Earth Hour 28th March 2009

28Th of March was gazetted as Earth Hour day. Considering the fact that it will be 60 years that Earth Hour has been observed beguiles me for I am hearing about it for the first time!! Perhaps this year there was much publicity in the mass media. The radio stations-Hitz Fm, Fly Fm, Light n Easy, Mix Fm and others had continuously telecast the need to observe the earth hour by every living mortal Malaysian being, in and out of the country.Phew! Even if I was too lazy to observe it (which is the case for the many not so bright people like us) my kids will definitely not let me off the hook. Earth Hour received much publicity in schools as well.

So we were set. We will switch off ALL our lights on that day from 8.30pm - 9.30pm.



The girls and I discussed at length what we were going to do. I told them, I didn't care what they were up to at that hour but be darn sure that I am going to switch off the main power supply at precisely 8.30pm. So we all decided that we will eat at 8pm and the place to gather was at the family hall. My girls got the candles ready and my youngest one made sure the torch light was working.I informed my mom in law (she is 85) way before hand that the main power supply will be shut down at 8.30pm and she was so excited as well. Since she is a tad bit too old I reminded her to be seated in the hall at the appropriate time. She did!



At 5 minutes to 8.30pm, everyone was in a frenzy (including my maid) that we had only 5 minutes left. Tushaani offered herself or rather insisted that she wanted to be the ONE to shut off the supply. Though I am a little apprehensive about children and electricity supply, I relented. My maid was still doing the dishes so I gave her some candles to be put in the kitchen. Time and again I reminded my girls that they can only light the candles after the main supply was shut down. Not before.



At 1 minute to 8.30pm, we started the countdown 59,58,57.........45,44......32,31...........28,27.......19,18.....10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1....



We all shouted in darkness,"HAPPY EARTH HOUR!!!"



"Man, this was really exciting! We started playing cards - donkey (haven't played it in donkey years), old maid, snap, happy family etc. We soon realized that we do not need any candles because the street lights were still on. We decided to put the candles out but still kept all the doors and windows shut and the curtains draped to cut off all light from the street.



I had smsed all the numbers in my contact to observe the Earth Hour and my phone kept beeping throughout the hour. Let me tell you, everyone that I smsed told me that they were observing the Earth Hour, except for some who said,"OK". That could mean anything. It could mean "Yes, ok, I'll do it" or "Ok, you go ahead and do it".



Anyway, I did my part in alerting the others.After we were done with the cards (in less then 20 mins), grandma decided to tell us a ghost story in Tamil. We all listened very intently but unfortunately my mom in law sucks at ghost stories so we had to cut her short.I know, so mean,huh?



Then we decided to play the alphabet game -where we name the category, eg. animals and then each of us will have to name animals which start with that alphabet. We then went on to singers, actors, actresses, movies etc. After that we just chatted whilst the mosquitoes had a field day tearing at our skin.



Before we knew it it was way past 9.30pm. Suddenly the girls were all so solemn.



"That was too quick," they said.



"You want to continue for another hour?"



"But the rest of the world wont be!"



Then Tushaani switched on the power supply. We congratulated each other for a job well down. Next we will have to wait for the news as to how much electricity was saved by mother earth.The girls and I are soo proud of being part of Earth Hour.We do not mind doing it again and again even for a longer period of time.



What did you do?

25th Convent Seremban Reunion

Sometime last December '08, I received a strange sms from someone whom I haven't met for a very, very long time. The sms definitely got me extremely excited because a reunion was in store for the batch of 1984 of Convent Seremban. And if you do the math, it will be our 25th year anniversary. Imagine all these years we have never had a reunion!! And now after 25 years we are having one. The date was fixed-4th of April'09. Hell, I wouldn't know what I will be doing 5 months from December, but what the heck,'I AM GOING!!"

And then began the roller coaster ride of hunting down the batch of '84. Catherine Wood, the brains behind this reunion started her long and arduous mission of calling, sms-ing, e mailing etc which garnered her almost 70 email and contacts of gals of '84. Now that was a HUGE achievement. Of course it was a chain reaction. One friend lead to another and wallah! the 70 names.

Catheirne wanted the venue to be in Seremban because here was where we went to school. Of course, Convent Seremban doesn't exist anymore, thanks to the then Menteri Besar who demolished the building to pave the way for Seremban's aka Mid Valley Mega Mall which has since become Mid Valley Mosquito Mall. I curse him each time I pass by my Alma mater.

Anyway, coming back to the reunion. As the day drew nearer and when it was time to pay up our RM80 each, the numbers steadily dwindled down. By closing date, only 10-15 had paid up. Let me remind you that yours truly was one of the first. I knew this would happen because we ladies are soooooooooooo lame!! When it comes to the men, they just pay up and that's it. But when it comes to us, we must put in the application form to the husband, seek a review and if is is rejected, we go for an appeal or sweet talk and "bagi" husband "puas-puas" before popping up the question that madame wants a night out with her friends. How can he refuse? Its our 25th anniversary. Quite frankly speaking, I am guilty of being like that!! But I stopped once I turned 40. I said, that's it. No more asking. I will just inform of my whereabouts. This is what I love about being 40. I know, I know, half the time we just give our husbands face! We just pretend to be a damsel in distress. Anyway, the end justifies the means, right?

Why am I side tracking? Yes, the reunion. Of course many of us were late in paying because some just couldn't decide if they could come because of work commitments. Most of the working gals were based in KL and they have to arrange to come down and since we are having dinner, it is going to be a late night and driving back in the night may not be conducive for some. But the excuse that won the first prize which left me totally bewildered and astonished was some smart ass who came to the conclusion that this was a reunion for the ARTS STREAM OF 84!! Hello, excuse me, do we live in the same planet? Have you ever heard of such gibberish? Just because Catherine Wood, the founder of our reunion was an Arts student, the Science Stream students backed out!! From 70 people who pledged to come, the number reduced to 40. I don't seem to understand. We were all together in the same Convent for 11 years - from primary to secondary. We were in the arts and sciences only for 2 years. Then how the heck can 2 years take precedent over 11 years? Those science stream girls actually aren't that smart, are they?

I believe when Isa decided to demolish the Convent, the brains of the Science Stream girls also went down together with the building. We were 17 back then, now we are 42 for heaven's sake. Surely we should be more matured and wiser now? Apparently some of the science stream girls' brains stopped growing after 17. What a pity!

By the way, I am a science stream student, ok. And I don't belong to that category. Probably I wasn't the cream of the science stream, I was almost at the bottom of the food chain. So I have been discarded and thrown to be eaten by the scavengers!! The scavengers here are the arts stream students. Perhaps this is their (the science stream) philosophy. Go to hell with them!!

Actually at the reunion, there were only 4 from the science stream. The rest were from the arts. But who the hell cared? Nothing could stop the 40 of us from bringing the house down. We had a whole room to ourselves in Sungei Ujong Club.

We waited for our Muslim friends to arrive and they all did, promptly by 8.30pm. The rest of us had gathered as early as 7pm. I was there at 7.30pm. Frankly speaking, I couldn't remember half of the gals' names but I definitely remembered their faces. I actually hugged each and everyone of them. It was sooooooooooo goddamn goooooooooood to seeeeeeeeeeeee all of them!!!

It was one of the happiest days of my life.

The food was really good and the spread was more than generous. A few of us had given Sharon Mauricio pictures from school days which she compiled into a CD and we had a slide show of the gud 'ol days. Most of us have retained our faces but after 25 years, all of us now are DROP DEAD GORGEOUS BOMBSHELLS!! Honest to God, each of us looked sooooooooooo good. Most of us have grown sideways, almost all of us, except for Kamala Devi-who grew upwards- she actually grew taller after Form Five. And there was Vasanti and Jeyanti. Jeyanti is dubbed the "Halle Berry" of Malaysia. Two real sexy things, these twins!! Renbir Kaur still looked 17. You can actually put a uniform on her and send her back to Form 5 and let me tell you, no one will ever know. The climax of the evening was of course Rovinna who beat us all flat with her revelation of 7 girls and 1 boy in her brood. This caused Karen Theseira to exclaim loudly, "Eh, engkau tak pakai panties ke bila tidur?"Of course all of us broke out into a roaring laughter. Each and everyone of us took to the mic and recapped our lives the past 25 years. There was much banter from the gals who poked jokes and made funny innuendos to the speakers. Sook Nee and Sook Na - the inseparable twins operate a real estate business. And yes, Susilawati had obtained her PHD to which we all gave her a round of applause. Shashinder Kaur who resides in Sydney is a real cool orator. And yes, Nirmala Devi is an attourney and she runs her own law firm. I am so proud of all my friends. Contrary to other horror reunion stories, there wasn't a shred of animosity or jealousy amongst us.

The other "well kept secret" which threw me off guard was the fact that many of my friends married their childhood sweethearts and are still married to them! Wow!! Back at that time when I was struggling with my Add Math and Physics, these bunch of girls were happily running around trees with their boyfriends. Lau Seck Yan is holding the Guinness Record for starting way back in Form 1. The others met their sweethearts in Form 2, 3, 4 and 5. Thus the idiom " To Kill Two Birds With One Stone" is definitely academic. Thing is, I never knew these"gatal habis" girls had boyfriends. Since I never had a boyfriend through out my schooling days, they never shared their secret with me. I am not an ally,ma! So I never knew about it. It's such a blessing to know that their relationships have lasted their lifetime and I wish all of them a happy, happy life always.

Some worked in the bank, some were home makers including me, I rather call myself "A lady Of Leisure" because time is in our hands. We don't have to rush to work but of course the children are our alarm clock!! Some married pretty late in life. Some have children, others don't. Some are still single- gorgeous and single because of failed relationships. It's the men's loss anyway. Who wouldn't want the awesome batch of '84,huh?

Anyway, whatever you are be it single or married, married with children, married without children, married and divorced, married and divorced with children, married and divorced without children, mistresses, lesbians etc-the most inportant thing is for you to be happy with the way you are. You don't have to please anyone, not at 42! You lead your life the way you see it fit. You make your bed, you lie on it. Your pain is yours. My pain is mine. And we all deal with our pains differently. Who am I to judge you? Am I soo perfect? Frankly speaking, I don't care. All I care about is you. And today, after 25 years, you tell me you are a doctor, engineer, lawyer, accountant, banker, homemaker, teacher, business woman, entrepreneur, sales girl, manager, supervisor, nurse,administrator, janitor, whatever, I care two hoots. You are batch of 84 and you matter to all of us. I believe I speak on behalf of the masses.

Catherine and Sharon had the honour of cutting the reunion cake. There was no way all 40 of us were gong to hold the knife and cut the cake. There won't be any cake left to eat! It would have been buchered to glory. After the cake cutting ceremony Sharon and Catherine gave each of us a mug with the inscription "Convent 25th Anniversary" and our names on it. I shall drink my early morning coffee with it from now on.

After dinner, we managed to get most of the gals onto the dance floor. We made a huge ring and got each gal to go into the centre and "bring it on sista"! Most of us just didn't have enough time to chat. At 12am, we had to vacate the place. About 12 of us, adjourned to a mamak restaurant in Kemayan Square for some "teh tarik" and we continued to talk until 2am. We could have gone on till the next morning, but I didn't want to push it with the husband dear now, would we? Then we may get grounded and can't make this an annual thing. I got home at approximately 2.45am.

My husband was slouched on the cushion in the TV room, apparently waiting for me. I brushed my teeth, flossed it and had a bath. All the bogeying on the dance floor made me perspire. I woke my husband up way pass 3am (he didn't know) and we went to bed. As I lay in bed, I couldn't sleep because I was still soo excited. I was actually on the verge of waking my hubby up to tell him about the reunion. I couldn't wait till morning. It took me quite a while to drift off to sleep. I had to get up at 6am because I promised to golf with my girlfriend at 7am.

It was a night to remember. It was simply awesome. I am going to organize the next gathering, one year from now. And this time around, I'll make sure our Science Stream friends come. I want them to come and feel our warmth. I want them to come because say what you want, WE ARE THE BATCH OF '84 CONVENT SEREMBAN and no one can take that away from us.

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!