Sunrise & Rainbow

On a regular working day,

this morning I left house about 7am...
Not too sure why today,
I felt like "the burden" from my shoulder was lifted up...
Driving along the Kesas-Highway slowly...
Usually, I very much concentrate on the road...
Or the cars beside me...
Or the review-mirror...
But this morning, a little exceptional,
I looked up to the sky...
Right in front of me...
The sun is rising...
I don't usually see sunrise in the city...
But this morning...
The sight & the beauty captivated me...
Quickly grabbed my new phone...
And took a few snap-shots...

The orangy-colour of the sun really put me off for a while..
So, I wondered,
God created the Sun...
And I wonder how many people actually stop...
for a while to appreciate and see the Sun on their way to work?
And that's when I was thinking,
maybe one fine day,
I shall find a good spot along the highway emergency-lane
to stop to take a better picture of the sunrise.
As my mind strategically-thinking of the sunrise,
I neared the toll-gate...
After passing the Smart-Tag sensor,
I continue to drive my way to work...
As one part of the highway has an ascending road...
I caught a glimpse of a Rainbow!!
Again, I grabbed my phone and only managed to take 1 picture...
Because few seconds after that,
I had to manual my steering-wheel as the road is descending & curve...
Lucky that I did not lose-control of the wheel...
On the moment that I'm amazed with the sight-of the rainbow...

"Old-Ticket"

"Clack-Clack"... one punch, two punch...

I can't belief that I'll still see this "olden-style" of bas ticket in this moden-generation. But, I did!! This is the ticket that took me back from somewhere-near Bugis Street, Singapore to Johor Bahru ~ across the causeway with this bas express service called SJE.

Pay more but it's direct and it doesn't stop anywhere except the immigrations. And when we are in Singapore, they make sure the seats are all occupied and then, the bas will move. Very cost-effective!

Unfortunately, we missed the bas that we hop-on-earlier when we get down at Singapore's immigration as the queue were kinda long at the immigration. So, we had to wait for the next bas from the same company for about 15-20 minutes.

*Chuckled* That's when my cousins commented on how you can see people running after the bas at any hour of the day and those ladies in their heels. And the sight is just funny & hillarious since we are not rushing...

A Free Ride

~21st April 2006~

Been pondering over the plan to visit my cousins in Johor Bahru for quite some time. And suddenly, decided to hitch-a-free-ride with my 2nd aunt and her family to Johor Bahru where they usually visit their son who is working there and permanently started a family there.

On Friday morning, I decided to call up my aunt and informed my cousin, Lily I'll be visiting despite that she is a little busy this weekend. I had a long weekend end of April but due to some personal reason, I would much prefer to hitch-a-free-ride this weekend instead of next weekend.

Here I am, in my cousin's house while waiting for my the other cousin; Charlie to pick me up to meet up with Lily who is having her driving-classes till 1pm. I woke up at 4.30am this morning as Uncle Yap wanna leave Klang at 6am. So, I left my house about 5.30am but the streets were so empty, it only took my dad 15 minutes to arrive my grandma's place. We arrived at Johor Bahru about 10.30am as the traffic down-south was smooth. We just stopped once at the Overhead-Bridge Air Keroh.

My 2nd aunt's son is staying at the same condominium as my 5th aunt & her family. So, it was pretty convenient to meet up Lily and do not had to trouble anyone about it. I'll be heading across to Singapore later after Lily's driving-class.

~22nd April 2006~

Yesterday about 2pm, Charlie & Lily brought me across the causeway and it's good that I learn how to take the bas so in future, I can do it more often. After the immigration, we took the bas to Kranji MRT station to head to Queenstown MRT station where my 1st aunt stays in Stirling Road to return her the luggage I borrowed from her the last trip I was there. This trip, I had purchase the Ez-Link card to ease my traveling on the bas & MRT in Singapore. On top of that, it's cheaper too to use the card.

We reached there close to 4pm and we sat enjoying some biscuits and quench our thirst after the little-hilly-climb to my aunt's place. After seeking advice from my uncle how to get to Vivo City, we took the bas to Harbour Front and we started walking. Since Lily & Charlie have not been to Vivo City, I'm the one giving them some direction since it's my second time to this place. Most buildings or shopping-malls in Singapore are inter-connected, we hardly know that we walked quite a distance from where we started. We stood outside Vivo City for a while overlooking the harbour's view and also where Sentosa Island is just opposite. Now, they have bullet-train or rather a capsule-train to Sentosa Island too; every 5-10mins. That's the latest transport across.

After admiring some Chinese-cruise and getting some sea-breeze, we decided to check out St James Power Station. As we near the place, we were told by a lady that ex-president; Lee Kuan Yew is having a function inside and that explained the police cars outside the building. We walked to the nearest bas station and was planning to visit Esplanade and Marina Square but we actually hopped into the wrong bas. On the wrong route, we managed to see up-close with the "Eye of Singapore" that is still on construction. As the bas is moving kinda fast, I was not in time to catch a picture of it.

Had our dinner at Marina Square. Charlie decided on Carl's Jr which is my first time. The burger is huge but I was so hungry. After dinner, we walked around and head to Esplanade and from there, we saw the Fullerton Hotel from a distance and the Merlion. The view was something I usually see on post-cards but last evening, I get to see it and experience it with my own eyes and soul. *chuckled* So, we decided to walked to the Merlion and sat right next to it while enjoying the night view of the various chinese-boats that are bringing the tourists for a short cruise along the quay. Instead of walking back to Esplanade, we cross over to Fullerton Hotel and standing right next to it really make me open-my-mouth to the beauty of the architecture. I was just busy snapping photos in the dark & even while I crossed the zebra-crossing too.

We took the bas to Bugis Street and on the way, I passed by Chijmes and it took my breath away on the beauty of the church structure and now, it's converted to a famous dining place & entertainment. I shall visit it there one fine day. After walking a distance from Bugis street, we arrived at a place where we took the express-bas to the Immigration to go back to Johor Bahru. We reached the condominium at around 11pm and after a quick shower, I watched tv for a while and decided to snuggle into bed at about midnight. Had small-chats with Lily and dozed off at around 2am.

Set my alarm for 7am so I could catch the Korean series while preparing for breakfast. Still in my pajamas, I went out with Lily & my 5th aunt to purchase some raw porks and they brought me out for breakfast; 'kuey teow' with some pig's internal organs. Tasted good but a little smelly but I guessed that's what attracted everyone in the first place. Hehehe... Dropped by the church so that I could meet my 1st aunt and her hubby to say my greetings since I'm all the way from Klang and after saying "hi-byes", I head back to the condominium so that I could jump into the pool for a swim.

5th aunt cooked "char-siew rice" for lunch. And I had it at about 11.30am thinking that 2nd aunt wanted to go back at 12pm. But due to some reason, we left Johor Bahru at about 2pm. Reached Klang at about 6.30pm and had my 1st round of dinner at my grandma who insisted that we had to eat there.

Since it's been over 10 years that I last visited Johor Bahru town, this trip was simply wonderful and it gave me lots of time to catch up with my aunts and cousins. The day-trip to Singapore also put a smile to my face since I did not get to enjoy it the last trip I was there.

Just a while ago, just got back from having 2nd round of dinner with Yow who said he was a little adventurous tonight with food but we ended up in a new shop that served vegetarian. And that will be the last time I step into that place due to the poor service and I can't survive having non-meat for dinner. Kekeke... Time to snooze...Zzz...

New Phone

Two days ago, I finally able to collect my phone due to very limited stock for this model that I want to get. Nothing fancy about this phone is just that I'm looking for a simple, slim and flip-style phone that comes with a radio function. When the enthusiasm finally dies down, I almost decided not to get the phone after all. But, well... My brother nagged that, "already place a booking and now you do not want?" but I simply replied, "But, I waited for ages already..."

I had been playing with it, the manual did not come with much informations. Or is it that it's too simple that they do not have a lot of functions? It's a product from India and in Malaysia, they only had one colour. Despite, I still use my previous SE Z600 for alarm-clock because this morning, the new phone did not alarm me. So, I had to try again tomorrow... *chuckled*

Looking forward

It's been a while since I last blog. Been awfully quiet also in here...
Nothing much had happened in my life other than a new branching out in my career.

I'm super-duper-busy and that explains why I don't even had time to blog and read other blogs.

Currently, doing a 2 people's job and after 2 weeks and trainings on Saturdays, I finally decide to talk to the management and tell them I could not cope with the load and they agree to hire a new assistant for me. So today, I felt so happy and not because it's the Friday... but, I'm finally able to look forward to something. I'll be collecting my new phone after work. Yeh.. Yeh.. *dancing around in circles* "It shall be my early-birthday present from myself. Kekeke..."

Despite that, I had like several disapointments because I so-needed a vacation but it doesn't happened... I sort of felt very reckless already for not having something to look forward to in my life for the next few months. The list of places, I'm supposed to go this year but seems like failure or distance away from my reach:-

(1) Taiwan - since last year already in plan, almost purchase the flight ticket but somehow, that little sound in the heart stopped me then. But this trip might not happened at all in near future.

(2) Redang - on discussion in February by my school buddies but suddenly, it went silent.

(3) Kelong Paradise - Alan was so tempted to go fishing but due to his work commitment and always outstation, we shall probably had to wait till June.

(4) Bangkok - Wing got attracted by the Air Asia sales in early March but somehow also silence creep in... Jaime and I still wanna proceed but looking for a reasonable package and of course big crowd to join us.

(5) Cairns - the flight ticket is extremely expensive to book if on a short notice and they do not have direct flight from KL, I had to take like 12 hours of flight whereby I need to transit in Brisbane or Perth and Singapore. I'll make sure I make a trip there one fine day...

Yesterday... while I was just wondering and suddenly, I just felt like driving to Morib which is about an hour plus drive from my house. Sit on the beach with a plastic container of sandwiches and some snacks and juices, I shall plot my butt on the sand and read a book while listening to the soothing sound of the crashing waves and enjoying the sea-breeze... Don't worry, sun-tan is needed but I shall find a spot under the trees (without coconuts above!). I wonder is it going to be a quiet place or full of kids running around... Hhmmm...

My Niece in Newspaper

"This little girl will bring me a glass of water when she sees me sitting on the sofa. My children never did that. In fact, they still don’t" PETER DANKER on his four-year-old granddaughter, Kristen -

Picture by ART CHEN / The Star

By WONG LI ZA

Grandparents can be a doting lot but when it comesdown to actual babysitting, it is usually grandma who has the hands-on role. However, there are always exceptions.

IF A father or grandfather helps take care of the little ones, he is most likely to be the designated driver or part-time playmate.

In many cases, mothers and grandmothers are the ones who feed, bathe and run after the kids. That is, until you meet Peter Danker or Robert Antony Surin.

Danker and his four-year-old granddaughter Kristen are the best of pals.

Kristen teaches him how to Skype and asks him a million questions like most inquisitive four-year-olds do. On his part, he fixes her macaroni cheese lunches, gives her baths and plays jigsaw puzzles with her.

Danker is one of few grandfathers who take care of their grandchildren. His wife is a retired nurse who chose to continue working at a private medical centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Danker’s elder son, Philip, drives Kristen to his house in Medan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, by 7.30am and picks her up about 8pm, Mondays to Fridays.

Before she leaves for work, Danker’s wife prepares her granddaughter’s breakfast.
After breakfast, Danker takes Kristen to kindergarten and picks her up at noon.

When they return, Danker, 72, bathes her and makes her lunch before she has her afternoon nap. “We always kneel and pray together before she sleeps. She will pray for everyone, both living and deceased,” he said proudly, as he fed Kristen. “And when she takes her nap, she always wants me by her side. Whenever she wakes up, she will also call for me,” he added.

At about 5.30pm, Kristen gets up and both of them either play or go for a walk before dinner. “She doesn’t like to play with dolls. She likes football and building things with Lego blocks,” he shared.

Danker started taking care of Kristen soon after her birth. Initially, they had an Indonesian domestic helper for about a year. However, the helper decided to quit before her contract expired.

After that, Philip and his wife Grace decided not to go through the hassle of hiring foreign help again. “They asked me if I could help out and I agreed. It was certainly not part of my retirement plan, which was to enjoy golfing with my kakis!” said Danker candidly. “However, circumstances are such that I have to give up some of my golf time to help Philip and Grace out, and make sure that Kristen gets proper care, love, skills, values and manners,” he said.

Out with the cane

Taking care of Kristen is something that one gives time to, said the former lecturer with the Public Health Institute. “And at this age, if I don’t do something, I will go bonkers! Looking after her has sort of rejuvenated me,” he said, adding that he enjoys having conversations with her.

Danker is not new to the physical aspects of raising a child. When his two sons were young and his wife worked shifts, he used to take care of them. However, Danker admitted that he was stricter with his own kids, as with most grandparents. “With my granddaughter, I discipline her with love, so much so that my family says I spoil her.”

Danker also does not believe in using the cane. “I believe that communication and kindness can win her over better than the cane.” He confesses that he tends to be soft-hearted with Kristen, often giving in to her demands. “This little girl will bring me a glass of water when she sees me sitting on the sofa.
“My children never did that. In fact, they still don’t!” he said.

Danker plays golf on Saturdays and whenever Kristen’s parents are not working. At times, he wishes he could have more personal time, but he has no regrets taking on the babysitting role. “It’s a commitment to help the family out. With what’s happening with foreign maids these days, it is quite scary,” he said, as he excused himself to get the potty for Kristen.

However, with Grace expecting a second child, a domestic helper will be a necessity. “I do not think I can take care of Kristen and a newborn by myself, so we need to get help,” he said.

Meanwhile, having spent four years together, the grandfather and granddaughter have developed a strong bond. “When she goes back with her dad, I’m the last one to give her a kiss and a flying kiss. “When I put on some ballroom music, she will raise her hand to mine and place her cheek to my face,” said Danker as his eyes lit up in adoration.

Source : TheStar~Lifestyle (5th March 2007)

Ghost Rider

Last night, I went to watch Ghost Rider with Andrew & Yow. Before surfing the net for the show-time & synopsis, I have totally no idea that it was from a legendary comic book. First come to know this movie on the advertisements and somehow, it's a movie suitable to watch with the guys. Kekeke... what an excuse to date the guys?!

The movie is normal. Not much of a challenge for the Ghost Rider to "kill" the evil ones. But, I love the "blazing-mental-motorcycle". It's just super-duper-cool!! Despite that Ghost Rider is working for the Satan but he is the Angelic-Satan who do not squeeze the living-souls out of the innocents. Personally, it's more macho-to have the Ghost Rider ride on the blazing-horseback rather than on the motorcycle. That's why it's called a "Legend", right? Everything close to nature... Guessed, movie-directors or script-writers always ended a battle between men with the element that is the men's weakness; the woman close at heart. Why? No other better way to end a battle? Hhhmmm... Just so predictable...

Pleasant Drive

After 3 days of public holidays and it's back to work again. Much dreaded the idea that most people are on holidays or probably just simply taking leave to sleep-late and continue the rest of the 12 days of CNY visiting. I on the other hand, decided not to take any extra leave but to return to office and enjoy the much silence in the office and the most pleasant drive to work.

How often do you get to drive in Klang Valley's road with the minimal traffic??

Close to "never"... Even today, I was a little surprised that the shorter route that I could take to office, still had policemen standing at each traffic-light... But, there is no traffic at all?!?! I guessed, other than they stand at each traffic-light every morning, they probably do not have any other place to stand or to keep watch. It's like it's their job already, so, if they don't stand there, probably they are stuck somewhere catching people. It's just so strange...

The best part is it's so pleasant to drive all the way straight today without even stopping any traffic-lights the whole stretch of 22km road from my house to work!!! Isn't that pleasant? And it only took me 15-20 minutes!! How I wished that it could last for a little more than a week... Kekeke... Of course, by next week, everyone will be back from their hometown and the much hated traffic will resume...

团年饭

This year for 团年饭 "tuan nie fan" (Chinese New Year Eve Re-union), we had simplfied the dish to multi-colour "POPIAH". It's my all time favourite food and no doubt a day before, I could not wait to deep in and wrap it!! Well, we had it for lunch and dinner so, you can imagine how craze the idea was. Nevertheless, we all had a good meal and welcoming the year of the Boar!! *Oink Oink*

Roses & Chandelier

HAPPY VALENTINE!!

A rather last minute date.
Everything were planned by him.
And I was not supposed to know anything,
but just being driven.
Surprised that he got me white roses.
Can't recall when is the last time I received flowers.
Sure is ages ago.

I asked what white roses symbolized.
He mentioned all the colours except white.
Even though, I do not like roses.
But, curious of the meaning.
Any idea?


"Not sure if my photography is good"

Dining @ Chandelier.
Never noticed this place before.
I simply love the ambience & 'decor.
It has the mixture of everything.
Dine, wine & party.
Choices of songs were good too.

He commented that I have expensive taste.
But, I just simply think that we paid.
Thus, we deserved to get what it worth.
Young aussie-wine was not to my liking.
Took ages to serve 'd food & 'd bill.
Nevertheless, a night of "dismiss sorrows"

and some good laughs.