My `accidental' puppy

This is a twist to an almost `tragic' story of a dog..

Last Saturday afternoon, I went to my usual pet shop to get dog food for the two Js. A cute little miniature schnauzer puppy caught my eyes and he was walking around! The pet shop owner said the pup was for sale but was letting him out for some exercise.. I couldn't help but cuddle him and play with him.

When I put some items on the counter, I didn't think twice but also carry the puppy and put him on the counter and played with him a while. I thought the owner who was behind the cash register saw what I did but didn't object; I turned round to talk to him and proceeded to pay.. and then suddenly there was a loud yelping sound!

As I turned round, imagine my horror to see the little puppy had fallen from the counter onto the floor! He was lying still, yelping and crying loudly and non-stop, clearly in agony! Seeing the way he lie motionless, it looked like he could have broken his leg! I was so shocked and in utter anguish.. What have I done!??

The owner said how could I put the puppy on the counter! (He didn't see me doing that he claimed..) He carried the pup and carefully massage his legs and kept listening to his heartbeat too.. he then put the pup on a cushioned bed.. the little pup still didn't move at all..

Words couldn't describe my feeling - I kept uttering `sorry, sorry, sorry' to the dog and also apologised to the owner.. I felt so distressed and heartbroken seeing the pup. Just minutes ago, he was so active and lively and now... If not for my stupidity.. :*(

I spent another 15 minutes or more with the puppy.. which by then had not made anymore noise. Thank goodness he was conscious and alert but looked so pitiful.. the owner said he would bring him to see a vet soon.

My heart was so heavy when I went home.. The whole night I couldn't stop thinking of the pup and was praying for him.. At night I tried calling the owner but could not get him.

I managed to contact the owner the next day and he said the pup was with the vet, and he still could not walk. They were trying to find out where the injury was. Two days later, I was told by the pet shop owner that they did an x'ray on the pup and found his spinal cord was injured! And he had only 50-50 chance of recovery.. and he still couldn't walk!

I was wretched and miserable! I felt like a murderer.. a dog's life is ruined because of my mistake. When I shared this with my family and one or two friends, some of them said if there's no chance of recovery, it's more humane to put the dog to sleep.. but this option deeply troubled me.

Then thanks to another friend who told me that paralysed dog could also live a `normal' life with the help of wheels.. and even showed me Youtube clip and website on it, I decided unless the vet recommended euthanasia, I would adopt the crippled pup and take good care of him and give him a good life to compensate him...

Yesterday afternoon when I contacted the pet shop owner, I was told the pup was back already. I went to see him, preparing myself to be heartbroken again.. and then to my joy and surprise, the owner said the pup could walk already! Not only could he walk, he could also jump up!

I saw the x'ray and it showed a column of his spinal cord has jut out' due to the impact of the fall. Although he seems pretty normal now, extra care needs to be given especially in keeping his body small.. If he grows heavy that would put strain on his spine and he may not be able to walk.

I must say I was so relief seeing and knowing that the pup could now walk and has no life danger from the fall.. So even though I have to fork out RM1K (a discount of RM200 apparently) to buy the pup - although the owner did not spell it out in the beginning, he finally admitted I HAD to take on the responsibility of buying the dog as he could not sell him anymore! Ya, I know I couldn't argue with the case...

So, this cute pup is my new `accidental' dog and I will be his new `accidental' `mom'. I am actually very excited although its under such circumstance that I have a third dog. But I love min. schnauzer and he is such a beautiful pup!

I somehow felt we had established a bond. And he seemed very happy to see me - totally oblivious to the fact that I was the one who caused him such pain and sorrow..

Because both my parents and I would be travelling in the coming week, the owner agreed to take care of him till we are back.

I spent the evening thinking of a name for my new pup - finally, I decided to call him `Jammy' or `Jam' for short.. According to the Urban dictionary, a meaning of Jammy is `flukey, lucky, defying probability with outrageous good fortune' - quite appropriate indeed!

Guess soon I will have to change my blog's name to `Jess' three Js'! And can't wait to welcome little Jammy home next weekend! :))

Another Crime Alert!!

I became the victim of another crime just four months after that `bag snatch' incident! But thank God it's not as bad as it could have been!!

I was driving home after meeting up with a friend for drink and dessert in Cheras - taking that more `logical' toll-free way via Alam Damai home. It was just past 10pm. I stopped at the traffic light junction and noticed there was a motorcycle which headlamp was not on riding at the left side of me and stopped just behind. If I was not mistaken, it was a guy rider with a girl passenger. I didn't really pay much attention to it. There were at least 5-6 cars in front of me at the traffic light.

Then just a couple of second after I stopped, that motorcycle rode up to my left and then the rider, a young Malay guy, started hitting my passenger seat window with some hard object (which i couldn't tell what it was) When the first impact came, I thought he was some kind of a road bully! Then he hit a few times more, very hard, and the window began to `crack' - disintegrating but the glass did not break. It happened so fast and I suddenly realise he was trying to get my handbag on the passenger seat. I quickly grabbed it and then honked loudly. By that time, he had hit the window at least 7-8 times and since it didn't break, he gave up and then sped off!! I couldn't do anything as I was stuck at the traffic - which by then the light had turned green and I could move.. but the motorcyclist had already disappeared!!

The motorist in front of me must have witnessed what happened and slowed down and wound down her window to talk to me.. we got honked by the cars behind. It was a Malay woman and she asked whether I saw the number plate. I didn't and unfortunately she said she didn't as well but she advised me still to make a police report. I drove on with that shattering window and called home and related briefly to my dad what happened and asked him to accompany me to the police station. Noticing that window had a gap at the top, I tried to close it but the moment I pressed the remote, the whole glass fell off inwards!! Argh!! I became extra cautious and thankfully I didn't have to stop at any more traffic light.

Besides mild shocked after what happened, my reaction was that of anger more than feeling scared! I mean, what is our society coming to? Can't people work for a proper living rather than doing immoral, illegal stuff? Have they any conscience?

Thankfully the drive home was another five minutes or so and then dad took over the wheels - I sat at the back and we drove to the police station which happened to be just 200 meters away from the `crime scene'! We spent the next 40 mins or more reporting and waiting to take statement on the phone with the sargent. I took photos with my camera that was in my bag. Here is how it looked like:

Since I couldn't see the motorcycle's model nor the plate number, I know its almost impossible to arrest the culprit. But both my dad and I wanted to report to alert the police of such crime committed just at their backyard!

To think of it, it was really fortunate that my shattered-proof glass has protected me and my bag. I would have been so upset if my bag was taken for this time, I have some RM300 cash (besides the important documents) in my wallet, my beloved camera and the iPod touch my niece gave me! And nothing untoward happened to me. I really thank God for the protection..

But the troublesome thing is I had to get the window fixed - unsure if Nissan has ready stock or not, and then claim insurance etc.. It kinda put a damper to my mood - as tomorrow, or rather today, I would be going for a short holiday to the seaside with my parents.. for some relaxing and recharging.

Oh well, now that the incident had occured, I guess it's also timely that I can get away and just put this behind my mind for a while..

It was no April Fool's prank!! :((

April Fool's evening dealt a real `prank' on me. My handbag was snatched from the chair right next to me when I was having dinner!

We were eating at a open-air restaurant just down the road from my house. Earlier was thinking of going to another one but since we were quite hungry and I knew the food was pretty good, so we thought of just eating near by.

We sat outside, thinking that it was quieter and breezier.. were enjoying the meal, chit-chatting and we were almost finished eating...

Then, it happened so fast...! I heard my friend yelled and next thing I knew, a scrawny Indian guy was running away with my bag! My friend up and chased him but just 50 m away, that thief jumped on a motorbike and his friend rode off in high speed. That was it!!

I didn't scream.. think I was dazed.

What happened was the suspecting guy was walking near our table.. And walked behind me, which I didn't even know! He and his partner-in-crime must be eye-ing my bag already. They are pretty pro. The motorcycle light was off so we couldn't see the no. plate as well!

So, I lost my whole handbag - it wasn't expensive but one of my favourite.. :( Of course my wallet was inside.. containing my I.C., driving licence, ATM card, a number of credit cards and many many shopping rewards cards.. some vouchers.. and my dog's puppy photo! :(

BUT guess what? I had absolutely no money inside except some coins. Not even ONE ringgit! I used up the last few ringgit buying some light bulbs which were also in my bag..

That thief must be dumbfounded and frustrated! All his `effort' and not even one ringgit! Serve him right!!

For a second after that I panicked. Not for my lost wallet or anything in my bag.. but I thought my mobile phone was gone! And I have all my contacts in there! But thank God. I took it out earlier and have placed it on the dinner table..

However I lost my iPod Touch! A present mom gave me which is less than a year old.. That I feel very sad about.. I wouldn't have brought it out but since it was already in the bag I didn't bother to take it out.. Then there are other (less valuable) things like my lipstick case, card-holder (a present from sis which I really like too)..

Of course I curse the thieves!! But I also know that I have been too careless. I always have the habit of putting my handbag on the chair next to me. Like last night, I thought there were hardly anyone around or near and I was totally unsuspecting..

Sigh I've learned my lesson now. :(

So after that, I had to do the necessary. Went home to call the bank one by one.. FOUR in all (yes, i have quite a lot of cards..) And then we went to the nearest police station to lodge a report.. And I have to re-apply for my identity card and driving licence on Monday or Tuesday..

Guess I could look at it on the positive side.. At least I wasn't hurt at all.. Cases of snatch theft was just too prevalent.. I know of friends and acquaintances who fell victims to these cowardice criminals.

Right now, I'm still feeling heartache losing my iPod Touch (which, well, you can say is replaceable with money) but..... :((

So yes, I have learned my lesson -I'll from now on to be extremely careful with my belongings..

Arghh!! how I wished it's really just an April Fool's prank!!

My Memorable Birthday of `Adventures'

So finally.. I've entered into the milestone I've always dreaded in the last few years... :S

But guess what, just like how I entered the last year of my 30s last December.. turning 40 wasn't a big deal anymore!

I mean, it's kinda `big deal' in the sense I did plan something to treat myself.. and ended up having a birthday celebration that I've never experienced before!!

But first was a surprise birthday treat by some of my good friends from church, which involved a big cover-up story and then I was blindfolded in the car all the way to the restaurant! Imagine on a busy Sunday evening, I was made to walk from the carpark into a shopping complex and then all the way into the restaurant and to our table blindfolded - and of course holding on to my two friends. And on top of that, since I thought we were going to play games in my friend's house, I was in my casual wear with slippers!! And then, they even fed me with some `samples' of food and made me guess what I tasted.. before all was revealed when I was allowed to see again..

It's near Christmas and some of my group of friends who turned up for my last birthday do could not make it.. so it was just five gal-friends and me but it's really nice cos it's cosy and I know they actually took the pain and trouble to plan for it.. so that I didn't even suspect. Well, I did suspect in a way since it was just three days away from my actual birthday, but my guess was they may just bring out a cake when we play games.. the mastermind and the main partner-in-crime were just so clever and `crafty' at this `game' that I actually fell for it..!

So yes, for the first time in my life, I had a surprise and blindfolded birthday treat!! And on top of that, I was treated to a sumptuous Japanese meal, birthday cake and pressies.. but most important was their company.. So thank you gals, you know who you are.. don't want to name names to embarrass you although I just had to post a few photos here for memory sake! ;)

After that part was over... came the part which I have looked forward since months ago when I decided to treat myself to spend my birthday in a five-star hotel!

I'm not so rich after all.. it's because of the Starwood Privilege membership that I've joined a few months earlier (where I also got to treat dad to a discounted birthday dinner at Prime) that had a coupon that offered me a free night stay in one of its five-star hotels in KL. Out of the three hotels - Le Meridien, Sheraton Imperial and Westin, I chose Westin due to the great location. I just thought of having an escapade in the city and pamper myself by sleeping in a five-star hotel room that is famous for its `heavenly bed'! For dinner, my parents would join me to dine in Prego - which also entitled to 33 per cent off for three diners.

The icing to the cake however, would be a two-hour luxurious spa treatment at the famous and very pricey Spa Village. Since I couldn't afford to experience the famed Spa Village at Pangkor Laut, the KL one is good enough. And surely after checking it out two weeks ago when I had an assignment in Ritz Carlton, I fell in love with it.. just look at the photos on its website here. hmm.. heavenly!!

I was almost all packed by the time I went to bed on Tues night (or rather Wed morning) and was really happy and touched to receive a meaningful Hallmark birthday card from dad and mom, with an `angpow' enclosed! ;)

After doing some renovation shopping with dad for the condo and a yummy `ipoh hor fun' lunch in PJ, I checked into Westin KL around 3:30pm (postponed my spa treatment to 4pm). While the room wasn't super luxurious for 5-star standard, it was nice and roomy and comfy.. and the bathroom was quite impressive - can't get the shower and the WC areas inside the photo!

And the bed.. ahhh.. it's definitely one of the most `heavenly' beds I've lied on.. it was soft yet firm and the pillows were so comfortable too.. words can't really describe. Couldn't help but lied on it and took a photo myself (not very flattering angle but who cares :p)

After refreshing and unpacking a bit, I headed for the spa. Conveniently, Ritz Carlton is just at the back of Westin. The YTL flagship hotel is another class altogether.. but no, I don't have free room for this one..

I chose the 60/60 package - an hour of body scrub treatment and an hour of Balinese massage.. Each treatment room is like a luxurious hotel room and best of all, open up to a private garden that has a open roof shower and a bath.. all built for privacy of course. And each room has attached bathroom and some with steam room.

My therapist was a local lady, and one of the better masseurs I have come across.. the service of course was superb. I felt so relaxed during the massage that actually managed to not think of the many things in my mind.. and almost drifted into sleep.. I shan't go into the details of the treatments.. :p Suffice to say, I have been to a few spas locally and more overseas but this must be the most luxurious ever, and probably the best experience.. How I wish my spa treatments could last longer!

I know I was on `holiday' so to speak but I still needed to be connected! And so went online a while and saw a flood of birthday greetings on FB! :D Dad and mom arrived soon and we dined at Prego. The food was not great but not bad either and the ambience was nice.. cosy, warm and relaxed.. Got a free bottle of red wine with my coupon, and a cake as well from the hotel.

We shared our food as usual and my main courses - shared with dad - were spaghetti Arabiata and a pizza which I forgot its name, recommended by the captain.

Uncle's family came to join us after dinner and we went up to my room to chit-chat, had the cake and some drinks.. before they left around 11pm. They bought me a bottle of wine.. and we opened it!

While continuing my Internet-ing - but I had to go to the lobby lounge as Internet access costs a bomb in room! And then I found out that there was free drinks for ladies at Q-bar, and just couldn't help it to help myself to a Sangria. On top of the many glasses of wine, and a frozen magaritta I ordered at the lobby lounge! I over-estimated myself.. my head got pretty heavy by the end of the night and finally after a hot bath, I tugged myself into my heavenly bed..

It would have been a PERFECT escapade if not of the terrible incident early in the morning!! At 7:30am - while I was still in dreamland, I was rudely awaken by a loud drums playing! It sounded like a band of drums and indeed it was! They were practising in front of Pavillion which was where my room was facing. I couldn't ignore it so I called the hotel reception to complain. I was assured that they would ask the drums to stop. But no, the drumming continued, sometimes intermittently but it got worse and I had to call again, this time the manager on duty actually went over to try to solve the problem.. However, he didn't succeed.. and finally.. he apologetically offered me to change room that's on the other side. That was the only solution so I took it, groggy already being awaken for about an hour. So, in my bathrobe and slipper and only with my glasses and handphone, I followed him to another part of the hotel which was the apartment residence.. and he gave me a studio - which also had a king-size heavenly bed.

Due to the disturbances, and with a headache from hangover, I had difficulty falling asleep immediately again.. and finally when I did it was probably 10am.. and then I had to miss the movie preview I planned to go at Pavillion GSC! Sigh..

(I went back later to the studio residence and snapped some photos for blogging sake!)

Finally I woke up around noon, still groggy but at least had some sleep.. joined my media friends for lunch at Pavillion food court before going to Ritz Carlton for my work assignment. Actually I am thankful that the assignment location was just perfect for me.

Since it's entertainment assignment, it was also more fun.. and this time to interview Tony Leung Ka Fai and Fan Bing Bing who came to promote the new movie `Bodyguards and Assassins', which according to those who watched, was a great movie! (and i will get to watch only later.. at least the distributor promised me free tix)

I have requested for late check-out. I planned to leave around 5pm when my work finished, but by then, I was really too tired from alcohol effect and lack of sleep so I got my room extended again.. and the kind manager, who already wrote me an apology card and gave me a small box of chocolate, agreed.

So I rested for an hour or so as I was totally exhausted but had some coffee so I couldn't really sleep. Then I went to the poolside for a while and then had nice long shower before I packed up and left the hotel.. concluding my 30-hours escapade at Westin KL...

Whatever way you look at it, my milestone was certainly some kind of adventures and experiences that's worth me blogging all in a breath till 1am!

Time to hit the sack now, on my own familiar `heavenly' bed.. ;)

ALL GONE!!!! :((

Can't believe I've wiped out all my old datas in my old Palm - and I have no back-up!!!

Yes, they're ALL GONE!! Addresses and phone numbers of old friends and contacts - especially those overseas.. old sermon notes.. and other (not so important) things and memories..

Gosh, I'm so upset and I feel I'm crying inside though I can't physically cry.. sigh..

I haven't been using my Palm for the longest time.. reason being the contacts I use often are already in my handphone (only phone nos) I'm not worried about those contacts - friends and work-related - locally. But what I have lost are the addresses and phone nos of friends living overseas - U.K., Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore.. etc..

Thankfully for some of them I am still able to get in touch with.. via Facebook and common friends. But I know there are some whom I have lost contacts altogether.. unless they get in touch with me first..

So you're probably wondering how I could just lose everything.. I think I've just been taking my good old Palm for granted all these years.. It was actually sold to me second hand by my brother-in-law. At that time, Palm was the thing and I was quite impressed by the colour screen..and the simple but functional features.. I have painstakingly input many contacts - including work and general ones.. I used it as a diary until I swapped over to my phone.. and I have input sermon notes and other important stuff and details in it.. There were to-do-notes, even my `feminine cycle' record and others.. Basically it served me well..

A few years back with the change of hard disk, I was unable to SYNC it anymore to the PC (even my technician could not help). I know I was taking a huge risk but somehow naively I still went ahead using the Palm, updating stuff. Then in the last couple of years, I have used it much much less, and almost only when I needed to look up friends contacts overseas (like when I go overseas..)

Since I am going to Singapore tomorrow and I have many friends there, and it seems we will have some spare time besides my cousin's wedding solemnisation and banquet, so I thought of contacting some friends. Even if I could not meet up at least just chat with them.. But when I tried to turn on my Palm (which has not been touched by many months) I could not at all, nothing came on, it was like totally dead..

So finally I did something I really regret now.. but I had done it before last time. Which was to RESET it. When I did this last time when it hanged, all my data was in tact.. But this time..... when it worked again, it was like a brand new Palm - with nothing in it.. :((

I guess maybe it was already dead for too long - I had not charged it for the longest time. The data was probably already gone!!

Sigh.. no use crying over spilt milk now I know. But I felt like screaming out loud..and I just had to let it out..

Yes, it feels so painful to have lost for good memories and contacts from the past that I have cherished all this while..

:((

What a `Tit Tar' experience!

Usually my dad has pretty good recommendations - especially when it comes to food. But this time, I hoped I hadn't taken his advice..

You see, because of my sprained foot that was getting move painful overnight, i was planning to go to a professional tit tar place which i went before in Sea Park, PJ when i sprained my foot/ankle two years back.

But then my dad said I should go to the one `near' our place. They are very good and professional and always have lots of customers (or patients?)

So I took his advise, thinking that PJ is a bit far to drive all the way.. but.. the whole tit tar experience turned out to be quite an ordeal..

First, it wasn't exactly near.. it's almost 20 mins drive (just 5 more I would reach that tit tar place in PJ! ) Can you imagine just to see a tit tar, I waited a whole TWO hours before getting treatment. When you enter the place, you feel you're in a time warp - that you've entered a 1950s Chinese shoplot. Maybe it was older even. And ya, the whole place was quite dingy andd run down.. they even boil their medicine (i guess its for application) in the toilet!

(I wished i had taken some photos!)

I know what made my dad think they're so good. Cos the place is always full with people. It's extremely popular among the local folks - especially middle age and elderly men and I guess for that reason I thought i was in the right place..

When we reached, we had to pick a card with a no. and then just wait for your turn. My no. was `26' and after quite a long while, someone came out from one of the rooms and a woman shouted `10'. I knew I was in for a loooong wait... and true enough..

After making some important calls, poured all through the Chinese papers my mom brought (good thing I have her company) and doing some sms, went to toilet twice, I began to feel impatient.. It was nearly 1pm and we had been there for almost 2 hours!!

FINALLY, my turn came.. I was greeted by a grouchy-looking man whom I figured out was the sifu going to treat me.. After taking my seat and as I began to relate what happened to me (I fell, and hurt my left foot etc) he just didn't seem interested but started doing some `massage checks' on both my feet, calves and even body.

Being the outspoken person I am, I just asked why was he checking other parts of my body but instead of replying he snapped at me and ordered me to turn around and even checked my back. To be honest, my intention wasn't to question what he did (he surely has a reason) but just want to know more. But instead, he just snubbed at me saying that I had no idea of what he does so there is no point he wants to answer me.. Now I can't remember exactly our conversation but some ppl may think we were arguing.. But I just wanted to clarify my point..

And when I said why was he so grouchy, he admitted it and said how could he be in a good mood just after a fight with someone. And I was unlucky to be treated next!!

Inside I was rolling my eyes big time. Ok, now I guess I know whey he was in a foul mood was pretty rude. Anyways, although we didn't get off in a good start, at least he took quite a long time to massage my left foot and leg.

However, as I tried to seek his advise, he wasn't being helpful and gave ambiguous answers. He didn't tell me what was wrong with my foot.. I said some ppl think it's better to go for x-ray then he would ask why I decided to see them. And whether I think I should need X-ray?

You can tell he was not professionally trained.. and he never admitted he was. In fact, he later disclosed he learned `tit ta' from his father-in-law and brother-in-law, who were the founders of this tit ta place. He also said their tit tar style is unique in that no one else in KL do it this way.. And that the amount of people who come to them is already a testimony..

Anyways, at least the `urut' part wasn't that painful. And after asking him again, he just said it wasn't that serious and I just should walk fast. But when I asked him whether he thinks I should go to Genting this Saturday (going for Michael Hui's talk show), he said just try to `adjust'.. he was saying I can walk and function normallly, but later he sorta contradicted himself and said I better rest my foot more..

At one point, another man (he said was the sifu of this place) came in and just touched my legs/feet and stepped on my left foot (where the swell was but surprising, it wasn't that painful)

He did spend quite a lot of time massaging my foot and leg. In the last part, I was asked to lie on my tummy on a bed - for him to urut the foot and leg form another angle. And there was a pillow there and I couldn't help wondering how clean it was but too late I was lying on it!!

I was given the `tit tar jau' and also some `tit tar pills' (even my dad said he was sceptical and didn't take those last time). And before I could say anything he said it's up to me as many of his patients couldn't be bother to put on/ eat medication at home. I said i wanted to heal fast so I will but he still said the same thing..

But finally, after paying (it was a reasonable RM35) the man suddenly softened and said he felt he was a bit in the wrong in the beginning.. To which I said no worries..

When we got home, it was 2pm. We left house before 11am. I could have done or rested with all those waiting time wasted!!

Ok, I know I should give them the benefit of the doubt.. maybe the urut and the medication really work.. But, even so, I doubt very much I would ever go back there shall I need a tit tar agan!

another foot disaster...

Just as I am getting busy with quite a few things going on - work and others - this has to happen..!!

Sigh. I think I've sprained my left foot. And it's quite painful now.

I fell down.

I was going to my vocal class this afternoon and spotted a empty parking space by the roadside (normally I would park inside but sometimes hard to find parking and is charged) Thinking that roadside parking was free so I was quite happy.. and then as I walked on, I saw parking meter on the roadside and I was thinking and contemplating whether I should pay. And also when did they put up the meters? So as my mind was focused on the meter, I didn't pay attention to my feet.. I didn't know that was the end of the pavement and I stepped onto the uneven and muddy ground and fell, landing on my butt!!

I immediately got up (kinda embarrassing) and in a way relief there was no one near by.. My peddle-pusher got muddy and i felt some sharp pain on my left foot. Nevertheless I could still walk..

As i needed to climb two flights of stairs to my class and was running late, I sat down at the mamak stall nearby and called my teacher. He was kind enough to come down and see me.. And since I seemed ok, shortly after, we walked up and proceeded for class.. but i felt the left foot a bit strained and sometimes sang sitting down!

I know I should have gone home and attend to the foot after class.. but then I didn't think it was serious.. and I had a prior appointment at the centre for my final rounds of (slimming) treatment. If I didn't go today, I won't have time to go this week again.. So I thought never mind, I just needed to lie down most of the time anyway..

But, when I finished about two hours later, I realised I was already limping. The pain on my left foot was more.

After reached home and showered, I rubbed on some `Zhen gu shui' (famous Chinese ointment for sprains) and even bandaged up my left foot. I also skipped my choir practice.. in a way I'm glad I did.. Coz from then onwards, the foot just got more and more painful.. so much so that i find it hard to walk even.. I had to walk really slowly and quite awkwardly. But thankfully when the foot is still, there isn't too much pain.

I got advise on Facebook that I need to see a `Tit Ta' sifu as soon as possible.

But what bothers me is not so much the pain.. yes that too, but this stupid sprained foot would probably jeapodise my tomorrow's schedule! I have quite a busy day coming. I don't think my interviewee (who seems so busy and impulsive) is happy that i have to reschedule the appointment tomorrow. And then I have my Italian class which I always look forward to.

And then, in the evening, I have booked to watch KakiBlue musical with my friend! We already paid for it... and if I really can't go, it's a bit hard for my friend to find someone else to go with her. And on top of it, while collecting the tickets, I need to produce my credit card (which I used to book over the phone!) How..?

So now I just hope and pray that tomorrow it will not be worse..

All because of that stupid meter.. (ok, and I was careless myself) :(

Michael Joseph Jackson: August 29, 1958 - June 24, 2009


I know this post comes a few days late.. but the news frenzy is still going on following the death of The King of Pop, a phenomenon in the entertainment world and arguably the most recognised man in the world.

I must admit I'm not really a fan, though I'm pretty familiar with his music especially from his 80s album. I mean, being a teenager, Michael Jackson's songs were some of the biggest hits ever.. and yes, I grew up dancing to his music! And some of his MVs still stuck in my head.

And his death is probably the biggest news this year that everyone talks about. So I thot I should `document' it in my blog..


Yes, he's a genius - brilliant in his music and dance move..and his explosive performances on stage just leave you breathless. I just re-watched the MV of Smooth Criminal on TV and was totally amazed at what he could do!! Till date, I can't think of artistes who could match him.. MJ is irreplaceable.

I had the opportunity to witness him live in concert when he came to KL for his concert tour in 1996. But because of the huge huge crowd, I was also quite away and by now could not recall most of it.. Nevertheless, at least I could say I was there..



Despite all this unprecedented success and achievement in the entertainment world, sadly MJ was a tormented soul inside. His personal life was so controversial and `colourful' - in the wrong way. From his repeated plastic surgery that had practically disfigured his face to his uncommon relationship with young boys and his many weird and perculiar affinity.. there were much flaks and negative reports on this great entertainer.. he even earned the non-flattering moniker `Wacko Jacko'.

Already for more than a decade, his career has not really revive. And although his death is untimely - he's scheduled to hold 50 concerts in London next month! - I somehow feel the sudden departure may have saved him from more disgrace.. afterall, his health has been detiorating..

But now in his death, as said in so many reports, MJ shall be remembered for his iconic status in the entertainment world and the legacy of some of the most popular and well loved music of all time.

To be honest I am still a bit baffled at the non-stop coverage of all media following his death, and the out pour of his fans grief was also quite incredible. MJ is probably the only artiste who has legions of fans in every country and continent.

So it just point to the fact that Michael Jackson is truly THE King of pop, and the biggest superstar of our generation, and ever-living legend.

RIP, MJ.

Lee Hom's Harassing Concert!!

Warning: rant post - not a concert review


This was my 4th time watching the extremely talented, uber-cute `music-man' in concert. And the first time I paid for it. But.. it would go down to be the most `memorable' one - for the wrong reasons.

No no, not that I didn't like this concert - Lee Hom was still in his element and the concert was in anyway a success. And it was fun watching with friends than going alone as member of the media. But throughout the concert, we were so disturbed and harassed by some inconsiderate audience as well as securities and organiser's staff!!

This is my ticket. It's the 2nd most expensive at RM318 but I got a slight discount. With that amount of money we paid, the seat was so far away from the stage! Initially I thought I got pretty good seats as they were in the centre - BUT our views were partially blocked by a huge fan which was not even on, AND by people who chose to lean against the barricades..

It was so frustrating when our limited view was kept being blocked by people walking across the aisle and in between sections.. It's hard to explain how the seating was like but trust me, I kinda regretted getting those seats and not the ones more towards the sides.. we were totally EXPOSED to disturbances!

Shortly after the concert proper start - there were opening acts by local artistes (Danelle Lee was ok but I could not stand the other new female artiste whose voice was shrilling ) I had to start telling some people that they were blocking our views. But not long after, other people did the same.. I think I ended up going up three times, and Lynn did it once.

And throughout the concert, people in front of us were sneaking to take photographs - which were strictly prohibited. And each time some security guards saw people with their camera up, they walked along the aisle and shone a torch light to them. From where we sat, people walking along the aisle unfortunately blocked us!! And other time, the staff and securities just stood where ever they liked, never thinking that they could be blocking some of us who have paid a hefty amount to watch our `idol' perform!

I was thinking if they really wanted to be so strict about it, they should have consficated their cameras before hand. Well, they did say no camera allowed but there wasn't proper search and even three of us got our cameras inside just that we were decent enough to comply with the rules and not cause trouble for others.

Then came the `highlight' of the evening.. suddenly about 3/4 through the concert, a whole gang of securities suddenly surrounded the barricades near where we sat. And guess what, our view of the stage was COMPLETELY blocked!! This arouse the anger of not just us but also some other audience in the area. And trusting yours truly being the vocal one, I immediately walked forward and told one of them. But the reply I got was they were told to do so and I could talk to Galaxy (the organiser) if I wanted. Sure, I demanded to see Galaxy staff and I found a girl near by and as I complaint to her, she was courteous enough and told me the reason was that Lee Hom was going to appear inside the fenced up barricade area soon. And it's only for a short while those securities had to be there. Ok, point taken, I went back to my seat.

But guess what, some inconsiderate people in front decided to stand up and further blocked our view even of the screen! I was so cheesed by then that I decided to stand near the barricade myself.. but not blocking anyone, and getting a good standing room to see Lee Hom when he appeared there. But straight away one security asked me sternly to sit down. I ignored him. And then another tall one just walked towards me, stood so close to me where his stomach almost touched my chest (yes, he was tall), with a menacing look, he growled and shouted rudely at me to sit down.

How dare he, I looked back at him and shouted back that he was too rude. Well, not wanting to provoke further as he definitely was much bigger size than me, I returned to my seat but not before I said I was going to report him. The Galaxy girl came to pacify me but I told her I demanded an apology. The guard was unmoved - real cocky!! So i took note of his name on his name tag.

Then shortly after, Lee Hom did appear and everyone scrambled forward and surrounded the barricade. At least that half a minute or so of seeing Lee Hom close-up was a consolation of sort. But inside, I was still fuming and my mood definitely spoilted to certain extent. I missed almost one entire song and dance because of the rude security guard!!

I felt I have the right to complain to Galaxy the organiser (where I know some of the ppl there from work) - since it was not comp tix but I bought three tickets from them!

After the Encore, all hell broke loose. We could not see anything seated down as people all stood up and some even walked to the front. So I turned and told my friends - `if we can't beat them, join them'. So we walked to just behind the most expensive seating area and found a spot where we could see the stage.

And now, even the securities are finally taking their break and not asking people to sit down or shooed them when they take photos. So finally I also snapped some pix but effect was bad.

Lynn and Evonne were totally enamoured by Lee Hom as you can see.. ;)

Oh well, all in all it was a good concert and Lee Hom certainly did not disappoint, although some how I remembered enjoying his `Heroes on Earth' concert better. It would have been much enjoyable for me (and my friends too) if not for all those disturbances and some explosive moments - and I don't mean the many fireworks they had.

Actually i am dead tired but somehow I just had to let it all out.. Although the concert production was pretty much flawless, the same cannot be said about the floor organising - especially the type of staff and security the organiser had employed. Oh another thing, the music was blaring loud and really deafening for the 1st part of the show!!

I think I will still complain but in a calm manner - as a customer and not as member of the press for once. I'll think twice now before being so enthusiastic to fork out money to get so called expensive seats that were actually lousy!

Ok, i can go sleep in peace now..

p.s. for a proper review but from a swooned fan, go to Lynn's blog ;)

AGAIN!! but this time it's not my fault!!

I hate motorcyclists!!! Especially those reckless ones!!

You won't believe that I'm so unlucky to have two accidents in one week!! While what happened on Tuesday was due my own fault, this afternoon I was just so unlucky to be hit by a motorcyclist while driving along a congested road.

Well, I later found out the jam was caused by a car accident way at the end of Jalan Cheras. So we were crawling along, and then suddenly, I heard a loud crash and felt an impact from the left back of my car! I quickly looked at the left side mirror and saw a motorcylist and his motorbike both fell on the road. Then almost immediately, he got up and jumped onto his motorbike again. I slowed down and honked at him as he passed but he didn't even look at me and just quickly sped off!!

I would have caused a even more massive jam if I stopped so I just drove on until a petrol station nearer to my house - I needed to pump petrol anyway. And then as I checked, I saw that my left back bumper knocked off, and the bottom part also broke..


trust me the damage looks worse in real than in this photo!

I really hate motorcyclists - they think they're the king of the road and not only ride recklessly but many break all the traffic rules!! Like when we were all going slowly in the congestion, they still wanted to speed as they could squeeze in between the cars. It was fortunate for that motorcyclist that he wasn't seriously hurt but then his bike caused pretty bad damage to my car and he didn't even bother but just sped off!! Such a jerk!

I was pretty shocked so didn't remember to note his plate no. but according to dad, i couldn't do anything much also.

Sigh.. I have to send the car for bodywork repair. I was told that only damage more than RM1K could claim insurance. So just my tough luck again..

Now I curse every motorcyclist that I see riding fast and reckless on the road!! They are nuisnaces and pests!!

p.s. apologies to the law-abiding motorcyclists out there.. just that you all seem to be the minority!!

Update (Sunday evening)
Since repairing the damage could cost quite a lot and we would like the insurance to cover, I ended up have to go to lodge a police report this afternoon. And since it's Sunday, I have to go back again tomorrow to get the report (but thankfully dad is helping me to do so since he would be in town..)

The police officer said if i could remember the registration no. of the motorbike, they could trace him. Ya i wished I took note too BUT that guy just rode away so fast..and i was still mildly shell-shocked at what happened...

Pastor in his sermon today questioned why we attributed things to `luck' - good luck or bad luck. But i just can't find another term to describe this incident :(

Yet another car incident!!

A friend commented that I've had so many incidents with my cars especially in the last couple of years. She is quite right :(

Less than 3 weeks after that `freak fire' incident with my car, can you imagine I had an accident with the courtesy car - bursting two tyres in one go!!

Thank God though as it was not an accident that involve collision with another car, or a pole or a tree.. rather, i very recklessly went up a stony uneven curb while doing a fast u-turn. I have done that turn (which was just in mny housing area actually) like hundreds of times but because I was in a rush and wanted to beat another slow car which was turning into that road too.. I misjudged and crashed into the curb. I tell you,m the sound of the impact was loud and I immediately knew the tyre was gone.

But one thing I didn't know was that BOTH the left front and back tyres were gone at that time..

Thankfully there was a tyre shop just 500 meters down the road so I made it till there and got them to change the spare tyre to the front left, which was completely flat and had a huge hole on the tyre itself! I was already running late for a work assignment in Sunway. I called to inform the other party but I thought I could still make it with the few minutes of delay.. But little did I know a bigger disaster is coming..

After driving for another 10km or so on the highway, I heard some thumping noise from the left side.. At first I thought the spare tyre was faulty! But then a lady motorist honked me and pointed to the left back tyre of my car. I nodded in gratitude and by then the noise was getting louder and louder and the ride was bumpier so I just had to pull over on the Federal Highway - just after the Pantai exit.

What could I do besides calling for help for another tyre? So immediately i called Nissan and thankfully got the technician head who said he would come with a spare tyre. So I put on the hazaard light, and waited in the car stopped at the emergency lane. It was a long wait.. I wished I have a book or even my laptop with me so I didn't have to waste time..

I think it was about 45 minutes later that they finally arrived, with another spare tyre. Then, I saw how badly damage were both the tyres, and I think the underneath of the car was also hit too.. I didn't want to ask about the cost.. as i'm not sure how it would work out. They couldn't charge me for the new tyres - which I had to go to Nissan again tomorrow to get them fixed (as they needed to order one extra now), because this car is not mine. In fact, I am hoping that I get my car back soon.. hopefully in a week's time. Ya, they are STILL waiting for spare parts to arrive from Japan!

Anyway, because of this incident, I also forfeited a translation work assignment that i was to do for the first time. The pay aint a lot but I was kinda looking forward to it as a learning experience. I also inadvertantly put the moderator in a spot because I - the translator - could not turn up in the last minute! So I apologised to both she and the person who recommended me the job.. but really what could I do. I couldn't just abandon the car loaned to me in the middle of highway...

So now my courtesy car looks like this: original tyres and rims on the right, and a pair of spare tyres with no rims on the left.





Sigh. accidents happen but they're happening too often for me. And now I vow to be extra careful and no more reckless driving when I get my March back!!