Palestinians are the most misunderstood people on earth. They are portrayed as suicide bombers, terrorists by the media. They are often captured on camera by the media when they are throwing stones or shouting aggressively. They are depicted as nothing but a bunch of savage people who have been trying to reclaim their homeland from the Israelis.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not on the Israelis side cos I know well that they have illegally occupying the land of the Palestinians. I remember once that during a prayer meeting, we were asked to pray for Israel so that God would bless their work. Of course, I didn’t follow the instruction cos I could not be in agreement with the preacher. So, instead of asking God to bless the work of the Israelis, I prayed that the Israelis would come to their senses and stop killing the Palestinians.
I remember once that my preacher depicted the Palestinians and the Israelis as the descendants of Abraham (from two different wives). According to my preacher, if Abraham looked down through the window from heaven, he would feel sad and regretted that he married two wives, which resulted the `sibling fighting’. Well, preachers tend to say the most unexpected things sometimes. For a while, I thought this was really funny. Please pardon my ignorance. Of course, God was not all that pleased with my behavior of taking the whole issue as a joke. So, He decided to open my eyes and ears to see and hear the truth.
Time moved on and I naturally forgot about the Israelis- Palestinians conflict cos it has been going on for years and years and everyone seems to grow tired of it. Then, last year, under forced circumstances, I had to take up this job in Kuala Lumpur. Of course, I was very upset cos I had to give up my freedom and work full time like everyone else but when God wanted to have His way, there must be a purpose behind it.
One day, my General Manager forwarded me an email sent to us by another NGO, asking me to post the info about the Palestinian Film Festival on our website. There is a saying: curiosity kills the bird, right? Is it a bird or something else? Never mind, I guess you get what I mean. In this case, curiosity has been causing me so much grief So, I logged on to the website of this NGO and found that what they have been doing is quite interesting especially their community projects in the Palestinians refugee camps. So, I decided to attend the film festival to show my support.
The Palestinians Film Festival
Children of Shatila
This is a documentary directed by Mai Masri back in 1989. The documentary highlights the sufferings of many Palestinians who live in the refugee camp of Shatila in Beirut. The documentary kick starts with a voice of a child telling the story of Shatila Camp as the camera moves slowly showing the degrading condition of Shatila Camp. “This is where the massacre of Sabra-Shatila took place. There were dead people everywhere. They were buried with bulldozers. The dead lied all along this street. The bulldozers dumped them in a big ditch. Palestinians and Lebanese from all walks of life died here. Many were killed with machete. My aunt was killed as well. That is where they cut her head off.” the voice said. This is the untold story of the Palestinians.
There are children playing in the bombed out buildings with holes here and there. A boy is walking in Shatila camp which really looks unsightly as a result of frequent attacks by the Israelis soldiers. This is where the Palestinians call home. This is where the shocking and horrific Sabra-Shatila massacre took place back in 1982.
The camp is home to 15,000 Palestinians and Lebanese who share a common experience of displacement, unemployment and poverty. Fifty years after the exile of their grandparents from Palestine, the children of Shatila camp attempt to come to terms with the reality of being refugees in a camp that has survived massacre, siege and starvation.
The boy who does the walking is Issa. He was 10 years old when his father died. Since then, he has worked as a brass ware seller, a blacksmith and a vegetable seller but couldn't hold on to the jobs for more than two weeks. Finally, he starts working for the Co-op and he meets Ali.
The documentary focuses on two children in the camp. Farah, age 11 and Issa, age 12. When these children are given video cameras, the story of the camp evolves from their personal narratives as they articulate the feelings and hopes of their generation.
That night, two documentaries were screened. There was only a handful of people attended the screening. There I was, finding myself weeping uncontrollably from the beginning of the screening until the end of the screening. I was angry and sad. I was angry because of my own ignorance. I was sad because the world without a conscience has forsaken the Palestinians based on religious belief. That night, I knew I was not weeping alone. God was weeping with me.
I watched most of the documentaries and films screened during the film festival. During the final night of the film fest, I bought the black and white Palestinian shawl which was handmade by the Palestinian refugee in Beirut. I also bought the other black and white long scarf printed with the map of Palestine.
Then, one day, while at work, I found a book in the store room of my workplace. The book is called From Beirut to Jerusalem, written by Dr. Ang Swee Chai. Dr. Ang was a volunteer doctor in Beirut who witnessed the shocking massacre at Sabra and Shatila refugee camps in West Beirut. The unarmed Palestinians were systematically butchered like animals. Later she went to Jerusalem to testify against the Israelis in the Kahan commission.
The core principle of journalism is to lend a voice to voiceless. Early this year,I found myself sending an appeal letter to the Israeli embassy when the Palestinians were under attack. Subconsciously,I have taken up their cause.
The Palestinians have been attacked again. Please send an appeal letter to the Israel embassy in your country, calling for immediate halt to the gross aggression in Gaza.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Mission accomplished
I am truly deeply sorry for the long long silence. Okay, let's get back to the story. In my last post, I was in K.L. Then, I thought `divine mission' accomplished and it was time to leave. I checked out from the guest house and planned to leave in the evening. Then, a friend called, asking me to fire dance in a club the following night. Great...Quick job and quick money cos I needed the money to pay my credit card. I still have to pay for this laptop. See, my laptop is featured in the beginning of the experimental video presentation I made for the film festival.
So, I checked in to the guest house again. so, the following night I did the performance. Everything went well. Phew. Actually, I always feel really nervous when ever I perform. I am a occasional fire poi dancer, writer and video artist. I try to do as many things as possible since I don't really have a real job now. It suits me well. When you don't have a fix income, you have to walk by faith, not by sight. If you have little faith, you will not be able to live like this. you will worry sick cos you don't know when is the next pay cheque.
Of course, I did screw things up. That was why I got a full time job for seven months cos I couldn't pull it through anymore. That's a big price to pay for your freedom. You can have the money (a fix job with stable income)and lose your freedom or you can have your freedom and lose the money. Life is tough, there is no way out. I really wish I could have both and great faith.
okay, then after a week, I packed my things and gave away most of my things to the christian lady I met in the interview. Finally I managed to get rid of my things and leave K.L. I really felt so grateful to that Christian lady who came to my rescue. Most of my things would be sold at a charity to collect fund for the church. Good! That was what I wanted. In the beginning, I planned to give away my things to salvation Army but I am not sure whether there is a Salvation Army in K.L.
So, I packed again and ready to leave. Then, a friend asked me to be a gallery sitter for an exhibition. After a day of contemplation, I agreed. So, I stayed back for 9 days. I actually spent 3 weeks in K.L before I headed back to my hometown and then caught the train to Bangkok to attend the opening of the film festival.
I planned to be there for 10 days but ended up spending 3 weeks there. There were so many things going on in Bangkok while I was there. It was not easy to accomplish the `divine' missions in Bangkok. I am so glad that I made it there and came back in one piece. Phew...see, every time I went to Bangkok, crazy things happened there. Last time it was the coup, this time it was the protest that went out of control. I came back before the protesters sealed the airport and bombs and all that shit.
What's next? Oh Lord please continue to provide.
I will try to write what happened in Bangkok in my next post.
So, I checked in to the guest house again. so, the following night I did the performance. Everything went well. Phew. Actually, I always feel really nervous when ever I perform. I am a occasional fire poi dancer, writer and video artist. I try to do as many things as possible since I don't really have a real job now. It suits me well. When you don't have a fix income, you have to walk by faith, not by sight. If you have little faith, you will not be able to live like this. you will worry sick cos you don't know when is the next pay cheque.
Of course, I did screw things up. That was why I got a full time job for seven months cos I couldn't pull it through anymore. That's a big price to pay for your freedom. You can have the money (a fix job with stable income)and lose your freedom or you can have your freedom and lose the money. Life is tough, there is no way out. I really wish I could have both and great faith.
okay, then after a week, I packed my things and gave away most of my things to the christian lady I met in the interview. Finally I managed to get rid of my things and leave K.L. I really felt so grateful to that Christian lady who came to my rescue. Most of my things would be sold at a charity to collect fund for the church. Good! That was what I wanted. In the beginning, I planned to give away my things to salvation Army but I am not sure whether there is a Salvation Army in K.L.
So, I packed again and ready to leave. Then, a friend asked me to be a gallery sitter for an exhibition. After a day of contemplation, I agreed. So, I stayed back for 9 days. I actually spent 3 weeks in K.L before I headed back to my hometown and then caught the train to Bangkok to attend the opening of the film festival.
I planned to be there for 10 days but ended up spending 3 weeks there. There were so many things going on in Bangkok while I was there. It was not easy to accomplish the `divine' missions in Bangkok. I am so glad that I made it there and came back in one piece. Phew...see, every time I went to Bangkok, crazy things happened there. Last time it was the coup, this time it was the protest that went out of control. I came back before the protesters sealed the airport and bombs and all that shit.
What's next? Oh Lord please continue to provide.
I will try to write what happened in Bangkok in my next post.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
The power within us
This is a story I should share with everyone. The day before I came to K.L. H, my friend text me, asking me to bring a team of Christians to the hospital in K.L to pray for her ex husband who has been suffering from colon cancer. I replied that I couldn't do that cos I didn't know any christian in K.L who would do that. Anyway, I told her I would pray for her ex husband.
So, the day when I arrived in K.L for an interview, I met this Christian lady who also came for the interview. Yeah, I was in K.L for an interview, applying for a job and then secretly prayed that I wouldn't get the job cos I just couldn't see myself working at the office again. Of course, I knew that was not the reason I was `sent' to K.L.
So,M, the christian lady, invited me to stay at her place. I felt reluctant(I really needed a place to stay) but she managed to drag me along, very persistent. Anyway, I was glad that she offered me to stay with her cos the hostel was fully booked. Then, I told her that I needed someone to go to the hospital to pray for K, H's ex husband. M immediately agreed. So, we went off to the hospital to pray for H. Strange that for the past few years, God has been using me to comfort the sick. Of course, I wouldn't be able to do that if I was alone with my own strength.
Even when I was in Bangkok two years ago, I was prompted to send this homeless French man who was suffering from some sort of severe skin cell infection ( something like that)on his leg to the hospital. Of course, I wouldn't be able to do that alone, there was a Thai lady that came along. Then, the doctor told us that he was sent on time or else, his leg would have to be amputated. We eventually contacted the French embassy cos I couldn't afford to pay for his medical bill. Thinking back, it was really crazy and at times I couldn't believe I actually did that. God's power must be at work within us.
Actually I am more than happy to do God's work as long as He continue to provide cos doing His work can be costly sometimes.
Of course, I didn't get the job cos I have a feeling that I have to be on the journey again. After spending a week in K.L. I am ready to go home now so that I can have a proper rest. Phew...
So, the day when I arrived in K.L for an interview, I met this Christian lady who also came for the interview. Yeah, I was in K.L for an interview, applying for a job and then secretly prayed that I wouldn't get the job cos I just couldn't see myself working at the office again. Of course, I knew that was not the reason I was `sent' to K.L.
So,M, the christian lady, invited me to stay at her place. I felt reluctant(I really needed a place to stay) but she managed to drag me along, very persistent. Anyway, I was glad that she offered me to stay with her cos the hostel was fully booked. Then, I told her that I needed someone to go to the hospital to pray for K, H's ex husband. M immediately agreed. So, we went off to the hospital to pray for H. Strange that for the past few years, God has been using me to comfort the sick. Of course, I wouldn't be able to do that if I was alone with my own strength.
Even when I was in Bangkok two years ago, I was prompted to send this homeless French man who was suffering from some sort of severe skin cell infection ( something like that)on his leg to the hospital. Of course, I wouldn't be able to do that alone, there was a Thai lady that came along. Then, the doctor told us that he was sent on time or else, his leg would have to be amputated. We eventually contacted the French embassy cos I couldn't afford to pay for his medical bill. Thinking back, it was really crazy and at times I couldn't believe I actually did that. God's power must be at work within us.
Actually I am more than happy to do God's work as long as He continue to provide cos doing His work can be costly sometimes.
Of course, I didn't get the job cos I have a feeling that I have to be on the journey again. After spending a week in K.L. I am ready to go home now so that I can have a proper rest. Phew...
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Happy Together
This morning I was woken up by a phone call from Kavern. No, I no longer need a wakeup call or an alarm clock anymore since I quit my job. Being able to sleep as much as you want is a form of luxury (well at least for me). Kavern asked me to have breakfast. Of course, for Kavern, I’ll do anything cos we don’t get to see each other often. I really wish that our paths would cross more often. The last time we got together was two years ago after he went for brain surgery, in the process of recovery and going through radiotherapy. Yeah, we only see each other in pretty extreme circumstances. This time the brain cancer has come back on him.
Here I am again, finding myself at my sister’s apartment in Penang on the 6th floor while Kavern is on the first floor. We are not just friends, we have become neighbors again. I have known Kavern for more than 10 years. When I first met him, he told me that he felt like he had known me in his past life. I laughed when he told me that but now I do believe that. Our fates were always intertwined during the periods when we felt the whole world had fallen on us.
Here we are, happy together again and I wish the time would just stop right here….
Here I am again, finding myself at my sister’s apartment in Penang on the 6th floor while Kavern is on the first floor. We are not just friends, we have become neighbors again. I have known Kavern for more than 10 years. When I first met him, he told me that he felt like he had known me in his past life. I laughed when he told me that but now I do believe that. Our fates were always intertwined during the periods when we felt the whole world had fallen on us.
Here we are, happy together again and I wish the time would just stop right here….
Thursday, August 28, 2008
I hope......
I live my life believing in hope and God because that is the only way to keep me going! The other day, I was persecuted by an atheist again, he tried to denounce the existence of God. Well, I really wanted to tell him that the reason I am still alive is because of God's grace but yet there is no solid scientific evidence to prove it. God is so abstract, it's like the wind, you can feel it but yet you can't see it.
Everything seems so bleak sometimes and I keep telling myself there is going to be better days. We all have died like Christ and resurrected again and again in life and sometimes I wonder when it's going to end! No, we all gonna resurrect and shine like Christ so that glory will be upon him cos we are made in God's likeness and he has walked with us and we are not alone. I keep telling myself!
A friend is fighting with cancer again! I pray with my tears and hope and hope and hope that everything is gonna to be alright again.
Oh Lord, if I wiped your feet with my tears, would you save him once more?
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Rented crowd!
I am so sorry for the long silence again. I have been busy socializing, attending parties back to back...crazy world. Last Friday nite, attending opening ceremony of an art exhibition at my fave art gallery. As usual, it went on and on and turned into a party. So, we all started dancing the nite away...there were drinks, snacks, good vibes and interesting peoples...and many gays! My world has become so queer recently. The party went on til 2.30am. Yes, it's not just an art gallery...is a community!
Saturday nite, attending pool side birthday party at an embassy! Beautiful place....another crazy party...I was fire dancing and fed with so much drink. In the end, I started dancing with this Brazilian guy..doing Brazilian dance. Then eight of us packed into a car, we were basically sitting or semi lying and overlapping each other, heading to another party... The last time I did something so crazy like this was when I was in Bangkok, we did that in a tuk-tuk! Madness!
At around 2am, we started club hopping then headed for our supper-beef noodle soup! It had been a while since I drank so much...My head was aching! Then, I told myself, enough partying!
Recently, I met so many nice peoples who appreciate my talents and believe in me. Life has become a celebration again even though life is still filled with ups and downs but being surrounded by nice peoples make every tough moment much much bearable!
Then, Sunday afternoon. F and I walked to the Lake Garden to be up close and personal with mother nature. It was a good way to cure my hang over! We sat by the moat, swans watching! It was really a pleasant day. Another fren came to join us and we managed to see the sunset! Then, we went for beef noodle soup again (just can't have enough of it!) and followed by Turkish coffee at an Arab restaurant!
Now I have a new occupation: rented crowd!
Saturday nite, attending pool side birthday party at an embassy! Beautiful place....another crazy party...I was fire dancing and fed with so much drink. In the end, I started dancing with this Brazilian guy..doing Brazilian dance. Then eight of us packed into a car, we were basically sitting or semi lying and overlapping each other, heading to another party... The last time I did something so crazy like this was when I was in Bangkok, we did that in a tuk-tuk! Madness!
At around 2am, we started club hopping then headed for our supper-beef noodle soup! It had been a while since I drank so much...My head was aching! Then, I told myself, enough partying!
Recently, I met so many nice peoples who appreciate my talents and believe in me. Life has become a celebration again even though life is still filled with ups and downs but being surrounded by nice peoples make every tough moment much much bearable!
Then, Sunday afternoon. F and I walked to the Lake Garden to be up close and personal with mother nature. It was a good way to cure my hang over! We sat by the moat, swans watching! It was really a pleasant day. Another fren came to join us and we managed to see the sunset! Then, we went for beef noodle soup again (just can't have enough of it!) and followed by Turkish coffee at an Arab restaurant!
Now I have a new occupation: rented crowd!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Question, question, question....
So sorry for the long silence. Well, I have been writing a lot recently but the things I wrote have became very personal. The things I wrote on my blog are actually very personal. Few months ago, a colleague discovered my blog and I freaked out cos I just assumed she couldn't accept the way I am. Surprisingly, after that she kind of being extra nice to me. Yes Puteri, I am talking about you. Thanks for the lovely shoes. I have been wearing it. So sorry that I didn't make it to your wedding today cos I just don't have anything nice to wear, you know, my skirts are way to short. I will catch up with you and pass you the wedding gift soon.
Ok, some updates about what I have been up to in K.L. Yeah, I am still stuck in K.L but I keep thinking about leaving every other day. My luggage is too heavy. I can't move them, so I can't leave. Well, probably this is just an excuse. I don't know why, I keep comparing my life with the good old days and my life now is not really up to my expectation. I have a very high expectation towards life...I mean quality life. I used to have so good life and now my life is not as good as before anymore. The days of glory had gone and I just can't make it happen again anymore and sometimes I wonder why.
I used to be so free and now my wings are crippled. I can no longer be as free as a bird anymore. I should be travelling and be on that magical journey. What have happened to me? Suddenly, I just feel I need to have a sense of community, to see the same person again and again. Why suddenly I changed. I am so afraid of these changes that I can no longer have control over it. My life has a life of its own now. Is this something have to do with my age? Why I suddenly wanted to settle down in one place. Oh, this is the worst thing I fear most and it's happening to me.
I have been struggling so hard to have a normal life again after spending so many years travelling around living a nomadic life. I still live in a guesthouse cos I need to feel a sense of familiarity and many people questioned my choice and I don't really expect them to understand.
I used to live in this two storey apartment when I was in Bangkok. I spent a lot of time being alone in that spacious place. The sense of emptiness was so unbearable. I don't feel that anymore cos I am into communal living now. I just need to feel a sense of connection with people. I gotta go. I have been seeing this guy but I am not really in love.....or anything.
Ok, some updates about what I have been up to in K.L. Yeah, I am still stuck in K.L but I keep thinking about leaving every other day. My luggage is too heavy. I can't move them, so I can't leave. Well, probably this is just an excuse. I don't know why, I keep comparing my life with the good old days and my life now is not really up to my expectation. I have a very high expectation towards life...I mean quality life. I used to have so good life and now my life is not as good as before anymore. The days of glory had gone and I just can't make it happen again anymore and sometimes I wonder why.
I used to be so free and now my wings are crippled. I can no longer be as free as a bird anymore. I should be travelling and be on that magical journey. What have happened to me? Suddenly, I just feel I need to have a sense of community, to see the same person again and again. Why suddenly I changed. I am so afraid of these changes that I can no longer have control over it. My life has a life of its own now. Is this something have to do with my age? Why I suddenly wanted to settle down in one place. Oh, this is the worst thing I fear most and it's happening to me.
I have been struggling so hard to have a normal life again after spending so many years travelling around living a nomadic life. I still live in a guesthouse cos I need to feel a sense of familiarity and many people questioned my choice and I don't really expect them to understand.
I used to live in this two storey apartment when I was in Bangkok. I spent a lot of time being alone in that spacious place. The sense of emptiness was so unbearable. I don't feel that anymore cos I am into communal living now. I just need to feel a sense of connection with people. I gotta go. I have been seeing this guy but I am not really in love.....or anything.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
In suffering, there is God....
Oh my.....last week had been really crazy, I really thought I was dying. I mean I really felt like dying. I woke up in the morning having really high fever and the fever refused to subside for days even though I was on medication. About the blood, no, I didn't cough blood, I was brushing my teeth that morning and I must have hurt my tooth that it bled and then I coughed. I really freaked out that morning. Hahahaha.
I am getting well. I contacted a few friends to ask them to pray for me. The fever subsided the following morning. That's the power of prayers. My friend and her kids are the prayers warriors. Of course, whenever she needs my prayers, she will contact me. She says that God favours my prayers, well, I really hope so. Well, I think God desires everyone's prayers. God wants us to be close to Him. I remember when we used to sit in a circle and hold hands and prayed. I could feel that was some sort of `very powerful current' circulating in us. In christianity, we called it the power of the Holy Spirit.
The greatest priviledge in my life is knowing Jesus and His love. In good and bad times, He walks with me.
I am getting well. I contacted a few friends to ask them to pray for me. The fever subsided the following morning. That's the power of prayers. My friend and her kids are the prayers warriors. Of course, whenever she needs my prayers, she will contact me. She says that God favours my prayers, well, I really hope so. Well, I think God desires everyone's prayers. God wants us to be close to Him. I remember when we used to sit in a circle and hold hands and prayed. I could feel that was some sort of `very powerful current' circulating in us. In christianity, we called it the power of the Holy Spirit.
The greatest priviledge in my life is knowing Jesus and His love. In good and bad times, He walks with me.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
A world without Kriss
So sorry for the long silence. What have I been up to these days? Night tripping, imsonia, attending one event after another, bad health. Actually, I have been sick for the past few days and have been on medication but it seems I am not getting better. I coughed a bit of blood this morning. I guess it is time to leave the city and breathe some fresh air...
How about a world without Kriss?
How about a world without Kriss?
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
AIDS Memorial Day
This afternoon I attended an inter faith AIDS memorial service organised by an NGO in memory of those who died of AIDS. This was the first time I came face to face with people living with HIV. I was shocked that majority of them are housewives and the last thing that will come on one's mind upon meeting them is that they are HIV positive. I talked to one of them and found out that she has been living with HIV for seven years. I guess majority of them were infected by their husbands. The other day, my friend, a single mother who attended a gathering like this was shocked and commented that marriage is like one form of death sentence for some women. I totally agree with her.
The actual AIDS Memorial Day is on 18 May which is also the Idaho Day, a day against homophobia. So, on Saturday nite, I attended a club event at a gay club. It was a great nite out, a nite of plenty of affection and love. We did the `hug hug thing'. It is great to be somewhere where everyone feel celebrated and safe by being who they are. A `I love gays' sticker was on my pinkish sleeve, not to mention the red ribbon and a Pink Triangle pendant on my neck. I was all out in solidarity with the gay community. I used to have many gay friends who made me feel celebrated, respected and so loved. That nite, a few gay man came to `chat me up' politely. One of them asked me to join others to dance on the podium. He then asked me to pull up his shirt to reveal a tattoo on his back. In return, I pulled up my pinkish shirt to show him my tattoo too, a rather funny tattoo sharing session. He laughed when he found out that I am straight. Then, he pointed to a bunch of gorgeous topless men who were dancing on the podium and asked if I was interested to get to know anyone of them. Hmmm......how about having all of them dancing around me, I thought...hehehe..It was so great to feel totally comfortable in my own skin again and celebrated.
Recently, I asked God why the so called HIS peoples are so judgemental and condemning. Of course, God always has an answer for my question, always. Few weeks ago, I came across a book called `The sins of the Scriptures reveal the love of God'. It was written by a pastor and I felt really comforted after reading the pages about gay people. Finally, I found a christian who speaks the `same language' with me. Of course, there was not it. Last week, I attended a talk and met a bunch of christian gay people who believe God loves them. I had the answer I was looking for.
I know there are many peoples out there especially gay, transsexuals and people who are outcast by the society who believe they are not worthy of God's love because of the way they are. Well, aren't they all created by God the way they are to fulfill a purpose of love. To put us all to the test to see how far we can actually love..can we actually love like the way God loves which is beyond our understanding. Yes, at times, I was amazed and could not comprehend how God could love like the way He did which put me to shame cos I had underestimated His love and His ability to love those whom we think are not worthy of His love.
God loves gay people and there is no doubt about it and shouldn't be any argument about that.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Mission accomplished
I just came back from Royal Belum. The mission went smoothly. It was so great to be back there again. I was surprised that Ema still remembers my name. I was there to conduct need assessment in February with wendy, my partner in crime. Ema was sitting on a bamboo raft washing her cloth the first time I saw her. She was abashed when I jumped on to the raft and tried to interview her. That is what we normally do during assessment- talking to the people, a lot of talking in order to dig as much info as possible.
The settlement is so remote. It took us one hour by boat to reach there. Of course, the boat journey itself is something to die for. Royal Belum is still a hidden paradise. In fact, you need to apply for permit to get into certain area because it is still considered as security area. On the way to the settlement, we stopped by at the army checkpoint to pass them our name list.
We basically brought most of the dental equipment with us including the dental chair and the compressor. So, one boat was loaded with equipments and another boat was loaded with us, the hot chicks...hehehe.
I was so thrilled to be back there again and I really wish that I could be the permanent team member. Ema and a few girls were teaching the kids singing and reading. Oh my God, the kids with afro hair were so so so cute that I went hysterical when I saw them. We were a team of nine members, strictly all female. Girl power! We basically transferred the community hall into a make shirt dental clinic. The super composed and cool dentist Goo was working hard. I felt exhausted just by looking at her treating one patient after another.
The first visitor to our dental mobile clinic was a middle aged mama with a boy tied to her chests. The boy was lying on her chests while she had her teeth examined and fixed by Goo. Ema was kind enough to take the boy away from her but the boy kept crying unstoppably. So, eventually, I offered to ‘take care’ of the crying child. He stopped crying the moment I held her in my arms. Everyone was surprised when they saw that. I was surprised too. Wendy came around to tease the boy, I quickly shooed her away. So, I ended up babysitting him til the mother was done with her dental session. I was doing registration most of the time.
The happily retired Dr. V was conducting pap smear in the store room. Dr. V asked us to take turn to see how she conducted pap smear. So, Wendy was going to the store room and gestured me to come along. So, I put on the surgical mask and went in after her. First time in my life that I witnessed how pap smear was done. I was shocked that how women have to go through this thing.
The Orang Asli women were just so cool, all of them sitting around in a group waiting for their pap smear session. I was the one who was more nervous than them. I held on to Ema’s hand when Goo was trying hard to remove her tooth. The kids pulled in after they finished school at 2pm. They were lead by their teachers. Goo managed to performed dental treatment for fifteen students but there was still a long waiting list. So, they were asked to come back again next month for their sessions.
I tried to borak-borak with the teachers, asking them whether they needed extra teachers. Well, I can imagine myself be a volunteer teacher there. This time I was so busy that I couldn't find time to sit under a tree and chill with the ultra cool old folks there just like I did during my last trip there but I know this is just the beginning for me.
`Indigenous peoples are entitled to self-determination'
The settlement is so remote. It took us one hour by boat to reach there. Of course, the boat journey itself is something to die for. Royal Belum is still a hidden paradise. In fact, you need to apply for permit to get into certain area because it is still considered as security area. On the way to the settlement, we stopped by at the army checkpoint to pass them our name list.
We basically brought most of the dental equipment with us including the dental chair and the compressor. So, one boat was loaded with equipments and another boat was loaded with us, the hot chicks...hehehe.
I was so thrilled to be back there again and I really wish that I could be the permanent team member. Ema and a few girls were teaching the kids singing and reading. Oh my God, the kids with afro hair were so so so cute that I went hysterical when I saw them. We were a team of nine members, strictly all female. Girl power! We basically transferred the community hall into a make shirt dental clinic. The super composed and cool dentist Goo was working hard. I felt exhausted just by looking at her treating one patient after another.
The first visitor to our dental mobile clinic was a middle aged mama with a boy tied to her chests. The boy was lying on her chests while she had her teeth examined and fixed by Goo. Ema was kind enough to take the boy away from her but the boy kept crying unstoppably. So, eventually, I offered to ‘take care’ of the crying child. He stopped crying the moment I held her in my arms. Everyone was surprised when they saw that. I was surprised too. Wendy came around to tease the boy, I quickly shooed her away. So, I ended up babysitting him til the mother was done with her dental session. I was doing registration most of the time.
The happily retired Dr. V was conducting pap smear in the store room. Dr. V asked us to take turn to see how she conducted pap smear. So, Wendy was going to the store room and gestured me to come along. So, I put on the surgical mask and went in after her. First time in my life that I witnessed how pap smear was done. I was shocked that how women have to go through this thing.
The Orang Asli women were just so cool, all of them sitting around in a group waiting for their pap smear session. I was the one who was more nervous than them. I held on to Ema’s hand when Goo was trying hard to remove her tooth. The kids pulled in after they finished school at 2pm. They were lead by their teachers. Goo managed to performed dental treatment for fifteen students but there was still a long waiting list. So, they were asked to come back again next month for their sessions.
I tried to borak-borak with the teachers, asking them whether they needed extra teachers. Well, I can imagine myself be a volunteer teacher there. This time I was so busy that I couldn't find time to sit under a tree and chill with the ultra cool old folks there just like I did during my last trip there but I know this is just the beginning for me.
`Indigenous peoples are entitled to self-determination'
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Divine love
When I was in high school, I joined the school trip to visit a few places in Malaysia. We checked in to a doggy hotel in Chow Kit. Chow Kit is this downtown red light district populated by sex workers and drug addicts. The accommodation was arranged by our bus driver. Well, the teachers should have known better that Chow Kit was not a proper place for school trip. Hmmm...So, they we were, a bunch of school kids, wondering around the streets of Chow Kit without parental or teachers’ guidance. I still remember vividly the sex worker standing in front of a dark stairway. On that moment, I knew my life was not going to be the same again cos I have been drawn to the forbidden and abandoned side of the world.
After more than 20 years, I was back there, surrounded by a bunch of orphans. I summoned all my strength to carry the heavy box filled with medicines up the narrow stairway. The stairway was flanked by walls painted with murals. I was exhausted but it had to be done. The orphanage was beautifully decorated and clean. It was something you don’t expect to see in places like Chow Kit.
So, without a moment to waste, we quickly set up the mobile clinic. We arranged all the needed medical equipments on two tables. Sister taught us how to take BP and to weight and scale the height of the kids. Some of the kids looked abashed when I asked them where they lived. They shyly or rather shamefully told me that they lived nearby. Then, I realised that I shouldn't ask them this question cos most of them spend most of the day in the orphanage which also serves a drop in centre. There are also permanently live-in children. Most of the kids we examined were in good health but they were these three sisters who were having high fever. Dr. W asked me to give them medicine. I carried one of the young sisters and let her sit on my lap. I heard from Sister C that they are actually five siblings who are left by their mother in the centre. Many of the children have no birth certificate. Therefore, they are not vaccinated and can’t go to school.
I held on to the little hand and put a wet face tower on her forehead. On that moment, I felt divine love and affection which I have been deprived of, I believed she felt the same way too. There we were, feeding each other love as if the whole universe had taken centre stage in us. I put my hand over her head and prayed for her. God had led me to where I belong, where I could feel His presence and a sense of belonging and unconditional love. This is what I have been craving for...Then, I realised I need to be free again...
Six degrees of separation
There are boxes lying around on the third floor (where all the relief experts of our org stationed and where I stationed too but I am not one of the relief experts cos I have never been to a disaster area. Our office looks like it was hit by cyclone too. Our team is ready to be deployed. Bad timing cos tomorrow is my last working day. Suddenly, I become so free, nothing much to do cos I have handed over my Sudan and North Korea projects to my colleague. Of course, this is not the time for me to leave, judging on the situation now cos four of our relief members are leaving for Myanmar. Of course, I will be back to the office if they needed me. To make things worse, another cyclone is heading towards the direction of Bangladesh. We just completed the pond cleaning projects in Bangladesh and the cyclone is heading there again. Can the cyclone take a turn and head back to where it came from?!!
Of course, I have been handling very complex project, supporting our two officers in Sudan from the headquarters. Last month, there was a killing rampage going on in where our officers stationed. I was basically on call 24 hours, keeping in touch with our officers, which is part of the security protocol. I was basically in emergency mode for two weeks until our officers were safely relocated. The situation was so intense that I felt mentally and emotionally exhausted cos if anything happened to them, I would be completely screwed. I am so glad that this has come to an end. No more tears and despair. I am no longer responsible for their lives. Nothing to be accountable for...I am gonna walk away quietly tomorrow and be free again. Finally the suffering is over but yet I can sense that it’s not quite over yet. I am still gonna be the faithful volunteer...once a volunteer, always a volunteer...next week I am gonna join the dental team to go on mission to Royal Belum...something which is more relaxing and what I really enjoy doing...to be close to the beneficiaries...perhaps, it’s better this way.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Lead me....
The other day, while spending a whole day in a meeting, I carefully scrutinising everyone's facial expression and gesture, the way they talked , the way they moved, the way they treated me and suddenly I realised that I don't belong there. Oh Lord, take my hand and lead me to where I belong, where I can feel a sense of belonging and feel the closeness with You again. Lead me....
Friday, April 11, 2008
Mimi
Today, I dumped my work aside and eloped with my best friend Mimi to our little escapade. Mimi knows exactly how to make me happy. We can have the whole world under our feet when we are together but we don't get to be together often. We are both tortured souls who can impart healing to each other. She always appears when I am troubled as if she was part of me...If I lay here, would you lie with me and just forget the world?
Monday, April 07, 2008
Stillness
The day has bid farewell, greeted by the twilight. It has been so long since I last saw the stars... I have almost forgotten how the moon looks like...My beloved colleagues in Sudan told me that they could hear gunfire from a close distance. The peoples were shooting at the stars as my colleagues concluded. what a sweet lie to comfort me, I thought. I try to imagine their fear which is laced with hope, hope for better days, for silence, stillness and peace....I wish the wind would whisper my prayers to them.....
Friday, April 04, 2008
Crying darfur 2008
Let’s talk about Sudan. How many people actually know what is going on in Sudan? Well, the situation there is so complex that I can’t really come up with an opinion. You see, normally, I am very opinionated....Genocide, crime against humanity, UNAMID (Peace Keeping Troops), UN Security Council, ethnic cleansing by the central government..... JEM, the rebels...what else...but one thing I know is that the peoples there need help....especially protection. It is such a great challenge to deliver humanitarian assistance there. This year alone, from January til March, 84 humanitarian personnel were kidnapped, not to mention 75 humanitarian vehicles were hijacked.
During the Rwanda era, the peace keeping troops pulled out, indirectly allowing the ethnic cleansing to go full scale. As a result, hundred thousand of peoples were brutally wiped out including women and children. I pray that history will not repeat itself, I pray that God will cut off the power of darkness in Sudan, we have to do something to change the outcome this time around. Our action comes with power and grace, let’s take action.... write a letter, lobby the Sudanese government, sign a petition, just do what ever you can....let's pray
During the Rwanda era, the peace keeping troops pulled out, indirectly allowing the ethnic cleansing to go full scale. As a result, hundred thousand of peoples were brutally wiped out including women and children. I pray that history will not repeat itself, I pray that God will cut off the power of darkness in Sudan, we have to do something to change the outcome this time around. Our action comes with power and grace, let’s take action.... write a letter, lobby the Sudanese government, sign a petition, just do what ever you can....let's pray
Thursday, April 03, 2008
...............
The beauty of being tired is that you don’t have the energy to think whether you are happy or not. Everyone needs someone, I guess. I want to watch horror movie at the cinema but no one wants to watch it with me. I miss my Russian girlfriend. She left her blueberry chocolate in the fridge for me but I didn’t go to pick it up. I miss my colleagues who are in Sudan. I haven’t called my parents for the past two weeks. I spend too long hours at the office these days. Sarah, the traveller, left a note on my bed before she left.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Looking back...
It has been a long long day at work but it doesn't matter cos I received a very comforting email from an editor from Bangkok. Sometime life is really unexpected and unpredictable. He told me that my article will be published in April in my favourite magazine. I used to look at the beautiful photos and stories in that magazine and wished that one day my story would be in the magazine. I used to struggle very hard financially when I was a freelance writer. The payment never came on time. Sometime I had to wait for as long as 6 months to finally receive my paycheque.
Frankly speaking, I have a much better life when I was a freelance journalist even though I was so broke most of the time but I received so much blessings and grace from God and constantly surrounded by friends who gave me so much love. Probably because I was free enough to give so much love to people around me too. When I was in Cameron Highlands for my two weeks break from work, I went for a walk in the tea plantation, played with my friend's baby girl, went trekking, relaxed at the playground, took the dog to go for a walk, made apple crumbles for my friends, talked about God's love. That all happened in two week's time. It used to be my life but now it is a a two weeks holiday. Sometimes, I really wish I could turn back the clock....really.
Frankly speaking, I have a much better life when I was a freelance journalist even though I was so broke most of the time but I received so much blessings and grace from God and constantly surrounded by friends who gave me so much love. Probably because I was free enough to give so much love to people around me too. When I was in Cameron Highlands for my two weeks break from work, I went for a walk in the tea plantation, played with my friend's baby girl, went trekking, relaxed at the playground, took the dog to go for a walk, made apple crumbles for my friends, talked about God's love. That all happened in two week's time. It used to be my life but now it is a a two weeks holiday. Sometimes, I really wish I could turn back the clock....really.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
A day at work
While I was typing away on my laptop at work, kak Hayat came over and cover my ears with her palms. Then, we experienced some sort of static shock which was quite shocking to me. She sprang off and we were puzzled and in shock. Then, in the afternoon, kak Zu came over to have a chat with me. While joking, I tried to poke her and same thing happened again that both of us sprang off from each other. Of course, as the time moved on, we tend to forget about it and she came over again to talk. This time, she try to poke me. Yeah, we love to do this Face Book poke in the office. Then, zzzz....we were electrified again. This time around it was heard and witnessed by Wendy. I was basically sitting and pacing around the carpeted office barefooted and wearing synthetic attire. Probably I have a high volume of electrons in my body.
Today, my colleagues thought that I must have suffered from Hyperthyroidism cos I have been very hyper.
Today, I was in the waiting mode. I was waiting for replies from certain people who haven't replied my emails. So, I spent time doing desk research and writing my own TOR. Yes, things are quite unconventional in this org. I was asked to write my own job descriptions which is pretty laughable for me. Well, at least I was given the freedom to do that. Oh, tomorrow I have to make a few important phone calls. I have to call up the Ministry of Foreign Affair. Then, on Saturday, I will go for a lunch meeting with a diplomat. Oh..God please give me the courage to do all these.
Today, my colleagues thought that I must have suffered from Hyperthyroidism cos I have been very hyper.
Today, I was in the waiting mode. I was waiting for replies from certain people who haven't replied my emails. So, I spent time doing desk research and writing my own TOR. Yes, things are quite unconventional in this org. I was asked to write my own job descriptions which is pretty laughable for me. Well, at least I was given the freedom to do that. Oh, tomorrow I have to make a few important phone calls. I have to call up the Ministry of Foreign Affair. Then, on Saturday, I will go for a lunch meeting with a diplomat. Oh..God please give me the courage to do all these.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Let's humble our hearts and seek Him.
Hmm....So sorry for the long silence. I have been busy as usual. I have been posted at Relief and Operation Dept. since I came back from my well deserved two weeks break from work. On 14 Feb while I was still enjoying my last few days of my holidays in Cameron Highlands, I received an sms from my colleague. According to her, I would be going to Royal Belum State Park to conduct a need assessment with her. Of course, it came as a great news. We are talking about 150million years old rain forest. You can imagine how thrilled I was. So, I went back to K.L, spending a night there and then off again before dawn the following day to the rain forest.
Of course, when everything seems so fine, something bad always happen. Two weeks ago, my father had an accident at work. His hand slipped into the wood polishing machine and his fingers were severely injured. That evening, I was prompted to sms my brother. Then, my brother called me up and informed me what had happened to my father. I caught the bus that night to go back to my hometown to see my father. He had to go through nearly 3 hours surgery. So, I spent 2 nights at the medical centre to keep an eye on him. Of course, during the darkest hours, we always draw closer to God. I prayed (and about to wail and beat my chest like the tax collector in the bible) to God and asked God to comfort my father and strenghten him. Of course, God is good. My father has since been recovering speedily. Praise the Lord for His kindness.
The Good Friday and Easter is just around the corner. Let's take time to seek God and engage in prayers. May all of us live a life which will bring glory to Him. Praise the Lord for His forgiveness and His unfailing love.
Of course, when everything seems so fine, something bad always happen. Two weeks ago, my father had an accident at work. His hand slipped into the wood polishing machine and his fingers were severely injured. That evening, I was prompted to sms my brother. Then, my brother called me up and informed me what had happened to my father. I caught the bus that night to go back to my hometown to see my father. He had to go through nearly 3 hours surgery. So, I spent 2 nights at the medical centre to keep an eye on him. Of course, during the darkest hours, we always draw closer to God. I prayed (and about to wail and beat my chest like the tax collector in the bible) to God and asked God to comfort my father and strenghten him. Of course, God is good. My father has since been recovering speedily. Praise the Lord for His kindness.
The Good Friday and Easter is just around the corner. Let's take time to seek God and engage in prayers. May all of us live a life which will bring glory to Him. Praise the Lord for His forgiveness and His unfailing love.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Happy Chinese New Year by Dr. Shan
Happy Chinese New Year!!!
Gong Xi Fa Cai !!!
Kong Hei Fatt Choy !!!
Keong Hee Huat Chai !!!
Sae Hae Bok Man Ee Bak Hae !!!
Cung Chuc Tan Xuan !!!
Shinnen Omedeto !!!
May the lucky rat bring you good health,
overflowing wealth and sagely wisdom !!!
love, shan
Sent from my StrawBerry® wireless device!!!
The drumming guy in that Chinese New Year greeting ecard is Dr. Shan, one of our EXCO members. The ecard was sent to us via `his Strawberry device'. It was a rather sarcastic remark cos our president was given a Blackberry phone by this phone line company so that she can be in contact wherever she is. So, Dr. Shan came up with his very own Strawberry device which of course is not really in existence but he managed to make everyone of us laugh very hard.
Sent via wireless TWINHEAD
Friday, February 08, 2008
Technology is good
I am on two weeks break from work. This is the time for self realization. I am surrounded by nature now. This is exactly what I want cos I really need this break and deserve it. On the other hand, I am still so concerned about my work. I take time to download emails everyday just to be informed about what has been going on at work since I left.
Technology is just so amazing when you put it to good use. The forest is basically just at my door step yet I can be connected to the whole world, I mean literally, isn’t this amazing? The laptop and wireless internet connection were invented for a very good reason. We can actually work from home or wherever you are. I would like to suggest that companies let their staff to work from home occasionally cos it is possible and it can be done effectively.
It would be great if I could work from where I am now. I really don’t like living in Kuala Lumpur all that much but I had to because of my job. So, I really hope that miracle would happen. Let’s pray that everyone will be free to be wherever they choose to be and yet still be able to earn a living. This is what globalization should be, or else it is just pointless. It is so cold here and the air smells like strawberry…..
Technology is just so amazing when you put it to good use. The forest is basically just at my door step yet I can be connected to the whole world, I mean literally, isn’t this amazing? The laptop and wireless internet connection were invented for a very good reason. We can actually work from home or wherever you are. I would like to suggest that companies let their staff to work from home occasionally cos it is possible and it can be done effectively.
It would be great if I could work from where I am now. I really don’t like living in Kuala Lumpur all that much but I had to because of my job. So, I really hope that miracle would happen. Let’s pray that everyone will be free to be wherever they choose to be and yet still be able to earn a living. This is what globalization should be, or else it is just pointless. It is so cold here and the air smells like strawberry…..
Sent via wireless TWINHEAD
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Sphere Training
Last week, I was asked to submit a story to be posted on the website. Well, I did come up with the story but I guess it won't get the green light from the management. So, here is another story which will perish and never make it to the website. You know, the phase `human rights' is a very sensitive phase. So, here you go...
X NGO always believes in capacity building. So, both volunteers and X NGO staff are often put together to attend all sorts of trainings. Sphere training is a special training tailor made for humanitarian workers. This means that this training is very important. In fact, the training is based on a handbook called The Sphere Project which emphasizes on humanitarian charter and minimum standards in disaster response.
X NGO held a 4-day Sphere Training on 24th to 27th January 2008 at Sri Dinar Training Center in Janda Baik. The training was facilitated by Mr. C.K Pathak and Mr. Sriraman who hailed all the way from RedR India. RedR India is part of RedR International network, a humanitarian and independent voluntary organisation which has an executive committee composed of persons having a long track record in the field of disaster response, disaster preparedness, rural development, training and humanitarian work.
Upon arrival at Sri Dinar Training Center, Wendy and I were totally lured by the outdoor training facilities such as the endurance circuit, the flying fox, rock climbing wall and so on which were not included in our training programme but it was fine because we managed to tried out one of the training facilities.
The chalets were spacious and clean, surrounded by mother nature which we, the city folks are deprived of. The 4-day training programme incorporated both theoretical and stimulation activities. What I found to be really inspiring and comforting during the training was that the Humanitarian Charter in the Sphere Project was formed based on International Declaration of Human Rights 1948 and many other human rights related international covenants and conventions recognized by the United Nations under international law. At last, humanitarianism was explained and put in the right context.
On the second day, during the simulation session which started at 7am, we were asked to fill a bucket with the amount of water for survival during disaster response based on Sphere minimum standard, which is 7 litre to 15 litre per person per day. We were so shocked to see that the water is so little that it looks really pathetic.
Then, we were asked to fetch water from point A to point B based on the amount of water we think we need for ourselves and our family and it was not an easy task at all. The invaluable lesson learnt that morning was that we tend to take the most important and invaluable things in life for granted. It is such a blessing that we have water to drink and wash ourselves every day.
Another simulation activity was camp building. We were divided into two groups. One group was assigned to play the roles of the Internal Displaced Persons such as children, grandpa, grandma, mother, father, disabled sister and a cow. Then, another group was assigned to build a tent that could accommodate a family of 7 people.
It was a fun and laughter filled activity. We were given two plastic sheets and a few wooden poles. So, we had to improvise. We even took the blankets from the chalet to partisan the tent. Again, it was such a good learning experience. Time moved on without notice, the training finally came to an end. I felt reluctant to leave and go back to the city. It was a great training and I came away feeling inspired, motivated and empowered.
X NGO always believes in capacity building. So, both volunteers and X NGO staff are often put together to attend all sorts of trainings. Sphere training is a special training tailor made for humanitarian workers. This means that this training is very important. In fact, the training is based on a handbook called The Sphere Project which emphasizes on humanitarian charter and minimum standards in disaster response.
X NGO held a 4-day Sphere Training on 24th to 27th January 2008 at Sri Dinar Training Center in Janda Baik. The training was facilitated by Mr. C.K Pathak and Mr. Sriraman who hailed all the way from RedR India. RedR India is part of RedR International network, a humanitarian and independent voluntary organisation which has an executive committee composed of persons having a long track record in the field of disaster response, disaster preparedness, rural development, training and humanitarian work.
Upon arrival at Sri Dinar Training Center, Wendy and I were totally lured by the outdoor training facilities such as the endurance circuit, the flying fox, rock climbing wall and so on which were not included in our training programme but it was fine because we managed to tried out one of the training facilities.
The chalets were spacious and clean, surrounded by mother nature which we, the city folks are deprived of. The 4-day training programme incorporated both theoretical and stimulation activities. What I found to be really inspiring and comforting during the training was that the Humanitarian Charter in the Sphere Project was formed based on International Declaration of Human Rights 1948 and many other human rights related international covenants and conventions recognized by the United Nations under international law. At last, humanitarianism was explained and put in the right context.
On the second day, during the simulation session which started at 7am, we were asked to fill a bucket with the amount of water for survival during disaster response based on Sphere minimum standard, which is 7 litre to 15 litre per person per day. We were so shocked to see that the water is so little that it looks really pathetic.
Then, we were asked to fetch water from point A to point B based on the amount of water we think we need for ourselves and our family and it was not an easy task at all. The invaluable lesson learnt that morning was that we tend to take the most important and invaluable things in life for granted. It is such a blessing that we have water to drink and wash ourselves every day.
Another simulation activity was camp building. We were divided into two groups. One group was assigned to play the roles of the Internal Displaced Persons such as children, grandpa, grandma, mother, father, disabled sister and a cow. Then, another group was assigned to build a tent that could accommodate a family of 7 people.
It was a fun and laughter filled activity. We were given two plastic sheets and a few wooden poles. So, we had to improvise. We even took the blankets from the chalet to partisan the tent. Again, it was such a good learning experience. Time moved on without notice, the training finally came to an end. I felt reluctant to leave and go back to the city. It was a great training and I came away feeling inspired, motivated and empowered.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Technofied princess
This morning, the loud speakers of the bus were blasting pil popping old skool techno. I felt totally technofied when I arrived at the office. Yeah, I was out and about two nites in a row. Friday nite, my obscenely rich new found friends took us to an after-hour party escorted by bodyguards, feeling like a princess again. The other day, I just complained to myself that it had been so long since I was last treated like a princess. Be careful of what you wish cos you might just get it and then don't know how to handle it.
My Italian tie
18 January, Friday-I am feeling dysfunctional again. Is this something normal or is just me? Well, probably it’s because it’s Friday. Okay, on Monday, my beloved colleague S gave me a made in Italy flowers printed silk tie that I think even my parents won’t wear it. Since everyone in the office knows that I have a strange obsession with tie. So, occasionally, someone would offer to give me a tie they purchased 10 years ago. Of course, I would say yes cos I didn’t want to offend them or make them feel that their choices of ties are not on par with mine fashionably.
So, after mentioning about giving me a tie for the past few months, S finally handed me the tie. According to her, it took her a month to make the effort to search for the tie in her storeroom, then another month to make the effort to hand wash it and finally ironed it and handed it to me.
When I saw the tie, I almost fell off my chair. Oh God, I felt trapped. I just wished that she would get over it after that. So, finally, THE DAY came when she started to grumble and question me why I didn’t wear the tie. So, to avoid her from murmuring any further, I promised her that I would wear it the following day.
So, this morning, I was struggling to decide whether to wear or not to wear. I didn’t wear it but I took the tie with me. On the bus to work, I put on the tie. When S saw me in the office, she came close and whispered: `good.’
So, after mentioning about giving me a tie for the past few months, S finally handed me the tie. According to her, it took her a month to make the effort to search for the tie in her storeroom, then another month to make the effort to hand wash it and finally ironed it and handed it to me.
When I saw the tie, I almost fell off my chair. Oh God, I felt trapped. I just wished that she would get over it after that. So, finally, THE DAY came when she started to grumble and question me why I didn’t wear the tie. So, to avoid her from murmuring any further, I promised her that I would wear it the following day.
So, this morning, I was struggling to decide whether to wear or not to wear. I didn’t wear it but I took the tie with me. On the bus to work, I put on the tie. When S saw me in the office, she came close and whispered: `good.’
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Comfortably numb
Dear readers, so sorry for the long silence. I have been busy. Well, I am part of the rat race now. So, I have to live with the fact, even sometimes I am not really all that busy but since everyone has been so busy, so I have to pretend that I am damn busy too in order to fit in to the rat race perfectly. Hehehe, I am just laughing at myself. I am not laughing at anyone of you. I am comfortably numbed. Actually, comfortably numb is a song by Pink Floyd.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Photography
I love photography. For me, photography is a therapy. It makes me smile. My photos have appeared in newspapers, magazines and website. So, anyone wanna hire me on project basis? Trying to sell myself..hehe
Downtown Chinatown
I love downtown Chinatown. Kuala Lumpur is devided into up town and down town. Up town areas are where you can find trendy shopping malls, bars and restaurants where the richies hang out. Down town areas are where the foreign immigrants and notorious people like me hang out.
Colourful bras, anyone? The other day my colleague talked about faminism but insisted that she is not a bra burning faminist cos bras are very expensive these days. Well, come to Chinatown, it will make bra burning all so affordable.
This is priceless.
Small scale business solely owned by the local.
Colourful bras, anyone? The other day my colleague talked about faminism but insisted that she is not a bra burning faminist cos bras are very expensive these days. Well, come to Chinatown, it will make bra burning all so affordable.
This is priceless.Small scale business solely owned by the local.
Eye food
When I arrived in Kuala Lumpur 3 months ago, I was amazed by this sight. I was not the only person in awe. A few tourist stopped to admire it too.
What's up?
Hey, what’s up? When I first joined the organization, I was told not to use the phase `What’s up?” in my email addressing to my General Manager cos it was deemed not `corporate’ enough. Fine! After 3 months, I confronted her about this issue during our drinking session at the ultra posh Luna Bar. Since then, we all started to call each other babe, psycho and auntie, etc. Drop that corporate image bullshit thing. Finally, we all decided to be the way we are. We feel frustrated at times at work but in the end of the day, we know we love the organization and that is what keeps us going.
IIlegal assembly?!!
Illegal assembly? Hindraf (Hindu Rights Action Force ) in action again? 
Don't worry. It is just a bunch of foreign immigrants gathering outside a store watching Tamil movie on the tiny T.V in the downtown area of Kuala Lumpur.
Happy New Year 2008
Here, I would like to wish everyone Happy New Year 2008. Hope this year will bring joy, accomplishments, love, peace, good health and all the best of things. Yes, creative living, it is very important to be creative. Think about what to do when you are stuck in the traffic jam or get frustrated with work. What to wear to spice up your day at the office or to be a head turner when you walk down the street to catch the bus to work…. (in my case). I have a collection of funky ties that shout out loud. Fashion is good for the soul and is very empowering.
This year I am going to come up with New Year Resolutions cos there are so many things to do to get on my feet and live a desireble life again. So, I need to get things sorted out as soon as possible. Hopefully everyone of us has an exciting 2008.
This year I am going to come up with New Year Resolutions cos there are so many things to do to get on my feet and live a desireble life again. So, I need to get things sorted out as soon as possible. Hopefully everyone of us has an exciting 2008.
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