One day at a time...

Feels like, I am sailing in the middle of the wide open sea.. I am sailing alone into the wind and the dark. I am doing my best to keep my boat steady and my sails full......but for how long more.... I don't know....

Grant me oh Lord, the serenity 

to accept the things I cannot change; 

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; 

Enjoying one moment at a time; 

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; 

Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, 
not as I would have it.... 

I ASK .. BUT WHY?........

"Angie, can you come and see me?"  I was like..huh?... "Oh of course"  I said quickly, my heart beating so fast and so hard.. Gosh, he has never called me before.  ..I walked out to the road.. a short distance to his office.  How many times have I walked this way before... and I have never failed to admire the beautiful landscape...  Gosh, even the dragon fruits that the boys planted .. I noticed... I saw some have ripened..lovely colours too...hmmm.... dare I ask for some?  But this time, I saw none of them..my vision blurred by my nervousness.

I remembered the first time I walked that little road.. I was visiting.. a brother who was ill and he had been quarantined, secluded in the staff quarters .. I heard it was the doctor's order.. But I went to visit anyway, just to see how he was.  When I arrived, he greeted me. I offered my hand, but he just smiled... and gave me a mask instead. I smiled and say no need for that and so he sat far away from me. We chit chatted for a while .. I asked about his illness.. I liked his positive attitude. I guess, some people are that strong. He said he was waiting for the final results but if the doctors find something, he said he was ok with it, he was ready for any eventualities. But then again, it is treatable after all.. if found at early stage. "There are many out there who are worst off than me, so I am fine."  I left feeling happy that he was positive about it.  "Pray for me" he said.. I smiled, nodded and waved as I walked away. 

But what of now? No, this call was different... sounded urgent and from someone whom I've hardly communicated more than just a good morning.  He, the boss of my boss.. His office was near the quarters.  He was outside saw me walking from a distance and called out.."It is raining and windy, I thought you'd drive, also your umbrella is too big."  I laughed.. because my umbrella was actually very small.  "It's ok Brother.. it is not that far and the rain is not that hard.. only a little windy." I responded still walking.... but only God knows how many deep breaths I have taken....to calm my nerves. "Never mind, I have a bigger umbrella for you should it rain harder" he said.   He invited me to his office. His assistant was there.. a lovely matured lady.  

Then they dropped the bomb....."Please sit down. We just want to talk  to you about what you think about the whole situation."  I was thinking... gosh I must be soo stupid, what could he be talking about.  I blinked and gave them a blank look...he continued "it has been a week now since he submitted his resignation"... Who? My boss? My boss resigning??   My face must have looked  so drained...."What??... Oh my goodness, really!!!???"  "Oh I thought you knew", they both said. I said no, he did not say anything to me...."Why? But why?"  I whispered.... yes, why indeed.... I guess he has his reasons for taking that drastic step and also for not telling me. Gosh, we were just discussing about the Budget for next year just this morning.

I walked back to my office and noticed he wasn't in his office. I wanted to call him to tell him I knew then decided to text him instead....and told him  xxxxx just dropped a bomb on me.. I am sorry you are making this decision.. I guess you have your reasons....still... "    I could feel his sigh in his text reply which simply said   "That's life.."

..CRUISING UNDER THE HOT TROPICAL SUN, BALMY NITES AND GLORIOUS SUNRISE....

..missing you..

yours truly, under the hot merciless tropical sun at Ao Nang beach, Krabi, Thailand..

(..will post more pics later.. :)

 .took this from our hotel window in Penang..

the SuperStar Libra.. ..she's gorgeous

beauties on board

the 'moms' and our wards

 Phuket:  pic courtesy of Nick Toidis

pics above and below: courtesy of Nick T

Group photo at Phuket before we 'attacked' the shopping mall..

beautiful Debbie, my roomie, my 'girl'..

..at the lounge with Imma and Dedie, our girls with the singer/pianist, a handsome Filipino, who had an amazing  voice..I could listen to him forever..

above: no, these dancers were not part of us..

the beauties....

the beauties and the beast..LOL

.. still feeling the effects of the sea..not all the time but at some odd times.  Gosh, I need a holiday after the holiday. Luckily it is weekend now so am reveling in this free time. 

Arrived home almost midnite on 4th September.  After sleepless nites on board the SuperStar Libra, I literally slept in the plane all the way from Penang to KL and then to KK.

On 31st August as Malaysia celebrated 56 years of Independence,  we 35 of us from KK boarded the plane bound for Penang where we were to board the Star Cruise Libra the following day. We stayed a night in Penang and we took the opportunity to sample some the delicious food.  

The following day, a bus transported us to the jetty and there were ohhss and ahhs at our first close encounter with the beautiful ship. After all the formalities of immigration and all, we finally stepped into the ship and to our respective cabin, a twin bed with a lovely view. We did some survey on the ship and was also informed of the program for the next 3 days. The first day, we were entertained with shows and later all were invited to party at the Sailing-Away Party with music and dances and then there's the various arrays of food! Later during the night, a sumptuous supper was also available. 

The following day, the ship docked in Phuket where we disembarked and did some exploring and shopping of course, of the amazing place.  It was hard to imagine that this place was hit by a tragedy of the tsunami on December 26, in 2004 that incurred a great deal of destruction to the waterfront of  the beach and killed many people. Patong was one of the worst affected areas of Phuket. Amazingly, it looked like Patong has recovered from the tragedy as no trace of the effects, at least physically,  was evident.  We headed back to the ship at around 6 pm though some opted to stay until 10 pm. 

Patong Beach

taken from a moving bus

At 1.00 am, the ship sailed for Krabi. We disembarked the following morning but as the ship could not dock near the shore, passengers had to be transported by a large ferry.  We spied many beautiful islands along the way such as the famed The Phi Phi Islands which are the best known of the Andaman Islands.  Which reminded me that the movie "The Beach"  was filmed there.  No wonder that it gained so much exposure and opened up as one of the world's most desired holiday destinations!   Option to follow a tour of the islands was available too at a price of course. But we say, naahh, we wanna explore the inland instead, the beautiful Ao Nang beach and the shops that stretched for miles. 

The beautiful day was spent just exploring,  shopping and I heard one of the ladies wanted a massage to ease her tired shoulders and feet. I echoed her intention and before we knew it, we were ushered into a lovely spa... ahh an aromatheraphy massage for me and I slumbered into the expert hands of an able lady masseuse with some lovely music in the background, I was quite sure in made me snore into dreamland for a while hahaha.. I had never felt so relaxed before and it made me forget all my cares for a while..pure bliss!  All too soon, it was time to go back to the ship but before that we managed to sample some of the delicious food.. what else if not their tom yam.

Anyway, all those are memories now.. and now am back to reality.. 
Cheers!

LOOKING AT OTHERS YOUR OWN AGE ..

One of my favourite songs from one of my favourite singers, Dato' Sheila Majid. I haven't heard this song for a long time now.  When I watsapped my sister about our suggested songs for the Grand Finale for our 2nd Soluoi Clan Reunion this December 21st, (the 1st Soluoi Clan Reunion, 31st July 2010)  she suggested this song too and I was like gosh yes, I remember this song, very meaningful words and would be appropriate for that occasion. Here's Sheila Majid in one of her best number. Many thanks to the person who uploaded this on youtube.





I have earlier suggested the following song by Ms Diana Ross.. 

If We Hold On Together..




The 2nd song is favoured more by my cousins.  Or perhaps we could sing both..
Meanwhile, come lets enjoy the songs..


I would like to dedicate the next song to my late mom and to all her siblings who have passed on. My aunt, the Grand Matriach (my mom's eldest sister) one of Soluoi's grandaughters just passed away at age 85 about a month ago... Rest in Peace to all.. Miss them dearly, but they are probably so busy having their own reunion whereever they may be to even think of us ..Have fun ya'll, till we meet again someday, we will hold on to memories.






  

SEIZE THE DAY....

..a view of Mt Kinabalu from Bundu Tuhan Retreat Centre one chilly morn..

To work on to look our best and feeling good is important at any age and that doesn’t change just because we have a few more grey hairs. As we grow older, we experience an increasing number of major life changes, including career changes and retirement, children leaving home, the loss of loved ones, and physical changes. How we handle and grow from these changes is the key to staying healthy and feeling good.

 Teri, one of my best buds..

 ..."in every adult, there dwells a child that lingers"  ..two years ago...

There are several tips that can be found on books or from the Net that can help maintain physical and emotional health and live life to the fullest, whatever the age.   It is important to build one’s resilience and find healthy ways to cope with challenges. This ability will help make the most of the good times and keep our perspective when times are tough.

....taken during a Staff Retreat....few days ago... 

I consider myself lucky as I am surrounded by many young people in my place of work or within the Association I am in. Yes, they keep me young and I forget my age all the time. haha... These younger friends help to reenergize and also help me  see life from a fresh perspective. 

Many things in life are beyond our control. Rather than stressing out over them, focus on the things we can control such as the way we choose to react to problems.  Granted there are days that one may feel like s***t,  wishing to just disappear into nothingness or just curl and withdraw into a corner or maybe take a few days of leave from life, but love for families, friends and faith in the Almighty always take precedence over everything else. These help me face my limitations with dignity which I sprinkle with a healthy dose of humour!

...the road to Bundu Tuhan Retreat Centre, Kundasang...

These 3 ladies and I, called the walkabout mission one evening after our forum sessions, 

'in search of chocolate moist' hahahaha... yes those are cow dungs..

With crazy friends like these, how to grow old? LOL..

AHOY THERE...

Been mulling over it the last few days... hmm..how to tell him.. how..how..him means my boss and my other half. No, not about choosing either of them ..LOL.  How to tell them that I want a few days off.. off means that I want to travel again..yes, end of the month.  Ayoo.. how? My friends and I are making plans, yet still I am in quandary about how to take that leave off work when I am not entitled to any leave yet.  Am still on probation and now I dare take leave?  I know, I know..what kind of employee am I ?..tsk tsk..But please, reeeally wanna go..if I do not go now, the sky could fall on me *touchwood* and I may never have the opportunity again, so there..

..May 2012, on board the Interslander crossing Cook's Strait from Wellington to Picton, NZ. The 92km voyage took 3 hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world."

No, this was not a cruise..:)

Well, I did eventually ask my boss...please pretty please.. let me take 4 days unpaid leave?. Yes, I asked veeeery nicely..and OMG! he said ok...hahaha...so far he said ok...yaayy!  Thank you, thank you!  And my other half?..hmm.. he grudgingly said yes too..after giving me the silent treatment for a couple of days...uhuhh..

Please don't hate me, 'cos God willing, will be going on a short cruise.  Fly from KK transit to KL then off to Penang. There the ship will be waiting..hello Star Cruise...all aboard and set sail to Krabi and Phuket or is it Phuket then Krabi? Then later back to Penang again and fly back to KL - KK.  

..the ship supposedly look like this..

..the Super Star Libra...

Then yesterday, horrors, as I checked my passport, expiry date was less than 6 months! Well, nothing that a visit to the Immigration cannot solve. But there goes my RM300.00 for renewal and RM12.00 for passport photo.  Oh, well that is for another 5 years....

Ok, after this I am going on a strict diet..no eat out for lunch. Will 'tapau' lunch from home.. haha....no shoes, no bag, no dress, no nothing for a looong long time..

Cheers..

**  To all my Muslim friends and relatives, especially to my brother and sister, my nephews, nieces and their  families, "Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Be safe and God bless."  

MORNING SUN, CURTAINS AND BLINDS..

By tomorrow (that is if I wake up..LOL), I would have completed a month of working in this new workplace. Gosh, how time flies and I felt it was only yesterday that I anxiously reported for my first day of work, yet I also felt like I've been here forever.

I still recall, a day before that early morn,  I received a text message from Fane.  "Hi Angie, just to inform you. Tomorrow is General Assembly. All staff must be at the open hall by 7.45am. Don't be late else u kena nyanyi Negara Ku ..wakakakah.. Be early so that you won't be out of breath. You might need to give a speech so be prepared."  I answered.." Ahahaha thanks for that info. Adoii speech? Die lah! wakakakaah.."

My first day of work - I woke up early. I had already chosen my dress the night before. I added in a scarf and tie it in front..put on a little make up..hehehe.. didn't want to shock them. I arrived early and I went inside the office. The girls there told me about the assembly which was at the open hall below our office. I followed the ladies down the stair case  Then I saw hundreds of students all boys in their uniforms. I followed the ladies to a few seats presumably for staff near the stage. I tried to look around to see if Fane was there, but couldn't find her.  The Director (my boss saw me) waved to me to sit in front.. I was like "eek..why lah I have to sit in front." I hesitated and one of the ladies motioned me again to go there ...I noted I was the only lady seated there with a few gentlemen. Then it dawned on me,  perhaps because it was my first day and that I would be introduced and called up to the stage.  I was sweating cold ..haha..  We sang National Anthem, the State Anthem and the Institute's anthem.  Later, the Director went up, greeted everyone, made some speeches and introduced me to everyone. I stood up looked behind the hundreds of people and I gave my sweetest smile and waved.  I waited for the Director thinking he might asked me to go up the stage now.. No, he didn't...phewww.  Arghhh,   Fane, I am going to kill you hahaha...such a fright. you gave me.

The General Assembly done, all the staff went to their respective office and I was shown to a room which was to be my office. It was a nice room facing east and greeted by the bright morning sun,  but oh what a hideous curtain hahaha.. well not really bad, but it was quite old, faded but it shaded the room from the morning sun very well.. My first impression was, geez that curtain needed a wash hahaha.. The Director came in to welcome me and seemingly read my mind and said, "you may change the curtains. They have been here forever."

before

after.. :)

Well, I survived my first day.. not too bad.  The days followed..like as if in a haze. There were so many meetings to attend and so many briefings and so much to learn, so many faces to remember.  Oh by the way, I did request to change the curtains, but instead of curtains, I changed to blinds.. light green.. very sweet colour.  I brought in a couple of small indoor plants for a more refreshing look for the office, I changed the position of the desk and viola I was home.    Oh ya, bye bye hot morning sun...

Till my next post..

Cheers..