Project: Bihun Goreng Kampung

To celebrate the nation's 57th Independence Day, I decided to cook a meal. My project for the day: Bihun Goreng Kampung.

As I wield a pen more than I do a spatula, I am not expecting much.

But the dish turned out to be beyond my expectation. I don't know how I could churn out something so utterly tasteless.

Ok, maybe I'm being too hard on myself.  The dish can still be eaten after you add soy sauce. I did put ikan bilis, dried shrimp plus salt while I was cooking. Somehow it still tasted bland.

I don't think I'll  be having "bee hoon" for the next month or two. Maybe I should have stuck with nasi goreng kampung. Maybe that's why shops rarely offer meehoon goreng kampung.. Even those that have nasi goreng kampung and meehoon goreng biasa on the menu. When you request for the rice to be replaced with bihun, they'll say it can't be done.

(Note: bihun, meehoon and bee hoon all mean the same thing --- rice vermicelli)

But I will be wielding the spatula again --- sometime in the not too near future.  

I then went out and ordered myself

nasi goreng kampung at Lavender Bakery and Bistro that costs RM12 per plate.

So much for my little Hari Merdeka project. I think my office is having a potluck session soon. I'd like to contribute a home-cooked dish.

Also spent the day reading a book titled "The Power of Persistent Prayer" by Cindy Jacobs. It's a very nice read. You need to believe or else there is no need to pray. 

Sometimes when unfavorable things or obstacles cross your path, your faith wavers. Cindy preaches that it is the hard times that calls for one to pray even harder.

Though I haven't finished reading the entire book yet, I think I know now how I should pray and what I should be praying for.

In A Whimsical Mood

why do some fur kids get to be clothed in velvet and some are deprived of food, hugs and shelter from the cold?  One is a pet dog, the other a street dog whose mother had just been killed. 

How can we help the strays and keep them safe?

little fishes swimming in the blue green sea, do you have the answers that I seek?

maybe the answers will find me after I've indulged in a piece or two of this kek lapis cempedak.

maybe I'll just eat the whole cake.

I guess I'm just in a whimsical mood. I better go get some sleep. Maybe the answers will come in a dream or after a night of refreshing sleep.

Good night.

Thrill Seekers Head To Desaru

DESARU: Johor is giving this seaside town greater tourist appeal by turning it into a sports hub. A popular holiday destination, Desaru is expected to draw sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts with sporting events.

Johor state tourism department director Dr Badrul Hisham Kassim said major events were being planned for sports fans.

“It is understood that Kejora (Southeast Johor Development Authority) and the Kota Tinggi District Office are planning to host several sports events here to boost domestic tourism,” Badrul said.

In the pipeline is a Pesta Rakyat scheduled for early next year.

However, the details are still sketchy.

Lotus Desaru Beach Resort managing director Datuk P. Ramalingam said that the most recent event held here was the Triathlon Desaru 2014 with a turnout of nearly 1,000 participants and spectators.

There were 500 local and international participants as well as fans and family members.

“The participants had to swim swim (2km) , cycle (90km) and run (21km),” said Ramalingam.

Last year, extreme sport fans flocked here for the 7th Monsoon Mayhem International Surf Challenge 2013.

The annual challenge, supported by the Asian Surfing Championships, was organised by Bigfoot Industries Enterprise.

Its official partners were state Tourism, Johor Tourism Promotion Board, Johor Tourism Department, Kejora and Pulai Desaru Beach Resort and Spa.

Lotus Desaru also held a host of activities and provided facilities for thrill-seekers.

Outdoor and recreational activities offered here are not limited to water sports.

The activities offered by hotels and resorts here include rafting, jungle walks and adventure races that are meant to foster friendship and encourage teamwork.

Pulai Desaru Beach Resort marketing and communications officer Nurul Farahin Samsari said the resort would be introducing several water sports activities early next year and it was currently in discussions with a water sports operator.

Presently, its activities include all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides, paint ball wall games, target shooting, horse-carriage rides and horse riding.

Meanwhile, Wong May Xian, 21, was spotted at Lotus Desaru recently trying her hand at parasailing.

Wong who is from Yong Peng said she had just resigned from her job in Singapore and wanted to “soar to the skies” in her first attempt at the sport.

“I am wearing my glasses although my friends are worried that they may fall off while I’m up there. I want to see everything clearly,” said Wong setting off.

It costs RM100 for a three to four-minute session.

Upon landing, Wong said she was not afraid at all, and the view was breathtaking.

- sourced from NST online

Malaysia, My Home, My Country

A little bit about patriotism, rules and regulations and a Hong Kong dog. 

sourced from NST online

by Chuah Bee Kim

STOP a youth anywhere and ask him how many stripes are there in the Jalur Gemilang or why is our national flag called the Jalur Gemilang and what do the colours represent.

I doubt many will have the correct answer, let alone be able to answer the question confidently.
When flags are being hoisted in residences and business premises, do they do it with pride and love for the country or are they following the crowd?

You have a flag, so I should also have one.

Are teachers and parents teaching the children about the colours of the Jalur Gemilang, its history, the protocols and etiquette of flying a Jalur Gemilang?

This year, I have yet to come across a tattered or worn-out flag, and I am glad.
I have seen such flags in previous years which is a disgrace.  Flags that are raised should not be faded or dirty. The same goes for the state flags.

If we truly love our country, we should not be keeping flags that look like rags.

I remember writing in 2010 about a Johor flag which was used to wrap papayas on a tree.
That was an ultimate insult.  I did a search on Google and found out that if a flag is to be flown at a certain spot, the static flag pole must not be less than 6.1m high.

If the flag is used as a decorative piece or flown for a certain period, the pole must be at least 3m high and no part of the flag must be allowed to touch the ground.

Did you know that a static flag is only allowed to be flown from 7am to 7pm, unless there is a floodlight on?

Flags at government departments are to be raised when the offices open in the morning and lowered after office hours.

In schools, the flag is to be raised in the morning and lowered after the last class.

When the national or state flag is flown from houses or shops, it should face the road and be secured on a pole at a 45-degree angle.

If two flags are flown, the Malaysian flag must be on the left side of the premises.

In Johor, the late Sultan Iskandar decreed in 1985 that the Johor flag must be given prominence and flown on the right side of the Jalur Gemilang.

However, on Merdeka Day, the Jalur Gemilang takes precedence and is flown on the right side of the state flag.  If there are three flag poles, the Johor flag is flown in the centre, the Malaysian flag on the right while the departmental, corporate or institutional flag is flown on the left.

On Merdeka Day, the Malaysian flag is raised in the centre and the Johor flag on the right.
During the Merdeka celebrations or official federal events, the Johor flag is raised after every third Malaysian flag is raised.

The cluster of miniature flags on a utility post also follows the same arrangement.

All flags used for decoration are to be removed two weeks after the event.

All the above were taken from a 2010 article.

I think in other countries, like Indonesia, for instance, the Sang Saka Merah-Putih (The Heirloom Red-and-White) or Bendera Merah-Putih (The Red-and-White Flag) is treated with utmost respect by its residents.

The mentality of the Indonesians and Malaysians are poles apart.

I am not sure about patriotism, but the mentality of Indonesians and those of Malaysians really differs when it comes to direct selling.

Allow me to stray a bit from the subject of patriotism.

Indonesians can make more money in a direct-selling entrepreneurship than a local because of the former’s drive, commitment and passion for the brand.

A local direct-selling agent shared this with me recently.

She said her downlines who are Indonesians really showed all the qualities I mentioned earlier, while her local downlines only treat the business like a part-time venture.

“I have been trying to change the people’s mindset for a long time, but the locals, maybe because they have had an easy life, would never go the extra mile to succeed in their direct-selling business,” said my friend.

Now back to patriotism. I believe some rules are not to be followed rigidly.
I am thinking of the family of five which recently dined at an eatery which prohibited guests to bring in outside food.

Four members of the family had ordered food from the restaurant but an elderly member of the family could only eat home-cooked meals, so when the family took out the food container for the senior citizen, they were allegedly asked to leave the eatery.  The nation is turning 57.  Can’t we exercise some common sense or at least courtesy?

And on a last note, please be kind to animals.

It really reflects badly on the nation if an animal’s welfare is not well taken care of.
The recent incident at a Hong Kong subway where a mongrel was killed when a train rammed into it has put the city in a very bad light.

The train commuters and staff of the subway were aware that there was a mongrel that had strayed onto the tracks but no one did anything to save the poor dog.

Our actions reflect our upbringing, our education and our beloved country will be judged by the world at large, now especially in the age of the Internet.

Happy Merdeka, folks!

Summer Vacation

By Chuah Bee Kim

DESARU: Forty-four Korean children, aged 10 to 15, who were accompanied by English language teachers from the United States, recently stayed at the Lotus Desaru Beach Resort here during their school vacation.

The one-month stay at the resort was organised by Gabriel Recruitment Agency (GRA) and sponsored by three Korea-based companies — Gwangju Bank, Chonbuk Bank and MBC Media — where the children’s parents were employed.

Event coordinator Kim Ji Sun, 34, said the programme helped the children to improve their command of the English language and expose them to the Malaysian culture.

“In Korea, the parents push their chidlren to study hard. We organise such events during the summer or winter breaks as we want the children to have fun while learning,” said Kim.

He described Malaysians as a friendly lot, and the group had enjoyed their stay at the resort.

“We are making plans to organise another outing to Malaysia again in January next year,” he said, adding that similar trips had been organised to the Philippines and Australia in previous years.

Kim’s colleague, Daniel Shim, 34, also a Korean, chipped in to say that the children were fascinated with Malaysia’s diverse multi-racial culture.

“The children were curious about the locals here who were made up of Malays, Chinese and Indians and enjoyed trying out new food.

“To round it up, I would say the children had a perfect holiday in Desaru,” said Shim.

GRA also organises English camps and robotics camps for children and university students. 

Khalid did it by the book

sourced from NST online

WHAT transpired at Istana Bukit Kayangan yesterday was in contrast to the dramatic way PKR attempted to oust Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim from the menteri besar’s post.

Maintaining decorum, the rule of law and even good manners was how it was in the Selangor palace when Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah consented to give an audience to Khalid for the latter to present the facts of the state leadership crisis and his resignation as menteri besar.

There was no spectacular dissolution of the state legislative assembly to pave the way for a snap election, nor was there an abrupt sacking of Khalid. The sultan, instead, wanted everyone to follow the law and established conventions to settle the crisis.

Sultan Sharafuddin had decreed that since the loose coalition of PKR, DAP and Pas claimed that they had the majority in the state assembly, they should nominate a new menteri besar and Khalid concurred by tendering his resignation, each of the three parties should observe the established convention of presenting to the palace at least three names from among Pakatan assemblymen for the post.

The sultan had also insisted for the state not to go rudderless and told Khalid to remain at his post until his successor had been chosen from among those to be proposed by Pakatan.

Typical of Khalid, he followed procedures and, being a loyal subject of the sultan, agreed to stay in office until his replacement had been chosen.

There was no throwing of tantrums, nor angry threats as compared with what went on during the weekend at the PKR congress in Shah Alam when the party’s Wanita chief, Zuraida Kamaruddin, described any attempt to dissolve the state legislative assembly as “nonsense and against the Constitution”.

Even newly minted party vice-president Rafizi Ramli warned Khalid not to advise the sultan to dissolve the assembly at the risk of “losing the last shred of decency left in him”.

As Khalid told the packed press conference after his audience with the sultan, he presented the facts of the crisis to the ruler and then submitted himself to the monarch’s discretion. Nothing more, nothing less.

Nonetheless, underneath the layers of subtleties of the sultan’s decree and Khalid’s proper response, there was a clear hint that PKR, in its haste to replace Khalid with its president, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, had not observed the proper protocol in a matter of such importance.

This was especially so when PKR and its allies made it clear to the palace that it had to accept no one else other than Dr Wan Azizah for the menteri besar post when they sent a letter to that effect to Sultan Sharafuddin on Aug 15.

Among the less subtle observers, the move could even be deemed as an attempt by Pakatan to force the sultan to abide by its wishes on the matter.

It was as if everything had to be done in a confrontational manner and in bad faith to settle the impasse.

The ball is now in Pakatan’s court and it will be for the coalition to choose whether it wants to continue playing hardball or toe the line of laws and conventions as decreed by the sultan.

It should be noted that Sultan Sharafuddin’s insistence on Pakatan observing the convention of presenting at least three candidates for the menteri besar’s post could also mean that the ruler intends for all sides in the dispute to revert to Selangor’s unwritten traditions in choosing the state’s chief executive.

It should also be noted that tradition also points to another interesting fact — Khalid and most former menteris besar were chosen from among assemblymen who hailed from the Selangor Malay heartland, in particular Kuala Selangor.

It is the same convention observed to a large extent in the selection of Johor menteris besar, who have mostly come from the state’s Malay heartland of Muar.

If PKR and its allies are to follow that tradition, they should, therefore, name at least one person from that area as those previously mentioned — Dr Wan Azizah and her party deputy Azmin Ali — are not Selangor-born.Perhaps one name that should be considered is that of Dr Idris Ahmad, PKR’s Ijok assemblyman, who is said to be well-liked by the sultan.

The tussle over the Selangor menteri besar post is still open to any conclusion as of now, except that the sultan had made it clear that it must be reached without all the mess which had earlier caused much discomfort among the people of Selangor ever since the so-called “Kajang Move” was initiated by PKR to oust Khalid.

Wife Says

sourced from NST online

"It Is Never My Wish To Hold Positions"

by Hana Naz Harun

SHAH ALAM: PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said it was not her wish to hold a position in the state, saying that she was only doing it for the party.

In her winding up speech during the PKR National Congress, Dr Wan Azizah she did not ask to contest in the Kajang by-election or to be nominated as Selangor Menteri Besar, but did so for the party’s struggles.

“Truthfully, this is not what my heart desires, but this is our party’s struggle.

“If this is what the party needs, then I will step forward. If this is the responsibility that is given to me, I will accept, even with a heavy heart.

“This is not what I wanted, I did not ask for this,” she said.

Last week, the Pakatan leadership had unanimously agreed that Dr Wan Azizah, will be the only Pakatan candidate for the menteri besar post.

Dr Wan Azizah had claimed the majority of the state assembly, when 30 Pakatan assemblymen signed a statutory declaration in support of her nomination as menteri besar on Aug 15.

She also called for party members to unite after the recently concluded party elections which had been marred by violent incidences and allegations of money politics.

Winning and losing was nature, Dr Wan Azizah said, and urged members to accept the decision.

“Losing (in the party elections) does not mean you lose in everything.

“Don’t be disheartened by (such) distractions until we forget our true purpose and mission. We have been fighting for so long,” she added.

Waiting ...

sourced from NST online

"THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY SNAP POLLS IN SELANGOR"

By Shahrum Sayuthi

SHAH ALAM: PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin had insisted that there should not be any snap state elections due to the Selangor leadership crisis.

Zuraida said any decision to initiate such a snap poll will be an act of "nonsense and against the constitution".

Speaking at the PKR's women wing meeting today, she called on party members not to spread rumors that the Sultan of Selangor will dissolve the state assembly for a snap state election to be held.

"Any move to initiate a (state election) will make the people of Selangor angry and this will result in Umno being wiped out in this state. The result will be 56-0," she said, in reference to the number of seats in the Selangor assembly.

The Selangor leadership crisis was triggered by PKR move to replace its menteri besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim with party president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Khalid was sacked from the party on Aug 9.

Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah was expected to decide on the matter upon his return from abroad tomorrow.

"WALKOUT"

By Adrian Lai

SHAH ALAM: Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad’s tenure as the new PKR Youth chief got off to a rocky start today after at least half of his committee members staged a walkout just moments before making his inaugural speech.

Nik Nazmi was about to give his maiden speech as PKR Youth chief at the end of the wing’s annual congress held here, when at least nine out of its 20 newly elected committee members left the hall.

It is understood that the committee members walked out in protest of the election results, which saw Nik Nazmi edging out popular PKR leader Amirudin Shari by a razor-thin majority of 250 votes.

Nik Nazmi, who is also Selangor Deputy Speaker, obtained 4,509 votes, while Amirudin, who was originally touted to win, received 4,259 votes.

One of the committee members, who declined to be named, said he was unhappy with the results, claiming they were flawed and manipulated.

It is understood that the dissenters are aligned aligned with Amirudin.

Nik Nazmi, who is seen to be aligned to PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s camp, said he was unfazed by the purported walkout.

“My message to those who left the hall is simple: Let us all get down to business. We have no time for this as this is the nature of politics. In fact, I lost my old position in my own branch,” the seemingly undaunted leader told reporters later.

The Seri Setia assemblyman also shrugged off the walkout, saying he was confident that the current disagreements between him and the opposing camp were “temporary”.

“Our opponents are not in the hall, they are in Barisan Nasional. I am open to talking (to my detractors) but they must also show commitment that they are willing to work with me,” Nik Nazmi stressed.

When asked if Nik Nazmi would offer an olive branch to Amirudin by giving the latter a high-ranking post in PKR Youth, Nik Nazmi said it was too soon to decide on the matter.

Amirudin, who belongs to PKR deputy president Azmin Ali’s camp, was leading the race for the Youth post, but his supporters believe that the "questionable" election results in PKR’s Pensiangan branch recently had tipped the race in Nik Nazmi’s favour.

Using "Cables" To Win

PKR'S Leadership Condemned For Malpractice During Party Election

by Shahrum Sayuthi

SHAH ALAM: A speaker at the PKR Women Congress had lashed out at the party's national leadership for their failure to stop malpractice during the party's recent over three months election process.

Norhanazalmah Mat Yusuf who represents PKR Kelantan Wanita wing alleged that some of those who contested for party posts had used their "cables" to get the backing of national leaders.

"My heart hurts when I see these people using their cables to win in the party elections.

"There were indeed incidences of irregular acts which were supported by some national leaders."

Norhanazalmah warned those involved in corrupt practices during the recent party election that "divine retribution" will be upon them if they fail to repent.

"To all those traitors, don't you all know that your stupid actions will destroy the party," she said.

Daughter Says ...

Wan Azizah is fit to be Selangor MB

by Shahrum Sayuthi

SHAH ALAM: PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar today insisted that her mother, party president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is fit to be the menteri besar of Selangor.

Delivering a speech at the PKR Women Congress at Bukit Melawati Stadium here, Nurul Izzah hits out at those who cited religous reasons for opposing the appointment of a woman as a leader.

"We are wondering why there are still many in our society who regarded the appointment of a woman as a leader being taboo.

"This is especially so among those who used religious arguments to hinder women from being leaders."

Later at a press conference, Nurul Izzah said her support for the appointment of her mother as the new Selangor MB was based on the party's endorsement for Dr Wan Azizah to take over the post.

The Pakatan coalition had nominated the PKR president to replace the now independent MB Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Khalid was sacked from PKR after he refused to step down from his MB post to accomodate the party's so-called Kajang Move.

The move to install Dr Wan Azizah as MB was however made complicated after it met with resistance from especially Pas ulama leaders who among others argued that she was not suitable for the post due to her gender.

PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin supported Nurul Izzah's assertions that Dr Wan Azizah may likely be a better MB than Khalid.

On the apparent low turn out at the congress, Zuraida said it has enough quorum to proceed.

Only about one third of the seats at the space provided for the delegates were filled up at the start of the congress.

All the Best

Right after writing all about giving thanks and being good, a test came along and there goes the "safety pin". No, I didn't reach for the steering lock.

There were parking spaces available but the driver had to park right in front of my car and went off somewhere. People do this all the time without sparing a thought for others.

I couldn't sleep thinking about the incident which occurred at Danga Bay, Johor Bahru.  So when a prominent and well-respected individual sent a message via Telegram Messenger wishing us all the best for the day --- the message came at 1.34am --- I quickly responded with a "Thank You". Not because "nak bodek" but simply because cannot sleep. Now I'm feeling sleepy.

In Buddhism, it is believed that we go to different worlds in a single moment. When we are envious, we go to the realm of the hungry ghost, when angry, sad, happy, we visit different realms.  So keeping our emotions in check is very important. Always remember "This, too, shall pass" whatever your emotions and thoughts are.

Today is a busy day for the media world nation-wide as we await the return of the 20 remains of the Malaysia Airlines MH17 who will later be laid to rest. 

All the best, People. May the operations run smooth, and that all goes well. The one minute of silence for the victims will be anytime between 10.45am and 11.15am.

Give Thanks And Be Good

I was having tea with a friend just now and was telling her about all the things that seemed unfair in life.

The world is filled with braggers, backstabbers, munafiqs, liars, and these people really test your patience, doesn't it? We all have our flaws. But people have their good points, too. If you look hard enough, you will see the good points. And even if you can't see any noble quality in them, there is no need to hate or get even with them because at the end of the day, we are all going to meet our maker.

Let's not taint our own soul.

The goal is not to live in the most luxurious condominium, drive the most expensive car or acquire more properties than you can live in. The goal is to do all the good you can, giving more love than receiving.  Spreading joy instead of misery. Of course, all easier said than done.

I am getting all philosophical because of the chat with my friend, and also because tomorrow (August 22) is the day when the entire nation mourns for the victims of  Malaysia Airlines MH17. A minute of silence will be observed anytime between 10.45am and 11.15am.  The first 20 victims identified by international experts from the 43 Malaysians who were onboard the ill-fated flight, are coming home from the Netherlands.  Another plane is expected to arrive in  Kuala Lumpur on August 24 with eight more remains.

All 298 people aboard were killed on the Boeing 777, flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17.

If you lament that life is unfair, be thankful that you are not in a war-torn nation. And give thanks for the time that you have with your good friends and family.

Water 爱人

Just came back from a place that holds fond memories for me.  Saw an amazing sunrise the last time I was there.  Today, it was rather cloudy, so the rising sun was partly hidden.  Nevertheless, it was a beautiful dawn.

My overnight stay at the Lotus Desaru Beach Resort made me want to pay homage to water.

The resort's executive chef Long Thean Liang --- seen here serving the authentic Thai seafood tomyam soup (touted as the best in Desaru)  --- revealed that the water quality can make a difference in cooked food or beverage.

The freshness, texture and flavour of the chef's tomyam dish is exquisite, by the way.

"If you were to make a cup of Nescafe using boiled water sourced from a tap in Johor and a tap in KL, for instance, the two cups of Nescafe will taste different," he said.

He said he didn't realise this until he got together with some chefs from up north one day. They were in Johor trying to cook a dish that they specialise in.  Even after getting all the freshest ingredients and authentic paste, they found that they still couldn't get the flavour of the dish right.  Finally, they concluded that the water was the cause of this.

Dining with Shella at the Rhu Seafood Restaurant, one of the three F&B outlets in the resort.

Water also keeps our spinal cord in tip-top condition.  A traditional massage therapist told me this. 

Ayop, who later joined Chef Long, Shella and I,  told me that one's spinal cord can go out of alignment due to insufficient water consumption.   Drinking too much cold water can also cause an array of health problems.

He said he only needs to concentrate on certain points in the body and not massage the entire body for the treatment of health disorders.  And the massage may take from five minutes to 15 minutes per session.  One will only feel excruciating pain when Ayob presses these points if one has health 

problems.  Dare to try?

Finally, Desaru has a host of water sport activities ranging from jet ski to bungy jumping to parasailing, among others.

I wish I could say that was me up there.  But no, I was on the ground taking the picture.  The girl up there is

21-year-old Wong May Xian from Yong Peng who paid RM100 for the parasailing experience.

For more info, please click  Lotus Desaru Beach Resort

Do I Still Want To Be A SAHM?

It was always a dream of mine to be a housewife or a Stay-At-Home Mom (SAHM). Well, today I was with a SAHM and her children, JS, aged four and JE, who is turning one next month.

The 37-year-old mother shared with me that if a couple are having marital problems, having children is not going to make things better.

It was hard for me to digest that because I have always been told that children will strengthen the family bond.

My friend Gladys then elaborated: "When my hubby comes home --- tired and frustrated and wanted to share with me about his day at the office --- and I'm all ears, but then JS comes up to us, eagerly showing us his new toy or he's curious about a new discovery.

"After we have answered all his questions, his sister may start to cry and I can't focus my attention on my husband anymore."

"Sometimes my husband and I can't even enjoy a TV show together like we did before. And when we go out together, the kids may vomit in the car. Or if we're eating in a restaurant and the children start to throw tantrums ..."

Gladys also said that a wife should always try to look neat and presentable no matter how tired she is.

"I used to work in an office.  Even after JS was born, I was working. My former boss told me I would never get used to staying at home. I quit anyway because I wanted to learn how to be a Mom".

"I do miss my former workplace and there were times when things got a little overwhelming. But I tell myself this. This is my job. My job is to be a Mom and I'm going to be one hell of a Mom," said Gladys. 

There are many nice pics of Gladys and the kids, but Gladys said not to show their faces so much, so I've chosen pics of me with the kids instead.

In the picture above, we were just warming up. After a while, it's playtime.

Do I still want to be a housewife and SAHM? 

(Shrug)

Gladys has her own blog at http://sotayoutlet.blogspot.com/ where she writes about her activities with her kids.

Retail Therapy 2

(Updated)

Managed to get a full refund today for my purchase at H&M without much of a hassle.

At first the cashier charged my credit card again instead of refunding the amount, but the manager quickly took care of that by giving me a double refund. I'm very sure the cashier had no intention to charge my card again. It was a genuine mistake. If I were shopping in China, then I won't be so sure.

There was no question asked as to why I was returning the coat.

The manager said that I would get back my money from the credit card company within 30 days from today. 

I'm glad that went well.

   


           

pictures by Norbaiti Phaharoradzi 

Retail Therapy

While the political satire in Selangor continues ...

While some were sunbathing on the beach ...

I was at H&M where I bought a coat on a whim. Now I want to return it. The retailer did say "buy now, decide later". 

Let's see what happens when I bring it back to the retail store. I have 30 days to return or exchange it, according to the receipt.

The Khalid Move: Formidable

The political drama unfolding in Selangor is unprecedented in the country's history in that a partyless and independent wakil rakyat (elected representative) is the chief executive of a state. - Bernama

Read  http://helenang.wordpress.com/2014/08/12/there-are-no-indians-and-zero-chinese-in-sgor-exco-only-malaysians/

and this http://lifeofaannie.blogspot.com/2014/08/khalid-being-decisively-ruthless.html?m=1

And just like that, Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has lost the Selangor government.

Take Care of the Rivers

sourced from NST online

Sungai Kahang in Kluang

by Chuah Bee Kim

JOHOR BARU: MALAYSIA Nature Society (MNS) Johor recently called on the relevant authorities to check on the water catchment areas in Johor, namely, the Segamat and Endau-Rompin water catchment areas and drainage system.

Its chairman, Vincent Chow, cited the Sungai Kahang in Kluang as an example of a river that is now vulnerable.

Chow said that some 30 years ago, the river was deep, fast flowing and teeming with fish that could support the local community.

However, with the rapid development of oil palm plantation over the years, the river is drying up and has been reduced to a small stream when there is a dry spell.

He also cited the Sungai Sembrong in Kahang, Sungai Mengkibul in Kluang and Sungai Endau as examples of rivers that have seen a reduction in water flow over the years.

“Scientists have found that a matured oil palm tree can consume up to 40 litres of water per day. Imagine what a 10,000ha plantation can do to a water catchment area.

“With the clearing of forest trees for oil palm, the water catchment area cannot perform its natural function and is facing a nett loss of water during the dry season,” he said.

“If this is not looked into and allowed to continue, many rivers will dry up eventually and cause water shortage in Johor.

“MNS Johor would like the authorities to study the matter and encourage plantations to plant forest trees at these catchment areas whenever they re-plant after a 25-year cycle.”

R.I.P. Robby the Rottweiler

Robby passed away quite suddenly this morning.

That's life.  We are here for a little while, and then off to somewhere else... don't know where.

We thought love would give Robby a reason to live on, but the universe has other plans.

I wish you well, Robby.  May you find peace, happiness and love as you embark on a new journey. Will love you always though I have met you only once in this life.

Below is a chronology of my blog posts about Robby :-

My Christmas Wish

Pray for this Rottweiler

Companion for Life

Happy Birthday, Joanne

Robby Finds A Reason To Live Again

Budget 2015 Wishlist

sourced from NST online

Kluang Chinese Association president Datuk Jimmy Low Boon Hong has lauded Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for being the nation’s chief executive officer as well as its finance minister.

“This is a very rare position to be in, and Najib wields great power as such. The association’s only hope is for Najib to be firmer on the implementation of the 1Malaysia concept.

“The association would like the government to stop wastage, in the areas identified in the Auditor-General’s report.

“Budget 2015 should also be aimed at achieving harmony in the country and uniting everyone under the 1Malaysia concept.

“The 1Malaysia concept is an ideal concept, but it is one that must be implemented with a firm hand,” Low said.

The public’s views and opinions on Budget 2015 are welcome.

Email them to bajet2015@treasury.gov.my

Meanwhile, Malaysia Nature Society Johor is wishing for a bigger allocation for conservation efforts in Budget 2015.

Its chairman Vincent Chow said the yearly allocation for the protection and conservation of the environment had always been miniscule.

Chow said such low priority accorded to conservation efforts, particularly of the rivers, would result in the loss of Malaysia’s unique and fragile eco-system.

Robby Finds A Reason To Live Again

JB SPCA chairman Ranjeet Singh Bhullar (left) with Harvey Yap, Wong U Ginn and Dr Edwin Singam with Robby.

Pic below shows Joanne Carlo and Robby.  

Robby's story appeared in the Johor Streets, a pullout of the New Straits Times, today.

CHUAH BEE KIM 

JOHOR BARU: AFTER a Rottweiler was rescued from a house in Taman Perling here, he was diagnosed with suffering from distemper by a veterinarian.

A decision was made to put the three-year-old dog to sleep.

The dog had been suffering from fever for three days. Neighbours who felt that something was wrong alerted its owner but he ignored them.

Harvey Yap, 73, and his neighbour Wong U Ginn, 19, then informed the Johor Baru Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Yap and Wong, both animal lovers, noticed that the dog, which was chained up round-the-clock, was not eating well and had maggots around its anus.

Wong, who lives next door to the dog’s owner, claimed that the owner seldom fed the dog.

Streets had highlighted the 
plight of the dog several months ago.

That time, the dog was reportedly well but had been chained up round the clock.

JB SPCA vice-chairman Dr Edwin Singam responded to the call last Tuesday but the neighbour declined to hand over the dog until the state veterinary department intervened.

By then, the dog could not eat and hardly moved. For the first two days, it had to be on a drip.

Dr Singam confirmed that the dog was dehydrated and underfed.

Volunteers took turns to care for the dog at the clinic. Among them were Yap, Wong and Joanne Carlo.

On Aug 8, Carlo turned 22. That was the day, the dog was to be euthanised. But Carlo pleaded for the dog not to be put down on her birthday.

That evening, after Carlo left the clinic, the dog miraculously got up and wobbled around the room apparently looking for Carlo.

By Saturday, the dog now renamed Robby was strong enough to stand up and eat.

However, the fever had left the canine twitching for life.

JB SPCA chairman Ranjeet Singh Bhullar said people who do not love animals should not be allowed to keep pets.

Ranjeet said the SPCA is also looking for more volunteers to help and rehome dogs like Robby.

“Robby was very sick but he found a reason to live because of the care shown by the dog lovers,” he said.

Happy Birthday Joanne

Updated

Robby was well enough to stand up and eat his meal at the clinic. Picture was sent to me via WhatsApp at 7.19pm.

Original post

For all those who have prayed and sent well wishes to the Rotweiller, I want to say my heartfelt thanks. The  three-year-old male dog renamed Robby seems to be on the road to recovery.

It was initially decided that the dog be put to sleep on Friday because it could hardly eat nor move due to distemper, but JB SPCA volunteer Joanne Carlo (pictured above, left) who turned 22 on that day asked that the dog not be put down on her birthday.

Joanne spent her birthday looking after Robby at the clinic. After she left the clinic in the evening, another volunteer said Robby got up and wobbled its way around the room looking for Joanne. 

Robby has found a reason to live. However, the distemper virus will leave the dog twitching throughout its lifetime.

The important thing now is for Robby to go to a new home that will give it all the love and care that an animal deserves.

Once again, thank you all for the well wishes.

Johor Baru SPCA chairman Ranjeet Singh Bhullar (left) with vice-chairman Dr Edwin Singam (right) at the veterinary clinic. Standing next to Ranjeet is former race car driver, Harvey Yap, and beside him is Wong U Ginn.

Both Harvey and U Ginn have constantly urged Robby's owner and his wife to show more love to 

their pet. Robby's owner moved into the neighborhood about a year ago. They also pointed out to the 

owner recently that something appeared to be wrong with Robby but their good intention was ignored.

On Aug 5, the neighbours alerted SPCA and Dr Edwin responded. The owner allegedly declined to entertain Dr Edwin. The Johor Veterinary Department had to intervene and that is how this Rottweiler got rescued from a home that showed it absolutely zero love.

Many lessons to be learnt here

1. Be a kind and responsible pet owner and guardian. Don't let it come to this.

2. Be a volunteer. The SPCA needs volunteers for the rescue and re-homing of dogs like Robby and all those which are homeless.

3. Be aware of what is going on in your neighbourhood. Be guardians of the neighbourhood.

I could go on but I guess I'll stop at 3. I want to take an afternoon nap.

Emotionally Stirring and Funny

Highly recommended.

A movie that can make you care for the characters is always a great movie. The Guardians of the Galaxy, directed by James Gunn, succeeded on that score.  It is entertaining, funny and stirs emotions as well. The movie's a real winner.

My favourite character is Rocket because he is really really funny, intelligent and has this endearing naughtiness. I also like Groot who didn't seem much like hero material at the start of the movie, but he is a true hero to the end.  Groot's childlike and innocent quality makes him very lovable.

Chris Pratt was comfortable in his role as Star-Lord, and so were Zoe Saldana and Karen Gillan playing sisters Gamora and Nebula respectively.

Indifference and Ignorance

We would like a bigger budget allocation for environmental conservation and protection, Dato Seri Najib Razak.

The authorities are urged to create greater awareness of the importance of taking care of corals in Johor.  Pic by Dato Dr Siow Kuang Ling.

by Chuah Bee Kim

JOHOR BARU: A 71-YEAR-OLD doctor and an award-winning inventor, Datuk Dr Siow Kuang Ling, recently called on environmentalists and the relevant authorities to create greater awareness of the importance of taking care of corals in Johor.

Dr Siow, who took up diving seven years ago, said most of the corals in the state, namely in Pulau Rawa and Pulau Sibu, are dead.

“When divers, whether foreigners or locals, see all these dead corals, they are not going to come again.

“Johor has the resources but this lack of awareness is killing the resources that nature has blessed the state with,” said Dr Siow who has been to Indonesian islands like Komodo Island, Raja Ampat, Manado Island, Bali and Lembek Straits, and also to the Maldives and Johor.

He said the dying corals have turned either blackish or whitish and appeared to have dried up.
When there is no movement or signs of life around the corals, it is also an indication that the corals are dying.

To spread awareness of corals and marine life, Dr Siow is organising an underwater photography exhibition at Sutera Mall here from Aug 15 to Sept 1.

“I will put up 300 pictures in A3-size hardboard for sale from RM200 to RM300 each. Part of the proceeds will go towards charity,” he said.

Dr Siow said he could produce 20 copies of each photo which was taken in all the countries he had visited over the years.

“I took up scuba diving in 2009 and became an open-water diver before becoming a speciality diver (peak performance buoyancy) several years later,” he said.

“I believe that if the Johor government were to take care of its straits, and the corals, it can draw more scuba divers to Johor.”

Dr Siow said that divers should not touch any of the corals when they are underwater.

However, he said he had seen many, namely, Asian divers who do not abide by this rule.
“One should also never go scuba diving alone. It is important to request for two instructors, one to lead the group ahead and one to be behind the group.

“It is good to go in a group of four to 12 divers,” said Dr Siow.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Nature Society (Johor branch) chairman Vincent Chow said corals which are found in rivers near industrial sites become the first victims of industrial pollutants which are discharged into the sea.

As in the case of corals found in waters near resorts, Chow said the corals could be dead or dying due to diesel discharge from boats, climatic change and silting accumulated over the years.

“The resort operators do make an effort to protect the corals but nature lovers and the MNS would appreciate it if the relevant authorities like the Marine Parks and Johor state executive councillors in charge of the environment can give us an update on the conservation efforts being made to protect marine life."

“The relevant authorities are seen to care so little for the environment, even in its budget allocation,” said Chow.

He cited the Sungai Kim Kim and Sungai Masai, both in Pasir Gudang, as two rivers that are carrying industrial pollutants into the sea.

“The water current causes the effect to get bigger and bigger until the pollutants reach the islands.
“Besides this, there are also sewage discharge from households and logging works which cause sediment to build up over the years in other areas.

“It is the corals that get smothered when the silt particles get accumulated over the years,” he said.

Chow said he would not say all the corals are dead as it would depend on the sea depth and the vastness of the sea.

However, he urged the relevant parties to come up with more proper planning measures before giving the green light for the building of industrial parks so that the river eco-system is protected.

“We are losing our unique and fragile eco-system due to ignorance and indifference,” he said.

Companion For Life

The tests came back positive for canine distemper, and chances of recovery is slim.

Wong U Ginn is seen here comforting the Rottweiler at the clinic. The dog is hardly moving. 

The 19-year-old lives next door to the Rottweiler's owner. He said the dog would wag its tail and appeared very happy whenever its owner came home from work everyday,  but the heartless owner would never bother to look at the dog.

Sometimes the man and his wife even forgot to feed their pet, according to U Ginn. The couple also did not come and visit the dog at the clinic.

Why keep a pet when you can't spare some time and some love for it? 

A sad sad day ...

Dogs are meant to be loved. All breeds, and not only when they are cute and cuddly like Micky here. 

We picked her up at an abandoned house, and Mary has adopted her. See how comfy she looks in the arms of Mary in this picture taken on July 13.

In the latest pictures, Micky's grown quite a bit. She's playful and so eager to explore her new world.