Isnin yang bosan

Isnin datang lagi.

Kenapa yah, Isnin selalu tidak menggembirakan?

Alicia dan rombongan (he he) sudah kembali ke Kuala Lumpur. Beberapa hari mereka di sini terasa sangat cepat berlalu. Belum puas lagi beramah mesra dengan mereka.

Apapun, thanks very much for visiting me. Tak sangka they sudi menginap di teratak buruk yang cuma ada tilam dan bantal busuk saja. Ha ha. (Tut, can u imagine San tidur atas tilam nipis dengan kipas angin saja?) I feel very touched, despite of their social standard, they humbled themselves and sudi to be my guests in my very simple house. Thanks a lot Alicia, San and Indai Alicia. Your visit means a lot to us.

Hari ini I went to work. Ajar tuition dua sesi. Urgh..aku dah tak tahan nak buat kerja ni. Kena terus positive nih! Positive innnnnnn.... negative outtttttttt.... positive innnnnnnnn......negative outtttttttt....phuurrrrrr....

Meanwhile, ni ada lagi sorang mamat hampeh yang masih lagi bertahan dengan konsep 'bukit' dia. Hu hu hu.

Bukan nak mengumpat atau mengejek dia. In fact, I dah gelakkan dia over the phone masa kami berbual tadi. Lepas tu scolded dia kuat-kuat sampai dia minta ampun suruh berhenti nagging. Tapi lepas tu dia tetap pertahankan pendirian 'bukit' dia. He he he.

I tak da lah marah kat dia. Sakit hati pun tidak. Dah biasa bertengkar dengan dia. He's a very good friend of mine. Kami sudah berkawan bertahun-tahun lamanya. Boleh kira dia ni cuma satu-satunya guy friend I yang paling rapat dan kenal dalam dan luar I. Ada sorang lagi lah, tapi dia sudah masuk kategori lain, iaitu kategori Monyet. Ha ha! Itu kategori special, cuma ada satu tempat saja dalam kategori itu.

Anyway, this 'bukit' friend keep insisting that my education, skills, knowledge and experience will have no value in Australia. Therefore, I should be prepared my mental that I'll only be good for house keeper, cashier, baby sitter or those celaner at the shopping mall. I thought he was joking at first but knowing him for over 8 years now, I noted in his tone that he was serious. I was like....erm, ooookkk, so you are saying pretty much whatever I have now can't be sold in there?

To my surprise, he say yes. Then added, you'll be pretty much like those Bangla in here. Even with qualifications, they won't recognise you. So you better be prepared for works like cleaning the mall floor or house keeping.

Duh! Did he really think I am only worth that much? If I didn't know his 'bukit' mind I would take it as a serious offend. It's not that I'm saying I am a big person or anything like that, it's true I'm only a normal person with limited qualifications and knowledge... but I wouldn't let myself of anyboy set my ability to be limited only for house keeper, baby sitter or cashier! Sorry, not in this life.

I know what I am capable to do. Ya, I'm willing to do any job including those mentioned above because there is nothing wrong with those jobs. But no, I refuse to agree that my ability, knowledge, skills and education is only good enough for those cleaning job. Better qualifications might give me a good pride and better job prospects but I really don't agree with the idea of having limited qualification will stop me from persuing my dreams and ambition.I won't give up my dreams and become a cleaner or tea lady just because I move to a country that requires me to compete with others! At the end of the day, it's not the paper that determine what I can actually do. It's my skills, experience and correct attitutes.

To Mr.'Bukit' Best friend , I am still laughing at your silly idea. Kah kah kah kah kah!

Oh, and he wants a proof that my father's house in kampung has Astro receiver. Ha ha ha ha! Isn't it funny? I asked him why didn't he go to my father's house last time he was in KK. He answered, I didn't know where to catch the boat. Wakakakakakakakakakah! Goodness me, I'm still rolling on the floor!

Next time I go back to my father's house I'll try to catch a boat to Kampung Patau. I'll definitely be 'in the same boat' with him because for sure I will not know where to catch the boat from. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Sorry T, I made fun of you here. No offence to you, OK? One day when you and your wife are free, I'll take you two to my kampung so you can witness my father's Astro receiver for yourself. Oh, and together we will find the jetty to my kampung. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Sorry, I'm too amused. Better stop laughing now and keep hitting that babe on the corner. Here, my new hobby:

(Oh no, not this one. This is only because I have no Monkey to mow the lawn!)

*Picture Deleted*

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*Picture Deleted*

Mimpi yang jahat

Terbayang-bayang dalam kepala tentang mimpi petang tadi. Walaupun cuma mimpi, tak tahu kenapa sampai menganggu emosi aku.

Tak sangka pula termimpi insan yang pernah aku sayangi satu masa dulu. Itu kisah lama, kami sekarang masing-masing sudah ada kehidupan sendiri. Dia sudah lama aku lupakan. Kalau jumpa di tengah jalan, belum tentu aku akan sapa dia.

Kami berpisah dalam keadaan marah-marah. Masing-masing mahu menunjukkan siapa lagi ego. Bodohnya aku pada masa itu. Ketika berpisah, aku menganggap aku cumalah salah seorang dari teman wanita sampingannya. Maklumlah, dia dianugerahkan dengan wajah yang tampan dan kerjaya yang berjaya. Aku cumalah seorang wanita biasa yang kini semakin lemak berkrim menyakitkan mata.

Aku tidak menyangka dia sebenarnya berusaha menjejaki aku sejak aku angkat kaki meninggalkan dia tanpa sepatah kata. Melalui social network yang aku sertai, dia menemui aku. Sejak dari hari dia menemui aku, dia sering kali menghantar pesanan mesra sehingga membuatkan aku rasa bersalah kepada monyet yang aku sayangi.

Aku akui, aku merasa teruja mendengar khabar darinya. Ya, aku pernah menyayanginya...tapi itu dulu. Dia kini tinggal dalam lipatan sejarah lama, aku tidak mahu lagi mengimbasnya. Pesanan-pesanan yang ditinggalkan aku biarkan tidak berbalas. Ada antaranya tidak kubaca. Timbul juga perasaan kasihan, apa salahnya berkawan. Mungkin niatnya baik, semata-mata ingin berkawan.

Dalam mimpiku petang tadi, aku bertemu dengannya di tempat kami mula berkenalan. Aku merasa sangat gembira berjumpa dengannya. Perasaan itu adalah sama dengan perasaan sewaktu kami masih lagi berkasih. Dalam mimpi itu, aku berpimpin tangan dengannya dan kami saling mengasihi.

Apabila aku terjaga, perasaan itu masih berbekas dalam hati. Tiba-tiba aku merasa rindu terhadapnya. Aku mahu bercakap dengannya. Aku mahu menatap wajahnya.

Setelah terjaga sepenuhnya, aku masih lagi merasa perasaan yang aku alami dalam mimpi. Aku mula bingung. Apakah maksud semuanya ini? Mungkinkah aku sebenarnya rindu pada monyetku yang berada jauh di mata, tetapi teralih kepada watak dalam mimpiku? Atau, mungkinkah benar aku merinduinya?

Beberapa jam yang lepas, aku membuka peti suratku dan membaca pesanan-pesanan yang ditinggalkannya. Aku teringin membalasnya...tapi aku rasa bersalah pada monyetku. Jika aku balas sekalipun, apa yang patut aku tulis?

Midget, don't be silly. Itu cuma mimpi! Mainan tidur semata-mata!

Urgh...mimpi yang jahat! Urggghhh!!!

Mungkin aku perlu tidur sekarang dan bermimpi tentang perkara yang lain.

Aku tak dendam

Hmm...teringat pula kat budak-budak yang telah menjahanamkan mood aku menulis di blog lama. Asalnya aku memang marah kat mereka. Kalau marah boleh ditimbang sukat dengan api, dah terbakar rumah bapak diaorang. Begitu punya membara marah aku kat budak-budak tu.

Entah bagaimana, aku tiba-tiba teringat nasihat pastor tentang perasaan marah. Aku terus menyesal kerana leka sehingga memberi ruang untuk perasaan marah masuk dan menguasai diri. Terasa bodoh dan malu terhadap tuhan, bukankah seorang Kristian bersifat sabar dan pemaaf?

Setelah membawa isu perasaan marah ini berulang kali di dalam doa, aku akhirnya mendapat upaya melawan kemarahanku. Bukan itu saja, aku juga berupaya memaafkan perbuatan mereka. Aku tidak lagi marah, jauh sekali berdendam. Sebagai manusia biasa, aku mungkin akan mengambil masa yang lama untuk melupakan perbuatan mereka...tapi itu sudah cukup baik kerana aku telah memaafkan mereka. After all, mereka juga cuma manusia biasa seperti aku. Kerdil dan berdosa.

Semoga tuhan memberkati mereka dan menyentuh hati mereka dengan caraNya sendiri...

Don't do this!

I feel sorry for this first-timer aircraft passenger.
Please don't do this ya? It's hilarious..

(Credit to today-joke.blogspot.com)

Love is for all

I feel much better now. My sister and her boyfriend are here to company me, they arrived this morning at half past four.

I got up this afternoon to find my buddies are already home from mingling with their mates in the neighbourhood. I haven't seen Mondow (the black cat) for two days, I thought he didn't want to come home anymore like his mother, Meck. Marong (the white cat) is the very faithful one, he usually comes home every night before 9 and go to bed with me.

Looking at them waking up with me touches my heart. I think animals understand love too. I managed to snap a photo of them before they completely got up and bugged me with their hungry meows..

Mysterious pain...

I had two appointments at the hospital today. Both at the same time, 8 a.m., but different buildings. One of the things I don't like about me is that I am very bad at remembering all the medical terms the doctor used to refer on my 'unwell part of body'. Though, I remember what they did and aware of the reasons why they had to do it.

First appointment was to go to O&G and get my blood 'sucked out' from my vein. Unlike all of my previous 'blood sucking' sessions, this time is different. They needed me to fast the night before and then after they took the first specimen, they needed me to drink diluted sugar. I then had to wait for two hours after consuming the sugar water before the next blood specimen collection.

I don't mean to complain much about it, but I have to, something is bothering me about the way they run the place.

I didn't mind it much when I found out they already served the diluted sugar in the glass, but I mind it that they didn't make any effort to cover them! How could they ignored the importance of hygiene in the hospital? Doesn't matter, I'm not that pembersih anyway. I am a country girl, I guess I already picked up all those germs from our childhood playgrounds ~ paddy field, fish pond, river, drains...and so on and so forth.

There is this one thing that really disturb me. I'll try not to make it sounds too harsh or negative, there might be a good explanation for it.

The trolley and tray they put the diluted sugar were shared with the small specimen bottles, the one people put their urine! When I saw that......I was like... yuckkkkk..how could they do this!!! There were three bottles on the same tray with the diluted sugar, one was very brown in colour. The image of the brown colour urine was really disturbing me. Yuckkkk!

I looked around and spotted another trolley next to the specimen collection room. There was a black bottle there, it was opened. I didn't know what inside it until I saw a pregnant-looking lady took something from it. It was a stick. I recognised what it was. That's the thing nurses dip in urine to determine the presence of HCG. I was then thinking, maybe....just maybe, that was the tray for specimen collection? I tried to look for notes like 'Place your specimen here' or ' Sugar Water Only' but there was none. Well, what can I say? I see many nurses walking past the trolley, none of them did anything about it. The patients were responsible of it too, how could they be so ~~~~~~ ( or should I say ignorant), tak kan tak tahu beza tray minuman dengan tray air kencing?

I talked myself to remove the brown colour urine image from my head and finally managed to finish my sugar. After all, I was there to get free treatment, not to inspect their system. Plus the nurses at that particular unit were very helpful and cheerful. All the doctors (specially the handsome young Indian gyne) were very friendly and informative too. Hu hu..

After I finished my sugar, I went to the x-ray unit. I needed to do the fallopian tube check in there. Again, I forgot the medical term for it...

It was a quite embarrassing procedure for me. Maybe if the medical officer who performed the procedure was not young and handsome, I won't be too embarrassed. Ha ha. Getek. Good thing he was aided by two young female assistants, it helped my embarrassment a little bit.

They had to force open my uterus with a duck-beak-looking instrument. Then, they put in a long metal piece into my uterus. It was used to inject the special liquid into my uterus. Then they x-ray-ed it to see if the liquid went through my fallopian tubes successfully. I looked at the screen, all I saw was the metal piece, the rest didn't make any sense to me.

I was briefed on what I should expect during and after the procedure. The officer was really good, he entertained and answered all my questions ethically. He involved me in the procedure by telling me every step he did and asked me to tell him to stop if I feel any pain. He kept telling me I should expect only discomforts during and after the procedure. No pain. OK. Sound good to me. No extreme discomfort in the early stage of procedure, which was excellent. But when he injected the liquid, good lord, I screamed! It was very painful. They did the x-ray quickly and then the procedure was finished.

The medical officer told me everything was good, no blockage in my tubes. Thank you god for giving me good fallopian tubes.

I went back to the O&G unit to give my second blood specimen. That's when the real torture begin. They said they must not 'suck' my blood out from the same vein they did for the first specimen. The problem was, they could not see any other veins on both of my arms other than the one they did earlier. The officer tried his best, and his best was to guess where were my veins. The first attempt failed. He came up with an idea to take it from the top of my hand. I was like, Ooooooookkkkkk, you mean here? (pointing on the top of my hand and said oh no, not there... to myself) I told him he might hurt me. They made me took drips through there once, it was extremely painful. He rest assured me it will only feels like a bite of a small tiny ant.

Right. Small tiny ant ah? Here, take my hand and please make it quick then.

And as I expected, it was far from a small tiny ant bite. It was more likely a bee stung. I contributed my second screams. Still, no blood taken. None of my blood vessels on my hand cooperated with us.

He said sorry to me, which actually no need, because he was just doing his job. Finally, he managed to get my blood. That was after he tight my upper left arm tightly and I had to grip on my fist very hard. *Long sigh* Finally.

About 2 p.m., I went home to my bed. Even Jazzy didn't greet me at the gate. What a lonely life without Monkey and my cousin....

After changing my clothes, something weird happened to me. I thought the medical officer told me I won't feel any pain after the procedure, just discomfort. But there was something pinching in my womb. Something like I'm having a period cramp. It started slow...and after a few second, I started to feel a severe pain in there. It spread all over my tummy and suddenly the pain was already on my rectum, my thigh muscles, my knees and my toes.

I sat on the bed. The pain then spread to my chest, my shoulder and into my fingers. I was sweating. I felt nausea. I lied down in my bed, trying to ease the pain but sadly there was nothing I could do to help it. I changed my positions, still didn't help the pain. I didn't know what was it, the medical officer said I should not experience pain. I was groaning and moaning, hoping it would go away...but to no avail. I rang Monkey and talked to him. It didn't help much too. He asked me to rest, what else he could offer.

There was a point when I notice the tips of my fingers started to feel cold and numb. I got concerned so I tried to reach for my hand phone to call 999 but I guess I didn't manage it because I don't remember talking over the phone asking for ambulance. I don't remember what exactly happened after the thought of calling 999, all was blank. I don't remember feeling sleepy as well, but I found out myself waking up from a sleep with a large head ache about 7 p.m.

I'm not sure whether I fell asleep or pass out after the thought of calling 999. What makes me puzzled right now is that I don't feel that pain anymore, except for the the large headache. What was it, where did it go? All I feel down there right now is discomfort, as if I'm having a light menstrual pain, exactly like what the medical officer told me.

I wish I knew what happened to me before.

Whatever it is, I thank god I'm still alive.

My two bickering friends: BITCH VS PUSSY

Yes, you read it right.

I have these two friends that express their love for each other through bickering. If nature allowed them, I believe they would choose to live happily ever after as husband and wife. Sadly, they do not have that option and therefore, they could only be good friends. Bickering yet loving friends. They are the most perfect example on how powerful is the power of love. Because of love, even cats and dogs would shake hands and forget their never ending issue, started by their ancestors. Here.........

JAZZY THE BITCH
VS
MONDOW THE PUSSY

Do you know anything about F.U.C.K?

In ancient England, people could not have sex without consent from the king. When people wanted to have a child, they had to solicit a permission to the monarchy. In turn, they would supply a plaque to hang on their door when they had sexual relations. The plaque read...

"FORNICATION UNDER THE CONSENT OF THE KING" (F.U.C.K)

This is the origin of the word F.U.C.K

*What did you think I would write under this topic?

Roman Numeral ~ Not That Easy

(Credit to Strangeworld.com)

The numeric system known today as Roman Numerals utilizes only seven symbols, which are added and subtracted to form any number. A superscript bar over a number multiplies it by 1,000, and two vertical lines in addition to the superscript bar multiply a number by 100,000. Thus the common symbols are:

I = 1
V = 5
X = 10
L = 50
C = 100
D = 500
M = 1,000


= 5,000
= 10,000
= 50,000
= 100,000
= 500,000
= 1,000,000


= 1,000,000
= 10,000,000
= 100,000,000
= 16,000 etc.
= 1,600,000 etc.

There was no symbol for zero

The rule is that when two figures are side by side, if the smaller is on the right, it is added to the larger, and if it is on the left, it is subtracted from the larger. So, VI = 6 and IV = 4. Exceptions to this rule are very rare.
Modern rules have also been added, and are that:

* No more than three of the same symbol can be repeated in a row, and V and L are never repeated.

* The smaller number preceeding a larger number cannot be more than two values lower than the other or be one-half of it. This leaves IV, IX, VL, XL, XC, LD, CD, and CM as the normal pairings, so we will most likely see 1999 written as MCMXCIX rather than MIM.

In reality, these rules were never followed by the Romans. To start, they used more than these seven symbols, and M was used only as an abbreviation of mille or milia, not used in combination with other symbols until the 15th century. Repetitions of numbers often exceeded the rule of three, but V and L were never repeated. Values including VIIII and even XXXXXX were common. The following table shows how much the symbols vary.

1. I

14. XIV

90. XC or LXXXX

2. II

15. XV

100. C

3. III

16. XVI

200. CC

4. IIII or IV

17. XVII

300. CCC

5. V

18. XVIII or XIIX

400. CCCC or C

6. VI or

19. XIX or XVIIII

500. D or I or

7. VII

20. XX

600. I C

8. VIII or IIX

30. XXX

700. I CC

9. VIIII or IX

40. XL or XXXX

800. I CCC

10. X

50. L

900. I CCCC

11. XI

60. LX

1,000. CI or M or or

12. XII

70. LXX

10,000. CCI or

13. XIII

80. LXXX or XXC

100,000. CCCI or

500,000. Q


*Message

On October XXXI, MCMXCIX we will attempt to rob the Last National Bank on MDLXXIX E. XXXVIIth Street in El Paso Texas. We will begin at XI o'clock in the morning. Each of the V of us will split the money. It will not be split evenly. Abel will get XXV%, Bob will get XXII%, Charlie will get XIX%, David will get XVIII%, and Eddie will get XVI%. If you need to contact me, call I-CXXIV-DLV-MMMDCLXXXIV

Cows from my students' crayons, a story from my late grandmother

Have you ever drew cows when you were little? If yes, what was it looked like?

I had fun grading my students' drawings.

We decided to draw their favourite Chinese horoscope and guess what, now I know cows from children's crayons can be descent, can also be scary.

Check out some of their drawings...

(Obedient cow. You call, it responds)

( Confused cow. "Why is my skin colour not even?")

(Happy cow. Ones with botox-ed lips)

(THE COW. THE SCARY ONE! )

If you ever see this cow, run for your life! Ancient Dusun people call it DUHARUNG. Tale has it that DUHARUNG could suck out your soul and then feast on your body!

How do I know it's a DUHARUNG? My late grandmother, Kiyik Kawi, told me she once survived from something what she believed to be a duharung. According to her, Duharung was an evil which could change into many different forms. Usually it took the animals' form, started from the smallest to the biggest animal before it attacked. Look at the picture above. It looked like a cow, but it's not. The ears and horns were goats', but it suppose to be a cow. The eyes look very cunning and the mouth..... cows don't smile like that!

My late grandma was only little when it happened to her. She went to a wedding reception with her parents one day. She decided to walk back home with her sister because it was already late, yet their parents stayed for more booze. Her sister was only a toddler that time, she had to carry her half way home for she had fallen asleep. It was very late at night, they were lucky the moon was full. Back in those days (early 1920's), there was no such thing as torch light in their home. When they travelled at night, they used either pilasut (home made gasoline lamp) or depended on the moon as their light.

Half way home (note that during those days, there was no road like these days), she saw a mouse crossing the pathway. She didn't suspect anything until she heard a weird sound, something like an animal was groaning in pain. She looked around...all she could see was a small tiny mouse, probably the same mouse crossing the pathway before. Being curious, she stopped to stare at it. To her surprise, the mouse started to change into a squirrel. She suddenly recalled all those stories and safety guidelines her grandfather made her recited every day. She knew it was DUHARUNG, the most feared creature during their period.

Without waiting any longer, she piggy-carried her sleeping sister and ran for their life. Her grandfather told her nobody could survive from the DUHARUNG if it caught its prey after it completed its last form, which should be the biggest animal it chose to be (not sure which animals). In my late grandma's case, lucky it was chasing them slowly because it was still changing its form. She heard many animals' sounds like chicken, cat, dog, monkey, buffalo, cow and horse during its transformation. After running about 100 metres with her sister on her back, she lost all her energies. She could hear the sound coming closer. She had no choice but to stop and hid in the bush, just at the side of the pathway. Her sister was awake and started to cry. She had to shut her sister's mouth firmly with her hand, and she herself had to hold her breath. She was not dare to open her eyes. She said to me, she thought they would die that very night.

The most scary part was when she heard the creature's steps slowing down near where they hid. She could hear the creature's loud breath. It was looking around for them. After a few minutes, it made a loud sound, which according to my grandma was a horse sound, before it ran away. She dared not to open her eyes and look at the creature for herself...so based on the sound it made, she just assumed the last transformation was a horse.

She was still not dare to open her eyes, nor taking off her hand from her sister's mouth until she heard people's voice. She hoped it was the villagers who were coming back from the reception too. My grandma waited until she was sure they were 'human' by listening if they made constant 'human' noise/sound. When the noise came closer, she opened her eyes and peeped, ya, they were the villagers she knew. She took her sister out from their hiding spot and joined the people. The villagers then walked them home safely.

I personally think the story is beyond logical acceptance, but coming from my very own grandmother... I can't say she told me a lie. She was born during the period where there was no religion and Dusun people worshiped the stone, trees or any large objects found in the nature. Maybe it was different during those days. Maybe evil were really dared to show their shape to human. Old people (including my grandparents on my father's side) keep saying 'atalang neh meti tembiruo dit gulu-gulu po' (long time ago evil could be seen in their real form). Plus, my grandma was an honest person, she never made up 'true stories'. I knew this because every time she told me Dusun fairy tales like Yongkor-ongkor om Yanak-anak, she would start with "Long time ago in a very far village, tales have it that there were..."

She died at a very old age. I was not physically there with her on her last day but I knew and she knew it too, my love for her was with her. Until this moment, I still love her very much. I am sure I will continue loving her until the very last of my breath. This particular story was told to me when I was very little. Hence, I grew up adoring my grandma's braveness and love for her sister. We visited her only during the school holiday...and I remember every time I was near her, I thought I love her more than I love my mother. (Now, please don't tell that to my mother....)

Odu...may you rest in peace. See you again in the next life.

Perfect Cartoon for me and Monkey ~ Ha ha ha!

The result indicated that I am not so clever!

Yai!

Except for the first two questions, I got the answers correctly. Try it, it's fun!

The Stupid Test to Determine Smart People

OK. Pay close attention. Here is a very simple little test comprised of four easy question to determine the level of your intellect. See if you have what it takes to be considered smart.

Your replies must be spontaneous and immediate, with no deliberating or wasting of time . and PLEASE no cheating!

On your mark, get set, GO!

1: You are competing in a race and overtake the runner in second place.
In which position are you now?

Answer: If you answered that you're now in first,
you're wrong!

You overtook the second runner and took his place, therefore you are now in second place.

For the next question try not to be so dim.

2: If you overtake the last runner, what position are you now in?

Answer: If you answered second to last, you are wrong once again.

Think about it...
How can you overtake the person who is last? If you're behind them, they can't be last.You would have been last.

It would appear that thinking is not one of your strong points.
Anyway, here's another question to try. Don't take any notes or use a calculator, and remember, your replies must be instantaneous.

3: Take 1000. Add 40. Add another 1000.
Add 30. 1000 again. Plus 20.
Plus 1000. And plus 10.
What is the total?

Answer: 5000?
Wrong again!

The correct answer is 4100.
Try again with good calculator.

Today is clearly not your day, although you should manage to get the last question right...

4: Marie's father has five daughters:
1. Chacha
2. Cheche
3. Chichi
4. Chocho
5. ?

Question: What is the fifth daughter's name?
Think quickly... you'll find the answer below..

Answer: Chuchu?
WRONG!

It's obviously Marie!
Read the question properly.

You are clearly the weakest link.
Now challenge your friends!

Getting ready to break up with my best buddies...

I received two heart-breaking emails from Monkey today. It's not anybody fault. Monkey is only being helpful and trying his best for us. True, in life, it's not always rainbow and butterflies. Sometimes things happen...

Here are the heart-breaking emails. Don't worry, these emails maybe quite personal but they are not a secret. My frustration is not a secret anyway...

Sent: Wednesday, 12 November 2008 12:26:51
Subject: dog import info.

Hi sweet.

Not really good news this time. I've attached the Australian Quarantine regs for dog and cat import from Malaysia.There are a lot of vaccinations and tests the dog needs to have done before it can leave Malaysia.

As it works out (mostly with the rabies vaccination and follow up blood test), the shortest period the dog could be in Quarantine here is 30 Days. (The longest 150days). The dog can only come to Sydney.With all the application fees and accommodation charges, it works out at AUD$1064 (RM2900) for 30 days, PLUS Airfare.

IF the dog stays in the Quarantine station for 150 days, it works out at AUD$2106 (RM5750) PLUS airfare.Not good news I'm afraid, my sweet. Sorry.

Mu'ah for now
Monkey

On a lighter note, I'm sorting out my tax and EPF arrangements over the next couple of days and getting together some more of the documents we need for the visa application.

Sent: Wednesday, 12 November 2008 1:17:47
Subject: Car Import

Hi sweet.

Just finding out about car import now. Looks like we have to have the car valued by an Australian Valuer when it arrives over here.

The way they value it is up to the fellow that values it. It seems that the way they estimate the import charges is like this:

Say the car is worth RM38,000...The customs duty on that is 10%.

So RM38,000 / Exchange rate (2.75) = AUD$13,818 x 10% = AUD$1381 (RM3,800)

The GST added to that again = Car Value PLUS Transport and Insurance costs (APPROXIMATE = RM10,000)SO, RM38K + 10K = 48K * 10% = RM4,800 (AUD$1745)

SO, total we pay to transport the car is RM8600 + RM10,000 (approx) for transport and insurance.RM18,600 (approx) to bring the Myvi into Australia! (AUD$6765)PLUS registration, Road Tax and Insurance here (approx AUD$850/RM2340)20K ++ WOW AH!!!

I asked for a quotation from a transport company to see how much they will charge but may take a week or so to get their quote back.

All for now my love,
Monkey

I replied with this and now ready to lie down and rest..
Suddenly I feel as if there is something very heavy on my chest..

Monkey darling,

About the cats and dog, I'm willing to let them go. We can't afford them. Realistically, we need the money more than pets, no question asked. Even though they are my very best buddies, they are soon becoming luxury items which we cannot afford.

*Sigh* Finally I have to face the reality.

I don't know what to do with them other than planning on ways to sending them to the animal shelter. I don't have a heart to put them to sleep, it's not me. If the people at the shelter decided to put them to sleep, just, don't tell me or ever mention it to me. I must get in touch with Joseph again and arrange volunteer works with them at the SPCA while I'm still here. This way, hopefully I won't feel too guilty leaving my buddies there soon.

My heart is now shattered into pieces. You know, it ached severely before it shattered. Have you any clue how it felt Monkey? If you haven't, you'll know it when you get back here and stare at the happy dog, playing hide and seek with the cats..

I swear I'll never have ANY pet again in my life. This is very painful. After this one, pretty much I'm done with breaking up. Never in my life I want to break up with anything anymore...so I better not to start anything when I knew at the end of the day, breaking up issue will arise. From now on, you and I must say no to pets. You'll have no choice now but to be my everything. I mean, seriously, EVERYTHING. That includes being a 'pet'. Don't argue, just say yes. Sometimes I got to be very bossy and you have to be scared of me so just say yes. It will make it a lot easier for me to deal with this break up.

About the car, I have no better option than to break up with it too, haven't I?

Another break up, eyy?

Boy, this isn't going to be easy. Now I start to understand moving to Australia is not merely about starting a new life. It's also about giving up with pretty much everything I love in here. The cats, the dog, the fish, the plants... and now the car. If money grew on trees, I'll start planting them now so we can have all the money we need in this life...

Now, please don't tell me I have to give up the VCDs, DVDs, CDs and books as well. Or else, I'll get more reasons to get stressed...

I better lie down and rest now before my head get any opportunity to consider another bowl of ice cream. They said resting helps the stress too.

Don't worry Monkey, the pets and I will be alright soon. I'll break the news to them when I'm ready.

Enjoy your water skiing tomorrow. Don't forget to look at the girls in bikini and tell me what's the bikini trend is like now. Don't stare at them thou..or else, you'll get 'eye shit' in the morning. Talk soon.

Luv ya,
Emotional Shorty
xoxoxo

Sedih...Keliru...

Bermacam-macam perasaan melanda diri kerdilku ini. Tidak tahu mana satu kah yang harus didahulukan. Ketika fikiran berkecamuk, hanya doa mampuku lafazkan, semoga yang Maha Kasih menyertai setiap langkahku...

Sedih
Ditelan mati emak, diluah mati bapa. Demikianlah perasaanku terhadap sepupu yang berada di bawah jagaanku. Aku ingin memberi yang terbaik kepadanya, memberikan dia peluang menikmati zaman membesar yang normal seperti rakan sebayanya yang lain. Jika ibu bapanya telah tiada, mungkin aku tidak akan berkecil hati jika tiada siapa membantuku menyediakan keperluan diri dan sekolahnya. Memandangkan ibu bapanya masih ada, sihat sempurna serta berpendapatan jauh lebih tinggi dari aku, tentu lah aku merasa jauh hati. Segala perbelanjaannya aku tanggung, walhal aku hampir tidak mampu menyara diriku sendiri. Esok dia kuterbangkan balik ke kampung untuk bercuti. Perancangan awalku ingin dia memasuki asrama penuh agar dia dapat manfaat yang lebih berbanding dengan sekolah harian. Disebabkan aku merancang untuk berhijrah, mahu atau tidak, dia terpaksa balik ke kampung kerana tiada siapa yang menjaganya di sini kelak. Tapi inikah yang terbaik untuk dirinya? Kepada siapakah dia mengadu nasib nanti? Kanak-kanak perempuan yang sedang meningkat remaja memerlukan idola untuk membesar. Seorang wanita dewasa perlu mendampingi dan memperkenalkannya kepada alam sebenar seorang wanita. Aku sudi menjadi wanita itu...tapi bagaimana nanti apabila tiba masa aku berangkat pergi? Entahlah...aku tidak tahu apa patut aku lakukan. Aku merasa sedih, mungkin esok adalah hari terakhir dia berada di bawah bumbungku.

Keliru
Sebelum ini aku ada meluahkan perasaanku tentang perihal pekerjaan yang aku tidak gemari. Aku telah nekad untuk meninggalkan bidang pekerjaanku dan mengepakkan sayapku selebar-lebarnya. Semasa aku mengalami kemerosotan keyakinan dan kesakitan hati akibat memaksa diri, aku telah berjumpa dengan ketuaku untuk menyatakan hasratku meletakkan jawatan. Cuma satu yang menghalangku, iaitu kontrak yang aku tandatangani semasa aku bersetuju menerima tawaran pekerjaan ini. Aku tidak menyemak dengan teliti tempoh kritikal perkhidmatan, aku terus menyetujui semua terma tanpa usul periksa kerana menyangka aku tidak akan bertukar fikiran lagi selama-lamanya. Itu khilafku. Ternyata hanya tuhan saja yang kekal, hati manusia sentiasa berubah. Aku difahamkan aku perlu berkhidmat selama lima tahun. Hasratku terbantut apabila mengenangkan kontrak masa kritikal perkhidmatan aku masih berbaki 2 tahun. Seminggu yang lepas, lantaran didorong oleh perasaan paranoid berpisah jauh dengan Monyetku, aku menghubungi kerani yang menuruskan perjanjianku. Aku meminta jasa baiknya menyemak semula fail ku. Aku terkejut dimaklumkan perjanjian itu sebenarnya hanya mengkehendaki 36 bulan tempoh kritikal sahaja, bukannya lima tahun! Sekelip mata segala perancangan berubah. Perubahan rancangan yang drastik ini sedikit sebanyak menganggu emosiku. Aku keliru dan takut. Rasanya aku belum bersedia untuk meninggalkan Malaysia. Aku telah membuat perancangan untuk dua tahun yang akan datang. Aku telah mengatur strategi peningkatan PNP untuk jangka masa dua tahun. Tempoh melangsaikan hutang-hutang juga aku sandarkan pada jangka masa tersebut. Aku tidak tahu dalam tempoh masa enam bulan ini, mampukah aku menstruktur semula rancangan dan melaksanakan semuanya dalam tempoh yang sebegini singkat. Arrrrggghhh!!! Jiwa kacau...

Perkara-perkara penting

10 perkara yang aku perlu rancang dengan teliti mulai minggu hadapan:

1.Pergi ke kedutaan Australia untuk mengemukakan permohonan visa dan taraf penduduk tetap Australia.

2. Merancang tempoh bertenang sebelum mengemukakan permohonan meletak jawatan kepada Kementerian Pelajaran.

3. Membuat keputusan sama ada membawa kereta berhijrah ke Australia ataupun menjualnya di sini.

4. Menghubungi jabatan kuarantin Australia dan meminta maklumat prosedur membawa anjing dan kucing-kucing kesayanganku ke sana.

5. Nak buat apa dengan perabot-perabot dan buku-buku yang banyak ni?

6. Menggunting kad-kad kredit dan melangsaikan bakinya.

7. Menyiapkan mental untuk memikul tanggungjawab sebagai Ketua Panitia pada awal tahun hadapan sekiranya bernasib malang diamanahkan tugas tersebut. Atau, patutkah aku berterus-terang dari awal kepada guru besar tentang rancanganku meletak jawatan?

8. Menyiapkan mental untuk memulakan hidup baru di negara lain.

9. Menguruskan persekolahan sepupu di bawah jagaanku. Perlukah aku menghantarnya balik ke kampung untuk bersekolah di sana, atau menerima tawaran sekolah berasrama di sini sekiranya ada?

10. Memotivasikan diri agar tidak lemah semangat menghadiri kelas yoga dan tarian. Yuran dah bayar, dancing shoes dah beli. Kalau hilang motivasi seperti kelas nyanyian dulu, tentu kepercayaan suamiku akan hilang dan tidak akan membiayai apa-apa hobiku lagi. Noooooooooooooo.......

Sad Sunday

I miss him. Won't be able to see him for a long time. I went to get Jazzy's supply alone, washed the car alone, cooked alone, slept alone... now crying alone. Sunday suppose to be our family day. Now that he is not here, my Sunday is ruined.

Sad Sunday.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

I miss him so much...

Lagi tentang sakit hati

Aku belum puas hati lagi merungut tentang sikap biadap bangsa Malaysia. Terus terang, aku berpendapat ramai bangsa Malaysia bukan sahaja biadap, mereka juga pengotor!

Aku tidak mahu bersikap pilih kasih dan menamakan kaum-kaum tertentu sahaja. Hakikatnya, semua bangsa Malaysia terlibat sama dalam perbuatan ini.

Dalam tulisan kali ini, aku akan menceritakan beberapa pengalaman bodoh aku berdepan dengan bangsa Malaysia yang biadap dan pengotor.

#1- Pengotor

Lokasi: LRT dari Stesen Universiti ke Stesen KLCC

Kejadian ini berlaku beberapa tahun dahulu semasa aku masih lagi bekerja di San Francisco Coffee sebagai barista. Outlet asal aku adalah Amcorp Mall tetapi pagi itu aku ditugaskan di KLCC membantu syif pagi. Dalam perjalanan menaiki LRT, seorang lelaki berpakaian kemas, mengenakan kot dan sepatu kulit yang berkilat duduk di sebelah aku. Mungkin kerana kebosanan, lelaki tersebut membuka beg komputer ribanya dan mencari-cari sesuatu di dalam begnya. Dia kemudiannya menemui apa yang dicarinya; sebiji gula-gula Hacks. Dia membuka bungkusan gula-gula tersebut, memasukkannya ke dalam mulut dan dengan selambanya membuang pembalut gula-gula tersebut ke lantai LRT. Melihat kejadian itu, darah menyirap ke muka aku!

Amboi, sedap kulum gula-gula? Kenapa pembalutnya buang ke lantai? Kasut awak berkilat, pakaian awak kemas dan bersih, kenapa nak kotorkan LRT?

"I believe this is yours".

Aku tidak sempat menahan diri daripada mengutip pembalut tersebut dan menyerahkannya kepada lelaki tersebut. Aku dapat melihat dari riak mukanya dia terkejut. Dia mengambil pembalut tersebut, membuangnya semula ke lantai dan menutup matanya, berpura-pura tidur. Aku baru ingin membuka mulut mencabar lelaki tersebut, LRT telahpun berhenti di stesen KLCC. Dengan hati sebal, aku mengutip pembalut gula-gula yang kini berada di dalam mulut lelaki tersebut dan menyelitkan ke dalam poketku.

Dalam hatiku berkata, "Perghh, bukan main kacak mamat ini. Sayang, pengotor!"

Mahu sahaja aku memijak sepatu kulitnya yang berkilat semasa melintasinya kemudian berlari sekuat hati ke pintu LRT. Tak sampai hati pula.

#2- Biadap

Lokasi: Putrajaya

Kejadian ini juga berlaku beberapa tahun dulu semasa aku mewakili kolejku dalam pertandingan kawad kaki kebangsaan di Kuantan, Pahang. Dalam perjalanan balik menerusi KLIA, kami singgah di Putrajaya untuk bersiar-siar dan mengambil gambar. Aku walaupun sudah pernah ke Putrajaya, aku belum berkesempatan melihat dengan lebih dekat lagi masjid yang menjadi salah satu tarikan Putrajaya. Aku mengambil keputusan untuk meninjau masjid tersebut. Sebelum masuk ke kawasan itu, aku diminta untuk mengenakan pakaian khas. Aku faham, masjid adalah tempat suci bagi penganut agama Islam. Aku menuruti sahaja syarat tersebut.

Semasa berjalan ke arah masjid, aku terlihat sebuah adegan menyakitkan mata antara pengawal keselamatan dengan sekumpulan pelancong Korea di hadapan pintu masjid tersebut. Tidak ingin masuk campur, aku memerhatikan gelagat mereka dari jauh. Daripada pengamatanku, pelancong-pelancong itu nampaknya seperti ingin memasuki ruangan masjid tetapi dihalang keras oleh dua orang pengawal wanita. Para pelancong sepertinya tidak berpuas hati kerana tidak mengetahui sebab musabab mereka dilarang masuk.

Di akhir adegan itu, dua orang pengawal keselamatan wanita tersebut berganding tangan menahan kemudiannya menolak kumpulan pelancong Korea itu daripada memasuki ruangan masjid. Dua orang wanita tersungkur. Pelancong Korea tersebut membuat banyak bunyi bising di dalam bahasa mereka sebelum beredar.

Aku yang tidak mengetahui hujung pangkal perkara itu kemudiannya memberanikan diri untuk bertanya kepada pengawal tersebut apakah yang sedang berlaku.

Salah seorang pengawal itu menjawab, "Dia bukan Islam, mana boleh masuk masjid. Kita dah kata tengok dari luar sahaja, dia tak faham-faham. Dia satu kumpulan nak rempuh masuk."

Oh, ini masalah komunikasi lah ni.

"Akak terangkan dalam bahasa Melayu ke Bahasa Inggeris?" aku mengajukan satu lagi pertanyaan.

"Aku mana reti cakap Inggeris. Cakap Melayu lah. Tak kan dia tak faham 'TAK BOLEH' (sambil menunjukkan isyarat tangan tak boleh)," pengawal itu menjawab.

"Pelancong Korea manalah faham bahasa kita kak," aku cuba membela pelancong tersebut. Aku rasa sedikit malu pula, aku terbayang esok-esok pelancong tu balik ke kampungnya diorang bawa cerita ditolak sampai tersungkur di depan masjid Putrajaya.

"Awak siapa? Diamlah!! Kami cuma bekerja!!"

Tiba-tiba pengawal yang seorang lagi mengherdik aku. Aku tersenyum sumbing. Cis..aku pun dah terkena sama dengan pelancong tadi.

Memandangkan mereka lebih tua dariku, aku tidak membalas. Aku dididik untuk menghormati orang tua. Perlahan-lahan aku beredar dan berpatah balik ke gate hadapan. Aku tidak tahu kenapa tiba-tiba aku tidak berminat lagi untuk melihat masjid itu lebih dekat. Mungkin kerana aku menyaksikan dua orang pelancong Korea ditolak sehingga tersungkur di hadapan masjid, mungkin juga kerana aku kecil hati pengawal itu berkata "...bukan orang Islam, mana boleh masuk masjid." Aku bukan beragama Islam, sudah tentulah mereka akan menolak aku juga walaupun aku telah mengenakan pakaian khas sebelum masuk ke kawasan itu.

Semasa aku beredar keluar aku cuba mencari-cari tanda larangan "Bukan Islam dilarang masuk" tapi tidak kelihatan di mana-mana.

Dalam hatiku berkata, "Kalau ya pun bukan Islam tak boleh masuk, tak payahlah tolak sampai tersungkur dan mengherdik pelawat. Biadapnya!"

Pemandu bas kami yang melihat aku balik ke bas seorang diri 45 minit awal daripada masa yang ditetapkan menyapa aku.

"Adik tak nak bersiar-siar ke? Masa panjang lagi ni."

"Tak nak lah Encik. Tadi ingatkan nak melawat masjid tapi pengawal tu kata bukan Islam tak boleh masuk."

"Laa..boleh lah. Siapa kata tak boleh. Jom saya temankan."

"Tak apalah Encik, terima kasih. Saya nak baca buku dalam bas."

Selepas kejadian itu aku tidak berkesempatan lagi melawat Putrajaya. Namun sehingga ke hari ini aku masih tertanya-tanya kenapa masjid di Putrajaya dibuka kepada pelawat umum sekiranya hanya penganut Islam yang dibenarkan melawat? Dan mengupah pengawal yang biadap? Gee..

#3- Biadap dan Pengotor

Lokasi: Belakang rumah aku

Kejadian ini berlaku beberapa bulan yang lepas. Dijadikan cerita, setiap kali pergi dan balik dari kerja, aku melalui sebatang jalan di belakang rumah aku yang pada masa-masa tertentu akan dijadikan sebagai lokasi pasar malam. Di seberang jalan tersebut terdapat satu kawasan lapang, tidak pasti mengapa kawasan itu dibiarkan lapang. Tidak mengapa jika semata-mata dibiarkan lapang. Namun yang menyakitkan hati, kawasan lapang tersebut disalah gunakan oleh banyak pihak sebagai tempat pembuangan sampah.

Di tepi kawasan tersebut telah dipacakkan satu notis besar dan jelas menyatakan "Dilarang membuang sampah di sini. Denda RM500" tapi nampaknya notis itu cuma menjadi pak pacak kat situ kerana peniaga-peniaga pasar malam tidak mengendahkannya. Buta huruf agaknya. Sudah dapat duit hasil meniaga, buang sampah ke tempat haram.

Aku bising bukan kerana aku dengki. Aku geram kerana tempat itu adalah belakang rumah aku. Bila sampah bertimbun kat kawasan itu, tikus pun banyak bertandang. Kalau duduk sekitar sampah sahaja aku tak kisah tapi tikus ini ada kaki, lepas bongkar sampah pergi pula bersiar-siar dekat kawasan rumah orang. Dah berpuluh kali aku menjerit terkejut bila aku buka pintu belakang untuk meletakkan ikatan sampah ke dalam tong untuk dikutip. Tikus bermaharajalela di tangga belakang rumahku. Bila aku membuka pintu belakang, tikus-tikus itu panik dan berkeliaran menyembunyikan diri ke longkang-longkang yang berdekatan. Mujur saja tidak meluru masuk ke dalam rumahku. Untung aku memiliki 3 ekor kucing. Aku agak merekalah yang membunuh tikus-tikus yang aku jumpa tidak bernyawa di ruangan laundry aku.

Bukan masalah tikus sahaja, mata aku sakit memandang kawasan itu setiap kali pergi dan balik dari kerja. Bau busuk jangan ditanya, lebih dari menjolok tekak. Satu hari semasa aku melalui kawasan itu, aku terlihat seorang peniaga tengah 'melupuskan' sampahnya di situ. Aku terpanggil untuk menjalankan tanggungjawab sosialku iaitu menegur peniaga tersebut. Aku tahu dia salah seorang peniaga daripada beg duitnya yang diikatkan di pinggang dan pada masa itu, pasar malam sudah hampir tamat. Aku memberhentikan keretaku seraya menurunkan tingkap di bahagian penumpang hadapan:

Aku: Maaf Encik, di sini bukan tempat pembuangan sampah. Ada notis kat sana, "Denda 500 ringgit."

Peniaga itu menoleh sambil terus membaling bungkusan sampah ke kawasan itu.

Peniaga: "Cilakak lu, suka hati gua mah, ini sudah manyak olang buang, lu kepoh apa hal?"

Aku takut juga, manalah tahu dia baling pula sampah tu ke kereta aku.Begitupun, hati aku dah panas peniaga itu jerit 'cilakak' kepada aku.

Aku: You sudah dapat duit meniaga sini, tolonglah jaga kebersihan. Saya duduk sini, tikus banyak datang kacau.

Peniaga: "Woi, lu mau gaduh kah!!!" ~> Sambil mencapai sesuatu dan berjalan ke arah keretaku.

Aku terus memecut pergi sambil menjerit-jerit dalam hati.

Sampai ke rumah, aku terus membuka pagar dan menarik muka masam apabila suamiku mengusikku dengan memercikan air dari hos getah.

"Why, darling? You don't like it?"

"........"

Aku sebenarnya nak marah kerana aku baru saja menyelamatkan diri dari peniaga yang pengotor dan biadap itu. Aku perlukan kata-kata dorongan, bukan percikan air. Jika aku izinkan diriku untuk bercakap pada masa itu, aku pasti mulutku tidak dapat menahan segala jeritan dalam hatiku sebentar tadi. Tentu itu tidak adil kepada suamiku yang rajin menyiram bunga.

Aku masukkan kereta ke perkarangan rumah, mematikan enjin dan menggantikan kasut tumit tinggiku kepada selipar jepun. Aku kemudian menuju ke arah suamiku, merampas hos getah dan menyembur air ke seluruh badannya. Aku kemudian melarikan diri tapi sudah terlambat, Monyet itu sungguh pantas. Dia telah membalas serangan sebelum sempat aku masuk ke dalam rumah.

Well, better to be sprayed with water than beaten with sticks!

Bangsa Malaysia, marilah kita menjaga kebersihan diri dan alam sekitar. Warga Singapura, Indonesia mahupun Thailand tidak akan rugi jika negara kita kotor. Yang rugi hanya kita sendiri.Marilah juga kita mengamalkan sikap toleransi dan berhemah. Belajarlah seni bercakap agar kita boleh menjadikan tempat ini mudah untuk kita hidup bersama.

Jika kita tidak mahu orang lain bersikap biadap terhadap kita, jangan bersikap biadap terhadap orang lain.

Cikgu aku dulu pernah menasihatkan kami sewaktu perhimpunan sekolah. Katanya, to change something, we must change first. Dengan kongsian itu, aku menamatkan kisah pengalaman bodohku kali ini.

Sakit Hati

Pagi kelmarin aku ke sebuah makmal hospital untuk menyerahkan specimen suamiku, seperti yang mereka kehendaki. Aku mengakui, aku telah terlewat 4 hari daripada tarikh sebenar temujanji. Aku yang tidak arif tentang selok belok rutin makmal hospital menyangka penghantaran specimen boleh dilakukan bila-bila masa kerana ia hanyalah specimen, tidak perlu berjumpa dengan doktor pun.

Bukan mudah untuk aku mendapatkan specimen ini. Suamiku terpaksa bekerja di luar daerah saban minggu. Jika bertuah, dia akan berkesempatan pulang ke rumah pada pada hujung minggu. Itupun, dia terpaksa bertolak semula ke tempat kerja pada petang hari Ahad. Walaupun menghasilkan specimen tidak menjadi masalah, penyerahan tidak dapat dilakukan kerana makmal tidak beroperasi pada hujung minggu. Mahu atau tidak, temujanji terpaksa diabaikan. Aku pernah bertanya bolehkah dia mengambil satu hari cuti untuk tujuan tersebut. Jawapan yang diberikan menghampakan, tapi aku faham, sekiranya dia tidak datang bekerja, kos yang terpaksa ditanggung adalah terlalu tinggi. Bukan kerana gajinya ditolak, tetapi kos operasi mereka terlalu tinggi. Dia tidak boleh mengambil risiko meninggalkan tempat kerja kerana pengalaman lepas telah membuktikan pekerja-pekerjanya tidak boleh diharapkan. Seminit sahaja kelalian seperti tempoh hari akan mengakibatkan kerugian tenaga dan wang beratus ribu ringgit. Sebagai pengurus projek, apa-apa yang berlaku di tapak projek adalah di bawah tanggungjawab suamiku. Jika berlaku lagi kerugian seperti yang lepas, suamiku tentu akan kehilangan kerja. Justeru, aku akur.

Memandangkan dia akan meninggalkan negara untuk satu jangka masa yang panjang, aku mengambil keputusan untuk menghantar specimennya pada pagi sebelum dia bertolak. Ini kerana dia cuma balik ke rumah pada malam sebelum dia bertolak, tidak ada kesempatan lain untuk berbuat demikian.

Sebaik tiba di makmal, aku menyerahkan specimen kepada seorang kakitangan lelaki yang sebelum ini mengaturkan temujanjiku. Aku kemudiannya meminta jasa baiknya untuk memberikan aku time slip untuk membuktikan aku telah datang ke makmal tersebut. Secara peribadi aku tidak memerlukan slip tersebut tapi ketuaku menegaskan aku perlu menunjukkan bukti aku lewat datang bekerja kerana sebab yang sah. Aku memahami tujuannya, dia cuma menjalankan tugasnya.

Sementara kakitangan makmal itu menyediakan time slip, kakitangan yang lain datang mengutip sampel tersebut. Ini merupakan perbualan antara kami:

Kakitangan A: Tunggu apa ek?

Aku: Tunggu time slip.

Kakitangan A: Ini awak punya ke? (Menunjukkan specimen suamiku)

Aku: (Amused) Tak, itu suami punya.

Kakitangan A: (Mendengus kasar) Tahu lah! Kenapa hantar hari ini?

Belum sempat pun aku jawab, datang kakitangan B.

Kakitangan B: (Bertanya kepada kakitangan A di hadapan aku) Dia hantar hari ni ke? Eh, kenapa hantar hari ni?

Kakitangan A: Ntah! Menyusahkan orang je!

Aku: .....................

Aku: Erm, excuse me, what is going on?

Kakitangan A: (Dalam nada hampir berbisik kepada Kakitangan B tapi sangat kuat dan tanpa memandang aku) Malas ah nak layan. Tak pasal-pasal kene buat keje.

Kakitangan B: (Lalu depan aku sambil menjeling)

Aku merasakan telingaku berdesing dan jantungku berdetak kencang. Hello? Bila masa pula aku tiba di Petaling Street, dikelilingi oleh peniaga yang kurang ajar dan tidak berpelajaran? Ingatkan aku berada di makmal hospital..

Aku ingin bertanya lebih lanjut dan mendapatkan penjelasan tetapi tiada seorangpun yang melayanku. Yang ada cuma bibik-bibik makmal yang asyik mecebik-cebik kat aku. Kalau ikutkan panas baran aku, dah lama aku bertempik marah kerana bibik-bibik makmal itu sungguh biadap. Adakah patut aku yang bukan bibik makmal ini dimarahi tanpa mengetahui sebabnya, selepas itu ditinggalkan tanpa berpeluang menjelaskan keadaan aku?

Ya, bibik-bibik itu berhak marah jika aku merosakkan peralatan makmal mereka, tapi aku tidak berbuat apa-apa. Aku cuma datang menyerahkan specimen dan berdiri menunggu time slip di luar pejabat.

Akhirnya, seorang kakitangan lain datang kepadaku, juga dengan muka bengang.

Kakitangan C: Puan, kenapa hantar sampel hari ni? Kami buat pada hari Isnin dan Khamis saja!

Aku: Maaf cik, sebenarnya...

Kakitangan C: Awak tak tengok temujanji ke? Kenapa tak patuhi temujanji?

Aku: Sebenarnya Cik, ...

What!! Aku belum pun menghabiskan ayatku, bibik yang ini pun dah blah sambil menunjukkan isyarat badan yang tidak puas hati. Rupanya dia datang untuk memarahi aku sahaja.

Belum habis lagi. Mereka dengan nada kuat berbincang sesama mereka. I was like, hello..? I'm still here. There's no even thin wall here, if you don't know that.

Bibik A: Jadi kene buat lah ni. Shesh!

Bibik C: Ape lah, kan ade temujanji. Dah menyusahkan orang.

Bibik B: Tak payah buat aa. Buat tak tau je!

Dan banyak lagi perbualan mereka yang membingitkan telinga aku. Nak saja aku datang ke meja mereka dan menampar mereka satu persatu. Biadap sungguh bibik-bibik makmal itu.

Aku mengakui aku salah, aku dah lewat menghantar sampel. Aku juga tidak mengetahui rutin mereka. Yang aku tahu, suamiku berada di luar daerah pada hari temujanji dan sekembalinya ke rumah, dia akan bertolak ke luar negara keesokkan harinya. Sebab itulah aku menghantarnya hari tersebut.

Susah ke untuk menjelaskan kepadaku mereka tidak dapat menerima specimen pada hari tersebut? Bagitau lah baik-baik, hari itu bukan hari memproses specimen jenis itu. Tentu aku dengan rendah hati merasa segan dan akan meminta maaf berulang kali. Aku juga bersedia untuk menerima tarikh baru untuk menghantar specimen. SUSAH SANGAT KE? Perlukah mereka menarik muka masam dan bersikap biadap? Perlukah mereka membentak-bentak dan menyakitkan hati pelanggan mereka? Hey, aku boleh saja mengamuk di situ dan mempertikaikan etika kerja mereka. Tapi jika aku berbuat demikian, apa bezanya aku dengan mereka?

Inilah salah satu sikap orang Malaysia yang aku tidak faham. Mengapa ramai bangsa Malaysia yang biadap, tidak berbudi-bahasa? Bibik-bibik makmal ini bukanlah orang pertama yang aku jumpa bersikap begini. Pemandu bas, pemandu teksi, pekerja imigresen, doktor, guru, kerani, penjaga tandas, pengawal keselamatan, kakitangan bank dan tidak ketinggalan juga orang awam, semua golongan dan lapisan masyarakat pasti ada yang bersikap biadap. Sikap biadap bangsa Malaysia ini memang sangat ketara sehinggakan kerajaan Malaysia terpaksa mengadakan kempen budi bahasa, siap dengan lagu yang dinyanyikan oleh Siti Nurhaliza. Sampai begitu sekali kroniknya tahap kebiadapan bangsa Malaysia.

Mujurlah kakitangan lelaki yang menyambut kedatanganku tadi keluar dari pejabatnya dan menghulurkan time slip yang aku minta. Jika lebih lama lagi aku mendengar perbualan biadap bibik-bibik tersebut, aku mungkin hilang sabar. Aku segera menjelaskan kepadanya tentang hal kelewatanku menghantar specimen dan bersedia mengambil tarikh baru jika hari itu tidak sesuai untuk mereka memproses specimen. Dia dengan muka manis dan bersopan menyatakan tidak perlu bimbang, sepatutnya kelewatan itu tidak menjadi masalah dan aku tidak memerlukan tarikh baru untuk menghantar specimen. Dengan adab seperti itu, sekalipun dia beri tarikh baru tiga bulan atau setahun dari sekarang pun aku tak sakit hati.

Sebelum menghidupkan enjin kereta, aku membelek time slip yang aku perolehi dari makmal tersebut. Ia ditandatangani oleh kakitangan lelaki tadi. Daripada nama dan cop rasminya, aku dapat mengetahui dia berasal dari Sarawak. Wajarkah aku mengatakan 'Ohh.. patutlah berbudi berbudi bahasa?'

Tak seperti bibik-bibik tadi yang cuma nampak mukanya tapi hatinya terpampang jelas, busuk bernanah!

Bad Hair Day

Bad hair day! Better not talking about that.

Still looking for a house. My god, why is it very hard to find one that I like?

Anyway, not all are doomed. Today my bestie, 1010KL, rang and told me she's coming to pay me a visit. Yeah! Yeah!

Gotta jump to bed now. Sleepy lah...

Ciao!

First day at yoga and dancing lessons

Yeeezzzaaaa..!

Just got back from yoga and dancing lessons. My first time for both classes. I didn't learn much yoga tonight. Just the breathing technique and a few yoga steps. Everything was aching when I bend. I remember a friend told me someone told her that she is definitely a young woman with a 65 year old woman's energy. Oh, no. Not me. Not 65. Maybe 50 lah... muda sikit. Har har har.

Dancing was good. I learned the Cha cha steps very quick, in within 20 minutes I could remember them already. Just the steps lah... of course minus all the lenggang-lenggok, specially on the hips area. I looked at myself in the mirror thought, hey, who's that piece of wood? But never mind bah... it's only my first lesson. There will be more classes and practices soon. Yang penting, it's a good and enjoyable form of exercise. Harap lah aku nak berjogging sekitar housing area, ye lah, jogging sorang-sorang mana best. Sekurang-kurangnya dengan menari, aku boleh bersenam dan bergembira sekaligus.

You know, two days ago I heard the news Muslims are discouraged to practice yoga as their exercise. Those 'people in-charge' said it's a ritual performance by one particular religion. They recite mantras during yoga and it meant to make them closer to their god. Therefore, Muslims must avoid yoga at all. A fatwa will be issued regarding this matter.

Being a first timer at yoga lesson, I was wondering whether or not I have to recite mantras. It freaks me a bit because if my pastor knew, he will surely bring it up in the pray meeting sessions and I'll be infamous. Ha ha, I'm just kidding you, pastor. Sorry.

When the lesson started, I waited for the instructor to approach me and teach me the mantras. Ya, she did approached me... but not to teach me mantras. She taught me the breathing techniques. I wanted to ask whether I will be given a piece of paper with full of mantras to be memorized, but I was too shy, so I didn't ask. After the breathing techniques lesson, I watched my fellow yoga students performing the exercise. Aik? How come they started straight away? When is the mantra session? In the news, it stated clearly there are mantras, where are they?

I keep waiting for the mantra session but to no avail, it never happened in the lesson. Nobody ever mention about mantras. After the one hour lesson, they all talked about everything but mantras. Errrmmm... did I read in the newspaper about those mantras in yoga two days ago? Or, was it in my dream...? Errmm... no, really, I read it two days ago!

But why no mantras, just exercise?

Never mind, I'll be attending more classes soon. Maybe they are saving those mantras for next lesson. Wait ah...I'll find out more about it soon.

Please don't take it as an offence. I don't mean to create any provocation here. I'm just curious because they are going to ban Muslims from practicing yoga as a form of exercise. They said yoga could harm Muslims 'akidah'. I'm just wondering how is that true, because I've been to yoga and it is purely exercise. I am a little confused now, if the news is true then I myself cannot do yoga anymore. It will be against my religion as well. Well, I guess I'll have to go to the next lesson and ask my instructor what she thinks about it.

*Yawn*

Aduh... mata dah mengantuk pula. Masuk tidur dulu lah. Good night. *Yawn*

Bahagiakah Aku?

Semenjak dua menjak ini kehidupan rumahtanggaku tidak teratur. Pekerjaanku menuntut terlalu banyak masa dan tenaga. Apabila aku pulang ke rumah, aku cuma ingin membersihkan diri dan tidur. Keesokan paginya, aku mengulangi semula rutin tersebut.

Suamiku kini terpaksa bekerja di luar daerah dan cuma pulang ke rumah sekali seminggu. Bebanan kerjanya sangat berat dan memenatkan. Tekanan kerjanya juga terlalu kuat. Aku merasa kasihan, tapi apakah yang boleh aku lakukan? Aku cuma mampu menjadi pendengar setia luahannya walaupun kadang-kadang, aku terlalu penat untuk mendengar. Tidak mengapalah, aku kan isterinya. Bukankah aku telah berjanji untuk bersamanya di masa senang mahupun susah?

Bahagiakah aku dengan kehidupan yang serba kelam kabut ini?

Ya, aku bahagia. Kebahagiaan tidak semestinya bermaksud bercuti di pusat peranginan terkenal dan berbalas renungan di bawah cahaya lilin. Kebahagiaan juga tidak semestinya bermaksud wang yang banyak dan bergelak ketawa sepanjang masa. Kebahagiaan boleh juga datang bertandang semasa sepasang suami isteri berada di dalam kesukaran. Kebahagiaan lebih manis rasanya apabila sepasang suami isteri berjaya melalui sesuatu kesukaran bersama-sama. Siapa kata kebahagiaan cuma untuk pasangan yang bebas dari masalah?

Walaupun ketika ini kami berada di bawah tekanan pelbagai masalah, aku tetap merasa bahagia. Aku lihat wajah suamiku dan aku faham, dia tidak mempunyai jawapan bagi setiap persoalan. Namun aku tahu, dia tidak akan melepaskan genggaman tangannya dari tanganku. Cuma itu yang aku perlu tahu. Itu sudah cukup membahagiakan aku.

Oh, kami membuat keputusan kami tidak lagi memerlukan rumah yang begini besar. Cukuplah rumah setingkat dengan tiga bilik dan porch yang boleh memuatkan dua buah kereta.

Sekiranya ada yang ingin menawarkan rumah single storey di Taman Pulai Utama atau Taman Pulai Flora, sila hubungi aku. Rumah diperlukan pada awal bulan Disember. Aku telah mencuba selama dua minggu untuk mencari rumah namun gagal menemui yang bersesuaian.

Mungkin aku perlu berdoa lebih kuat lagi.

Mendewasakan atau membinasakan?

Ada beberapa perkara penting yang telah aku pelajari semenjak 'terjebak' di kancah penulisan blog. Sebelum ini, kerakusan melanda seorang 'midget' sehingga sanggup mengendalikan lebih daripada tiga blog sekaligus. Akibatnya, dia akhirnya menyerah kalah kerana masa tidak mengizinkan dia mengurus kesemua blog-blog tersebut. Pelajaran pertama; kerakusan menjanjikan kekecewaan.

Semenjak aku memiliki akaun blog, aku merasakan beban tekanan kerja dan peribadi seakan-akan hanya mengambil masa yang singkat untuk meninggalkan aku. Mengapa? Kerana aku meluahkan semuanya di dalam tulisan aku. Merasa marah? Kecewa? Penat? Geram? Suka? Teruja? Tiada masalah. Pulang ke rumah, luahkan ke dalam blog. Marah lah semarah-marahnya, jeritlah sekuat-kuatnya. Tidak perlu risau, tiada orang yang tercedera. Semuanya hanya tulisan. Tidak perlu mencetuskan kekecohan di tempat kerja mahupun di rumah. Tulislah di blog, tentu mendapat kelegaan segera. Senang, bukan? Tapi tunggu! Tidak semudah itu. Tulisan di blog boleh di capai di serata muka dunia. Orang di luar boleh membaca dan menghakimi aku berdasarkan tulisan, walaupun tulisan itu tidak ditujukan kepada mereka. Mereka boleh mengunakan tulisan tersebut untuk menjatuhkan aku. Mereka menyalin tulisan tersebut dan menyebarkannya menerusi papan forum mahupun blog mereka sendiri. Mereka mengulas, mengulas, mengulas dan terus mengulas tulisan tersebut. Mereka kemudiannya mereka-reka kesinambungan tulisan tersebut. Seterusnya, dengan segenap hati mereka mempercayai apa yang mereka reka. Lebih teruk lagi, ada manusia yang menjadikan hal-hal yang aku tulis di dalam blog sebagai modal untuk dia menulis. Segala tulisan aku dianalisa dan di akhir tulisannya, sudah tentulah menegaskan bahawa setelah DIHAKIMI, aku ternyata seorang penjahat yang menganggu sistem kehidupan orang lain. Selayaknya aku dicaci dan dihamun lantaran pendapat dan perasaanku terhadap perkara yang berlaku setiap hari di dalam hidupku. Jahatkah aku? Ya. Aku memang jahat. Tulisan jujurku telah menganggu orang lain. Pendapatku menyakitkan. Aku mencarut dalam tulisanku. Tapi bukankah mereka yang menghakimi aku juga melakukan perkara yang sama? Sekurang-kurangnya aku tidak menimbulkan unsur-unsur hasutan dan fitnah di dalam blog aku. Pelajaran kedua; 'privacy' tidak terjamin di dunia siber.

Aku mengambil keputusan untuk menamatkan akaun blog terdahulu dan beralih ke sini. Walaupun tahu aku terpaksa bermula dari awal tapi satu perkara, aku boleh memulakan alam penulisan blog aku sekali lagi tanpa prejudis dari mana-mana pihak. Aku sebenarnya gembira berblog kerana menerusi blog aku dapat berhubung dengan rakan-rakan aku yang jauh di mata, jauh di peta. Aku merasa teruja membaca tulisan tentang kehidupan harian mereka. Rasanya seperti mereka cuma berada di sebelah rumah. Jarak dan waktu sudah tentu tidak dapat menyatukan kami secara fizikal. Syukurlah, blog mempunyai jawapan terhadap masalah jarak ini. Di samping itu, blog bukan saja mempertemukan aku dengan sahabat lama yang telah terputus hubungan, sahabat baru juga bertambah. Pelajaran ketiga; sentiasalah bersikap positif. Setiap perkara ada baik dan buruknya. Terimalah dengan sikap terbuka.

Kesimpulannya, blog boleh membinasakan, boleh juga mendewasakan aku. Membinasakan kerana tidak semua orang sukakan aku atau tulisanku. Mereka dengan liciknya menggunakan tulisanku sebagai senjata untuk membunuhku. Mereka menjadikan blog mereka sebagai platform untuk melakukan 'penghakiman haram'. Mendewasakan kerana dari sini aku dapat belajar mengenali lebih dalam sikap manusia. Selain itu, aku juga belajar seni bercakap. Bukan semua perkara boleh aku cakap lepas. Kadang-kadang ada perkara yang aku perlu simpan untuk diriku sendiri biarpun menyakitkan. Jika tidak berbuat demikian, ia bakal mencipta drama yang meributkan.

Sesungguhnya menulis blog ini bukan mudah. Ia satu seni yang perlu dikuasai, bukannya semata-mata tempat untuk menjerit marah dan menyalak-nyalak seperti anjing yang kecewa. Itu merupakan pelajaran yang keempat, kelima, keenam hingga yang keseribu...

Percubaan 1, percubaan 2, percubaan 3..

Aahh.. akhirnya aku tiba di sini. Selamat datang, diriku. Semoga selesa.