Friday, December 6, 2013

Wake Up Call

21.2.13 - Ever since I read who I was back then according to my old diaries, I was like awaken from a long sleep. Today I felt great knowing who I was and that makes me realize that I was moving away from being myself. I was not myself anymore.  I change for worse. I take life too seriously. I rush life. I forget my belief and faith in GOD.  I forget to share. I thanks God for the simple life I used to have in my teens.  I can be who I used to be.  I need to slow down.

Currently we are watching an astro drama on tv entitled Check Reality about a young urban teenager spending 2 weeks in a rural village.  He had difficulties in adapting to the simple life in village with no electronic gadget and just plain nature.  The villagers are extremely kind and good.  Their kids are well mannered and humble lots. They have great compassion, patience and generosity.  They take life gracefully.  They are like one big family wholook after each other in the village.  It inspires me. It feels great to be unconditionally helpful and kind. Good humans.

Great discoveries, my old diaries 1988-1989

Today I found my old diaries of years 1988 and 1989 way back that were abandoned in my closet for a long long time.  Reading what transpired backi then gave me a deep insight of who Iwas and what my teenage life was back then.  I almost forgotten so many things in my life. I was also made to realize that I have changed drastically over the years.

I was a simple and carefree teenage girl who strongly believe in GOD.  Those two years,  it was all about my days at Stamford Ladies College and working life with the Koreans in Taihan Electric Wire Co. Ltd.  I had packed schedule all the time.  I was a busy student and a happy girl enjoying every moment of life. I had many friends who spent most time with me.  Together we went on trips, attended classes, spent time in public library together, movie, shopping, facial, etc.  I was likeable and kind of popular too.

I had great bonding with my ex boss, Mr. Park Tae Beom.  He liked me a lot and took good care of me at work.  The day when he got posted back to Korea for good, I cried and I jotted down in the diary, claiming it the saddest day in my life.  Gosh! I almost forgotten that too. Then came EK Lee, another good boss who liked me too and we shared a lot in the office. I still remember the day when he locked the office door and he taught me how to play poker, plain poker, nothing dirty.  I was fond of him too and enjoyed every minute working with him.  He was not my boss, he was my friend!

From the diaries, I had precious recollection of events that I have forgotten.  I have changed and reading about how I used to be, I begin to discover myself once again.  I used to share a lot of things with friends, famiy and even my bosses. I lent my car to my boss.  I enjoyed giving car lift to friends and families. I ran errand for mom after work.  I bought bus tickets for friends for trips. I bought cake for friends birthday. I bought souvenirs for bosses.  I prayed for friends in trouble.

In one of the testimonial, Mrs See of Stamford, wrote about me being pleasant and a very popular member in the class. I dont remember being popular but I do have many friends who were always with me then.  I was close to Hua Yen, Adeline, G.Hong, Shirley and Soo Lai. The rest would be Charanjeet, Magdeline, Kar Ling, Michelle, Jodie and Lucy from Sarawak. At that time, we also hang out with some guys like LSK, WTH, Mata, Eddie, etc.  I actually mingled with the guys and seemed to enjoy their company too. There were a little mutual liking for each other then but nothing worked out as I was destined to meet YTH later in life, I guess, my blessing.

Oh yes, other than these two diaries, I found two written journals.There are about the arrival of JS into my life and a Valentine day back then. I really wish I can retrieve more but too bad, nothing more. That's why I have to thanks my two darlings for introducing the blogspot to me.  I have been writing again and this blog belongs to me and my kids.  It will be a wonderful gift for us.


Handover of Saujana

5.2.13 - I am now in Saujana collecting keys to our shplot no 2.  While penning this, TH is off to Central Mart to buy locks for the garbage compartment.  I am beginning to appreciate his efforts and good traits after watching him rub the stubborn stains on the floor diligently with soap and then wiped the dirt on the toilet bowl just now. I was actually walking up and down, with a paper in hand fanning myself while he was doing these and not long, I even hurried him to leave the place as it wasstuffy.  Told him to get Ah Keong's workers to clean them after installing the grill door for us.  But he just said, these are just small matters, no need them to do.  Apart from feeling a little guilty, I adore him once again.  And the best part is he didnt expect me to do anything there but just accompany him.  He's satisfied. Love my man!

As we age, I find that TH ages better. He's still fit and looks good. I must catch up with him.  I have just broken my record with my weight shot up the highest ever at 58kg.  Haiz, happy+pampered+lots of love=calories. Some more, I just cut short my hair and I hate it. My self esteem is at the lowest right now.

CNY 2013

10.2.13 - Today is the first day of CNY and I had a great day together with my family.  In the morning, we went over to parents in law house to serve tea to the elderly at home and had a simple brunch.  Then we spent an hour there before we headed home.  We had tea in the patio together with Lassie and TH lit up the firecracker to scare away bad omens and welcome good fortune. That was the belief.  Towards the evening, we went over to CC house.  The kids went across the playground while the rest and myself  had a game of mahjong.  TH was left alone most of the time watching TV and dozed off in between.  I am grateful for his patience.  I was enjoying myself at the mahjong table while the kids too were enjoying themselves at the playground.  In fact, bro and ML did a pretty good job in decorating the house.  It was in the mood for CNY. I am grateful to my brother for inviting us to his lovely house.   He also bought some firework and firecracker and lit it up for the kids after dinner.  At that moment, I felt dad's presence and he was smiling at us. We ordered pizza for a quick dinner before we continued with our mahjong.  It was about 10pm, we made a move.  Back home, we packed for our Hatyai trip tomorrow and also booked our tickets online fro a CNY blockbuster at TGV Kepong tomorrow afternoon.  Well, we will drive to Hatyai tomorrow night about 10pm.  After the show, TH and I plan to take a good nap before we hit the road.  I hope we will have a good holiday together. I love my family and I thanks GOD for every moments with them in my life. That includes my sis and bro too, they are wonderful people.

Our Cars Havoc

4.2.13 - It wasnt a good new year after all.  I am now under a shaded stall with TH as he is now munching his lunch.  We are here waiting to get our cars fixed. It was totally a mishap.  Both our cars were damaged in this supposingly auspicious new year. Nah, not so.  Our dear BMW windscreen were hit by a stone while on the road and the little crack has spread into a long snake, a reminder that this year belongs to a snake indeed. We had to fixed it for our Hatyai trip next week.  As for our dear MB, we actually paid for it. We paid $10 for trimming services for our garden lawn and one of the side window got shattered as a result.  Haiz.....

This morning I woke up late, was not feeling well.  Taken a flu pill last night.  TH woke me up when he's back from FRIM and hurried me to follow him to the workshop.  He drove MB while I followed from behind in BMW.  When I was tailing him, I was actually feeling grateful to have him in my life.  I was counting my blessing at that moment naturally.  He is my guardian angel and I am loved and protected all the time. As MB damage is more severe and risk further damage along the way, he chose to drive it. I was also worried about him.  Hmm, hopefully these mishaps will rid some of the bad omens in store in the year. The windscreen cost $3200 while side window cost $490.

Well, mishaps like these dont happen often, touch wood, so I will try to see this in a positive way, hehehe.  I will try my luck at 2955, wish me luck.

Nag Nag and Nag

1.2.13 - Last night TH was so sick of me that he 'shooo' me away. He asked me to go up and sleep.  I was nagging almost the whole day, I nag my kids and by the end of the day, he was not exempted.  It was all about peanut matters, and I was just so good at nagging until I was thinking I actually enjoyed it. It was about things like TH didnt soak his plate after dinner and he put the oily spatula into the clean rice container, he didnt switch off the lights and air cond in the living room after watching the news.  He asked JS to leave the air cond on in the study room while he was watching news in the lliving room.  Hmm, must I be nosy or not. Perhaps I should just closed an eye and all will be happy. Or could I have reasoned out nicely to him to have his understanding and cooperation. Hmm, I failed miserably.....

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Bump into a Friend

18.1.13 - Today TH went outstation to collect CNY cookies and buy seafood items. So I was alone today but my schedule was tight too.  Had to go JW school in the morning to collect the $100 student aid from Government.  Made an effort to go earlier and bought 2 magnum ice cream for her and her good friend, Madeline. Was too early and waited in the car for a while until time's up. Met JW at the canteen.  She was happy with her friends.  They sat together at a specific area at the canteen.  While she was having her lunch, I proceeded to the small hall for briefing.  A politician from the Government introduced himself and asked us to vote for him in the upcoming election. Hmm, so political. Money politics in no good. After briefing, we adjourned to the classroom to collect cash.  In the hall, I met Tan Po Chin, a former colleague in BP.  We chatted throughout and in no time, we collected our cash.  By the way, I noticed that JW is likeable in class. Most of her good friends sat near her and she is indeed happy in class. At the moment, I am truly happy for her.

Since P. Chin has so much to share with me, we adjourned to Old Town Selayang for further chat.  We have so much in common, we both stay in Selayang Indah and our kids are in the same class, in the same tuition centre at Mega Maju and both of us share the same hope, that is for our kids to get into Wesley next year.

After being a home maker for so long, I always thought that a day out with friends over tea would be a blessing. But after tea today, I realized I wont want to do it again.  It was different from what I thought.  It was a social chat and I didnt really enjoy it.  Perhaps I am a Melancholy and I am what I am. I prefer a boring day with TH.  I am missing him now.

By the way, I read somewhere that in order to sit down and do nothing u have to be on top of the ladder of success. Meaning I should count my blessing that I am able to do that, because I am already on top. Gee, a sweet consolation to myself......

Funny TH

14.1.13 - TH was so funny yesterday.  I was at the table with him in our study room with me browsing on the ipad while he was reading a magazine. When I took a glance at him, I naturally burst into laughter. He was unusually weird. He was wearing his long sighted glasses, the 'lau foo jer' style and holding a pen on his hand, pointing it on each word as he read on. Then he would circle a few sentences as though he was memorizing them for an important exam. He was trying hard to pay attention to what he reads. As he is not one who is fond of books, it is understandable that he has difficulties in reading. He couldnt focus and he was trying to help himself with his method. When I burst out laughing, he was embarrassed and quickly closed his magazine.  Then I apologized for my outburst and encouraged him to read on. I promised I would not laugh at him again.  Then only he continued with his funny method once again. He's adorable.  He took the initiative to subscribe the monthly magazine about properties in Malaysia.

Family Reunion Dinner 2013

8.1.13 - Well, I like to jot down the dinner that I had Last Sat @ Hee Loi Tang.  It was a reunion dinner organized by Wai J. She came back with her family and so did Siew Ying and family  and Mun Kean and family too.  It has been more than 20 years since we last met Ah Kean.  We had 9 tables and there were more than 11 families altogether.  We were all very happy to see each other especially the seniors. They really caught up with age, especially 5th Aunt.

Jimmy compiled and put up a nice slide show with all preciouys photos that we all emailed to him.  Ken was the MC of the night.  Lastly we took a group photo and it was almost a perfect event except......

Well, an unpleasant event took place that night when our dear W.Soon lost control of himself.  He tried to be mischievous by meddling with Ah Pong's glasses. Then when Ah Pong scolded him, he made a fuss and acted violently. He was so bad tempered that he threw a metal kettle into the crowd and tried to put up a fight with Ah Pong.  He had to be dragged away and when we thought he had calmed down, he came in and threw glasses at the stage when Ah Pong was taking his family photos. It was a shame and he might hurt someone with his impulsive act.  Poor 5th Aunt shed tears despite our consolation.  The next day, he apologized in his FB but not remorse coz he still put the blame on Ah Pong for initiated his act.  Poor thing, I guess he is a man loaded with so much pressure and stress. During karaoke, he and his sister Lock Sow went on stage to render a song and they cried badly in memory of their beloved niece (Nancy's daughter) who was drown recently during a trip. They were sensitive and emotional.  I hope they can get over it soon. Lord, please bless them.......

Trip to Ipoh

1.1.13 - Today is new year and I am recalling the trip to Ipoh last weekend with my family and friends.   There were many of us in 8 cars i.e. my familly, Cheri's, Joanne's and her cousin sister, Choy Wan's, Jeremy (H.Own brother from US), Ah Aik, Lau Ser and Kau Kia. Altogether there were 36 of us.  It wass a big group and Cheri is the organizer. The trip was quite ordinary. Oops! Not forgotten, Ah Lai went with us too, it's 37 of us.  It was his birthday on 29th and that night we celebrated with him at the Hot Lips Karaoke. In fact, according to TH, he was forced to join us. He is still single and forcing him to spend the holiday with 8 families could be a sin.  Anyhow, he was a sport.

Cheri had a mission too, her youngest son, J.Kai is going to stay back in Ipoh for his secondary education.  Funnily, the young boy made no complaint and was not afraid at all.  He did poorly in his UPSR and couldnt find a good school back in KL.

So, back to the trip, we went to the Tambun Lost World and it was also just an ordinary day.  The wives gathered for some card games while the husbands and kids enjoyed themselves in the water. But for me, I was stuck with my family. Stuck means I practically couldnt leave no matter how much I wished to join the wives for card games.  So, it was just quite an ordinary day. For dinner, we walked to the nearby Ipoh Chicken Rice.  It was nice though a little oily.  Not forgotten too, we had super delicious dim sum at Ming Court Restaurant on the last day. Then, we made our way to Tualang for prawn.  JS did a good job on navigating the way and the group followed our car all the way to the restaurant.  Lau Ser recommended a smaller restaurant there instead of the famous one and it was nice too.  The tofu is so memorable, yummy!

27.12.12

Tonight I made my gal shed tears in bed.  As school will begin next week, I insisted that they should sleep early at 10pm as they normally did during school days.  However,  due to much pleading from them, I extended the time and we all finally went up at 11pm.  But my gal still lingered around on my bed pestering me.  She asked if she needs to do an essay tomorrow.  Told her she need not and she continued to ask why. Told her if she wants to do, then good.  She said she didnt want and again asked why she need not do so.  I was all fired up, so I scolded her for being irritating and told her to do the essay tomorrow.  She walked back to her room quietly and shed tears.  Hmm.....

Then, TH told me that it could be that she didnt want to sleep yet, so she tried to strike a conversation with me.  Maybe that is true but I have given her extra time and I expected her to quickly get into bed.  Though she cannot sleep, she still have to follow the proper bedtime as enough sleep is very important for a developing child. I asked TH to go over and tell her that she need not do the essay tomorrow.  I really want her to have a good night sleep.

At dinner, I told both of them to remember tgo label their names on his Note II and her tupperware bottle before school starts.  They acknowledged and when they reached home, they forgot all about it.  I was a little disappointed.  Hinted to them but they just forgot completely. I gave chance to recall within an hours time. If they still cant remember when time is up, they will have to surrender all electronic gadgets for tomorrow.  It was a little funny and amusing seeing them guessing together.  Even TH helped them with his wild guesses.  I stayed firm and put up a strict front.  Up to the very last minute, JW suddenly mentioed tupperware and naturally my boy recalled it.  They quickly ran to do the task.  Phew! didnt hope to penalized them after all.

Asked TH in bed if I am too strict, surprisingly he said no.  I explained to him that I have a problem in controlling my temper.  He nodded as like he understood. Well, who can help other than myself.....

My Boy Writes Diary

22.12.12 - It's 11:40pm and I am on my way home from sis house.  At this point of time, JW was saying that my boy is writing his diary with his new Samsung Note II.  I am happy to hear that he starts to write diary. It will certainly be a good thing for him. Just now, I asked if I can read what he is writing but he said no. Maybe he's afraid I will scold him for his grammatical mistakes, hmm. It's fine, a diary is meant to be private and personal.  I respect him. He will find joy in keeping a diary like I do. It will get precious as years come by. I still remember reading my 1988 diary and gosh, it was so magical, I recalled so many precious memories with friends that I have long forgotten.  Too bad, I only managed to find just one diary, the rest are gone with the wind. That's why I need to keep on writing till death do us part, hehehe.... I must remember my ardent fan too.

Back to the dinner just now, I am so proud of my boy.  We had pot luck dinner and then, my sis planned so games for the kids.  She divided the kids into 2 groups.  JS, JW and IW were in a group while XY, RJ and EJ were in another group.  They enjoyed tremendously and the final game was to throw a ball into a bin and earn a point.  It ended up with the other team winning 9 points and it was all on JS to level up.  He needed to throw in 9 balls out of 10 attempts to strike a draw.  When everyone there including myself believe that it was a mission impossible, miracle happened.  All eyes were set on JS when he calmly threw one after another and he made it happened admist the intense cheers and pressure.  He was simply magical. It was a draw!

Before that, I heard JW whispered to my boy and she was apologizing to him in advance for fear that she will jeapordise their chances of winning.  She was humble and he was kind. He gestured to her that it's alright. Though my gal should not throw in the towel so early but it was sweet of her.  They were both courteous. Love them soooooo much.


Doomsday

22.12.12 - It's 1:30am and I am thankful to be still alive at this moment.  The world has not ended yet as predicted.  In fact, I had a lovely reunion dinner with my in laws at Six Happiness in celebration of the Winter Solstice Festival (Tung Jit).  Well, it is also the first time I felt the absence of Seah and family.  By the way, they are in Seattle now doing some practical studies for their migration.  So I guess we will have to get used to not having them around in the future.

Tomorrow I will go to sis house to celebrate Tung Jit with brother. It will be a pot luck dinner and I will buy fish head curry.  Initially, plan to cook 'tung ku mun pai kwat' but ML also plan to cook that dish, then I thought I will make steam kampung chicken but JL will buy chicken dish. So I ended up getting the curry fish head. But I think I will also steam half of the kampung chicken that I have in my fridge and will try to stir fry some broccoli and cauliflower with shrimps. I will also prepare JS favourite 'tong yuen'.  Hope it will be a lovely dinner together.

Just now at the reunion dinner, I think I was rather quiet.  Well, I am a Perfect Melancholy.  Socializing is just not my cup of tea.

17.11.12

It's past midnight and I am still wide awake. A lot of things are in my mind now, the dead rat on the ceiling, IRD query on dad's will, my medical report to be collected at Pantai tomorrow, my neighbour son wedding dinner tomorrow, our Taipei trip, our new house design, etc.  Hmm, I was half way listening to Chan Fong on 988 just now and I switched off as I wasnt listening. My mind was not in focus.

Well, let me just jot down what transpired today.  I had breakfast outside with my family and then, TH and I left for Viva homes Expo while the kids stayed at home doing their Taipei research. I asked them to do a study on the places that we will visit soon so that they will get familiar and share the thrill of getting to know the places. Next, I had a quite ordinary day with TH at the expo and we had a nice tea time at Steam House there.  TH had steam rice with minced pork while I ordered the coconut herbal soup.  It was pleasant as we took out our house plan and talked about it.  By the time we reached home, the kids had already finished their study and also an essay each too. Then, we walked over to our neighbour house for a buffet dinner in celebration of their 2nd son wedding tomorrow.  That's about it for the day as TH suggested that we wought to sleep early as the smell of the dead rat are getting unbearable downstair.  Well, the pest controller will be here early tomorrow morning. As much as I like to sleep, hmm, cant. Let's try counting sheeps....one, two, three......

JS has good patience like father

28.10.12 - Since we bought SM house, we have been visiting the show houses all over Klang Valley.  Today we were on our way to Setia Eco Park. TH was not sure of the directions and he also left the GPS at home. I told him to use the NKVE  highway so that we can easily find the Setia Alam toll.  He didnt listen.  He insisted that there are many ways to get there, so we ended up in nowhere.   Then, my dear boy offered his help.  He took the initiative to help by using the google map on TH handphone.  He was seraching while stubborn TH kept driving as if he knew the way when he didnt.  Told him to slow down or stop the car and let JS find out where are we. Again, he didnt listen and headed straight down to KL.  Only when JS found the route, TH needed to make a U turn and went back to where he started off. Damn, I was so frustrated with the old man.  But my boy kept on navigating the route for him and at few attempts, TH doubted JS advice and refused to follow his navigation.  Gosh! My boy has real good patience.  I remembered very well, he had to at least tell TH four times to turn back as he was in the wrong direction and the great part is JS was still calm and collected.  Though I was angry with TH, at the same time, I was proud of my boy.  He exhibited great patience and showed me how to do it.  I am so lacking in it.  I have to learn from him, oh.... my dear boy, my gift from heaven.

Karaoke Delights

27.10.12 - yesterday my family went to Red Box karaoke in Sunway Pyramid for lunch.  TH wanted to visit the property fair there, so we accompanied him.  The kids has grown up and it was the first time they really enjoyed it.  They held on tight to the mic and surprisingly, it was a sweet delight.  They began to sing new English songs that I was not too familiar. Funnily, JW knows most of the songs too.  They sang together wonderfully and I truly enjoyed their singing. JS showed some talents in singing while JW sings sweetly though a little off key at times. Yet again, they are my shinning jewels. I feel so blessed.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

JS school trip to Penang

22.10.12 -  JS will be home this evening after his 4-day trip to Penang.  It is his class (3C) trip after PMR. He was extremely excited about the trip because he has missed out on last year trip.  As for me and TH, we worry about his trip as the forecast weather states that there will be flood in many areas during the monsoon season.  Dont want him to get stranded outside without us with him.  Hmm, what to do, how could we break his heart since he was so excited over it.  The only thing we can do is keep in touch and pray for him.  We just have to learn to let go.  He has to learn the tricks of life outside home.

I think JW will miss him most as she mentioned that night that she's not used to not having him at home.  Of course, there is no one at home who is willing to make noise with her, play with her, fight with her, amuse her and most importantly share with her. Now guess she's feeling the pinch, hehehe.  As for JS, he did called and text me everyday.  I am sure he has great times with his friends and I am happy for him.  He deserves to have fun after the toil and sweat. He also deserves good results, if GODs willing, hehehe.  Miss him dearly.

JS PMR

10.10.12 - Time flies! Today is the second day of my boy PMR and I would say he is in great shape for the battle. In fact, he looks more excited than worried to me  It's a good sign, hehehe. He scored 5As and 3Bs in his trial exam and he has put in extra effort for the weaker subjects i.e. BM, English and Maths. I hope his effort pays off for him.

Surprisingly, I am less excited for him as I thought compared to his UPSR.  I still remember I was extremely excited and nervous previously and I cannot ever forget the heart pounding moment when he broke the good news to me in the car. It is different now.  Could it be that he has grown up and is laready capable of preparing well for his exam, or could it be that PMR questions are already a challenge to me and that I am of no help anymore. Anyway, my boy is extremely obedient, takes my advice, accepts my nagging, though reluctantly at times.  He is doing well and I am sure he will do good in future.

Though he may not know what he wants to be right now, told him that he should start to find out what interests him and start consulting friends on the options after graduation.  It is best if he gets to study overseas because of good exposure and learning independence while acquiring different cultural knowledge. Since it will be tough for him to go alone, it could be better if he has friend to go together.  Then I am less worried too.  I am sure my boy can do well in whatever he chooses.  Of course, I wouldnt want him to leave home but I cannot be selfish.  Though reluctant, I have to let go for his sake and hope for the best for him.  Wish he finds a shorter course to do and be home in no time.

Letter to JS on his PMR

3.10.12 - It will be PMR exam next week and I know u are getting nervous as it gets nearer.  I must say I see your efforts every nights and u should be commended for it. It is important that u should know that no matter what your PMR result will be, it is alright.  U have done your part, so just leave it as it is. U definitely deserves good results but again, nothing is definite for sure. So if things fall apart, just remember u did your best and that's more important.

I am a strict mom. I want u to go an extra mile and work harder for success in life. U are capable of achieving great success and I am pretty sure about it.  I just needed to give u the push, though harsh at times. I love u. In fact, I am learning to be a mom every single day and I keep on reminding myself that I need to step up and be a better mom each day. Here, I wish u great success in your PMR! Jia you......

Our house was under siege

7.10.12 - Today is a Sunday. The smell on my blouse now reminds me of yesterday when our house was under siege.

In the late afternoon yesterday, my dear neighbour did some burning behind our backyard.  At that time, I was at the dining table doing some reading while the rest were in the study room with the air conditioning.  As I was reading, I smelt the burning smoke and it got worse until I was almost choke.  I closed the windows and doors and went into the study room, thinking it would be better in there.  Nah, after a while, our whole house was filled with smoke and the choking smell that began to suffocate our lungs.  It was extremely uncomfortable.  We rushed out to find out the source.  When we opened the door at the backyard, it was the misdeed of our dear neighbour who seemed to be ignorant of our predicament.  I was upset because they did the burning right behind our backyard when they could have done it in their own compound. Yes, it was obsious, they didnt want the smoke to enter their house all right.  Hmm, so I made a fuss intentionally, made sure that the message was sent across. TH sprayed water to their burning but it was too late, our whole house including all the clothes on the drying line were immersed with smoke and strong burning smell.  Even our throats and lungs took some time to get over the smoke inhaled.

I was so angry that I called Tracy and let her know about it. Apparently, she didnt sound apologetic but instead telling me that there were snakes in the bushes.  Well, it was rather amusing that we finally ended the conversation with me apologizing to her for making the complaint. Sigh!

I believe the amount of smoke that my whole family inhaled was equivalent to at least a packet of cigarette each, at the courtesy of my dear neighbour. Haiz.....