Christmas came & gone ... New Year is here

I had been in and out of my blog many times to do my posting but I just couldn't start to write.

Here I am again...

Christmas came and gone.....we planned to spend our Christmas holiday at the beach but instead I spent the holiday in bed feeling crooked... hmm what a shame. We had our sea food platter and salad ready to go...I blamed it on eating too much eating the day before. Another thing is that I didn't get my electric buggy for Christmas because of condition not fulfilled. No improvement in my handicap...ishhh. Well, at least there is something to look forward to next Christmas. :-)

Few hours to go and it's the New Year. At this time last year I was back home in KK busy getting ready for the annual family gathering. This time is going to be quiet for me...watching the countdown and fireworks on TV. I miss the fun and excitement of family members, exchange gifts, the games, food and everything.

2009
& be safe

Wishing everyone merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a very happy and safe Christmas.

People here in oz celebrate their Christmas the same as everywhere else. Shopping...shopping, Christmas trees, Christmas decorations (some really do decorate), presents, family Christmas dinner and opening presents and of course go to church. No 'open' house...I'm sure of that but there will invite relatives and friends to their parties. One of the most popular spot to spend Christmas & Boxing Day here in ozzie is the beach.

No white or snow Christmas here...it's hot but this year it might not be too hot. Always be prepared to bring along a warm clothing or at least scarf when you go out because the weather can change very quickly. It can be very hot and sticky in the morning and cold wind in the afternoon.

Every year on Boxing Day, some of the big stores offer post Christmas big sale and people get up as early as 5am to queue waiting for the shop to open around ... maybe 8am. If I remember I might go and get some photos or video of this.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

party on a cruise....

We were invited to a Christmas party last weekend and I meant to take lots of photos but these are are what I got.

It was a succesful and interesting party organised by one of ES's clients. Nice to meet new friends and familiar faces. I'll write about it later...

What I do....

I have been neglecting my blog...again. I have been busy (the popular excuse) lately with work. When you work for your self you try to do as much or to complete your project as quickly as possible and get paid (hopefully) quickly.

When I first arrived here I had huge culture shock. Living in an unfamiliar country is one thing and not being in the workforce is another big thing...new place, new faces, new culture, advance country..? who would want to employ me. There are hundreds maybe thousands of younger more educated, experience people looking for jobs out there...I didn't have the chance.

But things weren't so bad as I thought. I started my own freelance creating websites hoping that ES's clients become my clients as well. But I didn't think I could do it...never created a website on my own before. Where to start, how to start...what..? Things unfold while I was attending a website design course... somebody was looking for someone to update their website. Sounds great so I applied and got the job... it's a casual job...hourly rate but better than nothing. And it will be a good experience for me. To this date I'm still with this online business company and they are wonderful people.

I have also created websites for ES's clients and hopefully more of his clients want to have their own business websites. What I need is someone with marketing talent to convince them.

Anyway, two weeks ago my friend's husband sent me an email asking if I were interested in doing business with him... like sub contracting websites project. Of course I am happy to do business with him and more so because I could work from home. It is a good arrangement actually and I learn more and more each day. He's good and very professional with his work and I could learn lots of things from him. Completed one project and another one coming... waiting for the client's green light.

Still a lot to learn but I am more knowledgable, skillful and experience now than before and hopefully business will get better every day.

What a relief... all done in 2 hours

Every time I go to the post box I pass a shop which provides mammogram check up. And every time I would tell myself one these days I must go have myself check. No cost involve so why not.

A few weeks ago I made an appointment with them and get it done the following day. I was told that I would get my result in a week. There was no reason for concern so I totally forgot about it.

Last week Thursday, I received a call from the centre and explained that they found patches of shades in the tests and they want to do more tests to confirm what they were. That gave me a bit of shock and quite frankly disappointed with the result...they referred me to a hospital where they have the complete equipments for the purpose.

My appointment was at 9.00am this morning. Normally it takes half an hour to get to the suburb but we had experience getting there almost 2 hours during peak hours. Today is Saturday.. shouldn't be any problem with the traffic but we still allowed ourselves 1 hour to get there because both ES and I haven't been to that hospital before.



We arrived 1/2 hour early which is good because we got confused of the entrance to the breast screening area. There was only 1 guy there most likely waiting for his wife. A lady came up and introduced herself as Mary and explained things to us and the approximate time to get all what there is to do. This gives ES a choice of either to wait or to go somewhere and then come back to pick me up. He was prepared... he brought his mini laptop with him and he was happy to just wait there and play with his laptop.



Mary took me to a room and I signed a piece of paper basically giving my consent to whatever tests need to be taken. And then I was ushered again to another waiting room and after a while a radiographer call me to do a mammogram...not too impress with this test. She showed me the last tests and what they saw... 2 shades of white. After the test, the doctor confirmed that there is something there and need to get an ultrasound.

They took me to another room and did the ultrasound and showed me the screen... 2 black spots in different areas. To get more test I had to have a biopsy which I signed another piece of paper to give my consent. It didn't hurt at all... only when they put the local anesthetic that I felt something but it didn't hurt. My eyes were closed most of the time but it was actually better to watch the screen and see for yourself what is happening ... felt strange.

The doctor could tell by the sample taken that it was just a cyst and he was very positive and convinced that it was nothing serious. But they will still send the sample to the lab and I'll get the results in 3 days. I asked the doctor what about the cyst. Is it ok to just leave it as it is and he said it is ok...hmmm?.

Anyway, everything is good and they gave me a letter confirming that I have nothing to worry about. And to celebrate, we stopped by at Hungry Jacks on our way back a big double cheese burger... well actually I was starving and what a relief. Thank God

Santa Claus is coming to town...

What I need to do to get this electric buggy is to improve my handicap... 30 would be good...well, at least for me. I am a beginner, see.

An electric buggy is similar to an ordinary golf buggy but with battery operated motor and a remote control so you don't have to push it around.

Why do I need an electric buggy? Firstly, so that I can concentrate on my swing and hitting the ball...kaaangku boh. Secondly, I can eat my chocolate or sandwich freely without having one hand pushing the buggy. Thirdly...because it's a present from santa claus... :-P

Golf Competition

Today as usual I played golf weekly competition individual stableford & 2 best ball (2BB) stableford.

In stableford competition, golfers are awarded points based on their highest scores in relation to par on each hole. Meaning 2 points for a par, 3 points for birdie, 1 for bogey and no points for double bogey. So when you reach double bogey, don't bother to putt in the ball 'cos there is no more points. Resume play on the next hole and hopefully play better than the last one. I find this good for beginers because you don't risk holding up other players behind you.

One player's par on a particular hole is not necessarily the same as the par hole. For example I could putt in the hole in 6 strokes on a par 5 hole and I still can get a score of 2 points because my handicap is low. If your handicap is more than 20, your handicap par could be 6 or 7 on a par 5 hole, depending on the difficulty.. so if you putt the ball in 6 or 7 strokes you get 2 points.

2 Best Ball is where the best score on each hole comes from 1 of the 2 players is taken as their score. At the end of the round, all points scored are added each 9 holes and the total for the 18 holes. The players with the most points is declared the winner.

I didn't play well today as I played 2 weeks ago when I won the ladies individual stableford. Golf is a challenging game...sometimes very frustrating sometimes pleasing. But the walk to the 18th hole is always a good exercise and I will play better next time. hmmm.. that is what I tell myself everytime I play badly.

And I was promised an electric buggy for Christmas present... :-)

Lizard in the office

This morning as usual I was the first to arrive at work. The first thing I saw when I entered the office was a plate filled with water on the floor. It was strange... there is no cat or any pet that I know of anywhere around the office or warehouse. What was the water for? Maybe it was too hot and dry that they put water in the office... hmm it can't be.

Apparently a lizard got into the office yesterday and hid behind the display cabinet. The guys didn't see whether it got out of the office or not... thinking it was still in the office and didn't want it to starve overnight ...yes, the water was for the lizard.. what softies they are.

I thought they were having some sort of ritual... that's what I told them. :D

Sudoku

I've heard and seen sudoku many times before but got no idea what it was all about. It was like a game or something... a crossword puzzle with numbers. On my recent trip back home, I thought I should try that... something to pass the time during the flight.


Then I started to learn how to play. It was quite confusing and challenging initially but interesting and can be addictive. Now I play sudoku whenever I am bored though I am a slow player and still learning how the system work so that it can be solved quicker.
Good for concentration exercise...

Melbourne Cup

Today is Melbourne Cup Day and I am watching the carnival on TV to get an update of what's on. Melbourne Cub is Australia's major annual horse race held on the first Tuesday of November in Flemington Racehorse, Melbourne.


It's a public holiday for state of Victoria and it is a big thing for many all around Australia. Some offices allow their staff to get off work just to watch the horse race on TV or and some organise Melbourne Cup Lunch Party and everyone dress up glamourously.

What interest me most on this day is how people dress up and the must have head decorations...hats, ribbons, flowers and as creative as they can. This is also the time where fashion designer, celebrities and models go out and show their latest fashion.

Jennifer Hawkins is wearing a $250k head decoration.


Not forgetting the food... it's food fiesta with different range of menus.

I have never been to the race and never dress up to the occasion but some of my friends dressed up complete with their head decoration and go out for lunch party and watch the horse race of course bet on which horse wins.

This year a horse named 'Viewed' owned by a Malaysian tycoon Dato Tan Chin Nam won the Melbourne cup.

British English vs Malaysian English

I grabbed this from a forwarded email. This is quite true and it sounds more a pasar Malaysian English ... hehe

Who says our English is teruk? Just see below - Ours is
simple,short, concise, straight-to- point, effective etc.........

When giving a customer bad news.
Britons: I'm sorry, Sir, but we don't seem to have the sweater you
want in your size, but if you give me a moment, I can call the other
outlets for you.
Malaysians: No Stock.

Returning a call
Britons: Hello, this is John Smith. Did anyone page for me a few moments ago?
Malaysians: Hello, who page?

Asking someone to make way
Britons: Excuse me, I'd like to get by. Would you please make way?
Malaysians: S-kew me

When someone offers to pay
Britons: Hey, put your wallet away, this drink is on me.
Malaysians:No-need, lah.

When asking for permission
Britons: Excuse me, but do you think it would be possible for me to
enter through this door?
Malaysians: (pointing the door) can ar?

When entertaining
Britons: Please make yourself right at home.
Malaysians: Don't be shy, lah!

When doubting someone
Britons: I don't recall you giving me the money.
Malaysians: Where got?

When declining an offer
Britons: I'd prefer not to do that, if you don't mind.
Malaysians: Don't want la...

In disagreeing on a topic of discussion
Britons: Err. Tom, I have to stop you there. I understand where you're
coming from, but I really have to disagree with what you said about the issue.
Malaysians: You mad, ah?

When asking someone to lower their voice
Britons: Excuse me, but could you please ! lower your voice, I'm
trying to concentrate over here.
Malaysians: Shut up lah!

When asking someone if he/she knows you
Britons: Excuse me, but I noticed you staring at me for some time.. Do
I know you?
Malaysians: See what, see what?

When assessing a tight situation
Britons: We seem to be in a bit of a predicament at the moment.
Malaysians: Die-lah!!

When trying to find out what had happened
Britons: Will someone tell me what has just happened?
Malaysians: Wat happen Why like that....

When some one did something wrong
Britons: This isn't the way to do it here let me show you,
Malaysians: like that also don't know how to do!!!!

When one is angry
Britons: Would you mind not disturbing me
Malaysians:Celaka u

What to do after a car accident

The other day ES and I had a minor accident. Although it was minor, I was quite shaken. What if it was a serious one, would I be able to think straight or even think at all?



I recall a course I attended years ago of a list of things you should keep in your car in case of emergency. I then began to do my research and here's what I think is useful to keep in your car.

- An Emergency Kit
- A list of information you need to get after the accident

• Driver's license of the other drivers involved in the crash
• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Insurance company
• Insurance Policy number
• License plate number
• Owner of the car (if not own by the driver)
• Description of car - year, make, model, color
• Take photos of accident scene including cars and any damage, roads, any traffic sign and direction of each car

So if an accident happen, be calm and grab this note so that you don't forget what you need to do.

If anyone involved in the accident isn't feeling well, you should called 911 or any emergency number in your location. Drive safely and hope no one need to do this.

Better in Time - Leona Lewis

Oooh oooh

Hmmmmh

(Verse)

It's been the longest winter without you
I didn't know where to turn to
See somehow i can't forget you
After all that we've been through

Going
Coming
Thought i heard a knock(Whose there, Noone?)
Thinking that (I deserve it)
Now i have realised
that i really didn't knooOooOw

If you didn't notice
You mean everything (quickly I'm learning)
To love again (all i know is)
I'm be oooOook

(Chorus)

Thought i couldn't live without you
It's going to hurt when it heals too
Oh yeaah (It'll All get better in time)
Even though i really love you
I'm gonna smile because i deserve too
Oooh(It'll all get better in time)

(Verse)

I could of turned on the TV
Without something that would remind me
Was it all that easy?
To just put us out your feeling
If i'm dreamin
Don't want to let it (hurt my feelings)
But that's the past (i believe it)
And i know that, time will heal it

If you didn't notice
Well you mean everything (quickly i'm learning)
Oooh turn up again (All i know is)
I'm be ok

(Chorus)

Thought i couldn't live without you
It's gonna hurt when it heals too
Oooh yeah(It'll all get better in time)
Even though i really love you
I'm gonna smile because
i deserve too oooooh
(It'll all get better in time)

(Bridge)

Since there's no more you and me (No more you and me)
This time i let you go so i can be free
And Live my life how it should be(No No No No No No)
No matter how hard it is
I will be fine without you
Yes i Will

(Chorus)

Thought i couldn't live without you
It's gonna hurt when it heals too
Oooh(It'll all get better in time)
Even though i really loved you
I'm gonna smile cos i deserve too yes i do(It'll all get better in time)

Thought i couldn't live without you
It's gonna hurt when it heals too yeaaaah Ooooh oooooh (It'll all get better in time)
Even though i really loved you
Going to smile cos i deserve too Ooooooh (It'll all get better....)

Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Today I feel very lonely...miss my family so much especially the boys.

My routine every Hari Raya Puasa celebration is to get up very early and cook. I would have prepared most of them the day or night before...normally going to bed late. The boys and other family members like my sisters, sisters-in-law would be there helping. It's more fun like that but I have also done the preparation all by myself which can be exhausting but exciting.



The boys will then go to the mosque to perform the aidilfitri prayer with their new baju melayu. I always feel proud of them and proud of myself to have wonderful kids. Well... sometimes they don't get along among themselves and me.

When the kids come back from the mosque, the open house starts. My brothers and sisters with their families, relatives and friends arrive. During hari raya everyone is welcome as long as you inform just to make sure someone is home. And then they will have to make do with whatever food is available.

For me this is a special day for family gathering. This is also the day when everybody shook hands with greetings and asking for forgiveness of whatever wrong doings they had done. So it's kind of start fresh.. forgive and forget the past.
And then the eating start. Lots of food to choose...satay, rendang, curry, soto, cookies/biscuits/shortbread of different sorts, cakes, ketupat, kulupis and more. My favourites are satay, rendang, kulupis, makmur and the rainbow cake... yum yum

All of us then visit my brother's house... more food, my aunty's house...more food. The visiting of friends then continue....

Selamat Hari Raya everyone. Maaf Zahir Batin.

Worm Farming...anyone?

Hey, I've not heard of this before but then I grew up in a small farm. My parents were farmers and earth and plants are their livelihood. As farmer's children you get to see earthworms quite often and their place are in the soil... sometimes used as baits for fishing.


Never in my adult life to comes across worm farming. I thought it was very funny. I couldn't stop myself giggling. We put all types of trash from leftover food to telephone directory and they really eat them...gone in days. I don't know how they eat because they don't have teeth or anything like that. Their cast is a good source of compost... very good for the garden, in my case flowers in pots.

How did we get the worms? From Bunnings warehouse. They sell a wide range of stuff...everything except food and clothing. The worms are in boxes packed nicely and you can also get container made especially for worm farming.

So now instead of throwing leftovers into the bin, I give them to the worms and I get fertilizer from them. It is very good. But they don't like onion... never give them onion. You'll hear them screaming... haha. I think they die.

Petrol Price Challenge

I drove to work this morning with less than a quarter fuel tank. I tried not to fill my tank on Mondays and weekends because those are the days when the petrol prices are high. The price of petrol normally goes down on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

If I can get to work and back I'd be very happy. It's more than 30km drive to work and the indicator was quickly going down to 'e' and the hilly road was no help. E for empty...? well, I was hoping e for enough to get me home.

Anyway, I didn't want to take the risk of the car dieing on me in the middle of nowhere so I had to fill my fuel tank... didn't want to take the risk. That was an experience with my eyes concentrating more on the fuel indicator rather than the road.

When I first arrived, this question of 'why the price of petrol is not consistent'... I am still asking the same question.

They get expensive on weekends and holidays and usually cheaper on Tuesdays & Wednesdays. You can get long queues on Tuesday evenings and to make it worse some of the pumps are out of order. What the..? It seems like they reduce the price but they close some pumps to force you to wait the following day so that they can more out of you... So buy your petrol when it's cheaper.

News are circulating that the price of petrol will come down and I hope it will come down soon. And then I will consider to change my little car.

What is your blood type?

What is your type? Good question.

Recently, a friend of mine sent me a book Live Right For Your Type. Some of you might have known this but I was not aware that your blood type has something to do with who you are. And to know your real identity according to your blood you have to watch your lifestyle and what you eat & what to avoid. Interesting... I wanted to know more.

The blood type profile, according to this book...

The Type O ancestral prototype was a canny, aggressive predator. It was instinctual for Type O to strive for position, to leave the weak and feeble behind in order for the majority to survive. Type O profile remain essential to this day - leadership, extroversion, energy and focus.

The Type A disposition favor a structured, rhythmic, harmonious life, surrounded by a positive, supportive community. Type A's more internalized relationship to stress can be a challenge for the modern Type A.

Type B carry the genetic potential for great malleability and the ability to thrive in changeable conditions. Meaning your position is fluid rather than stationary with the ability to move in either direction along the continuum.

And it goes on with the health issues and lifestyle strategies.

So which one are you?