Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year 2010!!

Thur 31 Dec 2009

Yup, it's now the very last day of 2009...really time to wish "Good riddance" to 2009 which wasn't a very good year for most ppl in the world!

And yup, it's time to welcome in the New Year of 2010! And here's wishing one & all a truly Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year in 2010!!

And yup again, to share the happy occasion, a few pics of our fav grandaughter, KL, had been added to the Blog slideshow "KL in 2009". Those pics were snapped with my ole but still trusty N73 during our special "SOS" session with KL from 27th - 30th Dec, 2009. (Pls check out previous entry for details. TQ.)

Have a really good year ahead! Thanks a meg for your kind patronage of this humble Blog in 2009...

And of course, may God bless our humble abode, Lot 10, & it's ole inmates with another bonus year...hopefully of better, happier & healthier days. Amen.

Monday, December 28, 2009

An SOS...

Mon 28 Dec 2009

Yup, an SOS call was received yesterday ie 271209 just after our late breakfast...from our daughter EL. KL's grandmother (her "lai mah" ) in Taiping was too sick to take care of her grandaughter, her "lai soon". And my daughter & her hubby had no alternative plan at hand in place for such an emergency....

And so it was...these 2 ole inmates of Lot 10 had to drop everything, put on hold their own lives and make preparations to leave Lot 10 unattended for a few days. And yup, to these 2 ole inmates, it was gonna be a hectic tiring few days ahead...with a hyperactive kid with special needs on our hands!

Taking care of kids full time has never been, nor was or is, our vision of what retirement & our golden years should be filled with...knowing fully well our very own strengths, limitations, weaknesses & health problems. However, it was the opposite view of the "lai mah", namely the grandmother in Taiping. Only God knows her true reasons, considering her age & health conditions. Her inability to care is too obvious to all who know about her.

And frankly speaking, it has been a truly uphill task for her and a pitiful journey for the young child, who has since been diagnosed as being a case of (luckily)mild autism. As is, KL is very stuck to her mom now. Sorry but regretfully details of problems cannot be revealed here in this public Blog but suffice to say, we feel very sad for both mother & child. Unfortunately, we also cannot do much to help, considering our physical, mental, emotional & health limitations.

Both my children could not answer my question when I asked them..."If we take care of your kid(s) and should anything happen to any one of us, can you take care of us?"
Yup, that's reality...like a hard slap in the face...like it or not. Hurts you where it matters most but sadly true. Believe it!

Like me believe & had told my daughter so...it's KL's life...her fate...her destiny. If KL's a survivor & destined to be a success story, then she will somehow be ok & even turn out to be successful in her own chosen career. One person can only do so much...nothing more than what is humanly possible.

In view of prevailing conditions, wouldn't you agree that it's about time that my daughter & her hubby to seriously sit down to discuss ways to find a workable & satisfactory solution for the care of their daughter? IMHO, I do NOT think that grandmother can continue to look after KL for very much longer. Neither can we remain on call to rush down with a 2-hour plus drive in an ole junk each time she falls sick? Can we remain perpectually healthy while the other can fall sick? You tell me...

Well, that's the gist of it. Our max help rating is a max of 3 days...which is the max of max! Have to face reality. Because if anything were to befall these 2 ole inmates, it is without doubt that these 2 ole inmates would be on their own on a downhill trip till their suffering is terminated through the kindness & compassion of God.

As is, both these ole inmates have as yet to really & truly find peace & happiness in the almost 10 years of retirement. Nothing but hurt, followed by more hurt...disappointment by more disappointment, etc., etc. Are we destined to suffer so? I sincerely hope that God is all compassionate & will bless us...

My recent wish for Peace & Happiness to end these last few days of 2009 has also been disrupted and unfulfilled...as the situation is now.

If as planned, by the time we return to Lot 10, it'll be New Year's eve ie 31 Dec 2009...less than a day before we welcome in the New Year of 2010.

So my wish now has to change to one of wishing for 2010 to be a year of Peace & Happiness, with reasonably good health for both ole inmates of Lot 10! And that finally, me & my other half of 40+ years would be able to truly walk together, hand in hand, of one heart till one has to leave the other behind...

Best wishes for a very Happy New Year 2010 to all visitors to my humble Blog!!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

The Magic of Christmas...

Sat 26 Dec 2009

Yup, Christmas is now over but not the season. So hopefully the spirit & magic of Christmas will bring good tidings & good cheer to one & all...

And yup, for one piece of good news, our niece, YL, is now out of hospital, none the worse after her exploratory ops on Thurs. Our sincere wishes go to her for more good tidings this Christmas season.

As for Lot 10 inmates, it's been a quiet Christmas after the short tremor that shook the air within Lot 10. Luckily it didn't persist and all was calm quite soon after. We can only hope & pray for everlasting peace & happiness to prevail in Lot 10 in the days & years ahead. And of course, reasonably good health for both inmates. We leave it all in God's hands...

Anyway, COD should be the usual today since today is Saturday. A day for some value time between these two ole inmates. The previous one was kinda happily disrupted by the unexpected KL & family visit which was a good replacement. Only Cine Nite could not be carried out because the dinner part was replaced by one with our fav KS Mee on the evening of their departure.

Well, it's only 5 more days to go before the New Year...2010! And it's hard to believe that it's been almost 10 years since our retirement! Like ppl say, time flying past fast is a good sign that time has been kind to oneself. True?

CNY or Chinese New Year is also drawing nearer & nearer. Feb 14 &15. Correct? Better top up me piggy bank fast...yup, it's that time of the year of giving out angpows (red packets). And as pensioners, there are no bonuses to come in handy, right? Ha ha! It's more of a time for adults to make kids happy...and for young ppl to enjoy themselves!

I now leave you with those thoughts of the new year ahead. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Tremors in Lot 10...

Thu 241209

Yup, Earthquakes with tremors up to 6.1 on the Richter Scale occurred in the capital of West Sumatra yesterday. There were even aftershocks of 5.3 but luckily, there were no casualties.

However, a similar aftershock ripped through Lot 10 late yesterday evening. Coincidence? Nope. This was another one of those caused by an unresolved issue...namely that "S"!

You see, the "story" of that "S" was related to a niece whom we visited in hospital prior to her exploratory ops the next day ie today. And in the process, my other half totally forgot what had supposedly been agreed upon during the previous tremors that shook Lot 10 recently.

Before me forget, all the very best wishes for a safe ops & quick recovery to our niece, YL, for her exploratory ops today!! CU soon...

Yup, to elaborate, on 061109, my other half had put her mark down to acknowledge & certify in black & white (in a sealed envelope) that "There is nothing more to say to protect him (him = that "S")." Her very own words. To be exact...at 9.30pm. That statement was signed & sealed then.

That was a kinda short-lived statement then because she went against it the very next day, 071109, at 11am! That was also noted on the same piece of paper she signed.

However, me was relieved & happy that since that day, no further incidents happened. Thankful...even hopeful, too, that there would truly be closure over that "S's" issue and Life would take a turn for the better with happier times ahead for these 2 inmates of Lot 10.

Previously, there was never any record nor proof of any understanding reached / agreed upon. That time marked a great difference. My other half agreed to put her understanding in black & white on paper...signed! No more arguments over what she had said.

Sadfully though, that was not to be. While relating the events that led to the present situation & final closure of the issue recently, my other half once again came to the defence of that "S", thereby putting me once again in bad light...me the bad father, me the one who could not just close my eyes to all that had happened...that I was the one who stopped him from coming back to patch up....

How could I let that "S" come back? Now, would you stand by & allow such a guy to come back when all he had in him was anger, not a hint of remorse, and still continuing to exhibit the feeling that he had done no wrong at that time & that his father was the one who had started the issue? I still have printouts of all his smses to me then as proof. Pls go back to the past entries and then do pls let me know, ok?

For those not in the know, pls refer to past entries on this issue dating back from March 2008. Too much had happened & too long a time has passed since then to relate all over again here. My sincere apologies.

As is, it now appears the ghost of that "S" will continue to haunt inmates of Lot 10 as long as my other half still cannot bring herself to teach a son who had gone astray...a son who had disrespected his father and up to this day, who still does not feel any wrong-doing, sadness nor remorse! A guy who had only been able to reach where he is today because this father stood by him through thick & thin, picking him up each time he fell...supporting him financially, emotionally, & God knows how else.

I can never ever forget his very own words, uttered so painfully about his daily life then...."I am on my toes every second!". My other half & God can bear witness to that statement & his emotional state during those years of immense stress. We were there for him all that time...his pillars of strength & support, not forgetting also, our shoulders for him to cry on...

I believe that in Life, all relationships can only be fostered & enhanced if it is a 2-way affair. Agreed? If that "S" can live without acknowledging & respecting that I am his one & only father, the father who went against all odds to support & protect him till he could stand on his own 2 feet, then similarly, so can this father! I truly thank God for opening my eyes finally to what is really in the heart of this "S". Definitely not me.

A new year is coming. My wish for this new year, 2010, is for Peace & Happiness in Lot 10 and for its inmates. Especially for my other half to be able to walk hand-in-hand together, with me by her side, happily knowing what is most important now in our final years together...

As is, we have started on the road to you-know-where but we are beginning to be walking along the same road, not as a loving couple but as strangers. People used to say that children in a family would be a bond to bring the couple together but that "S" had done nothing since March 2008 except to put up a wall so high & thick between the very two persons who brought him into this world & gave him all the loving care & love to the best of their limited resources but all straight from their hearts!

Unfortunately, also like some people say, "Fame & Fortune" can also change a person. Some changed to be a better more humble & appreciative person, thankful & grateful for his blessings. However, there are also those who changed to be more proud & arrogant, exhibiting the "me am greater than thou" complex! This "S" belongs to the latter group. Sad but true.

To all whom we've related the story of that "S" to, there was nothing but shock all the way. Unbelievable, so they say. Believe it! I have learnt that nothing is impossible in this world. Both good & bad.

The worst part in all of this is that my other half is now torn between her love for her son and that for her husband of 40+ years. My heart's prayer is that she would see the light soon...our future happiness depends so heavily on her doing so...

The greatest problem now is her denial. Denial of what she herself had witnessed & experienced together with me throughout that the life of that "S". May God give her the strength & ability to see the truth through whatever is clouding her mind...and so bless these two ole folks in their final years together. Amen.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Merry Xmas & A Very Happy New Year!

Mon 21 Dec 2009

Yup, it's that time of the year once more...the Christmas season & soon it'll be time to welcome in the New Year! Time to leave the ole year 2009 behind with all its bad, but more of time to bring forward & cherish all good & happy memories of 2009 right into & throughout 2010.

And yup, our fav grandaughter, KL, together with our daughter & family gave both inmates what appeared to be an unvoiced Christmas wish(?) fulfilled! Also probably the last visit of the year, too.

Yup, to summarize, it was a happy though hectic & tiring (as usual) weekend which was surprisingly also extended by one more day...KL & family only went home today!

Well, KL has improved & developed a greater understanding of things for quite a bit since we last saw her. Her laughter & sounds of happy times truly rang throughout Lot 10 during the time she spent with us. If only all adults can see & feel Life's wonderful blessings through the eyes of kids like KL...

So do enjoy the happy faces & poses by KL in "KL in 2009"...pics are already up for your viewing...

And yup, guess it's also time for Lot 10 inmates to wish one & all a very merry Christmas & a very happy New Year 2010!! Cheers!!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

TM fixed line in Lot 10 is DOWN!

Thu 171209

Yup, what luck! And yup, for something like this to happen in this last month of 2009!

Yes, the TM fixed line of Lot 10 went completely dead yesterday! However, it went unnoticed until late in the night...past midnight actually. Yup, our fixed line is rarely used for calls since both inmates have our individual mobile phones. The fixed line is mainly used for accessing the Internet. And the Internet access was there...working fine like nothing was wrong! In spite of the voice line being down...phones in the house were DEAD! No dialling tone.

A call was made to the TM (Telekom Malaysia) 100 line. Via my mobile phone. A fault report was lodged. I was told that the problem would be attended to the next day. I then slept...rather peacefully. Surprised? Ha ha!

Today 2 guys came in a van. Just after noon. They were wearing TM-coloured T-shirts with the words "TM Contractor" or something like that. Didn't pay much attention though. They had announced that they were from TM...

As expected, they checked the internal wiring & telephone socket...although me told them that it's nothing to do with the internals but more of an external problem.

Finally convinced that that was true, they requested for a ladder. If my eyes told me correctly, they did have a ladder on top of their van. Also confirmed by my other half. Anyway, our ladder was put at their disposal.

To cut a long story short, it was finally confirmed that the fault was a faulty connection at the TM junction box somewhere nearby. Our connection at the pole behind Lot 10 was cut & moved to a new connector...a new "pair" in their terminology.

Unfortunately though, it appeared that the connection at the exchange could not be done as the personnel there was having their lunch break! So Lot 10 was left, not only with a dead voice line but even without Internet access! Our line was totally cut off!! Thought repair personnel were supposed to repair & improve the faulty situation but alas, this was not so in this instant.

Anyway, I was given a mobile number to contact should the line be not activated after the lunch break. That sort of made me wonder...why should I need to contact anyone? Shouldn't these ppl ensure that the line was activated after the lunch break? Not for me to remind anyone?

Well, after our lunch...after 2:30pm...me found the line was still as DEAD as ever. So a call was made to the given mobile number. I was told to wait awhile..."Tunggu kejab" in Malay. And after about 10 mins, me got a call from TM ppl, not the guys who came. I was asked to confirm if the line is now working.

On thinking back, isn't that a joke? Kinda ridiculous even! Let's say...you called me on my phone...I answered you on that phone line and then you asked me if my phone was working then? Ha ha!

Not matter...most importantly, Lot 10 is now reachable via its fixed line once more! And Internet access is also back! Thank God for blessing this home & its inmates!

Me just putting in this entry to put on record this unfortunate incident and that now, all's well once more in Lot 10.

Have a good weekend, ok?

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Views (3)...

Tue 151209

Yup, guess what? There is another letter to the Views pages in The Star today in the continuing "debate" over pensioners & their remuneration...and, of course, their problems, namely financial welfare.

Well, this writer (now writer #4) whose letter was published today, had also responded to writer #1 (pls check out my 1st entry entitled "Views..." ) who had voiced, according to this writer... that

"Logically, it is true that a person should not expect anything if he is not contributing to society."
However, writer #4 also clarified that

"Retirees deserve the right to receive benefits like pension because they already contributed to society."
All pensioners thank you, writer #4!!

A good point brought up by writer #4 is this...

"I can't imagine the chain reaction that would be created if our Govt stops paying pension to all retirees. This move will definitely increase our poverty statistics."
And the part I could not agree more was where our "friend" wrote that

"The writer (writer #1) also said that retirees should depend on their children and not the Govt."
And then followed by...

"How sure is the writer that all children will help their parents?"
Personally & frankly, I could not agree more because I happened to be one of those retirees whose son (that "S", remember?) had not contributed a single sen to help his parents except for that one time when I put it to him in a very very nice way that he should give his mother at least something every month. He did. RM50. Only ONCE. That's it! Period!!

And that was years & years ago. Only God knows when...

After that it was me, time after time again, who gave to him...not wanna go into details here. Enough had been said in my past entries.

Such children feel that they & only they have expenses...that only they have to pay for this & that in their lives BUT their parents can just continue to live on (like in an idiom...) purely "fresh air and sunshine"! Their parents' everything can perpetually last like forever, not needing maintenance, replacement, etc., etc.

How parents wish all that were true...

Sincere apologies for side-tracking...

To continue...

In his concluding paragraphs, writer #4 made my day! He wrote clearly & simply...that
"They (retirees/pensioners) should be enjoying their lives, after many years of contributing to society....They deserve to be rewarded."
Thank you...thank you...thank you very much, on behalf of all retirees / pensioners...

Monday, December 14, 2009

Views (2)...

Mon 141209

Yup, pls do allow me to make an update entry on the views that were found previously in The Star on Fri 111209...

And yup, it's because of a response to that writer (writer #1 in my previous entry) which was published in the Views page in The Star today.

This writer #3 responded with...to quote the relevant part...
"The bulk of seniors....are alarmed that while goodies were dished out to those who are gainfully employed, the Budget gives them nothing but takes away part of their savings, at a time when they cannot work."
He (I'm assuming it's a "He') further added that...
"If the Budget cannot give any goodies to the seniors, what we are asking is, do not take away part of our savings, make life difficult than it is."
And he sort of ended with
"We were your age once. We were also narrow in our range of thinking once. We had simplistic views once. We also lectured our elders and parents once upon a time."
How true...don't you agree? Every old person was young once...and most, if not all, old people went through everthing else that had to do with youth & being young. Life is a cycle, as often quoted.

Recently, I even went as far as using this line as a form of simple advice... "Never grow old..." Can you do so? I mean...Never grow old?

Well, our writer friend finally ended his letter with
"...take this advice or we will have to pray for all of your generation to be wise, mature, caring, understanding...."
Would he have to? Pray for the generation of the 1st writer? Or is there hope?

YOU tell me....

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Views...

Sun 131209

Yup, for a change me am gonna write about a couple of views that me found in the Views page in The Star papers on Fri 111209.

And yup, it's related to pensioners & parents...

One writer (let's call him simply writer #1)wrote in to say that pensioners
"don't understand that money is the reward for work done. Therefore, if you are no longer working, you cannot expect to receive any money."
The writer further adds that...
"a person who has been working for many years and has already been paid for that work cannot expect to continue to be paid for his past contribution."
Well, the answer to that writer's views was found in a second writer's letter. This writer (writer #2), presumably a pensioner himself, wrote
" ...it was clearly stated in the service scheme that we were eligible for free medical, and that pension and gratuity would be paid based on the number of months we have worked. And now that has been denied us. Is this fair?"
Another view put forward by writer#1 that I firmly disagree with is when he continued to voice that
"Parents who have provided for their offsprings' every need for 25 years or more certainly have the right to ask for something in return. If your child has a good job and a good income and you are in need, you should ask him to help you."
Now how many retirees/pensioners out there are in that so lucky position and can ask their offsprings for help? Most would thank their lucky stars that those offsprings had not asked them for help instead!

The best part in his letter was when he further added that
"...And if he does not answer, you should pray. A person cannot change what is in another person's mind, but the power above can."
If only what he believed truly works....a simple prayer? Our "friend" must be joking...

What do you think?

Friday, December 11, 2009

A breath of fresh air...

Fri 111209

Yup, it's a new day...and yup, it's a new weekend (here in Kedah) and yup, too, it's a breath of fresh air in Lot 10!

A little update on my "Closure" entry for starters...something that came to my mind when I woke up this morning...

A close relative had commented recently that what had happened to me in & since March 2008 was only a small matter. According to her, there were parents who had to legally & publicly (in news media) dis-owned their sons for the problems which they had brought to the family esp to their parents! And yup, to the extent of putting their parents in harm's way!

My response? A response which I did not & could not make at the time out of respect for her as an elder... "What about those sons who had respected their parents, brought about a nice future for their aged parents, cared for them so well in their golden years and practically ensured their safety & well-being...physically, emotionally & financially untill they had to go?"

Yup, for all those sons who were bad, there were also those who were good & filial...those who had responded likewise, in good loving ways, to the love & care given to them by their loving parents. Don't you know so?

Anyway, there's now "Closure" and me am trying my very best to ensure that these 2 old inmates will live their final years together...lovingly... in peace & harmony. Till one of us has to leave the other behind...

Let's go to better happier events now. Ha ha! Yup, Life is about moving forward...moving on...

On 071209, me finally found a computer retail outlet that had the original Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit OS OEM software on DVD in a sealed pack for sale! Yup, I got it for RM408. I had been using the RC version since it was offered by Msoft...however that was the Ultimate version, which, of course, came with more features. An orig Win7 Ultimate version would cost lots more...no way me could afford to throw that kinda sum of money!
Pics, to share, of the Win7 OEM pack & a screen capture of the screen of my lappy to show the Sign-in screen.
The FOC Win7 Ultimate RC version would be disabled in stages from March 2010 though.

Well, it took me 2 full days to install the new OS into the original 320gig HDD which came with my laptop & also to install all my other software to make my lappy up & running smoothly once again...of course, with rest, meals & even sleep in-between...haha! And, it's fully activated now! YES! Me happy happy now...won't you be in my situation?

Best of all, Life in Lot 10 has been slowly but steadily returning to normal. We've been having our walk-walk sessions at the malls, coupled with meals out...doing what had made these 2 inmates happy all this while. CODs were back with Cine Nites. A good sign indeed.

Have a great weekend...

UPDATE @6:38pm :

Hi...it appears that Win 7 Home Premium OEM is available in Penang for only RM385 and the Ultimate for only RM720.

However, if I were to make a special trip to Penang just to get one, it would cost me lots more than the extra RM23 that me paid for my copy. Why? Simple. I would need abt RM30 for petrol & abt another RM30 for highway & bridge tolls...a total of abt RM60 more! That would be abt RM37 more than the extra RM23 me paid for my pack! Correct? Not inclusive of more if me need to take lunch or any form of nourishment! What abt the time I'd have to spend travelling all the way there?

Moreover, if any problems were to be encountered while using the provided disc to install due to problems in the disc, it would mean another trip to Penang!! Phew...

So, is it really cheaper in Penang? Yup, for ppl in Penang. Not for me!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Closure...

Wed 091209

Yup, Closure at long last! Finally. Closure to a major issue that had been haunting Lot 10 inmates, esp me, for the past 21 months or so. Closure so that the 2 ole inmates can now move forward & live their remaining years in peace, accepting what Life has left to offer in our remaining years together...

And yup, Closure came from the sending back (on Dec 4th) of the last 2 items that belonged to that "S" who caused all the pain, sorrow, unhappiness & all the bad in Lot 10 and also between its 2 inmates since that "black day" in March 2008 when the "devil" broke loose in Lot 10!!

And, as always, there's that inevitable question..."Why me?"

And as always, there's NO simple answer...

Life's like that. Just a question of whether we can accept the reality of Life. Not what we wished for but what & how Life would ultimately turn out to be...finally...for us. Not to wallow in self pity, sorrow nor regret. But to accept.

Like our former PM used to say...
"If one of your limbs is gangrenous, one has no choice but to cut it off so that one might survive..."
Well, our "gangrenous limb" had been cut off. We will survive. We would be better off without someone who had forgotten his roots & how he could ever have been what he is today. We definitely do not need a non-feeling, non-remorseful, non-caring & arrogant person whom we not know nor recognise today. The person we had known & loved, left Lot 10 in March 2008...and never found his way back home!

Somehow I do still believe that Life is a cycle and God is fair. However, only time will tell...if we live long enough to see.

May God bless this home & its residents...Amen.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Congrats!!

Sun 061209

Yup, Heartiest Congrats to M & P! On their Chinese ceremonial wedding today...may they be blessed with a long, happy & loving marriage with loving children!

And yup, I attended the wedding dinner held by the bride's family on Dec 4th in Pg. It was a grand & happy occasion with over 20 tables of relatives & guests on the bride's side. There was a live band in attendance with various special events during the dinner itself.

Here is a pic of the happy loving couple, the Live Band & of course, view of part of the ballroom where the dinner was held on Dec 4th...to share...**excuse the not-so-sharp result from my ole N73 :We sincerely wish both of them a happy & long married life ahead and a great future together!

And, of course, thanks alot for the kind invite & the opportunity to share in your happiness & pride in becoming a FiL for the 2nd time around, KY!

Well, our stay at our fav niece's place that night was good with a great curry mee dish so thoughtful of her for breakfast the next morning. After breakfast, we went for a walk-walk session around Gurney Plaza...both the old & new wings. And was further treated to a special dim-sum lunch by our fav niece & family. Nice. Thanks a meg, KI!!

The above would have to do for now. A great weekend, it was! Me now need my "recuperation" period of time. A couple of days? Maybe longer a bit? Ha ha!

So, do pardon me for taking leave now...TC!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

The Sun shone thru...

Wed 021209

Yup, the Sun rose this morning like any other day but it shone through warm & bright into Lot 10! However, in reality, the sky out there was cloudy & gloomy but to Lot 10 inmates, it was just the direct opposite inside!

And yup, the weather in Lot 10 is now sunny & fine! And... like the saying goes...
"All's well that ends well..."
Well, I guess better understanding had come with time & bad experiences and both inmates kinda realised that it did not augur well for our future & life ahead if we allowed anything to do with that "S" to affect us so much.

And frankly, it's true! We both felt so much better after the air was cleared and the Sun shone through...a great feeling!

Not much had happened since...except that we had to make some minor preparations for a trip to Penang and an overnight stay at our fav niece's place eg like "robbing" Petro's ATM to finance the trip & expenses, reloading our T&G card & refilling our ole junk's fuel tank to last the trip! Yup, we'd be attending a wedding reception (dinner) in Penang on Dec 4th...the wedding of the daughter of my other half's brother. Congrats, M & P! Also to the happy & proud parents! CU all soon...

As such me would be away & off-line before... & most probably a couple of days after in order to "recuperate" from the extra exertion & undue stress that this ole man might have to endure...haha!

So until me am back again in top form, here's wishing one & all a great weekend ahead! In advance...

Monday, November 30, 2009

A minor tremor...

Mon 301109

Yup, a minor tremor was reported in Negri Sembilan today. However, it took place unfelt by residents.

In Lot 10 too, that tremor was similarly unfelt by its residents. However, it was not because the epicentre in Negri Sembilan was too far away but because Lot 10 had its own minor tremor!

And yup, it was felt that consequent to all the "Tsunamis" that hit Lot 10 of late, there were still aftershocks...and a minor one took place today...this morning to be exact!

Frankly, all these calamities never befell Lot 10 inmates with such intensity nor such frequency...until, of course, that big quake in March 2008! And since then, one never knows when any words or actions would trigger off another wave of disaster in the lives of Lot 10 inmates who, at this point in their lives, should be enjoying their golden years in peace & with happiness.

Fortunately, that minor tremor that hit this morning was not too bad and hopefully, the effects would not persist but pass over soon. I can only look to God for help to endure & guidance to overcome...

I have been asking myself each time such incidents happened...why is there this change in attitude & behaviour of my other half towards me? Popping up when least expected. We didn't have such frequency of incidents before that day in March 2008. (Pls refer to that entry in this Blog's archives for details.) Of course, there had been the occasional misunderstandings & what-have-you-not in every marriage. Normal, right? But, discounting those, what conclusion can I come to?

This entry is to put, on record, my sadness & frustration and esp the incidents that had happened as a result of the actions & the subsequent damages that that inconsiderate & irresponsible "S" had done to lives of the 2 most important ppl in his life...no other can ever replace any of these two! One can have only 1 natural father & 1 natural mother. Or am I wrong?

Whatever had happened to & whatever should continue to affect these 2 ole folks would forever be on his shoulders and his to bear for the rest of his life...if he does not "wake" up soon...

As for Lot 10 inmates, I can only hope & pray that our life together ahead would not be marred by such further needless incidents. And that my other half would see clearly the cause behind all these incidents, find me in her heart of hearts and can truly walk hand-in-hand happily with me down the ONLY road left for both of us to take....

May God bless & keep both Lot 10 inmates loving, happy & safe. Amen.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

The waiting ends...

Sun 291109

Yup, the wait has ended...last night...for the FOC 2pcs Dreamland pillows & 1 pc bolster which were gift items for our purchase of the Dreamland Chiro 5000 mattress.

And yup, the best part of it was they were personally delivered by the salesperson herself! At around 8pm...as promised...Good for you, Ms Y!! We thank you...

Here they are...
Still in their original packing...

They would go nicely with the Chiro 5k mattress, wouldn't they?

Well, it was a good ending to a good purchase. If only these FOC items were delivered at the same time as the mattress....then it would have been the BEST purchase that me had made in recent years...

Btw, Cine Nite wasn't that wonderful last night. It was kinda disappointing as we were unable to see the ending to what could have been a great movie entitled "Orphan". Yup, it jammed during the last chapter in the DVD. Frus la...no ending!

However, COD dinner was a different story. Both inmates had a great dinner of our fav 3 ordered dishes including the Siamese Curry Fish dish!

Well, Life isn't perfect, right? We savour the good and let the not-so-good pass us by.

We thank God for another bonus week!

Be happy! Time for me breakfast...Peace.

UPDATE @12:25pm :
Yup, me went & got a replacement DVD for "Orphan"...just to see the ending which we could not see because of the unexpected "jam" on disc. And yup, it was worth the effort!

Sorry but no telling what the ending was... that would spoil your enjoyment, right? Go get yourself a copy & enjoy...

Saturday, November 28, 2009

COD & PC Fair...

Sat 281109

Yup, it's another COD today but coupled with the PC Fair 2009 being held @AS Mall this time around (27-29 Nov), there was that little bit extra to it...

And yup, me got the opportunity to look into this leg of the Pikom PC Fair which had been previously held @Star Parade...not a convenient place for me to go. But since it's being held @this new venue, me could "kill 2 birds with 1 stone"...actually "3 birds", namely we could go for our usual walk-walk around AS Mall, window-shop at the PC Fair and then have our lunch...all rolled into one!

Well, PC Fair being what it had been and was for quite some time already...nothing much to shout about...unless one is in the market for something. If you get what I mean...

A couple of pics to share...there was a small crowd there today... being the 2nd day.

I didn't really count but there should have been around 20 or so booths. However a number of companies/shops took up more than 1 booth each. Well, the usual PCs, notebooks, netbooks & various accessories were up for grabs. Me only interested in the new Win 7 OS but none had stock there. I was told to go to their shops after the Fair if me interested. Price for the Win 7 Home Premium Edition was quoted as around RM400+.

Lunch for this COD was at the food court opposite AS Mall. And yup, it was our fav Pan Mee...less mee more vege! Ha ha!

That's that for this entry.

Have a good weekend, ok?

Friday, November 27, 2009

An Update plus...

Fri 271109

Yup, this is an update for my previous entry about our new Chiro 5k mattress. And yup, we had a nice Zzz last night. And yup, too...a bed without sleep is like no bed at all. But a nice new bed with great sleep does wonders. Agreed?

As for the update part, we decided that a new mattress should have a new mattress protector. Correct? And yup, the mattress protector should be in place while the mattress is still new or else there would be nothing to protect then...true? Ha ha!

So, this morning we were at Tesco Mergong & found quite a good one. A Tesco own-branded product. Looked good & felt good, too! Only RM37.50. The pics say all there's to say...First pic shows the label for the item whereas the second pic shows the mattress protector fitted onto the new mattress which is now "invisible" (protected?) underneath the protector. Nice?

Well, everything new is sure nice wan...hehe...

As for the plus in the title of this entry, it's just to wish our Muslim friends & fellow citizen a very "Selamat Hari Qurban" & "Selamat Hari Raya Haji"...whichever is a more relevant wish!!

To others, one & all, a very Happy Holiday!! Enjoy your weekend...

Update @8:43pm :

Sorry but still no sign of our FOC Dreamland pillows & bolster. The salesperson did say that she'd send them as soon as they were delivered to the shop...today! Guess salesppl will be salesppl. No escaping that fact. Agreed?

But somehow, me just can't understand why salesppl should go down that road. Once upon a time, what was promised was always kept...what could not be done was NEVER promised! So sad that those days are gone...

Or to be on the patient understanding mode & to console myself, maybe the transportation of the goods were kinda delayed by the holiday season? Maybe? There's always tomorrow, right? At the very least, we are enjoying the new mattress...Goodnight!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

On the 4th attempt...

Thu 261109

Yup, on the 4th attempt, our "bedding mission" was finally accomplished...albeit still with a couple of minor inconveniences...

And yup, we finally got to change our old Dreamland "Emerald Rose" spring mattress for a new one! Guess what? It finally ended up with another Dreamland model as the replacement!

Frankly, we tried to get a replacement from all the mattress promotions that came & went. There was Slumberland, Sleepmaker & even Dreamland itself. 1st attempt was a Slumberland. Failed. Got BS from the salesboss. 2nd was kinda distracted. The salesperson was supportive of our need to modify our bed's headboard so as to accomodate the greater heights of newer mattresses. A number of calls. That's that. Nothing came out of them. The 3rd was a promo by a company for Dreamland mattresses. Failed too cos the salesperson failed to also keep to her word. Not even a tinkle in spite of her telling us so affirmatively that they had stock and would deliver the next day! Further, a look-see at mattresses by Sleepmaker on promo did not yield any interest.

Frankly we had hoped for the deal on our 3rd attempt to go through. The mattress height was suitable, with no modifications needed for the headboard of our bed. And most of all, the price was also affordable without having to stretch our budget!

Well, on our way out to run a couple of errands this morning, we saw banners proclaiming the promotion of "branded" mattresses. So, on our way home, we decided to stop at the shop doing the promotion...

The usual question was put to the salesperson as to whether there was existing stock when we saw the same Dreamland model on offer. She re-assured us there was & even was willing to refund our payment if there wasn't! That clinched the deal!

And true enough, the new mattress, a King-sized Dreamland Chiro 5000, was delivered at about 6:30pm today! Have a good look at the pics!

Looks great, right? Definitely much much better than our old one! Yup, RM1399 better! Ha ha!

Main important features are Anti-Dustmite protection, Miracoil posture springing and a plush top! And, of course, the Dreamland quality that we'd been enjoying all these years! For a price we also liked.

Frankly we got this mattress for less than the offer by the 3rd attempt salesperson. And this one came with 2 Dreamland pillows & a bolster FOC! Sometimes it does pay to be patient. Agreed?

However, in our case, it was not patience that paid off but our good luck finally came along...resulting in the successful purchase! A blessing...

Well, we now have a new bed...actually more of a new mattress. Let's hope we will also have good sleep tonight. And for many many nights to come...

Goodnight...and pleasant dreams!

ps. A few minor inconveniences? Yup, actually just one. The FOC pillows & bolster would be supplied later...most probably (if our luck holds out...) tomorrow. At least we got our new mattress this time...which was what we wanted most of all! Of course, what came free would always be welcomed. Agreed? Ha ha!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

A little "noise"...

Tue 241109

Yup, a little "noise" from muah. A few sounds to indicate that me am still here. Ha ha!

For one thing, our mission to renew our driving licences on Sun 221109 was successful and a breeze. There was hardly any crowd. The car park was practically almost empty. We were the third to be called after getting the queue ticket number. The only problem we had was finding the correct building block where driving licence renewals could be done. It had changed from Block B to Block C...with the old signboards still unchanged!

Well, for another thing, that day was wet but just a slight drizzle. However, that might have reduced the number of ppl at JPJ then. Our licences were renewed for 3 years @RM30 per year. I had almost wanted to renew them for 5 years but I couldn't help wondering if it would be a waste of good $$$ or not...and yup, would lil ole me still be able to drive after 3 years...after 2012?

And, believe it or not, the info re our renewals were also promptly included in our MyKad chip! Efficient. Kudos to JPJ!

Btw Cine Nite on last Sat was the movie entitled "My Sister's Keeper". A good story. Touching, too. If only we could be just as brave when facing inevitable death as the sister was in the movie...

Anyway, life @ Lot 10 is more or less routine these days. No more stress...hopefully that would last. And if so, we should be enjoying ourselves soon at the coming wedding dinner of 1 of our nieces on Dec 4th in Penang. Both are looking forward to meeting ppl whom we had not met nor talked to for quite some time. And yup, it's at such venues & occasions, so called "red" or "white" events, that we do get to meet & update ourselves on respective family information. And, of course, enjoy one another's company.

Last but not least, we'd been trying to improve our "bedding" environment for some time now...another item on our "To Do" list. Our 1st attempt failed during a bed & mattress promo of a locally renowned brand. We were then even willing to give up our old but still good bed set! Our 2nd attempt at a reasonably big furniture company also failed...nothing happened after more than a month now. A few returned calls but then silence.

Our latest attempt was at a mattress promo of the same mattress brand as the one we have now. We confirmed our order & left my contact hp number with our home address. It's now the 2nd day after the salesperson promised to call us to confirm delivery. Not even a tinkle. So it looks like there's something blocking this aspect of our life. Call it fate, destiny or whatever...

No worries, though. As in what I've heard many times quoted...
"One may have a bed but not sleep..."
OR
"it's not the bed but the sleep that is important."
True? I believe so. What say you?

Today started as a hot sunny day. Sincerely hope that it remains so as it had been raining for the past few days.

Have a good week, ok? Be safe in the meantime.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Good ole Kay Pa...

Sat 211109

Yup, Good Ole Kay Pa! Always on time...never failing! And yup, that made these 2 ole inmates happy on 201109. Like it or not, $$ make the world go round & the living to continue living...happily!

As for today, it's another COD. Yup, another "Chef's Off Day". With a difference though. Breakfast was also out...for a reason.

As our driving licences were going to expire on 011209, we thought that we should renew it early instead of waiting for the very last minute. No stress needed nor to be invited. Ha ha! So we went to the usual JPJ branch @ Kompleks Alor Star to do so. However, upon arrival, we found that there was no such place anymore! We refused to believe that such a premise could just disappear. And yup, it was indeed gone! We just could not find it in the block of buildings where it was last year! Phew! I'd renewed my vehicle licence (road tax) there only last year.

As is, there was only one choice left open ie to go to the main JPJ building in Jalan Putra. Well, we were not in luck in this aspect, too. The building & its car park areas were practically empty! Oh no! JPJ must be closed on Saturdays...and if so, then Sundays, too. Will try again on Monday. No hurry, right?

That meant it's time for breakfast...haha! And so we did have breakfast...at Lee & Lee's for plates of noodles with bean sprouts & stewed chicken legs! Long time no eat already... hehe .... nice!

Lunch was at our 1 of our fav corner coffee shops at Taman Badlishah. Econo Rice...since what our chef wanted was not available.

Dinner? Yup, it's gonna be "Fishhead Beehoon" but not the fishhead...just the fish meat! At PSK.

Cine Nite? No idea. Sorry...up to our boss...

Anway, it's a cool day today. Drizzling since morning. Only a slight drizzle most of the time. It was heavier when we went for breakfast.

That's it! The simple sedentary life of 2 ole inmates of Lot 10 OFH. Kinda happy though. Me getting good vibes that times will soon be better & better in Lot 10.

How's yours?

ps. Sincere apologies for the above "ramblings" but me felt me had to make an entry somehow...even if just to make it felt that this ole man is still around...he he...

Monday, November 16, 2009

A New Life begins...

Mon 161109

Yup, a New Life begins for inmates of Lot 10...hopefully, with God's blessings, a better happier life...now that the worst is over...

And yup, a New Life began with clearing & sending out of all those items (Fri 131109) belonging to the entity that brought bad karma into Lot 10 since early in March 2008. Thank God those items are now (Sat 141109) back with those that did so in the first place. 103kg in all. Cost us RM300 in expenses via Airpak Courier services. It was worth every sen!

The best part is that Lot 10 is henceforth "clean" once more! More of "cleansed" would be a more appropriate term. Agreed? We will now start from a new beginning...with the rebuilding of positive aura within & outside of Lot 10! May God bless this ole Home Sweet Home...

No miracles are expected though. What took 20+ months to break would probably take longer to heal. However, it is felt, by both inmates, that with time, we will be able to make the bond between both of us even stronger than before.

And yup, this New Life began with good events! The healing has begun!

The first was the "confirmation" of a great "angpow" from our "Kay Pa" soon in early Dec as mentioned in my earlier entry.

And yup, it also included a "Happy to come, Happy to stay & Happy when leaving" visit on Sat 141109 by our fav grandaughter, KL, & family. So as not to bore you with unimportant details, a few pics of a happy KL have been posted in "KL in 2009" slideshow on the right of this Blog. Just to share.

Enjoy...

ps. Remember the song that goes..." Happy days are here again.... " Sing it! Sing it loud...

Friday, November 13, 2009

Life's Good....not an LG slogan here!

Fri 131109

Yup, Life's Good! Good for these past few days. It will definitely be...for this coming weekend! And hopefully, even after that...

Why? Our fav grandaughter, KL, would be coming (hopefully confirmed soon...) for a visit to Lot 10 inmates. Yup, her grandparents. As always, me would be drained of almost all energy by the time she goes home. So, pls do understand if you see no new entries for a few days after this weekend. Me will be back ASAP when me fully recharged. Ok?

As mentioned above, Life's been good...no upheavals, no "tsunamis", no nothing to distract these 2 ole folks from their routine happy daily life together. That's certainly a welcomed change. With God's blessings, I'm wishing that all this would last...and the remainder of our journey through life together would truly be a nice enjoyable stroll together, hand in hand...

To end the 20-month+ old "saga", everything has been packed & now awaiting collection by the Courier company contacted. Delivery is scheduled for tomorrow. Me would be very happy to be able to close this book of UNpleasant memories & all the hurt that that book was & had brought to Lot 10.

What can I say? Life's full of surprises...both good & bad. We just throw away the bad. Agreed?

Well, one good surprise is that we should be getting is a special payment of RM500 for pensioners to be paid in Dec....soon...on the 14th! Before our pension payment on the 15th. So, when added up, inmates of Lot 10 would have an extra RM1k in the bank! A most welcomed top-up in such bad economic times. Like me told a former colleague....where can we ever find RM1k on the road... or RM500 for that matter! Thanks a meg, Kay Pa!! Yup, it appears this new Kay Pa isn't that bad after all...hehe....

Have a great weekend, ok? I will.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

A getogether of the old & the young...

Wed 111109

Just a short entry...

Yup, it was a night to remember...when the old & the young got together...for dinner!

And yup, it was a dinner organised specially for retirees of my former school and very well supported by many of the present teaching staff, too...not forgetting even friends of friends. The event was held last night (101109) at the nearby Anggerik Restaurant. 5 tables.

Dinner was kinda delayed a bit while waiting for those who had other commitments in their present lives. However, when it finally started, it started with a bang! Yup, the first dish was a special one...roasted piglet! Karaoke singing was also part of the package, not forgetting there was enough "booze" for those who were into its consumption, courtesy of the many sponsors.

A couple of pics of the "guests" from my seating position....

The Karoake enthusiasts were still at it when me had to leave...my other half was alone at home lo...

All in all, it was great to meet ole friends & colleagues besides meeting & making new friends. The best conclusion of the evening? None of our colleagues were "MIA"...still around! A good sign.

One topic that inevitably came up in our conversations was that about children and sons & daughters-in-law. What can I say? Guess it's the scene these days...the number of young who do not respect their elders is definitely nothing new! Me felt better...somehow...

Time for me breakfast.

Have a good day!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Life's normal once more...

Tue 101109

Yup, Life's normal once more in good ole Lot 10! My wish? That this would mark the beginning of a new happy road ahead for both inmates of Lot 10...free from all who wish to come between these 2 ole folks & cause harm & hurt...

Like the Berlin Wall, the wall that sprouted between these 2 ole inmates for the past 20+ months, had finally been smashed! Hip Hip Hooray!

And yup, without such distractions & unnecessary unpleasantries, me am once more the "pro-active" guy who thinks of only making Lot 10 a peaceful place...a better place..a happy place.

So, to all who would venture into Lot 10, do "Come Happy, Stay Happy & Leave Happy, ok?

So, my latest project was to find a replacement "TV Entertainment Table" for our projector in the lounge area....to replace the one that was carted upstairs for the JVC 21in TV (as pic shown in the entry dated 281009).

However, we couldn't find the same one no matter where we looked! And so it was, that a decision was made to purchase this one...not as good as the former but would have to do...

It's smaller, lower but still cost about the same. RM54.99 @ Giant.
Assembly took this ole man almost an hour! What do you think? Was it worth the effort & time?

BTW me had to raise the table by a few inches by using an old fridge support base. Yup, this new table came without rollers & was lower by a few inches. Maybe I should go get some rollers? Would look better too, right?

Well, finally we're having another dinner organised for retirees of my former school. Tonight. A means to keep in touch. Time to be jolly, huh? Yup, would be a celebration of sorts cos it only meant one thing, namely we have been blessed! Still around. Hopefully more ahead...

Me am now trying to move forward...not look back & regret but to count my blessings. The happiness ahead, with the one who chose me & continues to stand by my side...through thick & thin. Sacrificing. Not like some who think they would never grow old...

Blessed am I...


UPDATE @2:50pm :

Yup, me went out earlier today & bought 4pcs castors (rollers?) c/w self-tapping screws for the TV Entertainment Table as had previously crossed my mind.

Looks much better now, don't you think so? Especially the base? Now there is no more bulky metal base.

Cost? A mere RM4...hehe...
And, of course, a little "elbow grease".

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Peace & Calm returns to Lot 10...

Sun 081109

Yup, finally the latest "Tsunami" that ravaged Lot 10 had fizzled itself out. Peace, calm & serenity now reigns within Lot 10. A huge relief for both inmates. Tired, worn out for the ordeal but SAFE! Thank God for his blessings!

And yup, this final episode hopefully signals the end of a long saga...a saga of bad that kept on raising its ugly head with increasing frequency until the last "Tsunami" that reached immense proportions...it's a wonder Lot 10 inmates could withstand all the onslaught & heavy battering. This is proof of how strong the bond is that's between both inmates...more than 40 years strong!

And yup, we're not gonna let anything...for that matter, anyone...same blood or otherwise...come & split us up! Nope. No way, man! We both started as 2...and we will remain as 2! Until of course the day when 1 of us has to go...

And yup, there is now finality. Because that "S" failed his final test. A test to determine if there is any more love, etc., etc., left in his heart. There was NONE ...none whatsoever! Even my other half had to admit so.

And yup, this time around, my other half had a truly clear vision...she had been in denial all this while. Moreover, she was torn between herself as a mother & as a wife. She was practically lost. Thanks to God's help & loving guidance, she can now see through the haze that clouded her mind, namely the truth.

And hopefully, this time around, after seeing the light at the end of this long dark tunnel, our bond (as both husband & wife and as parents) will last & become a permanent feature so that both of us can now walk down the remainder of Life's road together, hand in hand, as we've always done ie before this ugly episode, brought along by a heartless, unappreciative & disrespectful we-not-know-who-anymore...

So, do pls be happy for us...both inmates of Lot 10...and wish us well esp happiness in our new road ahead & life together as one! Thank you...and may an episode like ours never ever be yours to face. Amen.

ps. It's been more than 20 long months of God knows what...we are indeed thankful & grateful that it has come to a good ending for Lot 10. Hopefully, the bond, that was at risk, would soon heal well & become even stronger than before. With God's help, me feel that it will be a fact soon...

pps. There was no COD due to that "Tsunami". We will have a better, happier one come next Saturday...no worries!

An update to Reflections into the past - The long frustrating and unrewarding road of a loving father :

An interesting tale that was inadvertently left out, quite a late incident of how a loving father had to step in so that his son could stand up tall & would be respected...here goes :

At one point in his career, in his improving position & status, that "S" had to attend a special dinner. As he had nothing to wear that was suitable & appropriate to the occasion, we went to a Mall to search for such a shirt.

That "S" saw one that he felt was suitable and that he himself really liked. However, strong objections came from his other half! She, instead, insisted that he got something else of her choosing (of much lower quality & cost...not to say they could not afford) but which that "S" felt did not fit the theme nor to his liking.

On consultation with my other half, it was then felt that we had to step in (we had a philosophy not to interfere in that "S"'s family matters) but this situation turned into something beyond understanding. Also, me am not so loaded either. But when that "S"'s well-being, standing & respect by others in his line of work was at stake, what could loving parents do? Close our eyes and walk away? YOU tell me...would you?

So this ole man told that "S" that his ole dad would buy for him the one which he had found suitable & that he also liked. The one that his other half had flatly refused to entertain.

And it was only then, yup...only then, that his other half (who was so reluctant to agree to buy for him all that while) agreed. Can you guess why? Your guess....

Well, that's the final & hopefully the last incident (there are many many more...hehe...) that me would ever have to relate in this Blog. Me am closing the book on that ugly episode and that "S".

PEACE.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Another "Tsunami" just hit Lot 10....

Sat 071109

Phew! No joke! Another "Tsunami" hit Lot 10 suddenly yesterday, Fri 061109! Of greater intensity than the last one...am sincerely hoping that it will be the final one. And that Lot 10 will not be completely devastated by it. If somehow Lot 10 is totally knocked out of existence, it is sincerely hoped that a newer, better & more loving Lot 10 can emerge out of the ruins. However, only God can ensure that...we can only wish...& hope & pray...

At this point in writing, the "Tsunami" waters are still flooding the area. Me am hoping that, as requested, time given will be fruitful & to the better future and harmonious life of Lot 10 inmates. Otherwise, inmates of Lot 10 are doomed!

Since Lot 10 is in such dire straits, I regret that this is about all I can write now. Will update as to the outcome when the "Tsunami" subsides...

Wish me luck!

ps. The unfortunate part in this "Tsunami" is that the guilty party feels no loss nor any humanly possible feelings towards the sins that he has committed to his parents. May God open his eyes & show him the error of his ways. Amen.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Yesterday...

Fri 061109

The day that was...yup, yesterday...

Well, 2 household maintenance items had been staring at me for some time...1 of them actually for months now!

Yup, the more recent one was that of a couple of finishing touches to the re-routing of our main water inlet pipe done recently. A couple of hooks needed to be put in place to secure the new piping structure and to complete the job, the damage to the wall had to be patched up.

So yesterday (051109) me did both of that.

Pic on left shows the end-result of the first maintenance item. Yup, the hooks were bought (RM0.60 only) & driven home into previously drilled holes & the damaged area around the main inlet pipe was patched up with loose cement bought (RM2 only).

So how does the area look now? Excuse, of course, the not-so-professional handiwork lo...hehe...

Of course, there is now the need to repaint that patched-up area. It is a "sight for sore eyes" as is, true?

The other maintenance item was a patch-up job for a missing piece of the underside of our roof terrace. Yup, a reasonably-sized piece of the cemented underside was in danger of falling off & me had to remove it some time back. Since I had available cement (bought mainly for the above-mentioned piping patch-up job), it was only natural that this patch-up was done. Agreed?

Not a good snapshot but here is a view of the patch-up. Ok la...right?

Today is gonna be a cold wet day...rain, rain & more rain! Cool is good. Wet is ok cos no plans to go anywhere. But luckily, it's not heavy...just a heavy drizzle & thus no worries about any possible flash flood. Thank God for that!

Have another great weekend, everybody! At least a relaxing one, ok?

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Me back oledi...

Thu 051109

Yup, me am back! Back in good ole Lot 10! And yup, it was bz bz bz lil me these past few days...

Well, now to resume my unfinished previous entry...

1. New AV connections :

What can I say but that all efforts & investments in that new AV link paid off & we are both enjoying its benefits. Display is definitely much clearer & sharper, resulting in less strain for these old eyes...haha!

Here is a pic to show the new AV connections via a Cat6 UTP cable (blue-coloured cable) at the back of the LCD TV.

And of course, besides that, me'd also followed a suggestion in the LCD TV manual to secure the TV by attaching its back via cables to a secure location eg a wall, to prevent it from toppling over. The ones that I'd made were from electrical cables (green & yellow-coloured cables in pic) but they're secured to our window grille insteal of a wall...hehe...

2. A sad event :

The past 3 days were also sad ones...as mentioned in a ps/update in my earlier entry. Yup, my bro-in-law had passed away...and Thank God...peacefully. The 3-day wake also passed peacefully and my "Ah Ko" had a simple but peaceful final send-off by all who loved him.

A pic in memoriam....

He was 82. RIP, Ah Ko...

Now both Lot 10 inmates are home once more and life in this OFH is back to its usual routine.
There are a number of errands to run to keep this OFH running smoothly and there is also one special event coming up...a kinda End-of-Year gathering of retirees & friends. Yup, a dinner on Nov 10th. A time to meet up with ole friends & former colleagues. To keep in touch.
Have a great weekend, ok?

Monday, November 2, 2009

Beezee, beezee, beezee...

Mon 02 Nov 09

Yup, it's been a bz past few days...week even!

For a start, a mini "tsunami" swept through Lot 10 during end of last week. A Thursday (291009) it was. Thank God it's of much lower intensity & lasted only a day...a good sign that the situation was improving for inmates of Lot 10. A few minor "casualties" were eventually cleared...for good! Me slept well...thanks for help by one APO! A miraculous creation of the medical world w/o which me would have spent a long sleepless night.

Since the mini "tsunami" subsided with ease, last Sat's COD was normal & happy times slowly crept back into inmates of Lot 10. As usual, lunch & dinner were out. Cine Nite was "Where Got Ghosts?" by Jack Neo. Good true-to-living ppl kind of movie. 3 stories in 1.

That was followed the next day (Sun 011109), a day of "brainstorming". Project? How to improve the video quality of the new "toilet". Yup, that of our latest LCD TV.

The video feed, as it was originally, was via a co-axial RF feed from the Astro satellite module. However, on the LCD TV, the imperfections of the display were pretty obvious. The only alternative available appeared to be an upgrade to an AV feed ie via separate video & audio cables (AV).

Various cables that me had were found to be of insufficient length. The best option was to remove an existing network cable feed & use it as an AV cable. A Cat6 UTP network cable. Long enough. In fact it was found to be too long...after installation...haha!Pics above illustrate how the cable was fed from within our room to the external face of Lot 10 and back into the lounge area of our ground floor. Yup, it's the blue cable.

Then the question of how to make another AV connection. As it was, there were already 2 such links. Wouldn't a third link affect the signal strength?

Final solution? Me bought an AV splitter cum booster unit by Maspro...with 4 outputs. Here it is...
Works fine. Cost? RM90. Me had to think positively. Long term investment. Easy connections. No hassle setup.

**NB. Entry is incomplete. Will update ASAP. Me gotta go...sincere apologies.

Update @9:43pm :

It is deeply regretted that this entry has to remain as is, for now, at this point in time. Sad news...my bro-in-law passed away this afternoon @ abt 3pm...very peacefully...in Penang. Me just back short while ago.
Wake is for 3 days with the funeral on Weds. May you Rest in Peace, Ah Ko....

ps. My entry in this Blog will be resumed soon after that...

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The recent past...

Wed 281009

Hi...

With not much happening these days, here is a number of going-on's in Lot 10 which probably were left out inadvertently...sincere apologies...

1. After the leakage from our indoor pump that caused the massive internal "flooding" of Lot 10 recently (170909), it was noticed early in the 3rd week of October that water was dripping continuously from the drainage pipe at the outer end of the front wall of our porch!

Nothing was made out of it for the past weeks cos it had been raining on & off practically daily and thus the water from the drainage pipe was attributed to normal drainage of trapped rain water.

However, after a couple of dry days, the dripping was still there! And there was a patch of water around the base of the wall pillar. On closer inspection, it was found that water was seeping continuously out from underneath...even after drying out the area! Oh no! That, in all probability, meant only 1 thing...the main pipe underground was leaking...

Luckily our fav plumber friend was available & he came the next day (if not wrong, on 151009) to fix it. And he did! Thanks a meg, Mr Y!!

Here's a pic of the re-routed main inlet pipe now...

Some finishing touches are still pending...unimportant ones, though.

Most importantly, there is no further loss of water! And it was not the long stretch of pipe underground leading to the house proper. Thank goodness...yup, it was practically a "life-saver" in terms of $$ and worry...

2. With the addition of the new Samsung 22in LCD TV in our master bedroom, our plan...to rotate the location of the available TV sets in Lot 10 for better & more beneficial usage of the sets...could thus be carried out.

The JVC 21in CRT TV in our room was moved to our daughter's room for better viewing by our fav grandaughter, KL, who had been restricted to a very old Sony 14in set all these years.


Here is its new home now...pic on left. Looking comfy there & blending into its surroundings, right?

The TV cabinet was moved from its original position in our lounge area where it was previously used for our home projector.

ATM me had to improvise a new cabinet from our partly-damaged utility shelves unit for use temporarily to accomodate the projector in the lounge area /hall. We looked for one of the same quality in AS Mall yesterday but found none. The search continues...

3. It was learnt recently that a number of thefts of brass water meters had occurred in nearby housing areas. Consequently, it was felt that a little investment might be worthwhile at this point in time. Yup, to save the hassle of either paying ourselves for a replacement meter or having to make a police report before applying to JKA for a free replacement.

We'd found a special clamping device for such protection available in AS Mall but it was priced at more than RM15 each, being a anti-rust plated version! However, a similar, although lower quality version, was found available at our nearby hardware shop for only RM5!! A painted one.


We went for the painted version...ha ha! Here it is, installed at our meter point...the turquoise-painted clamping device...

Not that bad, huh? If it could save us the unnecessary hassle & some $$$, don't you agree that it's good enough?

Somehow, me couldn't help always feeling that if anyone wanted to steal anything, they would...no matter what precautions one could or would take. Agreed?

Whatever we do is purely a simple form of deterrent...it might not be good enough for the determined /desperate thief! Or if one's residence had been marked as the target! And so, we shall keep our fingers tightly crossed...

Well, that's about it for now.

Another weekend is coming up soon...

Sunday, October 25, 2009

New "Toilet" in Lot 10...

Sun 251009

Yup, another wish came true today! And yup, it's the 2nd item on our wish list...a new LCD TV!!

And before we attempted to get it, we made a pact...my other half & me. A simple pact. Namely, if the steps to acquiring this new item did not go smoothly, we would abandon it! No more of that lousy full-of-obstacles thingy whenever we embarked on any new acquisition...

And yup, it was smooth all the way! Phew...maybe the jinx in the Tan Family is gone? Hopefully for good...

And after surveying what were available for the range of 22in. LCD TVs eg brands like Pensonic & Haier, we finally decided on a Samsung 22in. on offer at Senheng/SenQ. Price was good (only RM899) and so were the terms...with 0% interest for a term of 12 months!

Yup, everything, including a service charge of RM25, only added up to RM77 per month. Affordable...in my present financial situation. And yup, a poor man's way of getting anything new.

Installation was a breeze and we have been enjoying it since we brought it home!

Just to share...
a pic of the Samsung 22" LCD TV...

This LCD TV comes with pretty good specs, considering that it is only a Series 3 Samsung (Its latest models are known as Series 8 now!)...especially its dynamic contrast ratio of 30,000:1 !! If me not mistaken, Series 3 LCD TVs by Samsung normally has only a ratio of 8,000:1.

Furthermore, it has all the common input terminals (albeit only 1 of each) such as HDMI, Component, AV video & audio, PC, headphone, co-axial Antenna jack and even provision for a Kensington Lock! Good enough, right? For a 22in TV to be used in a bedroom.

The inbuilt front control panel utilises truly "touch-sensitive" icons...not real buttons like for most other makes. A mere touch activates & operates the On/Standby, Volume, Prg & other functions. Truly hi-tech...

Maybe me should assume this new "toilet" to be a belated Bday present for muah? Ha ha!

Ok...me gotta go now...

Time for din-din!

Hv a great week ahead...me got new "toilet" to take care of now...Bye!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Today's happenings...

Fri 231009

Yup, another week is ending...another weekend will be starting tomorrow!

So what's new in the life of this sedentary ole man? Yup, you guessed it! Nothing much to be high nor excited about...

However, it was not a day of totally nothing though. Kinda eventful...to me...if I may say so.

For a start, it was time to replenish my "drugs" for the coming month. Yup, me am an "unofficial" drug addict for life! But nope, not of the illegal kind! And yup, it's all legal & necessary! Yup again...me needed to get my monthly supply of multivit and med for both my God-knows-from-when hypertension & presently mild diabetic condition. Those med are my life-support systems...keeping me still around in this world! To enjoy the "bonus" days that God has bequeathed me.

That done, both me & my other half went to "rob" our nearby Petronas. Resources were running low and it's gonna be almost another month before Kay Pa would be giving us our next pocket allowance. Yup, the next instalment will only be on 20th November. The previous was on 6th Oct. Long way to go, right?

Next, it was back to Lot 10 for a short break. Yup...too early for lunch!

Then it was time to be out again. This time it was to AS Mall. Yup, nothing new, right? Sorry...but where else can one go in A/S? Kinda limited for choices. True?

However, AS Mall was just opposite 1 of our fav food courts where Pan Mee is sold. We've tried a couple of times to take it before today, but there was no sign of the stall! One more try today...

But before that....

Yup, I needed to get spare bulbs for our "floodlights"...now 2 units in operation ie 1 unit operated by the autogate and the latest operated from our master bedroom. To my surprise, only 3 units were available @RM8 each. Since 1 unit had been torn open & thus no guarantee that the halogen lamp glass had not been touched by any inquisitive fingers. Hope you also know the don't of handling halogen lamps? That left me with the only 2 left that I could confidently & safely buy...
Another item me needed to enhance the use of the floodlight control in our room was a 3-gang socket set. There it is now...installed! Pls see pic on left. Just below our central window.
As for our Pan Mee, today was a different story! Yup, we finally got to enjoy our bowls of Pan Mee...with less mee but more "money" vege! Ha ha!

Since we parked our car in the basement FOC car park (out of the sun & in cool comfort, too), we went back into AS Mall. There we found a mattress promotion being held in the main lobby. And yup, we had been in the market for a replacement mattress or a set of new mattress c/w divan & headboard. A choice we would have to make. The latest offer of a branded new model was on exhibition. Enquiries were made. Encouraging answers. Let's wait & see if there will be a happy conclusion...hehe....

Back in Lot 10, with nothing better to do while my other half watched her "Love" serial, me tried to follow the Budget 2010 speech by our present PM. Nothing to shout about though. Sorry...nothing was for pensioners! Guess our last PM was still the best in terms of thoughts of the welfare of old ppl. Maybe when this present PM gets to be older? Ha ha!

Boring huh? Ok...ok...time to call it a day...and a week, too!

Have a great weekend!
UPDATE on 241009 @9:25am :
Mattress/Bedset purchase was abandoned. Reason? Simple. Promoter boss could not be trusted. BS both of us. Told us that she had available stock & would deliver on next day but on confirmation of purchase, we were told that we had to wait for her to order! Sorry...no biznes from muah...bye!