Bali: The island of dreams...

“There are only two emotions in a plane: boredom and terror.” – Orson Welles

Indonesia 2006: Bali - Yoga and Meditation Retreat...

(30 January - 03 February 2006)

It is not like me to break my promise with close friends but this time I have too. So I called off my plan to join them for a holiday but instead, I would be spending the next 4 days with hubby for a free and easy holiday in Bali during the long break of Chinese New Year. The plan for the holiday was made in a haste but it turned out lovely and wonderful. Even the Kuta and Jimbaran bombings did not marred Bali's tropical loveland image.

(Painting of pretty young dancers)

My Overseas Travelogue: munmus.blogspot.com

Next Trip: France 2006: Paris - Mint Directors' Conference...

Holiday fever...

“A good story should make you laugh, and a moment later break your heart...”- Chuck Palahniuk

Although we were not in the mood for a serious discussion, the section heads met to update on status of initiatives and briefed on the week’s operations.

Everyone was in a holiday mood. From the meeting room we could see that Jalan Kuching was jammed with traffic and horns were blaring loud. I envisaged that it’d get worst in the evening after office hours, as people will start to get out of town to enjoy the long holidays. For those who’ll take leave on Friday next week, will enjoy 9 days off. For me, I have no choice but to be in the office that Friday as the Director has indicated earlier that he’ll be taking leave on that Friday.

I will take the earlier part of the holiday. With this arrangement we would take advantage of the long holiday without sacrificing our leave and a chance for us to go for a long holiday. With or without the children.

Between hubby and me, for this long holiday, we plan to go to Indonesia for a luxurious Balinese break - a great way to get away from it all!.. Yeah!..

p.s.

Happy Chinese New Year
Selamat menyambut tahun baru 1427 Hijrah
Selamat menyambut Hari Wilayah

Postponed court case...

“Sometimes things fall apart so that better things can fall together…”- Marilyn Monroe

A week ago I was again subpoenaed to the court as expert witness. This time at the Mahkamah Mejistret Kuala Kubu Baru. I was ready early this morning and while drinking a hot cup of milo, I looked through the thick reports prepared by my staff on the case.

Left the apartment before 7 a.m. and drove to KKB via Rawang road. I was met by one of my officer and we went to have breakfast of roti canai and teh tarik. The court session started late and after a few cases were read, we were informed by the police officer that our case is postponed to another date as the suspect has earlier called in sick. A typical ploy to delay proceedings.

We drove back to office just in time for our quarterly briefing to the DG. All departments briefed on 2005 achievements and initiatives for 2006 and some initiatives were discussed in great length. Only 5 departments completed the briefing inclusive ours. The rest have to arrange another sitting with the DG.

Mind and body exercises...

“Surviving is important. Thriving is elegant…” - Maya Angelou

Now that our Masjid Negara classes fall on different days, we have to find things to do to occupy the free time. We decided when ever I have class hubby will go to the gym to exercise and vice versa or go home early, spend my quality leisure time and rest!

I had earlier asked Linda to book the squash court because tonight hubby planned to go to the club with Sara and Iwan while I attended my Arabic class. My class ended quite late and I was a bit restless because I was blocking someone’s car. By the time I arrived at the club, it was past 10.30 p.m.

They had already exercised in the gym, played a few rounds of squash and were finishing a game of bowling. We thought of having dinner at the bowling café but the kitchen was already closed. We drove to Sri Hartamas in 2 cars and we ended up having very late dinner at the food court. By the time we reached Putramas apartment it was already midnight.

After a long hot shower, we slept soundly like babies…

Laksa Asam @ Country Homes...

“What you see and what you hear depends a great deal on where you are standing. It also depends on what sort of person you are…” - C.S. Lewis

We slept in until noon. We had toast and scrambled eggs for brunch with Iwan. Tonight we are going to Noh’s house in Country Homes, Rawang and will have dinner there. I am supposed to cook something for dessert but I guess this afternoon I have better things to do!

My appointment at Dewi Sri Spa was at 3.30 p.m. When Sara called from campus and asked whether I have any plan this afternoon, I was a bit hesitant to tell her. This afternoon I just want to spend time with my gang. Their appointments were earlier so while I was having the massage, we managed to update and exchanged hot gossips. We heard that Bee was not well and the gang decided to go and see her tomorrow. After the spa session we had cheese sticks from Bread Story and had ice-blended at Starbuck.

Sara came to our Bidara House early and napped whole afternoon. Iwan came later from Putramas apartment. I arrived just in time to shower and solat maghrib. In one car we drove to Country Homes. Lan and Ros’ families arrived earlier. Except for a slight cough, Noh and Yati look well. Yati lose a few pounds and looks slimmer.

Later, we went back to our Bidara House. Slept quite late in the study while the kids glued themselves to their laptops till the wee hours.