One thing that I loved more than clear soup is....lemon slices in cold water! It's just so damn refreshing, especially in these hot, hot days. I've always been intrigued by Tupperware's catalogue supplied by Aja, my SIL-cum-Tupperware dealer, with images of tumbler full of water with lemon slices immersed in the cool, cool water. Never had the guts to do it, coz I was afraid that the water would turn bitter with the lemon + skin soaked for long periods... Boy, was I wrong! I had a couple of leftover lemon slices, courtesy from the Lemon Chicken Rice takeout from Pak Li's Kopitiam near my house. Waste not, I always said. So I washed the lemon slices and dunked them in my 1 litre Tupperware tumbler and let it cool in the fridge for a few hours. The result was HEAVENLY!! and I had reused the two slices of lemon again and again, still fresh and lemony, so kira ok lah tu...haha sungguh perak dengan air rendam lemon, tapi itulah hakikatnya tuan-tuan dan puan-puan....cubalah hari ini!! Tp ingat, tak payah letak gula pun dh best gila. Beats drinking plain water, and suitable for those who are trying to wean off sugary drinks. Don't add any sugar! You don't need the extra sugar.
Thank God my blood sugar is normal!
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Torn between two
Is it the love of the work or is it because you are familiar with it?
I am in a dilemma...to stay in the current division or go back to the job that I'd done for the past 6 years. I thought that I had enough of MICE, maybe I needed new environment and new experiences, because I was getting sick of all the haggling, and begging, and negotiating, and the last minute requests, and the lack of manpower.
I thought that I needed to get away from all that..
But then I discovered that I was good at my old job...
I am still tuned in to the updates, industry people giving updates, old contacts been calling me, I think I missed the old division...and perhaps the action.
I am currently serving in Research Division. The new division did not have clear direction and purpose, we were neglected from attention and care of the bosses...so it feels as if me and the others have no purpose working in the division. Research is a different ballgame altogether, it's more technical what with the programme that we need to learn like SPSS, or forecasting. It is exciting in a different way, but maybe I was not fully trained for that.
I must confess that I am getting sluggish in the PR department, not getting as much action as I was used to. Not that I missed all the late night dinners & functions. My life is more calm and organized now, which is not a bad thing. But more than ever, I think I cared about doing the job properly, and I am confident that I can be better at MICE than I was before.
The only problem is, I have not been inducted into MYCEB yet, and I am sort of doing illegal job for my former boss, ZHS. My immediate boss is vehemently against the idea of me going to MYCEB because she didn't want her staff to be pinched, after a few others were done the same.
Admin Division was not much help, delaying the transfer for months when a formal request have already been made. Instead they offer the position to people who were not willing to join MYCEB, and it also has become a dumping ground for officers who just came back from overseas and had nowhere else to go. MYCEB needs experienced people in MICE to go because the work is just piling up. Anyhow, maybe I am in a dilemma ethically, but as far as feelings go, I can't wait to go to MYCEB!
I am in a dilemma...to stay in the current division or go back to the job that I'd done for the past 6 years. I thought that I had enough of MICE, maybe I needed new environment and new experiences, because I was getting sick of all the haggling, and begging, and negotiating, and the last minute requests, and the lack of manpower.
I thought that I needed to get away from all that..
But then I discovered that I was good at my old job...
I am still tuned in to the updates, industry people giving updates, old contacts been calling me, I think I missed the old division...and perhaps the action.
I am currently serving in Research Division. The new division did not have clear direction and purpose, we were neglected from attention and care of the bosses...so it feels as if me and the others have no purpose working in the division. Research is a different ballgame altogether, it's more technical what with the programme that we need to learn like SPSS, or forecasting. It is exciting in a different way, but maybe I was not fully trained for that.
I must confess that I am getting sluggish in the PR department, not getting as much action as I was used to. Not that I missed all the late night dinners & functions. My life is more calm and organized now, which is not a bad thing. But more than ever, I think I cared about doing the job properly, and I am confident that I can be better at MICE than I was before.
The only problem is, I have not been inducted into MYCEB yet, and I am sort of doing illegal job for my former boss, ZHS. My immediate boss is vehemently against the idea of me going to MYCEB because she didn't want her staff to be pinched, after a few others were done the same.
Admin Division was not much help, delaying the transfer for months when a formal request have already been made. Instead they offer the position to people who were not willing to join MYCEB, and it also has become a dumping ground for officers who just came back from overseas and had nowhere else to go. MYCEB needs experienced people in MICE to go because the work is just piling up. Anyhow, maybe I am in a dilemma ethically, but as far as feelings go, I can't wait to go to MYCEB!
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Kemut
Aku paling benci dgn orang yang kemut dgn kerja dia, semua intellectual property. Apa salahnya share information, for the good of the organization. Nothing is intellectual property, everything is recycled – minutes ker, surat ker, even email! so tak payah nak kemut kat ko sorang kalau setakat buat kerja yg rutin. Bukannya dapat naik pangkat cepat pun kalau bagi idea best, ini jabatan kerajaan lah...
My experience with this minah was that I asked her for a power point presentation (recycled again!), and she said, she was too busy to look for it, walhal sebelum jumpa aku dh communicator (mcm YM) sama dia and dia kata ok. Tp bila aku turun jumpa dia, tetiba ckp dia busy walhal tengah berborak dgn org sebelah. Pastu aku ckp sekejap jer nk copy benda alah tu, just 5 mins. Dia kata dia busy sgt and tak tau mana letak folder tuh! What a bunch of bullshit! So aku ckp fine, aku pakai jer presentation yg lama. Sbb presentation tuh pun asalnya aku yg buat masa aku pegang portfolio dia dulu, tp sbb sekarang dh division lain, kena la tanya dia dulu kot ada amendment apa2. Serupa tak payah mintak sama dia....
Bukan nak cakap aku best sangat, tp bila ada organizer email ker, call ker, aku respond lah, takder lah senyap jer. Ini sampai organizer and travel agent yang pernah kerja dgn aku pun complain pasal dia lembab, x jawab email, x pernah ada kat tempat, bila tanya lain jawab lain, pendek kata mmg susah nak dealing dgn dia. Dulu orang cakap pasal dia aku tak percaya sbb aku ingat dia ni pekerja cemerlang. Rupa-rupanya pandai cakap jer...
Tetiba hr ni nak mintak bantuan aku, soalan senang yg tak payah tanya aku pun boleh pikir sendiri. So aku dgn snappish nya jawab (dlm comm) “haiya, itu pun mau tanya ka? Just follow the criteria lah, nak justify apa lagi” and she made a remark “ heheh manjer, manjer sgt” – what the hell does that mean??? Maybe dia nk cover line ker apa, lagi aku menyampah, she likes to end her sentence with “yar”. GELI OK! Was that supposed to be manja or sthg?? Sebenarnya, aku dh byk kali tolong dia especially bila aku dah handover portfolio lama, byk bagi advise sbb tak nak kerja yg aku dh buat dulu jadi slack. Tourism industry ni kecik jer, balik-balik orang yg sama gak bawak group insentif atau buat conference. Lama-lama diaorang ni akan bercerita gak...malu ker tak malu??
Tolonglah jangan buat macam ni kat tempat kerja, apa salahnya bekerja sama. Lagipun, sharing is caring!
My experience with this minah was that I asked her for a power point presentation (recycled again!), and she said, she was too busy to look for it, walhal sebelum jumpa aku dh communicator (mcm YM) sama dia and dia kata ok. Tp bila aku turun jumpa dia, tetiba ckp dia busy walhal tengah berborak dgn org sebelah. Pastu aku ckp sekejap jer nk copy benda alah tu, just 5 mins. Dia kata dia busy sgt and tak tau mana letak folder tuh! What a bunch of bullshit! So aku ckp fine, aku pakai jer presentation yg lama. Sbb presentation tuh pun asalnya aku yg buat masa aku pegang portfolio dia dulu, tp sbb sekarang dh division lain, kena la tanya dia dulu kot ada amendment apa2. Serupa tak payah mintak sama dia....
Bukan nak cakap aku best sangat, tp bila ada organizer email ker, call ker, aku respond lah, takder lah senyap jer. Ini sampai organizer and travel agent yang pernah kerja dgn aku pun complain pasal dia lembab, x jawab email, x pernah ada kat tempat, bila tanya lain jawab lain, pendek kata mmg susah nak dealing dgn dia. Dulu orang cakap pasal dia aku tak percaya sbb aku ingat dia ni pekerja cemerlang. Rupa-rupanya pandai cakap jer...
Tetiba hr ni nak mintak bantuan aku, soalan senang yg tak payah tanya aku pun boleh pikir sendiri. So aku dgn snappish nya jawab (dlm comm) “haiya, itu pun mau tanya ka? Just follow the criteria lah, nak justify apa lagi” and she made a remark “ heheh manjer, manjer sgt” – what the hell does that mean??? Maybe dia nk cover line ker apa, lagi aku menyampah, she likes to end her sentence with “yar”. GELI OK! Was that supposed to be manja or sthg?? Sebenarnya, aku dh byk kali tolong dia especially bila aku dah handover portfolio lama, byk bagi advise sbb tak nak kerja yg aku dh buat dulu jadi slack. Tourism industry ni kecik jer, balik-balik orang yg sama gak bawak group insentif atau buat conference. Lama-lama diaorang ni akan bercerita gak...malu ker tak malu??
Tolonglah jangan buat macam ni kat tempat kerja, apa salahnya bekerja sama. Lagipun, sharing is caring!
Monday, 20 July 2009
The Merchants of Bollywood
http://merchantsofbollywood.com.au/aus/Ms Fantaghiro, me and my sis were at Istana Budaya last Thursday to watch "The Merchants of Bollywood". Aku mati-mati ingat this is another hindustani concert like the ones that Shah Rukh Khan lip sync to but this is actually a musical theatre.
It is taken from the true life story of Ayesha Merchant (yes, its a family name), who is the granddaughter of Shantilal Merchant from Rajasthan. Shantilal was one of the great choreographers during the great film industry - those days of Bobby and Chalte Chalte. But he had retired and was preserving the Kathak, dance for the God. The family were to uphold the tradition. But Ayesha had other ideas, she also wanted to be a great choreographer in Bollywood. So against her grandfather's wishes, she left the temple for Bollywood. She became a great choreograhper, and decided to make amends with her grandfather. She goes back to Rajasthan, found her childhood sweetheart Uday, marries him and met her dying grandfather and finally decided to stay in Rajasthan.
That's as far as the storyline goes. Well it's not much of a storyline, I must say. This play is purely for entertainment, and boy, the dance moves are superb! It is Bollywood and much more. The dances are refined, and Uday, the lead male dancer, is excellent. When he did his backflip from the tempel stairs, that was hot! Very extravagant show, more than 30 dancers on the stage for one song and the costumes are glittery, sexy, flesh baring and all that. Aiya, susah lah mau explain thru writing. Best viewed to get accurate experience.
Anyway, it was cute when emcee of the night, Dato' Mahathir Lokman said at the beginning of the show "sit back and enjoy the show. Clapping and dancing are most welcomed". Some girls in the front seat were enjoying themselves so much that they were standing up and dancing to the songs. Very enjoyable, but for those with limited knowledge of Bollywood songs, might be disappointed that familiar mainstream Hindi songs from Kuch2 Hota Hai/Mohabbatein/Kabhi Kushie Kabhie Gham/etc were not in the play. But you will enjoy it nonetheless.
This I guarantee you.
*Strictly for those who loves hindi songs and dance moves.
It is taken from the true life story of Ayesha Merchant (yes, its a family name), who is the granddaughter of Shantilal Merchant from Rajasthan. Shantilal was one of the great choreographers during the great film industry - those days of Bobby and Chalte Chalte. But he had retired and was preserving the Kathak, dance for the God. The family were to uphold the tradition. But Ayesha had other ideas, she also wanted to be a great choreographer in Bollywood. So against her grandfather's wishes, she left the temple for Bollywood. She became a great choreograhper, and decided to make amends with her grandfather. She goes back to Rajasthan, found her childhood sweetheart Uday, marries him and met her dying grandfather and finally decided to stay in Rajasthan.
That's as far as the storyline goes. Well it's not much of a storyline, I must say. This play is purely for entertainment, and boy, the dance moves are superb! It is Bollywood and much more. The dances are refined, and Uday, the lead male dancer, is excellent. When he did his backflip from the tempel stairs, that was hot! Very extravagant show, more than 30 dancers on the stage for one song and the costumes are glittery, sexy, flesh baring and all that. Aiya, susah lah mau explain thru writing. Best viewed to get accurate experience.
Anyway, it was cute when emcee of the night, Dato' Mahathir Lokman said at the beginning of the show "sit back and enjoy the show. Clapping and dancing are most welcomed". Some girls in the front seat were enjoying themselves so much that they were standing up and dancing to the songs. Very enjoyable, but for those with limited knowledge of Bollywood songs, might be disappointed that familiar mainstream Hindi songs from Kuch2 Hota Hai/Mohabbatein/Kabhi Kushie Kabhie Gham/etc were not in the play. But you will enjoy it nonetheless.
This I guarantee you.
*Strictly for those who loves hindi songs and dance moves.
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
H1N1 Lowdown
I was on duty as a rapporteur on Monday for the annual Overseas Directors Meeting and so just to share some info on H1N1 as supplied by Dato' Dr. Hassan bin Abdul Rahman, Director of Communicable Disease Control Division from Public Health Department who gave updates on the H1N1 influenza pandemic,
H1N1 is a new influenza which causes a contagious respiratory illness that is communicable from human to human. The first case was reported on 16 April 2009, where it continued to spread around the world and by 16 May 2009,
A total of 42 countries have reported local transmission of the disease and 10 countries had sustained the virus via human to human transmission. Earlier cases reported of the H1N1 were those who had traveled to the
For
It was informed that H1N1 cases with complications such as pneumonia or diabetes will be hospitalized and those with mild symptoms was advised to be quarantined at home. Government hospitals will give free treatment to those who contracted the H1N1 influenza, be it Malaysians or foreigners.
The Public Health Department (PHD) aims to:
- reduce transmission and illness severity;
- provide information to help health care providers, public health officials, and the public to address the challenges posed by this emergency.
PHD has recommended that precautions be taken from all level of society, be it individual or household to take safety measures by adhering to the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health. It is advisable that everyone maintains personal hygiene, practice social distancing, reduce travel, avoid crowded areas and restrict mass gathering to ensure that the H1N1 pandemic will be contained. PHD will conduct disease surveillance by continuing screening at airports. The public is advised to get updates on current situation from credible sources such as Ministry of Health and World Health Organization. With regards to the tourism industry, Ministry of Health has not issued any restrictions for foreign tourists to travel to
Y.B. Minister of Tourism had reiterated that
*text taken from my rapporteur of the session, with info supplied by PHD.
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Our Photoshoot
Nice eh?
Compliments to Geoffrey, our photographer of the day. We wanted to have a special memory before Ms Jam left for Brunei, so we had our pics taken at Carcosa Seri Negara after work.
Compliments to Geoffrey, our photographer of the day. We wanted to have a special memory before Ms Jam left for Brunei, so we had our pics taken at Carcosa Seri Negara after work.
Take it from the top: Nuwal, Noriah, Emi, Kamilia & Jamilah.This shot was inspired by Che Yah. Best of all I looked kurus heh heh
I'd always wondered how this kind of photo was shot. Maybe the model was jumping on trampoline or that they were supper skinny or very good athletes that they could jump very high. The trick is simple, which the photographer have to shoot this crouching down or from a low angle, and the model, which in this pic ces't moi, was jumping as high as she could. And the result, Voila! Me jumping ridiculously high almost reaching the rooftop. It's a wonder that I hadn't actually broke the heel of my sandals as they were very thin and had to support my considerable body weight after each jump! Monday, 13 July 2009
Trip to Kijal and KT
It was my third wedding anniversary last Thursday, and I'd planned for a mid-week getaway with hubby to Terengganu. Why Terengganu? Maybe because I'd always felt a sense of calm and familiarity with Terengganu's idyllic lifestyle and blue coastline...I'd also promised myself that we'd take a journey somewhere for our anniversary. None of that candle light, romantic dinner nonsense for me. I'd be happier travelling to a favourite destination or discover new places.
So, at high noon on Thursday, 9th July 2009, we started the journey to Kijal using the Lebuhraya Pantai Timur. It is a boring stretch of road, and for 3 hours I drove while hubby nursed an aching back. I cranked up the volume on The Essential MJ. Off Jabor exit, we turned into Cherating. Beautiful stretch of beaches where you get loads of resorts like Impiana and Legend Resorts, and once Club Med (not sure if it still exist). Further down the road was Kemaman town, which I might say is quite big and developed, not the small quaint town I'd imagined. Awana Kijal was another 51 km from here, and less than one hour we'd reached the resort.
Since I'd a good friend working there, she put us up in a complimentary room. Yes, the perks of working in the industry and knowing people. But I was booked under PIBG SMK Rantau Petronas. What the...? Because my friend was working the school accounts, she managed to squeeze me in...but that is a trade secret...so if you have friends working in hotel line, I bet he/she can squeeze you in for one night comp!
This is actually my second visit there, I love the hotel despite the rooms having an 80s feel to it. It's got the largest pool in the east coast, they got a wicked spa called Taman Sari, a giant chess set where you'd have to move the pieces as big as those cones you see at construction sites, lovely breakfast spread serving nasi dagang every morning, huge American Breakfast, mee curry(in the morning??), omelet station, congee.....there's something for everybody. Plus, the club sandwich is to die for!!! Hubby was starting to warm up to the idea of travelling, so it was my mission to bring him to new, exciting destinations.
Next day, we continued on our journey to KT, which was only 126km from Kijal. En route we passed by Kertih, Paka, Dungun, etc, and stopped for air kelapa and jagung rebus, which was our main diet traveling that route. This stretch of road between Rantau Abang and Pantai Kelulut was laden with roadside stalls selling kacang rebus, and jagung bakar & jagung rebus, which you couldn't find anywhere else on the stretch.
Upon reaching Pantai Kelulut, the best keropok lekor I'd ever tasted called "Keropok Lekor 008 Kelulut". The shop is a green double-storey house with open front facing a very purple resort, which its name escapes me now. But if you were looking for it, on your way to KT, the shop will be on your left facing the purple resort after the Pantai Kelulut signboard. I swear its the best keropok, because the fish contents was pure and the keropok itself was soft compared to those meaty, commercial type ones which were laden with flour. Cost cutting measures.
Upon reaching Pantai Kelulut, the best keropok lekor I'd ever tasted called "Keropok Lekor 008 Kelulut". The shop is a green double-storey house with open front facing a very purple resort, which its name escapes me now. But if you were looking for it, on your way to KT, the shop will be on your left facing the purple resort after the Pantai Kelulut signboard. I swear its the best keropok, because the fish contents was pure and the keropok itself was soft compared to those meaty, commercial type ones which were laden with flour. Cost cutting measures.
I'd compared it to a few keropoks maker in Losong like Adik Beradik and Adnan. Hands down, its Keropok Lekor 008 Kelulut. But being attached to my kampung in Rompin, I was used to keropok with banyak ikan. Surprisingly, my hubby which hails from Johor and some of my colleagues in the office, do not like the fishy keropok lekor. They'd rather like the pasty keropok lekor which puff up when fried because its full of flour, where the fish taste is only for flavour. Then keropok losong is perfect for them such as Adik Beradik or Adnan keropok. But if you like more fish, then keropok lekor 008 Kelulut is definitely for you...
In KT, we stayed in Primula resort which was RM208nett. The room was recently refurbished, and you get the standard features - white sheets & comforter which is identical to most luxury brand hotels nowadays, none of the fancy & heavy comforter, some new carpeting, new walls and touch screen features remote by your bedside for lamps and tv remote. But the breakfast spread here was not as luxurious compared to Awana Kijal's excellent spread. The food was so-so and might I say, a bit bland.
We then went to the compulsory Pasar Payang for some cuci mata. Didn't bought much cause I'd already bought a few batik sutera when I was in Terengganu back in March for my survey. So had that out of my system. We went to Seberang Takir for some dinner and jus gelas besar, but I was bummed because I didn't find the exact same gerai that I went last March, which had some strange combination of fruit juices, like strawberry + plum. Didn't have much time to bring hubby to the seaside where they served fresh ikan celup tepung...next visit maybe. Hubby's now fired up to go to Terengganu again....can't wait for my next adventure on the road!
Sunday, 12 July 2009
R.I.P, M.J?
Still caught up on MJ's reruns on documentary and hit videos on MTV, I'd surfed a few websites for more news and came across this website:
http://sharonastyk.com/2009/07/07/stop-all-the-clocks-mourning-without-object/
I must say that I don't really agree to Sharon's posting because clearly she isn't a fan of MJ thus her post maybe biased to MJ's fans. But please read the posting and all 88 comments, and in it you will find MJ's hater and MJ's supporters, but most improtantly it helped me to see the bigger picture. MJ is human after all, and to err is human, even if he was accused and acquited for child molesting cases. But some of what was said was true, I do think that his memorial was an extravagant affair and those artist who performed or gave eulogoy are either those who barely knew him (i.e. Usher, Jennifer Hudson) or those who hadn't seen him in years (Brooke Shields). Why haven't these people step up and gave him open support when he was dealing with the child molest cases? Only when he's dead that they scramble to offer their grief and support..anyway, I realized that we must now move on because whatever it is he is still dead, and nothing can change it, except that we pray for his soul....
All those stories about his cosmetic surgery or skin bleaching or his claims on vitiligo, that's all is insubstantial to warrant him a freak. Maybe his actions (or alleged actions) do, but he was also an advocator of many charities for Africa, Aids, Heal the Kids foundation. So, it is a war between the good, the bad and the ugly. May God bless his soul.
http://sharonastyk.com/2009/07/07/stop-all-the-clocks-mourning-without-object/
I must say that I don't really agree to Sharon's posting because clearly she isn't a fan of MJ thus her post maybe biased to MJ's fans. But please read the posting and all 88 comments, and in it you will find MJ's hater and MJ's supporters, but most improtantly it helped me to see the bigger picture. MJ is human after all, and to err is human, even if he was accused and acquited for child molesting cases. But some of what was said was true, I do think that his memorial was an extravagant affair and those artist who performed or gave eulogoy are either those who barely knew him (i.e. Usher, Jennifer Hudson) or those who hadn't seen him in years (Brooke Shields). Why haven't these people step up and gave him open support when he was dealing with the child molest cases? Only when he's dead that they scramble to offer their grief and support..anyway, I realized that we must now move on because whatever it is he is still dead, and nothing can change it, except that we pray for his soul....
All those stories about his cosmetic surgery or skin bleaching or his claims on vitiligo, that's all is insubstantial to warrant him a freak. Maybe his actions (or alleged actions) do, but he was also an advocator of many charities for Africa, Aids, Heal the Kids foundation. So, it is a war between the good, the bad and the ugly. May God bless his soul.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
R.I.P, M.J
Finally, almost two weeks since his death, MJ was finally brought to rest at the Lawn Forest cemetery...
When I heard about his death, it was 26th June in the morning when Shasha smsed me and told the news, and I'd thought it was a hoax. I logged on to MSN and sure enough there was the news. At that time, I was attending the PTK course and was preparing for final presentation later on that day....so naturally, I didn't dwell much on it as I had other things on my mind.
Much much later on, with the media frenzy and CNN and MTV paying tribute, some people said that he wasn't dead, like Elvis when he left the building. There'd be MJ sightings in the future. It was surreal, I couldn't believe it, couldn't believe he was dead. And seeing how everyone was saddened by his death, but me numbed couldn't feel it. I claimed myself as a MJ fan, but I was ashamed to admit to myself that I'd stopped listening to his records long time ago...yeah, I knew his songs but I haven't listened to his albums in a long time, like I did when I was younger.
I remembered that it was my parents who'd bought his records, what I remembered most was his album Bad as I was introduced to Michael Jackson, or rather I became conscious of him as an artist. I was in primary school. Later on, his movie Moonwalker was my favourite that I'd repeatedly watched, with that magnificent claymation and his stories and video clips - Smooth Criminal, Bad, Liberian Girl. I remembered Dangerous, HIStory but I did not remember Invincible. But there was only one song from Invincible that I kept playing on my pc over my working years - Butterflies....that was the last song that I ever heard and played from him...
So, yes, as any other people wanted to be reacquainted with him, I went out and bought The Essential Michael Jackson. Maybe it was guilt trip but I am a fan of Micheal Jackson and he will be missed...R.I.P, M.J.
When I heard about his death, it was 26th June in the morning when Shasha smsed me and told the news, and I'd thought it was a hoax. I logged on to MSN and sure enough there was the news. At that time, I was attending the PTK course and was preparing for final presentation later on that day....so naturally, I didn't dwell much on it as I had other things on my mind.
Much much later on, with the media frenzy and CNN and MTV paying tribute, some people said that he wasn't dead, like Elvis when he left the building. There'd be MJ sightings in the future. It was surreal, I couldn't believe it, couldn't believe he was dead. And seeing how everyone was saddened by his death, but me numbed couldn't feel it. I claimed myself as a MJ fan, but I was ashamed to admit to myself that I'd stopped listening to his records long time ago...yeah, I knew his songs but I haven't listened to his albums in a long time, like I did when I was younger.
I remembered that it was my parents who'd bought his records, what I remembered most was his album Bad as I was introduced to Michael Jackson, or rather I became conscious of him as an artist. I was in primary school. Later on, his movie Moonwalker was my favourite that I'd repeatedly watched, with that magnificent claymation and his stories and video clips - Smooth Criminal, Bad, Liberian Girl. I remembered Dangerous, HIStory but I did not remember Invincible. But there was only one song from Invincible that I kept playing on my pc over my working years - Butterflies....that was the last song that I ever heard and played from him...
So, yes, as any other people wanted to be reacquainted with him, I went out and bought The Essential Michael Jackson. Maybe it was guilt trip but I am a fan of Micheal Jackson and he will be missed...R.I.P, M.J.
Thursday, 18 June 2009
More health issues and tips
I was down with (presumably) a cold and runny nose last Saturday...went to Klinik Idzham at Jalan Genting Klang and the good doctor gave me your standard paracetamol and flu medicine. Sunday, my nose was blocked but my phlegm was thicker and yellower, so I thought I was on the road to recovery. Monday, woke up with worse nose blocked and drowsiness from last night's flu medicine.
Decided to take MC as I feel that I couldn't work that day. Went to another panel clinic, Klinik Wangsa nearby Alpha Angle Wangsa Maju. Met up with Dr Nadir Khan, told him my flu didn't get any better but it good worst. I suspected that I had sinus problem, maybe I was allergic with seafood (I had seafood tomyam on Friday night, that's when the headache and runny nose started). Dr Nadir Khan said that the symptoms are almost similar and went on to declare,"I haven't given any flu or cough medicine to my patients in almost 17 years". Wow. And I thought that the flu medicine is the answer to our flu problems. And cough medicine for our cough problems. He said explained that flu or cough medicine would dry up the phelgm inside of you that at one point your phelgm will be very thick and yellow, and when you cough it will be very dry and hurts your throat.
Therefore, Dr Nadir tought me a technique to dislodge my phlegm. He doesn't want his patients to heal quickly, and I was puzzled by this statement. Aza de Kaza, who introduced me to this clinic explained that the doctor wants the patients to heal more naturally. I have been having phlegm and cough problems for quite sometime now, so what Dr Nadir tought me had been very helpful:
Administer to self, especially when coughing or feeling phelgm stuck:
1. Cup one palm into a half-inverted "V"
2. Pat vigorously on opposite side of the body just above the breast, and feel the phelgm starts to rise in your throat;
3. Same palm, pat vigorously under your rib cage and the side of your body. In no time you'll be spitting the dislodge phelgm.
4. Repeat with the other palm and opposite side of the body.
Administer to others:
1. Boil water and put it in a basin;
2. If doctor provides you with the herbal crystal that can help with your breathing, then drop just a pinch of it in the hot water;
3. Cup palm into half-inverted "V";
4. Patient bent down to inhale the hot water and you pat vigorously behind his/her back to help with breathing. Airway will be more clear and phlegm will thin out.
*can also be done to self for the hot water treatment, minus the pat on the back.
Decided to take MC as I feel that I couldn't work that day. Went to another panel clinic, Klinik Wangsa nearby Alpha Angle Wangsa Maju. Met up with Dr Nadir Khan, told him my flu didn't get any better but it good worst. I suspected that I had sinus problem, maybe I was allergic with seafood (I had seafood tomyam on Friday night, that's when the headache and runny nose started). Dr Nadir Khan said that the symptoms are almost similar and went on to declare,"I haven't given any flu or cough medicine to my patients in almost 17 years". Wow. And I thought that the flu medicine is the answer to our flu problems. And cough medicine for our cough problems. He said explained that flu or cough medicine would dry up the phelgm inside of you that at one point your phelgm will be very thick and yellow, and when you cough it will be very dry and hurts your throat.
Therefore, Dr Nadir tought me a technique to dislodge my phlegm. He doesn't want his patients to heal quickly, and I was puzzled by this statement. Aza de Kaza, who introduced me to this clinic explained that the doctor wants the patients to heal more naturally. I have been having phlegm and cough problems for quite sometime now, so what Dr Nadir tought me had been very helpful:
Administer to self, especially when coughing or feeling phelgm stuck:
1. Cup one palm into a half-inverted "V"
2. Pat vigorously on opposite side of the body just above the breast, and feel the phelgm starts to rise in your throat;
3. Same palm, pat vigorously under your rib cage and the side of your body. In no time you'll be spitting the dislodge phelgm.
4. Repeat with the other palm and opposite side of the body.
Administer to others:
1. Boil water and put it in a basin;
2. If doctor provides you with the herbal crystal that can help with your breathing, then drop just a pinch of it in the hot water;
3. Cup palm into half-inverted "V";
4. Patient bent down to inhale the hot water and you pat vigorously behind his/her back to help with breathing. Airway will be more clear and phlegm will thin out.
*can also be done to self for the hot water treatment, minus the pat on the back.
Friday, 12 June 2009
Overseas Posting & Health issues
My office is now abuzz with people who are going for overseas posting. Some are going to Asian countries like Brunei, Manila, Beijing, Mumbai and some are going to the New York, others are going to Europe eg Milan, Russia, etc.
Exciting times right now, maybe for some it is feeling envious as they wondered why they were not chosen for overseas posting. It is after all, the most coveted position, being able to stay in a foreign country and doing seemingly glamorous job, and the allowance is great! If you bring your family, your partner and kids would get allowance too. The most sought after overseas posting is Japan because of the highest allowance rate, and after that Europe cities like Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Stockholm, etc.
My good friend and colleague, Ms Jam is going to Brunei this coming 26 June. Tons of things to do like packing things, getting to know the market where you are posted - the arrivals, travel behaviour, preference of travelers, the office and the existing staff. Ms Jam was given a rather neat list of things to bring like:
Pots and pans
Sanitary pads
Cutlery
Shampoo
Kicap
Sardine, etc
You might think the items above don't matter much, wait till you get there and you'd certainly need a familiar brand. You need to be comforted with the things you already know especially when the stuff is hard to get in European countries! A colleague in Stockholm once requested another colleague who's coming for a sales mission to bring a carton full of sanitary pads! Everything is so damn expensive, especially in Euros, when you multiply everything to 5 times.
Then there's the matter of medical check-up. A colleague who was supposed to got to Milan found out after her medical check-up that she had Thalassemia, a condition which she never knew about. She may have to defer or even cancel her posting. It is quite sad when something like that befallen your colleague, especially when you knew that she/he have worked hard for it.
As I always say, "Everything in its own time". If something is meant to be yours, then by hook or by crook you will get it. However, if it's not your rezeki yet, then no matter what, you may not get it. Perhaps it is qada' and qadar....WallahuA'lam.
Exciting times right now, maybe for some it is feeling envious as they wondered why they were not chosen for overseas posting. It is after all, the most coveted position, being able to stay in a foreign country and doing seemingly glamorous job, and the allowance is great! If you bring your family, your partner and kids would get allowance too. The most sought after overseas posting is Japan because of the highest allowance rate, and after that Europe cities like Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Stockholm, etc.
My good friend and colleague, Ms Jam is going to Brunei this coming 26 June. Tons of things to do like packing things, getting to know the market where you are posted - the arrivals, travel behaviour, preference of travelers, the office and the existing staff. Ms Jam was given a rather neat list of things to bring like:
Pots and pans
Sanitary pads
Cutlery
Shampoo
Kicap
Sardine, etc
You might think the items above don't matter much, wait till you get there and you'd certainly need a familiar brand. You need to be comforted with the things you already know especially when the stuff is hard to get in European countries! A colleague in Stockholm once requested another colleague who's coming for a sales mission to bring a carton full of sanitary pads! Everything is so damn expensive, especially in Euros, when you multiply everything to 5 times.
Then there's the matter of medical check-up. A colleague who was supposed to got to Milan found out after her medical check-up that she had Thalassemia, a condition which she never knew about. She may have to defer or even cancel her posting. It is quite sad when something like that befallen your colleague, especially when you knew that she/he have worked hard for it.
As I always say, "Everything in its own time". If something is meant to be yours, then by hook or by crook you will get it. However, if it's not your rezeki yet, then no matter what, you may not get it. Perhaps it is qada' and qadar....WallahuA'lam.
Tuesday, 9 June 2009
Diabetes Scare
Last week in Rompin I accompanied my mum to the pharmacy. It was 7pm and we had just came back from our wanderings in Teluk Gorek and shoppping around in Rompin's pesta pantai. She wanted to have her blood sugar tested. I was thinking "What the hell" might as well got my blood sugar tested too since I'm already there. My random blood sugar (RBS) was 7.8!! It is borderline to having high blood sugar, hence diabetes. OMG!! I was freaked out because last year when I checked my blood it wasn't even 6, and that was even less than an hour after breakfast.
Once we went back to KL, I had my blood rechecked. It's the fasting blood sugar (FBS) whereby your blood is tested early in the morning before you have your breakfast. My result was 5.8. Doctor said it was fine as FBS should be less than 6.1, but it would be better if my BS was between 5.2 - 5.6. For reference on your blood sugar:
FBS < 6.1 - blood taken early morning before breakfast
RBS <8.1 - blood taken 2 hours after meal or randomly during the day
Two hours later, I had my blood taken again for RBS, after I had my breakfast. The result was 6.7. I was so relieved. The doctor said that I don't have diabetes, as a diabetic person might tested 7 or more for FBS. Then I asked her what made by BS so high when I tested it previously? She said that it was probably because I tested it at 7pm when I had already eaten throughout the day, plus my last meal before my blood was taken was less than one hour. I was pacified by her answer, but I wasn't totally comfortable at the state of my BS being on the high side.
My mum then advised that I should take care of what I eat:
1. Eat according to portion: carb 1 portion, vegies + lauk: 2 portions, 1 fruit;
2. Regulate meal time: eat meals on time;
3. Only eat again after 2 hours, so food can be digested properly;
4. Exercise to loose the weight.
Doctor aslo advise that if I'm having any of the symptoms below, then I should have a recheck:
1. Always thirsty;
2. Always tired or letahrgic:
3. Can't control bladder, and kept peeing at night, etc.
So, I guess this is a wake up call for me. I've to start watching what I ate and regulate my meals. I've just started with more vegies diet, namely salad for dinner. My personal favourite: nicoise salad with italian dressing + tuna, its just delicious! I don't mind having it everyday. Will try to exercise more once Ajol's back from Jakarta.
Will check in again with the doctor in 3 months time and see my BS level...
Once we went back to KL, I had my blood rechecked. It's the fasting blood sugar (FBS) whereby your blood is tested early in the morning before you have your breakfast. My result was 5.8. Doctor said it was fine as FBS should be less than 6.1, but it would be better if my BS was between 5.2 - 5.6. For reference on your blood sugar:
FBS < 6.1 - blood taken early morning before breakfast
RBS <8.1 - blood taken 2 hours after meal or randomly during the day
Two hours later, I had my blood taken again for RBS, after I had my breakfast. The result was 6.7. I was so relieved. The doctor said that I don't have diabetes, as a diabetic person might tested 7 or more for FBS. Then I asked her what made by BS so high when I tested it previously? She said that it was probably because I tested it at 7pm when I had already eaten throughout the day, plus my last meal before my blood was taken was less than one hour. I was pacified by her answer, but I wasn't totally comfortable at the state of my BS being on the high side.
My mum then advised that I should take care of what I eat:
1. Eat according to portion: carb 1 portion, vegies + lauk: 2 portions, 1 fruit;
2. Regulate meal time: eat meals on time;
3. Only eat again after 2 hours, so food can be digested properly;
4. Exercise to loose the weight.
Doctor aslo advise that if I'm having any of the symptoms below, then I should have a recheck:
1. Always thirsty;
2. Always tired or letahrgic:
3. Can't control bladder, and kept peeing at night, etc.
So, I guess this is a wake up call for me. I've to start watching what I ate and regulate my meals. I've just started with more vegies diet, namely salad for dinner. My personal favourite: nicoise salad with italian dressing + tuna, its just delicious! I don't mind having it everyday. Will try to exercise more once Ajol's back from Jakarta.
Will check in again with the doctor in 3 months time and see my BS level...
Monday, 8 June 2009
My Gazpacho Adventure
Essentially, Gazpacho is chilled soup made from veggies. It has thirst quenching ability. The original Spanish gazpacho were made from stale bread soaked in cool water, garlic, olive oil and vinegar. Other gazpachos recipes such as green and oriental gazpacho may included some of these ingredients: lettuce, spinach, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper and chicken broth. The most important thing is the chicken broth.
I love soups, they are my comfort food. So over the weekend, I was inspired by Nigella's slime soup which combines frozen peas, chicken stock and mozarella. I had some mix vegies in the freezer and some chicken stock I had made and frozen. I'm not crazy about frozen carrots and corn, but I loved the green peas. Not to let anything go to waste, I combine the two ingredients and heat it up. Add a dollop of mayonnaise cause I don't have any sour cream or milk to make it more creamy. Cool it down, and blitz till smooth in a blender. Chill in the fridge till serving time. And voila!
Tip for blending hot liquid:
Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth - taken from Nigella's slime soup recipe in Food Network.
And the verdict? Ms Fantaghiro was my guinea pig. I gave her a bowl and she said that it was delicious with a nutty flavour (because of the corn) and does have a cooling effect. So yay! My gazpacho experiment was a success. Try it, you might like it. Especially in this hot weather....
I love soups, they are my comfort food. So over the weekend, I was inspired by Nigella's slime soup which combines frozen peas, chicken stock and mozarella. I had some mix vegies in the freezer and some chicken stock I had made and frozen. I'm not crazy about frozen carrots and corn, but I loved the green peas. Not to let anything go to waste, I combine the two ingredients and heat it up. Add a dollop of mayonnaise cause I don't have any sour cream or milk to make it more creamy. Cool it down, and blitz till smooth in a blender. Chill in the fridge till serving time. And voila!
Tip for blending hot liquid:
Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth - taken from Nigella's slime soup recipe in Food Network.
And the verdict? Ms Fantaghiro was my guinea pig. I gave her a bowl and she said that it was delicious with a nutty flavour (because of the corn) and does have a cooling effect. So yay! My gazpacho experiment was a success. Try it, you might like it. Especially in this hot weather....
Saturday, 6 June 2009
My trip to Phuket, early May
View of Phuket in the morning from my hotel roomRemember when I said I was going to Phuket sometime early May and had much skepticism about it? Boy, was I wrong!! Maybe it was the company that I keep, maybe it was the activities that we did together or maybe it was the overall charm of the place....it turned to be quite an interesting vacation after all....
We took the earliest Air Asia flight to Phuket, which was 7.25 in the morning. Guess what time I had to get up and go? 4.30am!! I was practically dragging my weekend bag when the taxi came. Upon reaching the LCCT, I was amazed at how much it had expanded in terms of capacity for passengers and more restaurants and stores, somehow I felt like being in a regular airport. In fact, it might be better than any old airport in some states in Malaysia.
We reached Phuket at 7.50 am local time, the flight took 1 hour 15 minutes. Thailand's clock is behind Malaysia by one hour, in case you are wandering....our good friend in Phuket picked us up and brought us to a Muslim shop for roti canai. Apparently there were a lot of Chinese from Penang who used to come in Phuket for business and mining. You could see their influences in the buildings, which resembled the shoplots along Chulia Street in Penang. Also, some nyonya wore kebayas and kain batik here. So, it felt oddly familiar eventhough I'm in a strange land.
Phuket is actually an island, and it is much bigger than Langkawi. It faces the Andaman sea, that's why the water is clear and other beaches and island like Krabi and Phi-Phi are so beautiful as well. But it was the hardest hit when tsunami came, as it faces the open sea. It is amazing that you couldn't see the evidence of tsunami at one glance. But the people of Phuket have said it is better for the tsunami to hit again then being hit by this economic downturn. After tsunami, they can rebuilld everything but with economy, you are at the mercy of the tourists. But even in low season in Phuket early May, it is still bustling with foreign tourists then it ever was in other islands in Malaysia.
I think Malaysia is more wholesome as a destination and more suitable for families. Whereas for Phuket, it is fun, fun, fun! With booze, sex, myriad of activities and beautiful beaches.
At the lobby of the Courtyard Marriot in Phuket, waiting to be checked in. Very chic hotel with colonial + contemporary concept. It was recently refurbished and just reopened under new management. I looked like something the cat dragged in. It was the lack of sleep, I tell you!
One of the Muay Thai training centres in Phuket. A lot of Mat Sallehs stayed in these boot camps or nearby chalets to train muay thai, sometimes taking months.
Tiger Muay Thai. Interested, anyone?
Of course a trip to Thailand isn't complete without experiencing the Thai massage. We headed to Island spa somewhere in Phuket and for only RM35, we were treated to two and a half hour massage. Heavenly bliss, after all that walking around Phuket! We were first ordered to go into the herbal steam room, then cool off at the jacuzzi. Then we were massaged for two whole hours, where I drifted in and out of sleep. Yes, I slept eventhough the masseus were doing funny things to my whole body. That's how good it was!
My massues is no 2 from right. She may look petite and old, but her hands are so skillful ;)we were advised to tip her around THB40...
The quintessential night scene in Patong. Upon closer inspection, we found that these girls were the go-go girls, where you can find mainly dancing on bar tops...
On our last day, we went round the beaches in Phuket, can't remember the names...Award from Salfaryna
Many thanks to Mrs Salfaryna for the award, which says "Uber Amazing Blog"! I'm quite touched as I haven't exactly been updating my blog...so maybe this will inspire me to start blogging again ;)
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