Now, what's with our country's fetish for all thing that *slides* and all things that need to make *holes* (SMART tunnel that is causing massive problem from Kg. Pandan roundabout to Sg. Besi, and all these tunnel $hit)...
Forgot, it is all in the spirit of Malaysia (Samy) Boleyyy...
All together now... BOH...LEEYYYYYYY!!!!
IN the land of many Slides...and not to forget, Boleh-ness, this comes as lil surprise.
The highway owner, PLUS, should had taken all nessasary action prevent these incident from happening again.
Bukit Lanjan was kind enough not to cause any casulties.
But Gua Tempurung was less forgiving, at least one was injured and many more shocked at their luck and predictament to be so close to death itself.
One week to clear the rubble?
Well, that was what they said about Bukit Lanjan to take more than just a few weeks, which turned out to be a few months!
Of course, I can already hear what our beloved Work minister would say.
"Act of GOD!" (ok, which he didn't say this time around, but he did say...)
“You cannot say it is the design because the highway has existed for 18 years. At areas where there have been hill cutting, even though we have placed retaining walls, we can expect such incidents to happen.”
OK, 18 years, aren't the slope supposed to be stabilised by now?
“We will assess the situation and if feasible we will build the tunnel at dangerous stretches like this one. We could not do it before because it was too costly,”
Hmm...after his attempt to build a tunnel at Bukit Lanjan..looks like he wants a tunnel in Gua Tempurung!
Now, what's with our country's fetish for all thing that *slides* and all things that need to make *holes* (SMART tunnel that is causing massive problem from Kg. Pandan roundabout to Sg. Besi, and all these tunnel $hit)...
Forgot, it is all in the spirit of Malaysia (Samy) Boleyyy...
All together now... BOH...LEEYYYYYYY!!!!
Monday, October 11, 2004
Sg Dua Epic Ride
Sg Dua Trail
Lentang Forest Reserve.
Sg Dua, Pahang
10/0ctober/2004
By Doc. Hisham...
Reconnaissance Ride
Members:
Azman(special forces)
Nik(Kor Agama )
Fendi (Kor Armor/kereta kebal)
Stupe(Kor Angkut/ transport/mechanic)
Bacin(Sjn Bacin / Kor Renjer/ orang asli)
Me(doc)
Well what can you say, we finally did it. So much talk of the big ride and we finally did it! It started well enough. Everyone was on time. 0730hrs at the Projet. Barring a few minor adjustments, toilet visit, breakfast and filling up of petrol...we were on the road by 0745. The going was steady, with speeds within the limits. Radio communication was on and the usual macho chat got into full gear. Nik and Azman brought up the rear and we all had to wait for them at the Bentong toll gate. Hopefully nothing fishy went on in that silver Kembara...Entertainment was free, courtesy of some Alleycats wannabe. Somehow my karaoke singing doesn't sound right so early on the morning.
As usual, the theme of the morning was" bash your doctor day" The doc was pre blamed for everything." KAlau kita sesat, memang salah doc la, etc etc." Thankfully, he was competent enough to lead the pack to the trailhead. It took us an hour to reach the trailhead. It was easy enough to find, thanks to a well written trail guide by Joe adnan. No thanks to Nik.
The tail head and also our parking space is located in a flat open plateau (260ft A.S.L) just off the exit to Kg Sertik Mempaga where we had to make a u turn under the highway back towards KL..Located nearby was Pusat Serenti Sg Dua.(Stupes Alumni)
After the usual prep action, we were off. 0900hrs. the initial phase of the track was slow gentle ride on narrow tarmac road. We passed trough some orchards (dusun) on the way and even passed trough a small orang asli village. Sjn Bacin wanted to stop and meet his relatives and Nik wanted to check on his illegal offspring there, but we had a long ride ahead. Familial matters had to wait.
The tarmac road changed into double tracked 4 WD track immediately after the village. The track was dry and firm with only a few ruts. Maybe the loggers have had their day in Sg Dua and now have abandoned logging there. At Km 2.5, the climbing started. Technically it was not very difficult. However the climb was quite steep at places and was sustained at a steep angle, unlike the more gentle slopes of Teratak. As we got further, the ruts appeared. Perhaps the heavy rain fall coupled with the steep incline contributed to the deep ruts. It was painfully slow and frustrating, especially when you had to restart from stopping or falling into the ruts. The only person who was able to ride almost the whole extent was Man. The rest, well what do you expect from a couple of over the hill, weekend warriors? Pushed and cursed laa...Somehow, Doc's vocabulary of not so good words just got better on that Sunday morning uphill torture.
Whatever motivated this group of buggers to wake up at 6 and endure such torture was soon rewarded with some wonderfully beautiful breath taking views. The early morning cloud cover and mist made the backdrop of mountains stunningly pretty. Somewhat difficult to imagine that we were only an hour's drive from KL and away from that thick polluted air. At this height, the air temperature dropped. It felt like the lower 20s (C), and of course the air was clean. Unfortunately it had to be polluted by nicotine tainted Dunhill (KATAKAN TAKNAK!)
At Km 6.8 we had our first river crossing. (Sg Dua Olak). Even at this point the view of the river was superb. As we ascended, the river was on our right side following our course (south westerly). Met a couple of small but impressive waterfalls on the way. A few too many Kodak moments here and there made the climb less torturing and more rewarding. The climb finally ended at the highest point on the trail (1360ft A.S.L). The apex of the climb was situated at a ridge (genting) which overlooked the confluence of 2 valleys. According to the trail guide, it marked the watershed between the two river systems of Sg Dua Olak and Sg Kurau, of which we were attempting to follow upstream. (The end point of the trail is the Kurau waterfalls)
From here onwards it was more or less undulating downhill for the next 4-5 km. The track was becoming more technical with deep ruts and slippery rocky terrain as we followed a more southerly course this time. You can sense that not many people come here by the sheer overgrowth and fallen logs. At most of the river crossings, the log bridges had fallen over and left in a state of neglect. The journey here onward was getting more demanding and tiring.
We reached the 15km mark at around 1230hrs, and at this point spirits were high as we were confident in being able to reach Kurau water fall by the pre planned cutoff point of 1400hrs.4 Km in 90mins? Sounded simple even for Sjn Bacin and the already semi comatose doc! We proceeded on crossing quite a big river. In fact it was the confluent of the Kurau and the depressingly named Sg Rogol. Off course, the view here was magnificent. Large boulders and what I reckon to be grade 3 to 4 rapids. Haiya...kalau boleh kayak ni sure best! After crossing, we immediately lost the trail! What heavy overgrowth!
The team had to spend almost 20 minutes trying to figure out where the trail was. Finally after much hacking of the jungle with our bare hands, we finally found it. Damn me if I may, but the thick bush was almost like virgin jungle! Couple with the fact that nobody remembered to bring any machetes or axe (yes, you can blame the doc) forward movement was very slow. The Kurau River was now on our left as we began to climb to reach its waterfalls. Those of us wearing short sleeves and fancy Lycra got a hell of a beating from the thorns. By 1315 we only managed to reach 16.5km! It was getting late, morale was low and some limbs were bruised and itched like mad. Ahead was the proposed river crossing at 17.5km and another 2 km till the water fall. No mention was made in the trail guide about the terrain and we were not sure what kind of forest growth awaits us.
The team immediately stopped and reassessed the situation. A quick vote was made. The choice was easy a) continue onwards and bash through the hell and turn back at 1400hrs. Or b) turns back now and rest at the river confluent/crossing (15km). The risk with a) was we may not have enough time to rest before embarking on the long journey out of there. However, having got so close and yet so far, it was really frustrating! In the end the vote count was 4-2 in favour of turning back. The 2 opposition MPs were Azman and doc.
It was again jungle bashing, this time downhill to the river confluent. At this point everyone was dead tired and hungry. Lunch as usual was served.....burnt toast with peanut butter and raspberry(lovely), burnt toast with cheese spread, Nasi lemak bungkus(courtesy of Fendi), Tuna sandwich(Nik), and other stuff. I must say that the quality of the caterers has improved. Unlike most rides where people would talk rubbish and make fun of Stupe or Bacin depending on the mood, the team was a bit subdued. Maybe it's the breathtaking views of the rapids or the calm serenity of the moment. It looked more like that we were all half dead from the ordeal. Nobody wanted to talk about the upcoming 4 km uphill on the return journey. A matter to contemplate too was the long downhill. Maybe it was easy for some like Nik and Fendi, but for morons like me, Stupe and Bacin, it was scary enough to think that we had to endure it while we were already tired!
The river was steep enough to swim in with some guys taking the opportunity to do their laundry(Stupes), clean their gear, mandi wajib etc. Man said the fish was big there. I didn't see any though. Too tired laa.
At 1400hrs we headed back. And just like a porno movie with a bad ending, the first technical failure arose thanks to Nik's really crappy brake pads which decided to come off. Thankfully our brake pad expert was on hand to refix it which I'm sure no one else on the team knew how to. Nasib baik ada bawa cina murtad.
The 4 km ride to the highest point was HELL! No macho talk now. Fendi and Stupes were quietly pushing their bikes. Man was contemplating what went wrong and noting that we should have been more prepared for this kind of trip. Bacin was thinking of the next adventure race and how he was going to beat Stupes and doc. Nik was Busy checking his watch altimeter to gauge how far till the summit. Doc was comatose silent, maybe trying to get used to HELL, as at his current status, a one way ticket is already prebooked. The sun was already beating down hard and despite the altitude, was again drenched in sweat. Fear was of running out of water. Almost all had their water bags drained by now.
During one of the rest stops, we talked about taking on the Jill Thompson loop in the next biggie. Azman mentioned that his previous bike owner had already brought the bike up Cameron. Wow if that simple bike can make it? Surely our Scott Racing and Specialized Stumpjumper can make it! In the end the conclusion was that it wasn't Man who was fit and able, it was the bike...Haiya, we almost thought he was on performance enhancing drug or something....You never know these kelantanese tongkat ali stuff they have .
What a relief it was once we reached the 10.4 mark. A quick pit stop and some words of caution on how to tame this downhill section and we were off. It was as said earlier easy for some and damn frightening for others. Fendi had one tergolek episode...laju sangat tu. Meanwhile Man also took a tumble over his handle bar. Nasib baik ada helmet! Me and Stupe as usual on downhill sweeped the rear.
The gang reorganised past the river crossing (6.8km) and we all felt like we were home free! We were screaming trough the orchard like there's no tomorrow.... and just like any other cheap porno horror flick, something shitty had to happen. This time it was Fendi's chain which snapped! Thanks to overzealous hard shifting during a climb, the chain just gave up. Immediate call for assistance brought everyone together again except for Nik who was way ahead (radio battery was out) and probably thinking he was a hero to blaze us all behind! Once again the cina murtad came into action. The rest, well they just looked and talked cock. By the end of repairs, the sky was darkening and drizzling. Not sure whether the rain was starting or ending in that region. The track was getting muddier and slippery. We only got really dirty at this point onwards. Home stretch was at near full speed, no time to visit kampung people.
A welcome relief to reach the cars. Someone noticed some police crime scene -yellow no entry tapes around the parking space. Shit! We were on some kind of crime scene! No mood to talk. Everyone was trying to go home and get lectured from their spouses. Muka semua sedih je...Reached the cars at 1735hrs.
Total journey time: 7 hrs 35min
Actual bike rolling 4 hrs 17
Elevation gained 260ft to 1360 in aprrox 8km
Max HR: 196
Av HR : 148
Pleasure ratings: Hell freezes over!
Bacin: Best gilaa...!!!!
Stupes: Penat sial!!!
Man: Kita kena prepare lebih lain kali
Nik: Better than Pusu -kemensah
Lessons learned from this ride: we have to be more prepared. Always bring parang/kapak on unknown trails like this.
Perhaps an earlier flag off time instead of the usual 0730 is warranted for oncoming biggie rides. In open trails like this wear long sleeves!
So let's do the Jill Thompson in December after raya!
Lentang Forest Reserve.
Sg Dua, Pahang
10/0ctober/2004
By Doc. Hisham...
Reconnaissance Ride
Members:
Azman(special forces)
Nik(Kor Agama )
Fendi (Kor Armor/kereta kebal)
Stupe(Kor Angkut/ transport/mechanic)
Bacin(Sjn Bacin / Kor Renjer/ orang asli)
Me(doc)
Well what can you say, we finally did it. So much talk of the big ride and we finally did it! It started well enough. Everyone was on time. 0730hrs at the Projet. Barring a few minor adjustments, toilet visit, breakfast and filling up of petrol...we were on the road by 0745. The going was steady, with speeds within the limits. Radio communication was on and the usual macho chat got into full gear. Nik and Azman brought up the rear and we all had to wait for them at the Bentong toll gate. Hopefully nothing fishy went on in that silver Kembara...Entertainment was free, courtesy of some Alleycats wannabe. Somehow my karaoke singing doesn't sound right so early on the morning.
As usual, the theme of the morning was" bash your doctor day" The doc was pre blamed for everything." KAlau kita sesat, memang salah doc la, etc etc." Thankfully, he was competent enough to lead the pack to the trailhead. It took us an hour to reach the trailhead. It was easy enough to find, thanks to a well written trail guide by Joe adnan. No thanks to Nik.
The tail head and also our parking space is located in a flat open plateau (260ft A.S.L) just off the exit to Kg Sertik Mempaga where we had to make a u turn under the highway back towards KL..Located nearby was Pusat Serenti Sg Dua.(Stupes Alumni)
After the usual prep action, we were off. 0900hrs. the initial phase of the track was slow gentle ride on narrow tarmac road. We passed trough some orchards (dusun) on the way and even passed trough a small orang asli village. Sjn Bacin wanted to stop and meet his relatives and Nik wanted to check on his illegal offspring there, but we had a long ride ahead. Familial matters had to wait.
The tarmac road changed into double tracked 4 WD track immediately after the village. The track was dry and firm with only a few ruts. Maybe the loggers have had their day in Sg Dua and now have abandoned logging there. At Km 2.5, the climbing started. Technically it was not very difficult. However the climb was quite steep at places and was sustained at a steep angle, unlike the more gentle slopes of Teratak. As we got further, the ruts appeared. Perhaps the heavy rain fall coupled with the steep incline contributed to the deep ruts. It was painfully slow and frustrating, especially when you had to restart from stopping or falling into the ruts. The only person who was able to ride almost the whole extent was Man. The rest, well what do you expect from a couple of over the hill, weekend warriors? Pushed and cursed laa...Somehow, Doc's vocabulary of not so good words just got better on that Sunday morning uphill torture.
Whatever motivated this group of buggers to wake up at 6 and endure such torture was soon rewarded with some wonderfully beautiful breath taking views. The early morning cloud cover and mist made the backdrop of mountains stunningly pretty. Somewhat difficult to imagine that we were only an hour's drive from KL and away from that thick polluted air. At this height, the air temperature dropped. It felt like the lower 20s (C), and of course the air was clean. Unfortunately it had to be polluted by nicotine tainted Dunhill (KATAKAN TAKNAK!)
At Km 6.8 we had our first river crossing. (Sg Dua Olak). Even at this point the view of the river was superb. As we ascended, the river was on our right side following our course (south westerly). Met a couple of small but impressive waterfalls on the way. A few too many Kodak moments here and there made the climb less torturing and more rewarding. The climb finally ended at the highest point on the trail (1360ft A.S.L). The apex of the climb was situated at a ridge (genting) which overlooked the confluence of 2 valleys. According to the trail guide, it marked the watershed between the two river systems of Sg Dua Olak and Sg Kurau, of which we were attempting to follow upstream. (The end point of the trail is the Kurau waterfalls)
From here onwards it was more or less undulating downhill for the next 4-5 km. The track was becoming more technical with deep ruts and slippery rocky terrain as we followed a more southerly course this time. You can sense that not many people come here by the sheer overgrowth and fallen logs. At most of the river crossings, the log bridges had fallen over and left in a state of neglect. The journey here onward was getting more demanding and tiring.
We reached the 15km mark at around 1230hrs, and at this point spirits were high as we were confident in being able to reach Kurau water fall by the pre planned cutoff point of 1400hrs.4 Km in 90mins? Sounded simple even for Sjn Bacin and the already semi comatose doc! We proceeded on crossing quite a big river. In fact it was the confluent of the Kurau and the depressingly named Sg Rogol. Off course, the view here was magnificent. Large boulders and what I reckon to be grade 3 to 4 rapids. Haiya...kalau boleh kayak ni sure best! After crossing, we immediately lost the trail! What heavy overgrowth!
The team had to spend almost 20 minutes trying to figure out where the trail was. Finally after much hacking of the jungle with our bare hands, we finally found it. Damn me if I may, but the thick bush was almost like virgin jungle! Couple with the fact that nobody remembered to bring any machetes or axe (yes, you can blame the doc) forward movement was very slow. The Kurau River was now on our left as we began to climb to reach its waterfalls. Those of us wearing short sleeves and fancy Lycra got a hell of a beating from the thorns. By 1315 we only managed to reach 16.5km! It was getting late, morale was low and some limbs were bruised and itched like mad. Ahead was the proposed river crossing at 17.5km and another 2 km till the water fall. No mention was made in the trail guide about the terrain and we were not sure what kind of forest growth awaits us.
The team immediately stopped and reassessed the situation. A quick vote was made. The choice was easy a) continue onwards and bash through the hell and turn back at 1400hrs. Or b) turns back now and rest at the river confluent/crossing (15km). The risk with a) was we may not have enough time to rest before embarking on the long journey out of there. However, having got so close and yet so far, it was really frustrating! In the end the vote count was 4-2 in favour of turning back. The 2 opposition MPs were Azman and doc.
It was again jungle bashing, this time downhill to the river confluent. At this point everyone was dead tired and hungry. Lunch as usual was served.....burnt toast with peanut butter and raspberry(lovely), burnt toast with cheese spread, Nasi lemak bungkus(courtesy of Fendi), Tuna sandwich(Nik), and other stuff. I must say that the quality of the caterers has improved. Unlike most rides where people would talk rubbish and make fun of Stupe or Bacin depending on the mood, the team was a bit subdued. Maybe it's the breathtaking views of the rapids or the calm serenity of the moment. It looked more like that we were all half dead from the ordeal. Nobody wanted to talk about the upcoming 4 km uphill on the return journey. A matter to contemplate too was the long downhill. Maybe it was easy for some like Nik and Fendi, but for morons like me, Stupe and Bacin, it was scary enough to think that we had to endure it while we were already tired!
The river was steep enough to swim in with some guys taking the opportunity to do their laundry(Stupes), clean their gear, mandi wajib etc. Man said the fish was big there. I didn't see any though. Too tired laa.
At 1400hrs we headed back. And just like a porno movie with a bad ending, the first technical failure arose thanks to Nik's really crappy brake pads which decided to come off. Thankfully our brake pad expert was on hand to refix it which I'm sure no one else on the team knew how to. Nasib baik ada bawa cina murtad.
The 4 km ride to the highest point was HELL! No macho talk now. Fendi and Stupes were quietly pushing their bikes. Man was contemplating what went wrong and noting that we should have been more prepared for this kind of trip. Bacin was thinking of the next adventure race and how he was going to beat Stupes and doc. Nik was Busy checking his watch altimeter to gauge how far till the summit. Doc was comatose silent, maybe trying to get used to HELL, as at his current status, a one way ticket is already prebooked. The sun was already beating down hard and despite the altitude, was again drenched in sweat. Fear was of running out of water. Almost all had their water bags drained by now.
During one of the rest stops, we talked about taking on the Jill Thompson loop in the next biggie. Azman mentioned that his previous bike owner had already brought the bike up Cameron. Wow if that simple bike can make it? Surely our Scott Racing and Specialized Stumpjumper can make it! In the end the conclusion was that it wasn't Man who was fit and able, it was the bike...Haiya, we almost thought he was on performance enhancing drug or something....You never know these kelantanese tongkat ali stuff they have .
What a relief it was once we reached the 10.4 mark. A quick pit stop and some words of caution on how to tame this downhill section and we were off. It was as said earlier easy for some and damn frightening for others. Fendi had one tergolek episode...laju sangat tu. Meanwhile Man also took a tumble over his handle bar. Nasib baik ada helmet! Me and Stupe as usual on downhill sweeped the rear.
The gang reorganised past the river crossing (6.8km) and we all felt like we were home free! We were screaming trough the orchard like there's no tomorrow.... and just like any other cheap porno horror flick, something shitty had to happen. This time it was Fendi's chain which snapped! Thanks to overzealous hard shifting during a climb, the chain just gave up. Immediate call for assistance brought everyone together again except for Nik who was way ahead (radio battery was out) and probably thinking he was a hero to blaze us all behind! Once again the cina murtad came into action. The rest, well they just looked and talked cock. By the end of repairs, the sky was darkening and drizzling. Not sure whether the rain was starting or ending in that region. The track was getting muddier and slippery. We only got really dirty at this point onwards. Home stretch was at near full speed, no time to visit kampung people.
A welcome relief to reach the cars. Someone noticed some police crime scene -yellow no entry tapes around the parking space. Shit! We were on some kind of crime scene! No mood to talk. Everyone was trying to go home and get lectured from their spouses. Muka semua sedih je...Reached the cars at 1735hrs.
Total journey time: 7 hrs 35min
Actual bike rolling 4 hrs 17
Elevation gained 260ft to 1360 in aprrox 8km
Max HR: 196
Av HR : 148
Pleasure ratings: Hell freezes over!
Bacin: Best gilaa...!!!!
Stupes: Penat sial!!!
Man: Kita kena prepare lebih lain kali
Nik: Better than Pusu -kemensah
Lessons learned from this ride: we have to be more prepared. Always bring parang/kapak on unknown trails like this.
Perhaps an earlier flag off time instead of the usual 0730 is warranted for oncoming biggie rides. In open trails like this wear long sleeves!
So let's do the Jill Thompson in December after raya!
Perhentian Island Challenge : Part 4
The Aftermath...
We Got Medals!!!
Well, the organisers was kind enough to present each finisher with a medal. That was sweet of them. Since this was the first Perhentian Island/Quadrathlon in Malaysia, the total prize money was RM20K! But of course, non of us managed to come close to get any of the portion of the pie.
Nevertheless, everyone that came, and finish the race was more than happy of their personal achievements. OP Adventure did pretty good, personally, if you were to ask me. We not only better our own full dress rehearsal time by 30 minutes at least (does this mean we pushed ourselves more), to some, it was a personal thing.
Some of us were bugged with injuries sustained during those many years of knee bashing exercise or games.
Some of us had chaffing and blisters at all the most unusual (and not mentionable places).
Some of us only decided to train like in the final 3 weeks before the race itself.
Some of us, had to conquer their personal fears of swimming in the open sea (in swimming pool, there is always the *touchable* flooring, should anything goes wrong) and the depth at high tide at the far end of the swimming league could well be more than 30 feet, not forgetting the elements.
This applied to kayaking as well, as kayaking in Putrajaya Lake was by far a luxury, compared to what we had to do in Perhentian.
Even the biking trail somewhat resembled the famed technical outback of Kiara, where most riders will at least take a tumble or two. It is evident as the Perhentian trail took a few casulties in some of those expensive reliable bikes.
But of course, the so called trail run was the biggest ploy of them organisers. Duping us to believe that it will be loads of running, but instead, it was much more technical than the *Tok Penghulu, Where the Fakawi* trail during the AXN KL Race.
Again, It was exhilarating, exceptionally fun, especially chanllenging for all those first, or even regular triatheltes (as Kayaking wasn't even in any triathlon events).
And as usual, these races thrives on adrenalin rush. It breathes on the spirit of competiveness.
OK. I better stop before it sound like some ad for some car company...
But i am sure you all know what i meant. For those that had taken part in this races, they now what it takes to achieve what they achieved. Personal sacrifices. Training pains and injuries. Monetary issues. The list could go on. We now have the same respect for these atheletes that compete in international arena as for those that does well in the corporate sector.
Me and Doc after the race
Prize Giving and BBQ Dinner
We had our lunch at our usual joint. Food don't taste as good after those hours of toiling with the elements. But it did taste better than those bananas and powerbars/muesli bars. It was also then that we saw the last 2 contestant, ladies category, running their final 400 meters to the finishing line, to complete their race nontheless. We cheered them on. We know, how important it is to finish the race, and not just PARTICIPATE. Kudos to them!
Later in the evening, after loads of washing up and damage control over all the equipements and bodily parts, we went for the scheduled BBQ dinner cum prize presentation.
Food were buffet styled. it wasn't anything really impressive, if it was even impressive in the first place. The race for food also happens here, maybe this should be called a hepthalon, including fighting for food is concerned. LOL. The organisers did their best to accomodate paying guest and also the participants to the prize giving ceremony, but some of us can't help but to feel cheated that the buffet spread cost RM40 per head. Then, the ice cream came out...hahahaha...it was funny to see grown ups fighting for that one scope of miserable flavour laden, colour enhanced ice cream. So much so for atheletes taking care of their health and food intake. hahaha.
This applies to you as well Bro, better finish that last stick of ciggie...
The winner was announced later. Well done to all of them. The ladies champ was seen going to the stage with one member's leg in cast, apparently sprained ankle sustained during the trail run. The other member, also the champ for the Mix team in the AXN race, was carrying her injured teammate to recieve the prizes.
The Mix team champ was called upon as well, with a pretty muhibbah mixture of races in their blood.
The male Champ, and also the overall champ was last to called upon. As expected, this guy is a full time triathelete. He does nothing but run, swim and cycle.
Then there was the lucky prize presentation.
OP Adventure team member managed to get one return air ticket from KL-Kota Baru(Asry got that) and anohter one, which is one night stay at Bubu Resort (Azman got it).
The rest of the lucky prizes, i could say almost 80% of it, went back to the staff at Bubu Island Resort. heck, even the MC had the prize of the lucky draw, not forgetting their GM!
OK, I don't need to be sore, but, isn't it proper that the STAFFS are not allowed to be included in the lucky draw. Did they pay for the food in the first place? This leave much to be desired, if you ask me.
Also, not to mean to be overly paranoid as well, but i just found out that the Race Director's son was the winner! Now, isn't there should be a clause that says members of the immediate/close family are NOT allowed to take part?
No wonder why he said that any formal complain should be done only after the race, which by then, will be too late, isn't it?
I just hope what i think it is, is not true. I respect them in many sense. I give them that much that they commit their lives to all these activities.
Err...how about the other clauses that say that ONLY AMATEUR atheletes are allowed to take part? then, why is a few NATIONAL athelete allowed to take part?
But of course, even without them, i do not personally think that I can be in the winner's standing. But i just a bit unfair that these things should happen.
Whatever happened to being Righteous?
The Dinner After
Grouses aside.
We left the prize giving feeling pretty disgusted at whatever happening. We joined the rest of our spouses and divers OP for a chit chat under the moonlight at Lily Resort. OP Nordin and gang brought their Divemaster with them. OP Andrew97B. His family owns a diving business, and by a stroke of coincidence, the OPs dived with him! He was in RMC for only a year. Which he later pulled himself out after Form 2 for reasons only known to him.
But once an OP, he will always be an OP. He enjoyed our company of course. He stayed until just before he predicted that rain will fall. By then, it was already 1am in the morning.
OP Amerul and OP Azly had a word with him, and they are now looking into the possibility of planning to organise a mass diving certification exercise for OPs. More reasons for being an OPA member now, isn't it?
As usual, whenever OPs get together, cock will fly(pardon the pun). We had an enjoyable outing. In fact, OP Amir even asked if OP Hisyam wants to JOIN HIS team next year.
Bacin was estatic that he overtook me and doc in this race. Asry was more than joyful to be able to complete the race.
Blanka and Bean was as usual, their ownselves, exceeeding where they are with their great fitness level (both are Pilots, and MAS should be given a pat for emplying only FIT pilot)
Upak and Chipok will come back with better results in the next race, having encountered loads of problem from body injuries to bike problem.
Bandit and Mat Gan apparently signing up for the Eco XTreme challenge.
Amir and Azman said to "let statistic speaks for itself"
And Doc and me, as usual, just continue with our wall climbing, weekend biking and those runs to make sure we get some top 5 finishing next time.
Whatever the so called pledges were, everyone knows deep inside, that the biggest single hurdle is to exceed one's limit, both physically and mentally. Like i always cornyly tell them, it is mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter!
The Return Journey
OP Nordin and family left earliest at 8am the next morning.
The rest was still dragging their aching body out of bed, with the exceptions of the Pilots that decided to spend one more day in this beautiful island.
We packed and checked out by 11.30am. Some of us forgoing the supposed snorkelling trip that was cut short due to some freak storm in the evening (call me jakun, but it was my first time facing some 6 foot waves and being thrashed around in the sea, the divers were caught in it as well, and only came back after 6pm, and saw a double rainbow!!!).
The journey back to mainland took longer than expected. Upon reaching the jetty and unloading. Everyone convoyed to Bandit's house in KT for a stumptous lunch prepared by his parents and an aunt. Nasi minyak complete with everything that will be too mouth watering to put it in words(i do not want to drool over the keyboard). It was like some homecoming kenduri in a smaller scale!
Doc's wife and Amerul stayed on in Bandit's house as they are catching the evening flight back.
Lunch is Served!
Thanks to Bandit's parents, we cleaned up the whole mini kenduri!!!
Oh ya, did i tell you that we made a new friend and took her back with us to KL (I mean, she Tumpang-ed our cars la...) Her name is Kate, a Briton that could speak Indonesian Malay.
After lunch, Mat Gan, Bandit and Doc's car convoyed back home. OP Alan stopped over in Kuantan to visit a friend and stay overnight. It is like he is doing a round Peninsular trip!
The 3 cars stopped over at Kuantan for dinner. Hoping to catch OP JI Ostrich or even OP Chef KZ there, but i guess our last minute timing didn't materialised.
Mat Gan and wife also stopped over in Kuantan, as she will be working in Kuantan on Monday, so Doc and Bandit's car left back for KL.
As usual, being Boys, we refused to top up our tank when there wasn pump station. We got lost in the trunk road, that was supposed to lead us into the East Coast highway. The signage was just bad, as usual. but we did managed to find our way into the highway, or risk driving 4 hours in the trunk road.
Doc's car was on low fuel warning for at least 80km before we managed to find one petrol station near Temerloh. Bandit was literally holding his breath as we were climbing the Karak-Bentong stretch before refueling at Genting Sempah.
We only got home at circa 1am.
And of course, to keep each other awake, the two cars driver actually sang to each other!!! hahahahahaha...
Looking Back
Sometimes, i felt as if i am writing like Martha Steward in her those corny talk shows. LOL. OK, anyway, that aside, it was just me thinking outloud.
After the race, everyone gathered around the OP camp and had a chat. Everyone was estatic, despite not being placed in a more favourable finishing position over their own personal feat. Immediately, there were news about joining the Eco-Xtreme race on November 27th, 2 weeks after raya.
Like i've told all of you in the AXN report, these races are addictive. It pushes the norm human ability. You do the things that other average people around you can't. And you will have the bragging rights after all that ends.
We are constantly looking for sponsors. We envisoned ourselves to be racing for OPA for the longest possible time our body allow us to. We give the spirit, YOU give the commitment to us. What say you?
Totally irrelevent picture:
An Eagle on the beach, unable to fly as it has a wing broken. Someone please play Flying without Wings!
We Got Medals!!!
Well, the organisers was kind enough to present each finisher with a medal. That was sweet of them. Since this was the first Perhentian Island/Quadrathlon in Malaysia, the total prize money was RM20K! But of course, non of us managed to come close to get any of the portion of the pie.
Nevertheless, everyone that came, and finish the race was more than happy of their personal achievements. OP Adventure did pretty good, personally, if you were to ask me. We not only better our own full dress rehearsal time by 30 minutes at least (does this mean we pushed ourselves more), to some, it was a personal thing.
Some of us were bugged with injuries sustained during those many years of knee bashing exercise or games.
Some of us had chaffing and blisters at all the most unusual (and not mentionable places).
Some of us only decided to train like in the final 3 weeks before the race itself.
Some of us, had to conquer their personal fears of swimming in the open sea (in swimming pool, there is always the *touchable* flooring, should anything goes wrong) and the depth at high tide at the far end of the swimming league could well be more than 30 feet, not forgetting the elements.
This applied to kayaking as well, as kayaking in Putrajaya Lake was by far a luxury, compared to what we had to do in Perhentian.
Even the biking trail somewhat resembled the famed technical outback of Kiara, where most riders will at least take a tumble or two. It is evident as the Perhentian trail took a few casulties in some of those expensive reliable bikes.
But of course, the so called trail run was the biggest ploy of them organisers. Duping us to believe that it will be loads of running, but instead, it was much more technical than the *Tok Penghulu, Where the Fakawi* trail during the AXN KL Race.
Again, It was exhilarating, exceptionally fun, especially chanllenging for all those first, or even regular triatheltes (as Kayaking wasn't even in any triathlon events).
And as usual, these races thrives on adrenalin rush. It breathes on the spirit of competiveness.
OK. I better stop before it sound like some ad for some car company...
But i am sure you all know what i meant. For those that had taken part in this races, they now what it takes to achieve what they achieved. Personal sacrifices. Training pains and injuries. Monetary issues. The list could go on. We now have the same respect for these atheletes that compete in international arena as for those that does well in the corporate sector.
Me and Doc after the race
Prize Giving and BBQ Dinner
We had our lunch at our usual joint. Food don't taste as good after those hours of toiling with the elements. But it did taste better than those bananas and powerbars/muesli bars. It was also then that we saw the last 2 contestant, ladies category, running their final 400 meters to the finishing line, to complete their race nontheless. We cheered them on. We know, how important it is to finish the race, and not just PARTICIPATE. Kudos to them!
Later in the evening, after loads of washing up and damage control over all the equipements and bodily parts, we went for the scheduled BBQ dinner cum prize presentation.
Food were buffet styled. it wasn't anything really impressive, if it was even impressive in the first place. The race for food also happens here, maybe this should be called a hepthalon, including fighting for food is concerned. LOL. The organisers did their best to accomodate paying guest and also the participants to the prize giving ceremony, but some of us can't help but to feel cheated that the buffet spread cost RM40 per head. Then, the ice cream came out...hahahaha...it was funny to see grown ups fighting for that one scope of miserable flavour laden, colour enhanced ice cream. So much so for atheletes taking care of their health and food intake. hahaha.
This applies to you as well Bro, better finish that last stick of ciggie...
The winner was announced later. Well done to all of them. The ladies champ was seen going to the stage with one member's leg in cast, apparently sprained ankle sustained during the trail run. The other member, also the champ for the Mix team in the AXN race, was carrying her injured teammate to recieve the prizes.
The Mix team champ was called upon as well, with a pretty muhibbah mixture of races in their blood.
The male Champ, and also the overall champ was last to called upon. As expected, this guy is a full time triathelete. He does nothing but run, swim and cycle.
Then there was the lucky prize presentation.
OP Adventure team member managed to get one return air ticket from KL-Kota Baru(Asry got that) and anohter one, which is one night stay at Bubu Resort (Azman got it).
The rest of the lucky prizes, i could say almost 80% of it, went back to the staff at Bubu Island Resort. heck, even the MC had the prize of the lucky draw, not forgetting their GM!
OK, I don't need to be sore, but, isn't it proper that the STAFFS are not allowed to be included in the lucky draw. Did they pay for the food in the first place? This leave much to be desired, if you ask me.
Also, not to mean to be overly paranoid as well, but i just found out that the Race Director's son was the winner! Now, isn't there should be a clause that says members of the immediate/close family are NOT allowed to take part?
No wonder why he said that any formal complain should be done only after the race, which by then, will be too late, isn't it?
I just hope what i think it is, is not true. I respect them in many sense. I give them that much that they commit their lives to all these activities.
Err...how about the other clauses that say that ONLY AMATEUR atheletes are allowed to take part? then, why is a few NATIONAL athelete allowed to take part?
But of course, even without them, i do not personally think that I can be in the winner's standing. But i just a bit unfair that these things should happen.
Whatever happened to being Righteous?
The Dinner After
Grouses aside.
We left the prize giving feeling pretty disgusted at whatever happening. We joined the rest of our spouses and divers OP for a chit chat under the moonlight at Lily Resort. OP Nordin and gang brought their Divemaster with them. OP Andrew97B. His family owns a diving business, and by a stroke of coincidence, the OPs dived with him! He was in RMC for only a year. Which he later pulled himself out after Form 2 for reasons only known to him.
But once an OP, he will always be an OP. He enjoyed our company of course. He stayed until just before he predicted that rain will fall. By then, it was already 1am in the morning.
OP Amerul and OP Azly had a word with him, and they are now looking into the possibility of planning to organise a mass diving certification exercise for OPs. More reasons for being an OPA member now, isn't it?
As usual, whenever OPs get together, cock will fly(pardon the pun). We had an enjoyable outing. In fact, OP Amir even asked if OP Hisyam wants to JOIN HIS team next year.
Bacin was estatic that he overtook me and doc in this race. Asry was more than joyful to be able to complete the race.
Blanka and Bean was as usual, their ownselves, exceeeding where they are with their great fitness level (both are Pilots, and MAS should be given a pat for emplying only FIT pilot)
Upak and Chipok will come back with better results in the next race, having encountered loads of problem from body injuries to bike problem.
Bandit and Mat Gan apparently signing up for the Eco XTreme challenge.
Amir and Azman said to "let statistic speaks for itself"
And Doc and me, as usual, just continue with our wall climbing, weekend biking and those runs to make sure we get some top 5 finishing next time.
Whatever the so called pledges were, everyone knows deep inside, that the biggest single hurdle is to exceed one's limit, both physically and mentally. Like i always cornyly tell them, it is mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter!
The Return Journey
OP Nordin and family left earliest at 8am the next morning.
The rest was still dragging their aching body out of bed, with the exceptions of the Pilots that decided to spend one more day in this beautiful island.
We packed and checked out by 11.30am. Some of us forgoing the supposed snorkelling trip that was cut short due to some freak storm in the evening (call me jakun, but it was my first time facing some 6 foot waves and being thrashed around in the sea, the divers were caught in it as well, and only came back after 6pm, and saw a double rainbow!!!).
The journey back to mainland took longer than expected. Upon reaching the jetty and unloading. Everyone convoyed to Bandit's house in KT for a stumptous lunch prepared by his parents and an aunt. Nasi minyak complete with everything that will be too mouth watering to put it in words(i do not want to drool over the keyboard). It was like some homecoming kenduri in a smaller scale!
Doc's wife and Amerul stayed on in Bandit's house as they are catching the evening flight back.
Lunch is Served!
Thanks to Bandit's parents, we cleaned up the whole mini kenduri!!!
Oh ya, did i tell you that we made a new friend and took her back with us to KL (I mean, she Tumpang-ed our cars la...) Her name is Kate, a Briton that could speak Indonesian Malay.
After lunch, Mat Gan, Bandit and Doc's car convoyed back home. OP Alan stopped over in Kuantan to visit a friend and stay overnight. It is like he is doing a round Peninsular trip!
The 3 cars stopped over at Kuantan for dinner. Hoping to catch OP JI Ostrich or even OP Chef KZ there, but i guess our last minute timing didn't materialised.
Mat Gan and wife also stopped over in Kuantan, as she will be working in Kuantan on Monday, so Doc and Bandit's car left back for KL.
As usual, being Boys, we refused to top up our tank when there wasn pump station. We got lost in the trunk road, that was supposed to lead us into the East Coast highway. The signage was just bad, as usual. but we did managed to find our way into the highway, or risk driving 4 hours in the trunk road.
Doc's car was on low fuel warning for at least 80km before we managed to find one petrol station near Temerloh. Bandit was literally holding his breath as we were climbing the Karak-Bentong stretch before refueling at Genting Sempah.
We only got home at circa 1am.
And of course, to keep each other awake, the two cars driver actually sang to each other!!! hahahahahaha...
Looking Back
Sometimes, i felt as if i am writing like Martha Steward in her those corny talk shows. LOL. OK, anyway, that aside, it was just me thinking outloud.
After the race, everyone gathered around the OP camp and had a chat. Everyone was estatic, despite not being placed in a more favourable finishing position over their own personal feat. Immediately, there were news about joining the Eco-Xtreme race on November 27th, 2 weeks after raya.
Like i've told all of you in the AXN report, these races are addictive. It pushes the norm human ability. You do the things that other average people around you can't. And you will have the bragging rights after all that ends.
We are constantly looking for sponsors. We envisoned ourselves to be racing for OPA for the longest possible time our body allow us to. We give the spirit, YOU give the commitment to us. What say you?
Totally irrelevent picture:
An Eagle on the beach, unable to fly as it has a wing broken. Someone please play Flying without Wings!