Minorities? Not so minor...

It was indeed a very early morning. I had to make a long journey to another town, as I was called in to relief work at another office. Vien had left recently and there was no one taking charge of the office. So I thought it would be another task that I used to do. That wasn't really true.

The machines were really sophisticated and it took a little time when I was getting used to it. To my surprise, there was none who knew how to operate it and it was a disappointment coz that would take sometime for someone to prepare for the day. As time went by, the craze came along. Clients kept coming in and there were more. It's like...gee where did these people come from.

I dun mind working for long and fast hours but not until forsaking the quality. But I just didn't have the time to cope with the quantity. That's crazy. Things were so disorganized. Even the most basic instruments were not found. I am pretty sure they have it but the staff put up with a blank face all the time. Guys, that's not something alien in our world. Ahahhaa....

I had no time to go for even a quick lunch. In between I received lots of calls from everywhere. The staff took turns, which I insisted because I didn't want them to go hungry and exhausted. I need people to be alert! Thus I need to take care of my comrades.

Again, the appointment book is not very reliable. That one thing was not my liking. I am always strict with it for a reason. If the difference is not very huge, that wouldn't be a problem. But when it went overboard like 40%, that's really a problem.

Eva came in the morning at 8am. She had been waiting for 3 hours before she was told to be seen again 2 hours later. It's not avoidable as there were too many people waiting in line. Then there were people who cut queues. But come on, if everyone's acting like that, then those remain quiet would be at the losing edge and that's really unfair. I couldn't do much but putting up a stressed face because there was simply no system.

So, when Eva was seen again, it's already 130pm and she was so hungry. Poor lady who didn't even bring any money for lunch. She then had to be transferred to another center. She was initially hesitating to move but I told her that her lunch would be taken care of and with a lil reassurance, she left with the staff.

I still had 2 cakes on the table after having one in the hectic morning. I couldn't be wasting anymore time, not even lunch. So, I continued working. It's just a let down when you see that some people working in the office shaking legs and just left when the clock struck 5pm when they could actually helped a little. But no, no body cared. Everywhere was closed, even the most egoistic people who sit in the office without a degree but get to tell you what to do, and yelled at others when people queried them. That's really pathetic. They get the salary just because they work long enough and not contribute much enough. There's certainly a problem in the line of promotion. Really one...

So, when it was almost 520pm, Margaret came with her young son who lingered around the office and played around my desk. He was tapping on the 2 cakes left over the desk which I had no time to even pay attention to. The mum then stopped him as not to disturb the desk. But the 4-year-old child was mumbling to himself. I asked if he had eaten for the day. She said yes, and he had his breakfast. I looked at the clock again and asked if he had his lunch. No, that boy just had his breakfast. I was startled and quickly hand over the cake, no, the cakes (which I thought of saving one for myself towards the end of the day coz I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast, then decided to give all). It was a right decision to give all to him coz in a second, he had gulped (yes, he was like so in the hurry) the whole piece of cake. He must be very hungry, poor kid.

I punched (figuratively) out at 530pm, not believing that I had worked so very much. It was really crazy. The driver was around when I gave him a call to fetch me home. Poor Mer, he had to work over time to fetch me home because I was working late. We then headed a long journey home until the sun set. I was there, in a silent mode the whole journey. I was plain tired. And then, I received this from a friend online. click

Hpy Doctor's day

H'py Doctor's day folks. Bet you all didn't even realize that this day actually existed. Wonder what do the doctors do today. Hmmm.....working as usual? Hehehe.....

Earth Hour 2010

It was rather a last minute call that I decided to observe the Earth Hour from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. Indeed, I gave an extra 10 minutes, a lil tip to our lovely earth. The rain certainly helped alot and I started to think if everything was a coincident as the rain was hitting hard that 1 hour itself. The earth certainly has cooled down so much.

The weekend so far is a relaxing one. Last week itself was like taking a roller coaster ride. I have decided on 2 issues as the main agendas of the month or rather at the moment. I like identifying issues and trying to address them one by one. This not only more efficient but I could concentrate delivering the results itself. Drastic decisions are always my forte. Sometimes the staff were not able to keep up with me.

Because it was drastic, at times I feel the stress level reaching up the neck. I always keep a time frame to deliver the results. If I don't achieve within the stipulated time, I'd probably either abandon the issue or modify it to be more easily achievable. Those are the KPIs that I set for myself, time and result. Of course I don't set some unrealistic goals which probably time wasting to invest in for a start.

The first sideline project that I was talking about, is to set a little library or rather a reading corner in the office for the public. I was always fascinated by looking at books when I was a kid. But reading wasn't really inculcated when I was young. The books were very expensive then, making reading a luxury past time rather than a past time for all. That's why I write more than I read and worse, talk more than reading.

I find that kids who came over and spent some time in my office were drawn to this one lil' pictured book in my room. I find it so lovely when people are concentrating on books, as if the world ceased to move for a second and peace prevails. It's always a noisy world outside, but when people hold a book, the world goes quiet. That's why I like going to the library once a while just to browse the magazines or so.


I've finally worked on the sponsor who is willing to contribute their unused books to these lil kids. My main aim is to give a chance to these kids who can't afford to own a book, at least feel a book in their hands and if they would like to bring home the book, be my guest. Afterall, I am just a channel connecting the sponsors and the kids. I was hoping for a continuous supply of unused books to donate to book lovers and whoever love to own a book. I am glad that I've got the sponsor to agree at the moment. What shall I name this programme? A book for a child? Na...sounds like an eye for an eye. Ahahaha... Anyways, I am glad that I was able to work things out within a week. See...I do things very fast one.

Next I would be looking into correcting vision of the kids. Clear vision is very important for kids especially those at 7years of age because they start to learn writing, reading and counting then. If the problem went unnoticed, these kids will end up doing badly in school later on. A good grasp in studies comes from a good foundation which are the 3 elements mentioned above. Then we have kids at 12 years old and 15 years old who are sitting for exams.


I was struggling initially to look for sponsors when I came across a girl from a very remote area had a vision problem. Poor girl. She was quite bright in her school but her right vision was so badly affected that she was blinking her eyes all the time. She was quiet and shy. But if the vision's gonna hinder her to excel in her studies, she would actually be ripped off the opportunity to come out of poverty. Her mother is a single parent who works as a rubber tapper, thus she is gonna have financial constraints to get a pair of spectacles.

Later the week, I called a friend from the welfare dept who took the plight with concern and offered to lend a hand. We don't know if she was gonna get a pair of specs but at least we tried. Then news came that there was another national programme offering same thing to poor kids. I was delighted coz despite the difficulty in getting a sponsor but cold shoulders, at least we have somewhere to look at. There are many more kids like this 12-year-old girl. I am sure if this programme really takes off, it will benefit lotsa kids.

Ray once told me, why do I get myself into trouble like this, searching here and there, in the end got stressed up with all these issues. Well, for me, charity has no boundaries. There is not a limit where ones effort is enough. I just feel the urge to extend a hand or try to create a channel, so that these kids will not suffer the faith like others. Already the world is so mean to everyone of us, don't we want to create some miracles to these poor souls once a while, and also to remind us that life is so much more than just me, me, me and me.


Well the rain outside seems like not going to stop any sooner. It comes and goes at a narrow interval. But I am enjoying every bit of the second when the rain hits the roof. Brr....

The rain that soothes the heart

Hi folks.

Let's start afresh again. Coz you know why? It started to rain again yesterday; and this morning we had another shower. Wuhoo... I mean that's really great coz the weather's getting better. I was still lying on the bed when I heard something like water dripping somewhere else. I was very skeptical despite keeping a very high hope for the rain. Can't blame me for that. It's been the same ritual, always thought I heard the rain the first thing in the morning and later found that it was the water leaking from the aircond. So, it was really exciting. We have not had any rain for the past...I can't even recall, yes, that really long. But still, the afternoon heat is so intense.

Something had been bugging me last night. Sometimes I felt so much for the illegal immigrants. I don't mean the nasty ones. Most of them actually came over to look for a better life. I am not talking about those in Kelantan where the Thais and other citizens crossing over the border to marry older ladies and later dumping them after gaining citizenships.

Are we aware that there are many illegal immigrants who had been the second generation here in our land (cehh...sounds so possesive). Their parents came without valid documentations and later gave birth to kids here. While the kids are deprived of the basic facilities and had to pay much more for the same thing we get here, they lead a closeted lives. Whereas for the same thing, those who seek for stability and job usually remain back.

What I am worried is because of the increasing medical costs, some opted to even risk their lives than paying that extra hard cold cash. Ram was trying to deliver at home one night when she felt the contraction pain. Despite the medical personnel advicel, she was adamant and tried her luck to deliver at home because if the baby came out easily, she would have saved so much, even for the milk and other baby stuff. She is 40 and to have her first baby, that's really a risk. So, she didn't make it. She ended up in the hospital.

When there were people around her kept telling her how stubborn and foolish she was to deliver at home despite all the advice, she just dropped her head down because she failed and came for help. She knew she was foolish but that's life. She remained quiet even though people had been saying words that were not pleasing to the ears. I felt a sudden pity. I don't really know her well. She might be a loud person at home. She might be a nasty person at home. But being silent, I felt that she had placed down her dignity. And that's the last thing one person could do. She was defenseless. She needed help, and not some demeaning words. Later, she was sent for an emergency surgery.

There are thousands and thousands of people like Ram in the country and there will be even more coming. We won't feel it when we are not in their shoes. This country is not really that green as portrayed. I believe there are many of our people who decided to reside in other countries in the hope of searching better lives. I know many who did and decided not to come back. Again, the land is greener on the other end. There are so many asians who are living in the western countries hiding themselves and deprived of basic medical care. The last thing they are going to worry is about their health, because as long as they could work, they'll find the money.

I remember once I watched the then popular medical drama on tv, ER. There was one episode when this lil asian mother cried desperately and went to the hospital but none helped her because she didn't own any insurance and no, she wasn't sick, it's her son. Her son was freezing outside afraid to get to the hospital, afraid of being caught. So she was there crying. Noticed her, one concern doctor went to find out what was happening. With her limited English language, she told the doc that her son was very sick outside. He took some meds and went outside secretly to see the son. I was so touched but also angry at the same time because why he had to secretly sneak out while helping a poor soul? Why can't a person be treated under such a compassionate ground. I am not blaming the doc and I can't even blame the system.

We also have to understand that the system is needed to generate income so that health care can be improved and maintained. Where do the meds come from if it's not from the tax or the insurance that we are paying. Thus, I am and will be continually having this conflicting feelings. It's frustrating but that's how life goes. We take the stake and risks. Things turn well, it's gonna be fine. But what bout otherwise?

I could only remain quiet and whispered a few words under my breath,hoping everything will turn out right. And last night was a peaceful one.

My Story trilogy

I am feeling so much better today. The morning was so fine. Did the house chores and spent some time at home cooking. Some simple dishes with some soup for the recovering stomach.

I have finished reading the book by Dave Pelzer, My Story which consists the trilogy of A CHILD CALLED 'IT", THE LOST BOY,and A MAN NAMED DAVE. Indeed I have read the most books in this year itself, which was actually 5 (the trilogy(3)) including 2 from Mitch Albom within a month! So lex, it's actually 5, wohoo.... Perhaps I have a very short span of attention, that's why I need the right book to read. Otherwise it would be another book which probably gonna stay in the shelve.

I can't be relating the whole story of the book here coz it's really very long and winding and at times, you find yourself reading the same thing over and over again. Well, as mentioned, this is a trilogy, so some parts are inevitably needed to be repeated. You may want to visit the author's website here.

At one moment, child abuse stories were florid in the market and became top charters. I am not a huge fan on child abuse stories but I simply got hooked on one of those. There are so much in Dave story that I see someone like I've met before. In the 70s, child abuse was not recognized and especially in asian countries like ours, this ideology is still something swept under the carpet rather than letting the cats out. You got what I mean? Unless if we were aware of abusing a child is wrong, no matter culturally or a family thingy, abused cases would never be heard. Thus if the society is aware that it's a wrong act, these kids or at least a few of them can be saved.

When I see mothers who came with the kids and simply threatening their kids for even doing nothing wrong like, 'move quick otherwise I'll ask the police to catch you', I wouldn't be very pleased at all. I would on most occasions explain to the mothers, listen, dun threaten the kids too often even for a small issue. They would get confused and self-esteem would be affected when they grow up because at any of their action is always being criticized and threatened. We need to explain to parents that kids have to be explained about the truth. This might not be true for those who are very young but at least we don't inculcate terror in our kids. I am not a child therapist, but I am merely speaking from my perspective.

Well, I have definitely spoken too much on the issue from the past few days. I would like to highlight one more point from the book. You will find that the abuser usually had a history of being abused when he/she was younger. Like Dave's mother who abused him, was actually an abused victim by his own grandmother but they all didn't realize that because abusing a child was simply taken as disciplining a kid, for their own good. Unless we realized that, the vicious cycle will never break its chain. The lucky ones will be someone like Dave, who succeeded in life, but the rest resort to either drugs, sex, suicide or being an abuser themselves.

If we could save a child today by creating more awareness, I don't see why this act is being considered silly. Until then, let's find us some peace on this world.

Food poisoning

There is something wrong with me today. I couldn't figure out which causes which but the severe headache and nausea are two symptoms definitely correlating with each other. Initially, I thought it was the severe headache which causes the nausea, so I took some pain killer hoping that the nauseated feeling would go off. It got worsened and I couldn't even sit straight. So, I decided to let out the food from the stomach and vomited the whole dinner out. It took me 3 times vomiting that now I am feeling a lil better. There wasn't any point of taking pain killer at this moment because basically I would vomit it out before being absorbed.

So, my final thought is food poisoning. Not really that bad la, probably some acute infection in the GI tract. Must be the fish. Definitely the fish. The headache is getting a lil alleviated. I can't write too long here. I am still in the phase of finishing the story on David. I feel like I know him so well as most of his actions I could really relate. He finally got married but to a lady who loved him more than he loved her. It's all because she got pregnant. No, don't think David is bad here, coz Patsy was very persistent with David even though David had a few times tried to break up with her. Even though they were both being abused from young, but they were different when growing up. David strive to live and create a near normal life rather than complaining about his past. His determination is so obvious and being afraid to be like other abused kids who eventually turned into an abuser themselves, he placed the priority that he would give his family the best before him.

Alright, I better go rest now. If everything goes well, I will write again tomorrow. Nitey..

Early marriage, is it a solution?

I still could remember the 2 persons that I met yesterday. Not very particular incidents, but it just tickles my other side of senses. I was having a chat with 18-year-old Nur and as usual I kept a very interested mode towards 'people'. There was a question which popped up suddenly, no, not really suddenly but usually I would ask whenever I met this kinda situation. I was asking if her marriage was an arranged one or she chose herself to get married. She answered the former without any hesitation. I was indeed a lil stunned though I had a lil clue because she has not got pregnant till now. I brought up the topic of school and she said she was interested schooling but her mother made her married to a distant relative. Whether it was a joy or not, simply from her look, she doesn't seem to be bothered much.

I had a chance to speak to her husband 5 mins later when she was away collecting her documents. I introduced myself and quickly I made him feeling comfortable with our conversation. I was indeed very interested to find out the view of this 25-year-old man. I asked the same question and he said they liked each other and that's why they were getting married at such a young age. My eyes almost rolled up completely. I probed again though I know it didn't sound so comfortable. Why not wait till she had finished studying? He just gave me a smile and said, I dunno.

I don't know who is speaking the truth but of course I'd buy what Nur said rather than the husband because guys always have a lil ego here, ahahaha. Looking into the eyes of Nur, I feel an empty space. I don't know how to describe but I think there is a huge void to be filled in her life. I am not sure whether early marriage would be really feasible even though people are pushing everyone to get married earlier in view that the world statistical population in the affluent countries like Singapore is down going. Can having more kids quickly fill the gap of loneliness when we get old, or is it a long term plan that the children will support us when we grow older? Anyone of this definitely reflecting selfishness because all we thinking are about ourselves, nothing but ourselves.

Right, let's move on to Jan, a mother who just got pregnant again at 45 years old. She was attending to her daughter a week ago when he daughter got a miscarriage. Yes, my jaw opened as well! It was funny how she was telling me that taking care of a girl is so much harder than taking care of a buffalo!! Ahahahaha...I let out a grin, a very big one. The first time I heard about how stubborn can be related to a phrase like that. As usual, being curious, I was asking how could she blame her daughter when she claimed she was very strict with her daughter. "Well, she never listens. I had to make sure she come back from school and stay home". I rebutted how did her daughter got pregnant then? She was saying the daughter often asking to go to the library on weekends and that's how it happened. Hmmm....mother oh mother, as if you hadn't been a young lady before.

I found it a lil amusing how she blamed her daughter but not seeing the flaws in her while taking care of her child. She was only 17 years old. And she got married because of the pregnancy and now with a miscarriage, I was wondering what the husband might think. I mean marrying because of pregnant vs not pregnant really makes a huge difference. So yes, ladies out there. Take care coz any mistakes made, stick on to you the rest of your lives.

Well, I have been blabbering here quite alot. I am in fact a lil tired coz last night not being able to sleep well. Mostly because of the weather and this morning got to wake up in the morning and travelling to the substation before proceeding back to the office to give a talk and run a course for the staff. And still there are people who don't believe I could be so busy. Well imagine 8 working hours and you got to cramp everything into that 8hrs including travelling time. Hmm..pretty hurry huh.


Optional:
Let's talk a lil on David's progression. I am reading David as a grown up now working as a cook specialist with the American Air Force. He was definitely so determined but the part when he received a letter with non-returned mailing address from his alcoholic father, he was at a dash. He wanted to help but not able to find his dad. He was dreaming to buy a house so that he could stay and take care of his dad one day at Lake River. But when he received a call regarding his dad few months later, he got to know he was hospitalized because of some neck tumour. Despite how his mother treated him during his childhood, he did not harbour much hatred towards the mother. But the mother continuously hated him even though he still dreamed of one day the family will come together. When the dad touched Dave and gave him his only dignity which was his fireman batch, that moment was so touching that tears were felt behind throat. Dave yearned so much for his father's love since young even though the father walked outta family and he still thought that it was the hardest decision a dad could do and ended up being a miserable drunkard. Dave always felt what happened to his family was all his fault, be it the separation of the abusive mother and the drunkard dad, the brainwashed siblings and everything. Dave had regular nightmares about the mother who was all the time there to check on him and played games like making him to drink detergents and ammonia, making him sleep at the bunk without any blankets, starving him everyday and he had to steal food to live, threatening to kill him if he didn't listen to her whether to do all the chores after school, etc and most terrifying was stabbing him in the chest and also dislocating his right shoulder. That's crazy but this is the past now. He has a future to face but the trauma has been hunting him every night. Dun think his dad was gonna stay any longer as Steve nurse said that his illness was terminal and it was just a matter of days. Now that Dave is in the hospital with the dad, can't wait to read further. Hang on there ya, Dave.

Child brides

I guess I am getting irritated very easily of late. I don't know why but it seems like everything that happened is so non-sensical. As we claimed that we have gone through modernization and moving towards a developed nation, we are still held aback with some very backward ideologies. I have heard lots of blowing trumpets and how we achieved the world class standards in all aspects, we are still but being so ignorant and denying the rights, that the very basic ones of our children.

This news about the debate on the marriage of an eleven-year-old has been on-going for the past few days. Initially I was like, what's new. When the state decided to allow child brides even at such a tender age, all I could do was shaking my head and thought, what's new. Some said we can't question the credibility of certain laws, well, that really sounds like the credibility of certain reserved group of people who dictate what's right and what's not. I dun mean to be insensitive, thus I won't comment further on the law itself, but what I understand from the norm, I am just very concern about these kids who are supposed to be under the protection of the Child's Acts. I mean, what's it for celebrating Children's Day when we don't even respect the rights of the children.

Here is an excerpt from UNICEF regarding Child brides:

According to "Factsheet: Early Marriage" (page 4), a report issued by the United Nations, these early marriage unions violate the basic human rights of these girls by putting them into a life of isolation, service, lack of education, health problems, and abuse.

The UNICEF paper states: "UNICEF believes that, because marriage under the age of 18 may threaten a child's human rights (including the right to education, leisure, good health, freedom of expression, and freedom from discrimination), the best way to ensure the protection of children's rights is to set a minimum age limit of 18 for marriage.

UNICEF is opposed to forced marriages at any age, where the notion of consent is non-existent and the views of bride or groom are ignored, particularly when those involved are under age."

When I read again on this piece of news regarding the eleven-year-old bride today, I couldn't stop myself from saying a word or two. I am utterly disturbed, not because something had happened to this young child that she was found semi-conscious by the road side, or simply because she was the one who convinced and chose to married this 40-year-old man, but I am angry because the parents allowed it as well as the society who said it's okay to be married at tat age. I may sound irony about that, well we have to respect the decision that the child made if we were to respect her rights, but that's not the correct interpretation of human rights for the child! We are grown ups, we are not uneducated people who simply react to any emergency by running away, but we analyze and do the correct procedures. It's really ashamed not being able to see the right picture.

The reason we have children's rights, is so that we can protect them until the age of perhaps either 16 or 18 according to certain countries where at this age is considered to be mature. Not like an 11-year-old and that's like still a kid. Now that something had happened, and everyone is getting the jitters. Later we will see people pointing fingers at each other. Why can't there be a standard protocol for everyone. Why there are so many laws governing so many different people? Can't we find the best solution for everyone of us. I mean, just being sensical, as simple as that. One simple law for one nation.

I am just very concern that if we adult allow laws which is benefiting the adults and not looking at the children's welfare, things will get out of hands and the children that we are producing in the future would be compromised. Aren't children supposed to experience childhood. We have our childhood and they deserve theirs too. Give them a chance rather than stealing their childhood away and forcing them to mature too fast.

Let's think a while...

Attitude or performance? Thy choice!

I have just finished reading the part on The Lost Boy and it seems like the story is heading to a better journey for David or better known as Dave. When I told the story about Dave, Ray literally dropped his jaw. Well, definitely there are so many stories like this happening which are untold or simply hidden from this very world.

The story has multiple climaxes even though there are parts which are a lil confusing. Slowly when we go through the life of David, I realized that surroundings play a very important part in moulding one's attitude or behaviour. Obviously everything happens for a reason.

When ah Wei told me that she didn't get a promotion and she got really upset about it for a few days, I quickly zapped and brought her out to the reality. While she was defending that she deserves a promotion despite her hardwork and performance, she was told by her superior that her attitude counts the most. Like I said, everything happens for a reason even though I am not sure what's in store for me in future. I am not siding anyone. But after working awhile in the society and holding the posts from the bottom to the top to nothing eventually, I realized that attitude actually counts alot in considering to hand the important post to someone.

I have thus far worked with 3 different assistants myself. While I was strict to all of them, I have a particular fond for the one who really knows me well. Knowing your boss, meaning knowing your work. You know what is required of you. My first assistant got bashing the most from me but she is still in touch with me until now even she's not working here anymore. Very simple. I gave her few instances in her daily job. She always come work early, and leave late. And most of all, her job is always unfinished and she has to bring her work home. Well, I may not compare her to others because I know, she is hardworking but she is doing lotsa unnecessary stuff as well.

I always told her, work smart, not always work hard. If you can shorten the hours to finish a job with the same quality, that's efficient! So, think of a way doing it. I won't praise you for staying late at work to finish your work simply because you take longer time to finish a task. But I will praise you if you were able to finish your work on time with a better quality. It took her sometime to adapt to my idea but she's learning. I handpicked my 2nd assistant myself. She is the junior most staff in the office and I did choose her out from the crowd. There were jaws dropping and eye popping everywhere.

I have a reason to pick her. While many are afraid to take up challenges, she emerged from the crowd even she was very junior and volunteered in many occasions to take up the tasks that I requested. This is the quality that I needed and wanted to work with. She may not have the experience and knowledge but these can be gained as time goes by. However, the people's attitude cannot change. So, I'd rather to stick with good quality attitude with people who can be polished to take up the position because these involves trust.

Now, they took her away because she needs to further her training and my new assistant is taking her time to learn. I may be a patient teacher but I am very strict at it. I have a few bosses as well but we worked like colleagues. We have not much problems because we knew each other working styles very much. Mind you, different bosses have different approaches. But they were once at my position as well. From your work, you somehow create a bond with people around you. Some people like working with you while some don't. You can choose who to work with but you can't choose much of your bosses.

So yes, this is the art of survival in this working world. Like it or not, it's everywhere. Before one trying to criticize on others, first look at ourselves. Each experience serves a lesson. Only the clever ones will learn. I can't wait to read further on another chapter of the man named Dave. Things are getting brighter for David now. He is no more the naughty boy, he's a man, a more matured thinking man. Let's see how it goes.

Alright folks, enjoy the evening!

Extra change?

So, I have decided to blog again. The weekend, though an exhausted one, wasn't that much draining afterall. Let's see what I have in mind to talk about. Weather? Gee...I could talk for a day just on the weather itself. It is really hot and warm lately. It's been few months already and there was no sign of improvement. Going out the office or house has literally burnt the skin all over.

I had to untie myself, unbutton a lil, and stand in front of the air cond before starting to see clients again. Yes, it is that hot. That very much hot that I could repeat the word HOT HOT HOT non-stop. I am using the aircond at home more often now. I wonder when the climate will change for a better. Every afternoon is a dread getting outta the office into the heated car. I have begun to feel a lil fed up now. Haizz...

I am still reading on My Story, particularly the part of The Lost Boy. I am reading quite fast though. It gets intense and more intense. I totally so concern about abused kids. Sometimes I doubt myself. At times I think I wasn't patient with the kids and couldn't really handle them but at times I do really concern bout them. If given the opportunity, I would really like to work with abused kids. I don't know why but the needs are there. With the right guidance, these kids will have a second chance in life. You leave them there, and perished they may be. Give them a chance.

We were having dinner after the game when Ray and I decided to foot the bill. The waiter said it was 12 bucks, and we paid 15bucks. He then returned us 8 bucks. Ok, I am not really that good with maths but it's either my ears were having problem, that simple maths won't be able to trick me. I was startled. Ray looked at me: let's go. Part of my conscience told me to clear things before leaving. That few bucks won't buy my dignity afterall. No, I don't mean that serious but I just wanna make things clear and not walked off like that since we both heard the amount.

I called up the waiter again and handed him over the 5bucks (well, let's do some maths here, hehe) and told him bout the change. He took it and went to the cashier (probably the employer). He gave back the 5 bucks to us but again I questioned. Then, he said never mind, it's ok. Err..sweat. Probably they decided to give us a discount or something, I don't know. Anyhow, we didn't finish the food. The food wasn't as expected but Ray took the rest home coz we are good boys who don't leave much food go wasted.

Alright for now. I am gonna go enjoy my evening reading again.

The Heli Experience

Back from the community camp over the weekend! It's hot hot hot here.

The landing of the helicopters

Well, I had the honour to fly with the helicopter into a remote community which would take abour 3hrs by road and if the road condition wasn't good, it could stretch up to 5hrs. I still remember the previous time I went during the rainy season and it took us whole 5 hrs for the journey as the road was really muddy and dangerous.

Our helicopter

Me in the pilot seat

But this time was an exception. I was flown in by a helicopter with a few colleagues and it took us a freaking 7mins! Yea, freaking cool too. It's the first experience flying with the heli and the pilots were really friendly and cool. When we left on the Saturday, I was seated at the back. The weight was slowly lifted up and the ground got smaller and smaller. In no time, we were on the air already. I was dismantling the apparatus in the heli. We had to put on our gear and safety belt. Though I was drenching in sweat, it was really exciting.

Looking down from the heli

Quickly I open the side window even I dunno if that's allowed but it was so relieving the heat. Slowly I could see the river, the hills and the settlements. It's everywhere. Then we arrived at the destination. We were told before hand not to move backward but forward after jumped off the heli. There were 5 of us, 4 at the back. So, after taking our bags from the cabin, we were greeted by the locals.

The kids and big kids!

I've been there, so it wasn't so fancy for me. The difference is that, the VIP was dropping by, so did the luxury. My team had arrived a day earlier. So, I was there to run for the rest. The VIP later arrived with the press. I was working abit. Even when they were giving speeches, I was still working. I met the 2 pilots. Raz was surprisingly 50yrs old when he looked like some 30s! That day itself, 1 pilot with his 2 crews were stung by the hornets. Kesiannyer... They received treatment soon later.

Trying to be funny

After the performance, they had the cock fight event, followed by the kids playing session. I pretended like a kid, being with the crowd, singing and laughing. I dunno if that looked silly, but who cares, I just wanna have fun. The kids are so cute! Many see them sympathetically coz they were deprived of modern facilities. But I have an opposite feeling. We can't expect others to live the same like the rest. I treat them like how I treat the other kids coz we are all the same inside even we look abit different outside. That at least gives them some respect and self dignity when we see them equally. Not everyone wanted to be seen and treated sympathetically if you know what I mean.

Fighting cock

Then we had our tea, enjoy chatting with the people and colleagues. I got to meet lots of people from different background. We proceeded to our rest house and placed our stuff. the evening breeze was really soothing. The weather slowly became cool. The sky was getting darker. I took the clothes and moved to the water piped behind a house. It was an open area. I took the shower there. The sky was so naked as the stars were coming out. Every now and then I had to look around if anyone was approaching. I was seeking refuge under the darkness until I had finished taking bath. But the experience of bathing freezing cool water in the opened area and witnessed by only the stars is surely unforgettable.

Very calm and quiet neighbourhood

Look from above

Dinner was not served right away. There was a dialogue session. And we listened and listened. Then dinner was served. The food was extra salty as the fish were preserved with salt. There was a mini cinema as the the information department took along a vcd and played a movie for the folks. We gave out some gifts at the same time. Later, we heard the noises from outside. Fireworks were played. Boom Boom Boom, the sky was once again splashed with bright hues. The thick cloud had obscured the stars. The weather was getting cold. I was shaking coz my shirt was short sleeved and thin.

During the night, we had a game. Cultural game. The organizer insisted we took part in male and female categories. It was just for the sake of fun. The event lasted very late but we adjourned to rest, while other colleagues suffered the night long dance and drinking sessions.

Getting ready wif the gears

The next morning, the sky was clear once again. After the wash, we lined up to bid farewell to the people. The helicopters were there. Nice, the crews had recovered. After taking some pictures, I was given the honour to be the co-pilot, wakakaka... just sitting next to the pilot. It was a cool experience. We arrived shortly and heading back to our hot and warm place once again.

Alright folks, that's part of the experience that I could sum up. Have a nice week ahead!

PS: More pics would be posted once gotten from the colleagues.

Jose's restaurant

Being tired had gotten me forgetful. Hardly could remember what I did yesterday but being tired. Friends kept asking why I was so tired, but I just can't give an answer coz I am simply tired. But I don't mean to make this blog looks tiring.

Let's see what I can recall. It was a busy day as usual. The talk went smoothly albeit a lil bit of jittery here and there in the beginning. I was not only the invited speaker. There was the team from the police as well as the drug agency. So, I had to mingle around as if I were so like an adult. I mean we had to put up a smile even we don't feel like. Huh, that's the art of communication, not?

So I had to run back and forth, after the talk, back to the office and return again for the closing ceremony where they gave out speeches and souveniers. I got a hamper full of coffees!! and mind you, I am not a coffee guy. So I gave away some to the staff so that everyone can enjoy.

It's Wannie's B'day and we (Wannie, Ray, Lin, Shashi and I) went to a new restaurant in town, actually in the jungle. It's really astonishing to find a western restaurant in the middle of the jungle but that's really exotic. Run by a portuguese, Jose found his route here after searching on the map (which I really questioned him if it was really found on the world map!) He is a traveller, sailing most of his time and now I guess he wanted to settle a lil bit in the nature. It's a new homey restaurant, thus there was no menu yet. We were served cheesy bread, garlic bread, pancakes, seafood pizza, rozelle tea (?dunno if that's the right spelling) and mint tea. The atmosphere is really chill and relaxing with two swimming ponds by the sides. So yes, something different and the restaurant only opens to invited guests only. So yes again, it's our pleasure.

Now I am feeling a lil tired after the badminton session. Something new for me after a long long time being in the mode of hibernation. Na...just for fun, nothing serious. I am taking life a lil less serious coz I found out that I have no control over what has been planned and what's gonna happened. Just a lil down with things nowadays. Who cares. Nevertheless, shall remain positive. Let's see if I have something more to blog about this weekend.

Until then, stay tuned.

I am reading now

Yay!! I have found my previous slides for the coming morning invited talk. Albeit it was really hectic to be back work and got so many outside jobs ahead, ie: 3talks and a community project invites this month alone.

Thus at times I feel so drained that I even have no time to think about the coming projects or so. I just go by the flow and see what's gonna happen because there are so many to be dealt at this moment. I was working in the office in the morning rushing and literally had not much feeling anymore. It's like the body acting as if like a robot when the soul was somewhere. I can't be describing much coz the excitement is getting lesser. I need more stimulations!!

I am thinking of participating in another NGO, probably in a disabled society or centre. Then I can be more focused and put more energy to it. The thing is that, most of the centres here are so underdeveloped. I can't really blame for the citizen here for not learning the art of volunteering simply because it's really not easy to find a centre to contribute. All the time, those who got the means for publicity are asking for mainly monetary contributions. There are so much more other than money. But the society that we are nurturing now is so skewed that people think that only the rich can contribute and do voluntary work. It's so different from the overseas. There is definitely something wrong with the system here. What should be done is not done, what shouldn't is always being a shout out.

Hmm... Oh yea. I am reading back. Yes, I did read Mitch Albom's 2 books. The five people you meet in heaven; and Tuesdays with Morrie. Both books are fabulous but I prefer the latter. I have his other book, titled For One More Day. But I got distracted half way through. Thus, I am reading My Story (A Child called 'it', The Lost Boy, and A Man Named Dave). I started reading last night and got hooked onto it! It's a thick book. I certainly gonna go on reading this. I have certain weird taste on everything. Anyways, it's my choice, so...

Alright, gonna go on reading abit. Malaysians spent reading 2books on average a year. Yay!! I have done more than that for 2010!

H'py reading!

Back once again!

Back to the working world. The long break wasn't really a break afterall. Most of the time I stayed up late and woke up early doing things which were neverending. I am sure if I were to stay any longer, it would still be the same.

Back to the working world means back to the routine. The day started as a very hectic one. Looking at the appointments already sending some breathes away. What to do. Long break accumulates job and this is the pay off time. But I am glad that I did things on time.

So, it would be a busy month ahead. Need to prepare some talks and then another coming up community camp. I wasn't sure of going coz I was informed it was cancelled earlier on but my name was up on the list this weekend. I am still not sure if I were able to pull this off coz of the fatigue.

The car was sent for cleaning. Weeks of absence sent the dust everywhere. Glad that it's done now. What else of an update. Well, lots more to be done ahead, so keep the fingers on the tab.

Until then, I shall save for the night.