My 42nd Birthday

I turned 42 on the 19th of February, last month to be exact. I hate my birthdays. Why? Because I am always left disappointed! You see, when u assume the role of Finance Minister, Domestic and Consumer Affairs Minister, Home Minister, Health Minister etc,you have such a huge portfolio that everyone depends on you and you alone. Every member of the family bet their last dollar on you to TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING!! Including, planning your own birthday. Now that sucks!

I still remember the first birthday for the year was Tushaani's. She turned 15 on the 7th of January 2009. It was a school day and she had tuition from 6-8pm. Being the first week of school, there was no way that she was going to cut school. I prepared "chi-kut-teh" - the equivalent to "bak-kut-teh", only substitute the pork for chicken for lunch. "Bak" means pork in Chinese. She ate up her lunch ravenously. Early in the morning when she descended the stairs, I hugged and wished her "Happy Birthday."

I had prepared way in advance that despite a school day, she will still have a memorable birthday. When I dropped her off at tuition, Vesh, Netz n I went to Giant. We bought her favourite book, the sequel to "Twilight" - "Breaking Dawn" by Stephenie Meyer. I had also secretly made arrangements with two of her best friends' mothers, Sharnia and Ann to have them join us all for dinner at night. I told the girls' parents that I would fetch them both when I fetched Tushaani from tuition and that I would very much appreciate it if their transport back could be arranged by one of them. Ann's mom willingly volunteered to fetch them back.Tushaani is not to know about this. It is a surprise!

I dropped Tushaani at tuition and quickly headed home. Dinner was roast chicken, mashed potatoes, salad, garlic bread and steamed broccoli. Yummy! I know she would love it. I fetched Ann first and then Tushaani. When Tush entered the car, she was so shocked to see Ann. And when I headed to Sharnia's tuition centre, she was ecstatic when Shania entered the car. The next thing I remember is chatting and laughter and screaming all the way till we reached home which even drowned the car radio.

I tried a new recipe of chocolate cake, which didn't quite turn out the way I wanted. But what the heck, it was delicious!! Since it was a little flat, we ate it with ice cream.

Tush went on and on as to how happy she was to see her friends on her birthday and share a meal with them. That's me, the Home Minister.

In May, it will be Netusha's 14th birthday. I have already planned what I want to do. We are going to have an all girls bikini party. I will put up the inflatable pool in the garden. Dress coat is swimsuit with pareo and every girl will have a garland and a mock tail made from pineapple. How about that? Haven't finalised the details though.

So, we come back to my birthday. Unconsciously, year in and year out, nobody does anything for me on my birthday. The usual question from my husband would be,"So, what are we doing for your birthday?" Man, must I plan my birthday as well! No way!

Towards the end of my birthdays, I get soo irritated and agitated that I would insist to go out for dinner! I hate it when my hubby says, we go out on another day,lah! Saturday lah! And I would say, "Today is my birthday, and not Saturday."

My biggest birthday boo-boo was on my 40th. Turning 40 was SOMETHING for me. 40 spells wisdom and to hell with what others think. 40 means you lead your life the way you seem fit. 40 means having not to please anyone but yourself. 40 means demanding sex from your husband when you are horny! No wonder they say life begins at 40. Yes, on my 40th birthday,my nieces and my in laws were in my house and it was Chinese New Year period. I was hoping since all of them were there, they would plan something for me. But instead they asked me what was I going to do! Hell!
I am the planner in the family circle as well. Birthdays, engagements, Deepavali, BBQ-all the public holidays where the family gathers is always organised by yours truly. But it was my birthday, surely it's no fun for me to plan something? And everyone asked me what shall they do on my birthday!! I wanted to cry!

I have gotten so used to it, that I couldn't care less about my birthday anymore. I have begun to accept the fact that there's more to my birthdays then making a big hue and cry about it. I remember, my sis used to bring me a cake when my children were little. She did it without fail for many years.

I reminded some of my friends to call me on my birthday, which they did. So,pathetic,huh? The first call I got on my birthday was from my niece in California (I didn't remind her though). I also received may emails from my friends who are all over the world (thanks to Facebook). My sis of course called me and so did my sis- in- law. The best gift I received was a video from my nieces. It was awesome and I love it!!

I can't complain too much actually. A week after my birthday last year, Steve bought me a designer watch, EBEL for RM 10 000! That's the discounted prize. The original value was RM 18 000.

3 years ago, he bought me a gold bangle worth RM 2000.

5 years ago, Steve bought me a whole set of diamonds from SELBERAN which cost him RM 10 000. I had a set of earrings, bangle, ring and necklace. I wear it all the time.

10 years ago, Steve bought me an emerald diamond set from Australia.

So okaylah, I don't have a birthday celebration, and I don receive gifts on my every birthday every year but I have got some really exquisite and expensive gifts over the years which many women would not have had in their life time.
When I got home in the evening after picking the kids up from piano lessons, there sat on the dining table a huge chocolate cake, a stock of rose and a card.

Moral of the story is DON'T COMPLAIN. APPRECIATE WHAT YOU HAVE.

My First Cavity And Other Toothache Stories

For a long time now I have been bragging to all and sundry that I do not have any filling in my mouth. When I was pregnant with my first daughter, all my fellow teachers told me that I was going to lose my teeth. I saw many of my friends towards the last tri- semester, loosing their teeth and adapting the name "gigi gongak".


And during my last tri- semester of pregnancy, I got my first ever toothache at the prime age of 27. Damn it, they were right! I went to my dentist only to be told that indeed there was no cavity. Apparently, my last molar had not enough space to grow and thus the food got stuck in between the two molars. Thank heavens! He told me to extract the last molar after confinement
which eventually I did-the first thing I did really.



I still remember the event. The nurse on duty was practically pinning my head on the chair. She gripped my head so hard I thought it was going to crack! When the extraction was over, I asked the dentist why was the nurse holding my head down so tight. He said that many Indian patients always move, scream and shout during extraction. I told him that I have been anesthetized and there was no pain. Why would anybody scream? He said that I was his FIRST and ONLY INDIAN patient who was extremely quiet!


Anyway, I made sure I scaled my teeth every 6 months after that, flossed my teeth every nite and gargled with Listerine too. After sometime the scaling was overdue, the flossing stopped but the rinsing with Listerine continued. At least ok what.. still gargling, ma!


A few months ago, I woke up in Port Dickson with an excruciating toothache. I took some 650's for 2 days and it killed the pain. I never thought much about it after that. A month later, while driving, I saw a friend and started waving and calling out her name. That was when I felt a jabbing pain in my mouth. Wah, cannot grin widely also! Next morning, I went to the dentist, all 3 kids in tow for their annual dental check up. The regular dentist wasn't there, instead a locum. As I entered the dentist's room with my girls, I realized the locum had no hair on her head but had flowing locks from her ears to her shoulder. I chickened out!! I will wait for my dentist to come back from India. The kids saw her though.


Two days later I was back at the dentist'. All this time, I avoided eating at the right side of my mouth. Sometimes during "makan", I would tilt my head to the left to allow the food to slide down to the left of my mouth, much to the amusement of my girls!!


Upon checking my tooth, the dentist said I had a "LARGE CAVITY ON MY UPPER SECOND LAST MOLAR". Then I saw the mountains falling, the volcano erupting and the seas choppy as ever. Reality check, Mala. You have a cavity,FINALLY!! What will I tell my friends? Only last week I was bragging to Paul that I am approaching my 42nd birthday and I have no cavity. I went on to brag that when my mom died at the age of 46, she had not a single cavity. Must have inherited the strong bone gene from her, I lamented. Damn, now I will have to tell everyone that I do have my first one.Kacau!


Anyway, the dentist cleaned it and put some plaster in it. He also put me on antibiotics to relieve me of the pain. I was to come back in a couple of days to have my last molar extracted. Then he said he will try to save the tooth. Otherwise I will have to either extract it or do a root canal. We need the second last molar to chew.



The extraction went on smoothly. He then patched the cavity and put me on more antibiotics. I recovered remarkably from the extraction. Then 2 weeks later, around midnite, just before I was about to go to bed, I had this most horrible, terrible, excruciating toothache. I took 2 tabs of 650's and desperately tried to sleep. Eventually the pain subsided. The next day was Ponggal so I couldn't visit the dentist. I suffered the whole day with the pain, taking 2 tabs of 650's throughout the day. By midnite, the 650's didn't work. The pain had shot up to my ears, the back of my neck and caused me a migraine on the right side of my head. Then I topped up to 4 tabs of 650's. The pain persisted with no relief at all. I called Steve and almost cried on the phone. He told me the moment he reached home the pain will be gone. Yeah, right!



Steve came home and gave me two packs of whiskey. With all the panadols I had stuffed myself with, I was a little apprehensive to down the whiskey. But what the heck! I was so desperate that I was willing to try anything. I even contemplated going to the hospital to get a sedative jab!

As promised by dear hubby, the pain eased. Ah, finally some respite! I sank myself into my bed and slipped into slumber land. But for only 30 mins. The pain came back. I lay awake the whole night as Steve snored to glory. I heard the grandfather clock downstairs chiming hour by hour . 1am, 2am, 3am,4am, 5am! I wanted to break the damn clock!

I was back at the dentist's - first patient. He checked my tooth and pulled the filling out as I let out a soft scream. Looks like the plastering didn't work. I have to do a root canal. Root canals for molars are performed by a specialist called endodontist. A regular dentist only treats the pre molars and not molars. This is because a molar has 3 or 4 roots and is much complicated. The success rate is rather slim so most dentist don't do them. Now I have to look for an endodontist. The dentist recommended me to see an endodontist in KL. The process of doing a root canal is not a one time affair. It takes about 3 sessions. Imagine having to drive all the way to KL, sit for approximately 2 hours and then drive back! Forget it. I am going to have my root canal done in Seremban.

The first root canal session lasted 1.5 hours. I had no pain at all throughout and after the procedure, I went home a happy woman. Finally the throbbing pain was gone. Up to now, I have been on soft diet for approximately 2 weeks already.

The second session was 4 days later. This time it lasted for 2 hours. As I was driving back, I could feel the anaesthesia wearing off and the throbbing pain coming back. 2nd session was a killer session but the pain only lasted a day. Then I was as good as new.

The 3rd session was another 4 days later. It lasted another 2 hours. This time the endodontist wanted to do it without anesthesia. Since I have been very coo operative and quiet through out the two sessions and didn't do my Indian Number, the endodontist was pushing it!! I told him,no way man!!

Anyway, the worst part was over-all in 2 weeks-for one damn lousy molar. And it cost me RM 1560!! And I haven't done the crowning yet. Should have just saved the money and pulled the goddamn molar out. Crowning is going to cost me another 1000 bugs. Wah...like this if more than one tooth, bungkuslah!!

I haven't done my crowning yet. Must visit the dentist next week perhaps.

Bukit Kutu

On the 13th of December 2008, MNS organised a hike up Bukit Kutu, Kuala Kubu Baru. We were all to meet at MNS HQ at 7 in the morning. Since I was coming from Seremban, I told Paul and Madinah to be at my place by 5.15 am so that we can leave by 5.30am. It would take us approximately an hour to reach KL and plus minus, to find the place, we will still have ample time should we lose our way.

We reached Sungei Besi at 6.20am actually. Thanks to Paul Schumacher! Anyway, as usual, I am really bad with directions and ofcourse led Paul to the wrong turning which took us on a 20 minute joy ride out of KL. We finally got back on the highway, exited Sungei Besi again, and this time I kept my mouth shut.

We found the place quite easily. We met up with the rest of the hikers and waited for the late comers to arrive. There were 5 Japanese from the university, 2 "kwai Lohs", many Chinese and 3 Indians. All in, there were 24 of us. At 7.20am sharp we left for Kuala Kubu baru.

(John, Tush, Me n Madinah)

John, extraordinaire, our nature guide headed the convoy of 9 cars. If you are familiar with the idiom "slow n steady wins the race"-this is it. What transpired for the next 1/2 hour was a slow agonizing drive to KKB. John must have been doing a 40km per hour. Ofcourse he denied vehemently at breakfast that he was doing a 40. 60-80 instead ,he lamented. Count your lucky stars John, for he escaped my fury because of the awesome roti canai that we had. Never knew roti canai could taste so good. And the nasi lemak that we packed for lunch was to die for.

We then proceeded to Kampung Pertam. Just at the foot of Bukit Kutu (even before u begin to climb) you will see a river on your left hand side with the cool cascading waters rushing downstream. It was a sight to behold.

John gave us our first lesson on survival for the fittest in the jungle. The wild ginger was supposed to keep you hydrated. He also warned us that on his last hike up Bulit Kutu, 4 hikers lost their way and spent the night in the jungle. All of us decided to pay 100% attention during lesson No 2.

We then started our trek up. In only less then 15 minutes, we were asked to remove our shoes for we had to wade through a river. So off our shoes went. We were still asked to keep our shoes off, for we had a really, really muddy path to take which would submerge your whole feet.

I decided to put my shoes back on only to be cautioned by John that there were more rivers to come. Ofcourse Paul kept his precious "timberland" shoes off.

The next phase was really fun because we had to walk in the river. So, with pants rolled up to our knees, with leech socks on, it was high -o, high-o, its Bukit Kutu from home we go!! It was absolutely fun walking in the river, the icy cool water rushing at your feet. I didn't mind being bitten by leeches because it will be my first time ever. Just as we were thoroughly enjoying ourselves, John announced that we were all indeed LOST!

For the next 1/2 an hour John rattled on how he has "tarnished his reputation"! I consoled John by saying,"it happens" but who's complaining? It was actually so much fun. We finally found the right path and proceeded to climb Bukit Kutu. It was up, up and up all the way. Some of the stretches were almost 60 degrees, I must say. The path was really narrow. Enough for only one person to walk. It was quite a challenging walk up, what with broken bamboo shoots, thorny plants and leeches, leeches, leeches everywhere!!

Tush, me n Paul

At approximately 2.30pm, we reached this huge, enormous rock (which was actually towering above our heads). It was a monstrous rock, protruding from the ground, sitting majestically among the clouds (ok, I exaggerate a little) and u are left breathless gawking at the rock. It was awesome. This was the exact place for us to devour our "to die for" nasi lemak. But it was not to be. John warned us that if we do not proceed to the summit then we will never make it back down on time.

"No time for nasi lemak now. I give u guys 2 minutes to decide. Either we continue to climb or we stop here."

"But......but.....what about the nasi lemak? The fragrance has been haunting me from the beginning of the climb! And Paul bought 2 packets!!"

One, two, zoom-continue with climb.

High-o, high-o its Bukit Kutu from home we go!

We had to climb another one and a 1/2 hours to reach the summit. My stomach was already growling. But I must reach the summit. Otherwise we cannot claim to have conquered Bukit Kutu. Half way through we saw another couple (must be same case as me and Tushaani) devouring their food. Tushaani told me she can walk no more. She needs food. So, we decided to join Soon and Anne and ate our nasi lemak. It was THE BEST nasi lemak in the world.

We gobbled our food whilst the mosquitoes tore at our skins (you dont feel them when u are moving) like savage beasts. With renewed energy, we continued with the climb. I believe we were another 30 minutes to the summit when it started to rain. The rain got heavier. Thanks to Paul who bought us good quality ponchos from Singapore. Tush and I donned them, not after we let the rain wet us a bit (supposedly to cool us down).

The rain got even heavier. I started to get worried. It's gonna be down, down, down all the way. It will definitely get very slippery. But yet, we decided -Bukit Kutu, here we come!! The rain continued to pour louder and harder. Just then, one of the hikers, Kevin came running down to tell us that he has lost the route. It was deciding time for me. I was worried about Tushaani, my 14 year old. Should we be lost in the jungle, my darling husband will never let me go on another hiking trip! So we decided to descent.

I guess the rain had mercy on us. The downpour only lasted about 45 minutes. But boy, was the ground real slippery. Of course, yours truly tumbled down like humpty dumpty much to the delight and laughter of my daughter!!

We reached the base, and with all those whom we lost contact with, it was a happy reunion at the river. Many of us decided to jump in for a swim. I didn't bring extra undergarments (big mistake) so I couldn't drown myself in the river waters. I had a long drive back to Seremban and didn't want to shiver all the way back.

Paul, Madinah, me n Tushaani

We sang songs, chatted, took photos and annoyed each other in the river. After a gruelling 7 hour climb, the river cascade was a welcoming treat, blissful. I wish I had a nice chill beer to drink!!

We said our goodbyes to each other and met some orang asli. They were really tanned and most of them reared dogs. One of the orang asli stopped to talk to Mr Soon. Later on Mr Soon told me that he was a famous blogger. Now who said that orang asli were backward???

One thing for sure, I must go back to Bukit Kutu. I didnt reach the summit, remember?

Civet Cat-Dead

This civet cat was found a couple of metres away from my house. I live in a golf resort surrounded by jungle. There are many wild animals here.My husband found it on the road, apparently a hit and run victim, fresh after the accident.

He parked his car and went to the cat. It was still breathing and warm. He held the cat in his hands (almost in tears) when seconds later it heaved its last breath. He put the cat at the side of the road and then came home to inform us.

We went to the site and it was such a sorowful sight. The civet cat was AWESOME. It was still warm when I touched it. I said a little prayer. We carried her to the river nearby and deposited her there.

Time and again I have reminded all my residents to drive slowly but some "Schumachers" are real "Scmucks!" They dont listen. I once almost knocked a squirrel and ever since then, I drive at 30-40 km each time I enter the resort.

This is the second civet cat to be knocked down this year. The first one was much bigger. There have been countless squirrels, kingfishers and mynahs who have lost their lives here. I have put up signs that read, "Drive Slowly, Wild Animals Around" but to no avail. Truth is, many of us do not appreciate animals.

RIP dear civet cat.

One Night In Yacht Club With RPK

I wasn't supposed to spend the night in PD last week. I had scheduled a 4 hour hike up Cape Rachado on Wednesday 26th of November (this will be my 3rd time) for my kids and their friends and was supposed to do a day trip.

But when my good friend Angela said that RPK is going to be at the Port Dickson Yacht Club for dinner, how can I not meet him? I had missed RPK in Dataran Seremban- the day he was released from ISA. His first venue was Seremban. And every Tom, Dick and Harry was going except yours truly. Why wasn't I going? Because my hubby wouldnt let me!! He still thinks I am 23 (that's when he married me). Incidently, I WILL BE 42 IN FEBRUARY DEAR HUBBY!!!

Anyway, as I sat and brooded at home, approximately 300 people were having 'the time of their life' in Dataran Seremban. Ah, what the heck!

Little did I know that I was going to have the opportunity to meet RPK so soon.

So when Angela told me that he was going to be at RPDYC, I knew this time nothing was going to stop me. Steve wasn't going to join me in PD for he had to meet some business associates in KL.(Praise the lord for that!!) And I can just happen to be at the club to have my dinner with the kids, right? Mere coincidence!!

Being the ever so brutally honest and dutiful wife that I have been (I need a kick in the arse) I had to tell Steve that RPK was going to be at the club. In return he said,"Have fun, girl." You see, it pays to be honest, I tell you.

The kids and I spent the afternoon cooling down in the pool after the hike and by 6.30pm, I chased everyone out of the pool. A quick shower and I wanted to be at the club by 8.00pm. I was there slightly pass 8. As I entered, I enquired if RPK was already there but no one knew. Then I had the honour of telling them that RPK is indeed in the house. Some nodded and others said,"Oh". Man, I wasn't going to let anyone burst my bubble.

I looked around the club and was convinced that he hadn't arrived. Just as I turned back to return to my table, I SPOTTED HIM. RIGHT THERE! The table next to me.

"Ah......its you!! Its you!! (RPK just smiled and everyone on his table did)

Perhaps it was my enthusiasm and plain honest school girl glee that did it. I really felt like a teenager. But who the hell cares? He is my hero and I have the right to be sooooooooooo excited to see him. He was about to finish his dinner and so I told him that I will be back to take some photographs.

Alan, who was seated next to RPK asked if Steve was around. I told him its mommy's day out.

Anyway, I returned to my table, smiling from ear to ear, still reeling from the shock that I just saw and shook hands with RPK. When I came back the second time, only then did I notice Marina and I called out her name and said, "You are here,too!!"

Marina looks so much nicer and prettier in person. She was so friendly and warm. No wonder RPK loves her to death. RPK looked very tired but he still had his million dollar smile. They were on transit to Chung Hwa School where 4 speakers were going to give a talk. I thought I saw Cikgu Bard as well.

Anyway RPK and Marina were so obliging and took around 10 shots with me and the kids.

I guess I broke the ice, because after that more people came forward to take photos with them. What's wrong with some people? Why are they so shy? If you like someone, show it. If you are honest and sincere about your feelings and have no personal motives or agenda, then why shy away. Reveal yourself. You will not make a fool of yourself because the person on the receiving end will feel your warmth and sincerity.

I wasted no time in telling them that I was Angela's friend and neighbour and that Angela keeps me posted all the time. RPK lamented that Angela has joined his camp because she was arrested. I told him Angela is so dynamite and not many would put themselves up front like that. I also told him that I am ashamed for not being able to do so. But I applaud her for her bravery and courage.

RPK nodded his head in agreement and flashed that infectious killer smile!

MNS Open Day

Vesha, Kim& Albert, Tush, Me,Netz n Paul

I woke up at 5am today. After having my coffee at the patio, I woke my three girls up and we all got ready for our trip. Yup, we are going to drive up to FRIM (Forest Reserve Institute Of Malaysia) in Kepong to participate in Malaysian Nature Society's Open Day.

Its kinda embaressing to tell you that after having lived in Seremban for 35 years, I have never been to FRIM.

My good old friends from Port Dickson, Albert & Kim and Paul joined us. Deal is, I drive to and Paul drives fro. The journey to FRIM took us approximately an hour and twenty minutes. Albert & Kim and Paul arrived at my place on time. We left in my NAZA which could easily accomodate all of us. We left exactly at 7am. It was drizzling.

We reached FRIM at 8.15am. After registering ourselves it was time for a hearty breakfast.

We were scheduled to take the canopy walk at 9.30am. Having assembled at the auditorium, our MNS guides, Steven and (sorry I can't remember the other dude's name) started our journey up the hill. Up, up and away we climbed. It was just a 30 minute walk but the last ascend was kind of steep.

The canopy walk was the first for my girls and I. Yeah, yeah, simply lame,huh? It was really exciting!! We had to walk in single files and 5 feet apart. The whole suspension bridge would sashay according to the rhyhtm of your gait. We were warned not to look down for too long but what the heck, down we did look. I guess we would have been about 30-40 feet above sea level. And that's peanuts!! I wished the canopy walk was much longer. It is such a treat having to trek up the hill and then you are treated to this wonderful canopy walk. I now want to try the one in Taman Negara. The canopy walk was a 2 hour walk. What a breeze!!

Anyway, just as we were beginning to enjoy the canopy walk- IT ENDED! I wanted to go for round two but no one else wanted to join me. We then decended through a different track and my,my,my, we were greeted by a tiny waterfall. The water was so cool and inviting that I could not resist taking my shoes off and soaking my feet underneath the stones and pebbles. After sweating it out on the canopy walk, this was truly refreshing and not to be missed. We lingered here for 20 minutes before resuming the walk down.

There was so much time left before our next walk at 3.00pm. Albert wanted to change his tees so we went to the car. We took a short tour around the Malay Tea House which had a very elaborate decor. The wood work was good. Paul bought some Malay Ginger Tea and I am sure to grab some when I am in PD in the weekend.

Tushaani painted her face and I had "half a daughter and half a zebra." Vesha had a chinese character on one cheek and a little tiger on the other. There were ample games, quizes, and documentaries for visitors to enjoy.

It was time for lunch at the canteen next to the auditorium and we had 3 hours to kill. So after lunch we had bananas and finally ice-cream. At 2 o'clock we walked up the hill again.

We were entertained by this maestro on drums and there were about twenty other people who were invited to bang on the drums. Thing is, these people were picked up at random. If you'd watch them play you would think that they have been rehearsing for some time. How they blended the variuos drum beats together? Your guess is as good as mine. It was the leader, the maestro who pulled everyone together and played for a good half an hour. I couldn't resist the beats. My daughter, Tushaani and I went to the centre ring and danced the noon away!

The last agenda was the Rover Walk. This was indeed an educational walk and we were guided by John Chan. He showed us how to survive in the wild. For water, we can either chop down a bamboo or vine tree. To make fire, splinter wood from a certain tree could be used. And if you are lost and hungry, the fruit of the (I forgot the name of the tree) can be eaten. So much for survival for the fittest. You bet I will be the first to die in the jungle!

The walk ended at 4.30pm. It was time to head home. John said that he will be emailing us the MNS itinerary for 2009. Can't wait to go on my next trip.

Thank god Paul was driving back.

Joseph, My Alchoholic Friend Part 1

Last Monday, when I was on the internet, I got a call from Maddy that our dear friend Joseph who is 65 years old had collapsed on the floor in his condominium and could not pick himself up. He had soiled himself in the process.
Apparently there was some miscommunication between his friends Johnny and James that led him to wait for them at the airport for over 3 hours earlier in the afternoon.
Anyway, all through out the 3 hour wait at the airport, Joseph had nothing to eat or drink but his good ol' friendly Moskovi vodka. Finally, Joseph decided to head back home-minus his friends whom he was supposed to pick up. Upon Joseph reaching home, only then did his friends land themselves at KLIA.
Joseph was real lucky because when he collapsed, his friends had just arrived at the condo. His wife Joanne was away visiting their children in Kuala Lumpur.
Joseph is approximately 6Ft 2. And he is quite a big guy. His friends tried to give him a hand up but was unsuccessful. They managed to clean him up though. Joseph is really lucky because at the very same time another two friends, Peter and Robert happenned to drop by too. Robert is a doctor by profession. Looking at Joseph's condition, he was quite sure there was some extensive damage to Joseph's liver. Joseph was having jaundice too. A sign that his liver is in some sort of trouble. Joseph seemed disorientated and incoherent. His friends finally managed to haul him to a chair. He looked ghostlike, a hugeVodka belly - a skeleton with skin and bones. James was appalled when he saw Joseph's condition. The last these two met was a year ago and James vouched that Joseph looked so much better then.
They decided to call the ambulance but none of them spoke Bahasa. Joseph is one hell of a lucky fella. Thank his lucky stars for Maddy was around. She called for the ambulance.When the ambulance arrived, Joseph refused to go to the hospital. He said he was alright. If in the morning he felt sick again, then he would go to the hospital. The ambulance attendants could not force Joseph to go with them. In the end, they left with an empty stretcher.
When Maddy related the whole incident to me, I was devastated. Imagine how his friends, James and Johnny would have felt? Here they have travelled a thousand miles to visit their buddy and he is in such a deplorable condition.
Maddy then told me that Joseph is an alchoholic. That hit me like a brick.
I immediately called Peter and as we spoke I could feel the desperation in Peter's voice. Peter and Joseph have been friends for a very long time too. It was too much for any of them to find their good friend sprawled on the floor like as if clutching on to dear life. I told Peter that I would come down the next day and pay Joseph a visit.
Actually, I have known Joseph for slightly over a year. In this time, we (Steve & I) have spent every weekend together with him. We shared lots of barbecues, dinners and yes, drinking sessions (most of the time). Little did we realize that Joseph is indeed an alchoholic.