My Old Buddy, Lumpy

Thought of writing something yesterday - not just something actually.....a lot of things. Have a few things in mind that I would like to share with you readers. Indeed, I still have a few of my Korea travel stories in the draft folder, awaiting me to publish them.

When I woke up yesterday morning, all of my blogging plans came to a halt. My really, really old problem came back to bug my life. It's like this......I have this one small lump (which I'm gonna refer as "Lumpy" here), a size of a 50 cent coin underneath my right foot. It was like a gift from God to me as I was born with it. Good thing with it, it doesnt grow together-gether with me - otherwise, I would had a much bigger problem then.

Whenever I walked, Lumpy would be pressed against the ground, obviously. After some time, I guess Lumpy felt a bit agitated being pressed & squashed all the time especially those yesteryear when my weight is as heavy as 75 kg at least. So, he decided to punish me for all those bad times I've given him, though it's not directly my fault.

When I was in my secondary school, Lumpy declared war with me & began to rebel. He started biting my foot every now & then. He not only bite me when I walked but also when no pressure being put upon him - heartless Lumpy! It was really painful that most of the time I had to limp rather than walking. I sometimes cried too when the pain is really unbearable.

Since Lumpy didnt really like me that much anymore, after sitting for my SPM I've decided to "ditch" him from my life. My parents then took me to a clinic & ask the doctor to remove Lumpy. I guess we are so meant to be with each other, even the doctor failed to separate us. So much love, huh !

Anyway, that visit to the doctor had somehow put some sense's into Lumpy's head that he's becoming less vicious towards me. The pain he had caused me for years has lessen and after a while, it stopped. Just like that - we finally make peace between each other.......not until yesterday.

It was as if Lumpy just woke up from his long sleep.....with a vengeance. I was in a continuous acute pain all day long. It was so painful that I had to take 2000 mg of Ponstan to overcome the sufferings. The whole day of yesterday, I was very busy focusing my mind to ignore the pain - though it the end I didnt succeed that well.....huhuhu.

This morning, if the pain still continues I thought of going straight to Ampang Puteri & get even with Lumpy. But then I guess he could sense my agony & decided to mellow down. Good for him. Now, I'm just hoping that things between me & Lumpy would be back to normal again. No more distress.......no more hatred........no more pain.

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Just Remember Me......

After sending Marsya off to school, I've decided to browse the internet since it's still early. To my surprise, I've came across the news of Din Beramboi who passed away early this morning @ 12.30 am due to haemorrhagic dengue fever . It was only a few days ago I've read in the papers that he was in the ICU @ Selayang hospital. Well, when it's your time to go, nobody could ever stop it. Al-Fatihah to him - may he rest in peace.


Death is one of the many experiences everybody get to share. Prominent people are said to be remembered because of their contributions to the industry. But then, how about ordinary people like us? This question popped out from my mind after reading the news of the late Din Beramboi earlier. I just wondered what would people remembered about me after I make an exit to this world?

People are best at forgetting. I think that while many famous people will be remembered a lot of them will be forgotten as well. It is the way that things go. To me, as long as my family & friends remembers me, I'm okay. I just want to be known as a good person who was sweet, kind and loving who always tried to give her best to all.

In death, as in life, a good person is what I want to be remembered as. I've gone thru so many things in life, did as many too - some of them I regret, some I'm proud of but above all, I've always tried to do the right things. However, as a normal human being I just can escape from making mistakes. I served my parents & family to the best of my ability, perform my duty as a mother as best as I could & I gave to the community. I dont know whether it'll balanced the book well but at least I know I've tried.

Of all the people I knew, my daughter may remember me the most. I may be remembered by my child as the most fierce & crazy mum she'd ever known ( my child, it's all for a good cause ) - apart from being the most creative & fun mum to be with. But then, all I want to be remembered as is a person who loves her the most - nobody else could ever love her more than I do.

I may be remembered by my parents & siblings as the great family entertainer for all the laughter I've made when I''m with them. Also, the great chef who always introduce new menus for Hari Raya or other family events - either that or the evil chef who always makes them spend the whole day in the toilet for all the chillies she used in her cooking! But then, all I want to be remembered as is a child or a sibling who would always love them with all her heart !

I may be remembered by my friends as a person who would always there to make them laugh with my cheap & slapstick jokes. A person who enjoyed shopping, eating & traveling very much. But then, all I want to be remembered as is a friend who would always inspire them to enjoy everything life has to offer!

I may be remembered by my colleagues as a person who loves to cook & sharing it with them at the office. Movies supplier, blogger addict & a scooter rider would be among the things I would be remembered for. But then, all I want to be remembered as is a colleague who are always willing to share her knowledge with others !

I would like be remembered as to how I lived, not how I die. Honestly, I've never dream of something grand - just a simple, "She was a good person."

let there be no tears but laughter...
let my funeral be a carnival, celebration of my life...
let people not talk of how I had died, but of how I lived...
careless, reckless, selfless and unconditional...
let there be music, to soothe any sadness...
for my words had always been the songs to uplift them...
let there be games to play, for my ideas were always a challenge that made them winners...
let there be thanks, not condolences, so I know as I watch from above, I had touched their lives and made it rich, as rich as they have made mine...

p/s This is how emotional I am : I cried after finish writing this entry......huhuhu.

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Korea As I See It

This is my 2nd trip to Seoul, Korea. My first trip was somewhere 3 years ago and it was just a short 3 days trip. So, nothing much can I achieved during such a period though I still managed to set foot at Namdaemun market – well, that’s one of those strong determination in women when it comes to shopping.

This time around, I had a chance to be in Seoul for a solid 7 days, with 2 weekends. That has of course given me a better opportunity to get to know not only the place and culture but also the Koreans themselves.

Koreans are generally nice people- kind hearted, respectful & polite. The most significant quality I observed in Koreans is that they are very hardworking community – too hardworking, I would say. They devoted 3/4 of their life at the workplace. They will only leave the office after 10 pm – everyday.

Being hardworking is part of their culture & strength. We, Malaysians are totally nothing as compared to them. That explains how successful their country is. Perseverance is the word – no gain obtained without a pain.

Another interesting fact about Koreans is that they love coffee very much. Walking in their city, you’ll bumped into coffee shops every 10 meters of a distance – ranging from the international labels to their own local brands, you have them all.

Below are some observation I managed to pen down while being in this country – something you’ll never get in Malaysia that I find quite amusing :

a) I’m not sure about other parts of the country, but in Seoul the bus & subway service are available 24-7 ( 24 hours, 7 days a week). Not only the transportation, they also have a 24 hours shop and mind you, it’s not 7-11 I’m referring to here. I guess, since the Koreans will be working the whole entire day, these kind of services can be really helpful.

b) In most restaurants, when you came in a group of minimum 3 person, your drinks will be served with an extra straw. You’ll have 1 straw in the glass and another clean, unused ones by the glass. Reason being – in case you wanna share your drinks with your friends. I’m so touched by their thoughtfulness. So sweet !

c) The ladies toilet at our office is equipped with an electronic lock where a password is required to enter. This is mainly for security purposes – that’s why they only have it for the ladies.

Doesnt looks like a toilet door, isnt it?

d) Toilet story again……hehehe. I am so amazed with the toilet in Samsung office – it really resembles the company’s reputation very well. It’s a very high-tech toilet which offers variety of functions. The toilet seat will be heated after about 30 seconds you sit on it. They have 2 types of water sprinkler depending on your needs – one will spray warm water onto your “front exit” whereas the other will take care of your “rear exit”. Not only that, you can complete the process by pushing the “wind” button where a soft breeze of air will dry up your wet exits. Isnt it cool?

e) In most big Koreans companies, the lights will be turned off during lunch time. These are of course for energy conservation but it’s not the electrical energy they’re conserving here. It’s their people’s energy they’re concerned of. The employees are encouraged to rest during the break in order to optimize their strength & energy later.

f) During my 7 days observations, I couldnt see any fat Koreans around. Seriously, I cant detect any – be it the ladies nor the men! When I asked my colleague about it, I’ve been told that they does exist but most of them are hiding in the house. They are too shy to go out in the public due to their physical looks. Very sad, isnt it? This is one thing Malaysians won over the Koreans – higher confidence level !

I wonder when can I see the same toilet installed here in Malaysia?

g) Korean men love to wear suits. Not only they wear suits to work they also put them on while sightseeing……on Sundays. I’ve not only seen one, but many of them that makes me decided to put it in this list. I know it’s cold but wearing a suit for sightseeing on weekends is obviously a fashion crime !

Actual photo taken on Sunday evening @ Insa-dong market !

g) Last but not least, is the most shocking fact ever. There’s this one night, I was scrolling the TV channels searching for nice movies to watch. Then suddenly I saw this real shocking scene on the TV screen – a Korean couple on the bed having sex! Yes, they have porns on Korean TV – the local porns it seems. Can you imagine that, a TV porn channel in Asia? Anyway, this porn channel is only available after 12 midnight. I didnt know whether it’s only available in the hotel or they actually have it as part of their standard channels. All I know is it’s there & it’s free!

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Busy......

I've been very busy since I came back from Korea last Saturday - have been wanting to update my blog but it just seems too impossible - not until now. Have 2 dead lines to meet this week & working my ass out to complete those tasks. Now that both are done, I've finally got some air to breath & therefore decided to write something today.

To those who send their condolences on my grief over the blocked websites, thanks so much. Your concern is greatly appreciated. Apparently, those sites are only blocked in Korea.....phew! When I'm back to my KL office, everything seems to be back as normal. Boy, am I glad ! FB, the movie sites, Ares...everything are there! Lovely !! I've wasted my time a few days ago mourning over it. But then at least, it taught me how to be appreciative. As a norm, people would only learn to appreciate things when they've lost them. In my case, now that I've got back what I thought I've lost, I'm appreciating every moment of it by doubling the effort. I'm now downloading more & more movies - should enjoy the luxury while can, right?

I still have a lot of stories to write about my recent Korea trip. Am still trying to find time to publish them all. My entry today is just to let people know that I'm back to KL in one piece & this blog is still active. Some of you, K.Mimi in particular has been wondering what has happened to me since I've been quite dormant these few days, as far as this blog is concern. I'm ok, still breathing ( though not that smoothly due to work stress ) & very much alive.

In loving memories .......

Speaking of being alive, when I came back to my lovely home last Saturday, I was greeted by 2 dead gold fish in my mini pond.......huhuhu. According to my mum, the water filter suddenly stop running from early morning. By the time I reached home, it was too late already. Out of 3, only 1 survived. It was very sad since I had them for almost 2 years already. If they were kids, they would have started to talk already by now....huhuhu. Farewell goldie !

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In Flight Humour

This entry was written on my flight back to KL. I hate being in the plane so much & having a lappie with me is such a great pleasure as it helps me kills the boredom. FYI, I’ve written 4 entries so far during this 7 hours of flight – not bad isnt it?

My super-quiet seat mate must be wondering to himself whether he’s sitting next to a travel journalist coz I seems to be very occupied typing away my ideas. I dunno whether it’s the beautiful white cumulus & cirrus clouds or the confined contained pressure in the flight that seems to boost up the production of ideas in my head. The moment I laid my fingers to the keyboard, it seems impossible to stop as the ideas keep on flowing in.

The yummilicious chicken curry

Or maybe it’s becoz of the chicken curry I had a while ago that releases the happy hormones in me – thus inspired me to write even better. That particular chicken curry by the way, was the best I’ve ever had. After a week having seafood & kimchi, any food they offered me in plane would be the best indeed. Do I need to say more?

So, what’s the in-flight humour all about then? Nope, MAS is not having any stand-up comedian on board nor do they hosted the Raja Lawak competition in the air. It’s about this news I read in today’s Star a while ago which really gives me a good laughs.

It reads : Rise In Cancers Linked To Oral Sex. Very interesting, dont you think so? In London, it is believed that the rapid increase in serious head & neck cancers are said to be linked to a virus spread by oral sex….ahah !! Doctors there suggested that boys & girls to be offered protection through vaccination.

Well, one man’s cure is another man’s (or girl’s in this case) poison. Ladies should seriously consider this before agreeing to please their partners. Just remember this : the guy who left you after refusing to do the BJ on him can always be replaced but your head & neck is something money cant buy !

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Armageddon

Damn it ! Damn it ! Damn it ! No matter how much cursing & swearing I blurted, it still doesnt make up to the frustration I had in me at the moment. Okay, I felt some disappointment 2 days ago upon discovering that FB website has been blocked by the management. Honestly, that is nothing as compared to the distress I’m feeling right now.

While in Korea this whole week, I didnt bother checking out new releases from my favourite movie site, knowing there’s no internet connection available anyway. This morning however, I simply make a casual visit to the website – thought of just browsing through for some inspirations.

To my surprise, that website too has been blocked. Not only that, Ares is also in the list ! OMG!!! I was so shocked, I felt like crying. I have my Heroes Season 3 in the line, 87% completed in Ares, for crying out loud! Thank God I have all the 13 episodes of Glee in my possession already.

This is really a disaster – an ultimate nerve-racking situation for me. Not enuff it’s the coldest day ( mind you, it’s 0 deg. C today) of the week, I’ve been further shattered by this finding. Even the news I got yesterday about our bonus being cut into half this year , didnt upset me this much.

I was in a state of panic realizing the fact that I wont be able to download movies anymore in the office. I shuddered in despair - it’s like the whole world just collapsed on me. Honestly, downloading movies has been the primary motivational factor for me to be presence in the office every day – apart from blogging & meeting up with my BFFs. It may sounds unethical but then I didnt see any harm in doing so – all deadlines are still met & all valves are still sized. In fact, it’s something that awaken my system every morning which gives me the boost to be in the office every day. But now, how the hell am I supposed to work or even be at work?

As it is, work has never been that interesting – especially having to see that yucky face of my lady boss every morning. Those without a strong stomach, would definitely throw up looking at her face – very nauseating indeed, trust me ! Imagine this…… waking up in the morning after an 8 hours of sleep (with God knows what she did the night before), with no morning shower but a mere sprinkle of water to the face……and you’re saying I’m exaggerating, huh?

Downloading movies from the net has been one of the great pleasures of my life recently – it gives me a sense of satisfaction & happiness every time I finished downloading a movie. It might not be such a big deal but to me, it means I’ve accomplished something. I’ve always told Carol of my intention to download as many movies as possible so that I have enuff collections for my retirement years – oh yesssss, I AM that ambitious. I guess the plan will have to be put on hold due to this halt.

When there’s a will, there’s always a way. I’m sure I’ll end up with something to bring back this happiness in my life. By hook or by crook, it need to be done !

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Namdaemun Market

Honestly, I have so many things to write about my trip to Seoul. It's just that I cant really find the time to sit down & blog about it. From morning to late evening I'll be in the customer's office where there's no access to the internet. When I got back to the hotel, I'll be too tired to face the laptop anymore. The only time left is in the morning before going to the customer's office but then I'll be busy attending to the office e-mails during that mere 1 hour period.

This particular entry is written while waiting my emails to be downloaded. As mentioned in my earlier entries, I've managed to go for a sightseeing visit around the city. What I'm gonna do now is to write one entry for one place I've visited. With that, I'll start with the Namdaemun Market.

The only halal food available in the market

It might not be THE place to visit in Korea, but it should be in your Top 10 List, if not Top 5. Namdaemun is a very large open market in Seoul. The word "Namdaemun" means the "Great South Gate," and was the main southern gate to the old city. You can find anything here from fresh fish to books and all sort of stuff in between. For those who intend to buy souvenirs, this is the best place to get them.



Being in Namdaemun reminded me of Petaling Street - only it's 5 times bigger. It is very crowded and labyrinthian that you need plenty of time to explore & find your way back since you'll be very prone to get lost. This market was a great place to experience the Korean culture while having fun shopping. However, it is still considered expensive for Malaysians to shop here though it's the cheapest place to shop in Seoul.

This is how food is being delivered around the market area - very professional operator!

The market is easily accessible via the subway i.e. Line 4, Hoehyeon Station Exit 5. The moment you exit from the station, you'll be right in the middle of the market already. You can start do your shopping instantly but just make sure you'd be able to find your way back to the subway station. Anyway, not to worry as there's a Tourist Information booth in the middle of the market in case you get lost.

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FB No More

Good things are hard to come by. And when they do, they sometimes don’t stay forever. So, it’s always good to be grateful with what we’ve been blessed for. Never complaint for the things we didnt own, instead be gracious for everything we possessed.

Today, one of my pleasure has been taken away. I cant lie by saying I’m not disappointed it happened. Obviously I would be feeling very frustrated when I can no longer enjoy the same privilege anymore……huhuhu.

This morning I had a mild “heart attack” when the below screen appeared when I click the Facebook bookmark button in my browser. It says : The Content Has Been Blocked! If you determine that this URL has a specific business purpose, please click the link to request to access URL Request Link and CC your manager for approval of access.

I’m not that a big of a fan to FB – unlike certain people who really cant live without it. I would rather call myself as the “social member” of FB where I would once in a while peek in to check my fren’s latest status or pics. But then knowing that I wont be able to do it anymore does give an impact to me.

I’m sure I’m not the only person in Dresser’s organization who’s having the same shock. This has been an ultimate shock for the entire Asia Pacific region. All I know, our USA counterparts have been envying us for being able to log in to Facebook during office hours coz theirs have been blocked for God knows how long already.

Well now, we’re equal. No more facebook-ing for the Dresser’s staff globally. To all 7000 of Dresser’s employees across the globe, my condolences to you guys, particularly to the Asia Pac. team. I feel you my friends…….I seriously do !

So, if I were to request for the access, I wonder what should I put as a justification to such request. The key word here is “specific business purpose”. Let’s see what can I trash out from this old brain of mine to come up with a list of reasons in the name of a “business purpose” …..

1. I need to establish my networking with the rest of the world in order to expand my contact list & customer database, which at the same time would introduce Dresser to the eyes of millions of FB users. Aint that great?
2. FB is a very good virtual marketing tools as we dont even have to leave the office to do sales & marketing for the company. Marketing & application work can be done simultaneously thus saving a lot of company’s time.
3. Doing sales & marketing through FB networking could save a lot of money for the company. Through FB, communications can be done not only within Asia Pacific region but also as far as North Pole – with no extra cost whatsoever!
4. Playing games in FB has been proven to be a catalyst for increasing the work performance rate. The skills acquired through the games has indeed increased one's responsiveness ability, impact reaction & level of alert which in turn could be applied to the working environment.
5. Last but not least, FB without a doubt would create a smarter society within any organization. A smart brain is originated from a happy heart which would stimulate more intelligent enzyme for the brain, thus resulting with a smarter person. Otherwise there wouldnt be a saying that sounds like this : “All work & no play will make Jack a dull boy!” – isnt it?

So, that’s it – my 5 best & genuine reasons as to why FB should be allowed in the office. Asked everybody in your office, I’m sure they all in the same terms with me. Except those who didnt have an account with FB or worse still, never heard of FB before. Tak kenal maka tak cinta, kan?

Anyway, I’m still grateful that they didnt block Blogger at the same time. It’ll be worse if they did that. I wont be having mild heart attack anymore if Blogger is blocked – I’d definitely had a stroke ! Nauzubillah !

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My Seoul Ramblings

Today is my 3rd day in Seoul that is my first working day in my Korea office. The past two days I've been busy sightseeing around the city. It was okay - managed to visit a few of their old palaces as well as other major attractions there like the Seoul Tower, Itaewon, Korean Traditional Folk Museum etc. Met a few Malaysians at some of these locations too. It always feels good to bump into our own people when you're abroad especially when they are as friendly & warm as yourselves. God bless them !

If you'd asked me 10 years ago whether I love to travel, I would have said yes. But now, all I want is to go home to my princess......gosh, I missed her so much already. It's nice to travel for leisure like the trip I made to Bandung 2 years ago with my BFFs which is by far, the best holiday I'd ever had. All you need to do is have fun & enjoy - unlike a business trip.

On a business trip, it's 1 part pleasure & 9 parts pain. Sometimes if you're not lucky enuff, it'll be 100% pain - in cases where your schedule is too pack that you didnt even have the chance to get around the country you're visiting. As for me, I've been very lucky so far - I've always managed to find some time to escape from work & have some fun on my own.

But again, traveling for work is no longer something I look forward to anymore - especially like now, when Marsya is at school. She called me at least 5 times yesterday asking me questions about her homework. It's only her & my mum in the house and obviously my mum wont be able to help that much, isnt it? Imagine how would that leaves me feeling?

I was in Samsung office the whole day long - with no radio, no gossiping with Carol, no chatting session with the Consol girls and worst, no internet connections. It's just work, work & whole load of work. This is what I meant by that 9 parts of pain just now. Come to think of it, it's not really that worth it to be tortured for 5 solid days with 2 days of sightseeing in return. But then, what's fair in life? As mentioned earlier, I'm still considered lucky to still have that 1 part of pleasure as compared to some people who wouldnt have it at all ! Am counting my blessings......

Anyway, it was snowing yesterday here in Seoul - which was quite unusual at this time of the year where it is supposed to be spring already (according to my Koreans colleagues). I guess the Korean snow would just like to welcome me to their land. Kamsahamida !

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Sleepless In Seoul

Touched down Incheon Airport @ 6.30 am. The flight was ok - got the front seat for the first time ever. What I like about the front seat is because of the ample space in front where you could stretch out your feet as far as possible.

The whole journey took about 6 hours. 6 dreadful hours for me - thank God for the front seat though. Otherwise, things could be even worse. One thing I hate about traveling by planes (besides the waiting hours, of course) is that I just couldnt possibly sleep. As it is, I sometimes had problems sleeping on my own bed, let alone on that cramped seat of an airplane.

Imagine, the flight took off @ 11.30 pm. From that moment itself, I've been trying very, very hard to sleep. The thing is, I am indeed very sleepy - been yawning and yawning till tears coming out from my eyes. But why on earth I still couldnt sleep is something I just couldnt figure out.

The view from my hotel room

At about 3.30 am, I've lost hope & decided to take the Actifed - the flu pills that would easily knock me down. It did gave that effect on me where I was feeling very high and I could feel my soul slowly drifting out from my body. Unfortunately, the timing was really bad. By 4 am, the flight attendants started serving breakfast to the passengers. Imagine, having breakfast at 4 am in the morning - who in their right minds would do that? Well, the Koreans are!

Everybody in the plane were suddenly very busy - the stewardess were busy giving out the food while the rest are of course, busy eating. As for me, there goes my sleeping attempt. My soul apparently had to rush back to my body as the noise and the smell of the food didnt help much...... huhuhu.

With one of the hotel's staff where I was half asleep, half awake

The only sleep I had is on the Limousine Bus on my way from the airport to Rennaisance Hotel in Gangnam-do district, which took only an hour or so. How I'd wish the hotel is much, much more further so that I could have more sleep to re-energize my dying power. That one hour sleep seems like the best sleep I ever had. The terms 'sleeps like a baby' really suits the way I slept at that time.

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