2009: Most of us turns 50!

Whilst some are today already 50, most of us will touch that half century young age next year 2009! Who will be the first? Mine is April. Worst, I have never taken any yearly stock take of who are still around. Maybe some of you can help me out.

What does 50 means? A lot! For religion, family, nation, friends, etc. I recently put this question forward upon signing for my pension documents. It has an emotional reflects of a fast forward 50 years cd spinning in splits seconds! We have done a lot! We have done a lot! Yet there are still more that we can do to give back. But let's keep our priority right first.

Like it or not, we all are in our 50s next year. Like me and some others we are already grandparents! I do hope the rest of you better catch us up!

Just a suggestions, what about a trip together within Malaysia, next year to commemerate some 40 years of friendship?

Your comments please..

Glad to be back here..

Can't believe myself that I have not visited our blog for sometime now. Just couldn't find the time lately. Every week with new assignments to be completed and blogging with be place second priority. However, my cheeky eyes don't missed our chat room. It is really good to have most of you back again. And new found lost friends of yester years, Aminah, welcome.

So James, is getting Borneo end-to-end with his promo promo! You are a one hardworking chap like always! So it is Pontianak now, surely the market is big for your product.

I will be in Jogja next weekend for some seminar will be back on Sunday. But before that, next week before the trip will be another challenging week. Yesterday, today just preparing myself to face the week.

So my dear friends, all the best to you and happy holiday.

Happy Holiday, Cikgu-Cikgu!

Teachers must be very busy with school examinations and so are the lecturers. With papers to mark and planning for the new terms and it will be the busiest for all. New students and new faces, new culture! Those are the "asam garam" of being a Cikgu. Thank you Cikgu2 out there!

Unlike the teachers, we have a different style of commitment in our organization. Make yourself buzy or you will be irrelavant! It will be almost daily (minus Sat and Sun sometimes) +12 hours of pure didication of improvement and monitoring of proceses and productivity.

We also deal with people. How we are linked between teachers and my organization is;- we used your products to unleased their talent and capability. Those with the right mindset will excel and those that fall halfway will have a difficult uphill trend and normally will need more motivation.

I believe program like, career awareness and character building in the secondary years is necessary. Quality imnprovement topics which is not learnt anyway until you are in universities or working, is a good topics to be considered as a co-curriculum. It helps student to solve problem systematically, and measures improvement and these can lead them to be more interested in subjects like statistics.

Now, holiday, holiday, again. maybe , Cikgu.. can think again and next time I am in town, I can share these quality tools with your students..basic of course..

Simple Reward that last a Lifetime!

School holidays is just around the corner now. The PMR and SPM participants are in their study mode. Parents' hearts are in suspense mode. Our children are asking for rewards, if this, if that. But do school have their prizes giving ceremony as the school terms end? Did not here any of that happening today? Or maybe not in my area..

I remembered well, the books I received at every year end as the school went for the third term holidays. During my primary education, yeah, I consistently got top 5 of the class over the primary years. As the school term ended, we had our final assembly for the year for the best awards presentation. Just like the Grammies or the FIM awards! It was proud moments, for thoses who excel in their studies, leaderships and sports.

Nothing like the rewards that our children are asking us today! A camera phone, motorcycle, etc..imagine asking for that 40 years ago! You just can't! No it is not available yet, but we don't even have the guts to asked for such things alike! But we still are happy and proud with the books presented to me for my studies. I still remember some of those stories eventhough the books are gone now. How? Read and shared the stories to my late parents, then! The stories were more like the hallmark type and you can never forget those type of stories.

What I am trying to share is that, a reward that will last forever, is not measured by its costs but, how we benefited from it and share that experience with others. A reward like above that I received many, many years ago are just story books, like I have said, I still remember sharing that stories with my parents and story telling. I cherished those moments today, and it has help me a lot in understanding people and the way of the world.

I believe, teachers are different now. Hope, they can see and realise how a simple reward can last a lifetime!

Norol, Dyg and a friend, Meg were at my house today....

Norol drove all the way to Nilai, with Dyg and Meg. Dyg called me around 11.30 and told me they are at Sg Buloh, moment later just past the KLIA and going towards Nilai..that was fast driving! By 12.30 they are already at my house! Yes, I have to wait someway after the toll and lead them direct to my house. Thank you for the efforts!

The above pic was taken at home. from left, Norol, Dyg, Meg with my wife and daughter..

So you made it to my house...

The Rayas When Bicycles Rumbles...

It is different now, time have changed us, indeed time have really changed us. I still remember the time when bicycles were our popular rides for youngsters of our time. We rode all over the town and left our marks between Pujut/Krokop and Luak Bay! We went to school on bicycles, picnics on bicycles, the cheap morning shows (it costed us 50/180/360 sens! for a ticket), joyrides with friends (chasing buses!), enjoying reading comics at Kok Boon's place and most of all visitings friends during festivals like Gawai, Christmas, Chinese New Year and days like now Rayas. Handphones were nothing that we can imagine of then. So the planning and meeting point must be finalized, days ahead. Normally I remember we have to wait at friends' place before we moved in group. Those left behind would tracked us from the houses that we have visited!

You don't imagine seeing that now. You may see your childrens' friends but on motorbikes and cars for those over 16th (last year this year! It will be minimum 21 next year). But those in the primaries and lower secondaries may choose to go with parents to go visiting ( it is cooler in cars anyway....)

Yes, I missed those bicycles rumbling years, come rains or shines, in all festivals and occasions, bicycles was the instrustment to bond all of us then, making us once a great team in our time....

(What are you trying to tell joQ?........comments)

Bye Ramadan, Hello Syawal...!

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI

A day more from today, it will be Syawal. The holy month of Ramadan will be over and what have we learnt from the daily fasting and the teachings behind the fasting rituals? I take the opportunity here to congratulate those who have braved Ramadan and continue to do carry on the spirit throughout the years and be better person the next Ramadan to come.

Talking about Syawal, it was announced here in Malaysia tonight that it will fall this Wednesday 1/10/2008. A more local welcome name..Selamat Hari Raya, the Idil Fitri, maybe some other names also...

To all my friends and my readers, wish you all Selamat Hari Raya, and have a happy holiday, drive well, and hope to see everyobe back in office on the 6/10/2008!

Map to my house in Nilai..

A map to guide you to my house in Nilai. Hope you are familiar with the locality. Map is a just a guide for you. Not much details there, but some important landmarks are necessary for guidance...

Kota Bharu..time-out before work...

Flew in to Kota Bharu, Kelantan on Monday 22/9. The briefing will be tomorrow. Call contact person upon arrival and confirmed on the preparation, just to be sure. Checked my materials and a quick run with my partner to ensure all info have been updated. Well that's it until tomorrow! So we still have time for some loook around KB, "what happening" during the fasting month here. The Ramadan Bazaar is the first in our list. Local delicacies not found in abundance elsewhere is what I am looking for and I took some shots. We don't see these, "sagu berlauk", "pulut kaya", "jala emas", "som tam", "rodok", "tahi itek", etc....

The bazaar is just outside the state's stadium. Found out that business can only commence at 3pm and above or a fine will be imposed. The terawih camp is also found outside the stadium and everynight it be overflowed with the congregation.

I have the breaking of the fast at the hotel. The menu was prebooked and of course common item are inclusive. It is cheap and non-wastage ....

Something about Land of Hornbills..think again..

Sept 18th, Kuching. I was back in Kuching. Flew in yesterday and stayed at Hilton. Kuching is my City, same as before except for some colourful buildings I noticed and the new DUN across the river. Reason for being in Kuching is not to see these wonders in Kuching, same as before..my job lah!

It was just a very short trip by 3pm I was already back in Nilai. I guess, there is nothing much for me in Kuching anyway unlike before.

Sometime I feel sad about my hometown, but things changed so are we and the way we need to survive and live. Personally, I felt, more can be done to Kuching so that people can stay longer or stayed in Kuching instead of migrating elsewhere trying to survive.

Surelly and easily the state theme can be " Land of abundance and plenty for all! Land of million opportunities" instead " Land of Hornbills!"

In Kuantan, Pahang @ 15th Ramadan......

My world tonight is so small! A hotel room that can fit 2 single beds, a bathroom, a table and a cupboard. The national geographic channel is on showing some safari stunts in Kenya, but all those don't bother me much as long as there is wifi or broadband connection!

The breaking of the fast in Ramadan, 15th day now, was at the hotel cafe. Everything you want to consume, but can you? No, it looks wonderful, but your tummy will not fits all! So a little of this, a little of that and hot tea and dates.

Guess, I just to stay put in my small world tonight to prepare for tomorrow presentation to the people here. I hope it will be another successful run for me and my colleague, ZulQ.

Me and my grandson, Ali Ridha..

Last night Ali slept with us, he is now 3+. The photo above was when he was just about 8 mths. See the grandpa!He is now almost 50!

Yes, I am inviting all members to share their story here, just like what I did here. If you have difficulties, text or contact me, we will sought that out together!

It's planning time for some..however we have decided..

..to stay put at Nilai. We were celebrating the Raya in Kuching, last year. This year, some of our families are coming over to celebrate in on this side of Malaysia. For those of you planning to travel especially by air, be sure you have made all your necessary plannings, otherwise you are not going anyway!

When I was in Batu Pahat, Johor.....

This Ramadan brought me far to the south meeting my colleagues, working in Johor. We were of the same 1981 batch trainees then for police radio. Old technology, but still close colleagues. It was 3/8 in Johor Baru that I meet these friends again after many years not seeing each other, even in the same orgnization, just because of the geographical divide. One of then, I used to know used to have long hair and yesterday, much less and noticed a clear shinning landing pad on the his head!

And best of all, I slept at my friend's place in Batu Pahat, a kampung house with rambutan and pulasan! So its fruit plucking for me before the breaking of the day fast. It was drizzling but we mind it less.
The night after prayers brought me to one of the best moment for that trip. Meeting up with Cikgu Ramli and Rosemini at their home in Batu Pahat! So you know what we talk lah! The school days, the friends and I have shared with them some of your numbers, just in case. Pictures? No pictures from that meeting. They send regards to all friends and students...

Celebrating Our 51st National Day on 31st August!!!

The flag of Malaysia also known as the Jalur Gemilang ("Stripes of Glory"), comprises a field of 14 alternating red and white stripes canton bearing a crescent and a 14-point star known as the Bintang Persekutuan or Federal Star. The 14 stripes, of equal width, represent the equal status in the federation of the States of Malaysia 13 member states and the federal government, while the 14 points of the star represent the unity between these entities. Star and crescent represents Islam, the country's official religion; the yellow of the star and crescent is the royal colour of the Malay rulers. The red of the stripes stands for the bloodshed to earn independence. The white stands for the people and economy of Malaysia.

The first flag of independent Malaya was based on the Stars and Stripes of the United States, combined with Islamic symbolism. It had 11 red and white stripes and a blue canton, like the US flag, with a gold crescent and an eleven-pointed star, traditionally associated with Islam. Both the number of stripes and points on the star denoted the 11 states of the Federation.

In 1963 three new states- Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak- joined the Federation of Malaysia. To reflect this the flag was amended to 14 red and white stripes representing the 14 states. When Singapore seceded in 1965, the flag remained unaltered. The fourteenth stripe is now said to stand for the federal district of Kuala Lumpur. The blue canton represents the unity of the Malaysian people. The crescent is for Islam, the dominant religion. The 14 points of the star are for unity among the states of the country. Yellow is the traditional color of the rulers of the Malay states. Red and white are also traditional colors in Southeast Asia.

Ready for Puasa

Ramadhan will commence on 1st September 2008. So be prepared for the month's rituals....

It's my 2nd visit to MAHA2008!

Calling allold friends, come and visit this expo. Very infomative and this is my second visit there. Seeing is believing can tell you in words. Meet few friends there and maybe another visit before 23rd.

The learning never stops........!

Learning through sharing from many other organizations and the opportunity to gain valuable ideas from a world-class is an opportunity that I wouldn't miss. Overall, for me, I am happy with what have been delivered by Martin. In fact it was almost customized to what I had in mind. Maybe, I did not put high expectations prior coming here beside taking "a break" from the chaotic stress. But, at Day 1, things changed. I was sitting and listening and evaluating what I am actually doing at my workplace, the methodology, the tools, there were all here. I found time past fast and in the afternoon I was still ok and so was the next day.
Really, it was meeting with new friends and telling me "Joe, this is how to can move forward!" Doesn't that look like friends; backing me up, motivating me and assuring me? I think this is the best way for us to reward ourselves by having peace of mind from our normal business as usual tasks, apart from gaining new knowledge.

For the friendships, thanks from me.

More of the story......

There were already few passengers or rather customers, businesses used to refer us as, Arabs, Indians and mostly Malaysians. Boarding time was 15 minutes before departure. I was there earlier, by 45 minutes . Free coffee and tea served at The Corrus's coffee house, Jalan Ampang (used to be The Ming Court), the hotel designated for the KL pick-up and drop points for this coach company.

I took my coffee, black as usual and a dash of sugar to kill the bitterness. You'll have to order for other bites but anyway, I was already filled-up earlier that morning. Me and my wife, Jamilah had our roti canai at the mamak's restaurant near the Salak Tinngi ERL station. The immigration boarding form was handed to be by the coach staff to be filled. Most of time for things like this, Jamilah volunteered to do this for me. She have nice handwritings. My part, I just put my signature down. Saw the coach opened the baggage compartment and it's door. So this is it.

The two-decker have good legs space and wide leather seat. The aisle sandwiched by single seats and double seats on the upper deck. I really don't know the total seats altogether. The lower deck is just like the family room! 3 double seaters making a 'U' facing the coach's pantry. A washroom is available only for 'light' usage. For heavy users you have to inform the stewardess (beautiful girl with eyes like those of a baby camel), and the coach will stop at the next R&R along the highway.

At 10.04 am, the coach rolled out and cruised all the way. It was easily doing 100 km per hour or more but it is comfortable with a very controlled way of driving. A moment after the introductory announcement by baby camel eyes, we were served with sandwich, swiss roll and croissant in transparent packet. A hot drink of few choices like tea, coffee or chocolate followed. Suddenly the front ceiling popped and a LCD played a cartoon movie. There were also children on-board. No jams and weather is fine, no bumps and it makes you feel sleepy. With shades shifted to block the morning shine, I stole the moments to take my nap.

The only stopped made was at Pagoh R&R at 12.22 noon. I strolled to the R&R to get my blood flowing went to the washrooms have my face washed and I am back rejuvenated! 20 minutes gone and we are back on our way. At 3pm all formality for border crossings both at the Malaysian and Singaporean complexes were over. No hassals, with plenty of counters for all and continued the journey into the city to the drop off point at Harbour Front Center and at 3.30pm, I have my feet on Singapore's ground.

Cab was not a problem in city like Singapore. The trip to the M Hotel was only SIN$7.00. With earlier bookings done for the room and peace in mind, I have my rest first before I look for another meal and be fresh at the seminar in the same hotel the next day.
My recommendations; If you are in no hurry, this will be your choice of transportation. Till then, see you all again here.

Packed and Ready to go...

This my second bus journey to Tumasik. It's the ancient name for Singapore. The first one was I remembered with my family just before Christmas of 2007. It was fun I thought. So I am taking the same mode for my seminar trip there. Air travel was the alternative, but I choose this because, I can see more and at ground level!

RM160 for a round trip with no refund policy. Once you confirmed , that is, your tickets will be curved in stones, just like the Flintstones era! That is the only drawback. Pick-up and drop-down point is right in the middle of where everything is available. No problem both KL or SIN.

I am trying out with a different bas now. Just want to see the difference and one thing I want to say now is that this cost less RM10 from the former that I have used. But, let see the other services available.

So be leaving on the 6/8 and coming back 9/8. See you again then.

Good work! For the touchup!

Finally, as promised the workshop told me my car is ready for collection. Just about a week after the collision, I think that is pretty quick. But I was at first sceptical about the job quality. With a little adjustments before I left the workshop in Senawang, I am satified with the outcomes. No hassle on the paperworks between the workshop and the insurance. Well, best is, the headache is gone!

I know what I did, last Friday!

Friday, 7.30 am, I was in the ERL, on my way to the office. Suddenly, my hp rang. My wife told me she has met with an accident at the junction after my grandson's primary school. I exactly knew where the location was and many time have always thought that this junction if accident should happen it will happen here! Told my wife what to do and asked here to pick me up at the ERL station at Salak Tinggi.

Knowing police report can be lodge within 24 hours we went straight to the government clinic where the F5 boy was sent by the bystander. His thaigh was torn, I think, the clinic cannot do the sewing so he has to be sent to the PutraJaya Hospital. So his parent sent him there, whilst me and my wife went to his school to get letter for the admission purposes. So all was well for the boy, he was sawn and he need not stays in the hospital. Just as an out patient instead. That settled then.

Now the police report. Immediately we went to the IPD Sepang and lodge the accident report. After taking the report by the police officer at the counter, my wife then met the sargent for an interview, but then was asked to go to the site where the accident happened. It was already 10.50 then. So we did, and saw them taking photos of the junctions. I guessed there must have a lot of photo of the junctions, anyway! Then issued my wife a ticket, what we used to say the compound fine which cost RM300.00.

So I got the report and I contacted my insurance agent. Told me to meet him at his office that afternoon. The right headlamp, the bumper, the side underguard were history. I need the insurance to cover these. After the Friday prayer, went to Seremban then the panel workshop for the insurance in Senawang. 10 days they promised me.

So that was it..how I spent the whole of Friday last week!

Exit Plans..

Hello everyone. Age is catching up fast and retirement will be in about 5 - 6 years more and is, if you are still around. We never know, this is the best time for us to know each other, communicate and provide updates.

Now about exit plan, James has something down already way before any retirement, and he is not retiring anyway and it is just maintenance of his customers. Some friends from Melaka called me up to join her with something like what James did. But, just to tell you all that I never have once succeeded in any DS thing. So I dare not go into that line. I told James about this but James excelled in what he is doing.

I guess I need to find the inner strength, my part which I have yet to explore. To be useful to the community, my family and myself when I retire.

Colleagues, what are your plans? Let shares and maybe can help us making some decisions here....

It is Friday! Have a nice weekend everyone!

...but before that....

It has been a very busy week. Like those schooldays, we thought it is wonderful to have job and be someone in control. Having a job is a must and having a life is must! Now, I have a job but no life! Things have been running so fast and there are many things to be done and fast and quick. Suddendly a week is already over!

Pity the working team! The grey hairs seem to be coming but slowly. Organiser and calenders are overlappings and this morning 3 workstreams working groups and in the afternoon with the management. Am I in control? I am still finding ways to best overcome this, like I can say "no" to some but what will be the consequences..I am pondering, pondering and pondering...

Sorry, just getting over the day frustration on this blog so that I can come home forgetting it but not the ponderings!

So it is time to pack up things and leave this office and to be with my family looking for that missing life...!

Have a nice weekend, everyone!

Steve is in town...

Lovely morning (dawn) here in Nilai, yesterday 29June. Woke up at 5am, took an early bath and straight to the airport. Steve is on the way! Upon arrival, nothing from Brisbane except Melbourne at 6.12 am, landing the display screen said. My watch showed time now was 5.50am. Best I do my morning prayer first at the airport murshola. Once again I went to the international arrival, still nothing from Brisbane! Theb someone came up to me.."you are Johari?". That is, after 30 years or more, I heard and saw See Chow in front of me! We were colleagues at work before same unit same department. His flight was rescheduled to land at 5.05am! But anyway here they are See Chow, his wife Babarra and his daughter! Took them to KL to their hotel after stopping for a Malaysian breakfast near my house in Nilai.

Salam and Hello All again and away again..

Lydia, Jijah, Misnah and James and the everyone! I went through your conversation s very fast each day and smiled and will be smilling always. I can imagine how you guys given the chance be together again, like the 70's!!

Nevertheless, the current situation is still lingering in the minds of the public and stories are beginning to be openning here and there, SAPP, TNB. Khazanah, Chicken, MIC, ex PM, Hindraf, Correctcorrectcorrect, Petronas ( sorry Eki, Misnah) etc.. These are diversions. They are meant to be "good" for public unrest. To bring our minds to focus other things.

What have been decided cannot be "undecided" so they says. But some dares them that policies aren't curved on stones! And Isaac Newton failed to see this concept of "what goes up will go down" - gravity! Hahahaha! Nevertheless, this is economic with a mix of politics flavour! Can never blame Newton on this! So the stories till now, still goes on looking for the scrap goat! The one who really is causing to feel this headache! Someone had to be the scrap goat, I believe, then, everything can be settled. This unwrtten law still apply even if we live in cities and are civilized! So we wait, but mean time, do your best to curb overspending and save here and there.

Lydia, like myself, best to take public transport but don't sacrifies safety. Try flexi hours..clock in late clock out late...

Well guys all the best and enjoy your self. I will be slience again for the next 3 days! I am taking off to Bandung this morning and will be back on 28!

Here is another headache!

As long as thing gets done, it is OK!

Sometimes you are puzzled..how things jusy crossed your paths with humuor..and be thankful that you are still thinking about it! Enjoy the snap shots!

HIGH COST OF LIVING.

With the recent announcement of petrol increase, and yet our PM is very happy to say that our Malaysian petrol is STLL one of the lowest priced within this Asia region... why do we all Malaysian citizens have to grumble about on the price hike...?

There are a lot of things we should not complain about on the present Government.

The very simply reason why I am saying that is because:

THE DAY THAT YOU PUT A CROSS OR A TICK IN THE "WEIGHT BALANCE -TIMBANG SYMBOL" BOX, YOU HAVE ALREADY PR-APPROVED ALL THIER FUTURE DOINGS.

So those who had voted for Barang Naik (BN) should all be clapping hands and nodding their heads for any commodities price increase. This is just a simple way to tell you that they are just carrying out all your preapprovals. SO PLEASE DO NOT COMPLAIN..!!!!

Oh yes, if you do complain..... i guess at present, you might have to talk to the walls. NO EARS, NO WORRY...!!!

Comparing Apple to Apple; that is what we used to say but......

...there are always excuses, now we have to bare. Now everyone has to understand that what goes out must be replaced, but the replacement cannot be one-off! That is briebery for saying yes to robbery! Will there be a sincere replacement? Or have we got to shoulder the burden?

The retailers can have their sales price increased to cover the cost. Salary earners and those in the same categories need to have different solutions. Some that are playing in my mind;-

• - Companies can have their corporate tax reduces by them subsidiing their employees on their transportaion allowances. This is non-taxable.
• - We need to start with virtual office for some categories of services or sales
• - Cheaper and better public transportation isut a must.

But then there will be problems with groceries...

• - Make your own gardens
• - Grow vegs instead of flowers

Some need high level decisions some are withingy our means, but if do some I am sure it can help during hard times like this.

Joe B. Lee and family...

Joseph, one of the sport boys of the yester years. Football was his favorite. I still remember buying chewing gums or bubble gums with football skill wrappings! And we discussed the tactics together and tried that practically. Well, of course his family are all football savvy! Plus, discussions with Mr. Peter Fam and Cikgu Johari (our teacher & Buccaneers Football Club, Miri).
Now, I guess, those will be inherited by his generations..!

Nice to see your family here, Joe!

To Our Iban Friends Near or Far...Selamat Hari Gawai..

"WHO I AM MAKES A DIFFERENCE" Campaign..

NOTE: For this, I am passing this blue ribbon to all of you for the everlasting friendships and experiences you have shared with me. You did make the differences! THANK YOU!!!