The Skeleton Key...

“Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric...” - Bertrand Russell

It was a hectic week and I need a break. Tonight, we decided to watch a movie to release some tension.

Set largely in the dark atmospheric backwoods just outside of New Orleans, The Skeleton Key features Caroline, a live-in nurse hired to care for an elderly woman's ailing husband in their home...a foreboding and decrepit mansion in the Louisiana delta. Intrigued by the enigmatic couple, their mysterious and secretive ways and their rambling house, Caroline begins to explore the old mansion. Armed with a skeleton key that unlocks every door, she discovers a hidden attic room that holds a deadly and terrifying secret…

Kursus BM Berakreditasi...

"Yang kurik itu kundi, Yang merah itu saga; Yang cantik itu budi, Yang indah itu bahasa..."

I attended the presentation of certificates to participants for Kursus Bahasa Melayu Berakreditasi Sektor Perkhidmatan Kewangan held in the Auditorium. During the event we invited Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Nik Safiah Abdul Karim to present a paper on "Peranan Bahasa Kebangsaan dalam Sektor Perkhidmatan Kewangan dan Insurans." We also invited Penyanyi Puisi terkenal, En Zubir Ali to sing 3 of his popular songs and Dr. Rahman Shaari to recite him poems.

After office, we solat magrib in my room first before we drove to Sri Hartamas. The 3R is a spa for men and women where people go for reflexology and relaxation. For RM70 per hour we had a full body massage to release some tension and muscle fatigue. 

Tonight we retired early, held each other tight and slept like a log.

Hold the delivery...

“An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field...” - Niels Bohr

Right after office, hubby met me at our Sri Putramas apartment to inspect the status of the renovation. Most probably by mid of October the apartment will be ready. Earlier today, we called the furniture company to keep in storage our sofa and dining set until further notice from us.

Tonight hubby attended his class at Masjid Negara and I drove straight home. When he came home in the heavy rain, we had garlic prawn and fried chicken for dinner. It was difficult to keep awake when we were full and sleepy…

Baju raya & telekong...

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style..” - Maya Angelou

Hubby and I are on leave today. We planned to go back to Melaka this morning but had to stop at Sally Tailor to tempah baju kurung for Emak. At the R&R Sungai Buluh we had nasi lemak for breakfast. When we reached Melaka town, we bought a few telekong to give to Mak and my 3 sisters.

I was reminded last week when I received a sms from one of them. “ bila akak nong nak bagi kain untuk baju raya ni? Jangan le lambat sangat nanti tailor tak mau ambik lagi!”

Every year, ever since I started working i.e. 25 years ago, I would buy materials for baju kurung and telekong for them for the Raya and I have been doing that ever since although they were already married with children and have their own careers. I always have the habit of buying same type of material for them, same pattern but different colours.

Late at night a sms "Tq for the kain and telekong. Cantik! Aku nak pakai on first raya!"

Kenduri sambut puasa...

“I don't mind making jokes, but I don't want to look like one...” - Marilyn Monroe

This morning, when I stepped in the kitchen I got a shock to see my siput for today’s lunch crawling all over the kitchen. I thought Sara was pulling my leg last night when she said that my siput were planning a great escape during the night!

We had our breakfast with Iwan while the girls were still sleeping in the study. I started preparing for the kenduri early while Iwan and his Abah cleaned the pond and the porch and later set up the tent. Unfortunately, the big-foot couldn’t get started so we have to leave it where it is. The girls at last came to my rescue and helped in the kitchen. We are having lunch kampung-style, with siput sedut masak lemak cili api, daging masak kicap, sup ayam, sambal udang petai, mixed vege with button mushroom, ayam goreng, ikan kering and sambal belacan. For dessert we have cream caramel and grapes. Yum yum…

Noh’s family was the first to come. Followed by Latif’s then Shah came with Tijan and Zoey. Later Ros and kids with Emak. Lan and family came much later. We started with solat zohor and recited doa for health and wealth of the family. Noh and Yati announced that they are going to perform the Hajj end of year. Semuga mendapat Haji yang mabrur.

After lunch, while we were having dessert, Yati introduced some health products and we took turn to test our blood pressure while others indulged in facials and masks on their faces trying the new products. It was good to have all in the family gathering together once in a while and we had a good laugh…

Pure stage magic...

'“A trap is only a trap if you don't know about it. If you know about it, it's a challenge...''

Sara came home early in the afternoon, Iwan and Ella arrived from Tronoh late afternoon. After magrib we went to Istana Budaya to watch stomp.

STOMP is an exuberant display of physical prowess, music, dance energy and wit. It is a performance guaranteed to set the pulse racing with a jiving cacophony of amazing percussion on the move, using everyday household objects in non-traditional ways; garbage bins, brooms, drums and matches create extraordinary music and dance. With its high energy, fast moving and very physical dynamic mix of bodies, objects and sounds, abstract ideas are performed with humour and theatrical flair.

Back-breaking job...

“I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work...” - Thomas A. Edison

We were having 24 containers consignment this weekend and the custodians will be very busy. While we were busy with the delivery schedules, some were busy with verifications and packaging at the basement. I tried using the counting machines and assist in the packing and ended up with back pain.

By noon I was already home. I washed a few loads of laundry while waiting for hubby to come home. Then decided to do our marketing for provision at Giant. Tomorrow we are having a makan-makan to sambut puasa.

Grafitti Board Results...

"Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it..."

The results are finally out. For those who contributed ideas during the KM event held at the end of July, the wait is finally over. The committee has gone through each and every one of the ideas, assessed its merits, and allocated points. After careful consideration, they have selected the top three ideas for each focus area, as well as the overall winners. Scanning through the list of winners, I was a little disappointed to see none of our names were in the list.

They received a total of 571 contributions for the 4 focus areas during the event; of which 40% were for the proposed clubhouse. It appeared that cost consciousness was also a subject close to people's hearts.

The coming of autumn...

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer…” - Albert Camus

Autumn loves the clarity of change,
Unmerciful redeemer of all being.
To celebrate the shift from green to gray,
Unasked, it adds some poignance to decay,
Making death an aperture for seeing
Not merely loss but passion, rich and strange.

Nick G

p.s. Busy sesangat sekarang ni. Nak update pun tak sempat.

Bacaan Yasin dan Tahlil...

“Never memorize something that you can look up…” - Albert Einstein

With the hustle bustle of our daily work, mengejar keduniaan, last few days we lost two of our staff.

Although they were from other departments, I have seen them around. Allahyarham Amir bin Hamzah, 39 years old died in his sleep and Allahyarhamah Noranita binti Esmail, 31 years old was involved in a fatal accident. BAKTI is planning to have a Majlis bacaan yassin and tahlil tommorow during Zohor at the Surau.

Semoga Allah mencucuri rahmat ke atas roh-roh mereka berdua dan ditempatkan dikalangan orang-orang yang beriman. Al-fatihah…

FSRC on track...

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure…” - Paulo Coelho

(Sasana Kijang)

The award of the contract for the construction of the Financial Services Resource Centre was finalized.

This mega project represents an investment in a knowledge centre with learning and research facilities to support the South East Asian Central Banks Research and Training Centre, the Islamic Financial Services Board and our own learning and training centre, a knowledge management center, a Financial Museum and Art Centre.

The project is expected to be completed in 2007.

Gory and entertaining...

“I love sleep. My life has the tendency to fall apart when I'm awake, you know?” - Ernest Hemingway

Hubby came after office and we went to 1-Utama to have dinner at Kenny Roasters and bought tickets for a movie. Land Of The Dead is George A Romero's long-delayed fourth film in his zombie franchise. It's not as grim as Night, as smart as Dawn or as exciting as Day, but it still delivers the walking dead goods. It's set in an American state where zombies have virtually overrun the living and survivors live in a fenced city, split between a ruling class, and an underclass who struggle in the streets.

Ulcers and infections...

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt...” - Charles M. Schulz

Yesterday, hubby received a call from sister-in-law, Yati to inform that Noh is in hospital because of mouth ulcers and infections. So tonight, he skipped class and we went to Gleneagles to visit Noh. This condition is not unusual for Noh because mouth ulcer is common to him. But this time it was quite serious, as the infection has spread to the throat and make it difficult for him to talk and swallow.

Tonight, it was funny as we use sign language to communicate with him and although sick, we had a good laugh. He is feeling better and will be out of hospital in a day or two. He is optimistic to come to our place next weekend for the kenduri with a condition that we cook porridge or soup to ease his swallowing.

Before going home, we stopped at Destina to have nasi lemak for dinner.

Criminal Procedure Code...

“It takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart...” - Suzanne Collin

I received the subpoena a few weeks back and nearly forgotten about it until Radzuan reminded me to be at the Mahkamah Mejistret Bentong at 8.30 a.m. to attend one court case where my attendance as Expert Witness is necessary. Late yesterday evening the Investigating Officer called to inform of possibility of postponement of the case but later informed that we may need to be there. Already, half a day wasted.

On the way back to office, detoured to Plaza Damas to visit my lawyer. I have engaged her a year back to apply for the discharge of my Taman Bidara Property from the Bank. Only now I am able to collect the original document title that has been duly registered in my name.

After office, went home early, feeling tired and sleepy. Earlier, Iwan went to fetch Ella at Duta bus station and later had dinner before coming home. They are going to Pulau Tioman tomorrow. Sara was at home till Wednesday as UIA is in a state of crisis – no water supply. Lazy to go out, Sara and I had egg sandwich for dinner and watched movie on Astro.

My Diary is still full...

“Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you everywhere…” - Albert Einstein

12 Sept 2005
- Presentation by OEBS, Austria
- Meeting with ScanCoin
14 Sept 2005
- Meeting with Chambers of Commerce and Associations
- Lunch with the Press
15 Sept 2005
- Meeting with PDRM SB, CC and CID
- Meeting with RMEX
16 Sept 2005
- Meeting with Jabatan Keselamatan
- Meeting with Maybank

The Amazing Hunt...

“Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes…” - Gandhi

Last week, I overheard the Treasure Hunt Team discussed strategies for the Treasure Hunt.

I wished I could join them but I guessed it might not be the right time to leave my team at the Operations Room. This morning I came to office early to watch the flag-off. This is the third Treasure Hunt event organized and there were 72 cars participating in the adventure that required treasure hunters to capitalize on strategic play, creative thinking, and teamwork.

This year's format was different than in previous years, in that teams had to complete two missions "Sumpit" and "Lastik" before they can proceed (a la The Amazing Race). The questions teams had to unravel and answer were also reportedly more difficult than it has ever been, with new kinds of treasures needing to be hunted. Teams was greatly challenged in solving the Picture Hunt and the RM Hunt, in which they had to find the answers based on the picture clue given. We’ll hear the reports from them next week. For sure it will be the talk of the town.

Tonight we had dinner at Laksa Shack and watch The Creep at 1-Utama. This movie tells the tale of a girl, after being unable to find a taxi she waits for the last train, only to fall asleep!! When she wakes up she finds everyone gone and herself locked in with something creepy....

Farewell and goodbye...

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world...” - Nelson Mandela

Tonight we had a special dinner function for our Masjid Negara class. It was also a farewell dinner as we will be graduating soon. For some of us who excel in the final exam will be invited to join the Tafaqquh Class. For the rest, this will not be the end of the journey. There are many other classes organized by Masjid Negara. In fact some of us are already planning to enroll in Arabic class this November.

After office I went to UIA to fetch Sara. She just came back from Langkawi on a project trip. Hubby came separately on his big-bike. Met up with the rest of my classmates at 8.30 p.m. at Retoran Nelayan, Tasik Titiwangsa. Originally we estimated the turnout to be around 25 persons so we booked 3 tables but it turned out to be more than 35 people came, some with spouses and kids and we have to open another table. We had set dinner of seafood. While having dinner, we were entertained by live performance of cultural dance.

Photo shots followed after speeches by the class rep and from the Ustaz. We handed Ustaz presents from the anak-anak murid and thanked him for his perseverance and tolerance in dealing with us in the class. Ustaz Mohamad is my favorite Ustaz and one of the best Ustaz that taught me throughout my beginner to advance classes. Time flies so fast. All in all, I have spent five years attending Monday and Wednesday night classes in Masjid Negara.

Along these years we make a lot of friends. We lose some too…

My Diary is full...

“I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train…” - Oscar Wilde

September will be a busy month for us in the department.

With the Project in its implementation stage, everyone will be very busy throughout the 3-month window period. While staff is not allowed to take unnecessary leave, we still need to let some go for courses and training. With the Director away for his Leadership course and four of my Managers attending the TEMAN conference in Bali, I may be a little shorthanded for a while. But with high commitment and dedication from whoever is available at the moment, we managed the situation quite well.

Looking at my diary, I noticed that I have very little breathing space…
06 Sept 2005 - Presentation to AG and DG on Currency Cycle Management
07 Sept 2005 - Presentation to Management Committee on RMM Acquisition
08 Sept 2005 - Meeting with Coin Vendor and Operators on calibration of machines
09 Sept 2005 - Meeting with Hypermarkets

RM1 withdrawn...

“Time is very slow for those who wait. Very fast for those who are scared. Very long for those who lament . Very short for those who celebrate..."

Bank Negara Malaysia announced that effective 7 December 2005, the RM1 coin will cease to be legal tender and will be withdrawn from circulation. The RM1 banknote will continue to be legal tender and will remain in circulation. Members of the public will be given a three-month period from 7 September to 6 December 2005 to exchange the RM1 coins at face value without any charges at all branches of commercial banks, the main branches of BSN and Bank Negara Malaysia's branches.

Need to start breaking the piggy banks to look for these coins.

Post-Exam Blues?

"Education is hanging around until you've caught on..".- Robert Frost 

This morning I woke up earlier and drove to Tanglin. I promised a friend to have breakfast together.

The Syafawi Exam will start at 8.30 a.m. sharp and we were divided into 4 groups. I was in the 2nd group and my name was last in the group. I wish I was earlier but I guessed it’s a blessing in disguise. At least I could do some revision while waiting and had the opportunity to ask those tested earlier what questions were asked. I was supposed to be tested by Ustaz Mokhtar but last minute change was made to put me into Ustaz Nazri’s group. I heard that this Ustaz is notorious in asking difficult questions and some from out of the syllabus. When my time came, to my surprise, it went pretty well. My hafazan for both Surah As-Sajadah and Al-Insan was excellent. My recital of the al-Quran was not bad. I missed answering one or two questions but that’s ok. I couldn’t have done better. 

Yesterday when I sat for the written exam, I was quite disorganized. The questions were not difficult and I had answered all questions quite well but I had left blanks thinking that I will have ample time to revisit and fill in good examples. But the 1 1/2 hours allocated were too short for some of us. The Ulumul-Quran exam was better and we have ample time to check and re-check our answers.

I have done my best. Insya-Allah, I will pass the exams with flying colors...

26th Anniversary: A friend, a lover...

“Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides..."

I received his sms @ 1420

When you are sad, i will dry your tears

When you are scared, i will comfort your fears

When you are worried, i will give you hope

When you are confused, i will help you cope

When you are alone, i will give you company

And when you are lost, and can't see the light,

I shall be your guide, shining so bright.

This is my love, i pledge till the end.

Because forever you are my friend

Because forever you are my love, yang...

Happy 26th Anniversary! 

A lifetime love...

“Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt...” - Kurt Vonnegut

I could say
so many things
about our love
and what you mean to me,
but it would
all add up
to those simple words
I don’t say

I Love You...