Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.......

My Elvis had a good laugh watching this clip after Subuh tadi. Enjoy...

May the blessings of Allah shower on you...

As the crescent moon is sighted, and the holy month of Ramadhan begins....

May the blessings of Allah shower on you...

A few more shots...

I’ve wanted to properly update my entry and continue with my tales of Thailand, but last week I was so busy conducting workshop to train colleagues at my work place. Not only that, my third son, who is in a boarding school in Kajang got his left middle finger slammed by the door (caused by the wind) at the mosque in his school.

The nail which was causing excruciating pain to him has to be pulled out. As a result, I had to take him home and the whole of last week he had to be taken to the clinic almost every day for dressing. He is now back in school, but I still have to visit him every other day to send him for dressing. Luckily the school is only in Kajang which is only half an hour’s drive away from home.

To continue with my tale, one of the places I visited in Bangkok was Jim Thompson’s house. This intriguing American came to Bangkok in 1945 and three years later, founded the Thai Silk Company before setting about the mammoth task of dismantling six teak houses from other parts of Thailand and reassembling them in their current location.

Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take any photos inside the house itself.




Another classic northern-style teak house that I saw was Baan Kamthieng which was originally constructed in Chiang Mai more than 200 years ago and donated to Siam Society by its owners and reconstructed right in the middle of the city of Bangkok.

Displayed are items traditionally used by Thai farmers and fishermen. Unfortunately again, we were not allowed to take any photographs inside the house itself. A very large variety of Thai flora and fauna can be seen in the garden of the house. The following is just a sample:


Both Jim Thompson’s house and Baan Kamthieng is open daily, except Sunday and Monday from 9:00 A.M.-12 noon and 1 P.M. - 5 P.M. An admission fee of 100 Baht, is charged to help maintain the property and grounds. It is located on 131 Soi Asoke (Soi 21), Sukhumvit Road.

It is located on 131 Soi Asoke (Soi 21), Sukhumvit Road.

A Belated Anniversary Wish…..

Dear Ikelah and DITH,
It’s wonderful to see love strengthen and grow through the ups and downs of life.
I only hope that ALL of us will find that kind of love, commitment and passion in our lives.

Happy Anniversary guys. I know now that you had your special 'makan-makan' at the Lemon Tree, so the above song is specially dedicated to you...Better late than never. ;)

Goodbye to you, my yellow brickroad........

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

When are you gonna come down
When are you going to land
I should have stayed on the farm
I should have listened to my old man

You know you can't hold me forever
I didn't sign up with you
I'm not a present for your friends to open
This boy's too young to be singing the blues

So goodbye yellow brick road
Where the dogs of society howl
You can't plant me in your penthouse
I'm going back to my plough

Back to the howling old owl in the woods
Hunting the horny back toad
Oh I've finally decided my future lies
Beyond the yellow brick road

What do you think you'll do then
I bet that'll shoot down your plane
It'll take you a couple of vodka and tonics
To set you on your feet again

Maybe you'll get a replacement
There's plenty like me to be found
Mongrels who ain't got a penny
Sniffing for tidbits like you on the ground

Tak kan naik 'sky train' aje...

Besides the sky train, Bangkok offers an array of colourful taxis, a total of 9 colours we were told, and they are all mostly Toyota cars.

Bangkok taxis all have meters and thus would be a good way to travel around. They bear the legend 'Taxi Meter' on the roof. The price starts at 35 bahts (about Rm3.50) for the first two kilometres and approximately 5 bahts per kilometre thereafter.
(The ladies would look pretty in pink taxis)
There is no need to tip although it is appreciated. To call a taxi phone 02 319 9911 and will cost 20 bahts extra. Make sure the meter is switched on as you move off. If the driver refuses, leave that taxi.
(A metallic saga-red taxi)

For long distance destinations such as the airport the price can be negotiated but it is normally cheaper to use the meter.

(Tuk-tuks in a row)

Tuk-tuks (that’s the correct spelling, Ayumi) are those charismatic little three-wheelers with a padded bench for two in the semi-open rear. They are two-stroke vehicles, named for the sound made by their engines, which belch out at high volume noxious fumes to pollute even further a city already swimming in carbon monoxide. Fares in tuk-tuks are negotiable, which is not to be misinterpreted as meaning that they are cheap. I remember once taking the tuk-tuk back to my hotel, and I was charged 50 bahts, whereas when I took a metered taxi, I had to only pay 350 bahts for the same distance.

Since customers seem to prefer the comfort and fixed fares of metered taxis these days, it has become even harder to bargain for a reasonable price in a tuk-tuk. The shortest journeys will cost about Bt30, and that will cover only about two kilometres. In general they are no cheaper than metered taxis, although more colourful. If using one, be careful with possessions. Since the rear is only partially enclosed, anything on the extremity of the seat is vulnerable to the hand of a passing motor-cyclist, for example.

Much as a ride on the tuk-tuk is an experience not to be missed in Thailand and much as you would also enjoy taking a ride in all those colourful, wonderful metered-taxis, for Pycno, it was nothing less than this to take him round Bangkok in style….he…he…..

(Oh yes, keep on dreaming Pycno....)

A Thai Song to spice up my Thai entry...

Bangkok Part 1 (reason why I was on pause mode)

Bangkok is hot and humid this time of the year. Yes Mama Sarah, that was what Bea presented me with for my last birthday - a holiday in Bangkok!! She knew that I had such a great time the last time we were there, and that was December last year. We had such a wonderful holiday with the whole family (except for my eldest), in Bangkok last year and I have not stopped talking about it. Bea must have sensed that I wanted to go to Bangkok again, and that would have also been a good opportunity for me to take my eldest son with me for a holiday cum bonding session. Unfortunately that was not to be, for my son had to be back in College for some programme.

Ah well…you guys would know me by now. I don’t really need company to have a good time all by myself. In fact my entry of Saturday, August 19^th, was to mentally prepare readers of my blog for what’s coming in this entry. Yes, I was all myself holidaying in Bangkok for one whole week!!

(That was my hotel in Bangkok)

Grand Tower Inn Rama IV is situated on prime location with easy access to major business and shopping areas. Visitors can take full advantage of easy access to the expressway with Rama VI exits both northbound andsouthbound nearby. In addition, BTS sky train (Saphan Khwai Station) is within a few minutes walking distance.

I find travelling by BTS sky train so convenient.

They have bigger and more spacious trains.

I bought myself the unlimited day-travel ticket, and that will take me to any of the following destinations:

(For a mere 100 bahts, you can travel to any of the above destinations the whole day long)

On Sunday, 20^th August, Chatuchuk market was my first destination.

This has to be any serious shoppers’ priority itinerary in Bangkok. It was so hot, and I sweated so much, but it was okay because it was so much fun, and I got so many great deals. This market is indescribable - you really can't understand the enormity of it until you see it yourself. Essentially, it's just a bunch of stalls that you can find good deals at (if you know how to bargain), but really it was so much more because you shop with the locals. It isn't like shopping at the souvenir stalls on the street. I expected to see many more tourists at the market, but really, the locals seemed to outnumber us by far. You will see things that are so odd and quite hilarious and unexpected. I’m not going into the details of that. My advice: Try to arrive fairly early - it'll be less busy and slightly cooler; Drink lots of water; Don't be afraid to bargain, but if that's not your thing, you'll still get a reasonable deal. Believe me,you’ll have lots of fun!

(To be continued...)

Happy Birthday Bea...

A True Love Is The Only Rose Without A Thorn

Thank You For Being Everything I Could Ever Want. You've Filled My Life With Joy. I Am So Glad You're A Part Of My Life…..

Happy Birthday Bea…..

Dont Worry....Be HAPPY !!

"If I do not want what you want, please do not try to tell me that my want is wrong.

Or if I believe other than you, at least pause before you correct my view.

Or if my emotion is less than yours, or more, given the same circumstances, try not to ask me to feel more strongly or weakly.

Or yet if I act, or fail to act, in the manner of your design for action, let me be.

I do not, for the moment at least, ask you to understand me. That will come only when you are willing to give up changing me into a copy of you.

I may be your spouse, your parent, your offspring, your friend, or your colleague. If you will allow me any of my own wants, or emotions, or beliefs, or actions, then you open yourself, so that some day these ways of mine might not seem so wrong, and might finally appear to you as right – for me. To put up with me is the first step to understanding me. Not that you embrace my ways as right for you, but that you are no longer irritated and disappointed with me for my seeming waywardness. And in understanding me you might come to prize my differences from you, and, far from seeking to change me, preserve and even nurture those differences.”

I was so moved by the extract above, taken from an old book as I was browsing at the Pay Less Book at their Amcorp Mall branch, yesterday. You guessed it right. I just have to buy the book entitled: Please Understand Me, a book about character and temperament types, written by David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates and I am reading it right now.

In my last entry, I gave you a list of the things which made me happy. And if you remember, I put “I’m going to be very VERY happy end of next week. Don’t ask me why cos I’m not telling you” as the last point on the agenda. Yes, I did. If you don’t believe me, you can look back.

Well, it’s already nearing the end of the week and I’m starting to get giddy with the feeling of joy. Don’t ask me why cause I’m still not telling you. However, I will let you in on this much: I will be on pause mode for a week *wink*wink*

In the mean time, please ponder on the extract above and tell me what you think of it. I will be so busy and so HAPPY till end of the month.

Till then, have a happy week everybody!

Happiness is....

Hiyoshi in his latest gloomy entry appears to be so doomed. I am not going to allow the contents of a pessimist’s entry affect my happiness. I chose to be happy and there are so many reasons for me to be happy. I am happy because:

1. I’m attending a short course in Port Dickson this Thursday 10th – 12th August 2006.
2. This is Rejab. Soon, it’ll be Shaaban and wonderful, wonderful Ramadhan. Let us fast and be happy.
3. My children may not believe this, but I am happy and so proud of them.
4. I’m surrounded by many good friends. You guys made me SO happy.
5. I’m fit and taking good care of my health…tak boroi, and that makes me happy too.
6. True that I am busy, but I’m not bored. Happiness is having something to do, kan?
7. I’ve expressed my anger and unhappiness to someone yesterday. He/she may not be happy now. So what? I am happy. I got that out of my chest, and I told him/her politely. If he/she can take it in the positive spirit, he/she can be happy too.
8. And, I’m going to be very VERY happy end of next week. Don’t ask me why cos I’m not telling you. ;)


So Hiyoshi, unhappy, pessimistic people tend to believe that they are a toy of fate, whilst happy people are characterized by the belief that they are able to control their situation and destiny. YOU pick your choice!!

Care to share with me your happiness?

P/S: BTW, happiness is also seeing Mama Sarah’s parading ‘bilis’ on her plate of Nasi Lemak..hehe...


<>Happiness Story: Why do so many of us delay happiness

>We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get
>married, have a baby, then another.

Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are.
After that, we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with.
We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage.
We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on a nice vacation, when we retire.
The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now.
If not now, when?
Your life will always be filled with challenges.
It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway.
One of my favorite quotes comes from Alfred D Souza. He said,

"For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life.
But there was always some obstacle in the way, Something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, or a debt to be paid.
Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my "life".
This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness.
Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time...and remember that time waits for no one.

So, stop waiting until you finish school,
until you go back to school,
until you lose ten pounds,
until you gain ten pounds,
until you have kids,
until your kids leave the house,
until you start work,
until you retire,
until you get married,
until you get divorced,
until Friday night, until Sunday morning,
until you get a new car or home,
until your car or home is paid off,
until spring,
until summer,
until fall,
until winter,
until you are off welfare,
until the first or fifteenth,
until your song comes on,
until you've had a drink,
until you've sobered up,
until you die,
until you are born again to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy.

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

Author Unknown

Fresh from the cauldron…

Thanks to my blogger friends, I’m 'forced' to come up with an entry. Much as this may be fresh from the cauldron, it was hurriedly prepared. Oh wait….there’s not much preparation really. I’m simply tapping away on the keyboard, hoping that I will get some inspiration as I go along.

Now let’s see what I have been up to the last couple of weeks. There was no dreaming, nor were there nightmares disrupting my sleep. Thank God!! No birthday parties either, (except kenakelayan’s birthday brash we had over cyber space). Otherwise, I’ve not been invited to any parties, not even to a Tupperwear party….huhu….that’s how popular I have been. I’ve been doing some kite-flying though, which is unavoidable, really. The little kite that we still have with us can be a real challenge at times. Other than that, there have been a series of meetings. One of such meetings was held on Friday, 4th August 2006.

That particular meeting was held at the PDRM College, Jalan Cheras. It is the first time I had a meeting there. My, the place is pretty impressive. We had to first climb this flight of grand staircase. Once in there, we were greeted by some police personnel who gave us the salute. To be honest, I don’t know how or what I should do when given this kind of salute. Usually, I will just nod and smile back to acknowledge. That may not be the right or proper etiquette, but somehow I can never bring myself to salute back.

The meeting was not only well attended, but there was also a good presentation and I must admit I was quite enlightened with all the explanation. Mind you, I just hate it when meetings are long winded, with many people eager to speak, but ended up not making much sense. Not this meeting. It was not too short, nor too long. Well chaired by the Commandant of the College, and members invited were all perfect gentlemen, Pycno including…ehem…ehem…Now wait, Bea attended the meeting too. Apa kerja si Bea and Pycno ni ye? Keep guessing folks…..(Ikelah and DITH, keep smiling)

After the meeting, we were invited to an early lunch (that being a Friday, and many of us had to rush for our Friday prayers). Now, just before lunch, a gentlemen with greyish-balding hair came to greet me and ask if I am Tun/Tan Sri/Dato/Tuan/Encik so-and-so, and if I can still recognise and remember him? I was stunned, and for a moment I was lost for words and was so embarrassed. There he was, this man, who remembered me from my London days ages ago, and he used to call me ABANG then. And I swear to you that you would pardon me had I called him Abang now. Mujur lah Pycno tak tersasul and ask him, apa nama Abang ye? In terms of age, I know that he is much younger than me, but I realised that he can no longer bring himself to call me by that title. I was cursing myself for not remembering his name, up till this very second I’m typing this entry. You think I should ask him at our next meeting? Tapi segan lah…our relationship was such that I’ve been to his place in London and had spent nights there and all, just as he had been to mine. How can I not remember his name?????? (See Mynn, your awet muda secret recipe can be a curse in this case ;)

All in all, that was one of the best lunches I’ve had for a long, long time. The food served was simple. Ikan Bawal Goreng Berlada, Sayur Kobis Cina, Sweet-Sour Big-Fresh Prawns, Chicken Curry, Soup Ekor and Plain Rice. Dessert was Fresh local fruits and plain Kopi-O.

However, meeting that long-lost-‘brother’-friend of mine was like finding a jewel that you thought you’ve lost forever. Even Bea said that he seemed a nice man. Now, I’m looking forward to our next meeting, which we will be hosting. I sure hope that we’ll be able to serve a decent lunch. More importantly though, I have to remember his name by then. I cannot keep calling him brother, much as he has been a dear brother to me, a long, long time ago and still is.

For now, I’m still scratching my itchy-less, non balding head in search of the name of that goody-baldy friend of mine…..Haiyya……HELP ME!!!!

Am I still single?

I came across this simple quotation:

... No man is truly married - Until he understands
Every word his wife is NOT saying ...

Can that possibly be the common trait in women????? (yes Hiyoshi, I'm referring to your latest entry).........i.e. NOT saying, and and then expect us, MEN to understand your silence?

If that is the case, then I'm still SINGLE......;)


p/s: Before anyone here jumps to ANY conclusion, I'm still on speaking terms with Bea, though she does give me the silent treatment from time to time. :(

An all-time favourite of mine....

Thank you so much mama Sarah.

Save the Best for Last ....

Sometimes the snow comes down in June
sometimes the sun goes 'round the moon
I see the passion in your eyes
sometimes It's all a big surprise
'cause there was a time when all I did was wish
you'd tell me this was love
It's not the way I hoped or how I planned
but some how it's enough
and now we're standing face to face
Isn't this world a crazy place
just when I thought our chance had passed
you go and save the best for last
all of the nights you came to me
when some silly girl had set you free
you wondered how you'd make it through
I wondered what was wrong with you
'cause how could you give your love to someone else
and share your dreams with me
sometimes the very thing you're looking for
is the one thing you can't see
but now we're standing face to face
Isn't this world a crazy place
just when I thought our chance had passed
you'd go and save the best for last
sometimes the very thing you're looking for
is the one thing you can't see
sometimes the snow comes down in june
sometimes the sun goes 'round the moon
just when I thought our chance had passed
you'd go and save the best for last
you went and saved the best for last



P/s: And...can you guess to who I'm dedicating this song to?

Today is my birthday. Since I started blogging a couple of years ago, I always try to have an entry, and in all of my birthday entries, I always try to reveal just a little bit more of myself. For those who came to the Hari Raya gathering, they would know who Pycno is by now, but they were ALL made to take the Lord Baden Powell’s oath never to reveal Pycno’s identity, for reasons already made known to them. My good friends, you too will all get to know me sooner or later. It’s just that, for now, I still am not prepared to reveal my true identity in blog land. In short, Pycno lebih senang mengenali anda semua di alam nyata, bukan di alam maya. Di alam cyber ini, biarlah Pycno terus ber -RAHSIA……………………….

Having said that, I’m pretty sure you already know me from reading some, if not all of my entries and my comments too, at some of your sites. This year, let me share with you some of my traits that I’ve extracted from a couple of sites describing about people born under this star sign CANCER, and that is me. ;)

“CANCER is the fourth sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the Moon. CANCER is the most sensitive sign and is the strongest of the water signs. The changes in the Moon, CANCERS ruling planet, affect them at every moment of their life. Like the Moon and like the force of water, they can exert an amazing yet undetectable power over others. The Moon via Water combo can be likened to the shifting tides of the oceans. Like the tides, CANCER is the sign of powerful forces moving under the surface. That surface, however, is quite difficult to penetrate, for CANCERIANS tend to build up an elaborate array of defenses to hide their deep feelings and extreme sensitivity.

CANCERS are easily hurt by the slights of others. These are very complex people, sometimes appearing extremely strong and at other times to be as vulnerable as a child. Very few people ever really understand CANCERS; therefore they never receive the necessary understanding from others. CANCERS individuals are intelligent, organized, generous, and tenacious. CANCERS needs constant support and encouragement. They want desperately to be loved and approved of but resent needing approval so badly. When they get what they need, they give the best they have in return. When a CANCER really care for someone there is nothing anyone can say about that person that will make the least bit of difference. People may pour their hearts out to a CANCER, but the flow never goes in the other direction. They guard their secrets well.

CANCER'S symbol, the crab, has a hard outer shell that protects soft, vulnerable flesh underneath. The same is true of CANCERIANS, who are often crusty, gruff and grumpy, but possess a proverbial heart of gold. Beneath their tough exterior they are a sentimental softy who will make any sacrifice for someone in need. CANCERS are devoted to family and home and continue to believe in the old fashioned idea that marriage is forever, even if the events of their own life contradict this. It is hard to deceive a CANCER, for they can spot the tiniest subtle variations of behavior. In fact, they are almost psychic in their intuitions. A photographic memory added to intense powers of observation makes them extremely cautious about divining other people's inner motivations.

If channeled in the right direction, the CANCERS enormous sensitivity can be a great source of strength. Once they overcome their touchiness and master their turbulent emotions, their intellect and imagination enable them to become a success in almost anything they undertake.

The CANCER lover is extremely romantic and passionate people. They enjoy all the traditional rituals of wooing and winning a sweetheart and usually opt for marriage or a long-term relationship. They make loyal mates and will champion their spouse's career and expect the same in return. These individuals are intensely attuned to the needs and wants of their partner; they are exceptionally sensitive lovers. A CANCERIAN never gets enough love and approval; they always need more. It is very easy to fall in love with this loyal, devoted, affectionate, and protective Moonchild.

The CANCER friend with their gentle and caring spirit, CANCERIANS are the ones to whom others turn with problems, worries and life choice concerns. Despite their ability to support and nurture their pals, they do not make friends easily. This may be because they take friendship seriously and don't bother to indulge in superficial associations. They are often shy people who wait for friendships to develop instead of actively pursuing them. In general, CANCER likes friends who will support his or her emotional and financial needs when necessary and CANCER will reciprocate.

At another site, CANCER has been described as:

In the Sign of Cancer the heavens are developing the feeling side of things. This is what a true Cancerian is all about - feelings. Where Aries will tend to err on the side of action, Taurus on the side of inaction and Gemini on the side of thought, Cancer will tend to err on the side of feeling.
Cancerians tend to mistrust logic. Perhaps rightfully so. For them it is not enough for an argument or a project to be logical - it must feel right as well. If it is does not feel right a Cancerian will reject it or chafe against it. The phrase 'follow your heart' could have been coined by a Cancerian, because it describes exactly the Cancerian attitude to life.
The power to feel is a more direct - more immediate - method of knowing than thinking is. Thinking is indirect. Thinking about a thing never touches a thing itself. Feeling is a faculty that touches directly the thing or issue in question. We actually experience it. Emotional feeling is almost like another sense which humans possess - a psychic sense. Since the realities that we come in contact with during our lifetime are often painful and even destructive, it is not surprising that the Cancerian chooses to erect barriers - a shell - to protect his or her vulnerable, sensitive nature. To a Cancerian this is only common sense.
If Cancerians are in the presense of people they do not know, or find themselves in a hostile environment, up goes the shell and they feel protected. Other people often complain about this, but one must question these other people's motives. Why does this shell disturb them? Is it perhaps because they would like to sting, and feel frustrated that they cannot? If your intentions are honourable and you are patient, have no fear. The shell will open up and you will be accepted as part of the Cancerian's circle of family and friends.
Thought-processes are generally analytic and dissociating. In order to think clearly we must make distinctions, comparisons and the like. But feeling is unifying and integrative.
To think clearly about something you have to distnace yourself from it. To feel something you must get close to it. Once a Cancerian has accepted you as a friend he or she will hang on. You have to be really bad to lose the friendship of a Cancerian. If you are related to Cancerians they will never let you go no matter what you do. They will always try to maintain some kind of connection even in the most extreme circumstanses.

Finance
The Cancer-born has a deep sense of what other people feel about things and why they feel as they do. This faculty is a great asset in the workplace and in the business world. Of course it is also idispensable in raising a family and building a home, but it also has its uses in business. Cancerians often attain great wealth in a family type of business. Even if the business is not a family operation, they will treat it as one. If the Cancerian works for somebody else, then the boss is the parental figure and the co-workers are brothers and sisters. If a Cancerian is the boss, then all the workers are his or her children.Cancerians like the feeling of being providers for others. They enjoy knowing that others derive their sustenance because of what they do. It is another form of nurturing.
With Leo on their Solar 2nd House (of Money) cusp, Cancerians are often lucky speculators, especially with residental property or hotels and restaurants. Resort hotels and nightclubs are also profitable for the Cancerian. Waterside propeties allure them. Though they are basically conventional people, they sometimes like to earn their livelihood in glamorous ways.
The Sun, Cancer's Money Planet, represents an important financial message: in finacial matters Cancerians need to be less moody, more stable and fixed. They cannot allow their moods - which are here today and gone tomorrow - to get in the way of their business lives. They need to develop their self-esteem and feelings of self-worth if they are to realize their greatest financial potential.

Career and Public Image
Aries rules the 10th Solar House (of Career) cusp of Cancer, which indicates that Cancerians long to start their own business, to be more active publicly and politically and to be more independent. Family responsibilities and fear of hurting other people's feelings - or getting hurt themselves - often inhibit them from attaining these goals. However, this is what they want and long to do.
Cancerians like their bosses and leaders to act freely and to be a bit self-willed. They can deal with that in a superior. Cancerians expect their leaders to be fierce on their behalf.
When the Cancerians is in the position of boss he or she behaves very much like a 'warlord'. Of course the wars they wage are not egocentric but in defence of those under their care. If they lack some of this fighting instinct - independence and pioneering spirit - Cancerians will have extreme difficulty in attaining their highest career goals. They will be hampered in their attempts to lead others.
Since they are so parental, Cancerians like to work with children and make great educators and teachers.

Love and Relationships
Like Taurus, Cancer likes commited relatonships. Cancerians function best when the relationships is clearly defined and everyone knows his or her role. When they marry it is usually for life. They are extremely loyal to their beloved. The family is the ultimate end for them.
If you are in love with a Cancerian you must tread lightly on his or her feelings. It will take you a good deal of time to realize how deep and sensitive Cancerians can be. The smallest negativity upsets them. Your tone voice, your irritation, a look in your eye, an expression on your face can cause great distress for the Cancerian. Your slightest gesture is registered by them and reacted to. This can be hard to get used to, but stick by your love - Cancerians make great partners once you learn how to deal with them. Your Cancerian lover will react not so mich to what you say but to the way you are actually feeling at the moment.

Home and Domestic Life
This is where Cancerians really excell. The home environment and the family are their personal works of art. They strive to make things of beauty that will outlast them. Very often they succeded.
Cancerians feel very close to their family, their relatives and especially their mothers. These bonds last throughout their lives and mature as they grow older. They are very fond of those members of their family who become successful, and they are also quite attached to family heirlooms and mementos. Cancerians also love children and like to provide them with all the things they need and want. With their nurturing, feeling nature, Cancerians make very good parents - especially the Cancerian woman, who is the mother par excellence of the Zodiac.
As a parent the Cancerian's attitude is 'my children right or wrong'. Unconditional devotion is the order of the day. No matter what a family member does, the Cancerian will eventually forgive him or her, because 'you are, after all, family'. The preservation of the institution - the tradition - of the family is one of the Cancerian's main reasons for living. They have many lessons to teach others about it.
Being so family- orientated, the Cancerian's home is always clean, orderly and comfortable. They like old-fashioned furnishing but they also like to have all the modern comforts. Cancerians love to have family and friends over, to organize parties and to entertain at home - they make great hosts.

Honestly, I find the above description so very amazing. I could not have come up with a better description of the things that are close to my heart, the things that can make me happy and sad, things that I can tolerate and things that I just cannot stand.

Lastly, thank you all for the kind wishes. I’m still waiting for another son to come home. Guess celebration will have to be postponed till tomorrow. :(

A Bag of Mixed Thoughts

It's been more than a month since my last entry. I guess without me realising, I was on a pause mode (ikelah, penyakit berjangkit ke?). I've been very busy of late. That's an excuse really; if you want to do something, you'll always try to find time to do it anyway. But at least, I've been leaving comments, haven't I? :))

The reason for my busy-ness lately is because there have been a surge of new faces at the place where I work (if I work, that is). So, I've been entrusted to guide these newbies around their new surroundings. My second son is also a freshie at the matriculation center, and I really do hope that he's doing fine adjusting himself to the new environment. Of course, there would be the weekly visits to see my two children at the boarding school as well as keeping a watchful eye on my eldest son (belajar ke budak tu, atau apa dah dia buat?)

I was also back to visit my mother at the kampung. This, would of course, be my routine visit. It's difficult for her to come to Kuala Lumpur now, with her age. And now, every time I come back to visit her, she will always cry.

I thought of repairing her house, just to make it a bit more comfortable for her. Work is already on its way. So I guess for the next couple of months, my trips back to my kampung will more frequent.

Actually, with my age, it's tiring to be doing all of this. Not to say that I'm old, but still...with the amount of things I'm doing, I rather doubt it that anyone would still feel energetic if they were to step in my shoes. But I've been taking supplements and that really helps.

As you could figure out, the only child left staying with me and bea is the youngest "Elvis". I still send and fetch him from school, as well as the tuition center twice a week. With none of the children at home except for Elvis (fancy that, we're parents of that legendary American heart-throb!), bea has had more time to clean up the mess that is our home. But still, even the youngest one can surprisingly be good at messing things up, so bea's shrill at the little one can still be heard, eventhough the rest aren't at home.

There would be weekends where the elder brothers and sisters will come home - usually to do the laundry. Of course, during these rare occasions, bea would be inspired to cook. Somehow, it's just not appealing to her to cook for only three people in the house.

This *short* ranting of no significance whatsoever is due to the guilty feeling I'm holding inside for not having updated for so long. Okay, I'm going off now to see my boarding school children. We're going to have lunch together today and bea is already calling from downstairs. See you!

Tiga Hari Dua Malam (Tapi Kali Ini Berteman!)

By the time you read this entry, I will already be on my way to Penang (yet again) for another 3 hari 2 malam. Before drroza gets choked on her supper or breakfast (depending on when you're reading this), let me tell you that I have my second son to accompany me on this trip.

It's all part of a new tradition I'm starting i.e. to take my children on a bonding-trip before they leave home for university. My second son will be leaving home soon to join Matriculation early in July, so I thought it would be in the best of interest of both him and me to go on a trip together. Just to spend some father-son quality time.

I also did the same with my first son. In his case, I took him to Langkawi (yes, that island which Hiyoshi visited recently). Together with the both of us was my son's good friend. However, there will be no other persons besides my second son and I this time around as he is not too sociable. Also, he's rather close to me compared to the first. So, on this trip to Penang, it'll be just the two of us.

What will I do with him once we're there? Oh, there'll be the usual sessions of nasihat - to be independent, self-reliant, not to go looking for girlfriends yet, taking care of his actions and words.

Next in line will be my daughter - my Kak Baby. I have reminded Bea that she will have to go on that bonding trip with her. Bea has expressed interest in Johore. Perhaps I will also be there to keep a watchful eye on my beloved wife and only daughter hahahaha....

On another note, I'm feeling rather sad as on Sunday, I had sent my daughter and son back to boarding school. Soon, it will be time to send the first back to his place. Then, the only people left in the house will be myself, Bea and the youngest. It's going to be really quiet....

p.s. By the way Hiyoshi, you might want to listen to the music that I've put up at my Xanga bungalow.

It's the 8th of June....

Today is my secretary’s birthday. Unlike most bosses out there, I have a male secretary. Now, don’t you start questioning my orientation. My secretary has been with me for a good 18 years. Told you that I’m an old faithful kind of guy. So with someone who has been with me for this long a time, and been faithful all along, it’s just fair that I keep him with me, right?

He is a very polite, quite good looking young man. He has also been more than a secretary to me. Being a male, it’s easy for him to be my good friend. In fact, he has been the one who I can take with me to movies; otherwise you know that I prefer to watch movies alone. That’s how close I am to him. I even buy him clothes on Hari Raya and his birthday.

As with most secretaries, mine also has his faults. Happy go lucky he may be, but this attribute of his can be nerve wrecking and sometimes Bea cannot stand him leaving things to the last minute. So, at times when I want to see things done and I want him to use his full potential, he can be quite a letdown. However, I can’t be angry with him for too long. He is really a charming lad.

A few weeks back, I had entrusted my secretary to pick up my youngest son from tuition class since I was busy attending to other matters. But guess what happened? My secretary grazed my vehicle against another car. Yes. And he took it for a long scratch. In the end, I had to fork out one thousand ringgit to pay for the other person’s damaged car. And I’ve not even sent my own car for repairs yet. I can’t hope for my secretary to pay the total sum, what with his meagre pay. I suppose this is what you could call the burden of being boss.

Even so, I must say that I’m really proud of him now as he will be furthering his studies in law. I always knew that he had it in him, so you can imagine my joy when he told me that he had gained admission into the law programme of one of our local universities. Even though I will be losing a very much trusted secretary, it’s okay. To him, I wish nothing but all the best. Here’s to a brighter future to you, dear secretary!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you. I want you to always remember that:

You are very special
and you deserve the best.
I wish you a wonderful life
filled with love and happiness.
I hope others bring you joy,
just as you've brought joy to me,
then you can weather any storm
and be all you want to be.