The Prodigal son has come home

This year's trip back home to Penampang, Sabah, Malaysia, has been very meaningful and I believe has a lot of impact to us all even though it was only 7 days. We were there from 17 to 23 Dec 2008, my family and I together with my sister-in-law and her daughter.

I wasn't actually planning on going home this year but when my sister Juliana mms me pictures of my mum and dad, I was so distraught at seeing them aged that I told my family we have to visit them. You see, my last impression of my parents were as of 6 years ago still imprinted in my mind then and seeing their photos this year was like a stab in my heart.

When we visited them 6 years ago my last impression of my parents then were as of 13 years since that time. Imagine my emotions when I reached home in Sabah and seeing how much my mum and dad have aged, tears were rolling when I saw my mum then.

Anyway, I have decided to visit them at least once or twice a year from now on. Later postings will detail some of the events and experiences during the 1 week stay. For now, enjoy some of the pictures.. (click for enlarged picture)

Home

Tg Aru Beach

Ride through the clouds towards Mt Kinabalu National Park

Christmas activity in Dongongon, Penampang

Group photo

Dad's proud catch from his own pond - patin fish, 3kg, for the great barbeque night..

My parents and their grand-daughters

Now, what's with the hand sign ???

The Christmas Exchange of Gifts

I could almost hear Christmas... I could almost feel like it... I know it's very near.. it's round the corner... it's.. it's.. **

..alas! Over here, it's always "could almost" but we can never really fully experience Christmas as in other countries where there's snow, where there's Nativity play on street corners, Santa's at every shopping centres, or hotels, subways, carolling at the central park, need I list all?

Every time the experience of Christmas season is played over TV, movies and documentaries it leaves a very dry yearning in my soul, the very same feeling when the 1st day of Christmas passed with the waking up the next morning wondering if yesterday was even Christmas! At least this is how Christmas is to me, year after year.

Spiritual aspect aside, among the physical aspect of Christmas, I have always love the giving of presents because, to me, it is this very fundamental outward act of Christmas love and sharing that makes Christmas so real and so touching. Even if it does not involve the exchange of presents, but simply buying stuff and giving it to someone would already fill my heart with so much joy, and my soul with so much warmth! Now only if I could work out the means..

Now comes the spiritual aspect - actually there is no spiritual aspect and physical or commercial aspect of Christmas. It's Mary's aspect because it is the day Jesus was born unto her into this world to heal everyone and to give hope to all who seek hope. Therefore, too, it is our aspect of Christmas because He came for us all, not for commercial purpose, nor self centered purpose, but for purpose of undying love that knows no bounds. No catch, no strings attached, but to return His love for us, that is all He requires of us. His gift to us, His undying Love, and our gift to Him, our hearts. That, surely, is the Great Exchange of Gifts!

Working invisible

Today was like one of those hectic days and I realised I was working in invisible form. My staff is on 2 days leave so she's physically not here. But being physically here and invisible at the same time is what I summarised my situation at the end of the day.

The morning in the office started with phones ringing requesting for IDs, password reset, clarification, solution to internet access problem, and whatnots. As if being engaged on one line is not enough I had to bear the beeping sound from the receiver indicating callers on hold. I was working like a mad person at times, rushing to collect printouts and back to my workstation, answering calls one after the other.

More often than not I'm not able to get things done cos as soon as I'm midway into some work something else, urgent, would come to me requiring immediate attention. Can't work like this anymore. Soon I wouldn't be able to live like this. Amidst all the display of tension from me it looked like no one else notice my predicament. I wonder if they could if they hear a loud thud on my table one fine day! Well, hope it won't come to that..

When Corporation embarks on Transformation

There's certainly sadness, anger, resentment, and feeling of betrayal prevailing over employees in the end when big corporation, after engaging 'consultants' to transform management and employees, not only fail to address employee's issues like basic salary but instead impose stringent criteria on distribution of bonus and salary increment and adjustment.

It's really sad that there are some hardworking staff whose salary are not adjusted during the salary adjustment period. Percentile of salary increment also depends on the KPI (key performance index), but then how accurate are the ratings that were accorded which were even subjected to moderation by management?

Here's what I boldly posted in their portal as part of the survey. A small piece of my mind, but then again, we are but the little fish in a vast blue ocean...

Transformation surely involves tremendous cost and sacrifices but, ultimately, as a layman and being at the 'receiving end', it clearly instills fear and risk of instability in everyone's career from the result of this process.

Transformation coming from top-down is fruitless without data and facts coming from down-upwards. Do not even mention the data gathering were in place as the surveys did not address the employees' issues at hand.

Growth does not happen when the parents dictate, but when they begin to hear the voices of their children!

My life flashing before my eyes..

Unable to focus on my work, though I managed to complete one complex data extraction. Been thinking about what the orthopaedic doctor said when he took a look at the sole of my right foot. Been having some kind of wound past 4-5 months already. I still think it must have been caused during panic when I stepped onto broken glass at my backyard during heavy downpour when the monsoon drain behind my home overflowed and was rushing into my kitchen. Previously doctors gave my anti-fungal cream but lately this company doctor told me with confidence it was 'angio eczema' - or foot ulcer, caused by poor blood circulation.

When I went to the orthopaedic specialist last week he had the opportunity to look at it and shook his head in doubt and insisting that I should go check with a dermatologist. He had a feeling it might be cancer. Cancer??? You know you'll freak out when someone, or rather a doctor, says it to you? As of now, I'm still waiting for the guarantee letter before I make the appointment. Of course it's not factual yet but don't blame me if it's affecting my life already. I feel like my life is slowly flashing before my eyes..

Online Driving License Renewal

Techology can make life much easier and simpler if it's well-designed. But I have seen how technology is often misinterpreted and becomes a tool (or rather 'victim') for entrepreneurs to make a fast buck, and, instead of saving cost and energy, end-users are paying a high price adopting some s0-called technology that is not up to specifications and involve high maintenance in cost and manpower. Well, that's what I see happening ..

Whatever, I'm grateful for some quarters implementing useful technology that benefits a lot of people, like the MyEG Services. Finally, I dare say that I no longer have to physically go to any counter to renew my driving license, road tax renewal, pay bills, and lots more. Well, except for the postal department where I still need to collect my parcel in present everytime I received the notification from the postman that I wasn't home during his round.

My driving license expired 2 weeks ago and I was only too happy to take the opportunity to log in to MyEG website and had my license renewed. Paid for a year's license and aditional rm5 for delivery and rm2 for service charge. My license was delivered after 3-5 days by courier. No hassle there!

Women are sexist! Or are they?

The other day, while I was driving, a certain radio deejay was hosting a talk show inviting callers to debate the topic "Are women sexist?" Unfortunately, I tuned in late but managed to be entertained and little more amused by the defensive responses coming from the female callers, saying ".. we, women, can do almost anything a man does, only better.." and so forth.

This topic has been around for quite some time and makes interesting tea time gossip. Frankly, I don't give a hoot who is sexist, or if women think they're better than men, or vice versa! But I'll give two hoots to any gender who can provide me with solutions to my hair thinning, anytime!

What is with people, comparing between the two sexes, like survival on this planet is dependent on who is the stronger gender? Women think this is caused by man's perception of women as the weaker sex, while men tend to attribute this women's behaviour to be caused by their continuous struggle for equality.

Forget it! Women can never be like men, nor can men be like the women. These two opposite sex can never by equal in everything, nor can either be superior over the other, unless your religion somehow teaches the contrary! Everyone knows there are things men cannot do what women can, and vice-versa.

Fighting for equality, or equal rights and privileges is alright if situation place women in unfavourable position. But let's not fight for the sake of winning the debate, because in the end, we all need each other, and we need women to be women, and men to be men, else we would be turning to the animals, eh? Nope, wouldn't even want to think that far..

Waterfall in Melawati

Waterfall in Melawati? Very few people actually know it even exists! Here's some photos just to prove it..

Wow! Found my Virtual Keyboard!!

I discovered something very interesting about computers yet, at the same time, scratching my head (that explains the hairdrop rate increase!) as to its usefulness.

If you're using WinXP go to Start->Run and type in OSK and hit Enter. Waa-la! A virtual keyboard appears on your screen! Wait, don't go shouting and announcing proudly your discovery lest you want others to deduce you only possess a virtual mind! Go ahead, if you're reading this you must have a computer, try it before you continue reading.

Now, here's the practical reasons I could think of for Microsoft to ever include such program:

• you have a certain disabilty where your fingers are unable to use the keyboard, but yet you could still, somehow, click on the virtual keyboard with the mouse..
• you spilled coffee onto your keyboard and need to use the virtual keyboard..
• your eating habits got the better of you and your keyboard keys finally ended up stuck, so you brilliantly switch to virtual keyboard..
• you're still saving up to replace your faulty keyboard and, in the meantime, you have all the time in the world to click away on the virtual keyboard..
• you're really practising your aiming with the mouse..
• your keyboard's typeface got wiped off by sweaty fingers and you just can't remember where you've last type an ' e '.. and you're so proned to curse "where the @#$% is the ' f '?"
• you just can't help liking the curvature of the mouse..
• you want to be a step ahead of your colleagues/friends by using an advanced technology..
• you feel wiser using the virtual keyboard to prevent keyboard wear and tear..
• and finally, your typing sucks! So 2 keyboards are better than 1!

Duuh!!

Come on, sure you can think of a better use than those above.. put your ideas in the comment, okay?

Online Tax Renewal

Find it a hassle to renew your Road Tax?

Now you can renew it online through internet which was launched on 17-Apr-2008.

• No need for the vehicle registration card.
• Payment can be made via Crdeit/Debit Cards.
• You can have the road tax delivered to your doorstep.

Link: http://www.myeg.com.my or http://www.jpj.gov.my

Click on the link above and learn more..

Mutton!

Just look at that! Mmmm... don't they make your saliva drool??

That was our Sunday dinner. It has been quite some time since we had mutton so we bought some this afternoon. When it comes to mutton, I love nothing more than my wife's mutton dish and mutton curry. Topped the rice with an omelette and the mutton dishes and dinner's perfecto!

Check your email Spam-box

Last thing you'll want is to delete your family/friend's or colleague's email without knowing it.

Whether you're using Google or Yahoo or any other webmail there's bound to be a feature where spam mails get trapped in the Spam box. Well, that's good, but sometimes it'll trap those emails that you've been waiting for and never got them cos they're not registered as your contacts and you have never open these emails before.

Happened to me and a colleague. I remembered I'd send 2 mails to his email last year from Gmail and he claimed that he never received them bit after some time checking he found that my mails went into his Spam box. Recently, I checked my Spam box/folder and found that my Russian classmate had sent me her assignment paper! Fortunately that I happened to skimmed through my spam mails. Subsequently her emails came straight to my Inbox.

It's good practice to check your Spam folder everytime you open your webmail so you'll not have a hugh chunk to go through. :)

Great weekend!

This weekend was wonderful cos there was no classes due to Chinese New Year. However, failed in my attempt to prepare my assignments after completion of Module 1. Anyway, 3 more modules to go before my diploma can be realised.

Saturday: Sent my daughter to KL for her dental appointment. While waiting saw the streets were generally quiet and empty at times, so, with nothing better to do decided to take some shots.. (even the sky is not spared..)

Sunday: After Mass went off to Subang Parade for breakfast and window shopping. Discovered the doughnuts at the Big Apple Doughnuts & Coffee outlet were fantastic. Each beverage even comes with a free complimentary doughnut. Not enough, well, bought a dozen variety on top of that.

Doughnuts are really soft and *tempting*

What's left after 2 minutes..

More to spare..

After a tiresome 3 hours stroll we dropped by at Swensons for lunch. The salad and chicken baked rice were fantastico! But I remembered the amount of baked rice last year were more..

Relax and listen

There is absolutely nothing more I would enjoy than to sit back late nights and listen to the swirling saxophone playing against the melodic percussions and jazz piano alternated by flute and electric guitar to the rythmic beat of the drums and bass guitar. Every piece of me would just float in the vast expanse of the universe with not a single care of the world and its complex problems.

Yup, an AV room is just what I need to soothe every neuron in my brain after a hard day's work.

You'd be interested to know that I've spent RM47 for a CD - 'Best Audiophile - Saxophone' comprising 12 tracks by various artistes. The recording has been remastered and sounds fantastic. Audiophile tracks are best listened using the headphones specially built for the audio purists. Gotta start looking for one..

This Cd is worth every cent!

"SiCKO"

This morning I was watching Oprah Winfrey's talk show with Michael Moore on the American Medical Healthcare system and how it's 250 million insured are worried whether these healthcare companies will pay for their medical bills.

Michael Moore, an American filmmaker who directed the Academy Award nominated documentary film 'SiCKO', regarded as controversial and provocative, probably earned the wrath of the US government for taking on the trillion dollar healthcare industry but considered a hero by most Americans who are at the receiving end of this life and death issue.

The film, released in June last year, served as an eye opener to most Americans who were unaware that their healthcare plan were not as good as those found in the Western world. The issue is not so much about those who do not have healthcare plan, but those who have, and having different levels of healthcare plan, where their claims have been denied after being subjected to rigorous investigation. Many of those who became ill, or suffering from critical illnesses, have been accused of hiding the fact during pre-signing of the plan.

During the talk show a video clip was shown to the audience where a medical practitioner for a healthcare testified that advancement in the healthcare company is based on how many claims are denied, which would save the companies millions in dollars; more claims means failure. Driven by this pressure and motivation it's not hard to imagine how far these healthcare companies would go.

Moore was quoted as saying, "We need the healthcare guaranteed for every American, remove the profit from the system and regulate the pharmaceutical companies."

This makes me wonder if healthcare companies in our country is even anything like that. While it is true that profit is essential for companies to survive and remain competitive but how much weight is placed on the insured?

Uneventful Chinese New Year

Today is the 1st day of Chinese New Year and today marks an uneventful day for me except for a visit from a friend from the City Council.

I think for most of us the Chinese NY celebration is no longer an exciting event after the Govnt banned the display of firecrackers and similar stuff deemed 'dangerous'. Oh wonderful! we have our big fat papas and mamas running our lives, dictating what and how we should celebrate our festivals. Meanwhile some top guns who rake in ringgit in thousands, or even millions, without 'earning' them are having a great ball of time somewhere and living their lives to the max!

The irony is that the firecrackers are banned during the Chinese NY season while it is very rampant during other festivities!

When I woke up this morning I told myself that I'll take this one day and spoil myself with movies, DVDs, naps, lazing on the couch, and whatever, cos tomorrow I have to start working on my assignments if I wish to have a better future. So that's what I did the whole day. :-P

Dreams of frustration

Some sleep I had last night : (

I hate it when I sleep through a fever. I never failed to get these dreams - of patterns, or a certain kind of pattern that keeps turning and turning. Even when I awake in the middle of the night and go back to sleep again, that same pattern would come back and haunt my dream throughout till morning. It really tires the mind. Really hate it.

Last night was no different only that I was not having fever. Things are not the same as a year before when I would be looking forward to going back to work after the weekend. Now, Sunday evenings mark a very solemn occasion in my life cos that 'looking forward' died a year ago. So that very night on the eve of Mo-a-nday I was having this dream of a certain pattern where I had to 'invoke' a certain first step and skim through the different stages of the moving pattern which keeps on repeating itself. And after my body had taken a break to the bathroom, I had to start all over again infusing my subconscious into that same pattern, ooh! I had lost self control over my own self!

It's like some big jigsaw puzzle (more like a problem) dumped into my head and refuse to exit until a solution could be found. Nowadays, sleep is definitely not what I'm looking forward to, nor Mondays!

Celebrating Ponggol

Ponggol is a time of harvest celebrated by Indians everywhere. For us Kadazans it would be Tadau Kaamatan celebrated at the end of May in Sabah.

In Good Shepherd Church, Setapak, we had a great time celebrating Ponggol with Rev. Fr. Philip Muthu (from Assumption Church) and our parish priest, Fr Patrick. Traditional Indian music filled the air played beautifully and skillfully while rice and milk simmering in a pot at the entrance of the church before Mass began. Mass was celebrated in 4 languages: English, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia and Tamil with most of the hymns sung beautifully in Tamil.

Mass ended after an hour and a half with the usual fellowship where sweetened milked rice are given in packets to everyone among other breakfast items like tosai with curry and chutney, etc.

While having breakfast there we were being entertained by some games organised by the Tamil Ministry. Here are some photos of the celebration: