I was in a car with my family members when the quake happened. All of us were waiting in car for my bro who dropped by a dental clinic for a quick inspection on his braces. Busy buried my nose in Hunger Games ebook, I knew the car shook but didn’t bother to voice it out. I was on chapter 21 where Katniss was about to attend the feast and therefore other 4 senses automatically ‘shunned down’ except for my eyes.

It was my mum who voiced out on the shook. She cried, “who shakes the car so violently?“

I was still reading, but it slower pace. My mind began to feel dizzy – the shook was indeed hard, but the drive of continue reading was so strong that I replied, “must be Dad, shaking his legs.“

My dad was reading newspaper at the front passenger side, he stopped reading too, inspecting the shook (I supposed) before looking at us via the back mirror and said, “Not me. I didn’t shake. Must be ah girl.“

My dad meant me. I sat upright, the shook was less violent now. My dad turned to face us, locking gaze with me and I can tell both of us were figuring out what was happening.

Then the shook stopped.

My dad and I continued reading, my sister busied on her phone while mum continued her Soduku game. Bro came and we left for very late lunch. We debated on going to Gurney but nobody seconded the idea so we thought of eating nearby.

We were in Pulau Tikus area that time. As we passed by Adventist Hospital, mum wondered why there were bunch of people at the hospital  compound. Didn’t know why I answered, “Oh, because Adventist Hospital’s bakery is well-known, so maybe a lot of people go there to buy bread.”

My sister giggled at my answer.

Then we passed by Midlands and again there were plenty of people outside the building. It was my sister who voiced out this time – and curiously I lifted up my head again and true indeed, many people were on talking on phones and pointing upwards.

I seriously didn’t know what came to me that I blurted out, “Maybe someone tried to suicide there,” and then I saw my dad looking up!

All of us laughed when I said, “whoa Dad, you really look up!” He gave a chuckle.

We went to Belissa Row for super duper late lunch. It was near 5pm that time when we got out of the car and headed towards Taipei 102.

We were seated cosily at Taipei 102 and busy flipping through menu when I received a sms asking me if I felt the quake earlier.

Mother of technology! I almost jumped out of my chair when I realised that it was the earth who shook the car just now! I immediately told the rest on the earthquake and my bro immediately took up his phone and traced the location of the quake. My sister and I began to log into Facebook and both our new-feeds were flooded with information on earthquake.

Apparently it was massive (8.9 Ritcher scale!) and the point was somewhere similar to the quake in 2004 which generated unforgettable tsunami incident. All of us began talking about it, pondered if tsunami alert was issued out to all. We kept checking on Facebook for more information.

Then I called up Satkuru. I asked him why he didn’t inform me on the quake. He told me he did call me many, many times but couldn’t go through. Maybe the network was busy due to the sudden surge of phone calls made in the country. Surely people called family members, loved ones and friends to see if they’re alright, if they felt the quake etc etc.

Everything was back to normal – assuming it was. We didn’t bother to go Gurney (tho we wanted to initially) after that because we read about the possible tsunami wave that will reach Penang at 9pm.

Thankfully the wave didn’t come. The 2nd quake did.

It happened barely 15 minutes after we reached home. I was about to sit on the floor and start my laptop when I felt dizzy suddenly. I felt like the earth was on move again, so I quickly sat down and thought if the earth really moved. Few seconds later I cried to my siblings, asking them if they realised the shook. They said nope, and I immediately looked up at the ceiling fan in the dining area.

The ceiling fan was swaying left and right at a small angle. I ran to the dining area to double confirm my vision. True indeed, the ceiling fan and the hanging lights were swinging. I shouted to my siblings that it’s the 2nd quake and all of them went to notify my parents while I was searching for Miilo frantically.

Looks like that mischievous dog had ran out of the house to the garden at the same time as I ran to the dining area.

The shook lasted few minutes – I think. And it wasn’t as violent as the first. Maybe because we were in mainland which is slightly farther from the epicentre compared to Pulau Tikus. I found out from Facebook later that the milder quake was measured at 8.2 on Ritcher scale. Kinda strong to me, but impact was lesser. Must be because of the location – I told myself.

At 8.30 pm last night, news went around regarding the tsunami warning was lifted off for our country. You wouldn’t know how happy we were hearing this news.

]]> http://phingelicious.com/2012/04/411/feed/ 0 http://phingelicious.com/2012/03/spiritual-friday/ http://phingelicious.com/2012/03/spiritual-friday/#comments Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:17:02 +0000 angeline http://phingelicious.com/?p=3820 Today I’m feeling very spiritual.

I didn’t know what hits me – I just couldn’t stop listening to chants the whole day. And when I said chant, it’s not the normal chants that you used to hear in temples but the very relaxing chants from Imee Ooi. I’ve never been so relaxed for so long. The last time I had such feeling was when I went for IDC. This feeling is so awesome, so peaceful. Even when negativity surrounded me earlier, I’ve managed to manage it very well. I’m so amazed with myself – to be frank. Big Lol!

Eh wait. I did feel at peace when I was at Shi-tennoji temple. Prolly it was because there’s a monk chanting that time. The power of words. Haha! Or was it physiology effect?

Anyway this is my current addiction. If not mistaken, ‘Namo Amitabha’ is repeated 108 times.

Imee Ooi – Namo Amitabha

]]> http://phingelicious.com/2012/03/spiritual-friday/feed/ 0 http://phingelicious.com/2012/01/english-speaking-man/ http://phingelicious.com/2012/01/english-speaking-man/#comments Sat, 07 Jan 2012 10:51:13 +0000 angeline http://phingelicious.com/2012/01/food-for-thought-2/ As I was checking my Facebook wall feed, the house phone rang. He picked up the phone and answered in perfect English politely.

I smiled, as old thought came to me.

4 years ago, sitting at the back of the lecture hall with my good friends Wenyan and BoonHui, we were talking about guys while the lecturer taught in front. We spoke on the type of guy we hope to date. All three of us were single back then, so it’s not a surprise that this topic was brought up.

If not mistaken, they mentioned of hoping to meet someone that cares, loves and treats them well. Not forgetting, he must be intelligent too.

As for me, I told them I would like someone who can speak English very well cz I want him to order food for me.

All laughed and said, ‘why? You can’t order on your own is it?’

I replied, ‘can BUT I prefer him to do for me. Gentleman mah’ – and I laughed too.

Little did I know, I truly gotten a man who speaks excellent English. Prolly Cupid passed by and granted my wish by shooting ‘love arrows’ to both of us, lol!

Oh my, my English speaking man had ended his call. Time to hit the mall!

1. Awesome weekend gateway to Medan! Breathtaking scenery along the way to Lake Toba.

2. I saw Jay Chou with my own eyes!

3. I was serenaded by Michael Buble LIVE! <3

4. My first ever business trip to Shanghai! Would love to work there, but I don’t know how to read Mandarin. Hao? (How)

5. Chinaaa! We covered 4 towns – Datong, Pingyao, Xian and Beijing in a week! Memorable!

6. Took Six Sigma course. Wahaha!

7. Attended 34th IDC for the weekend.

8. Welcome a cuddly baby into our family.

9. The proposal. Hee!

10. Visited a beautiful country, Turkey! Supposed to go there last year, but better late than never! ALL should visit Turkey before daiiii!

11. Went for interview and gotten my dream job. Unfortunately had to reject it. T________T

12. Sabai-dee! Short visit to Vientiane, Laos!

13. Finished 10KM Penang Bridge Marathon with a finisher medal! Woohoo!

14. Attended 2 weddings (coursemate and colleague) and Karen’s ROM this year! Blessed married life to you guys! <3

15. Participated in glutinous ball rolling because my palms are much better this year!

As for my 2011 resolution, I with full of regret announced that I didn’t fulfill them. Huhu. Therefore the same resolution shall carry forward to next year. Haha!

Happy New Year 2012! May the new year brings prosperity, laughter and good health to all~

And I washed my sport shoes 3 times after that. It stank so bad. Urgh.

Since then I never bother to get a sport shoes. It’s always sneakers or pumps or heels or slippers! I wore slippers to lecture hall and now to work! Haha! The thought of buying a sport shoes never came to me because I seldom exercise and when I did, mum would ask me to wear hers because she didn’t wear them anymore and so on.

How about the dance team I joined in uni? That, we went barefooted. Don’t ask me why. Both feet would be so black at the end of the dance session because we helped the janitors to wipe the floor. –”

The need of getting a proper sport shoes first came when I joined my colleague for an aerobic class at PISA. I wore an old sneaker there, and guess what, my sneaker tore at the end of the session. It finally gave way after a month of wearing them to work.

-___________-

Then squash session came and I was told to get a non-marker sole. I thought that’s it, I need to hunt for one d, but then I spotted mum’s white sole white colour sport shoes. Alasan kaw kaw right? – I know, lol!

Now after daily wear and tear to and fro work and 8 sessions of squash practice, the white sole white colour sport shoes began to show the sign of weariness. I have Penang Bridge Marathon coming in this Sunday and I know this shoes wouldn’t able to handle this Sunday’s run. So last night, I went to get one at the Royal Sporting House. Like finally! Haha!

I tried few sport shoes on, mostly Nike’s and Reebok’s because they’re on 40-50% sale. I looked around for nice looking, affordable and non-marking sole running shoes. I always want to own a Nike sport shoes so I went for Nike first. But to my dismay, those that I like are pricey and those that I willing to pay are out of size!

Then I looked at Reebok. They came out with this zig zag thingy as the sole which made the shoes look so bulky and ganas! tho the advertising claimed that the wearer will have more energy in running etc, etc.

After about 30 minutes of looking, I managed to find the ONE! Decent looking at decent price with non-marking running shoes and coincidentally the store still have my size, I immediately grabbed and brought it home.

Guess what, today I wear new shoes to work! It felt so different wearing ‘running’ sport shoes and ‘training’ sport shoes (suspected mum’s is the training sport shoes).

Now I feel fast! HAHA!

Caution: This post will be super long.

Mum felt sick before I left for Laos. After my 3 days 2 nights Laos trip, her health worsen and I encouraged her to see the doctor. Much persuasion ensued and she finally did on Wednesday. However, her cough got worst even after visiting the doctor and she couldn’t sleep well.

I told mum that sometimes body as get older, might need more time to heal, but she decided to seek help from ‘God‘.

She went on Thursday afternoon with my dad, without me knowing and she had to go again on Friday night. I wanted to go, but was told to stay at home and look after Miilo. I reluctantly agreed.

That night, they came back and told me that they had to go again on Saturday to do some praying. Out of curious, I asked what kind of praying is that. They explained that there are 5 ghosts (4 Chinese ghosts, 1 Malay ghost) following my mum thus making her health deterioted. So need to do this praying as condition for them to leave my mum. I went @_@ when I heard it.

Miraculously after drinking the burnt amulet paper (or whatever they called it), mum able to sleep well. So I thought, wow!

On Saturday, after buying food for the prayers I followed them to this temple situated in the border of Penang and Perak. I was amazed to see the amount of people there. Dad quickly went in to take number and was shocked to get no. 36 at 7.30 pm and the ‘ceremony’ didn’t even start yet.

In front of the temple there were tables with food, candles and josssticks. Baskets of papers can be seen at the side of the chairs. Thinking that we were already late in ‘praying’, we quickly grabbed one table, laid out the food on the table and quickly went to buy ‘paper money’ and 2 white candles from the temple.

If you’re wondering what food we bought, we brought in pork porridge, dried noodle, economic rice (consists of rice, vegetable, fish and pork meat), milo and kopi for the Chinese ghosts and nasi lemak and teh tarik for the Malay ghost.

Initially we placed all food on the same table, then we overheard an auntie in pink scolding an older auntie on placing bak pau (pork bun) on the same table as the nasi lemak. She said, you have to separate them ma! You put both together, how they gonna eat? The Malay doesn’t eat pork okay!

Immediately I was thinking (in my head) why need to put them apart? We’re staying in Malaysia, I don’t think they’ll be that seriously offended if all of them sit together on the same table and eat.

But dad immediately asked me to take the teh tarik and nasi lemak away from the table just to avoid any scolding from this pink auntie.

As I was laying down the food, I couldn’t help to hear that pink auntie scolding the older auntie non stop. Poor lady, dah lah it’s her first time doing this, get scolding for no reason somemore. I was quite disappointed to see this and I don’t understand why this pink auntie was channeling all her anger to her.

Luckily, she didn’t bark at my mum. She talked rather politely to mum, which greatly pleased me. Still, I observed whenever she talked to my mum.

After praying, we waited patiently for our turn. Mum actually asked to leave after praying but dad just want to make sure that there’s no more ensues.  Halfway waiting, a lady passed us a number (20) and we gladly accepted it.

At 10 pm, our number was called and we entered the temple. There were 4 ladies sitting at each corner of the table. Actually there were lots ladies around the tables, but only 3 ladies were supposed to ‘ki dang‘ (being possesed). One in white top, one in blue top, one in purple top.

Tell the truth, I actually thought ki dang means the deities enter the body of these ladies, little did I know that I was wrong. Here, it wasn’t the deities who ki dang, but the ghosts. Let me explained that later.

So it was out turn, mum went to sit at the empty chair as the white top lady shouting NUMBER 20! NUMBER 20! Everyone’s eyes were onto us as we walked there. There were two men sitting in front of two other ladies (the ladies in blue and purple top), with the ladies’ palms pounding onto the men’ chests.

The lady in white top placed her palm on my mum’s chest and she too pounded her palm repeatedly. Then she stopped and asked this question, “Is your house clean?” – which blew us off.

All three of us were stunned of course, we were repeated, “clean ah.”

Then she insisted, “No, I feel your house not clean. Don’t you feel your house not clean?”

Obviously we replied nope. I blurted out, No. It’s clean.

To think about it back, it’s a normal reaction that people would be defensive when were told that the house has something. People only believe on there’s proof on such existence, don’t you think so?

Feeling frustrated and agitated with our defend especially mine, she rolled her eyes and began pounding again before asking my mum, “Do you bake cake?”

Mum was stunned with that question. I replied on her behalf after seeing that she couldn’t say anything. She continued pounding.

“I really feel your house not clean LAH. You know what’s clean onot? Not that cleaning type of clean you know?” she said that looking directly at me, challenging me.

I told her I know what was she saying, but I said we don’t feel anything.

Then she gave a long lecture on how when one’s aura is high there’s nothing to feel but when one’s aura is low, that’s when all nonsense come.

Thinking back, I would have gladly replied her back – that’s cycle of life. That’s why we have ups and downs but I just bit my tongue and stayed quiet. I afraid if I insisted more, later she gave even long lecture.

Not only her giving a long lecture, the lady in purple, and another two ladies in orange and white and red stripes chipped in too, laughing at us for not UNDERSTANDING what’s the meaning of clean.

I was so frustrated that time, for being belittled down like that.

If you’re wondering who are the other two ladies, the one in orange is the one running about getting things and the one in white and red stripes are the one writing down order. What order? Ghost’s food orders.

I maintained innocent look and just laughed at what they said, not wanting to show scene here in the temple. Not in front of my parents, not in front of Goddess of Mercy. I told myself, bear all in. Just bear all in.

She asked few more questions like, “Your house got upper level?”, “You seldom cook nowadays?”, “You don’t store much food at home?”, “You like to lean your back on chair?”

Then she continued saying on how she’s being honest and won’t lie in front of buddha and kept insisting that my house is not clean. She suddenly asked, your house has chocolate right?

Which is actually a random question, which household doesn’t have one? So I said, yes because the chocoholic me will buy these chocolates.

Then she asked, your fridge got chocolate ice-cream right?

I was shocked, trying to figure out if it was coincident question or she actually ‘traveled’ to my house and see that ice-cream. So I said, yes, there’s one in the back fridge. My parents was surprised to hear that we have chocolate ice-cream in the house. I told her that we bought long time ago but didn’t finish it.

Out of sudden, she collapsed and she said in childish way in Mandarin, “Aiyo, kei ni men chua dao le!” (Aiyo, got caught by you all already!)

I was shocked cz I wasn’t prepared to see a ghost ‘possessed’ in her body. All the while I thought a deity entered her body.

Still I was observing. I have many questions to ask that ghost, but I just kept quiet and observed.

The ghost complained that we didn’t have much food at home. Said, last time he could smell nice fragrance of cakes and cooking but now nothing. Said, he’s upset couldn’t find anything to eat. Nothing in the fridge.

Yes, the ghost is a he. It’s a little boy in fact. The name is DiDi (little brother). When he said the name is DiDi, I was shocked too because I called my brother Adrian, didi sometimes, out of affection. Now knowing that this ghost is called DiDi too, I decided not to call my bro that for that day onwards.

The lady in white and pink stripes asked DiDi on what he wants to eat. DiDi listed down cakes, chocolate, ice-cream. Then that lady said, after you eat this, you have to leave the house. Stubbornly, DiDi shouted No, don’t want! I want to stay there!

Again, I was stunned. Mum said, “No, after I give you food you must leave the house.”

The lady shouted No! Can not be like this! After eat must go out! Find your friends to play with.

And the DiDi bargained, I don’t have friends to play with. I want to sleep in your room, playing with your foots, ok? - he told my parents and me.

All three of us said a stern NO in unison, lol!

It was pretty tense then, as we didn’t know if it was really a ghost that in her body. With this ghost stubbornly said that, I of course got frightened a little.

The lady shouted No. Must leave the house! Go find other house and stay!

To be frank, I was rather disturbed when I heard she said that. What? Lure the ghost to leave by offering food and then ask the ghost to find other ‘victim’? What type of mentality is this? Why cannot bring this child to rebirth? I was totally speechless.

Out of the blue, the white lady collapsed again and the purple lady asked my mum to pat her back. She woke up and continued saying about the house not clean over and over again, off and on jeling at me as tho I challenged her on this matter earlier. Seriously, I really wanted to shut her up by asking her to stop it. She already proved her POINT by bringing the ghost out, no point bragging.

Unable to stop myself, I asked her – I pray at home everyday. Why is there a ghost in the house?

The answer coming from her mouth is totally unbelieveable.

She said – you think the God 24/7 guarding your house? When you pray, God will come and round your house. After that he’ll leave. You pray, he comes.

I really wanted to press her more, by asking that means I should pray every hour to prevent ghost from entering house? I really want to ask her if a house has a god sitting in it and still ghost able to enter, what’s the point of praying?

Her answer really shakes people’s belief. Shook my belief. Luckily my Buddhism core is strong, else I would have turn into atheist.

And guess what, she continued talking on my house not clean, while jeling at me. –”

Seriously I didn’t challenge her anything earlier, I just asked. Giving her benefit of doubt, I would say she interpreted me wrongly and then I cannot blame her for that but there’s no need of doing such act. She’s an adult, but giving such childish act. My mum had to tell her, oh, kid nowadays doesn’t know all these things. I wanted to tell mum – I’m modern kid doesn’t know these willing to take in, then she as an adult cannot LET GO this matter? Grrr. But again, I just bear. Bear all in.

She then proceed to try catching another one. Apparently the second one is my mum’s sister who passed away when she was 8 months old. I was looking forward to my ‘aunt’ to appear in front of us, but the white lady claimed that ‘my aunt’ doesn’t want to talk to her and wouldn’t appear.

The orange lady then asked us to come back the next day to ask about this.

So, we began to walk out. And while walking out, the white lady still stressed on HOUSE NOT CLEAN! and the rest laughed, nervously. Walao. I really super geram d that time. I quickly walked out in fear that I might just explode.

As we walked to the car, there were awkward silent. I can tell everyone was in deep thought after what had happened. I was so furious. When our car got into highway, I just blurted out whatever thoughts I had to my parents, especially on the house not clean issue. I told them, if everyone just offer food and ask the ghosts to leave them, then the ghost go where? Mean the ghost will follow another person is it? Then just while doing offering, one accidentally knock on the chair or table, then the ghost will follow them? Why they only cast them away, and not help them towards rebirth/cross over?

Then I asked, why I only see people praying to Chinese and Malay ghosts? Why no Indian ghosts? Indian ghosts don’t follow people?

I can’t tell my parents not to believe in this, as I do believe in existence of ghost too. Just that I dislike the way they handle, talk to people. People skill - ZERO.

Dad told me to take it with a pinch of salt and we should just do our part. If ask to offer, we offer; other than that, no need care much. I agreed.

The next afternoon, we went back to the same temple. I was super reluctant to go back there, but I just went along. After all I shouldn’t complain much when it was my dad who had to drive 45 minutes to that temple for 4 continuous days.

When we reached there, there were less people, and less ladies in the sitting around the table too. Just an elder lady in white, yesterday’s orange lady and another lady in blue. I didn’t see the elder lady and the blue lady yesterday. Dad said alot of people comes to see this white lady, which is the niao niao (kuan yin).

We thought we should take number but were told by an uncle that there’s no numbering, just have to queue. Mum went to toilet so I just stood behind an uncle in red shirt. He said, you’re queuing is it? I nodded and he said, alright after me is you. I smiled in acknowledgement.

Mum came back and I let her to queue there as I didn’t want to enter the temple anymore. But dad said there weren’t much people so asked mum to sit first.

Manatau, more and more people came in and stood inside the temple waiting for their turns. I saw it was the uncle in red’s turn so I said quite loudly to mum that she should go in and wait as it’s the uncle turn. Mum wondered how I know and I told her that the uncle in red told me just now.

After hearing me saying that, a guy just walked off and sat at side. I took a glance at him puzzled, and told my parents, see. People wouldn’t know that we queued earlier and mistaken that we were trying to ‘da chim’ (overtake line).

When it was mum’s turn, she sat on the brown chair and asked niao niao regarding her deceased sister. Then she replied, this question you must come at night and ask. I don’t deal with deceased.

Mum got shocked and said calmly, we came last night and were told to come earlier to you for help regarding my deceased sister.

The niao niao insisted that she couldn’t help on this and only the night ceremony (the patting ladies) can help. Then the orange lady butted in and said, Oh, last night they asked you to come to ask about you house one la. About your house not clean one la! – she said rather rudely, pointing finger when she stressed on the la! to my mum.

Startled, my dad also chipped in saying,  yesterday it was you who asked us to come during daytime for her sister’s matter, else we wouldn’t have come in – directed the reply to the orange lady.

Out of the blue, the orange lady was shouting on top of her lung and said, NO LA. I ASK YOU TO COME IN AND ASK ABOUT YOUR HOUSE NOT CLEAN LA. YOU KNOW WHAT’S THE MEANING OF NOT CLEAN? GOT GHOST LA. YOU UNDERSTAND?

The lady in blue also kepo said, yalar. House not clean means got ghost lah. You know what’s ghost ah? – and she showed her face in annoyance. Her facial expression was so, so ugly and snobbish.

I was so angry that these two ladies yelling at my mum. And the niao niao just said, no. I cannot help you on this. Cannot help you check the house also. This one you have to come at night only can check.

Dad got frustrated, signaled mum to stop asking and walk out to take a breather. He then pulled my sister who went along also and asked if niao niao can help ‘check’ and see why my sister always injured her shoulder.

Niao niao replied, “this one you have to go find tith tha (chiropractor)“. All of us just looked in disbelief.

I didn’t deny what she said is wrong. She has her logic, which is to look for chiropractor. But the thing is, earlier we saw she massaged, and swung a teen boy’s arm because the parents complained that the teen always injured his shoulder. Which made us felt that she’s totally not willing to help at all.

And the ladies kept barking on house not clean until my mum got pissed off, went into the temple and scolded them back in tears.

Believe me, when I said women’s greatest weapon is tear because when they saw my mum suddenly broke down like that, they got scared and quietened down. I was so heartbroken that I stepped in and argued with them.

I looked at the lady and said, why must you bring out this house not clean issue. We already acknowledged this matter and plan to do something about it d. Now we come because YOU asked us to come to ask on my mum’s sister. Why must you keep on insisting on something that we’ve already know?

I was so surprised with myself that I managed to keep my calm and debated well with the ladies. I thought I would be boiling with anger, but I just looked at her and shot info after info to her until she looked at me speechless.

When I stopped speaking, she continued blabbering about the house not clean again and then when my dad and I said, WHY STILL MENTIONED and she kept quiet and then said obnoxiously, “So what’s her name?” (referring to my deceased aunt’s name) and I said with my mum.

As I walked out, I can hear that the niao niao said softly – I cannot help on this.

I went out and saw my sister consoling my mum and I knew that that’s it, no point putting my mum into their harrassment anymore. I told my dad that we should go home now. So we left directly and swore would not return anymore. Not because they’re no good or what. They must be good to have such big crowds coming from all over Malaysia. Still, we wouldn’t return because of the ladies managing the temple. If only they have more people skill.

I believe everything happens for a reason. I was thought to believe things happen for a reason. I chose to take this experience positively. The moral of this story is not to be superstitious. Just do your part as a human (as in avoid wrongdoing) and be true to oneself. And no more turning to deities or gods in time of sickness. If sick, see doctor, stay positive. My uncle turned to deity, and he passed away. My mum turned to deity, and such things happened.

That night, we just conduct a simple offering in front of our house for DiDi. I’m unsure if he has left the house or not, but I chose to believe he did. As for our deceased aunt, we acknowledge the existance of her in our mind and talk about her. We plan to go to well known Kuan Yin temple and do simple offering for our deceased aunt this weekend.

Guess what, last night mum told me that she can hear me talking without her hearing aid. I’m joyous!

Convocation was one of the milestones in my life. I anticipated THE DAY so much – thinking of what shoes I should wear, what shirt I should wear, deliberating on to either wear a knee-length skirt or black slack, et cetera.

The eve of the convocation day, Satkuru even reminded me to double check all the stuffs I supposed to bring/need for the convocation but I told him I’ve placed them in my bag. He even asked me to double read the convocation letters from university, just in case I missed out any. Like usual, I told him not to worry as I’ve read them (but actually I just skimmed thru, rofl). He also asked me if I’ve wore the robe, just to get the hang of it – but I told him I’ve tried, so should be okay.

Obviously I got a nice music for being so cool-headed. He told me, “You only get to convo once in your lifetime. Or maybe another if you take master. But still, treasure it. Make sure you get everything right.”

I replied ok.

So, my parents and I flew to KL on the morning of THE DAY and reach KL at 9 in the morning. We were picked up by my sister where we were driven to Seri Kembangan for a brunch. After brunch, we immediately went to University of Malaya.

But the journey took slightly longer because my sister’s bf took the wrong turning. I was so anxious, but told myself to calm down and be patience.

Finally, we reach at about 11am. I quickly wore my robe and the mortar and took few photos outside the hall, with dad as my photographer of course. My mum was wondering why did my shawl always dropped sideway while other ppl’s was in placed and tidy. I told mum I didn’t know why, maybe my size is bigger - I told her. Haha!

Gosh, I shouldn’t cut my hair that length. Doesn’t look nice on me. And that shoes! Why I chose to wear that? T_______T

It was then time to get to the Dewan Peperiksaan to be checked on our attendance before entering.

The first person I saw was Lillian! She asked me why my shawl so untidy. I told her I have no idea as I already adjusted. Then she asked me if I’ve pinned my shawl correctly.

I asked her, “What pin?”

It drawn on me that the shawl supposed to be PINNED! *sweat case* No wonder mine kept dropping!

The second question Lillian asked me was if I’ve bring my matrix card and pink paper slip along as I need to pass the slip to the people at the side of the stage for them to call my name.

I looked at her in horror. I told her that slip was in my car!

Panicking, I quickly called up my sister and asked her to bring me that paper slip. But she told me she had left UM to get my convocation flower!

The scene of not able to graduate suddenly flashed in my mind.

I almost had a heart attack moment. I told her to return to UM now as I need that pink paper slip to graduate. She said ok, and told me she’ll reach as soon as possible.

I could only pray.

As for my untidy shawl, I immediately asked around if anyone had extra pins after ending the phone call. Luckily someone brought a lot. Phew. Lillian then quickly helped me to pin my shawl. Until now, I’m thankful for knowing her, for being my close friend. If it wasn’t for her, I would have gone up the stage with dropping shawl. Eh wait, maybe couldn’t have graduated that year because of the pink paper slip. –”

After pinning my shawl, the person in charge of taking our attendance then asked us to queue in lines according to our number. Then I looked around, I saw my friends. I was so happy to see them as I didn’t see them in ages. At the same time, I couldn’t relax myself and enjoy the moment as I was still worried if my sister could make it in time as she told me the jam in UM was terrible.
T______T

That time, I remembered the advice that Satkuru gave me the night before. I regretted not checking it again. Boy, I hate admitting that he’s right. Grr.

While waiting, I looked at the people around me. Most of them were different. They styled their hair, they put makeup so that they looked prettier that day. At that time, I was thinking to myself – why did I put foundation and lip gloss only? Looking back at my graduation photos, I looked so pale without any colour on my face. Darn, I wish I could turn back the time. Grr.

Also, I was thinking why didn’t I bring in my camera? I saw people brought in camera and they took photos in the waiting hall. I ‘kicked’ myself for being so obedient (as stated in the letter). Grr.

Then it was time to move to Dewan Tunku Cansellor for the convocation ceremony. My sister suddenly called. She said she’s arrived. I thanked God for that. I asked her to stand on the left side at the end of the stairs, as I’ll be coming down the stairs. She acknowledged.

When I went down the stairs, I was so happy to see her face. I almost hugged her, but obviously I didn’t as we need to cross the road quickly. She passed me the slip and I said, Thank You. So glad for having a sister by my side too. Else, I couldn’t have graduated.

After that I started to feel calmer. We queued at the side of the dewan awhile, before entering. It’s been awhile since I entered the dewan. I was glad to be back, in fact I was proud to be undergraduate of University Malaya.

I proudly sang the University Malaya song as it might be the last time I sang it. After few speeches, names were being called up and friends walked up the stage to receive scroll. Applause after applause were heard. I too clapped and cheered for my friends.

The ceremony was so formal, full of protocol but felt very glorious. As my surname is Tan, so I had to wait quite some time before being called up.

Finally, it was time for our row to stand up and quietly stand at the side. One by one friends in front of me were called. Soon, I found myself to be standing at the bottom of the stage, just two people shy from receiving the scroll.

My heart began to pound quickly. I passed the pink paper slip and my matrix card to the person-in-charge. He then instructed me to stand at the two ‘X’ marks on the floor, first at the end of the stage and second at the middle of the stage, in front of the pro-chancellor. He also reminded me to say thank and bow after receiving the scroll.

I nodded. At the back of my mind, I prayed that I didn’t trip, else it would be disastrous!

The girl in front of me was called. She then walked to receive her scroll while I went up the stairs and stood on the first X. I took a glimpse of the audience, then focused at the girl in front of me.

The moment I’ve been waiting for came. I heard my name was announced over the speaker and I assumed the front of my matrix card was shown on the big projector screen, so automatically I walked towards the pro-chancellor with a BIG grin on my face. I heard loud applause coming from the ground. My heart beat so fast that I think could have reach 150-160 bpm, lol!

I went to the pro-chancellor, extended both hands out while she placed a scroll on my palms. I said Terima Kasih YABerbahagia and bowed before walking to the other end of the stage.

If given a choice, I would have jumped up in joy and screamed YES! But then since it was full of formality and such act wouldn’t be condoned, I just walked with my head held high.

Even up to now, I could feel the feeling that I had in the dewan two years ago. It was really achievement of self-satisfaction, that I would like to feel it again. Maybe it’s time to go for Master. Haha!

After everyone received their scrolls, the MC announced the end leaving of the pro-chancellors, vice-chancellors, deans and professors. We rised and watched them leave. Then our MC congratulated us on our graduation and all of us cheered loudly!

Most went out of the hall almost immediately, leaving few in hall. The few including me of course. I went to take photo with Lillian, but realising that we have no camera! Luckily my parents were still in the hall and dad helped to take photo of us.

The lights in the hall then went off, ‘forced’ us to leave the hall. I went out and my goodness, it was chaotic! The amount of people there, best be described by the Chinese proverb – human sea, human mountain.

Among the human flood, I saw my bee with a bouquet of pink roses in his arm. I was so happy to see him, almost threw a hug to him but didn’t (in fear of PDA!). He shyly passed me the bouquet and wished me Congrats. Shy cow, he is!

He was my unofficially appointed photographer, so he had to follow me wherever I went. Wahaha! Poor daddy and mummy had to tag along as I went here and there taking photos with my friends. Luckily sister and Jason were there to keep them company. Heehee.

I took photos with my coursemates who graduated the same time as me.

Most of my coursemates who had graduated the year earlier purposely came back to take photos with us.

If you’re wondering why some graduated first and I graduated later, that’s because I didn’t plan my subject well in my first year of study, therefore purposely extended another semester to finish my course in more relaxing manner. Else I would have to take 5-6 subjects (and sometimes 7) per semester to graduate in 3 years time.

Then the sky turned dark and began to drizzle. We left for KL Sentral just before the rain poured down heavily. At KL Sentral, we had a quick dinner at one of the cafe there as we were hungry. We only had brunch at 10 in the morning and nothing after that.

After dinner, we sent parents off at the KLIA Express terminal. They took KLIA Express LRT to KLIA for night flight back to Penang via MAS while I stayed a night in KL before leaving home the next day.

My sister and Jason went back to Seri Kembangan of course, while Satkuru and I headed to Midvalley for a gathering with the KL gang.

A Sony MP3 player is not that cheap either, so imagine the amount of love my parents has, for giving in to their daughter’s demand.

Contented, I used that Sony. But I still want a iPod.

Years went by and many Apple products were introduced then. I didn’t pay attention much as I know I couldn’t ‘afford’ them. Back then, it never occur to me to save my pocket money to buy expensive things that I want. It never crossed my mind to even save for iPod shuffle or iPod nano. Maybe in the back of my mind, the money saved should be kept in bank. Maybe I feel I should use money on better thing/stuff.

Like food for instant, lol!

Then iPod Touch arrived. I went into the crazy, itchy hand mode again. I tried ‘asking’, ‘sweet talking’ my parents into get one for me – which again I got rejected.

The longing for a iPod Touch grew even more after playing with Satkuru’s iPod Touch. I told myself, that’s it. It’s time to save! For the love of iPod Touch, I did – painstakingly saved like mad.

When the 2nd generation iPod Touch came into the market back in 2008, Satkuru asked me if I really want one and without any hesitation, I told him YES!

We ordered two and I can tell you, I had hard time parting with my hard-saved money. However, once I got the product, I was grinning from ear to ear. The satisfying feeling of finally own a iPod Touch was so great.

Of course, I got a good sounding from parents for buying such an expensive gadget. But they changed their mindset after seeing how good and user-friendly the product is!

I brought my iPod Touch with me wherever I went. It was by my side constantly, like my second companion, my best ‘buddy’ in the world. I totally love my iPod Touch to bits. Once it fell at the corner that the frame got jotted out. Thankfully, the iPod Touch still works until now but my heart sank knowing that my iPod Touch is not physically perfect anymore. The best and only thing I could do at that time was to cover it with case. T______T

After two years of using iPod Touch, I was thinking to myself maybe it’s time to save for iPhone since I’m already working. Furthermore, it would be more convenient to bring an all-rounder iPhone out, rather than a handphone and an iPod Touch.

I planned to sign up for iPhone 3GS when Satkuru told me to wait for the upcoming iPhone4. He told me I would be blown away by the FOUR.

I really did.

Now, I’m a proud owner of iPhone4. As for my iPod Touch, I passed it to my sister as she told me that she wants it.

Apple really changed my life, my family’s life. Now my parents are addicted to iPad, both of them would be fighting to use that iPad. Dad can easily check his email, watch Youtube with ease and read news from his iPad 2. Mum on the other hand, got hook with Soduku even more no thanks to iPad, lol! My bro and sis own a iPod Touch each. I gave my iPod Shuffle that I won in the Switch99 to my sister since I felt bad passing her my old iPod Touch. As for me, I’m a proud user of iPhone and looking forward to own a MacBook Pro in 2 years time.

Thank Steve Jobs for introducing Apple into our life.

Thank you for your ingenious talent. Thank you for pushing perfection into each and every iProduct. Thank you for introducing ‘future’ into our mundane life. Thank you for being so inspirational. Thank you for making the impossible possible.

“Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.”

After returning from work one fine day, I put on the harness around Husky’s body and walked him. Usually, we would just walk nearby my house. That day, I decided to bring him to my old house.

So we went down the road, ran across the busy road, and went into the housing area of my old house.

As Husky was busy sniffing around the trees and plant pots, suddenly out of the blue 2 dogs just ran towards us and barked nonstop.

A 3rd dog, a white one came from a back alley, barked and snarled at Husky. That dog, I assumed the tai lou (head) of the pack, looked at Husky in the eye while snarling, sort of gave a warning that this area belongs to him.

Startled, I instantly became protective of my medium-sized Husky, quickly pushed him ahead while shooing them (3 dogs) away.

Thankfully all 3 dogs stopped barking and sort of calmed down. Prolly the tricks I adopted from Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan episodes that I watched last Sunday worked.

One mistake I did was not bringing a stick with me. I naively thought it’ll be safe to walk even if we bumped into stray dogs. (Gotten a nice firing from parents after that, lol).

As I pulled Husky away, the 3 dogs just stayed there and looked tho they still barked off and on (maybe giving out warnings to Husky, Haha!). I quickly brought Husky into my old house, which has converted to my dad’s office.

Half an hour later, when we about to leave I saw a poor dog running around the road, and almost got knocked into. That dog (which I suspect is a Maltese) is in bad shape – dirty, one of the ears is infected and he was shaking in cold I presumed.

I asked my dad which is at the gate holding on the Husky that time if we could rescue him. Dad said, it has an owner judging from the collar. But I debated that even if there’s a collar, it’s either the dog is lost or the owner is not taking care of him! The white dog that I saw earlier has a tag but he was running around freely.

At that time I wished I have a glove with me as my right hand has few wounds, which is obviously not suitable to handle a dirty dog. But I kept looking at the maltese to see where he was going.

When my mum came out, I asked if we could adopt that poor dog and just when I was showing my mum where was the dog that time, a neighbour (a lady) came out and told us that the dog is not stray and has an owner.

I told the lady that the dog shouldn’t be let running around like that. She said, the owner has a problem and nobody dares to talk to her.

Halfway talking, I told my mum if we could adopt this dog that barked at Husky earlier. With Husky being walked by my dad, I walked back to where the 3 dogs were. I stood and observed them. I particularly like this black-white dog, which looks like a mixture of Siberian Husky and Shiba. Surprisingly his coat looks shiny and clean tho he is a stray dog. When I called upon him, he stood up and walked towards my left leg and sniffed.

Afraid that he would bite me or what, I said a firm “No” which made the dog backed off and went back to his place. But he was very obedient, he didn’t show any sign of aggression. In fact, he was sort of ‘smiling’ at me!

I feel in love that instant.

I went back to mum, persuading her to keep him. Still, she fears Husky and this black-white dog would attack each other as Husky isn’t neutered and so do this dog (she believes). Also, it would be hard to train him as he’s already grown up. Mum said if we didn’t have Husky in the first place, she would gladly let him in.

T_______T

So sad. He is one handsome looking dog, apart from my Husky of course. Hope he’s doing fine out there.

I sort of avoided him. I didn’t meet his eyes. I didn’t stand near him. I didn’t talk much to him.

But his act of kindness changed my perspective of him.

I was at the sink area washing my plate, where one by one dropped by with smile mouthing Thank You, dumping their plates there and walked away. I didn’t say much since I was assigned to be part of the QM team, therefore smiled back.

There he was with big smile-akin-to-smirk, came over and said, “Thank You ah” before putting his plate on the washing basin and walked away. I smiled back at him and continued washing.

As I was washing the cutlery, out of the blue he appeared right next to me and started soaping up the plates without saying anything!

A little startled, I told him to leave the washing to me but he just continued.

Among the people out there, I really didn’t expect ‘him’ to help. To be frank, I appreciate his help particularly in soaping up the plates as my hands would feel irritated and itchy upon in contact with detergent for long.

To Him, thank you.