A picture tells a thousand stories (3)

Last Saturday I visited my mum at her hometown. It was suppose to be a day trip but you know lah, my mum is very good at making me feel guilty for not spending more time with her. I do love spending time with my mum, I love her very much. Just that weekend, I had so many things going on at work. I was suppose to be at work on Saturday to finalize preparation for school sport day on Monday.

Anyways, I stayed. When I woke up in the morning, there sat one of my aunts next to my bed, already waiting for me to open my eyes. Apparently I 'already' had a plan for that day. Just, it was not me who planned it. My mum and aunt were very excited to take me to my aunt's orchard. I'd prefer sleep in to walking in the orchard under the hot sun but arrgghhh....I did not have the heart to disappoint them! Of course I knew by agreeing to go, I will be the one who will drive and also carry a few sacks of fruits back to the car... but what option did I have? These old people have those weird voices. When you hear them, you can't help but to keep your mouth shut and nod your head against your will. Damn, can't wait to be old and get those weird voice! It must be fun to make younger people nod their head every time I speak.

Although I went in a grumpy mood, I must say it was surprisingly a pleasant trip. Despite the hot sun and mosquitoes attack, I enjoyed picking the fruits from the tree and ate them like nobody's business. They seems to be more delicious when they are totally free. Maybe the joy was also because we stopped at the next orchard (belongs to my late grandpapa) to say hello to him at his grave. I have been missing him so much. Being able to visit him and tell him I love him was really, erm ... I don't' know, nice? Relieving? I'm glad my oldies dragged me with them that day.

I took a few photos using my old phone (Note to hubby: it's really time we should consider getting me a good phone and a digital camera!). I put little stories too so we all know what they are.

Cempedak trees. The fruits taste very sweet.

On the way to grandpapa's grave..

Hello grandpapa!

Grandpapa was buried in his orchard. Next to his grave is a big bambangan tree. It's almost past the season but it must be our good luck, there were still some for us.

While collecting the fruits, my aunt said, if I ever needed herb for treating scabs (touch wood, I never want to have scabs!) I should remember this plant:

She did say the name of this plant in Dusun but I don't remember it anymore. If I'm not mistaken, she said Kuinin or something like that. Just out of curiosity, I googled 'Herbs in Malaysia'. I was surprised to find out it was the famous 'Tongkat Ali'. I was like, wow, we have Tongkat Ali trees as weeds in our orchard? They are everywhere! How cool is that?

(It's funny that my aunt uses Tongkat Ali to cure scabs. I thought it was well known as to make men stronger in bed. Lol!)

By the way, these are the people who made me nodded my head against my will. Love you guys. You're the best!

When I got home, I made my first attempt to make my first Bambangan pickles. I hope it will come out edible!

Ta ta!

Sharing is Caring

Yup, that's my blood flowing out of my body. Probably it is now dripping into someone's body, saving their life.

It's been many years since last I donated my blood. I used to do this on a regular basis when I was still a college student. When I got married and started working, I guess I got a little busy coping with my new life and forgot to share love in this way.

As you may already know, I do occasionally boast on my bags or shoes or new books. I do also love to exaggerate on how bad is my day or how much I love my husband. But one thing I do not do is talking about my charity works, it's something I keep to myself. However, this time I give an exception to this one particular thing I did; donating my blood. I'm boasting it right here right now. Please notice it, feel disgusted and leave. Or, keep reading and tell me in the comment box that you agree with me too.

It popped out in 'how's your day' phone call between me and monkey. When he learned that I donated my blood, he freaked out! He thought I did it to have 'extra money' (eeewwww! I feel dirty typing that!). According to him, some people in his country (and probably also in many countries around the globe) are doing it for living.

EEEEWWWWW!!!

He only calmed down when I explained to him that I DO NOT give my blood for money, that is why I call it DONATE. True, they provided refreshment after the process but it doesn't count as a 'price' for my blood. It was just their way to say thank you, that's all. Oh, and yes, they will keep record of my 'kindness' and give me special room next time when I get sick and need to be hospitalized. But heck, who's waiting to get sick and be hospitalized? Not me, touch wood.

We all may have our different opinions and beliefs but seriously, it hurts to know that people make a living out of their 'free blood'. GROSS! I'm not saying I'm a saint or anything for giving my blood for free. My point is, god has blessed us with good health, He gives us beautiful and perfect body too, COSTLESS. Why would we go out and share the bless with price? Why? Counting our blessing is not enough, is it?

Again, we all may have different opinions and beliefs. Sometimes we may agree with others and view our opinions again. But on this one, I stay hard and firm, you know what I mean. If you are sharing something that is given by god, share it with love. Love is priceless, so share it price-less.

Though, I hope I don't sound like I'm announcing to the world that I'm giving out all my blood. Please don't take it like that because I need to keep some for myself too. Also, do note that my blood is not available all the time because FYI, I'm very scared of the needle. It's big and not to mention, it sucks blood!

I will only do this every 3 months as recommended by doctors. So, if you need some, talk to me 3 months from now. And don't worry, your body will like my blood, it's O+.

Ow, I just realised something. Maybe that is why mosquitoes like me too?

Nooooooo!!!!!