Memory 5 Science

Announcing the end of this blog, and the beginning of a new one

2009-03-01T18:34:00.002+08:00

To all my dearest friends;

Thank you for all your support for the past few years. I am happy to announce my new blog:

http://onseventh.blogspot.com/

Remember to update your link!

See you there!

Yippie!

2009-02-24T12:16:00.003+08:00

I'm getting a new toy today! Jefferi kindly enough to bring me around yesterday to a few camera shops around town, from Centre Point walked all the way to KK Plaza and back to Centre Point again. Luckily I'm wearing my best sandals Hush Puppies! It doesn't hurt my feet abit at all.

So, talking about my new toy. It's time. Ya, it's time. I have been procrastinate about this for sometime. Urghhh..

I can't wait. New things to learn. Buttons! Aperture! ooh what's that?

Blue Sky!

2009-02-18T08:57:00.003+08:00

I looked up to the sky -- it was a beautiful blue sky.

Stilt Houses

2009-02-18T08:40:00.003+08:00

Stilt houses on water at Menumbok.

A Happy Day

2009-02-16T21:46:00.003+08:00

This bouquet brighten up my day. I was sick last week. Had high fever and a tear inside my esophagus or throat. It was due to my excessive vomitting. I quickly asked a friend of mine and according to her it's just a temporary and for a quick recovery get Vitamin C-500. I did.

Today is my 5th day since I take Vit-C and I dont see any blood in my sputum. Pheww.

Thank you, dear for the bouquet. Muaah.

The Rules of Female Friendship

2009-02-06T21:40:00.004+08:00

I read this cool article 'The Rules of Female Friendship'. I guess every female out there has the rights to know the rules.
Rule #1: Make Time for Friends
Rule #2: Be the Friend You Want
Rule #3: Reconciling Disagreements and Friendship Ruts
Rule #4: Recognize a Toxic Friendship
Rule #5: When Friendship Ends

I've done the 5 rules.
Rule #1: Been there and done that.
Rule #2: I never taking advantage of them. It's always the other way round. :(
Rule #3: Yeah. This is soo right. Never afraid to admit your fault. Try to reconcile whatever issues, be it big or small. But I feel not many female out there would actually try to open up with their female counterparts. They take an easy exit that is to avoid the gal pal.
Rule #4: Last year I took a bold step to 'removed' a gal pal from my life. She was constantly talking about herself, and it's all about her. A toxic friendship is unsupportive, draining, unrewarding, stifling, unsatisfying and often unequal. I feel trapped when being with her.
Rule #5: I told her about our friendship is over. And she quickly apologized of what happened. I guess it was too late. It was a year plus incident and just because I pm her, she apologized. It was not genuine. If it is genuine, she should know better in the beginning.

Keeping your gal pals doesn't have to be hard. Showing respect for your girlfriends by making their friendship your priority is a start. There is no key to female friendships. Friendships with your gal pals take effort.

Read more...

Q&A
Q: How can you tell the difference between a friend who is truly busy and a friend who is trying to give you the hint that the friendship is ending? My question concerns the fact that letting things drift away can seem to come from either cause...lack of time, or by design.

A: Great question! I might find out if your friend is genuinely busy or not by trying to plan a set monthly friendship appointment or activity. For instance, if your friend is really busy, you could offer to split the cost of a babysitter to go to a monthly book club or for a coffee date. If she refuses over and over or you can never, ever seem to pin her down, maybe there is something going on that doesn't have much to do with a scheduling conflict. But before you jump to conclusions about the friendship, make sure you take into consideration other life factors--is she going through a tough time in her relationship? Maybe she is looking for someone to talk but doesn't know how to approach it. Sometimes, it is also just best to be blunt. Ask if there is something wrong in the friendship and if there is something you can do to make things better. You might just be surprised to find that something has been bugging her and that a simple change is all it takes to fix the situation. Sometimes, we all get busy. Allow for busy times! New babies, new relationships, new jobs, holidays, trips, houses, illnesses, or just not feeling up for friends come into play. But a good friendship usually bounces back from these things. If your friend is always putting off a meeting--it is time to question why.

~~A good Q&A.

What is friendship?

2009-02-06T21:22:00.003+08:00

Friendship is the bigger statement. Lots of people are lovers but aren't friends. Lots of people are relatives and aren't friends. Lots of people work together who aren't friends. You can appreciate or admire someone, but that doesn't make them a friend.

We're relatively casual about the word, but sometimes things happen that take the casualness out of it. I had a lot of time to think about what makes someone a friend. If they are scared of you when you need help, sorry, that's not friendship. If their attitude is "for better or worse," if they stick by you through thick and thin, that's when you can tell it's friendship. I do have some friends, but not as many as I thought.

Friendship is not about always being nice, or agreeable, far from it. A friend will tell you when he or she thinks you're full of shit, but always casts it that way, never as a statement of fact. It's a fine but important distinction. If I say "you're full of shit" to a friend, it must be understood that this is my opinion only. Further, it's more likely that he or she is not the one who's so full, it's more likely that I am. That's why I cringe when someone, in the name of friendship, says this to me. Usually they're wrong, but there's no point arguing, they're in some kind of trance, pedaling hard to avoid looking at something they desperately want to avoid.

Form 3 Reunion

2009-02-02T17:22:00.004+08:00

Clare and Florence

Irene Yee and me.

*ching*ching* Clare with her big dinner plate.

Beatrice, Ling Ping Ching, Jessica and Irene Yee.

Un-expected performance. Turned out Little Italy has called 18lions and 1 dragon last Saturday night. They were not just performed outside the restaurant but INSIDE! Beatrice and Florence were 'molested' by the lions! ahhahaha.

Ling Ping Ching and Jessica

Beatrice and Ling Ping Ching.

Florence and Beatrice

Jessica and Irene Yee.

The group photo (L-R): Ling Ping Ching, Jessica, Irene Yee, Me, Jennifer David, Jennifer's partner(I forgotten his name), Jaclyn, Clarice, Florence, Beatrice and Angela Lim.

We had our little reunion at Little Italy on 31st January 2009. Me, Clare, Florence and Irene Yee were there from 7-11pm. 4hours! But it's fun. Girls talk. We never get bored with that. harhar. Dont you think, girls?

Moo-Moo

2009-01-25T16:14:00.002+08:00

Photo: www.allposters.com

I'm wishing to all my Chinese friends,
May this New Year ring in Happiness, Success and Prosperity to your life.

Top 10 Quotes to Live By

2009-01-25T15:57:00.004+08:00

1) ‘If you don’t design your plan for life, you are going to fall into the plans of others.
‘~Adam Khoo

2) ‘If others can do it, I also can do it, it’s only a matter of skills and strageties.
‘~Adam Khoo

3) ‘Failure is the only opportunity to begin more intelligently.’
~Henry Ford

4) ‘In this world, this is the only quiet place without problems-the graveyard.’
~Unknown

5) ‘We must become the change we want to see.’
~Mahatma Ghandhi

6) ‘The man who believe he can do it is probably right, and so do the man who believes he can’t.’
~Laurence Peter

7) ‘The less things change, the more they remain the same.’
~Sicilian Proverb

8)‘If I’ve seen farther than others, it is because I was standing on the shoulders of a giant.’
~Albert Einstein.

9) ‘What a piece of bread looks like depends on whether you are hungry or not.’
~Arabic proverb

10) ‘Worry is the interest that we pay on a debt that is not due yet.’
~Unknown

Renew Me

2009-01-25T15:05:00.008+08:00

Photo: www.metaedge.ca

As usual my Saturday routine is to attend mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral. I found the mass yesterday was a little extraordinary. Reverend Michael Modoit sang a song at the final hymm, "Renew Me". I'm very impressed seeing a reverend singing. He makes my day! Thank you!

Celebrating another birthday is making a person thinking what's the year ahead has for her/him in store. It's like a new year. It makes a person think whether he/she is on the right track in making their life to the fullest. Life full of lessons. Each and every lesson, we gained some and lose some. Some opted to give up when their plans started falling out. I wish they to re-think about it. Lots of people lose their patience over small things.

A positive attitude is HAPPIER. I guess it is hard to achieve for different individual. They would say, It's easy for you to say untill you try it. Yeah, I heard that before. It's a challenge to break the routine. If you put yourself into, you can do it. One giving up before trying, he/she closing a chance. A chance, that's all you need to re-shape your life.

Negative thoughts, words and attitude bring up negative and unhappy moods and actions. When the mind is negative, poisons are released into the blood, which cause more unhappiness and negativity. This is the way to failure, frustration and disappointment.

“Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours”

Ex-UM Gathering

2009-01-24T13:53:00.003+08:00

Photo courtesy from Zubaidah

It was held last year, 21st December 2008 at Promenade Hotel. I expected a huge turn out. Anyway it's still a good number to start with. They're thinking to have an official ex-UM Reunion this year. And the new elected president for this upcoming event is planning to have it in Kudat! ^&^@&#^&#?! Kudat? Dang!

Well, it's just a suggestion. They have a long way to figure out a suitable place for the reunion. There are so many factors to look into.

swimmmm

2009-01-17T12:17:00.002+08:00

weee.. im going to my first swimming lesson tommorow.

Simple Ways You Can Start Enjoying Today

2009-01-14T23:25:00.006+08:00

I was camwhoring with Anson and Yeaw at the beach last year. Me and anson were trying to have a good shot to this subject..aka.. Yeaw. :)

As Leo Babauta of Zen Habits pointed out this week, happiness can start now. We can choose to stop waiting for happiness and making it contingent on some future goal (a job, a spouse, “enough” money, etc.). If you’re ready to start enjoying your life today, not tomorrow, or the day after, or at some point in the future, consider starting with these:

Spend a few extra minutes in bed today, luxuriating in the warmth of slept-in sheets.

Eat breakfast without multi-tasking. Enjoy the sight, smell, and taste of your food.

Play a song that gets you revved up before you start your day. Repeat as many times as you need. (”Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake is my embarrassingly regular go-to song. I get to feel like a bad-ass and complete dork at the same time. Sweet!)

Stop saying, “I’ll be happy when…” You don’t need security, true love, prestige, or good taste to be happy. Food, safety, and a good sense of humor will get you through in a pinch.

When you step out the door for the first time, take 10 seconds to really notice your surroundings. Drink them in without judging. (Even if, like me, you live uncomfortably close to cow pastures…)

Remember how badly you wanted to be an adult so that you could live life by your own rules? Enjoy the fact that, for the most part, you get to make your own decisions today.

Say “hi” to your coworkers instead of brushing by them. Ditto for family members.

Celebrate inconsequential victories just for the fun of it. Didn’t burn dinner? You clearly rock.

Leave a kind note for someone to find. Your spouse, child, or janitor will appreciate it, and you’ll probably feel better as well.

Stop waiting for someone else’s approval. If you like where you’re at (or simply where you’re headed), that’s good enough.

Check your progress on your larger goals. The steps you take to get there can be the best part.

Give in to a craving! Nearly everything is okay in moderation.

Find five minutes to sit back and just breathe. Close your eyes and let your concerns take a backseat for just a few moments. Remember that even high priorities are rarely as urgent as our adrenaline tells us they are.

Smile for absolutely no reason. You’re alive; that’s a pretty damn good excuse.

Slip into a pair of comfy socks.

Set aside 15+ minutes for something that’s purely fun. Not all hobbies need to have a purpose or redeeming value. Remind yourself that’s it okay to just have fun.

There are many, many more ways to start enjoying life today.

What do you do to take satisfaction in everyday living?

credit to On Simplity - Simple Living Thats Lets You Have Less and Enjoy more

Bliss

2009-01-14T13:48:00.002+08:00

the bulldozer. dang!

Chip N Dale's

2009-01-13T18:04:00.000+08:00

As a kid, I love to watch the cartoon series, Chip N Dale's.

Ducks!

2009-01-09T22:57:00.002+08:00

Ducks wander through a deserted petrol station in New Delhi, where a pay strike by thousands of oil company executives has left 60% of India's pumps dry.

-- Isn't that cute?

What happenned in Israel-Gaza?

2009-01-09T22:33:00.005+08:00

Who is Hamas?

The high-point in Hamas's fortunes came with their January 2006 election victory
Hamas takes its name from the Arabic initials for the Islamic Resistance Movement.
Branded a terrorist organisation by Israel, the US and the EU, it is seen by its supporters as a legitimate fighting force defending Palestinians from a brutal military occupation.

Weekly jobless claims drop unexpectedly

2009-01-08T23:38:00.003+08:00

WASHINGTON - New claims for unemployment benefits dropped unexpectedly last week, but the number of people continuing to seek aid rose sharply.
The Labor Department says initial applications for unemployment insurance dropped by 24,000 to a seasonally adjusted 467,000 for the week ending Jan. 3. Wall Street economists expected initial claims to increase to 540,000. The figure partly reflects seasonal volatility that occurs around the New Year’s holiday.
more

Do you feel it? This is the worlds today. Buckle up and get your brain working. But only Malaysia is backing up those retard people in the goverment. Wasting tax payer money. We are hoping for better facilities, basic necessity. All the BASICS!
Now, we have to work our ass out just because the retard cannot read. Duh!

Billionaire kills himself over financial crisis

2009-01-08T23:15:00.001+08:00

BERLIN - German billionaire Adolf Merckle committed suicide after his business empire ran into trouble in the financial crisis, throwing himself in front of a train near his home, authorities and his family said Tuesday.
The 74-year-old’s business interests ranged from pharmaceuticals to cement, and its troubles had recently been compounded by losses on shares in auto maker Volkswagen AG.

more

If a billionaire can kill himself over financial crisis, what about others?

Menumbok-Labuan-Menumbok

2009-01-05T21:39:00.008+08:00

*sleepy cat at one of the Menumbok Kopitiam

As far I could remember S****l told me that, her whole family started driving from the house about 5am in the morning to Menumbok. I told her yesterday. She was laughing at me! hehe.. ya gal, as far I could remember, I heard 5am. And I guess that's pretty early. Tooooo early. I have working call on 26th-30th December.

We went out from the house about 5am. :) Next time I know better. About 5:30am+, we reached Papar. There were none open at the new block shops. We tried our luck at the pasar area. Behind the pasar, there were few block shops. Walaaa. I couldn't believe, kopitiam opens that early. Plus, it was soo windy. We had our early breakfast before continuing our journey to Menumbok. This was my first time driving to Menumbok same goes to bert.

We reached Menumbok about 7:10am+. We checked the counter. owh. It's closed. It says, 8am. ok. how to kill the time? so ended up, we had 2 yamchas and 2 times visiting toilet. The toilet was in sorry state. I wish they could have a better one. Lotsa people coming in and out to Menumbok, be it foreigner or locals.

My intention was to leave my car at Menumbok and take ferry to Labuan. When the counter opens, the cashier told me that there is available tickets for the car for 2 ways. Weee! Previous week, I checked with my bro and colleague, they were saying it was fully booked. :( When I looked at their advertisement board, it seems like Wawasan Perdana making an effort to have extra trip. Good for them. We paid in total RM109.00 for car and 2 passengger. Phew.

I never drive in Labuan. This was my first time. It's fun. I was the passenger all the time and now I'm getting a chance to drive to the usual destination my friends taken me to. Fun. Fun. We went to church (got to know the place when I had my marathon training at Botanical Park), Mawilla Yatch Club seafood restaurant, Sea Sports Complex, the best tomyam place and we had the best pineapple rice in town. And it's small world. We met Lindsay Ligadu outside Mawilla Yatch Club Seafood Restaurant . Just a week plus ago before this trip, I went to see her at her place. She's doing good and i'm happy for her.

OK, guys and gals, anyone thinking making a weekend trip to Labuan via Menumbok, here are some good infos for you.

Menumbok to Labuan trip: 10:30 am and 4:30pm

Labuan to Menumbok trip: 7:30 am and 1:30pm

Business hour Menumbok counter: 8am to 4:30pm (Daily)

Tel: 087-831 333 (Menumbok), 087-417 333 (Labuan)

Have a good day!

Menumbok entry/exit to Labuan

Nearby Kampung air at Menumbok.

Start your engine...

2009-01-05T17:50:00.004+08:00

wee.. I'm packing my running gear. It has been awhile since my last run. Someone says, who is in on this wonderful, little secret: Running makes you feel good. It's good for you, in so many ways.

Yeah. That's right. Running really makes me feel good. I'm doing it.

Facebook

2009-01-04T12:12:00.006+08:00

I think it is not an alien word to anyone who is using Internet as their daily routine in life. Some says it's amazing to have it, some says it's going to destruct someone life, some says You got to have it, if not you're not IN, etc. Well, everyone has their own reason to have it in the first place. As for me, I think Clare is the first person who invited me somewhere in 2007. She was saying about Facebook has many features compare Friendster. I agreed indeed. For me, it's a place to meet old friends. And I am very happy that I found many as far as in US and Indonesia. Facebook is like a bridge, to connect you and your friends. :)

This morning I received a message from Ms Story Mory's uncle, Uncle Ned @ Bro Columba. He's saying a new experience to him. Well, Uncle Ned don't be fret. You are not alone. I bought a Catholic News yesterday at Sacred Heart Church yesterday. There was an article talking about a bishop joins Facebook. His name is Anthony Basil Taylor at Little Rock, Ark. He is the first U.S Catholic Bishop to join the popular website.

Here is some snapshots from the article:

Shortly after being ordained as Little Rock's bishop in June, 2008, Bishop Taylor said he was told a fan club had been created about him on Facebook. When he went online to look at the page, he realised he has to sign up to see it, so he did. Not long after the posting his information and a photo, the word spread fast and before long he had more friend requests and group invitations than he could keep up with.

"I want to be available and accessible to everybody in the diocese, " Bishop Taylor said in his membership on Facebook. "This is a way to be present to the younger people of the diocese".

"I want to be part of their lives," Bishop Taylor said. "Technology like anything has good points and weak points. But it can certainly be used to spread the Gospel and to build the community."

Many parish and diocesan leaders seem to agree, Several of Arkansas' priests, religious youth and campus ministry and religious education workers are also on Facebook for the same reason - to evangelise.

This is the evangelisation in 21st Century.

4th Day

2009-01-04T11:34:00.003+08:00

Today is the 4th day of New Year. My sunday school starts today. Not a big turnout. Well, my cikgu talked about one of the sacrament: Marriage. Quite an interesting topic. He was telling about his married life. When he got into heated arguement with his wife, he walked out from the house and drove off to somewhere else and smoke. After sometime, he gave a call to his children asking how's the wife condition, if she was cooling off, only then he's making his way home.

And his advise to younger man or who about to get married, do not argue with your wife. A wife would surely mumbling whole day about nitty-gritty things non-stop. I laughed. I agreed that is true. He added, no marriage is without arguement, if yes, the marriage is something wrong. hahah I guess it's true also.

Another highlight from him, ideal man/woman. According to him, a woman must find a security in a man. It's not talking about being choosy but it is about how to make life. That's true infact. It's not just for the sake of marrying someone but it's about how the couple making a life together. owh. That's hard.

Class dimissed at 10:00am. Then I'm heading to Towering. I have to see doctor. I have been delaying my visit. Too many reasons for delaying it and it should not be in the first place. arghh. OK. So, my doctor told me that I have been infected by conjuvitis for both eyes. I feel pain for my left eye especially the upper lid. He's advising me to get a BIGGER shade to cover my eyes. My eyes developed a sensitivity to light and I must avoid it.

Happy New Year 2009!

2009-01-02T12:19:00.001+08:00

It's hard to believe, 2008 is a memory! Now, we look to 2009 and there are plenty of interesting things to look forward to! I can't wait.

Each year I would reflect on the past year and make plans for the future. 2008, the year that was:

1. Travelled to a new place- shabu-shabu! Loving it!
2. Did I attend weddings out of KK? hmmm. I attended Paul's wedding in Tamparuli which I was escorted by a police. Thanks to the policeman, if not, I wouldn't be able to make it to the wedding. Then another one at Kiulu, Yuzrian's wife sister wedding. A beautiful place. Kiulu River is suitable for novice rafter.
3. Run! Yay I did Half Marathon, 21km! Phew. What a record in my own book. Muah.. Then the annual run, Sutera Harbour Charity Run, 7km.
4. Owned a Nike Air Pegasus+. Time to run seriously. Bought running socks!
5. Organized a reunion. Form 5 Science at Amosphere, Yayasan Sabah. Another reunion in the pipeline.
6. Owned a property.
7. Travelled to Kudat, Ranau, Kota Belud and Labuan with bert.
8. Paid a visit to Haslezah and Freddy with Melissa. Haslezah gave birth to a baby boy whereas Freddy's wife to a baby girl. Congratulations for you both!
9. Met old friends! Glad we (Angela, Gary and me) initiated for the first reunion for Class of 1990 @ 6 Biru.
10. Ah Chang my dearest cat has died. I will miss you!

I want to wish you all a very happy and blessings for this new year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!

Christmas Tree

2008-12-31T22:37:00.003+08:00

Shangri-la Tanjung Aru.

Nexus Karambunai

It didn't cross my mind to snap Rasa Ria Resort's Christmas tree. It was too simple. Anyway, here is the 2 best christmas trees in town. Enjoy!

Christmas

2008-12-24T08:52:00.003+08:00

I believe everyone now is busy with their last minute shopping. Wrapping gifts for their nieces, nephews, parents, boyfriends, girlfriends and endless lists...

Some are waiting patiently at the airport, inter-connecting flights, some are busying making cookies, some are still working till the 11th hour.

I love this time around. You get to see the malls decorated with beautiful Christmas Trees. Not just the malls, hotel also participating creating the Christmas mood. A couple of weeks ago, me and my girlfriend, Melissa went to Karambunai, Rasa Ria Resort and Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru. Hotels hopping. Who has the the best Christmas Tree?

First, Shangri-la Tanjung Aru, followed by Karambunai and Rasa Ria.

Shangri-La has the best tree ever, completed with the brightest star on top. Actually Karambunai can beat them but they have forgotten the Star. It's sad that a Christmas tree without the Star. The star, it was Bethlehem’s ‘Christmas Star’. So, it is a MUST! Whereas Rasa Ria, they are not in the league at all. The size of their Christmas was too ordinary, not fancy, not attractive at all. I guess they should have more budget to deco for Christmas next year. :) Tourists would love it. Children would love it.

Here I would like to wish to all my friends a Happy Christmas and Happy New Year 2009.

* KFC Bandaran's Christmas Tree.

My dear beloved college, Zaaba

2008-12-18T01:12:00.007+08:00

Is that 'Bersatu 7' on the roof? Can someone go clean the roof? hehe

Long live 7th! Long live Zaaba! Hidup Zaaba!

From the photos, it seems like I didn't go in to the college. But actually I did. Just that I did take any photos when I was inside the compound. Maybe next time.

It was taken on 18th Nov 2006 while attending an ex-um's friend in KL. I missed this place. I know I was a dormant student but I have been staying (loyally) here for 4 years straight.

And how I remembered fire drill at wee hours. We had to wait painfully to see who got 'burned' down. hahha

Christmas Dinner

2008-12-09T14:06:00.002+08:00

In the photos: Alison, Jaclyn, Linda, me and Veronica.

We had Christmas dinner at Little Italy. We had great time talking to each other and exchange gifts. wee...

Stress Busting

2008-12-05T22:53:00.003+08:00

People often only associate stress with major life issues such as divorce or financial hardship but a huge amount of our anxiety comes from minor day to day annoyances. When these build up they undermine our natural ability to cope, leaving us tired, irritable and making stress more infectious.

Check out our stress busting top tips to help you reduce stress in your life:

At Work

Stress, anxiety and depression have now overtaken physical illness as the most common cause of long term absence from work. So how can we help ourselves to de-stress at work?

Learn to delegate
Don't be afraid to ask for help. It's not being a failure, it's good team work.

Plan your day
Use your journey to work to write notes and plan your day. Experts say that half an hour of uninterrupted work time is equivalent to one hour's work chaos in the office.

Set boundaries
Switch off your work brain at the same time as your work mobile when you leave for the day.

Take a break
A walk around the block or some deep breathing can help clear your head, keep you calm and give you a new perspective.

One job at a time!
It is easy to become overwhelmed when you are juggling tasks at work. Try to finish one job at a time and don't set unnecessary deadlines giving you additional pressure.

At Home

Money and housework are the two biggest things that stress people out. Half of us argue with our partners because of the levels of clutter in the home.

Clear out your home, clear out your mind
Having a big clear out will go a long way to helping you de-stress. So pack up all those clothes you haven’t worn, books you haven’t read and toys that have lay neglected over the past 12 months and drop them into a charity shop. Not only will it be therapeutic but you get to feel good about helping others too.

Tidy every day
Just a 15 minute tidy each day will make a difference or get yourself a rota so that your home time is organised and everyone pitches in.

Friends and Family
Friends help us see things in a different way. Just making time to relax and have fun with friends is a good way of bringing contentment, a sense of belonging as well as helping to reduce stress levels and boost the immune system.

Make time for YOU
Whether it’s a relaxing spa treatment after work, a coffee with a friend, or even a hot bath with your favourite bubble bath, a pampering treat is sure to bring your stress levels down.

Let off steam!

Exercise not only protects you against stress but is also a great stress buster as ‘feel good’ chemicals released in the brain help to keep energy levels up and help defend the body against stress.

Gym? No way!
You don’t have to sign up to an expensive gym and slog away on the treadmill to get some exercise. Find a way of exercising that is fun and achievable. Any activity is good, whether its walking, bell ringing or even house cleaning, you arestill being active and that is great for stress relief.

Get outdoors
The great outdoors is the best place to exercise as natural light and fresh air will boost your energy levels and your ‘feel good’ factor.

Rope others in
Doing active things with friends and family makes exercise something to look forward to, and you all get fit to boot!

Count those steps
Even five minutes here and there is going to make a difference to how you feel so get a step counter and find ways of increasing your movement throughout your normal day. The easier the activity, the more likely you are to do more.

Feed your body and your mind

Our bodies and our minds cope better with stressful situations if they are getting the right foods. A lack of essential vitamins and minerals can cause a variety of problems such as a lack of concentration, fatigue and low mood. Why not try replacing some ‘comfort’ foods with some stress busting foods including:

Eggs
They are full of so many different stress relieving nutrients that they are a fantastic all rounder

Vitamin C
That's fruit and veg, aiming for five portions a day. They are full of antioxidants which help repair the damage caused by stress.

Carbohydrates
Bread, pasta, rice and potatoes trigger the release of ‘feel good’ chemicals in your brain. And the experts say that carbs present in one baked potato are enough to relieve the anxiety of a stressful day.

Red meat
Is full of vitamin B and brilliant for boosting levels as it pumps oxygen around your body

Water
Water needs to be at least 80% of your fluid intake daily. Many people feel stressed because they don't drink enough, but drinks like coffee, coke and alcohol aren't good as they release adrenalin which actually increases your level of stress.

Your body

Stress can take its toll on the body and skin in many ways. Stress is a high-energy user, and also uses lots of toxins. If your skin and body are low in nutrients and energy, there will be a decline in the quality of your skin and in your energy levels.

Dryness, blemishes and a grey pasty-looking complexion, tiredness, irritability and poor concentration are all signs of stress.

Grab a moment
If you feel things are rushing you by, sit back and take four or five deep breaths, using your lower abdominal muscles to get an instant de-stress. After a while, your body gets so used to breathing deeply whenever it goes into stress mode that you’ll do it without realising.

Knead out those tensions
Having a massage can help if you are starting to feel tired and drained, and could be just what you need to push all the tension away.

Don’t feel guilty about taking time out for you.
We all need to turn off from time to time. Do something you enjoy which fits into your life, whether its reading, listening to music, doing yoga or meditating. It doesn’t have to take long – or be considered a luxury or time wasting. It is a vital part of life.

Good night?

Head on the pillow but sleep still along way off? One of the side-effects of stress is the inability to sleep, which just makes us even more stressed, tired, irritable and unable to live life to the fullest. Here are some tips to help you nod off:

Make sure your bedroom is not too hot, cold, noisy or light

Don't eat or drink too late as it will over-stimulate you

Have a warm bath before bed

If you wake in the night with a thought, write it down as it stops you thinking about it

Don't think you won't sleep - think positively about it and you will

courtesy: Top Tips for Stress Busting

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After marathon, I didn't continue jog due to office work. Stress seems got into me. I have to start it again soon. The above article is a good reading. Like about getting enough sleep, yes I do admit I have trouble of sleeping. But when I started my jogging schedule, I sleep right after my head hit the pillow.

Last time, I was talking about brain and body with Ms Story Mory. She doesn't agree that if body tired surely one would fall asleep easily. It is not my case. My brain keep on 'processing' but my body is tired. This is my inability to sleep for the past years.

Everything changes after I have my running schedule to follow. I am no longer a night owl. Running truly does have its rewards, both mentally and physically. Whatever it is, running can be addictive. :)

Let's jog!

Ah Chang my cat has died

2008-12-01T19:05:00.007+08:00

*photo taken in 2004. He looks sweet and innocent.

This entry is painful.

Ah Chang died on 25th November 2008 while I was away from home. He died at the Animal Medical Centre, from dehydration, weak and pus on the forehead and side of his face.

I feel very sad that Ah Chang died alone at the Vet's office. He was 9-10 years old. I feel some guilt and 'what ifs' - what if I had caught this sooner; what if I send him to vet sooner.

I would give anything to just feel him in my arms one more time or to touch his tiny paws just once.

He was the best cat ever. I love you Ah Chang!

it hurts.

2008-11-23T20:10:00.009+08:00

it hurts to see them both sick at the same time. When I wake up this morning, I saw Ah Chang's head pointed down and there's pus mixed blood dripping from his forehead. :( I went to Century Aniamls Medical Centre at Plaza Utama near Taman Grand Millenium. I have no doctor animal to turn to. The last doctor we had had passed away. Since then, I do not have any doctor animal in contact. I asked the doctor to take Ah Chang from the house.

Ah Chang is in a bad condition. Ah Chang is put on drip in the clinic. The insertion of the tube at his left leg. He's dehydrated, weak and there's a 0.2mm hole near his left side of his face. I thought it was caused by the pus. But the doctor mentioned about cancer. hmm. He talked too fast and using the technical terms. I was so tired that time and couldn't really digest what he was saying. hmm.

Blackie on the hand, he fought with the neighbour's dogs over a female dog! He managed to bite off one of our fence. He escaped from the fence and 'enjoyed' the whole night outside the house and came back with bruises. This time is worse. The results, he lose the battle. Both his ears were bitten and blood were everywhere. His neck area is swollen. Big time. He cannot bark.

I'll be away for a week. I told the doctor to take care both of them. If Blackie condition gets worsen, I have to ask the doctor to take him to the clinic. Whereas Ah Chang is in the clinic now and the doctor will do some test tomorrow onwards to determine what exactly went wrong to Ah Chang. He mentioned about x-ray, etc. The doctor said he cannot promised that Ah Chang could be healed 100% due to his age and other factors like kidney failures. I went to see Ah Chang at 3pm just now. I called his name and he's able to meow abit. It is so painful to see him in this condition.

I really hope both will get better soon. muahh for them both.

Hello there!

2008-11-11T15:30:00.004+08:00

do you use public phone lately? yeap, while in tokyo last october. my hp credit was finished and was calling for help to my sister. and eventually she misunderstood and sms-ed me the reload number instead reload in KK. haiz.

our public phone, aint much changes, i presumed. it's just the color and some extra infos on the booth. that's all.

Do we need to upgrade our public phone? Maybe. If it's too fancy, it gets stolen. If it's too standard, people says it's dull. hmmmm

Joke of the Day

2008-11-06T08:27:00.004+08:00

I guess our Parliment is a kid's battle field. I couldn't figure out why is it happenning. Our Opposition is trying to debate on an issue yet .. haiz. our government objected the motion.

here are some snippets from TheEdgeDaily.

"We brought up issues of Point of Order to appeal to the Speaker a number of times and naturally, you have seen the sheer display of arrogance. We have therefore no choice but to stage a walkout in protest of the behaviour and manner Najib as minister of finance conducted his affairs in the Parliament House."

"There is no presentation of the revised, changed figures which was to be voted afterwards. This is actually misleading the House which falls under Standing Order 36 (12)," he told reporters in parliament lobby.

"What we heard just now was the presentation of a new budget that bears no meaning for us. We have debated for two weeks while what was presented just now was with new data and figures.

"That is why we asked for clarification from the start. It is against the Point of Order and it was against reason he was here today which was to answer all our questions. We came here to debate not to listen to an economic lecture from the finance minister," said Nasharuddin.

Full story >>

Fireworks!

2008-11-02T14:44:00.005+08:00

What's your trait?

2008-11-01T22:34:00.006+08:00

I was checking Edward's blog and I have come across one of his post about DISC. It is pretty interesting actually. But he didn't really explain what is DISC. So, what I'm going to do here is to get more info on what DISC about.

DISC assessment

DISC is a group of psychological inventories developed by John Geier and based on the 1928 work of psychologist William Moulton Marston

DISC is the four quadrant behavioral model based on the work of William Moulton Marston Ph.D. (1893 - 1947) to examine the behavior of individuals in their environment or within a specific situation. DISC looks at behavioral styles and behavioral preferences.

The assessments classify four aspects of behavior by testing a person's preferences in word associations (compare with Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). DISC is an acronym for:
1. Dominance - relating to control, power and assertiveness
2. Influence - relating to social situations and communication
3. Steadiness (submission in Marston's time)- relating to patience, persistence, and thoughtfulness
4. Conscientiousness (or caution, compliance in Marston's time) - relating to structure and organization

These four dimensions can be grouped in a grid with D and I sharing the top row and representing extroverted aspects of the personality, and C and S below representing introverted aspects. D and C then share the left column and represent task-focused aspects, and I and S share the right column and represent social aspects. In this matrix, the vertical dimension represents a factor of "Assertive" or "Passive", while the horizontal represents "Open" vs. "Guarded". [3]

Dominance: People who score high in the intensity of the 'D' styles factor are very active in dealing with problems and challenges, while low D scores are people who want to do more research before committing to a decision. High "D" people are described as demanding, forceful, egocentric, strong willed, driving, determined, ambitious, aggressive, and pioneering. Low D scores describe those who are conservative, low keyed, cooperative, calculating, undemanding, cautious, mild, agreeable, modest and peaceful.

Influence: People with High I scores influence others through talking and activity and tend to be emotional. They are described as convincing, magnetic, political, enthusiastic, persuasive, warm, demonstrative, trusting, and optimistic. Those with Low I scores influence more by data and facts, and not with feelings. They are described as reflective, factual, calculating, skeptical, logical, suspicious, matter of fact, pessimistic, and critical.

Steadiness:(Submission in Marston's time): People with High S styles scores want a steady pace, security, and do not like sudden change. Low S intensity scores are those who like change and variety. High S persons are calm, relaxed, patient, possessive, predictable, deliberate, stable, consistent, and tend to be unemotional and poker faced. People with Low S scores are described as restless, demonstrative, impatient, eager, or even impulsive.

Conscientious: (Compliance in Marston's time): Persons with High C styles adhere to rules, regulations, and structure. They like to do quality work and do it right the first time. High C people are careful, cautious, exacting, neat, systematic, diplomatic, accurate, tactful. Those with Low C scores challenge the rules and want independence and are described as self-willed, stubborn, opinionated, unsystematic, arbitrary, and careless with details.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Now, which group are you belonging to?

My Blackie

2008-10-29T10:36:00.001+08:00

Sapa

2008-10-28T20:10:00.005+08:00

Ok. I know this post is abit earlier. I'm just excited planning it. Two weeks ago I had a chat with a friend about Sapa. He was telling me that he heard about Sapa is closing for public viewing. I was like, huh, oh no. This cannot be happening.

I quickly informed Clare about it. She's asking me to get my info right. And so I did. I leave a message to a blogger, Alan. He just travelled to Sapa and I'm hoping he didn't hear about the rumour. He didn't. phew. Also I emailed to Vietnam Tourism Board. Here is their email to me.

Greetings from www.vietnamtourism.com

Dear Sir/Madam,

Sapa is a very famous tourist spot in Vietnam . Its beauty and unique culture attract visitors from all over the world. The local tourism industry has been significantly contributing to the local economy, povery alleviation, creating jobs… Then Sapa is NOT going to close for public viewing. We hope you will have a nice trip to Sapa next year.

Best regards
Support team

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It takes some of my worry away. Yay!

Courtesy of gas.tron.o.my

Bicycle

2008-10-26T18:13:00.002+08:00

We're having our lunch at Ginza area. This area is full of branded shops. And here is Nikon Plaza. One of Nikon's showroom.

Ginza is known as an upmarket area of Tokyo. But I cannot resist taking photos of bicycle in the area. It is everywhere. Be it in their working attire or shopping. Plus, there is NO locking at all. They just leave it there. No theft! Could you believe that?

Tokyo ranks 35 as one of the safest countries.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2008-10-22T10:37:00.002+08:00

weee.. tagged. This time is a pink one. When it is pink color, you know what it mean. It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Firstly, you need to copy the logo into your blog.
Secondly, Add a link to the person who shared it with you. My case I was tagged by DorisJ. Thirdly, Nominate at least 7 other bloggers and i would like to tag
************** normally i dont tag anybody. :) Maybe one only - Ms Story Mory. For others that drop by, feel free to copy the logo to create awareness among our friends.

Add links to these blogs on your blog - 1. Fara, 2. massy 3. Noy 4. DorisJ

Lastly, leave a message for your nominee on their blog that they've been tagged. :)

Cheers!

Photo of the Day

2008-10-22T08:22:00.003+08:00

I wish I have a better camera that moment. After the rain washes the sky, and when the evening sun is failing down from the clouds gradually, and spilling glow to the surrounding area. You can find that the surrounding is colored layer by layer under the glowing of the evening sun, which looks too mysterious to be understood.

** photo taken using my hp.

The challenge

2008-10-15T11:50:00.003+08:00

Women Open category: 45/68
Overall Half Marathon: 246/297
Record: 3:00:59

I guess by today, few days after the Borneo Marathon, every blogger that have joined would post their side of story. As for for me, here it goes:

I lose the challenge. I did not make it to top 50% as challenged by Edwar. I reached the finishing line and that was my aim. While running, encouraging words keep ringing in my head, "Good luck, All the best, Take it easy, Do not push yourself, Have fun and lastly top 50%". hahah. I expected a huge participation in Half Marathon but it's not. This is the first year. I'm not too sure about the numbers in other marathons. Maybe it's pretty much the same numbers. Probably it will get better next year. I heard it's going to be an annual event. I'm not too sure about that. Maybe.

Well, that is the side of the challenge. A challenge is making a person get going; a healthy challenge. I had fun last sunday. Along the way, I saw DBKK officers, volunteers, police encouraging the runners. When I reached Wawasan Plaza, there was this volunteer. He came to me and using his umbrella to cover me from the sun. I was laughing and continued my run again. At Philippine market, I high 5-ed one of the DBKK officers. Later at Harrison Building area, a runner, I guessed a full marathon runner, gave me a powergel. He was asking me whether I joined the half marathon; I said yes. He replied; keep it up. At Likas Square, I met Anson. I can see he was limping abit. I quickly made my way to him. We chatted awhile. He was complaining he had cramps. Poor him. But hey, we completed it!

I ran the last meters from the entrance of the stadium to the finishing line. I was surprised that bert was waiting for me at the finishing line. He smiled. I quickly ran to the finishing line and phew.

I did it!

You cannot miss this!

2008-10-15T11:23:00.004+08:00

Narita Airport
Hotel

When you travel, you cannot miss this place. TOILET. It is a must visit. Most of the toilet seats has heater. First photo, none. Second photo, is the ultra-modern toilet; on the left hand side you can see four electronic buttons. I'd heard about these toilets some time ago, so I knew that at least one of the buttons must control a bidet. hehhe. The instructions were all in Japanese. So I get the chance to play around while at the hotel. heheh. The flush lever is on the right hand side of the cistern. They never run out of toilet paper even in public toilets. And the best of all, it is FREE.

I did it!

2008-10-15T01:06:00.005+08:00

I woke up at 330am. Getting ready for the marathon. I ate 2 slices of bread and a cup of nescafe. I went out from the house about 430am. I never wake up so early. I have to sacrificed for the marathon day. This is what I have been waited for.

Few months ago, I have been juggling between work and my running. Trying to cut down on oily food and etc. But when Raya came, I ate the food that I was not suppose to eat but what the heck, I just missed the food.

Yay! This is my finisher medal. I completed 21km within 3:00:59.

My ranking:

Women Open categor: 45/68

Overall Half Marathon: 246/297

Food

2008-10-15T00:58:00.002+08:00

Roppongi

2008-10-15T00:56:00.000+08:00

Disneyland

2008-10-15T00:31:00.013+08:00

Janet Linus

Christopther Chin

Shinjuku

2008-10-14T23:29:00.006+08:00

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

2008-10-14T23:24:00.000+08:00

Nakamise Street

2008-10-14T23:20:00.001+08:00

Gotemba Premium Outlet

2008-10-14T22:41:00.002+08:00

Akakusa Kannon Temple

2008-10-14T22:21:00.005+08:00

Sensoji (also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, the center of the shitamachi (lit. "low town").
The legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River, and even though they put the statue back into the river, it always returned to them. Consequently, Sensoji was built there for the goddess of Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple.

What a day!

2008-10-14T16:51:00.002+08:00

me at Likas Sports Stadium laying down on the track. i was tired and sleepy.

Shoes

2008-10-03T11:10:00.003+08:00

Energize
A sporty and contemporary casual in a fun mix of materials including stretch mesh for a fit that shapes comfortably to the foot. Hush Puppies patented Bounce® technology provides superior shock absorption and energy return. Contoured footbed and microfiber sock lining provide exceptional comfort.

I just got these shoes 2 days ago. Shock absorption and energy return. And it doesn't comes cheap. For those who loves to walk, you should get these shoes. Recommended!

Photo of the Day

2008-09-29T14:21:00.000+08:00

Cocktails by Jenn.

Look at me!

2008-09-29T14:19:00.000+08:00

My second attempt

2008-09-29T14:00:00.004+08:00

My first attempt to do 21km last month didn't succeed. I only managed to finish 14km. But it didn't stop me to try again. I have been telling myself, I must run 21km before the marathon day. I just need to find the suitable time. My wish granted. My sunday school teacher cancelled our class yesterday due to St. Michael day. They are using the hall.

I set my alarm at 445am but I got lazy to wake up. At the end, I woke up at 545am. I have to dragged myself. After a cup of coffee and a pack of biscuit, i'm off to Likas Lake.

Love the air, it's quite breezy. I started running at 655am. I saw alot of people running/jogging/walking at the lake. Be it kids, adults. It's a great family outing on a lazy sunday. I can say, I finished the 10km like peanuts (bragging myself). :) I completed 10kms about 1hr5mins. Then I stopped to have a drink . I had to walk to my car about 200metres away. Drinking water and ate some biscuits. 10minutes off.

I went back to the lake. This time around I saw lesser people. Everybody started going home. It's probably due to the heat. For the 14kms, my both thighs started feeling pain. I walked a little. Continued again. 15kms, my knees started complaining. I had to stop and again, I went to have a drink. Another 10minutes.

6kms to go.. urghh. This time, I saw 3 people running. Then I joined them. I started with walking then another half km, I ran. Now, I know what is like 'Hitting the wall'. It is actually a bodily form of sedition. It becomes a collapse of the entire system: body and form, brains and soul. After about 18-20k, I suddenly saw the trees were waving at me. I know it sounds crazy. I knew it was an hallucination. Dehydration, training errors. I stopped. I could hear my stomach growling and I think due to the little breakfast I had. I walked for the last 500-700metres.

I completed the whole 21km at 1025am, resting in between for about 25-30minutes. Total hours: 3hrs30mins. It's an agony to drive myself home. I stopped at 7E, Damai for Livita and 100plus. Freshen up little bit. Before reaching home, I make another stop to 7E, Donggongon for 2 packs of ice. I need to soak my feet. Heaven. Mel suggested for 20mins for cooling effect. Maybe on post-marathon day, I would do it.

First it was like this.. It was damn cold! That's stupid of me. 2 packs of ice. I can't even soak it for a minute.

Then I mixed with room temperature water. Feeling better. But it's still freaking cold! At least I can soak for 30s. :)

Post-mortem: ermmm. My feet are good, feeling tired only. But my knee. Poor knee. My left knee is the worst. It must be due to my weak thigh muscles. I can't run for now. I just bought ibuprofen. *sob*sob*

29. Tue, 9th Sep, Likas Lake, 3km

30. Thur, 11th Sep, Likas Lake, 4km

31. Sun, 21st Sep, Penampang Sport Complex, 6km

32. Thur, 25th Sep, Botanical Garden, Labuan, 5km

33. Sun, 27th Sep, Likas Lake, 21km

Happy Birthday Lindut!

2008-09-29T13:46:00.005+08:00

*She is showing off her new bracelet.

I know this post come a bit late. But it is never to late to say, Happy Birthday, Lindut!

We went to Bintulu Korean Restaurant at Jalan Lintas. The food is good. Love the beef, Bulgoki. Thanks to Lim's recommendation. After dinner, we headed to Tanamera for yamcha. Had sandwiches and some teas. Chit-chatting until midnites and it's time to go home. The time fly so fast until we're not realising it. We're getting wiser. :)

"We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden." Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

SK Garau

2008-09-21T19:11:00.004+08:00

Visited Zen in Kudat last monday, 15th Sep. It's 40-50km from Kudat town. While waiting him coming back from town, I visited his school where he teaches. Looking at the photos, they have 2 wooden blocks. 2 blocks! This school is about 30+ years old. (I think) It's because the staff houses were built on 1978 and the school must been built before 1978. The staff houses are not in a good condition. It has been not renovated since then. They are still waiting for government's budget. They just received electricity last June this year.

To reach this place, reaching in Kudat district, look for Pinawantai Road on the left from KK. You will have to drive in gravel road around 10-20minutes or 4-5km before reaching the school. Along the way, you're able to see Palm Oil plantation and some loggings work.

Here is the Klinik Kesihatan Maradang, a stone way before reaching SK Garau.

Look carefully at the circle. This kid is barefoot walking. Poor him. I saw 1 car only passing-by fetching the kids after school hour. It means most of the childrens are walking home under the sun!

Eco-Bike 2 in 1

2008-09-21T18:53:00.003+08:00

Last August I was visiting my doctor for my last Hepatitis B jab, I saw this cute bike. I bet anyone would love to own this cute bike. .. i want. :)
I googled and found the distributer website.
It is distributed by Vun Hin Motors. This cute bike called Eco-Bike 2 in 1.
And here is the product descriptions:
Benefits of Eco-Bike 2 in 1:
1. No petrol/fuel needed
2. No Noise
3. No License required
4. No Road tax required
5. No smoke
6. 55 kilometers per full charge
7. Warranty 6 months for battery and motor

Used for:
1. Delivery
2. Patrol
3. exercise
4. working distance of 5-20km
5. Hotel and resorts
7. University and colleges
8. Small business

Jogging in Tokyo

2008-09-13T09:51:00.003+08:00

Courtesy of www.hiroette.com

You can jog anywhere. It doesn't matter if you're on business trip or holiday. To know a place well, you have to walk the ground.

Multi-level teamwork

2008-09-10T14:00:00.002+08:00

by Elseira Lee Yei Yin (RM50 winner for TheStar submit-a-photo contest)

They definitely forgot the ladder!

Running Benefit : Improves 5 Basic Daily Functions

2008-09-10T09:07:00.002+08:00

A research posted on time magazine website reported that runners report fewer disability than non runners.
Researchers followed a group of runners and non runners over 21 years. After 21 years the running group experienced fewer disabilities in five basic daily functions.
1. Walking,
2. Eating,
3. Dressing,
4. Grip strength
5. Routine physical activities

The study suggests that regular aerobic exercise, even starting in middle age, could be a crucial factor. “It’s never too late to start an exercise program,” The researchers added.
See the rest of the story on time magazine website.

Posted By : Constantine Njeru

Money is never enough ...

2008-09-08T09:10:00.005+08:00

News from TheStarOnline >> Insensitive of Cuepacs to keep asking more.

Some snapshots:

"Money is never enough no matter how much you have, so the civil servants have to find a way to deal with their finances better. Prudent spending is one counter measure to the higher cost of living."

"The civil servants have it good considering they have a lot of benefits: free housing, government housing loan, medical, gratuity, pension, benefits after retiring, etcetra."

"The civil service needs to understand one thing, it is a cost centre. It is a non-revenue generating service."

"Try hard as it may, the Government still cannot seem to change the culture in the civil service: less work, more pay, poor service (attributable to wanting to do less work), more breaks and being covered for life.
If these civil servants don't like where they are at, they should seek greener pastures elsewhere."

The writer seems to know what he/she talking about. What he/she wrote were correct. Looking at private sector perspective, does Cuepacs ever think on their behalf? What about those people who earning less than RM500? They are people out there living from hand to mouth just to survive. Civil servants are not the only one who wants to survive in this country. There are people out there waiting others to help them, not because earning less or so but those less fortunate people.

Suprisingly when civil servants are showered with these beautiful gifts every now and then, they never try to improve their productivity. Some less fortunate people are trying their best to make ends meet while this civil servants just goyang kaki and they get paid!

I hope someone will fights for the rights of the less fortunate people.

This is kewl....

2008-09-05T18:17:00.002+08:00

Pusrawi Hospital's Dr Mohd Osman Abdul Hamid (centre) flanked by his lawyers Yusri Kamaruddin (right) and M Puravalen at the Bar Council, after a press conference to reaffirm his Aug 1 statutory declaration in which he stood firm on his finding that Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan had not been sodomised.

“Please be assured that I have merely done my job as a doctor. I am not involved in politics. I will always tell the truth. I have never at any time breached my professional ethics. I have always practised doctor-patient confidentiality,” he said.

GOLD CARD

2008-09-05T17:39:00.003+08:00

Who doesn't want GOLD CARD? I wish I have it for real. Swipe anytime and anywhere I want. :)

Well, as you see at card, it is stated "BLOGGING FRIENDS FOREVER". Isn't that sweet?

Thank you, Flo.

Here are the rules:~
1. Only 5 people are allowed to receive this award.
2. 4 of them followers of your blog.
3. One has to be new to your blog and live in another part of the world.
4. You must link back to whoever gave you the award.

Well, I break the rules. Whoever read this, you may copy and put in your blog. It has the same meaning also, it's either you are new reader or my dear friends.

Where can you find this in KK?

2008-09-03T23:04:00.001+08:00

BIG M! Where can you find it in KK?

Happy 2nd Birthday, Marion!

2008-09-03T22:53:00.003+08:00

My niece, Marion. Her b-day is on 20th Aug. We celebrated it at MayFlower Restaurant.
She can't sit still. My bro was trying to bribe her with her drawing tools. It ain't last longer, not even 30mins.

And here is Megan, her little sister. She looks bigger than Marion. heheh

Happy 51st Merdeka

2008-09-03T22:50:00.001+08:00

It's never too late, I guess. :) Wishing all Malaysian, Happy 51st Merdeka!

I am innnocent

2008-09-03T22:41:00.002+08:00

This kitten aint sick. I guess I've woken it up. Poor thing.

My first 14km...

2008-09-02T14:12:00.006+08:00

My intention is to run all the way but of coz with some resting in between like 30-60s for each of the km. It turned out I had to walk the last 3km. A sudden sharp pain in the side of the upper abdomen at the base of the ribs every time I'm doing my morning run. Reaching 7-8km, dang! the sharp pain. Seeing a doctor will be my last resort. So I googled around. And I found this article similar to my symptoms.

It is called 'Side Stitch'.

Likely causes: The pain is caused by a spasm/cramp of the diaphragm, the muscle that controls your breathing. There are a number of possible reasons for this. If your breathing isn't controlled and disciplined, the diaphragm may be complaining. If you are running too soon after eating, your heavy stomach may literally be tugging at the ligaments connected to the diaphragm. Or you may simply be running too fast for your body's breathing machinery to keep up. It also can caused by gas in the intestines or food in the stomach. Stitches normally come on during hard workouts or races.

Remedy: A stitch will usually go away quickly after just slowing down or stopping. If you're in a race or you just don't want to stop, however, you can often make it go away by bringing your breathing into careful control. Concentrate on belly breathing, pushing your belly out when you breathe in and relaxing it as you breathe out. Take deep breaths on the intake, and exhale suddenly, even noisily.

To get the diaphragm to contract in rhythm with your steps, try to inhale and exhale as you land on your left foot. Strange but true, this can help prevent spasms by encouraging the diaphragm to bounce along in sync with your stride.
If the pain is just too much and you have to stop, try bending over and raising your knee on the stitch side while pressing your fingers deep into the painful area and tightening your stomach muscles. Or just walk while belly breathing.

To prevent stitches caused by food in the stomach, don't eat before you run. hehehe.

So......i need to do belly breathing and no eating. I only had a pack of biscuits. :(

28. Tue, 02nd Sep, Likas Lake, 7km."my lazy day"

Girlie stuff

2008-09-02T13:35:00.004+08:00

Pink girlie booth at 1Borneo. ermm.. Well, it's not my kind of thing. I can count the stuff i have in pink. hahah. It's just not my color.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Finally, I break my own record. I did 14km last sunday. Ohh well, it's not that I can be proud of. ermmm.. I took 3hrs to finish 14km. I think it's my own morning routine, ermmm.. going to toilet. hehe.. After I completed 8km, I went to drink, ate 1 banana and went to toilet. I'm just having fun running on sunday morning. My target is long run.

My stat:

First 8km, started at 650am to 750am (1hr). It's pretty easy to complete 8km. hehe.

The last 6km, 820am to 920am (1hr). I ran for the first 3km but suddenly at 4km, I had sudden sharp pain in the side of the upper abdomen at the base of the ribs. I couldn't run. I walked. Reaching the 5km, I tried to run again. Dang! Another sharp pain. haiz. I had to walked another km. I thought of finishing 21km but because of the heat, I have to call it a day.

27. Sun, 31st Aug, Tun Fuad Park, 14km.

Beautiful children shoes

2008-08-29T10:17:00.002+08:00

Nowadays, kids are lucky to have high quality, comfy, new style and colors shoes.

Look who's graduated...

2008-08-24T22:58:00.006+08:00

My childhood friend, Veronica Lawrence. I know this gal since kindergarten. 24 years. We went to the same primary and secondary school, Stella Maris, Tg Aru. Then 3 weeks stint at La Salle later to University of Malaya for our degree. Now, she has graduated with Masters in Education with flying colors. Congratulations, Ver!
And here, Veron's first and lovely cousin, Fred, who always help and stand by her during duration of her master's (shhh.. from fred)
A naughty guy, who loves techy stuff, full of thoughts and quotes.

2008 UMS 10th Convocation

2008-08-24T21:47:00.006+08:00

When I arrived at UMS, it was damn hot. Plus I didn't get decent parking. Parked illegally and headed to the Dewan Cancelor.
I was expected a huge crowd with banners and stuff from their juniors. ermm.. well, just look at the photos. Mostly were parents, waited with flowers, teddy bears, packages, etc. I missed UM's convocation

Flooded!

Before and after...

2008-08-22T16:48:00.004+08:00

Before.
DuringAfter..

Some of the photos taken from Bengodomon.

I thought the fire would not spread to the entire building. I was shocked when I heard the news. It was destroyed within 3 hours. Estimated of losses around RM30mill and the fate of some 150 workers.

And more photos by Ed. Check it out, guys. Indeed it is a history.

Fire!

2008-08-20T21:37:00.003+08:00

I was driving back home with my parents and sister after a dinner at MayFlower's. We saw fire around Servay area. Big one. But we decided to go home instead of checking it out. heheh
The tamu area behind Servay was packed with cars.

My dad thought it was someone's house or something. I went home and online.. Tadaaaa... I saw Edward msn status "Servay Penampang on FIRE".. oo dear. The photo above was copied from Edward's blog. He even had a video shot for it. Check it out, guys.

Hopefully the fire brigade came on time and it doesn't spread to the entire building.

Photo of the day

2008-08-18T17:36:00.002+08:00

20. Thurs, 31st July, Labuan (from the Council building, Dorsett, Financial Park), 4km.

21. Sun, 3rd Aug, Tun Fuad Park, 4km.

22. Wed, 6th Aug, Botanical Park, Labuan, 5km.

23. Sun, 10th Aug, Tun Fuad, 4km.

24. Tue, 12th Aug, Likas Lake, 4km.

25. Thurs, 14th Aug, Likas Lake 6km.

26. Sun, 17th Aug, Tun Fuad Park, 8km.

St Michael Church

2008-08-13T23:16:00.001+08:00

How they escaped death...

2008-08-13T22:19:00.005+08:00

1.50pm, 07.08.08. bert was heading back to sandakan from tawau after an assignment with 2 colleagues. Everything was fast and furious. It was at bukit ular, mile38 which having the highest accident rate. The road was slippery due to rain and suddenly, he went out of control, skidded and rolled 3 times before crashing into a ditch.

They were lucky to survive the crash. They only had small bruises. bert supposed to have x-ray for his neck at Lahad Datu Hospital. Unfortunately, the medical doctor was reluctant and giving bert lotsa of lame excuses like x-ray would destroy cell. Hey doc, he was involved in an accident and he needs that damn x-ray! bert was having nose bleeding. it must be from the impact.
so, they went back to sandakan, fetch by their other colleague. the next morning, he headed to sandakan hospital for x-ray. Thank God, his head or neck didnt suffer any major injuries. He just suffered minor injury like neck pain, dizzy and minor bruises. The doctor precribed him some painkiller and he had 2 days mc. phew.

Thank God.

We all need mending

2008-08-05T13:26:00.001+08:00

" Mending doesn't say, "This never happened." It says instead, as I believe the Christian cross does, "Something or someone was surely broken here, but with God's grace it will rise to new life." So too my old pajamas, the fence around the garden, the friendship torn by misunderstanding, a country being ripped apart by economic and social inequity and a global divide of enormous proportions — they all need mending. "

Kenit?

2008-08-01T10:24:00.003+08:00

What is Kenit? Ohh well, my mum is always the one who give names to those catty at home. She wont give a complicated name but a very simple and used in our daily conversation. Kenit or in a another word is Little. This Kenit, his voice is very precious. He wont meow when you call him. He would only meow when he wants to. haiz.

Photo of the day

2008-07-29T19:19:00.000+08:00

8th Sutera Harbour 7K Sunset Charity Run

2008-07-28T20:57:00.018+08:00

This is my second time participation of Sunset Charity Run. It's a sunny and windy day.
Lots of school kids taking parts in the run.
Everyone is waiting at the Marina & Country Club.

The two ladies were waiting the emcee to announce their slot to start. I was standing in front of the starting line with Anson. I have another colleague to join us for the run and he's nowhere to been seen when the run is about to start. haiz. By the time the minister flagged off, we didn't managed to see this colleague of mine.

5-10mins away to finishing line. :) I still have time to camwhoring. The whole road was closed down for the run. It's only once in a year.

After the run, people were chit-chatting, taking photos, etc. Free flows of 100plus and IndoCafe. I saw some familiar faces. 1. My ex-teacher in Stella Maris Primary School, Cikgu Chan. 2. My doctor Dr Bernadine's hubby. 3. My uncle 4. Likas Lake frequent joggers 5. DBKK IT manager 6. YS IT staff

Once 77minutes were over, all the participants were invited to the covered area aka tennis court for the next events ie. performance from artistes and lucky draw. They were having Traxx fm as the emcee again.

Sutera Harbour invited 3 artists, ex-Akademi Fantasia students. But before that there was another chinese guy artist, something Adrian, I guess. Another sabahan also. Well, frankly I don't follow AF. I hate to see Aznil to cry over and over again. It's lame. Here is Ebi. I heard he is a sport man before he ended up himself as an artist. He has nice vocal.

Second, Noni (I think). Came from Tg Aru. Third, Felix. Noni and Felix has bad contact with audience. Felix, even asked to repeat his music. He said, he skipped a lyric or so. Bad.
Nice blue sky.

Lazing around.

The Charity Venue.
For the record, I took 45 minutes to complete the run. *clap* *clap* TQ. I need a turbo.

Our beloved City Council

2008-07-28T19:49:00.002+08:00

As you can see at the banner, it says 'AWAS! Si kutu sampah!!' One can spot similar banner within the town area. It's EVERYWHERE, big and small banners.
I was on the way home and I couldn't resist not to take photo on this banner. Some attention-grabbing-banner.

Our town officially declared as city status on February 2nd, 2002. I couldn't understand why they can't just use proper words to educate people.

If you read papers for the past two weeks, they would talk about Kutu Sampah ops campaign.
The words "Si Kutu Sampah" is everywhere. Kutu, kutu, and endless kutu. Tourists are non-stop coming in and out to our town. They would definitely wonder what is "Si Kutu Sampah". If one to explain, how would we as a city folk to explain?

Using such a name, would it make our cleanliness on par with Singapore?

Happy 2nd Birthday, Joshua!

2008-07-28T19:32:00.003+08:00

He loves tagging his mum. Even when his mum is busy at kitchen.
I went to Lindut's house with bert. It was raining heavily even after we left her place. I wanted to hold Joshua but he doesn't want outsider to hold him. If you managed to cuddle him, he will starts his antics, *crying*. heheh Just like Marion.

ps: pardon me unclear photos

Kreativ Blogger Award

2008-07-27T15:57:00.004+08:00

It has been done according to the following rules:
1. The winner may put the logo on her blog.
2. Put a link to the person you got the award from.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Put links to the blogs
5. Leave a message for your nominees.

----------------------------------------
Thanks Ms Story Mory for the award.
As usual, I don't pass tag to anyone. It will just ended here for good. If anyone so happen to read this, you may copy and distribute freely. No fees incurred. :)

The body marathon's effect

2008-07-23T13:14:00.002+08:00

check out the first point: Constant pounding leads to the loss of about 2cm in height. this is funny or indeed a true fact.

Self-Development

2008-07-22T14:21:00.003+08:00

For those who are familiar with the 7 Habits of Highly Effective.

People by Stephen Covey, this article makes me relate to one of theprinciples i.e. "Begin with the end in mind". Read on and be blessed.

Have you read this before? Discover the 90/10 Principle. It will changeyour life (at least the way you react to situations). What is thisprinciple?

10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided byhow you react. What does this mean? We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane may be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cutus off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%.

How? By your reaction. You cannot control a red light, but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react.

Let's use an example. You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have nocontrol over what just what happened. What happens when the next will be determined by how you react?

You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticise them for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. Ashort verbal battle follows.

You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready forschool. She misses the bus.

Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit.

After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 (traffic fine) away, you arrive atschool. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye.

After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home. When you arrive home, you find a small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter.Why? Because of you reacted in the morning. Why did you have a bad day?

A) Did the coffee cause it? B) Did your daughter cause it? C) Did the policeman cause it? D) Did you cause it?The answer is D. you had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day. Here is what could have and should have happened.

Coffee splashes over you. your daughter is about to cry. You gently say,"it's ok honey, you just need to be more careful next time." Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs.

After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You and your spouse kiss before you go to work. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.

Notice the difference? Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different. Why?

Because of how you REACTED. You really do not have any control over 10% ofwhat happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction. Here are some says to apply the 90/10 principle.

If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don't have to let the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.

How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic? Do you lose your temper? Pound on the steering wheel? (A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off) do you curse? Do your blood pressure skyrocket? Do you try and bump them? WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the cars ruin your drive? Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it. You are told you lost your job.

Why lose sleep and get irritated? It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job.The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day. why take out your frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on. Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger.Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse. Now you know the 90/10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it.

The 90/10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle.The result? Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress,trials, problems and heartache. There never seem to be a success in life.

Bad days follow bad days. Terrible things seem to be constantly happening.There is constant stress, lack of joy, and broken relationships. Worry consumes time. Anger breaks friendships and life seems dreary and is not enjoyed to the fullest. Friends are lost. Life is a bore and often seems cruel. Does this describe you? if so, do not be discouraged. You can be different!

Understand and apply the 90/10 principle. It will change your life.

from poesy's world

Beware of con

2008-07-17T10:06:00.004+08:00

I've received a call from a number 016 336 4579 last Tuesday noon. He was calling from Menara KL for credit card backup. I was so curious why on earth Visa/Master need to have a credit card backup from a thirdparty. At first I didn't pay much of attention of what he said. But he kept mentioning about the conversation is being recorded and stuff. So I questioned him where he got my credit card information. According to him, the bank gave him. I was like.. hmmm. Then he started to verify my card number, '5420, blah.. blah' , while me looking at my credit card. *rolling eyes* He was reading the wrong number! He was trying to make a point that I did reveal my number earlier on and I told him that I never mentioned any numbers to him. Gotcha!

He didn't know that I know his little secret. And he continued to read the wrong numbers. Finally, I said, 'Look, what about you go back and check the numbers again. When you got hold the correct numbers, give me a call again'. And finally he stopped and hang up. *tuttttt*

FYI, he never calls back again. You gals out there, don't be too smart trying to correct him by reading out your credit card numbers.

sweet treat.

82 days

2008-07-15T14:50:00.006+08:00

To date, I've run 69km. ermm. That's not a good number. It's an accumulated mileage since May. I don't have a 'good base'. A 'good base' means that I have to run 39km per week. Based on my calculation, with 39km, during weekdays, I have to do 6km and extra miles on weekends.
wow weee. I'll be zzz during the day.

Last week, I managed to complete 14km. It was 2 weeks in a row I nailed 14km. Maybe it's time to increase another km or 2. I get immune to run 3x a week.

It's 82 days to Marathon Day.

BIG Bikes. Harley Davidson Owner's Group rally made a stop at Kota Belud. The very same day that 1 block of the shops in town was burned down.

Chrysanthemum

2008-07-14T11:02:00.002+08:00

Birth Month Flower of November - The Chrysanthemum
Red for love, white for truth, yellow for the slightest love, but in general, the Chrysanthemum symbolizes cheerfulness and optimism. The Chrysanthemum blooms in the fall, bringing extra cheer to a colder climate when most flowers take a break. Associated with the dead, this flower has popularity at funerals, or to the bereaved in time of need. From this popularity, it was once thought that bringing the Chrysanthemum indoors meant a wishful death. Originating in China, the Chrysanthemum is considered one of the four noble plants among bamboo, the plum, and the orchid. It was once thought that drinking from a stream that flowed between Chrysanthemums would help a person live to be 100. From this myth came Chrysanthemum tea, wine and medicine to encourage a healthy, long life.

19. Sun, 15th Jul, Taman Tun Fuad, 4km.

Endurance...

2008-07-12T12:27:00.005+08:00

After my 5km running last Thursday, I was wondering whether my training is on the right track or not. I sms-ed my foster-bro. He took Sports Science while in uni. So I explained my misery.
Here are his few tips on how to complete 21km:
1. Do strength run. Hills. This will give greater strength on my legs which will help me to cope with the distance and plus breathing.
2. Endurance. This is the long run where I will build my mileage up. He trained athletes. If the athlete is taking 1000m, he asked him to run 2000m. Whoa. He suggested me next month, Aug, I should run 21km and another one in September. ermm.. I will think about.
3. Sit-up. 3 sets at a time. okies.. This I can do it.

Hmm... I need a little bit of change in my training schedule.

Hey.....

2008-07-11T13:59:00.003+08:00

*giggle*
Hey, what ya doing there?

Cute little boy..

2008-07-11T13:48:00.002+08:00

Isn't he's cute? His name is Joshua. That's his mother, Dorin, Linda's elder sister. We had dinner together at Bandaran's KFC. I think he likes to pose when someone's taking his photo. Cute....

18. Thu, 10th June, Likas Lake. 5km.

Racing

2008-07-09T15:43:00.000+08:00

17. Tue, 8th Jul, 5km, Likas Lake. Yay!

Stylish New Frames

2008-07-09T15:40:00.003+08:00

Today the internet has alot to offer from home business, retail, blogging, news, etc people tend to spend alot of time in front of a computer. This might have effects on your body. One of these effects is getting eyesight problems. Eye surgery is an option getting rid the eyesight problems but not so many people are keen on the idea having their eyes operated. So, another option is getting glasses.

Zennioptical.com is an online store of different kinds of sunglasses. Zenni Optical is also known for high quality sunglasses and stylish prescription eyeglasses. They produce they own products and sell them through this website. So doing business with them through their website means no middlemen, no retail overhead, and practically no advertising budget. This makes the prices of their eyeglasses really really cheap.

Running Quotes

2008-07-08T08:53:00.003+08:00

@courtesy of Runner's World

I love these quotes!

15. Tue, 2nd Jul, 2km, Likas Lake. It was raining half way through my routine.

16. Wed, 3rd Jul, 4km, Likas Lake. Drizzling.

There is something ...

2008-07-02T12:32:00.005+08:00

There is something about our batch - which up to this point has never left out hearts no matter what part of the world we are presently in and no matter how long we have been out-of-reach from one another. At some point somewhere, somebody remembers someone.

It had been long. 13 years. We have been planning few months ahead, trying to get everybody informed. And we did and no one is left out. Out of 21, 10 turned up. We do not plan for luxury of parties. A simple dinner.

Many of us have pursued different endeavors, raised their own families, and followed different lifestyle. Like Clare, she wants 'Over the sea' and now, she has been living in a suitcase (she said it :) ), while others envy her as she has the opportunity to go around the world. It's just all about her work.

Reunion - everything's set aside, we take off our caps and reveal the old familiar faces, names, and voices – strip ourselves of titles, or whoever the hell we’ve become.

We even sing our school's song. Ohh, how I forget about it. I managed to sing the beginning part only. The spirit of the past lives on. We may be somewhere else in the world right now. We might have left so many things behind. Somehow - it seems, we never left high school after all.

Unedited photos from the weekend ...

2008-07-01T10:24:00.001+08:00