Auld Lang syne...

“I love everybody. Some I love to be around, some I love to avoid, and others I would love to punch in the face...”

'
I spent the last day of 2004 with a group of close friends. We went for a boat ride around Pulau Ketam off Port Klang. Later, enjoyed seafood BBQ and a feast of durians. Would have stayed for the countdown if not because of the rain.

Should old acquaintances be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And auld lang syne?

Back-to-back financing...

“A man who does not lose his reason over certain things has none to lose...” - Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

'

The meeting with Poongsan went smoothly.

I was quite surprised to receive a courtesy visit from the Chairman himself. Mr. Kim and the local Reps were there to accompany him. Mr. Kim has been promoted and is handling a different portfolio. This will be his last dealing with us. After the meeting, Poongsan hosted lunch for the whole department at Sheraton Imperial Hotel.

I had my own agenda instead. I had lunch with Bee and Che Din at the café.

Planned holiday retreat...

“To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world...”

The alarm woke us up around 5 a.m.

We kissed goodbye and promised each other that we will keep in touch. I am going to miss hubby as he will be away again. I am looking forward for our planned holiday in Perth later in early January when everyone else comes back from their holiday!

Mak called. The whole family will gather at Kelana Jaya mosque after Asar. Left office early to fetch Iwan. Met up with them under the tent at the Tabung Haji Kompleks. The place was crowded with people. at 8.30 p.m. Bade goodbyes to Ngah and Kak Idah. Mak, abah and the rest of the family will be going back to Melaka tonight.

You make loving fun...

"I trust everyone. It's the devil inside them I don't trust..."

When things are changing all around us
And the world seems to move too fast
Don’t forget, I’ll be right beside you,
Loving you with all my heart

Tonight we watched The Phantom of the Opera, a long awaited movie directed by Joel Schumacher.

A film adaptation takes audiences beyond the boundaries of theatre and immerses them in a vibrant world of high romance, soaring music, riveting suspense and drama. The story tells of a disfigured musical genius who haunts the catacombs of Paris' preeminent opera house and finds himself transfixed by Christine, his beguiling young muse. It presents the Phantom as more of a tragic lover and a sensitive romantic, not just a creature of horror to be feared.

Different kind of waves...

"You know what the most destructive force in the universe is? Regret."

Received another distressed call from Bee.

I fetched her from her house and drove to 1- Utama. We had burger for lunch and a free-flow of soft drinks at Burger King. We talked for a while, trying to figure out how to ease some of her burden. Sms Che Din and got a shock to know that he and his son were on one of the islands in Langkawi when the tidal waves came. We were relieved to know that they were ok and away from the disaster area.

We promised to meet up on Thursday for lunch.

Tsunami Tidal Waves...

"It is hard to believe that there was a time when the earth's climate was calm and cozier than it is today..."

'
I was still in bed when I received a distress sms from our KT Branch.

Tremors had hit most of the tall buildings in Kuala Terengganu. According to the Branch Manager the tremors started somewhere from one of the Sumatran Islands. I must have been dreaming when all these happened. Quickly turned on the TV to listen to the news.

There were havoc in the news. Tsunami tidal waves have hit the coastal areas, affecting Langkawi, Perlis, Kedah and Penang. Banda Aceh and Phuket island were badly hit too. The extend of the damage is not immediately known.

By watching the photo shots from the Tsunami sites on all news channels, the impact can be devastating...

Merry and joyful Chrismas

“If you can't go back to your mother's womb, you'd better learn to be a good fighter...”- Anchee Min

We spent Christmas morning having breakfast together. It’s a rare occasion nowadays to have all in the family having meals together.

Later, Sara and I went off to our salon for hair wash and cut. Then with Iwan to 1-Utama for late lunch at Mc D and bought movie tickets for tonight. We watched Ocean 12, a sequel to Ocean 11, starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts among many other famous actors. The movie was about the robbery of a Faberge egg in the Hermitage in St Petersburg. Quite entertaining with a dramatic twist at the end.

After the movie, we drove to Up-town to look for dinner but got stuck in the jam for almost half an hour. There were this midnight market vendors setting up their stalls in the middle of the road blocking traffic flow. Cancelled our plan and head for Sri Hartamas for Chicken Tandoori and Garlic Nan instead.

Happy 19th Birthday...

“People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be...” - Abraham Lincoln

It was Ja’s birthday today. And it was Christmas Eve.

We thought of having dinner at Victoria Station at New Town but it was a full house. Went next door to Sri Thai and ordered our normal favorite dishes. This time as additional dish, we ordered lemon chicken but the taste is not as good as the one at Nelayan Titiwangsa. Later we had coffee latte at Coffee Bean.

Special birthday hugs and kisses
To someone very special and dear
May every blessing fall upon you
Everyday, all the rest of the year

The Runaway witness...

“The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me...” - Ayn Rand

Two weeks ago I was subpoenaed by the Magistrate Court to be an expert witness to counterfeiting case.

And today, as early at 8.30 a.m., I presented myself to the police officer in-charge. The last time I went to court, I had to sit in the cramped witness room before being called to the witness stand. This time I asked permission to sit in the courtroom throughout the session. I was ready to give my expert opinion if required by the presiding Magistrate or the Prosecution Officer. The case was mentioned at 11 a.m. I was not called to testify as the accused decided to plead guilty.

I considered the case as closed. What a waste of precious time.

Langkawi - Legends and myths...

“Love is like the wind, you can't see it but you can feel it...” - Nicholas Sparks

'

'

We packed and checked out early.

Had roti chanai for breakfast. Had ample time to shop at Langkawi’s new shopping center. Bought a set of casseroles and longchamp crystal glasses among others. We took the 1.30 p.m. ferry to Kuala Kedah. Had Kentucky Friend Chicken for lunch. Sent Ella to Setiawan. Only Atok was home. Her parents were in KL for a holiday!

'

Reached KL around 11 p.m. I’m really happy and enjoyed the time we spent together with the kids.

Langkawi - Magical Island...

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new...” - Albert Einstein

'
We rented a Mitsubishi 4x4 that could sit all 6 of us.

Our first destination is on the west of the island, the cable car, which whisks us up to dizzy heights overlooking the south coast. We screamed and shouted, it was hilarious. Iwan was not too fond of heights, and the jokes in the cable car seemed to help a little. Oh yes, the view was great.

We visited the place where they shoot the movie, Anna and the King. Later went to the Under Water World at Pantai Chenang and had lunch there. Stopped at the Hot Spring to soak our tired feet in the hot water and enjoyed a round of foot reflexology.

It was already dark when we reached the jetty for the Mangrove Sunset Tour. But we managed to hire a boat to go to a fish farm and a famous floating restaurant – Hole in the wall. Dinner was very sumptuous.

Langkawi - Memorable getaway...

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts...” - Winston S. Churchill

''
We are going to spend the weekend in Langkawi with Sara, Saufi, Iwan and Ella.

I wish Ja could come along but he already made plans for the weekend. We started off to Langkawi at 11 a.m. Met up with Ella at Jaya Jusco Ipoh. Had Mc D for lunch. Rushed to Kuala Kedah to catch the 6 p.m. ferry. We don’t want to miss the last ferry.

Our choice retreat in Langkawi, Kondo Istana, was located in down town. 5 minutes ride from Kuah Jetty. Majestically poised, with superb panoramic view. This condominium offers resort facilities and a tranquil lifestyle all in one package. I have booked the 4-bedroom penthouse suite for two nights. We took the master bedroom. Iwan and Saufi have separate rooms. Sara and Ella shared one room. The apartment was spacious and beautifully furnished. The kids watched vcd after dinner. We retired early to our room.

Although we were tired, we stayed up in bed, talking and reminiscing.

A new addition to the family...

“A person's a person, no matter how small...” - Dr. Seuss

Hubby fetched me early after office. After dinner at the warong, went to Taman Cahaya to visit Abang’s second grandchild. Nadrah and Amir were happy and well. Baby girl slept all the time we were there. Amir is still on holiday till end of the year.

Later went to Goodyear Court to take Sara’s Satria. Niza has gone back to JB and next week she’ll be flying to KB. Ngah and Kak Idah's flight to Makkah will be on 29 December 2004. Mak, abah and the rest of my adik beradik will be in KL to send them off at Kelana Jaya.

Between you and me...

“The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for...” - Bob Marley

So when you look ahead
To future changes
Or think about how the past used to be,
Don’t forget to look beside you,
Because that’s where you’ll find me,
Loving you with all my heart.

Pahang: Fraser's Hill Mountain tranquility...

'“If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything...” - Mark Twain

'
None of the kids woke up for Subuh prayers.

We joined a few others for a morning stroll but we couldn’t be in the open for long as the whether was really chilly in the morning. It was drizzling and foggy. Later we had toast and scrambled eggs for breakfast. The kids continued napping in front of the fireplace till 1 p.m. when we have to pack and leave for the gap to descend. We went for a round of photo shoots around FH.

We reached home before nightfall. Sara cooked cream caramel for her open house gathering. After magrib we went to Subang in two cars. We are going to let Niza use the Satria while she’s in KL. On the way home bought some durians. We had a feast of durians and cream caramel before Sara and Saufi left for campus.

Pahang: Fraser's Hill Fresh highland climate...

'“The reason I talk to myself is because I’m the only one whose answers I accept...” - George Carlin

'
Earlier this week I have promised Bee to fetch her today.

She’s supposed to sleep over at our place and Senator Ubai is supposed to come a day or two earlier so that we can spend time together. Her parliamentary session starts next week. Our plan is cancelled when we received sms from Ubai. “Banjir besar kat KB ni, rumah aku tenggelam lah!”

Changed of plan then. Linda managed to book the Pines Resort at Frazer's Hill for tonight. Sms the kids to be at home by noon if they want to follow. By 1.30 p.m. Iwan, Sara and Saufi were already geared up with their bags. Had lunch at Rumpun before we started our journey to FH. This time, Iwan volunteered to drive. The weather looked great in the early parts of the afternoon, but as we got closer to our destination there was a loom of dark clouds already in the near horizon. Our greatest fear came true, it started to rain, and the fog started to descend on us. Luck was not with us. We reached the gap a few minutes after closing time. Had to wait for almost an hour for the gap to open again for the cars to go up.

Hungry and cold, we decided to buy special burger for dinner. The children watched vcd till the wee hour in the morning. Tonight there was some sort of gathering at the pavilion. Could hear people laughing and singing. Could even smell the aroma of BBQ food even from the top most floor of our apartment.

Terengganu: Audit Exit Meeting...

'“A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes...” - Mark Twain

'
Still tired and sleepy, but we managed to drag ourselves out of bed.

Hubby sent me to KLIA as early as 5 a.m. The flight to Kuala Terengganu was quite empty. I was alone in the business class. The KT branch Manager was there with his wife to pick me up. The audit exit meeting went smoothly. No major findings, but need to be more diligent on controls and compliances. Later, visited the vault and the control room. The Security Head briefed on the attempted entry to the premise by one drug addict. Lunch was served at the branch.

Later they sent the auditors and me to Primula Hotel where I have the opportunity to pray and freshen up. They picked us up around 2.30 p.m. and to Pasar Payang to shop for batik. Later to Kampung Losong to buy keropok lekor. Next to the beach restaurant to have tea and cucur seafood. They sent me to the airport just in time for my flight. This time the flight was full, with some dignitaries and escorts filling up the business class seats.

I took the ERL to KL Sentral where hubby was already there waiting for me.

Penang: Betel nut & pristine beaches...

“Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight...” - Phyllis Diller

'

'
Wake everybody up for subuh prayers then continued sleeping until 9 a.m.

We had brunch before we checked out. Walked to Chow Ra Sta to buy some asam jeruk. On the way to Feringgi beach, by accident, came across a warong where they sell air kelapa muda. Parked our car at BNM’s resort and walked along the beautiful beach. The kids went for a round of parasailing. We lazed on the beach relaxing, watching them enjoying themselves. Later we had late lunch at Nandos. We drove out of Penang early as we do not want to miss the open house at Ella’s place in Setiawan. Her parents saved some food for us. Even packed some for us to bring home. Dinner with sate and pulut with rendang, enough to fill six hungry tummies.

Reached KL late night, feeling exhausted.

Penang: A tropical dream holiday...

“Beyond the east the sunrise. Beyond the west the sea. The east and west, the wander-thirst that will not let me be...”

(Mus and Mun)

Sara and Saufi came home from campus before noon.

Ja will not be coming with us to Penang this time. Same old excuses. We started off early and stopped for nasi lemak lunch at Rawang R&R. Reached Ella’s house in Setiawan near dusk. After a cup of tea and biscuits we continued our journey. On the way called the Shangri-La Komtar to inform of late check-in. After checking in two rooms, the kids went to Perangin Mall to buy tickets for the midnight show. The forgotten was ok except that the theatre was unpleasantly very cold. Create numbness to the extremities and the brains. 

We had ample time to have dinner at Subaidah Restaurant before the movie.

(Sara and Saufi)

(Iwan and Ella)

What a hug can do...

“If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything.” - Malcolm X

It's wondrous what a hug can do.

A hug can cheer you when you're blue.

A hug can say, "I love you so"
or "I hate to let you go"

A hug can soothe a lover's pain

and bring a rainbow after the rain.

Momento from Spain (2001)

"Happiness is not having to the set the alarm for the next day..."

(Miniature fruit picks in a leather case)

Seville River Cruise

On 1st January 2001, together with our three children we celebrated the New Year on a boat cruise in Seville, Spain.

We had the opportunity to see Seville from the Guadalquivir River and get lovely views of the city’s most famous monuments. From the deck of a spacious boat, we saw some of the city’s most important monuments such as the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza; site of the oldest bullring in Spain. We cruised under historic bridges and admired the mosaics of Plaza de España from far. We also passed the fabled Barrio de Triana, home to artists, fishermen, matadors, and flamenco bars.

We were in Spain in June 2001, December 2001 and November 2012.

My Travel Blog: munmus.blogspot.com