Wednesday, April 14, 2010
an act of kindness and who's fault is it anyway?
It's officially approaching 1 year since i started driving on the streets of KL. It has been a barrel of mixed feelings to describe, one i can't quite put a finger on and say aha--
Since i started commuting to Subang for work since 2010 started, i am out of my home by 7am. Latest i've left home is at 650am with the intention of heading on to Federal Highway before the crawl starts to build up. The early hours work fine with me, dealing with sleepy and slow-ly annoying drivers on the road has helped to build up my patience.
The only times I am stopped on the roads are when I don't make it to the traffic light in time before it turns red. During which time I usually ponder and wonder about the things around me. Mornings work great for me. I am most alert, happy, resourceful and peaceful during these times. I don't even feel the stress of the traffic jam or honking drivers unless I am absolutely late which I try to avoid at all costs.
This morning I was driving behind this motorcyclist - an uncle who was delivering papers. He was driving extremely slow and was in the lane I was driving on. He had some space on his left lane but he kept swerving to the direction where my car was heading to. The traffic on my right was full of vehicles. So with no choice I followed him behind. Traffic light is about 50 m ahead of me and the moment I was reaching, the light turned red.
The motorcyclist now, already swerved to his left lane continued on his journey as he made it there when the light turned yellow. Alas for me... I was stuck till the light turned green again.
This situation struck me like a bolt! I was trying to be kind enough to not honk at him and when it was convenient for him, so conveniently he swerved on to his lane and he was well on his way. Where does that place me?
What could I have done differently to change the circumstances and in turn made it on time at the traffic light?
Would that have affected the motorcyclist and even if it has or not, would I have stopped to even think twice about it?
And last but not least... why do I have to be so kind and allow these people to go ahead of me?
Would the law of Karma turn around and work in my favour at times when I need it?
Since i started commuting to Subang for work since 2010 started, i am out of my home by 7am. Latest i've left home is at 650am with the intention of heading on to Federal Highway before the crawl starts to build up. The early hours work fine with me, dealing with sleepy and slow-ly annoying drivers on the road has helped to build up my patience.
The only times I am stopped on the roads are when I don't make it to the traffic light in time before it turns red. During which time I usually ponder and wonder about the things around me. Mornings work great for me. I am most alert, happy, resourceful and peaceful during these times. I don't even feel the stress of the traffic jam or honking drivers unless I am absolutely late which I try to avoid at all costs.
This morning I was driving behind this motorcyclist - an uncle who was delivering papers. He was driving extremely slow and was in the lane I was driving on. He had some space on his left lane but he kept swerving to the direction where my car was heading to. The traffic on my right was full of vehicles. So with no choice I followed him behind. Traffic light is about 50 m ahead of me and the moment I was reaching, the light turned red.
The motorcyclist now, already swerved to his left lane continued on his journey as he made it there when the light turned yellow. Alas for me... I was stuck till the light turned green again.
This situation struck me like a bolt! I was trying to be kind enough to not honk at him and when it was convenient for him, so conveniently he swerved on to his lane and he was well on his way. Where does that place me?
What could I have done differently to change the circumstances and in turn made it on time at the traffic light?
Would that have affected the motorcyclist and even if it has or not, would I have stopped to even think twice about it?
And last but not least... why do I have to be so kind and allow these people to go ahead of me?
Would the law of Karma turn around and work in my favour at times when I need it?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Thanks to the ignorance of....
- the road contractors who forgot to remove the road barriers at a construction site, a massive traffic jam is created (The overhead bridge along Jalan Bangsar)
- the level 2 technical support who refused to attend to my query on improving their service, they've lost a potential client
- and more??
- the level 2 technical support who refused to attend to my query on improving their service, they've lost a potential client
- and more??
Monday, March 01, 2010
On the different rivers we stride on
The wind and tide decide where the current takes us to. Who controls the wind? What about the current?
What if there is a huge waterfall ahead of us?
Usually, once the boat hits off the waterfall edge and drops all the way down to the connecting river below. For sure the boat will sink in due to the impact of the fall and might even toss out a few of the boat passengers.
If one survives this fall, manages to find the boat again and crawl onto it, the next set of sail is smooth for sure. This is the reality of life and the best analogy that nature can offer us.
The hidden message or "isi-tersirat" (as we used to write in our malay karangan during school days) God is trying to convey is straight forward in His creation.
Wonderful and magical indeed... for those who go about in life looking for miracles, they are simply overlooking simple miracles that take place before their very own eyes...
What if there is a huge waterfall ahead of us?
Usually, once the boat hits off the waterfall edge and drops all the way down to the connecting river below. For sure the boat will sink in due to the impact of the fall and might even toss out a few of the boat passengers.
If one survives this fall, manages to find the boat again and crawl onto it, the next set of sail is smooth for sure. This is the reality of life and the best analogy that nature can offer us.
The hidden message or "isi-tersirat" (as we used to write in our malay karangan during school days) God is trying to convey is straight forward in His creation.
Wonderful and magical indeed... for those who go about in life looking for miracles, they are simply overlooking simple miracles that take place before their very own eyes...
Thursday, January 21, 2010
On those who lurve to 'hog' and 'block' our roads
HOG Definition: To take more than one's share of.
Being on the road more frequently, being exposed to Malaysian drivers and the whole works has opened up many ideas and thoughts in my lil head. Thought provoking-important-matters that is such as - WHY this and WHY that.
Looking out the window from the 18th floor of my office, i get a birds eye view of the Kesas highway. What I can see more clearly in the usual morning jams are very long unending queues of people on the roads. all 3 lanes will be filled with cars. But one important point to note will be the fast / 1st lanes. In that view, one can see gaps in between a few cars ahead of the others. Behind them there'll be 100s' or even 1,000s of cars but these drivers wouldn't budge. As a result, those who get on the fast lane for the obvious reasons - to be fast are stuck! Since they can't even move to the left, considering that all 3 lanes are literally sandwiched.
I go through this in person every morning when I am on the Federal Highway and on my way back on the Jalan Duta. So, be it a free-way or a high-way paying toll, you still face the same bunch of drivers. I don't understand why do people even hop onto the fast lanes if all they're wanting to do is cruise along...
All i do know is that these people need to be more sensitive to the other drivers on the road with them. Remember you're not alone. There are reasons why the roads are built for all and not one person alone. Unless you pay more tax than the rest of us, or bought over the road, i think it's unfair that you hog and block roads meant for use by general public.
Have some driving-sense...
We'll move on to the signal light usage in the next post.. till then ;;
Being on the road more frequently, being exposed to Malaysian drivers and the whole works has opened up many ideas and thoughts in my lil head. Thought provoking-important-matters that is such as - WHY this and WHY that.
Looking out the window from the 18th floor of my office, i get a birds eye view of the Kesas highway. What I can see more clearly in the usual morning jams are very long unending queues of people on the roads. all 3 lanes will be filled with cars. But one important point to note will be the fast / 1st lanes. In that view, one can see gaps in between a few cars ahead of the others. Behind them there'll be 100s' or even 1,000s of cars but these drivers wouldn't budge. As a result, those who get on the fast lane for the obvious reasons - to be fast are stuck! Since they can't even move to the left, considering that all 3 lanes are literally sandwiched.
I go through this in person every morning when I am on the Federal Highway and on my way back on the Jalan Duta. So, be it a free-way or a high-way paying toll, you still face the same bunch of drivers. I don't understand why do people even hop onto the fast lanes if all they're wanting to do is cruise along...
All i do know is that these people need to be more sensitive to the other drivers on the road with them. Remember you're not alone. There are reasons why the roads are built for all and not one person alone. Unless you pay more tax than the rest of us, or bought over the road, i think it's unfair that you hog and block roads meant for use by general public.
Have some driving-sense...
We'll move on to the signal light usage in the next post.. till then ;;
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Christmas Tree OH Christmas Tree...
It's the time of the year again to put up the decorated holiday tree & deck the dolls at home. Having kids at home, the joy of celebrating is even more felt compared to previous years. After 3 years of having a white Christmas, it was time to get back to the natural way of the festivities - a green one! What i mean here is the Christmas Tree. We're used to using "real-live" trees as we were growing up. Anya always made sure we had our tree up on the Eve of Christmas and sometimes, if we're lucky, 2 days before the day.
This tradition carried on till 4 years ago, until his physical strength started giving up on him. We had to endure this painful period with a heavy heart and this was when i decided to break the tradition and bought a white tree for a difference. The tree stood for 3 years, with the exception of the year anya passed away.
Now it's turned brown and the stand is nowhere to be found and this has made us get back on the road to look for a replacement tree again. Charlie decided to sponsor the tree and with a budget of RM150 i got on the road to find the 'right tree' for our home this year. It's 3 days before Christmas now so time is not on our side either.
With a list of errands to run, my first stop to look for a tree was in Petaling Street. My first time driving there, I found a parking a little further away across the road and walked into the street. The first time I bought my tree there, i literally carried the tree on the LRT trains till home.
I thought my search will not be so long but I was so wrong. The first few shops had trees which were exhorbitantly priced. Prices were ranging from RM199 till RM599. Some even had fully decorated trees and the price before and after are RM255 & RM699 respectively!
My ordeal doesn't end here as i continued walking further into the streets of Chinatown, eyeing on ANY shop that had more than 1 Christmas tree on display for sale, walking in to check the price and the tree itself.
Most shops were already filling up their door fronts with Chinese New Year decorations while a handful still had their Christmas deco in the fronts.
Some were not very friendly to assist, so much to an extent that one shop helper asked me to check the price on the tree itself. She insisted I checked the tree even after I've explained that the price tag was not attached.
Sigh... I even walked up till the top floor of UO (Uda Ocean) to no avail.
After walking into at least 15 shops, I finally bumped into this one last shop called M&K Party house. This was on my walk back, the last leg of my journey since I was running late to run my next errand.
Although it was a chinese shop, they still had Christmas decorations in the front and welcoming helpers. The price was reasonable for a 6 ft tree, at RM100. It was similar to our previous white tree and I even found nice white ornaments and lights to match.
And then i'm off... till the tree goes up, i'm leaving for now
This tradition carried on till 4 years ago, until his physical strength started giving up on him. We had to endure this painful period with a heavy heart and this was when i decided to break the tradition and bought a white tree for a difference. The tree stood for 3 years, with the exception of the year anya passed away.
Now it's turned brown and the stand is nowhere to be found and this has made us get back on the road to look for a replacement tree again. Charlie decided to sponsor the tree and with a budget of RM150 i got on the road to find the 'right tree' for our home this year. It's 3 days before Christmas now so time is not on our side either.
With a list of errands to run, my first stop to look for a tree was in Petaling Street. My first time driving there, I found a parking a little further away across the road and walked into the street. The first time I bought my tree there, i literally carried the tree on the LRT trains till home.
I thought my search will not be so long but I was so wrong. The first few shops had trees which were exhorbitantly priced. Prices were ranging from RM199 till RM599. Some even had fully decorated trees and the price before and after are RM255 & RM699 respectively!
My ordeal doesn't end here as i continued walking further into the streets of Chinatown, eyeing on ANY shop that had more than 1 Christmas tree on display for sale, walking in to check the price and the tree itself.
Most shops were already filling up their door fronts with Chinese New Year decorations while a handful still had their Christmas deco in the fronts.
Some were not very friendly to assist, so much to an extent that one shop helper asked me to check the price on the tree itself. She insisted I checked the tree even after I've explained that the price tag was not attached.
Sigh... I even walked up till the top floor of UO (Uda Ocean) to no avail.
After walking into at least 15 shops, I finally bumped into this one last shop called M&K Party house. This was on my walk back, the last leg of my journey since I was running late to run my next errand.
Although it was a chinese shop, they still had Christmas decorations in the front and welcoming helpers. The price was reasonable for a 6 ft tree, at RM100. It was similar to our previous white tree and I even found nice white ornaments and lights to match.
And then i'm off... till the tree goes up, i'm leaving for now
Thursday, November 19, 2009
What goes around comes around
I believe in the title statement above. But what is the time frame of the "return" really?
OUM 7th Graduation
An exciting day for all of us, two people from home will be receiving their scrolls on this day. Sharal & Charlie (sis & bro). Of course it took much persuasion to get Charlie to attend the event but he eventually made it and it was great to have them both there!
The whole event gave me goosebumps and memories of my own ceremony came flooding in. Felt honored and special to be present there, even more special if i was the one walking up to receive my scroll.
My education aspirations have not come to a halt, in fact, they've developed even more! I am more inspired to continue my studies at some juncture in this lifetime. Be it in any part of the world, this is a sure reality, yet to come true.
Education is lifelong, not a full stop at any juncture. From the cradle to the grave, we are all forever studying. This is amazing. EVen more so when I do it myself.
Pics of the graduation is to come. Look out for it.
The whole event gave me goosebumps and memories of my own ceremony came flooding in. Felt honored and special to be present there, even more special if i was the one walking up to receive my scroll.
My education aspirations have not come to a halt, in fact, they've developed even more! I am more inspired to continue my studies at some juncture in this lifetime. Be it in any part of the world, this is a sure reality, yet to come true.
Education is lifelong, not a full stop at any juncture. From the cradle to the grave, we are all forever studying. This is amazing. EVen more so when I do it myself.
Pics of the graduation is to come. Look out for it.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tea-Break-Snack : Minced Meat Patties

Result of my tea-time-snack : Baked Minced Meat Patties. It was a mixture of a few readings on other recipes but with a few added ingredients here and there, it turned out tasting fantastic!
Ingredients include: potatoes, carrots, chiilies, spices
Healthier tea time snack option than the usual famous goreng stuff ;)
Monday, November 16, 2009
A well said article - For the women of ages 30 and above..
CBS - 60 Minutes lemondrop:
Here is a piece written by Andy Rooney - CBS 60 Minutes.
As I grow in age, I value women who are over 30 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:A woman over 30 will not lay next to you in bed and ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.
If a woman over 30 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And, it's usually something more interesting.
A woman over 30 knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom.Few women past the age of 30 give a damn what you might think about her or what she's doing.
Women over 30 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get away with it.
Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.
A woman over 30 has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women.
Women over 30 couldn't care less if you're attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won't betray her.Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 30. They always know.
A woman over 30 looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women or drag queens.Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 30 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.
Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk or if you are acting like one! You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.Yes, we praise women over 30 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal.
For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of 30+, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year-old waitress.
Ladies, I apologize. For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free." Here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage, why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire Pig, just to get a little sausage.
Here is a piece written by Andy Rooney - CBS 60 Minutes.
As I grow in age, I value women who are over 30 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:A woman over 30 will not lay next to you in bed and ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.
If a woman over 30 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And, it's usually something more interesting.
A woman over 30 knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom.Few women past the age of 30 give a damn what you might think about her or what she's doing.
Women over 30 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get away with it.
Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.
A woman over 30 has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women.
Women over 30 couldn't care less if you're attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won't betray her.Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 30. They always know.
A woman over 30 looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women or drag queens.Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 30 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.
Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk or if you are acting like one! You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.Yes, we praise women over 30 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal.
For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of 30+, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year-old waitress.
Ladies, I apologize. For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free." Here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage, why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire Pig, just to get a little sausage.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Tony in action
Friday, October 09, 2009
ATP World Tour 250 Series
This is probably the worst way to start this blog - I'm NOT an ardent fan of tennis but I went for the recent ATP World Tour tournament. With very little or no time for research into what I was going for, I relied fully on my pal, Sumi to be my narrator.
Our tickets placed us on the front row. Which was too close for comfort even coz the balls hit the spectators a few times. But I'm not complaining... It was good exposure - physically during the game and for my 1st time in a real-life-international-tournament.
With a basic understanding on scoring system used in badminton games, I could grasp the game enough to enjoy the show. With wanting to really know more about this game which has driven my pal crazy, I decided to google it up. Some of the basics I feel I should know be4 watching the game itself are the info as below.
To begin with, the ATP is the Association of Tennis Professionals (1972). Since 1990, the association has organized the principal worldwide tennis tour for men, the ATP Tour, which was renamed in January 2009 and is now known as the ATP World Tour. (source - Wikipedia)
The ATP Tour comprises Grand Slams, ATP World Tour Masters 1000, ATP World Tour 500 series, ATP World Tour 250 series, ATP Challenger Series, and Futures tournaments. The ATP tour also oversees the World Team Cup, played in Düsseldorf in May, and the ATP Champions Tour for seniors.
Now, the one held in KL this year was one of the 250 series. Being the first time Malaysia hosted this event, the reviews were good as in no player drop out, organized well enough to keep out trouble. HOWEVER, there's much much more to be improved for future events, from the court management, to ticketing, marketing and the event itself. But kudos to the organizers for a good start!
Here's the player ranking since September 28, 2009
1) Roger Federer
2) Rafael Nadal
3) Andy Murray
4) Novak Djokovic
5) Juan MartÃn del Potro
6) Andy Roddick
7) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
8) Nikolay Davydenko
9) Fernando Verdasco
10) Gilles Simon
11) Robin Söderling
12) Fernando González
More about the game will come up in the next few entries. Below are some pictures for the memory..

For some1 whose not seen or known or heard about F Gonzalez, it will come as a shock wen he smashes his racket or sits down in the court, waiting for his opponent. Yet, he was adorable..
Truly an unforgettable memory!
Our tickets placed us on the front row. Which was too close for comfort even coz the balls hit the spectators a few times. But I'm not complaining... It was good exposure - physically during the game and for my 1st time in a real-life-international-tournament.
With a basic understanding on scoring system used in badminton games, I could grasp the game enough to enjoy the show. With wanting to really know more about this game which has driven my pal crazy, I decided to google it up. Some of the basics I feel I should know be4 watching the game itself are the info as below.
To begin with, the ATP is the Association of Tennis Professionals (1972). Since 1990, the association has organized the principal worldwide tennis tour for men, the ATP Tour, which was renamed in January 2009 and is now known as the ATP World Tour. (source - Wikipedia)
The ATP Tour comprises Grand Slams, ATP World Tour Masters 1000, ATP World Tour 500 series, ATP World Tour 250 series, ATP Challenger Series, and Futures tournaments. The ATP tour also oversees the World Team Cup, played in Düsseldorf in May, and the ATP Champions Tour for seniors.
Now, the one held in KL this year was one of the 250 series. Being the first time Malaysia hosted this event, the reviews were good as in no player drop out, organized well enough to keep out trouble. HOWEVER, there's much much more to be improved for future events, from the court management, to ticketing, marketing and the event itself. But kudos to the organizers for a good start!
Here's the player ranking since September 28, 2009
1) Roger Federer
2) Rafael Nadal
3) Andy Murray
4) Novak Djokovic
5) Juan MartÃn del Potro
6) Andy Roddick
7) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
8) Nikolay Davydenko
9) Fernando Verdasco
10) Gilles Simon
11) Robin Söderling
12) Fernando González
More about the game will come up in the next few entries. Below are some pictures for the memory..
Truly an unforgettable memory!
a mini reunion @ the Gardens
A yummy-licious food fiesta at the Gardens.. No price for guessing but this is a very famous Taiwanese food restaurant @ The Gardens.
We had to queue up for our turns and even whilst eating, the queue was getting longer. Take note it's only cash term accepted here...
Below: The girls dig in (PW & KW --> clockwise)Wednesday, October 07, 2009
based on rock solid Foundation, here's my finding...
Gunung Datuk Climb
21st of March - Gunung Datuk Climb with Roc & her Kinabalu climbers troop. It was a steep climb and for me - it was an impromptu trip. I have already quit gym during this time and the only physical activity I was involved in actively was yoga.
But the climb was worth it. Here's some pictures to show for it.


(1) wrappin' tape around one of the boys shoe sole. (2) 200m above sea level



But the climb was worth it. Here's some pictures to show for it.
(1) & (3) at the peak (2) a small stream at the foot of the hill.
After tat, we drove back to Roc place in Malacca. After a hot shower, i took a bus back to KL while the sisters stayed back to rest at home. As how we used to write in our karangan during school days... walaupun letih, saya berasa sangat gembira...
Phone overload!
It's about time!
Finally transferred all images from my trustable Sony to the pc after what seems like months!
Why after so long?
Misplaced the transfer cable AND the card reader. But haven't quite got to looking for it till today :)
However, I still need to locate the transfer cable to take the pics from the phone memory since I've only managed to clear the memory stick. Well, another spring cleaning is underway i suppose. Now i need to start documenting each images be4 my memory fails me. adios!
Finally transferred all images from my trustable Sony to the pc after what seems like months!
Why after so long?
Misplaced the transfer cable AND the card reader. But haven't quite got to looking for it till today :)
However, I still need to locate the transfer cable to take the pics from the phone memory since I've only managed to clear the memory stick. Well, another spring cleaning is underway i suppose. Now i need to start documenting each images be4 my memory fails me. adios!
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