Into the mind of ......

Terry Fox 2011

2011-11-15T19:21:00.001+08:00

Last weekend the Terry Fox run was held in Padang Merbok in KL. To tell you the truth i haven't heard of this run before, not until i was coaxed by my friend to join it. He said it was for charity and also it is only a 3.6km run. So, i said ok lah.

The run was started by Terry Fox, he was diagnosed of having an osteosarcoma, a type of cancer of the bone on his right leg. His right leg was amputated as a way to stop the cancer from spreading. He was frustrated by the lack of cancer research at that time, and he was determined to make a difference by raising money to help cancer research. He was determined not to make his disability an excuse not to reach his goal by participating in a marathon. His determination and tale is truly amazing. I truly hope that we can also do something like this not just for cancer, but other reasons as well.

The Terry Fox run was initiated by a man named Isadore Sharp who himself lost a son due to cancer. The run was first held in 1981 which is now in its 31st year. It is a nonprofit run with no sponsors allowed during the run. Anyone can join it as it is considered an informal run.

Group photo with new acquaintances

My running buddy

Chit chat before the run

Trying to control handsome.. :P

Meeting new friends

I promise i won't run.. don't shoot me..

Looking at a chick stretching (just kidding, hehe)

My friends schoolmate from MCKK

Post run (walking) with our cold Milo

Considering it is an informal run, i decided to just walk (plus i couldn't if i wanted to as there is no room for me to run). Let's just say that the first 1.5km is just walking but then next km i ran as the sun is already shining and it is hot, hehe. Anyway, its a nice weekend and another weekend is upon me. The Penang Bridge International Marathon.

Humility

2011-11-01T15:00:00.000+08:00

Humility.

That's the word that keeps on playing in my mind today. Humility to god, and towards other human being. As i was driving back from Kuala Lumpur to Baling, something happened on the highway. I was speeding on the highway with a bend coming, as i approach the bend. I saw people with torch lights waving like mad. I immediately push the brakes to bring my car to stop. Then i looked in front of me, a bus across the road. I was shocked and chills surge through my spine. Thank god i managed to stop my car and pass through slowly from behind the bus.

From what i conclude, the bus was coming from the other direction of the highway (from North to South) and it can't negotiate the bend and smashed through the divider and onto the side of the highway. I cant see if there are other cars involved, but the front of the bus was totally smashed. Then i realized that the accident must have happened about 20-30 mins prior to that, and now i understand why i had woken up late that morning. God was helping me, an insignificant soul among billions of souls. Had i woken up with my regular time i most probably would have been there at the same time during the bus crashed. You might say that maybe i would have not but you can say too that maybe it could.

God is with us, always. We can only pray and say Alhamdulillah with all the things that God has give to us. Ameen.

I try to be humble around other people too. Yesterday i met with a person that i am not too keen to be around with after i had left the hospital. To think that that person could have greeted me in a better way since it was ages ago that we had some issues. I guess i was wrong. The first greeting to me was that he said that i am an 'orang kaya' a rich person. He must have understood that i left the government practice to be in the private practice is to be rich. I just smiled and said inside Alhamdulillah. But it didnt stop there, he also commented on my losing weight, and nonchalantly says that the reason that i lost weight now is because i am a rich person now and rich person are afraid of dying early. I was stunned, i could have strike back but i chose not to. If i did, it would make me the same level as he is. I chose the higher ground and be humble. I just smiled back and said nothing.

I just pray to God that one day he will realize all the wrongs that he had done, not only to me but towards others too.

Whats Up Doc?

2011-10-27T08:09:00.000+08:00

Hi Blog,

It's kinda embarrassing since it was ages ago that i put up a post. Let's just say that many things had happened since. The most important one is that my kids are not staying with me now. They are in Kuala Lumpur now, and it's my turn to commute back and forth from Baling to KL.

Moved out from my lovely Government quarters to a smaller house. Rented it from a local fireman. My kids and my wife are staying in a house in KL which i bought last year. Did some renovation to the house. Love the surrounding area. It is quite near to Putrajaya, Bukit Jalil, Puchong and etc.. even going to Midvalley is not a hassle. Come to think of it, going to KLCC, The Curve, Empire and such is not too far too.

The first 3 months was hard for me as my kids had never been apart from me for long. I guess it is hard for them too especially the youngest Afiq Iskandar. We were so close that it caused me to have sleepless nights thinking about them and having to sleep without them. Thursdays have become the day that look forward to every week as it means travelling day back to KL to see them. Contrary to early Monday morning where i head back the other way.

The 2 elder brothers, Aiman and Danial also found it hard to adjust to the new surroundings. The new school, new friends and new way of life. They are use to have me around sending them to school, picking them again and so on. There they had to take the van to school everyday. Initially it was exciting as they were experiencing something new but as the days went by the fire slowly burns. Every Friday it would become a day where i send them and pick them, and if i can't make it they would make a long face.

Afiq too has a new school. QDees. He was not excited of the prospect in going to school. His daily routine was waking up and watch cartoon. It was not difficult to convince him going to school but it was not easy as well, plus every Friday the difficulty level goes up a notch as i am at home with him. Seeing him and his progress in school really amazes me. He can read at the tender of age 3 years plus (he is 4 now last month) and speak a few english words.

What about me? Well, am still adjusting to the travelling life but there are works that is in progress for me. Insyaallah (god willing) i will be with them sooner than later. :)

Forgive Me

2010-07-07T11:38:00.002+08:00

Dear Blog,

Sorry for leaving you in a lurch. I have time but it seems that the time is not for you. I know i'll make it up to you somehow, someway.

Please be patient with me. We'll work this thing out. I promise you.

Yesterday

2010-01-18T15:16:00.004+08:00

Yesterday..
All my troubles seem so far away..
Now it looks as though they're here to stay..
Oh I believe in Yesterday..

Suddenly I'm not the half the man i used to be..
There's a shadow hanging over me..
Oh yesterday came suddenly..

The song was stuck inside my head while i was driving back from KL to Baling. Yesterday the feeling that i had was a familiar feeling but the last time i had it was 15 years ago.

I was about to go back to Baling and I was sitting in the living room inside my wife's apartment. I was looking at the clock almost every 10 minutes. Then i realized that i was so reluctant to go back that i had wished the time would stop. Just as it was 15 years ago when i was in the boarding school. Every time i was about to go back i would look at the time. I just don't want to go back and wished that i was staying there in KL. All of us together.

Time just wouldn't stop and so life goes on....

IN

2010-01-14T10:45:00.003+08:00

Mind block.. writers block.. Goblok..

Dunno what to write. Actually so many things is inside of this head but they are too jumbled up. I can't organize them.

Too many worries, too many expectations, too many at one time... sometimes i just wish that i can take out a magical object from Doraemon's pocket and split myself up.

I wish to be there, but i have to be here. I wish to do that but i need to do this. I wish i can do this but all i can do is that.

I guess i just have to be grateful to God what i have but i just can't escape this feeling of inadequacy, insecurity, insufficient, and incapable..

Hairspray

2010-01-09T15:53:00.005+08:00

On Friday during my 1 day off i took my 3 boys to tho local barber shop as their hair was long and i didn't get them cut before the school starts. My eldest said the school prefect had mentioned to him about his hair and asked him to get it cut. I can still remember when i was his age and i was a prefect at the time, i did the same thing too. Checking on them and their hairstyle plus warning them if their hair is not appropriate. If they still did not follow the school regulation they would get punish or would be taken action.

I guess what i did was just following what the teachers had told us to do. but on thinking further i think its not right to scold the school boys or even take action on them. The boys already know that they are not following school regulation but they can't go to the barber themselves right. I mean they are only about standard 1 to 3 which is considered still young and not independent enough for them to go by themselves.

For me, its the responsibility of the parents to bring their children to the barber. And also to make sure that their children are following the school regulations. So its not right to punish the children alone, the parents should be accountable too. If the child is punished in school, he/she would feel that it is unfair to them as they did not do wrong in their eyes because they already told their parents. We as parents should not just let the teachers take care of everything at the school. We must play a big part too. Asking what they did in school, what did they learn in school and etc..

I just hope that i can be a good parent for them and be there for them when they need me the most. And i hope that i can be a good role model for them. Insyaallah.

Stone Temple Pilot

2010-01-05T11:28:00.008+08:00

The title might suggest that i might be talking about the band but what i am talking is about stone, renal stone to be exact. At the end of last year i was struck with a medical problem that i didn't think that i would get in my life. It came suddenly out of the blue. I got a renal stone, luckily it was not big and it was on its way out of my body. But the movement of the stone caused a great deal of pain. I was pissing out blood literally, and it was the most excruciating pain ever.

I got it removed as soon as i found out. The procedure was simple, the surgeon introduced a scope or a probe through my urethra via a Ureteroscopic Stone Removal (google it please, i dont want to tell it in detail.) and took out the stone. It was small in size around 0.5mm x 0.3mm but that small stone really did a lot of damage inside. The stone is a calcium oxalate stone which is very common. I didn't get the chance to take a picture of it as they had sent the stone to Australia for an analysis.

Picture of the procedure

The stone looks very much like this

The realization of the disease that i had made me come to terms that i am just another person and not a super person or a superman. The surgeon hit me with the truth, that the stone is caused by myself and by other people. Its the food and water that i had taken for the past 31 years of my life. Apparently i had been taking a lot of acidic food and unhealthy food.

Well for starters, my fav foods is usually seafood like shrimps, squids, and etc... And i have been eating out most of the time. And if i eat at home usually the food would contain 'belacan' as it is my favorite. And the water that i consume doesn't include plain water. Mostly it was carbonated drinks, or colored drinks or even the instant ones and the biggest culprit would be the 'teh ais' which i take almost everyday.

I don't have a family history with renal stone, but with all the factors above plus the area which i am living now is considered as the highest prevalence of people having renal stone so naturally sooner or later i would get it. And i am glad that i got it sooner rather than later. It may sound crazy but i am really grateful that God had given me the chance to feel what is like having this problem. Now i can take better care of my health as a result. And i can tell people with my own experience how it feels and thus i can treat them better.

How to treat it and avoid it in the future. For starters, a lot of modification in my lifestyle especially the foods. I have to avoid all my favourites plus foods that contain high oxalate such as chocolates, spinach, wheat bran. I have to eat less meat, and fish too. It is better to take white meat rather than red meat and especially not to take inside organs such as liver, kidneys. It is because those foods contain high protein content and high protien produces a lot of uric acid which is a factor for stone formation.

The amount of water is important too. I have to take at least 2 to 2.5 liters of water per day to avoid concentrating the urine. It is to dilute the calcium inside of my urine and avoid the stone formation. And of course not to take 'teh ais' anymore.. The content of the water is also important, i need to take water that is slightly alkaline as acidic water promotes stone formation. And also the surgeon advises me not to drink RO (reverse osmosis water as according to him is useless water and in fact will make you worse if you have renal stone) The water is best around ph 7.0 to 7.9.

I am more health conscious than ever before and i hope that i can influence people more by telling my experience. And i hope that i can avoid having a recurrent stone.

Games Numero Uno

2010-01-04T15:52:00.004+08:00

The New Year has passed and i have yet to make a definite resolutions yet. But one thing for sure is that i have decided to cut down my daily intake of Facebook. Which i manage to do thus far.

But to day i'm not going to talk about facebook but a similar theme that got me hooked to facebook which is games. I stumbled upon an article in Yahoo Games that highlighted the most recognisable character in the gaming industry.

i had played the game when i was young and the odds are so have you. Which game and character that i am referring to... well, if you guessed Pac-man then you're a genius. Pac-man is a game where you as the Pac-man is required to eat all the pacdots in a maze and the power pellets. You have to finish all the power pellets and the pacdots to go up a level. In addition to the pac-dots and the power pellets, the game also has bonus items in form of a fruit.

The game also has 4 ghosts inside the maze and you need to avoid them or you'll be dead. The ghosts will follow you and sometimes gang you up until you make a mistake. You can also eat the ghosts by eating the power pellets that will make you power up for a while and eat them. Did you know that the ghosts also has their own names which are, Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clide. They also has their own characteristics according to the Pac-man creator.

The game is almost as old as me which is 30 years old this year. I still enjoy playing it despite having played it numerous times. Judging by the popularity and the longevity i guess it will stay here for as long as it can. Well, here's hoping to a 30 years more.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T10:48:00.001+08:00

Happy New Year to All of You...

Hopefully this year would be better for me personally as last year was totally not the best year in my life...

Kad Raya and Selamat Hari Raya..

2009-09-17T11:31:00.005+08:00

This year most of the kad hari raya were given through facebook or even through e-cards. The traditional kad raya seems to be forgotten. Luckily, a boy named Ahmad Aiman is very excited to learn something new to him which is called Kad Raya. He never knew a kad raya existed before. He even asked me how to make a kad raya. I told him that we don't need to make one. We can just buy the kad raya. He was surprised by the answer as he said that his teacher had asked him to make Kad Raya to be iven to his friends in school.

He later asked me to buy him some kad raya for him as he wanted to give to his friends and teachers. Being a forgetful dad, i forgot to buy him and he got upset. So last night i went out to buy some for him while he was sleeping.

During sahur, i placed the cards on the dining table. He was elated to see the cards and asked when i bought them. He was equally surprised that there were envelopes too as he thought that the envelopes is something that he needed to make too. How naive kids eh. After sahur, while i was waiting for subuh prayers i presumed that he had gone back to sleep. But being so excited of having the raya cards he did not sleep but he was writing on the cards so he can give to his friends during school time.

I still vividly remember the joy of sending cards and receiving them. Sadly the trend is slowly fading. But upon seeing my kid enjoying the raya card i think that there is still hope of the tradition to continue.

As we are approaching raya, i would like to wish all of you SELAMAT HARI RAYA and MAAF ZAHIR BATIN. Wish all of you have a great time visiting your kampung and your loved ones. Drive safely and cautiously.

Here's an E-card for all of you
SELAMAT HARI RAYA!!

Calm and Cool

2009-09-15T10:09:00.003+08:00

This morning was a bit of a surprise. I woke up to found out that outside was covered with fog. This morning was a bit chilly and reminded me of cameron highlands and also bukit larut.

It's like living in high country

As you can see, the Hill on the background is covered with the fog and is not even visible from my house. The weather is nice and cooling. Oh how I wish that everyday was like this.

The weather is so nice, felt like going back to sleep

No hill!! Totally covered with fog

The hill during normal days

Baling is not exactly in highlands but it is cool. Especially when it rains. Its not hard not to like this place. But at times like this i wish that my wife is here to enjoy the scenery and serenity.

Oh, and today is little afiq's birthday. Happy birthday afiq!! Bak will post something later ya..

Fasting and sahur.. a tale of eggs

2009-09-15T00:28:00.002+08:00

This fasting month is a bit different from the last ramadhan. This year my eldest son Aiman started to train to fast. He had never fast before, so it came as a surprise when he was able to finish the whole day fasting in his first attempt on the first day of ramadhan.

He is also delightfully easy to wake up for sahur. He didnt manage to fast everyday. But almost every other day which is very good for him. I'm so proud of him. Whenever he complains of hunger or thirsty, i asked him not to think of it and concentrate on other things to preoccupy his mind. That was one of the reasons that i had allowed him to play with the PS2. Now he is getting very good with it and even manage to beat me in his favourite game Naruto.

Back to sahur time, he likes to eat mostly rice during sahur. As he always does in other meal time. Last night all of us went to Penang to send their mother to the airport as she is going back to KL. When we got back to baling it is quite difficult for me to buy anything at the stall for sahur. Aiman had requested to eat rice for sahur. Erkk.. Aiyoo, what to do. Rice i can cook but the serving? I dont think so. I spent the night scratching my head on how to prepare sahur. I then said to myself, what the heck. I'll just try to cook something. But what to cook? There is not much in the fridge and i dont think that i can cook something complex.

I scoured the fridge and the answer was just in front of my eyes. What is Aiman fav food. Eggs!! I cant just fry the eggs and eat it with rice like that. So braved myself into cooking. I decided to cook fried eggs with tomato sauce. Luckily it went okay. The taste wasnt the same standard as my wifes cooking but at least it is edible. Hehe. Aiman ate the eggs without saying anything. A good sign eh. Later he said that he liked it. But being aiman, anything with egg he would like it. Haha, success. Now im feeling that im half way being a mr mama.

The not so spectacular eggs with tomato

I've conquered the first hurdle. Maybe in the future i'll try to cook something else that requires more skill. Hehe. I wish.

From McD to Meehon

2009-09-11T02:13:00.002+08:00

Spent the whole day thinking of what to have for Iftar or breaking fast. There is only one thing in my was McDonald. Dont know why but i did crave the burgers and the shakes.

Since today i would get off early like i always do on Thursdays. I planned to take all my kids into the Stream and make way to the nearest McD. In seberang perai which is almost 90km in distance. Heh, the nearest. But what to do if you're living in the country region. Heck i cant even call Baling a suburb area.

When i reach home, i told my kids that we were going to McD. I had hoped that the news would be greeted gleefully but something was even bigger than McD. An immovable object. That got my kids hooked for the past 1 week. The Playstation2. The one that i had owned for the past 6 years. Aiman was only 1 year old when i bought it. How time flies!! Now he is able to play it. Now i'm feeling old. Again.

I had to give in to him. While he was playing a Naruto fighting game, afiq fell asleep infront of the tv while drinking his milk. Huh, there goes my McD.

So i rushed off to bazaar ramadhan to scour what to eat for breaking fast. I decided to buy the kids nasi tomato and a modest meehon for myself. Along the way, i met up with one of my patients, who is selling sup tulang and such in the bazaar. He gave me one sup tulang, and he refused to take my money. He just said that to pray for him 'a murah rezeki'. Alhamdulillah, i said to him and wished him to be more successful in his business.

Sometimes, when we didnt not get one thing, god will open other things to us, as long as we keep our mind and heart open. We just have to be thankful in what we have and insyaallah god will give us more.

Introducing... The Dinobots

2009-09-09T03:00:00.009+08:00

A few days ago a good friend of mine said that he saw a few spiders in my blog, with it cobwebs too. I replied that the spiders were my pets and i kept them to look after my blog. Hehe.
Actually i think that he saw these Dinobots.
What in the world are Dinobots? Well, they are actually Transformers. One of my favorites actually. Their origin varies from the cartoon series and the comics. Despite the many origin, the Dinobots were portrayed as an elite team of Autobots that kick-ass and doesn't follow orders very well. They are more loyal to each other rather than the Autobots. The Dinobots consists of 5 team members. Grimlock (leader), Snarl, Slag, Sludge and Swoop.

From left to right, Snarl, Sludge, Grimlock, Slag and Swoop

Their team leader is Grimlock.

Grimlock is one of the most powerful Autobots and is equal of Optimus Prime and Megatron. He is a loose cannon and doesn't regard other beings such as humans. Grimlock can snap anything by hi steel jaw in his T-rex mode. He also has Energo-sword and a double-barrelled, self propelled rocket launcher.

Grimlock in a few occasions also has become Autobot leader and also tried to ursurp Optimus Prime as Autobot leader. In the classic animation transformers, Grimlock was pictured as dumb. But he is anything but that. He is ruthless and doesn't follow command very well.

"Among the winners, there is no room for the weak"

Dinobot Snarl

Snarl is a dinobot that transforms into a Stegosaurus. He is a loner and usually unhappy except when he is embroiled in a battle or war. His spirits will lift up when he is fighting.

His spinal tail is gold plated and helps him to increase hi strength during the day, but during the night he is more vulnerable. He usually uses his energon sword rather than a gun

"Only in war there is happiness"

Dinobot Slag

Slag is a dinobot that transforms into a Triceratops. He is one of the dinobots that possess immense raw power and strength. He is also the only one that can stand up to Grimlock. Like other dinobots, Slag likes to battle. He has few friends and most of them are the dinobots only. He also has an energon sword and a high energy rifle.

In Dinosaur mode, Slag can spew up to 3,000 degrees Celcius and up to 25 metres up. His horn can shoot a high lasered beam. His thick head can shatter almost anything.

"I have no need for friends, even less for enemies"

Dinobot Sludge

Sludge is a dinobot that transforms into a Brontosaurus. He also possess enormous strength. He like other dinobots has an energon sword along with a rifle. He does believe that a strong leader like Grimlock should lead rather than a smart leader.

When in dinosaur mode, he can use his feet to stomp on the ground and cause tremors. It is a good weapon when fighting the Decepticons.

"Stomp your enemy, crush him under your feet"

Dinobot swoop

Swoop is different from the other dinobots. Apart that he is the only dinobots that can fly, he also has intelligence superior than the others. Swoop transforms into a pterodactyl. He has 2 missle launchers on both his wings. He initially was called Divebomb but that name was taken by a Predacon. He is less aggresive compared to his Dinobot counterparts.

"Fear can reach targets unreachable by bullets"

Dinobots smash!!

That's one of my collection of transformers. I'll be updating one by one as i grow my collection of G1 transformers.
And by the way Nik, i've sent my spiders away for a holiday. Hehe.

Flu Bug...

2009-07-20T15:32:00.002+08:00

It seems that the word H1N1 is becoming one of the famous words in Malaysia nowadays. Even my 5 year old boy knows the word but he doesn't know the meaning of the word.

The pandemic outbreak of the infuenza virus started in Mexico earlier this year and now has spread to all the continents in the world. In Malaysia until today has 874 cases involving locally transmitted and imported cases. The WHO also reported that the total number of cases worldwide is now 133,755 cases with 760 deaths from 155 nation. That means the percentage of cases is about 0.6%.

Last week i got a bad flu but it is not H1N1 as i'm not in contact with anyone with possible H1N1. I was out the whole week. But i had to brave myself to go to work. After 1 week it became better but now my little Afiq got the infection from me and now has gotten sick.

He started with mild fever and vomiting. And now has progressed to cough and running nose. Last nite his chest is getting thighter due to the phlegm. After giving milk to him last night he vomited out the milk along with all the phlegm. I had to wash him up at 3am in the morning and also clean up the vomit. It's tiring after recovering from the flu myself but i pity the little fella. He must be feeling really awful and bodyache as he wants to cling on to me most of the time.

I need to start him on antibiotics this evening as the phlegm is turning yellowish. I really hate it when my kids get sick. I hope this episode of flu would settle quickly.

Down The Memory Lane

2009-07-19T14:57:00.007+08:00

It's always nice to take a trip down the memory lane, albeit a short one. Yesterday i took a very short trip. Down to the Kinta Valley or to be precise to Ipoh Town. I went there to attend my childhood best friends' wedding in Ipoh.

This trip is a bit extra special, as this is only the second time i met him for the past 20 years!. The other time that i met him was 7 years ago in Midvalley Kl. His name is Masrudy Asfar Mastor. He and Razman my other best friend during that period of time plus myself were unseparable. I could say that we were the 3 musketeers (without D'Artagne of course). The 3 of us would go anywhere together during school hours. And all of us were school prefects. I was the chubby one, Masrudy was the skinny one and Razman was the handsome one.

I would sleep over to his place during the weekends and brought along my SEGA console (which was very cool at that time, hehe) and some Transformers toys. We would play together with his 2 younger brother and a little sister that we shunned. No girls allowed policy at that time. And sometimes Masrudy and Razman would sleep over to my house. We had the time of our lives during primary school. Sadly after UPSR we went our separate ways. Razman went to STAR Ipoh and Masrudy went to SMK Raja Permaisuri Bainun Ipoh while i went to Anderson Ipoh. Then i shifted to JB and lost contact with them alltogether.

Yesterday, i finally got to go back to see him and went back to his home that we had so many good times together. All grown up. He was no longer the skinny one as he had become much bigger than me. Hehe. I couldn't make it to the Kenduri during the afternoon so i decided to go in the evening to his home. Luckily i still remember the way to his home but at near his house i got i bit confused as there were more houses now. They were planning for a short Sanding at the Pelamin inside the house for close family. I was fortunate enough to see them Sanding. The bride and groom wore a pearly white Baju Melayu and Dress which were matching.

I was treated with dinner of Nasi Minyak with Ayam masak merah, rendang, ikan tenggiri pedas, sate and cakes. It was worth the 2 hours drive. After a brief remininscing our childhood times, updating the present and discussing the future, the bride and groom were ready for the short bersanding. They were very happy. And i was too, seeing my old buddy after so many years. After the photo session, i made my way back to Baling. I'm glad that i decided to go to see him. It brought lots of great memories.... now, to find Razman and maybe the 3 musketeers will get back together...

getting ready to cut the pulut

one, two, cut...

wahhh... so manja....

a simple pelamin with the bride and groom

can't wait for tonight... haha

with the bride and the groom.. my old buddy Masrudy

A nice custom made choc bar that they made for the wedding

Menunggu Pagi

2009-07-02T09:13:00.003+08:00

Been like this for the whole week..

apa yg terjadi

dengan hatiku

ku masih di sini

menunggu pagi

seakan letih

tak menggangguku

ku masih terjaga

menunggu pagi

TO ALL THE INSOMNIACS... ENJOY THE LYRIC..

Happy Anniversary

2009-07-01T15:39:00.002+08:00

Happy Anniversary to me...

And my baby.. my own clinic. Its been 2 years exactly since i started my own clinic. and decided to embark on this journey.

This journey has been exciting, frustrating, enduring, with so many emotions that i can't even described or tell in a single blog entry.

I decided to start my own clinic after i made a decision that the life full of oncalls and pressure from higher authorities is not the life that i want to live. I for one is not the type that thrives on pressure as i am more of a laid back type. I like to listen to people. I give people chance to speak their mind. Sometimes working in the Government doesn't give me the opportunity to do that, even though i try my best to help and listen to their problems.

Having my own clinic gave me the opportunity to do that and even more. I can even go to do house calls and see patient in the comfort of their own home. People might say that owning a clinic can make you rich fast, i for one is not aiming for that. Helping people and seeing people get better is more rewarding sometimes. Most of the patient want the best that they can get from you and i try to do that. One day, the most rewarding compliment that i got is from a middle age lady that brought her mother to see me. She had said 'i wish to god that you will be healthy everyday, if you are not healthy who will tend to us'. I was so surprised to hear her saying that as no patient had ever said that to me. And seeing her face, she really meant it.

Insyaallah i will stay healthy for my own good and for my patients. And also for my family that i love so much...

Fallen...

2009-06-24T10:59:00.010+08:00

Last Sunday after clinic i rushed back home to bring my 2 kids Danial and Aiman to see ROTF. Unfortunately we came somewhat disappointed, actually we got 2 free tickets to see the movie in Queensbay Mall courtesy of our friend Farah that won the ticket via Radio Era and Petronas.
We arrived there at about 7pm as we were told to collect the tickets 1 hour prior to the screen time at 8.30pm. There were quite a number of people that had waited in line too. We waited patiently for almost 45min, but there was no sign of any GSC staff or the person that was going to issue the free tickets!! It was utter bollocks, why can't they just issue it earlier rather than make all of us wait. It was pure stupidity. As people were queuing up and making up space on front of the GSC counter.
I managed to coax my 2 kids not to see that night's show and brought them to the groundfloor to see the convention of Transformers toys that was organized by TransMy or Transformers Fan Malaysia. There were many Transformers Figures were on display. Aiman and Danial were excited to see them as they kept on shouting "Bak ada yang tu kan, bak ada yang ni kan". I got quite a number of them but i dont have the place to display them. Yet. I promised them that they would get their Transformers the next day after they come back to school.
I bought them while i was in KL the other day. The bigger one Desert Brawl for Danial for his birthday and the smaller one Depthcharge is for Aiman for getting no 3 in his class. I even manage to gift wrapped it for them.

Decepticon Desert Brawl

For the 5 year old boy...

Autobot Depthcharge

For the boy who got no 3

Gift wrapped to perfection

Luckily both of them liked their present.. but they still have one eye on bak's precious Transformers. One day boys.. One day..

Break Even

2009-06-17T15:11:00.002+08:00

The Script Break Even

I like the lyrics of the song. Cept for the part that i don't believe in god. I do believe in God Almighty.

I'm still alive but I'm barely breathing,
Just prayed to a god that I don't believe in,
'Coz I got time while she got freedom,
'Coz when a heart breaks no it don't break even.

Her best days will be some of my worst,
She finally met a man that's gonna put her first,
While I'm wide awake, she's no trouble sleeping,
'Coz when a heart breaks no it don't break even, even no.

What am I supposed to do when the best part of me was always you
What am I supposed to say when I'm all choked up and you're ok
I'm falling to pieces
I'm falling to pieces

They say bad things happen for a reason
But no wise words gonna stop the bleeding
'Coz she's moved on while I'm still grieving
And when a heart breaks no it don't break even, even no.

What am I supposed to do when the best part of me was always you
What am I supposed to say when I'm all choked up and you're ok
I'm falling to pieces, yeah
I'm falling to pieces, yeah
I'm falling to pieces, (One still in love while the other one's leaving)
I'm falling to pieces, ('Coz when a heart breaks no it don't break even)

You got his heart and my heart and none of the pain,
You took your suitcase, I took the blame.
Now I'm tryna make sense of what little remains, oh.
'Coz you left me with no love, with no love to my name.

I'm still alive but I'm barely breathing,
Just prayed to a god that I don't believe in,
'Coz I got time while she got freedom,
'Coz when a heart breaks no it don't break, no it don't break, no it don't break even no.

What am I supposed to do when the best part of me was always you
What am I supposed to say when I'm all choked up and you're ok
I'm falling to pieces, yeah
I'm falling to pieces, yeah
I'm falling to pieces, (One still in love while the other one's leaving)
I'm falling to pieces, ('Coz when a heart breaks no it don't break even)

Oh, it don't break even, no
Oh, it don't break even, no
Oh, It don't break even, no

Enjoy the lyrics.. :)

Happy Birthday Danial

2009-06-16T15:25:00.002+08:00

Happy Belated Birthday Danial... Bak couldnt make an earlier entry for you because its been quite a busy week for bak, with mak going back for study and bak have to adjust the time again.
You are my darling dear boy even though you are quite an active boy. And also frequently quarrel with bak and mak. Bak knows sometime that you feel left out being a second child but bak can tell you this, all of bak's children are the same. Bak loves you all the same, nothing more and nothing less.

Danial's cake with a spongebob on top (its not edible but Danial tried to eat it..LOL)

Danial with his usual grin

Bak can still remember the day that you were born. It was in the early morning. Bak had to bring your elder brother Aiman along with me to the labor room as we had no relatives or anyone that can look after Aiman that early morning. Both of us even slept in the Oncall room in the Labor room.
Then it happened, you came. From being 3 in the family, it is now 4 in the family. Bak was glad that everything was normal. Your mak was also well. Another boy, that makes it 3 to 1. Hehe. Guess the XY gene wins.

Aiman trying to 'sabotage' the job of cutting the cake

Danial finally able to fend off his brother and managed to cut the cake

He just loves cakes and all the sweet stuff... just like his mum

Bak haven't managed to buy you a present yet. Gave you a choice between a bicycle and a Transformers. Being a true Ahmad.. you chose a Transformers. Hehe. Good choice. Bak will buy you one later when we go shopping yes.

Aiman waiting for a slice of the cake

Danial.. Bak pray for you to be a good boy and a good son. May Allah bless you always. Bak loves you and Mak too.
Have a wonderful life my boy.

Daily Horoscope..

2009-05-20T16:21:00.000+08:00

Today you will have a good time doing just about anything -- washing dishes, taking a walk, sitting in a marathon meeting, even washing your car! You're in a phase of life where your expectations are low. You don't want much more than a good night's sleep and a good friend to laugh with. This isn't a great time to set any goals, though. You will want to wait for a better time, when you're more hungry for challenges and eager for a life change.

yup.... today is a good day.. :)

Daily Horoscope..

2009-05-14T09:03:00.001+08:00

Today's horoscope

Not every day can be exciting and new -- not every day can be a great day. These next 24 hours probably won't even come close. Not much is going on and not much is available to get started. But one dud day doesn't have to get you down -- try to see the big picture. Variety is the spice of life, and boredom counts as a variety. Use today as downtime. Be patient and trust that when things are meant to be more exciting, they will be.

I guess i can wait when it is meant to be exciting. But truth to the matter, i don't see it coming yet....

Horoscope..

2009-05-13T15:38:00.001+08:00

My Horoscope for today...

Feeling good about who you are and where you are in life will go a long way toward helping your body work at its peak. Sure, positive thinking alone can't help you lose 10 pounds or heal a paper cut, but it can go an awful long way toward helping you keep up with good eating habits and a physical-fitness regimen. You don't know what the future holds -- don't assume it's full of bad things. Make your future is what you want it to be.

Sometimes you don't want to believe these things, but at the same time it makes you wonder.....

Happy Birthday Dear

2009-05-05T22:36:00.003+08:00

Today is your day dear. Do well in your exams. Make all of us proud. We'll celebrate together this weekend ya!
See what your kids have made for you here...
Happy Birthday! Hope you like the watch...
Love.... Your Hubby

A Bleak Future

2009-04-29T01:16:00.002+08:00

That was the title of an article that was published in the April(15-30) edition of the Medical Tribune.

The starting of the article was not inspiring to say the least for me as a General Practitioner (GP) in Malaysia. Dato' Dr Noorul Ameen Mohamed Ishack (Chairman and Founder of Qualitas Medical Group) was quoted as saying "I do not see a future for GP practice in this country unless someone adressess the issues and, at the bare minimum, there is some recognition of the challenges we face". Wow, i did not see that coming. He also quoted that the group of GP is shrinking as there are many factors that prevent cost-effective, high quality and affordable primary healthcare.

As it stands now, GP's faces challenges in not just managing patient and treating them. But they are also faced with challenges in managing the human resources, escalating drug cost (which i will explain later), increasing costs in maintenance and wages, and also facing all sorts of regulations set by the ministry.
In the article also stated that the consultation charges in Malaysia is the lowest in the region ranging from RM10 to RM18 for common ailment compared to Bangladesh (one of the poorest country) charges almost RM25 for the same ailment. Another WOW!!! As for me, sometimes i don't even charge my patient any consultation fees. As my patient comes from a poor socio-economic status. It is hard for them enough to face the increasing medicine price and also the cost of living. You might say that they can always get treatment from a government hospitals at only RM1. But there are factors that led them to see a private practitioner, such as long waiting time.

The recent oil price hike was a catalysts for the increase price of medicine. It was already going up, but the price hike accelerated the process. Previously the medicine can be bought in Gallons and also big jars. But government regulations changed it and now drug companies had to package their medicines in smaller packs. By doing so, the price of the medicine had rocketed sometimes until 50 to 100%. I am already absorbing some of the cost of the medicine, but at the same time i was thinking of the well being of the patients too. For me, it is better that i have some patients rather than no patient at all.

The article also stated that there are misconception of GP's earning tons of money and filthy rich.
Some GP's only earn about 5k per month which is equivalent to the government doctor, but with the added stress of other factors which i mentioned earlier. It also said that private practitioners had died of heart attacks due to stress and long working hours without rest. As they sometimes are unable to find locum. Hmmmmm.... i should take care of myself now as not follow that route.
I guess that the future is still unknown, even though it is painted as a bleak future. The role of private practitioner still remains important in our healthcare system. The main point for me is that think of the patient first. The rest will follow...

Happy Anniversary...

2009-04-14T07:49:00.002+08:00

Today is our 8th anniversary!!
happy anniversary dear.
Wish you are here with me today..

Me? Running?

2009-03-24T15:46:00.011+08:00

Penang Bridge Marathon...

The word marathon itself sent chills to my spine. I am not a runner, period. I can't run and certainly not long distance. The moment i start to run, my lung would only allow oxygen in after 2 minutes of running and my stomach would start to cramp. Then, breathlessness kicks in and finally... Vomiting.....

Even though i advocate people to a healthy lifestyle. I for one previously did not have one myself. There are so many reasons that i would give on why not. but that's just it, reasons. In Malay, Alasan. Not enough time, no friends, not prepared, tired... bla bla bla.....

But not now, i was inspired by my friends. They had changed their lifestyle and lead a more healthy life. Even my closest friend enaikay, is now training to become a traithlete. This weekend he has a triathlon event in Kenyir Terengganu. He even cheekily provoked me to be a triathlete. Haha, i could not even swim. But i thought to myself, even though i can't swim. I can do running or cycling. My weight had stagnated for the past month or so due to unhealthy lifestyle, unproper eating habit, not enough rest, and also emotionally unstable. Now i am eating better, and resting more(slightly more but not better) and trying to stabilise my emotion.

Age is no barrier when it comes for a healthy lifestyle

What is interesting about Penang Bridge Marathon? Well, this is the only time of the year that the bridge is closed for traffic to allow the marathon to be organized. This event attracts people from all over the world. Some just came to be in it. Some came to test themselves. Some came to win the event. Whatever it is, it is for fun and a healthy lifestyle.

People from all walks of life enjoying the event

Last year marathon, getting ready for the run

Hope to be there coming November

Last year i had thought about it when i came across the flyer in Baling. Penang Bridge Marathon. Hmmm... it would be a challenge for me to try and enter the marathon. but at that time the marathon is just 2 weeks away and at that time i couldn't even run more than 1 km. So, this time around i wanted to prepare myself in advance. I signed up for the 21km marathon, for starters. The marathon is 240 days to go. Got to start training from now. I think i need a new pair of running shoes. Any suggestions? Will update my progress.

Wish me luck!!

Four Days of Happiness (Update)

2009-03-17T22:10:00.006+08:00

Last Thursday I decided to drive to Kuala Lumpur to attend my cousin son's wedding. What makes this trip extra special and separates from the previous ones? Well, for starters. I drove to KL with my 3 kids. By MYSELF..... It's quite amazing actually what we can achieve if we set our mind to it.

Since my wife is already in KL, it would be quite tiring for her to come back to Baling and back to KL again. I told her that i can do it. She felt nervous obviously as i had never drove that far. The farthest that i had done is bringing all of them to Penang. I reassured her that i will be extra careful and extra vigilant.

After finishing my clinic that evening, i started the journey at about 5.30pm. Aiman, Danial were excited to go to KL, partly due to they are going to see their MUM. Afiq is still blurr...hehehe. Afiq was a good boy all the way to KL. He slept through the journey from Kuala Kangsar onwards. Prior to that, he babbled all the way until Grik. The drive was smooth sailing and we made a pit stop in Tapah for a bite. The toilet in the R&R was also made especially to accomodate parents with the toilet is quite spacious for all 4 of us can get into it, so the parents can keep their eyes on the kids. We reached KL at about 10pm and went straight to The Legend Hotel where my wife is waiting for us.The next day my wife has a class in the morning, so i went to see my mother in Selayang. That morning was awful!! KL was showered with heavy rain, and as a result almost all the road is jammed... It took me almost 2 hours to reach Selayang from Bandar Tun Razak!! My kids were restless inside the car. My kids like to go there as they like playing with their cousins Najla' and Najmi. I stayed there until lunch time and made my way back to my wife's apartment in Bandar Sri Permaisuri. She made a delicious lunch of Sambal Sotong, and Fried Chicken. i felt as if i havent eaten for a year!!! Hehehe. That evening we went to Sunway Pyramid. With one eye sets in playing a game or two of bowling. but we were left disappointed as the Mega Lane was having a tournament that evening. We left shortly afterwards and went to fill our stomach again. This time my wife suggested that we try and have a bite at JM Bariani House in Subang. We ordered Nasi Beriani Kambing and Nasi Beriani Daging with extra lauk of Ayam Masak Merah. and also the famous Air Bandung. The taste was of the beriani was good compared to other places that i have eaten.

The next day we hopped to the other side of the road beside The Legend Hotel to see the ongoing MATTA Fair in PWTC. The crowd was overwhelming and the place was packed like a can of sardines. This made me remember why i hated going to crowded places. One good thing about this fair is that we can go for a holiday for a cheaper and more reasonable price but the bad thing is that we must come prepared as when we are going to go for a holiday and on which date as we have to pay and book on the spot. Oh, i did booked a holiday. At the AVILLION Port Dickson. I am planning to bring my wife there for our 8th anniversary. Well, that is another story to tell later.

That afternoon, we went for my cousin's son wedding in Ampang. We got a bit lost as i wasn't familiar with the road there. After the wedding we went to the TRADERS HOTEL. I wanted to give my kids and wife something special as i wasn't feeling myself for the past 1 month or so. Initially i wanted to book at the Mandarin Oriental but it was fully booked. Anyway, the TRADERS HOTEL was just as nice and good. The staff there were very friendly and helpful. I didn't feel like i was treated like a second class citizen which i had experienced in other local hotels. We luckily got a room at the 26th floor with the view facing the KLCC and the KLCC Park. I was mesmerised with the view, as were my wife and kids. The room was not that big but enough for our family.

The Traders Hotel Signage at the hotel car park

Sitting on the comfy couch

Guys only.. hehe

Aiman trying the Flatscreen Samsung TV

Nice design inside the Bathroom

View of the Gym from our room

With my lovely wife

On the corridor

Breathtaking view of KLCC Park

The majestic KLCC Twin Towers

Another view of the park

The wonderfully lit KLCC with the beautiful lady

Beauty and the 'Beast' ? hehe

Wife with the kids

Nite lights of KL

The Two Towers compliments the beauty

On Sunday, we brought the kids to play and bathe at the KLCC park and pool. They were ecstatic and happy. Afiq was afraid of the water initially but once he found his footing, there was no stopping him. He would play at the pool side by himself. What a courages little boy he is. Aiman and Danial were all over the pool. We were there until 12 noon where the sun is becoming a little too hot to handle. We went back to our room and had a nap before making our way to PJ for another kenduri. That evening we went back to the KLCC and do a little window shopping.

View of the hotel from the park

Afiq enjoying the splash

Aiman and Danial mimicking swimming... hehe...

Run! Run! Lari! Lari! Ada JAWS!!

The next day we went for a second round at the KLCC park as per requests of Aiman and Danial. We played there quite early as the weather was quite hot. Afiq as usual was also very active and playful. Then we went back to KLCC for a drink and made our way back to the TRADERS HOTEL. Oh, i forgot to mention that the hotel provided a transport for its guest to go to KLCC. It is kinda like a golf cart but slightly longer. My kids really enjoyed it. We checked out from the hotel with a heavy heart. I can give the hotel and its staff a 5 star ratings.

KLCC Towers from the Park

The boys playing

Afiq riding a Panda

Afiq putting a brave face sliding...

On our way to KLCC

Afiq with his Mak and Bak

After checking out. Thanks for the lovely stay

That evening, the sad part of the holiday has come. My kids and i had to go back to Baling and leave our darling at Kuala Lumpur. Danial lately has become more critical on why his mum is not around him. Sometimes he always said that other kids mum is always around but not his mum. It is difficult to answer that question but i think he understands why. Aiman is more secretive about his feelings. But deep down inside i know that he feels the same way as his brother. As for me, it is becoming harder and harder. I thought as time goes on i would be able to adjust myself. But apparently not. It is very hard to do things by your own. Luckily i have a nanny that is lovable and caring for the kids. You have to make sacrifices, and i did make a lot of sacrifice. In my own personal time and my own personal needs for the sake of the family. I didn't expected it to be this damn hard, but i have to be strong for myself and for the family.

During the drive back to Baling, Afiq was not comfortable as he has a minor infection. He wasn't able to sleep in his car seat. After the Ipoh utara toll, he vomitted in the car seat. I had to pull over at the Hentian V Point just before the tunnel. It was raining, and i had to change his clothes, and clean the car seat. I had to put Afiq in front with me at the passenger seat as the car seat was wet. He was able to sleep after that and slept all the way to Baling. I had to improvise in dinner and make a drive tru in McD in Juru Autocity. We reached Baling at about 10.30pm after a 5 hours of driving.

All in all, it was a relaxing holiday and a nice way to wind down. Looking forward to another short break.. :)

P.S. will update photos later...

Tears In Heaven

2009-03-11T01:08:00.002+08:00

This entry is dedicated to my dear friend and brother Nurul Fajar.
Even though we are thousands of miles apart.
You and your family are close in my heart.

To Allahyarham,
Amir Yusuf bin Nurul Fajar
27/06/08 - 06/03/09

The sad news was broken to me by Nik, shortly afterwards i received an sms by Fajar. Saying that Amir is no longer with us. He has moved on to a better place. He is loved more by the God Almighty Allah.

I have never met Amir. But deep down inside i felt that i have. Fajar always spoke of him and asking me for advice regarding Amir. I felt the urge to go and personally see him in Glasgow but due to certain reasons i was not able to.

From the way that Fajar had spoken of him, i knew that Amir was a fighter, just as his father is. For him to survive with all his ailments is the testament to that. He had to undergo many life threatening procedures and operations. but he kept on fighting and living. I knew that he is trying to make his parents proud of him and wants them not to worry about him.

But with all the efforts put by him and the medical specialist around him. It was not to be. It is written, Qada and Qadar. This is a test by Allah. Amir and his parents stood by the test and managed to pass the test. It is time to move on.

Heaven is waiting for you Little Amir Yusuf. and hopefully we can meet you there.

Amin.

Whenever i hear this song. I would think of you my 'son'.
Tears in heaven by Eric Clapton.

Would you know my name

If I saw you in heaven?

Would it be the same

If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong And carry on,

'Cause I know I don't belong

Here in heaven.

Would you hold my hand

If I saw you in heaven?

Would you help me stand

If I saw you in heaven?
I'll find my way Through night and day,

'Cause I know I just can't stay Here in heaven.

Time can bring you down,

Time can bend your knees.

Time can break your heart,

Have you begging please, begging please.

Beyond the door,

There's peace I'm sure,

And I know there'll be no more

Tears in heaven.

Would you know my name

If I saw you in heaven?

Would it be the same

If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong And carry on,

'Cause I know I don't belong

Here in heaven.

Sea of despair.

2009-03-02T21:07:00.004+08:00

I am flooded. not by the torrential rain here with the weather changing from the dry season to the rainy season, but a flood of emotions.
I thought that i was strong enough to face the tidal wave caused by the flood or even brave enough to face the tsunami of feelings. Alas, i was wrong. I was unprepared, i was taken off guard. The ship that i command was smooth sailing with all the crews in its place.
The tidal wave and the tsunami was stronger than i anticipated. It tore up the ship, and i was left with bits and pieces of the emotional wreckage. I was floating aimlessly in the sea of despair and gloom. I had no where to go. i couldn't find my crew. I was lost. I WAS ALONE.
NO!! I can't give up. Not now. Not never. In my torn pocket i grabbed a piece of remembrance of my crew."Afiq, Danial, Aiman, And Sayang....... Bak will be strong for all of you. Bak will hang on" Then the sun came and i knew that there was hope.....

Revenge Is Coming

2009-02-22T21:30:00.002+08:00

The Official Poster has been released by the official movie site

One of the main character in the movie. DEVASTATOR. Consists of the Constructicons.

HEY GUYS!!!! IT'S AIMAN'S BIRTHDAY!!!!

2009-02-12T01:05:00.011+08:00

Happy birthday dear boy...

You are now a full 7 years old. Forgive your dear dad for posting this entry a bit late. This year we (your mother and i) planned a small scale of celebration as we did not have the time to organize a party (and also due to the economy downturn, hehe)

As that day Aiman was schooling we decided to make a tea party. Nevertheless the small tea party was successful i might say. We invited our neighbours and also one of Aiman's schoolmate that was staying nearby. My wife worked her socks off to prepare the food. She made Soto Johore, Strawberry Pudding, Roti Jala, Baked Macaroni all on her on with a little help from our nanny Mak Lang.

Yummy!!!

The strawberrilicious pudding

Dig in people...

Aiman was being shy when we sang the birthday song to him. Abang Ngah couldn't wait ti get his hands into the cake. Oh! We bought a cake from Secret Recipe, Chocolate Banana which is Aimans' and Danials' Favourite cake. Then all the guest digs in to food. I must say that i am proud of my wife. She really can cook. Maybe that's why it is difficult to lose weight. Hehehe. We invited only our nearest neighbour and one of Aiman's classmate. And it's a girl. Aulia and her little sister Sarah. I always tease Aiman about Aulia and he would blush everytime i mentioned her. But Abang Ngah self-proclaimed that Aulia is his "Awek".... Where do the kids learn these words?

Aiman's Birthday Cake

The man of the house with the man of the hour

Aiman looking nervous...

Aiman finally getting his act together

"Nak kek ke nak soto?"

Guests eating with ermmm with the host

The cute Sarah

Aulia with Aiman and her future mother-in-law? hehe

Posing with the neighbourhood kids

The next day i decided to bring them to see a movie in Sunway Carnival Mall Prai. What show did we watched? Geng Pengembaraan Bermula. The animated movie is locally made based on the cartoon series in TV1 Upin dan Ipin. I had little reservation about the movie before i went to watch it but after seeing it i must say that i am very impressed with it. I can give it a perfect 10. The plot was simple but it was nicely narrated and the movie pace was very good. Heck, Aiman even cried in one of the scene of the movie. What is the movie about? well, you find out yourself. You won't be dissappointed.

Oopet and the other cast in the movie

Oh! What did i get Aiman for his birthday? Any takers? I gave him 2 transformers, 1 is from my own personal collection, a vintage Apeface Headmaster and a commemorative reissue of Astrotrain. Aiman loves it both. He even slept with it that night. Aiman also cheekily asked his mother a gift and his mother responded in a similar manner by saying "Mak dah masak semua untuk birthday aiman, tu hadiah mak"

Apeface with Astrotrain

Astrotrain MIB (Mint in Box)

Aiman would put it back after playing with it

Jet mode Apeface

Apeface with Spasma (the head)

Robot mode

Ape mode

Then we went for dinner at Nando's which also another favourite place for Aiman. Oh, both of them also got themselves a new watch each. We went back straight home after dinner. maybe next year we could make a bigger and better event.

Aiman and Danial with their watches.

Every cloud has a ......

2009-02-06T22:29:00.002+08:00

God works in a mysterious ways. I was feeling on the top of the world when suddenly i was brought back down. Literally and figuratively.

everything was going according to plan but something goes awry. It left a mark in me. and also it left a valuable lesson for me. A lesson of humility, a lesson of great importance. It showed me that life is short and life is not yours and it is loaned by God.

But I will learn from this.. I will be ready after this. I will be grateful after this. And I will be stronger after this.

What's Up?!

2009-02-02T23:33:00.003+08:00

I don't usually comment on the political situation in our country, but the current situation in Perak really makes me wonder.

Are these politicians really working for the people or working for something else? It sickens me that these people were so called elected to work for the people. The way that i see it that these people only work if there is something for themselves. Yes, there are still few that sincerely work for the good of the people but generally and collectively i doubt it.

I just hope that goodness will prevail as well as common sense. I'm really tired of all these brokering for power and they should just concentrate in serving the people.

PreHistory

2009-02-01T01:33:00.005+08:00

Malaysia has abundance of places of interest to visit. We have the one of the oldest rainforest in Belum Forest, the tallest mountain in SouthEastAsia, World heritage site in Penang and Malacca, and also an important archaelogy site such as Gua Niah (Niah Cave) in Sarawak, Lembah Bujang (Bujang Valley) in Kedah and also Lembah Lenggong (Lenggong Valley) in Perak.

A few days back Centre for Archaelogical Research Malaysia made an announcement that there was evidence that humans existed dated back to 1.83 million years back in Bukit Bunuh, Lenggong. Wow!! Can't believe that we actually had humans living from 1.83 million years ago. It's just a pity that this news wasn't covered much in our mass media. It's a big deal as this showed that Malaysia is one of the few places in the world that has evidence of early humans.

Look Ma! I'm digging with my bare hands..LOL

Actually Lenggong is located not far away from Baling, Kedah where i am now which is about 100km. And i have passed through most of the times when i want to go to Kuala Lumpur. I had wanted to visit the archaeological site in couple of occasions but i never had the chance to.

In Lenggong they have the Lenggong Archaeological Museum. It houses the famous "Perak Man". They also has the archaeological site where they dig stuff up...ermmmm... very old stuff. I wonder if they are going to find any Dinosaurs Bones?

I should take some time off to go and visit the place. It is interesting to know new stuff and new knowledge. Anyone want to join?

Headmasters

2009-01-31T02:54:00.009+08:00

I am an avid fan of the Transformers, especially the Generation 1 Transformers. I collected a number of the transformers toys when i was in primary school. I had quite a lot actually but sadly it was lost through time as i grow up.
My love for the Transformers didn't fade though. When the first movie (not the animated) came out in 2007, I was ecstatic, i went and watched it with my family and even with Afiq who at that time is still in her mother's womb. The movie was great but i hated the fact that it had a lot of the U.S Military being a true G1 fan.

Now I decided to collect back what i had lost and try to get more. Thanks to Ebay and internet, i was able to.

This entry is about the G1 Headmasters Autobots. Why does it called the Headmasters? It is because the head of the Transformers can be detached and transform into humans or nebulons to be precise.

The Leader or Commander is Fortress Maximus, with 4 other headmasters Chromedome, Hardhead, Brainstorm and Highbrow. I managed to get my hands on the latter 4 but still working on to get Fortress Maximus.

Highbrow, Chromedome, Hardhead and Brainstorm

Hardhead and Brainstorm

Highbrow and Chromedome

Chromedome with Stylor

"A battle plan is only as good as its programmer."

Hardhead with Duros

"It's either MY way -- or NO way!"

Brainstorm with Arcana

"The strongest tyrant cannot crush freedom of thought."

Highbrow with Gort

"War is the playground of the ignorant."

"Prepare for war, but strive for peace."

Hopefully I can get my hands on Fortress Maximus!!!

Mummy

2009-01-22T00:39:00.002+08:00

Nothing much to tell about these past few days but today i could tell that my kids misses their mum so much.

I had trouble in finding them dinner again. As usual. So i decided to bring them to KFC again. As usual. Even though i know that it is not good to bring them often to a fast food restaurant.

while we were eating there my eldest son Aiman spoke to me

"x syok la bak"(i don't feel well) he said

"kenapa?"(why) i asked

"mak tak ada"(mum's not around) He said

"nak buat macam mana, mak belajar kat KL"(what can i do, she's in KL) i said

"kenapa mak belajar jauh sangat, kenapa tak belajar dekat sini aje"(why doesn't she study around here?) He said again

"sebab sekolah mak tak ada kat sini, sekolah mak ada kat KL aje" (because her school is not here, only in KL) I replied

"Aiman nak mak ada selalu kat sini" (but i want her to be here always) He said and then stop short his conversation.

I have no answer for that. I thought after a while all of us can adjust to this situation. but i guess not. Maybe Aiman is tired of eating out or even eating without his mummy.

Maybe i should also stop short of this entry because i'm feeling quite blue myself. :(

Revenge Of The Fallen

2009-01-15T13:33:00.004+08:00

This is the Teaser Poster for Transformers2 : Revenge of The Fallen

Can't wait for the movie to open.

dibius cinta

2009-01-14T23:52:00.002+08:00

DiBius_Cinta.mp3

Kau membiusku dengan cinta
Cinta yang malu kukatakan
Kau membiusku dengan cinta
Sampai aku tak bisa berkata
Kau membiusku sampai aku jadi sering melamun
Memikirkan kita bisakah bersama

Aku dibius Cinta
Cintamu yang tak ada tandingan
Namun mungkin tak bisa
Entah ku tak tahu…
Kita yang malu hati untuk mengakui saling cinta
Usaha sekeras hati bersama selamanya

Aku dibius cinta…

Kau membiusku dengan cinta
Cinta yang malu kukatakan
Kau membiusku dengan cinta
Sampai aku tak bisa berkata
Kau membiusku sampai aku jadi sering melamun
Memikirkan kita bisakah bersama

Aku dibius Cinta
Cintamu yang tak ada tandingan
Namun mungkin tak ada tandingan Entah ku tak tahu…
Kita yang malu hati untuk mengakui saling cinta
Usaha sekeras hati bersama selamanya

Aku dibius cinta…
Aku dibius cinta…
Aku dibus cinta…

The above song is currently Aiman's fav song. He seems to have the liking for Indonesian songs and even Indonesian series especially in Astro Prima.

The song was taken from the original soundtrack of Cicakman2. It is quite a nice song but can't say the same for the movie though.

Anyway, enjoy the song..

Ichtyosis

2009-01-07T21:58:00.000+08:00

Yesterday is just another ordinary day in my clinic. Nothing interesting that i can tell you about. Not much of patient from morning until evening. probably due to people are busy with school just starting and they have other things to do and decided to postpone in taking medicine. i suppose...

but as i was about to get ready to go home, a patient came with his parents. The patient is about 1year 6months old. He had previously came to my clinic before. This time he came due to fever and cough with mild nasal congestion. What is so special about him?

Well, he has a congenital disorder or hereditary disease called ichtyosis (ikh tee yo sis). The condition causes the skin to peel and be scaly. In Malaysia people would call them to have 'kenan ular'. sometimes the person that has ichtyosis would only affect certain parts of the body, but if the person has a severe form of the condition it would affect the whole body. The condition also causes the child to scratch his body almost all the time because it is very itchy to him. i can't post his picture as i did not have the consent of the parents to do so.

The main reason that i'm writing this entry is that i feel for the future of the boy. even though he has a very caring and understanding parents from what i see, i'm still afraid on what the people around him would say. i just hope that he would grow up in confidence and not be shy about his condition. because sometime we tend to see on what is infront of us, not what is underneath it.

Aiman's Big Day

2009-01-04T21:56:00.010+08:00

4th January 2009...

The day that i feel old....huhuhuhuh...

well at least that is what my friends tell me....

Why? Today is the first day of my eldest son Aiman starts schooling.

Yes, he is in standard 1 and going to be 7 years old next month. and

NO.. i am not old already...

Just ahead of you guys.

Today all of us starts the day early as we had to be in the school before 7.30 am. Aiman was excited to start his school adventure. but he had a few complaints, he doesn't like to wear undies and he doesn't like to wear socks. he reluctantly agreed after i told him that the teachers want him to wear all the things.

Aiman gearing up for the big day

Danial with his big grin

Aiman and Danial. My 2 heroes.

Aiman waiting for his 'old' dad to get ready

I left him there with his mother as i had to send my second child to his Taska. I went back to the school and Aiman is already with his classmates and standing at the front of the school. They were divided into all the standards from Standard 1 until Standard 6. There were the customary NegaraKu and speeches by the Headmistress and the Penolong Kanan (sort of an assistant headmistress). 1 student even fell down during the assembly, maybe due to not taking her breakfast or feeling boring hearing the speeches.

Waiting for the Headmistress to give her speech

Aiman running towards his classroom

Then the classes started, and we went back afterward. Aiman is temporarily placed in 1 Aktif, later they will conduct a test to place the children according to their capabilities.during the scholl recess we went back to see him. We arrived a bit late and Aiman was already at the school canteen. he couldn't buy anything coz his silly 'old' dad forgot to give him some money. I gave him 2 ringgit. He spent it on a plate of rice, 2 keropok lekor and a warm tea with milk (teh panas).

Aiman enjoying his food like he always does

Can you find Aimans' name? It is number 25. (I really need to learn how to edit photos!!)

Aiman inside his classroom

Thirsty Aiman! Gulping from his Ben10 tumbler

My wife and i left him after the recess was over. At about 11.45am i got a shock of the day!! Aiman called me via a phonebooth in the school asking me to pick him up. Both of us rushed back to school and to our surprise he was inside his classroom listening to the teacher. Later when i picked from school, i asked him why did he called. He answered "Aiman nak balik rumah" when i asked him further why, he has no answer. My best guess is that the time that he called is in between the time table and the teacher came a bit late to the classroom. So he thinks that the school is over already. Hahaha..

A view from Google Earth. Can you see me waving?

All in all it was an uneventful day. Not much of kids crying at school wanting to follow their parents home or running around the school not wanting to stay inside the classroom. To my dear son Aiman, you are a big boy now. From this day forward every day is going to an adventure for you. and i'm going to be here for you should you need any help.

Dilemma

2009-01-02T00:28:00.003+08:00

Today is the 1st day of the year 2009.

How did all of you spend your new years day? For me it's no holiday as Kedah doesn't recognise the new year as a public holiday.

I ran my clinic as usual today with a hope of a better year for me and my clinic. Today most of my patients were having common cough and cold. A few have mild chest infection.

but one patient concerns me, the patient is about 60 years of age Malay man. He had been having cough for almost 2 months. There was no blood in the sputum. In fact he has difficulties in producing sputum. he also has a weight loss and hoarseness of voice.

He said that he had sought treatment in other clinics and hospital but not much improvement in his condition. He is more worried about his voice rather than his loss of weight. According to him, he had completed treatments that was given to him.

I examined him thoroughly and found little evidence to support my diagnosis. Or maybe i had missed something. I told him that he might have a pulmonary TB or even worse a malignancy. I tried to convince him that he needs a specialist examination and a full diagnostic to be made.

He said that he doesn't have the resources to go to see a specialist in a private hospital and he doesn't want to wait too long to seek treatment in a government hospital. So i prescibed a few types of medicine to him and asked him to come back and see me after a week.

These kind of situation makes me wish that all of us can have better healthcare treatment. without worrying about the cost or even worrying in how long it takes to see a specialist. I frequently ask myself in how to make things better for my patient and do more for them, but for the meantime i just have to make do in whatever resources that i can provide them with.

Happy New Year 2009

2008-12-31T21:22:00.002+08:00

Happy New Year...

My resolutions for next year? Hmmmm..... I've got a few...

But first, let's look back in 2008. This year has been a good year for me, i've been able to travel around, made a few trips back to JayBee, shopping a lot! and i do mean a lot!! bought a new car, a honda stream, started to save some money in Public Mutual, and etc....

So, here goes. My resolutions for next year is..

1. To lose more weight...i've been neglecting my workout for the past 2 months or so.

2. To collect more Transformers Generation 1 toys...

3. To collect more Graphic Novels.

4. To help more people.

5. To start and design my dream home.

That's my top 5 resolutions. Hopefully i can achieve these goals.

To All....

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!!!!

From Aiman's view

2008-12-23T22:50:00.007+08:00

This is a mug coaster set given to me by a sales rep of a drug company. Haven't been using it much since i got it. but now i decided to use it since we bought a new dining table. The coaster set consists of 6 coaster in 3 colors, red, white and green.

Aiman later played with it and suddenly he showed me what the coasters can also become.

VOILA!!! A COASTER FOR PLATES....

I guess kids have different views and have more lateral thinking than adults. Maybe we should encourage them to think more outside the box rather than the usual norm. Mmmm, i wonder what else can it turn into?

nasi lemak kukus.... episode 1

2008-12-16T21:00:00.002+08:00

I had a problem today.......

What is my problem? i don't know what to eat for dinner. That had been the case since for ages, especially when my wife is not around the house.

Then i remembered a shop outside of baling that sell nasi lemak kukus. i had wanted to try and have a bite there. so after i came back from work and after maghrib i brought all the 3 kids and went our way there.

The shop is about 20 minutes from baling. luckily the weather is kind to us tonight as it wasn't raining tonight. But, lady luck wasn't as nice. I almost missed the shop as the road that we were on were poor lighted. but then i realised that i missed the shop because the shop is close tonight and the sign board wasn't on.

oh well.... we went back to baling and i decided to just eat at our usual place Seri Landak Seafood. but tonight we did not order our usual menu of ikan bakar but i decided to have a small meal of nasi goreng cina tak pedas for danial and nasi goreng pataya for aiman. i shared in between them...oh! Afiq fell asleep during the trip and i let him sleep inside the car while we had our dinner. Don't worry ma, the car is parked beside us so i can watch him all the time.

We went straight back at home and end episode 1. See you in episode 2. It will be more interesting. Hehe.

Recap....

2008-12-12T12:49:00.006+08:00

Another week has gone by, this week had been a hectic week for me and my family. Earlier in the week we had spent our Eid Adha in Alor Star at my parent inlaws house. We celebrated the raya in a modest celebration. My sisters' two elder brothers and her sister came back for the Raya.

they even managed to do some fishing...
but they only caught a non-edible crab...hehe

By the second day of raya, we made a move back to Baling. but my wife and i had to go back to Kuala Lumpur as she is starting her new semester the next day. The kids stayed at home with mak Lang (the nanny) taking care of them. we arrived at KL by 5 pm and the downpour was just starting there. We decided to make a pitstop to Midvalley. Had a short dinner and windowsopped a bit. Later that evening my wife sent me to the bus station in Jalan Duta as i am working the next day. i reached baling at about 4a.m.

The next few days was also busy as it seems many people got ill due to the uncertain weather and also due to the Raya celebrations (overeating i guess). Diabetic cases also went up as was hypertensive cases. Thursday evening i took the kids to the playground as i had the spare time that evening. Afiq also enjoyed playing there. Aiman and Danial doesn't need the encouragement because as soon as we had arrived there, they quickly rushed out the car and play. Afiq looked a bit scared when sliding down from the playground. Hehe.

Afiq trying the slide....he was nervous...haha
Afiq with Aiman

In another note, i am praying for my dearest friend fajar's son, He had another setback in his illness and had to undergo another operation. My thoughts and Prayers are with him always.

To Err Is Human

2008-12-10T23:10:00.005+08:00

To Err Is Human, To Forgive is Divine.

Recently our DG of Health made a statement regarding the discovery of doctors in malaysia suffering mental illness. Reaction from the statement surprisingly hasn't come much from certain quarters. Mostly readers would comment on the issue through the Star Reader SMS.

It is said that these doctors got through the medical school due to the selection criteria is not strict enough. I wonder if you are really sick or a 'sicko', can you pass the medical school in the first place before you start your work as a Houseman in the Government Hospitals?

Are they really sick in the first place or are they couldn't cope with the hectic life and the ultra -pressure working as a houseman? It is not easy working as a houseman in Malaysia. but, i am proud to say that i have managed to get through it. Even though technically you can't be blame if you made a mistake in managing patients but the truth is that you WILL get blame by your superiors if something goes wrong. You just have to accept the fact that you are a slave to your work, to your patients, to your staffs and to your superiors. As my lecturer once said, 'houseman is the lowest lifeform in the world".

Houseman will start working as early as 6 am sometimes as they have to see all patients before the MO's and before the Specialist's come to do their rounds. They then would go for oncall for 24 Hours and later continue their work the next day until the evening sometimes. The total working hours could reach until 36 Hours or more. They have to remember that doctors are humans too, and to err is human. In the US now they are trying to reduce the number of working hours. It doesn't take a nuclear scientist to understand that the longer you work with minimal rest, the more chances that you might make a mistake resulting in Medical Negligence.

I am not trying to discourage people from taking up medicine, but sometimes it is just not fair trying to blame these doctors that suffers from these illness. You have to look both ways, from the doctors and also from the system itself.

These are my view regarding this issue, i still think that the medical profession is a noble profession. It is not about glamour nor about self-pride. It is about helping people. Amin....

While I Was Away

2008-12-04T11:20:00.001+08:00

While I Was Away....

I was disconnected from the internet....Huhuhu...

I got a new ExStream surprise.....hahahaha

My wife is in her long holiday until Aidiladha......yeaaaaa

I went to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah with my family.....woooohoooo

I got addicted to Ebay.......huaaaaaaa

I missed blogging...........

but now......

I'M BACK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HEROES

2008-10-30T22:51:00.001+08:00

The new season of Heroes has already started in the US. but here in Malaysia it is going to start again next week.

The concept of the series had captivated many audience and had taken the world by storm. I wonder why? maybe it is due to the fact that most of us aren't happy with our ability? or the fact that we could be so much more? or we longed for more power?

I guess for me, i like the series becaused it offers me an escape route to my daily life. i could ponder and i could dream of what i would do if i had the abilities like that. i have been fascinated with the concept of heroes, superpowers, mutants hence my liking towards comics, sci-fi series and movies.

what heroes character that you like the most or the power that you would like to have? my personal liking is Nathan Petrelli, due to his ability to absorb other people ability. but in the wrong hands it could be dangerous, because he would be unstoppable.

anyway, can't wait for next week....

Blues red faced

2008-10-27T22:02:00.003+08:00

Congratulations to the Red Army for being the team to break Chelsea's unbeaten run for 86 games. We got a perfect start after Xabi Alonso scored in the 10th minute. After the goal we threatened the Chelsea goal on a few occasions. The team worked so hard to close down the Chelsea blue brigade. We could have added another goal if not for the shot from a freekick by Alonso smacked the post.

All in all, it was a very good win. but we must keep our feet on the ground because October doesn't win anything. I hope that this win is a catalyst for the team to go on and win the Premiership come May. I wondered what would have happened if Xabi Alonso had gone and signed for Juventus last summer. Rafa must have counted his lucking stars that the move had not gone.

Anyway, good luck for our next game against Pompey. YNWA.

Blacked Out

2008-10-24T23:15:00.004+08:00

I told that i had a surprise today. well, the surprise didn't materialise today and had to be postponed due to some unforseen circumstances. I was looking forward for it but sadly it didn't work out as i had planned. nevermind, maybe it is a blessing in disguise today. and as they say patience is a virtue.

I wrote this entry after a black out in my residential area which is quite common. while i was lying around in the dark i had pretty much nothing to do except thinking to myself and playing around with my mobile phone.

I toggled through my contacts number. i've suddenly realised something which is quite amazing really. the number of contacts that i had mostly is my family numbers and ex-colleagues at work. but not much of friends. hmm. i wonder do i really have any. i can name a few but that's all. a few. i've never been a social kind of person. i spend most of time at home. being a young father also made me more homely. the fact that i am living and staying in baling also limits my ability to go out and meet up with my friends as mostly they are staying in KL or other places.

I've made that choice and i am not regretting is as i think my sons need me more around them rather than a father that is always out. maybe it is due to me growing up without a father and a father figure. i am trying to be a good father and maybe a friend to them also. Insyaallah.

Under the weather

2008-10-23T05:16:00.003+08:00

Woke up early today (no, it's not for watching liverpool game against athletico, okay, okay, half of it is for watching the game) woke up to have my sahur and to watch the result of the game.

Today is my 5th day of 'Puasa 6'. i hope to complete it before the end of syawal. Afiq is also not feeling very well. he has slight flu. poor afiq, he is just slowly gaining weight and appetite and now he has another bout of flu.

The weather hasn't been very kind these past few days. it would rain cats and dogs every evening here. we even slept without using our ceiling fan because it is very cold.

My wife is coming back today. can't wait to see her. it's been a tough few days without her due to afiq not feeling well. Plus, can't wait for Friday. I got a surprise.....

See ya.

Comeback Kings?

2008-10-19T01:39:00.002+08:00

Wow.. what another comeback. i'd rather not to be called comeback kings. Because i'd rather we won from the start than trailing and comeback. It's not good for my heart. Hehe.

Well, about the game itself. I think Wigan played very well considering they are playing away from home. Agger showed that he still need some match awareness after a long layoff from the game. Amir Zaki scored with ease after the mistake by Agger. Agger immediately redeemed himself by setting up the equaliser for Dirk Kuyt to score. It is like him playing as a left fullback instead of the dissappointing Dossena. After that Liverpool controlled the game but went behind by a wonderful strike by Zaki that silenced the Kop temporarily.

Second half remains the same story. Wigan played everyone behind the ball and was pressing hard on the Liverpool players. Then, the turnaround came. A. Valencia rash challenge on Alonso (Hmmm... it seems that every bad tackle on Alonso would be followed by a red card...que Everton game and Man City game). A second bookable offense resulting in a red card. A. Riera then opened his account as a Liverpool player by scoring.

Then, the man on form himself Dirk Kuyt. Popping up to score by the underside of the bar after some good work from Jermain Pennant. That's 4 goals in 3 games. The gaffer Rafa Benitez showed the will to win by scarificing 2 fullbacks Dossena and Arbeloa. That shows that he really wanted to win the Premiership this year. A couple of season back i think that he would not have made the tactical switch by playing with only 2 centrehalfs at the back. Kudos for him.

Overall, i think we deserved the win but should be better than this because next week comes the big test..... CHELSEA.. Enjoy this win and let's take one game at a time..

You'll Never Walk Alone.

Selamat Hari Raya

2008-10-13T20:09:00.002+08:00

selamat hari raya aidilfitri

I guess its still not to late for me to wish all of you since technically Hari Raya is one month. This year my family and i went back to celebrate at my village (kampung) in Johor Bahru (my wife wouldn't call it a kampung since it is too near to the town but not me, hehe).

We started our journey on Monday evening, two days before raya. We departed from Baling at about 7 pm and reached Johor Bahru at about 4 am. It is tiring, but when it is going back to your home town, feeling tired doesn't even come close in your mind.

That morning, i decided to have my hair cut as i couldn't manage to do it earlier in Baling. We went to HP or Holiday Plaza. I even got to visit the local supplier for my fix of dvd's....ehem ehem (pirated ones). Later in the evening and at night, it's time for my kids (Aiman and Danial especially) to enjoy the eve of hari raya by playing with fireworks and 'bunga api'. They played with their cousins until very late at night. They even refused to go to bed.

Danial with his big grin....

Decoration with lights

Some of the fireworks

The next day, it's Hari Raya! Everyone is up early. Take their baths and put on their brand new Baju Melayu. I took my mother, Aiman and Danial for Hari Raya Prayers. After that we went to visit my father and my sisters' grave in Mahmoodiah Cemetery. It's been quite a while since i have visited the grave. I sometimes wished that i had lived nearer so that i can visit their grave more often. Then we all gather and ask for each other hands and for forgiveness. Aiman is excited because after we 'salam' it would follow with a gift of 'Duit Raya" (equivalent of angpow in Chinese New Year), he wanted to collect lots of it due a certain Batmobile that he wanted to buy. That afternoon we went to my eldest sister house and han lunch there. unfortunately Danial managed to break one of her mirror in the house. That reminds me that i still owe her a mirror.

My Family all dressed in yellow

My wife with her darling Afiq

The next day we went to a few houses and visited my aunt that i haven't seen for quite some time. By evening my family's house is fully booked as my brother from Kuala Lumpur and Malacca had arrived. I can't remember when was the last time all of us had gather together at the same time.

Third day we had a big family shoot. All of the families had their photos taken, and of course the big family photo. We planned that it would be at about 10am, but knowing my family it had started late. Finally we managed to get it done at high noon. Everyone had to stand under the scorching sun. but it was worth it. Watching all of us together really makes me happy.

My Eldest sister Kartina Ahmad with her husband

My second sister Kamaliah Ahmad with her family

My third sister Norhayati with her husband

My fourth brother Zainal Abidin with his family

My sixth sister Zaleha Ahmad with her family

My seventh brother Razif Ahmad with his family

My eighth brother Shukri with his family

My ninth sister with her children

Thats me the tenth member of the family

My siblings with our two mothers

Our Big Family Photo

The next day we started our journey back to Baling, but this time we didn't went back straight but made a one day pit stop in Kuala Lumpur. We went to my wife's friend house in Taman Equine in Seri Kembangan and my good friends' house in Kota Damansara. Then we went to Subang at my brother's house for dinner.

On Sunday we went to Puchong for lunch at my other brother house. After lunch we made our way back to Baling. Traffic is smooth sailing all the way, but i couldn't say the same about the traffic from Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur. The traffic is at a crawl from the Ipoh Selatan toll to Kuala Lumpur.

There it is, my Hari Raya holiday. I hope you had enjoyed your holiday as much as i did. Selamat Hari Raya to All of you. Maaf Zahir dan Batin.

Inspire Me...

2008-09-23T23:00:00.006+08:00

I've been trying to inspire to do something for myself, and i'm short of inspiration.... until lately. For the past 29 years of mylife i've been accumulating adipose tissue at my stomach, thigh, arms and buttock, or in laymen term....FAT...

My weight subsequently gave in to the adipose tissue that had been attacking my body and the end result was a whooping 86kg or 189lbs. I look fat, i feel fat... Somehow, something, triggered my biological clock. This has to stop. "I don't want to be a big fat l..d" I said to myself. It may sound harsh, but i need that to motivate me to slim down and town down. It's for my own good.

Last year after i started my own clinic, i started to eat sensibly. No more late night snacks. No more in between meals and to the extreme sometimes, no rice during dinner. It was hell at first, it feels like a junkie trying to detoxify all the toxins inside. Slowly but surely my body was able to adjust to the new regime.

By 6 months i lost almost 6kgs, but after that my weight started to stagnant again... It wont come down as easily as it initially was. Then my wife hit a bombshell to me by saying...."Kalau jaga makan aja tapi tak exercise tak guna jugak" (translation : it wont help just by dieting without a proper exercise). She was right. The amount of energy that i get by eating is the same as the energy that is needed in my daily activities. I later started to do small jogging, jumping ropes and other physical activites.

Voila! I lost another 5 kg that put me to 75kgs. I thought the hardest part of losing weight had gone. I was wrong!!!! The hardest part is to maintain your weight. For a male like me with low metabolism rate, to gain weight is as easy as that. For the next few months my weight had fluctuate between 74kg to 76kg. It is kinda depressing as i have put in a lot of effort to lose almost 10kg in 1 year.

It didn't help either when my wife went to further her studies in Kuala Lumpur to do her masters. It means less time for me to do any physical activity outside the house as i have to see for the children more. Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to imply that my children are made to an excuse for me not to exercise, it's just that i can't seem to find a proper time to do it.

Then, i had an inspiration...Why don't i just exercise at home... but how would i do it? Do i just do skipping? Do i just run aimlessly around the house? I've found a perfect solution that might work. I've bought a treadmill for myself. Then, i can adjust my time and adjust my routine.

My very own treadmill.

Hopefully it will inspire me more. Hehehe.

The side view

The treadmill can calculate your body mass level with your body fat level. And i am still in the overweight category. Huhuhu. It can also help you formulate a programme for your fitness level until you are perfectly fit and not to be overweight. It will also tell you how many calories that you have burnt during the workout and also the distance that you covered during the workout.

I've started to use it a few times already. And it ain't easy i tell you. I'm just going to slowly bulid up my fitness level until i can do a proper exercising. I'll update later on my fitness level and my progress in losing weight. Got to go now. She is calling me, (the treadmill of course)....hehehe.

Happy Birthday

2008-09-17T05:26:00.005+08:00

Happy Belated Birthday My Little Afiq

You were born in the holy month of Ramadhan 1428H. Like your elder brothers before you, I was there to greet you into this world.

Your passage is not as easy as your other brothers, your mother was already in labor for almost 4 hours. Your mother had been pushing on for your life and hers and was struggling for an hour before they made a decision to send both of you to another hospital for further intervention. My heart beats faster and faster. I prayed "Dear God, Please help them".

My prayer was answered, there you were. I can see your head. Slowly you came, but you had difficulty due to an umbilical cord was caught in your neck. But you've made it. You've made it. I was relieved. We were relieved, both your mother and I.

You cried aloud, as if to say that you've managed to get through despite the hardship. I took you into my arms. Clean you up. Clear your lungs by suction and dried you up underneath the warmer.

That was a year ago. This is now. Enjoy your life my boy. Be a good son for both of us. Be a good brother. Be a good Muslim. Happy Birthday....Ahmad Afiq Iskandar....

Origin Part 1

2008-09-12T20:55:00.005+08:00

Baling has 2 origin according to the locals here.

I'll tell the first story or folklore, there are no official transcripts or any historical documents that i can refer to as our culture doesn't emphasize much on recording or writing history which defers from the europeans.

The 1st story suggested that Baling was opened by settlers from Thailand and Burma (Myanmar) about 2 hundred years ago. They arrived at a valley area that was surrounded by a river, the Baling river and Gunung Baling (Baling Mountain).

View from my porch

View from the roadside

The Baling River

The settlers then cleared the land and started planting fruit trees and vegetable farms. When the orchard starts bearing fuits their joy was shortlived though. Monkeys came down by the thousands from the Baling mountain. They ultimately destroyed the orchards and vegetables. As the settlers had never seen thousands of monkeys they called it Ban-Lin which means Monkey. Slowly the name changed as it is called now which is Baling.

Hmmm, I do wonder sometimes wether the monkeys behind my backyard is the great-great-great grandson/daughter of the same monkey....LOL

The 2nd part of the origin will follow suit, and you'll be surprised..Stay tuned...Ciao...

All Aboard....

2008-08-27T01:07:00.001+08:00

Hmmm....
I've bought a ticket for a trip to blogger expresss. The thing is, i'm not sure wether it is a one way ticket or a return ticket.

My encouragement for starting my own blog comes from my dearest wife. And of course my two closest friends. It took me quite some time for starting this journey as i had doubts on my own ability to write and to express my own thoughts.

Then it occured to me, what the heck... i might as well give it a try. Where do I start? There is so many junction in my journey that i can start from.
First of all,let me introduce myself. I'm a private practitioner (a private doctor) that own a clinic in a small town in Baling, Kedah Malaysia.

Sorry for the map, its quite blur as i am still learning on how to do stuff inside the blog. Maybe there is another map that i can show you.

If u can see, Baling is at the right lower corner near the border to Perak. I was previously working as a medical officer in Baling Hospital until last year when i decided to quit and start my own private practice. My home is also in Baling which is nearby my clinic. I have 3 boys and a lovely wife who is also working as a doctor, but currently she is pursuing her masters degree in Public Health at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Why Baling? Many of my friends and my family asked me that question. And most of the time i would answer back. Why not? I've lived in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Ipoh and etc... It's too hectic and too many people. I'm a laid back person and like to take things slow. It's not that i can't live in those towns but i just can't stand the traffic, the rushing hours. Here, I can take my time slowly and the level of stress is very much lower. My workplace is just 2 minutes away by car, my sons kindergarten is just 5 minutes away. The post office, the banks is also within walking distance. If i want to go away once in a while, i can drive down to penang which is 1 hour drive or Kuala Lumpur about 4 hours drive.

Well, i think that's just about it for a short introduction. There is more to tell and more to share. see ya.

PS ...I've got a link on a map to Baling