About Me

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I am married to my loving husband for more than 40 years now. I am a mother to 3 beautiful children, until years ago when I lost my youngest son. Since then my life is forever altered but yet unbroken....

Saturday 31 July 2004

Singapore - Lion City secret rendezvous...

"I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful time than a lifetime of nothing special..."

(An interesting signage on the floor)
(Singapore is celebrating its independence)
(Taking a rest at a Koi garden)

(31 Jul - 2 Aug, 2004)
My Overseas Travelogue: Singapore 2004

Friday 30 July 2004

Echoes of nature...

"If you lose your purpose, it's like you're broken..."

'
Watched tv while eating roti telur for dinner. Hubby has not sms me since this afternoon. The last sms was at 3:09 p.m. Hopefully no severe echoes of nature happening in the east coast. Heavy rain or thunderstorms in the South China Sea may affect communication from there. Finally received a short msg “Sori tak hantar sms dari tadi, esok I cerita ye yang”. Ok dear, I understand.

Ja came back from Kuantan in the heavy rain. A friend has given him a ride home from Pudu Raya. He sat with me for a while in my room, telling the happenings in campus. He’s adjusting well, I hope. He went out afterwards to have dinner and meet his brotherhoods.

What you are...

"There's nothing sadder than getting to the end of your life and saying 'I didn't do it right'..."

'
(Audioslave)

And when you wanted me, I came to you
And when you wanted someone else, I withdrew
And when you ask for light, I set myself on fire
And if I go far away, I know you’ll fine another slave

Cause now I’m free from what you want
Now I’m free from what you need
Now I’m free from what you are

And when you wanted blood, I cut my veins
And when you wanted love, I bled myself again
Now that I’ve my fill of you, I’ll give you up forever
And here I go far away, I know you’ll find another slave

Then a vision came to me, when you came along
I gave you everything, but then you wanted more…

Thursday 29 July 2004

Malaysian Consulate in Davao...

“Delusions are as necessary to our happiness as realities…” - Christian Nestell Bovee



Tried to ignore the alarm twice, but wouldn’t want to get caught in the jam.

Senator Ubai was up very much earlier, waiting for me patiently while reading parliamentary questions, ready to leave. Called Ani in KB and she sounded ceria early in the morning. The Cikgu Kanan was getting ready for school. Could hear voices of children in the background. Tomorrow night she and Dr Fatah will be flying down to KL to sign S&P agreement. They bought an apartment in KL for their son. They will miss Ubai as she’ll be flying back to KB tonight. Most probably I will not have time to meet Ani and hubby. Tomorrow being a Friday, the diary is fully booked. Maybe next time. InsyaAllah.

Had breakfast with Ubai at the cafĂ© and later sent her to Parliament. Will be seeing her again next week. Promised her that I will look for Nik Noraini. The last time we heard, she was in the Philippines after her husband’s posting in Tashkent and Iran. Get Linda to do the ‘jejak kasih’ search. Thanks to my efficient secretary, managed to connect me with the officer in the Malaysian Consulate at Davao. Left my number and less than 5 minutes, received a call from Nik Noraini. We talked for a long time, updating on happenings, missing each other so much. Yay, she’s coming back in September for 2 weeks and will be spending a week in KL before her husband's next posting in Wellington. Sms Ubai on updates. We were overly excited. Need to inform Ani and Babee, too.

After so many years, the Big 5 will be together again soon…

A fading kaleidoscope...

"Have you ever felt like you're not in control of your life..."
'
'
Dear hubby was in KB since Wednesday. He usually will not call when he's busy. But he knows that I like him to call whenever and from wherever, if he feels like calling. He sounded tired and far..

Wednesday 28 July 2004

Cleopatra bath - elixir of eternal youth...

"I wish memories were like text messages so that I could delete the ones I don't like..."


First I was surprised when Ubai sms to announce that Bee will be joining us tonight but a message followed shortly, ‘tak jadi pulak’.

I can’t blame Bee for being fickle minded. She got a lot on her mind, what with the kids, who I think are adults enough to take care of themselves, and of course, her kittens. What with the uncleared dishes and undone laundry. Lately, she’s been talking to the kittens more than to Abang Yusuf. Got to take control of her household and herself. If not, one of these days she will fizzle off and…

The driver sent Ubai to my office 6 o’clock on the dot. Nik Aminah called to say that her hubby is kind enough to send her. Safe her the trouble of driving through the evening jam. Today is Yaya’s first day in college and she’s feeling very sad. She’s missing her girl already. Performed the solat in my room instead of at the surau while Ubai read newspapers and stuff. After promising Nik Din that we’ll send Nik Aminah home before midnight, we drove off, to nowhere in particular.

Took the Kenny Hill road and decided to stop by Sarameru Spa at Bukit Tunku to say hello to Nik Aminah's sister. Nik Hasnah and partners have done a marvelous job, changing the whole apartment to a spa, a very relaxing ambiance to rejuvenate. Have 2 cups of herbal ginger tea while whispering and giggling endlessly, recalling. Of course need to lower down our voices as they still have clients even at this time of the evening.

Managed to contact Dr Naemah to join us. She’s very busy, this lady, but she doesn’t want to be left out. Promised to meet up at Starbuck at Damansara Utama. My first time meeting Dr Naemah after more than 30 years. She looks the same, but matured. With a pile of literature on the table sipping her cup of coffee. She was the school athlete back in SMKB and ZS and she still look very fit. She’s single for tonight as the husband is back in the USA.

Dinner was Thai food at UpTown Medan Selera and very delicious. And tonight, we celebrated Ubai's birthday. Happy birthday dear Ubai. It was late when we said goodbye to Dr Naemah. Managed to send Nik Aminah home before curfew time. Nearly got ourselves lost trying to get out of Bukit Damansara. Reached home near midnight. Watched tv for a while and said goodnight to Ubai. The YB needs her sleep and rest. She still has another sitting at the Parliament tomorrow.

An ocean of tears...

"The truth is, you come into this world alone and leave it the exact same way..."


This is a poem you shall never see;
Words you shall never hear.
There are things you can never understand
Of my love that has no cure.
No, you will never see this,
Nor will you see me cry.
You don't deserve to know how I feel
You selfish ignorant guy.
I tried but you just didn't get
The intense thoughts I carry inside.
You barely listened and broke my heart
I know when I've been denied.
No never again will you see my tears
Or know of the pain you brought.
I won't give you the satisfaction
Of knowing you're in my thoughts.
Say goodbye to all that I gave
I guess we weren't meant to be,
'Cause all that is left is an ocean of tears
And a poem you will never see.

(Sad love poem by Teresa Moore)

Perhaps it's a piece of dust in my eye, maybe the light causes a glare. Or just a sign of fatigue. It must be that. But as honesty forces me to admit, there's more than enough to be sad within. Harsh words and strong emotions perhaps. Yes, there's much to cause a tear. I'm not feeling particularly down, so why on earth do I cry now? No, not for the pain, but for the love I feel, once again...

Tuesday 27 July 2004

Idealistic and romantic yet restless...

“There is many a good man to be found under a shabby hat…” - Chinese proverb 



I was born with 2 names, my official and my nickname. Maybe, the nickname came later in life. I don’t really know. Yet. Visited the Kabalarian philosophy page and got my free name analysis.

Description of my first name

"Your name Maimon has made you a sociable person who appreciates the beauties of nature and the refinements of life, and is moved by music and the arts. You are very idealistic and romantic within yourself and may have tried to express your beautiful thoughts through poetry or writing. Crudeness and vulgarity are very repulsive to you and you are very particular about little things. You suffer greatly with lack of confidence and self-consciousness. You crave affection and understanding, yet because you can be so easily and deeply hurt, you have learned to keep your true nature hidden; therefore people do not really know you. You always wonder if you are doing the right thing, desiring to express yourself but afraid to."

Description of my nickname

"The name of Nong creates a restless, creative nature that takes you into many ventures, but does not allow you to see things through to a satisfactory completion. Yours is a versatile, musical, artistic, but independent nature and you must have the freedom to express your creative ideas and abilities to be happy. An urge for independence causes dissatisfaction and frustration in close relationships and you find the "ties that bind" restricting. The qualities of this name would find a more constructive outlet in work that involves high-pressure selling or promotional activities, possibly in community affairs, for it contains a positive, driving power."

Today hubby fetched me early after office and we went straight to One Utama. Bought us tickets for Godsend and had dinner at Secret Recipe. I tried lamb stew instead of my usual lamb chop. Nice. Jusco was having a sale and got me a comforter set half price less RM50 vouchers. A good buy really. We chose pastel colour with beautiful embroidered alpine flowers, to match the runners we bought in Zurich.

Monday 26 July 2004

Nasi ayam madu @ Maju Junction...

"Some people believe that holding on is a sign of great strength. But it takes far more strength to let go..."


I was surprised to receive sms from Senator Ubai early in the morning. She’s in KL again! There must be a parliamentary sitting to attend to. She has to go to MARA building to submit her daughter’s MRSM application. Being a single parent must be taxing. Promised to meet up at Pertama. If it was some one else I wouldn’t have gone out in the sun in my condition. Still am groggy from the flu contracted in Penang. Still having running nose and feeling weak. We went to Maju Junction to have nasi ayam madu. A little too sweet, even to us Kelantanese.

Have coffee at Starbuck while catching up with stories. We Big 5 always have stories to reminisce. We went to surprise Nik Aminah and she was in the middle of spring cleaning her 4-storey bungalow, on her own! Of course she's jealous that I was with Ubai and not telling her earlier. And Yaya was at home nursing her chicken pox! She’s supposed to register at her college last week. I guest nobody will admit her in her condition. Promised to meet up Wednesday after work. Senator Ubai need to pujuk Bee to come along too. She’s staying at Bee’s place tomorrow night.

Now that we are near the MARA building, tried to call Adilah to join us but she was not in office. On leave, actually. Called her handphone and this time the surprise is on us. She’s at Gullatis doing some shopping with her uncle and auntie. Met her at Sogo and in a very short time, we confirmed to go to her house in PD on 7 August. Affirmative.

At time like this, I wish all the Big 5 are here together... like when we were 30 years ago...

Sunday 25 July 2004

Penang - Senior Management Conference 2004...

“Great wisdom is generous, petty wisdom is contentious. Great speech is impassioned, small speech cantankerous...” - Chuang-Tzu

(The venue for the seminar)

DAY-1: Friday, 23 July 2004

Day-1 of the SMC 2004 started with the opening address and communication on the organization's Corporate Strategy Map by Dr Z. Enforcing the 5 principles that form the superstructure that elevates and supports the strategy-focused organization. We break for Friday prayer and I had time to go for lunch with dear hubby at Subaida Restoran. Bought our lenses and a Ludlum's storybook for him at Gurney Plaza.

In the afternoon, the participants breakout for group plenary discussions. Unlucky me, Group 2 was chaired by Dato' D. We could see the strategic conversations not taking place during his presence. But we were lucky that Dr S did some homework and volunteered to be our presenter. Our group break early, eager to indulge in other extra-mural activities. Hubby and I tried for the first time parachuting. And it was really fun.

Don't feel like going to the dinner tonight but like always, I have to. Left hubby in the room and promised to meet at the lobby later. It was a themed dinner, 'Sarong Nite' B-B-Q at the Tepi Laut Garden. We need to use our creativity using the Batik sarong given to us earlier as part of the attire. I feel like wearing it as a wrap but on second thought, I used it as is, a sarong. Save me the embarrassment later. Took some food, mingled around a little and had some durians. The dinner was at its peak when I left. Walked to the Pasar Malam and bought us some CDs. Went for our full-body urut and later had a very good sleep, holding each other close. Tomorrow night, I am going to miss this...

DAY 2: Saturday, 24 July 2004

Others had their round of Tai Chi and light aerobic. We woke up late and missed breakfast. This morning hubby got to drive back to KL. We kissed goodbye and promised to sms to each other. I am going to miss him again. Till Monday.

Day 2 started with a talk by Tan Sri Dato' Sri Mohd Hassan Marican, the President and CEO of PETRONAS. Very interesting and enlightening. Had the photography session at the Grand Staircase, Main Wing. Lunch was Japanese buffet at Waka Japanese Restaurant. In the afternoon, we had presentations by each group followed by plenary session open dialogue. Discussions ended at 6.00 p.m. Had time to nap and later joined the international buffet dinner at Hill Garden. Force to sit at the main table with Dr Z and Dato' D again. What a relief when they excused themselves to attend to Management discussion.

Me and Wati took the opportunity to disappear too. Zila stayed with the gang to chit chat. We ended up at the Pasar Malam and then at the reflexology centre to have another round of urut. Later joined the others at the Hotel lounge listening to live musics. Slept quite late, alone.

DAY-3: Sunday, 25 July 2004

Allowed time to relax and had international buffet breakfast at Garden Terrace. As usual, left the packing to the last minutes. Actually, nothing much to pack. Got an extra package of asam jeruk from Ong, our PP Branch Manager. Must remember to thank him later.

Day 3 was wrap up session. A very interesting dialogue which lasted till noon, without the tea break. Lunch was Chinese at Shang Court Garden Wing. Half the participants were gone by then. Especially the golfers. The first batch left at 2.00 p.m. I had time to solat and pack before the shuttle bus departed to the Airport at 3.00 p.m.

Boarded the plane at 6.30 p.m. Our driver waited for us at KLIA and reached KL just in time for Sara to send me home. Had dinner with her at Rasa Sini Restoran. The nasi goreng and tomyam tasted better than the food they served at the hotel. Sara left for campus at almost 11.00 p.m. Still had a slight fever but managed to sleep almost immediately.

Thursday 22 July 2004

Penang - Round the world in 80 days...

"They said when you meet the love of your life, time stops, and that's true..."

(Parachuting for the first time...)

We started to Penang around 10.00 a.m.

We stopped at UTP and had lunch with Iwan and Ella. Reached Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort at Batu Feringgi around 3.30 p.m. The first flight has already arrived. Luckily I managed to cancel my flight. If not I would be subject to train rides and airport transfers. Really hate the waitings. My room was strategically located, near the conference hall and near the beach too. Had a short nap then we walked by the beach. Met Mazi and always got this sort of comments from her: “Wah, you dua orang ni macam kat campus je..” Didn’t need to say anything. Just looked at each other and smile. The walked by the beach was good but I was not really feeling well. Like going to have a cold or something worst, flu. What a right timing to be sick.

We went to Gurney Plaza and bought us tickets for ‘Round the world in 80 days’. Jackie Chan was entertaining and we were so hilarious. Went for reflexology and booked appointment with the Master for tomorrow night for full body massage. Although I was sick, I slept well tonight…'

Monday 19 July 2004

My personality type...

“To oppose something is to maintain it…” - Ursula K. Le Guin
 

The meeting went rather well this morning with a lot of issues being addressed. I took the opportunity to voice out my dissatisfaction with the progress of the project which I feel is a little bit slow.

And today, I spotted a nice tan on Barry's face instead of the usual pale Australian skin. And of course he has been jet skiing at Port Dickson over the weekend. I hope he didn't enjoy himself too much because he was here to assist us to trash out all outstanding issues relating to the polymer launching. He and Garry got to work extra hard to help my team. Garry still owes us concepts for the posters and brochures. They need to deliver 40,000 of them foc. Yet, I have not received any mails from New Zealand ever since Garry's last visit here. Barry needs to follow up on his partner. What an odd team this Barry and Garry.

I heard that Brunei was ok with their introduction today. Of course, the scale was smaller compared to Malaysia. I have the privilege to see their promotional posters before the launching. Thanks to Barry.

Today, just to humor a friend, I did a simple personality test. The result:

Introspective
Sensitive
Reflective
You come to grips more frequently and thoroughly with yourself and your environment than do most people. You detest superficiality; you'd rather be alone than have to suffer through small talk. But your relationships with your friends are highly intensive, which gives you the inner tranquility and harmony that you need in order to feel good. However it is no problem for you to be alone for extended periods of time, without becoming bored.

On the Ning Nang Nong...

“The trouble with being poor is that it takes up all your time...” - Willem de Kooning 



This morning I reached office just in time. Luckily we decided to have breakfast at our favourite Restoran 23 Jam before going to office. We will be seeing each other before class tonight.

I have a little time before my first meeting this morning and while browsing, came across this silly verses for kids by Spike Milligan.

Where the Cows go Bong!
And the Monkeys all say Boo!
There's a Nong Nang Ning
Where the trees go Ping!
And the tea pots Jibber Jabber Joo.
On the Nong Ning Nang
All the mice go Clang!
And you just can't catch 'em when they do!
So it's Ning Nang Nong!
Cows go Bong! Nong Nang Ning!
Trees go Ping!
Nong Ning Nang!
The mice go Clang!
What a noisy place to belong,
Is the Ning Nang Ning Nang Nong!!


One of these days, need to sit with abah and asked him why he called me Nong. Have heard different versions from mak, abang and even ngah. Just need to know more...

Friday 16 July 2004

Strategic conversations...

“There is no such thing as conversation. It is an illusion. There are intersecting monologues, that is all…” - Dame Rebecca West


Need to find time to do some housekeeping and free some space... No wander I received a fierce warning this morning while trying to open my mail. I have exceeded my allocated memory.

The SMC 2004 is just around the corner, and it’s going to be in Penang. As usual, I have not done any preparation. Typical of me… Will want to wait till last minutes to read the thick files. Thanks to Linda's concern for order and having religiously printed the conference materials forwarded through e-mails and arranging for my itinerary.

This is the second time I will be attending such conferences. Last year it was in Kota Kinabalu and I enjoyed it very much. Not the conference though, but the holiday after that! The theme for this year's conference is “Towards a Strategy-focused Organization” and it has lately become a hot topic at the cafĂ©. Most probably some of the burning issues have been resolved over breakfasts or lunches and the strategy map drawn. Who said that we are not proactive? Should have seen us engaged in strategic conversations, even in the surau.

Ahhh.. and again I will be away from dear hubby. I wish he could be with me…

Monday 12 July 2004

I Don't Want To Miss A Thing...

“One today is worth two tomorrows…” - Benjamin Franklin 

(Aerosmith)

I could stay awake just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping
While you're far away dreaming
I could spend my life in this sweet surrender
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure

Don't want to close my eyes
I don't want to fall asleep
Cause I'd miss you baby
And I don't want to miss a thing
Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream will never do
I'd still miss you baby
And I don't want to miss a thing

Lying close to you feeling your heart beating
And I'm wondering what you're dreaming
Wondering if it's me you're seeing
Then I kiss your eyes
And thank God we're together
I just want to stay with you in this moment forever
Forever and ever

(I've heard this song a few times before, but lately I kinda like it....)

Thursday 8 July 2004

Take responsibility for your feelings...

“He who knows nothing, doubts nothing...” - Italian proverb


I nearly dozed off during the presentation. I slept late last night. Lately I have been sleeping late whenever hubby is around, sharing feelings and making up for lost time. If not because of Nicholas Normand's witty jokes I would have landed on my face flat on the table. I saw some enthusiasm in the way my people asked questions and in the way this young marketing lad from Arjo Wiggins tried to bluff his way out. His partner was somewhat more cunning than he is. At least they were not stingy with their findings and analysis. We were left with loads of CDs and brochures. Those were for the team to digest. I was extra lucky though. I got a present, which I still not have the time to open...

Reflecting of feelings, I extracted some contents from an email forwarded to me:
....Sooner or later, everyone you know will disappoint you in some way. They'll say something or fail to say something that will hurt you. And they'll do something or fail to do something that will anger you. It's inevitable.

Unfortunately, you make things worse when you stew over someone's words and deeds. When you dwell on a rude remark or an insensitive action made by another person, you're headed for deeper problems. In fact, the more you dwell on these things, the more bitter you'll get.

You'll find your joy, peace and happiness slipping away. And you'll find your productivity slowing down as you spend more and more time thinking about the slight or telling others about it. Eventually, if you don't stop doing it, you'll even get sick...

Wednesday 7 July 2004

I am going to miss my baby...

The final lesson of history: 'Let's never go back there again!' - Nietzsche 
 

KUANTAN: 10.35 a.m.

Hubby was tired. I was too...

Ja's registration was still on when they started the taklimat for all parents and guardians. 

We listened half heartedly. At least I while away the time removing the kemuncut from my baju kurung. Once a while I saw him dozed off. Should have brought a story book to read. In 2001, we have gone through this in UITM, Arau to register for Sara and a month later in PJ, again to register for her when she was offered for the second intake at UIA. 

A year after, we did the same for Iwan at UTP, Tronoh. And today, we were here in Kuantan to register for Ja. He is going to be 19 end of the year but he is still my baby. And I know that I am going to miss him...

We said goodbye. I think Ja is going to be ok.'

Thursday 1 July 2004

Momento from Jordan (1994)

"I always thought the joy of reading a book is not knowing what happens next..." - Leonard Shelby

(Sand bottles for Sara, Iwan and Mirza)

The sand from the Dead Sea

We had a short family holiday in Jordan in 1994 after performing our Umrah. We visited many attractions in Jordan and one of them was the Dead Sea.

Reaching 1,373 feet below sea level, the shores of the Dead Sea are the lowest dry point on earth and its water is the second saltiest on the planet. Over the last 50 years, the Dead Sea has lost a third of its surface area to irrigation and hydroelectricity projects, and sinkholes have further siphoned water from the sea into underground caverns, reaching a water level drop rate of three feet per year in 2006.

The souvenir bottles contain the collection of sand from the Dead Sea.

I was in Jordan in November 1994 and April 2011

My Travel Blog: munmus.blogspot.com