Birthday Boy

Happy 5th Birthday EIMAN !!

Here's a BIG HUG from auntie and a wish for all the joy and love in the world...

Love you and see you soon!

Maal Hijrah

Hari ini umat Islam menyambut kedatangan tahun baru, 1 Muharram 1430H.
Tahun baru, buku baru.
Azam baru?? Insyaallah.....

Teringat semasa di sekolah menengah dulu, kami diwajibkan untuk menyanyikan lagu Maal Hijrah setiap pagi semasa perhimpunan/senaman pagi sepanjang bulan Muharram.
Hasilnya, senikata lagu tesebut masih segar di ingatanku...

Satu Muharram detik permulaan
Perkiraan tahun Islam Hijrah
Perpindahan Nabi dan umat Islam
Dari Kota Mekah ke kota Madinah

Atas keyakinan dan iman yang teguh
Kaum Muhajirin dan Ansar bersatu
Rela berkorban harta dan nyawa
Demi menegakkan Islam tercinta

Hijrah itu pengorbanan
Hijrah itu perjuangan
Hijrah itu persaudaraan
Hijrah membentuk perpaduan

Oleh itu mari semua
Kita sambut Maal Hijrah
Tingkatkan semangat tegakkan syiar Islam
Untuk sepanjang zaman
Untuk sepanjang zaman!

Semoga tahun ini umat Islam akan lebih bersatu-padu, menolong antara satu sama lain dan bangkit membanteras ketidak adilan dan kekejaman di dunia ini....

White Christmas

Lo and behold, it snowed on Christmas eve! As I can recall, this the first in the 5 years that i've been here that it actually snowed on time. Before this it's either earlier or later, most of the time much later though. I'm glad that it's a white christmas this year, but frak it, the roads are gonna be pretty mucky in the days to come. Guess I should be putting on those winter boots from now on huh...

I'm dreaming of a white christmas,
just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
to hear the sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white christmas,
just like the ones I used to know
May your dreams be merry and bright
and may your christmases be white

I'm dreaming of white christmas
with every christmas card I write
May your dreams be merry and bright,
and may all your christmases be white

May your days be merry and bright,
and may all your christmases be white

And if I were to have a christmas wishlist, this one here is definitely in it...



Have A Very Merry White Christmas!!!

The Bright Lights of Earth

"This is a view of the earth from space that shows the global city lights as seen by the Defense Meteorological Satellite."


(Click on the picture for a better close-up)

"As you can see, the Eastern U.S., Europe, and Japan are brightly lit by their cities, while the interiors of Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America remain (for now) dark and lightly populated."

What's intriguing is that when you look properly at Malaysia, you can see that the lights in and around Kuala Lumpur and several spots along the Straits of Melaka are very much visible, as well as a brightly lit path that runs from the south of Peninsular Malaysia until it reaches the northern part of the peninsular. Wonder if these are the lights along the North-South highway?? Hmmm...maybe we could name it The Bright Lights of Malaysia that could actually be seen from space....

Can't believe your eyes? Then go check it out here.


Pesanan daripada penaja: Jimatkan penggunaan elektrik dan air. Elakkan pembaziran. Marilah kita kurangkan kesan Rumah Hijau. Sayangi Bumi kita.... Sekian, terima kasih.

Holiday..... YAY!

Yes! We have started our Christmas break already and it's till 4th of January. What am I to do with all those free time? Well, I should be studying since we'll be having a rather busy exam session this semester with Nephrology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, ENT and Occupational Medicine papers this time around. Fuhhhhh....

Buuuuuttttt, it's the holidays!! Maybe a few days for recreational purposes won't be that bad, you know? So therein lies the dilemma; where to go this time? Anywhere outside of the country is certainly out of the question right now because we are not really financially able, but maybe somewhere around here would do too. Or maybe another skiing trip like we had last year would be great, although we should go somewhere else this time since I was informed that already the place is famous amongst the students and a couple of them might be flocking to that place. Hmmmm....

So, mana mau pigi lohhh? Bored as hell at home, and not in the mood yet to scour the books. Normally a bit of fresh air outside walking around would cure the boredom, but with the current weather I will be risking freezing my ass, extremities and face (not in that order though *wink*) if I wanna go venturing outside. Oh well, I guess for the time being I'll have to make do with completing watching seasons 3 and 4 of Battlestar Galactica. More Cylons running amok, frak me....

Happy Holidays!!

Eid Mubarak!

What we did this Raya Haji:

- Went to the mosque for prayers. Dapat lah makan harissa sket, yummmm...

- Walked back home from the mosque with my baju kurung. Sejuk seh...

- Buat masak-masak sket. Last minute planning with Ms JZ...

- Main dishes: Nasi himpit, lontong, kuah kacang.
- Dessert: Kek pisang, Biskut kacang.

- Mak called tanya takde daging korban ke this year? Told her lembu mahal nak sembelih, and kambing tak dapat nak cari (kambing semuanya hibernate time winter ni kot, heheh)...

- Kemas dapur, mandi, tengok movie dan tidur.....

So, basically that was how our (almost) vegetarian raya haji went. Tak berapa rasa sangat raya kali ni, maybe sebab dah puas beraya kat Malaysia hari tu kot, siap balik Johor lagi tu. Nasib baik lah dapat jugak cuti from classes, kalau tak memang beraya kat kelas lah nampaknya...

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILADHA

Visiting The Land Of ZZZZZZZ.....

What are dreams? Are they just plain nonsensical scenarios played out when you were in your REM sleep, or is it your unconscious mind that's giving you signals unconsciously? And so, what are nightmares, then? Scary dreams?

The reason I asked is because I had another restless night courtesy of a very vivid dream. Funnily enough, as vivid as it were, when I woke up I could only remember bits and pieces of it. What I could remember was that almost all of my family members were in it. Almost ALL of them, close and extended, from both sides of my parents. Imagine how crowded it was, hehe...

Well, let me see if I can recall the dream... Something about the world being in a state of frenzy, like there was an outbreak of a virulent virus spread by a group of power-hungry aliens leading to a global war of some sort, where all of us (the family) were congregating at my late grandparents' place in the middle of the kebun getah (rubber plantation), and surprise surprise, the fate of the world rests in my hands in finding the cure for the viral outbreak because, *smirks*, I AM a brilliant virologist!!

Oh man, I think the dream was a sure sign that I have watched too much of the Stargate series! Finally finished watching 10 seasons of the Stargate SG1 and also just recently the Stargate Atlantis (SGA) sci-fi series in 1 month. No wonder I'm having dreams related to aliens/paranormal situations. Sheesh....

And if you're wondering, YES, I am a sci-fi freak. Restricted to TV series and movies only though. Will go into that in detail next time because I think it deserves its own post space and title, and plus, at least I'll have a reason to update this blog.

So good night, sweet dreams, and hope I could finally get a peaceful and dreamless REM sleep tonight...

"STRONGER"

I'll make it through the rainy days

I'll be the one who stands here longer than the rest

When my landscape changes, rearranges

I'll be stronger than i've ever been

No more stillness, more sunlight,

Everything's gonna be alright

I know that there's gonna be a change

Better find your way out of your fear

If you wanna come with me

Then that's the way it's gotta be

I'm all alone and finally

I'm getting stronger

You'll come to see

Just what I can be

I'm getting stronger

Sometimes I feel so down and out

Like emotion that's been captured in a maze

I had my ups and downs

Trials and tribulations,

I overcome it day by day,

Feeling good and almost powerful

A new me, that's what i'm looking for

I didn't know what I had to do

I just knew I was alone

People around me

But they didn't care

So I searched into my soul

I'm not the type of girl that will let them see her cry

It's not my style

I get by

See i'm gonna do this for me...


-Sugababes-

Kung Fu Panda

If any of you hadn't had the chance to watch this movie, my advice is: Go watch it pronto!! Recently managed to squeeze in some entertainment time from study break, and so opted for this much talked about movie for the much needed stress relief and see what's all the hype about it. And let me tell you, I was practically in stitches throughout the whole thing. Good comic relief indeed...

I won't do a review of the movie here as you can browse the web for a more comprehensive review and I also don't want to give out too many spoilers for those who haven't watch the movie yet, but I just want to share about the things that made me go "Awwwwww.........." while I was watching it.

One: It features animals, talking animals mind you, and Po is oh-so-darn-cute and cuddly! I can imagine if I were to have a man like that there's nothing more that I would love to do than use his love-handles as my pillow, heheh. There's more of him to love, you know... ^_^

Two: The storyline of how an underdog and a normal individual would at the end of the day be someone and accomplish something that no one would have ever thought he would ever succeed in doing it just warms the heart. It shows that through sheer will and perseverance, and also through the trust and compassion from the others around you, nothing is impossible and unaccomplishable. You are what you want to be, trust in yourself and that's the best gift of all...

Three: The witty dialogue and repartee, and the individual quirks of each character in this movie, especially the laid-back and eager Po, his stern-yet-quirky Sifu, and the very wise but very-vague-talking-in-riddles Master makes it an enjoyable watch. The fact that the Sifu actually uses Po's weakness for food against him to train Po was ingenious! And you know what, I actually was craving some kaya/red bean/curry chicken pau while watching them in training! Hahaha...

Four: Check out the original voices for the characters. Great casts and they did a swell job.

So, those are the things that I love about Kung Fu Panda. Do you share my opinion, or do you think it's highly overrated and it is just watchable? Oh well, to each his own I guess. One can't force one's opinion onto another, but do watch it if you're seeking for a light-weight comic relief. Highly recommended, though I won't guarantee that you won't be craving for a pau or a bowl of slurpy noodles once you're done watching...

Po: Sifu, sifu, don't die!

Sifu: Stop it! I'm not dead you idiot.....errrrr Dragon Warrior!

hehehehehe...

Purpose Driven Marriage

This was forwarded by a friend through an email:

She has it all planned...

THE 84 YEAR-OLD BRIDE

The local news station was interviewing an 84 year-old lady because she had just gotten married -- for the fourth time.

The interviewer asked her questions about her life, about what it felt like to be married again at 84, and then about her new husband's occupation.

"He's a funeral director," she answered.

"Interesting," the newsman thought.

He then asked her if she wouldn't mind telling him a little about her first three husbands and what they did for a living.

She paused for a few moments, needing time to reflect on all those years.

After a short time, a smile came to her face and she answered proudly, explaining that she first married a banker when she was in her early 20's, then a circus ringmaster when in her 40's, later on a preacher when in her 60's, and now, in her 80's, a funeral director.

The interviewer looked at her, quite astonished, and asked why she had married four men with such diverse careers.

"Easy son," she smiled.

"I married one for the money...two for the show...three to get ready...and four to go!"

If only it's as simple as that, heheh... ^_^

The New 7 Wonders of the World

Have always wondered which are the new ones. Someone sent this last year, but typical me just opened, read, and closed it with very minimal attention. So, as I was cleaning my inbox I found this again and might as well post it here for my personal future reference. ^_^

The New 7 Wonders of the World announced during the Official Declaration ceremony in Lisbon , Portugal on Saturday, July 7, 2007 - 07.07.07.


1. THE TAJ MAHAL, INDIA

2. THE ROMAN COLLOSEUM, ITALY

3. PETRA, JORDAN

4. MACHU PICHU, PERU

5. THE GREAT WALL, CHINA

6. CHRIST REDEEMER, BRAZIL

7. CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO

I've only been to one of the wonders of the world. And my dream is to visit all these places before I kick the bucket (after completing my Haj, of course)...

So, anyone kind enough to sponsor a trip? ;P

Divorce Letters...from both parties

This was a good one ^_^


Dear Wife:

I'm writing you this letter to tell you that I'm leaving you for good.
I've been a good man to you for seven years and I have nothing to show for it.
These last two weeks have been hell. Your boss called to tell me that you had quit your job today and that was the last straw.
Last week, you came home and didn't even notice that I had gotten a new hair cut, cooked your favorite meal, and even wore a brand new pair of silk boxers later that night.
You came home, nibbled at your food for two minutes, and went straight to sleep after watching all of your soaps.
You don't tell me you love me anymore, you don't want sex anymore or anything.
Either you're cheating on me or you don't love me.
Whichever is the case.....I'm gone.

Signed,
Your EX-Husband

P.S. Don't try to find me. Your sister and I are moving away to West Virginia together. Have a great life!

----------------------------------------------------------------------


Dear Ex-Husband:

Nothing has made my day more enjoyable than receiving your letter.
It's true that you and I have been married for seven years, although a 'good man' is a far cry from what you've been.
I watch my soaps so much because they drown out your constant whining and griping. It's just too bad it doesn't work.
Yes, I did notice when you got a hair cut last week,,,and actually the first thing that came to my mind was "You look just like a girl"... but my mother raised me not to say anything at all if you can't say anything nice.
And when you cooked my favorite meal, you must have gotten me confused with my SISTER, because I stopped eating pork seven years ago.
I turned away from you when you had those new silk boxers on because the price tag was still on them. I prayed that it was just a coincidence that my sister had just borrowed fifty dollars from
me that morning and your silk boxers were $49.99...
After all of this, I still loved you and felt that we could work it out.
So when I discovered that I had hit the lotto for twenty million dollars, I quit my job and bought us two tickets to Hawaii. But when I got home you were gone.
Everything happens for a reason I guess. I hope you have the fulfilling life you've always wanted.
My lawyer said with the letter that you wrote, you won't get a dime from me. So take care.

Signed:
Rich As Hell and Freeeeeeeeeeee!

P.S. I don't know if I ever told you this but my sister 'Carla'.....was born Carl. I hope that's not a problem for you.


HAHAHAHAHAHA.....PADAN MUKA!!!

Sinful Berries

Here it is, the most highly anticipated season of the year....

Yessss!! The STRAWBERRY season is here at last!!

I just loooooove strawberries, I think they are the most heavenly fruit ever existed. But mind you I'm talking only about the sweet succulent juicy ones that practically melts in your mouth as you take the first bite...yummmmmmm.....

Ways to enjoy this yummilicious fruit:

Uh oh, that's it! I am so running to the market to grab meself some fresh ones for dessert tonight...

p/s: Just out of curiosity, is it normal for a person to consume 1kg of strawberries in one sitting without developing any gastro-intestinal symptoms after that? If it's not, then thank goodness I'm abnormal!! *winks*

The Language of Women

DICTIONARY FOR WOMEN'S PERSONAL ADS:

40-ish ....................................................49
Adventurous ........................................Slept with all your friends
Athletic .................................................No boobs
Average looking ...................................Ugly
Beautiful ...............................................Pathological liar
Contagious Smile .................................Does a lot of pills
Emotionally secure .............................On medication
Feminist ...............................................Fat
Free spirit ............................................Junkie
Friendship first ...................................Former slut
Fun .......................................................Annoying
Gentle ..................................................Dull
New Age ..............................................Body hair in the wrong places
Open-minded .....................................Desperate
Outgoing ..............................................Loud and Embarrassing
Passionate ...........................................Sloppy drunk
Poet ......................................................Depressive
Professional .........................................Bitch
Romantic .............................................Frigid
Voluptuous ..........................................Very Fat
Large frame ........................................Hugely Fat
Wants Soul mate ................................Stalker
Widow ..................................................Murderer



WOMEN'S ENGLISH:

1. Yes = No
2. No = Yes
3. Maybe = No
4. We need = I want
5. I am sorry = You'll be sorry
6. We need to talk = You're in trouble
7. Sure, go ahead = You better not
8. Do what you want = You will pay for this later
9. I am not upset = Of course I am upset, you moron!
10. You're very attentive tonight = Is sex all you ever think about?



MEN'S ENGLISH:

1. I am hungry = I am hungry
2. I am sleepy = I am sleepy
3. I am tired = I am tired
4. Nice dress = Nice cleavage!
5. I love you = Let's have sex now
6. I am bored = Do you want to have sex?
7. May I have this dance? = I'd like to have sex with you
8. Can I call you sometime? = I'd like to have sex with you
9. Do you want to go to a movie? = I'd like to have sex with you
10. Can I take you out to dinner? = I'd like to have sex with you
11. Those shoes don't go with that outfit = I'm gay


And finally.....

A recent scientific study found that women find different male faces attractive depending on where they are in their menstrual cycle. For example, when a woman is ovulating she will prefer a man with rugged, masculine features. However when she is menstruating, she prefers a man doused in petrol and set on fire, with scissors stuck in his eye and a cricket stump shoved up his backside...


hahahahaha.....no wonder they say women are complex beings!! ROFL

POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!

To Be or Not To Be…..What was the question again?

As these fingers are typing away, there are a few words that literally flashed across this aging and forgetful mind of mine: Disbelief, Affronted, Amusement, and especially, Disappointment. Let’s just say, in all honesty, never in my life have I ever met with this kind of incredulity. I thought that nothing else in life would ever shock or surprise me anymore; not after a beloved father’s untimely death, not after going through all those obstacles and failures in life, and not even after a near death experience…twice! But boy-oh-boy, was I proved wrong. The absurdity of it all astounds me. Life sure has a few more tricks up its sleeves, and one of them was revealed just recently in, I might say, the most unbelievable circumstances ever. To disregard this matter completely is perhaps best for my sanity, but then again perhaps it is also best for me to just say what had been long-time coming…

So, without further ado, here it goes:

Firstly, I AM SORRY. For the things that I have done or said to people that have been hurt or presumed affronted by my actions (or non-actions). Believe me when I say that it was never intended, and I am after all only human. Maybe I should have done more, and maybe I should have done less. But past is past, and I can’t undo anything that has been done or said. To those who felt unappreciated; I’m sorry. To those who felt that my words and actions were sarcastic or rude; I’m sorry. Perfection is what we wish for, but to my own detriment I am far from it. But despite my flaws, I am who I am, take it or leave it. If some of you feel that my decision last night was based on a whim and due to what happened prior, you are all mistaken. This has in fact been considered, thought carefully and weighed upon, and that I feel for my own sake and sanity it’s better for me to bid adieu. I have no grudges against anyone, for to hold any kind of grudge is just a waste of my time and energy. Life is short, as short as it is that I might even exhale my last breath in my sleep tonight. So for now, all I can do is to hope that I might appeal to that hidden place in each and every one of you where forgiveness is not just a word but is achievable and is practiced. Alas, to each his own. But at least I have taken this first step and the rest is up to you.

Secondly, THANK YOU. For all your cooperation, hard work, participation and time that had been invested and spent during the stint in my post. I really appreciate everything that had been done in the name of the association. Thank you, and may your life be blessed with peace, joy and happiness…

OK. Since I’ve got THAT out of the way, now here are some things that might offend some of the more “soft-hearted” individuals who are reading this. So, kalau tak nak rasa pedasnya, tolong jangan baca apa yang ditulis kat bawah ni ya. En anglais: For those of you who can’t stand criticism or have a very sensitive nature, in order not to hurt your very sensitive souls, please STOP READING THIS POST HERE and DO NOT PROCEED ANY FURTHER. But for those of you who think that you are well equipped with your own sets of “bebola ikan”, PROCEED AT YOUR RISK. I hold no responsibilities for myocardial ischemic attacks or elevated blood pressure and tachycardia that might be hazardous to your health. Remember: YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

I realized now that maybe the time hasn’t come yet for a democratic style of leadership, and maybe a dictatorship style is more to your taste. I wanted to give power to the people, where freedom of speech is welcomed, and where each and every one of you are treated like decent, sane, bright, promising and responsible ADULTS. As sane adults, I expected a level of maturity and intelligence from you. As sane adults, if there is anything that is a cause of distress or dissatisfaction amongst you it could be discussed and be resolved until a probable and the best solution to the problem has been found. And as future physicians where you’ll have to deal with more important things like life and death, I expected more from you. But if ganging up, bickering, behind-the-back-talking is more of your style, oh well. I can’t do anything to change that, can I? No matter what we do there will still be some people who are so decidedly against us and will still have things to say that our good intentions would just fall into deaf ears and blank minds. And here I was reminded of what my grandma said; “Mulut tempayan kita boleh tutup tapi mulut orang kita tak boleh nak kawal…..” Ermmmmm……tokne, kalau kita pakai cellotape boleh tak? :))

Power is one potent and heady stuff, and second to money it is the most coveted in life. At least for some people it is. But I guess when too much power is given it has the ability to turn friends into foes, and buddies into enemies. Add a sum of money to that equation and what you get is a power struggle. To use the power that you have been given for something good is what it should be, but to wield it unwisely is dangerous. Sadly though, that is what we see a lot happening around us, so I guess it is easier to be the devil than the saint. But no matter what, I will still try to see the good in people even when there’s no hope, because to give up the idea of kindness and goodness would mean to give up hope on humanity. Come on people, we can do better than this, don’t you think?

So now people, the power has been given to you. Do what you want with it, it’s yours to use and wield. Choose wisely. You are the future, and if this is all that you have to show for, I pray and hope that the future won’t be as bleak as I see it could be if you go down this path of yours...

So, to all of you wounded and yet-to-grow-up souls, Good Luck, God Bless, and May one day you will realize that growing up and being an adult is not so bad after all…

Oh, and for those sensitive souls whom have been stubbornly disregarding my warnings and are still reading this and felt the “spicyness” of my words and thoughts, and also for those whom are wondering why I am putting up this post, this is what I have got to say:

This is my blog and my space so it’s my wish to write whatever that I want to. Deal with it.

August Rush

omg omg omg omg....

There are no proper words I could use to describe this movie, except that personally I think it is just AWE-INSPIRING, EXCEPTIONAL, MOVING, and truly truly truly EXCELLENT...

There are a lot of elements in this movie that truly touched me; the idea of music is everywhere and around us if only one would just listen, of love at first sight and still holding to that feeling even after years had gone by, and of the fact that there's no greater feeling then being able to feel belonged to someone, in this case even more so for this boy whom have been feeling lost and alone all of his life while waiting and believing that one day he will be reunited with his parents if they can only hear his music.

Go watch it and judge for yourself. Maybe to some people there are parts in this movie that feels too mystical for their taste, but watch it with an open mind and open heart, and you'll be surprised yourself of the emotions that would wash over you in the end...

Here is the part that I loved the most in this movie. Had tears in my eyes all through this part, it was just so wonderful and moving. Oh, just go and watch it, will ya!

My Daemon

Have recently watched The Golden Compass at the cinema with the girls. I've been waiting to watch this film since it came out but never had the chance. Suffice to say, I can't wait for the sequel! One thing that made me kinda love this story is that the idea of each and everyone of the human beings in the alternate world have their own Daemon, the soul that resides outside of their body in the form of an animal representing the characteristics of their own soul, most often an opposite gender from the humans. For example, if I were to be born in that world, my Daemon would be a male. Interesting huh?

Anyways, just for the fun of it, I decided to find out which animal my Daemon could be.

Surprise, surprise....it's a cat. Hmmm, would love it to be a white tiger though.....

Strength Of A Woman

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape, but ...

A woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything, but ...

A woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her, but ...

A woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future, but ...

A woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them.

A strong woman walks surefootedly, but ...

A woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face, but ...

A woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey, but ...

A woman of strength has faith that in the journey she will become strong.

-anonymous-

So, which one should we be? A strong woman or a woman of strength? Or a little bit of both? Sometimes its easier to be none of the above, and sometimes one doesn't have a choice but to be strong and have the strength to go on living. At times it's exhilarating when others tell you that you're strong, but at times you just wish that you aren't. The highway of life is not a straight one, it is full of twists and turns and bumps. So really, you don't have any choice but to get up and get going even after you've had that nasty fall. And so, does that makes you a strong person, or a person with strengths, or someone who has no choice but to deal with life's lessons no matter how hard it is? Hmmm, I wonder.....

The day when an acrophobic went skiing...

ACROPHOBIA

Definition: Acrophobia (from Greek ἄκρος, meaning summit) is an extreme or irrational fear of heights. It belongs to a category of specific phobias, called space and motion discomfort that share both similar etiology and options for treatment. Acrophobia can be dangerous, as sufferers can experience a panic attack in a high place and become too agitated to get themselves down safely.

(from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Now, if I were to say that I’m an acrophobic, it really made sense that any activities involving heights is something that I would never consider doing, ever. So that is why you have to understand why I would say that I am really proud of myself in being able to do something that I would have never done, even if I was under the influence of ethanolic substances. Well, maybe I would do it if it’s an absolute emergency, but voluntarily putting myself in danger? I think not!

And people, NO, I’m not talking about something illegal here, ok. Come on lah, I’m talking about skiing...



THE VATRA DORNEI TRIP

Skiing? Me? If you had asked me before this, those two words would never have the chance to be in the same sentence of possibilities, i.e. Me skiing is an almost impossible and ridiculous notion. Never in my life would I have imagined my first time on the slopes would be here in Romania. But as far as first times go, I think this would be the most memorable one...

Started out waking up early to prepare but managed to be at the gara just in the nick of time (thank you asem for your early morning sprint! :-D), the lovely train ride with its magnificent snowy mountain views, and the hike up to the villa that we are supposed to be staying for the 2 nights. The air is fresher there, and the ambience was quite lovely. I would say that it’s a charming quaint little town, though it has its share of modernization (there’s a Fidelio outlet there lah people). As lovely as the sightseeing was, I think skiing was on most of their minds. But due to the fact that it was freezing cold out that day, it was decided that we would go skiing the next day.

After a hearty lunch, we headed straight to the ski park. Boy oh boy, I really can’t tell you how big the butterflies were in my stomach when I first saw the slopes. All the way I’ve been saying that “There’s no way I’m gonna be doing this people, no way…”, but when they were all strapping their boots and ski gears, I just thought, “What the heck!” and finally succumbed to put on those chunky robotic looking boots when a pair of those boots in my size were handed to me. Thump, thump, thump…..

“What in the world have I gotten myself into?!” was the first thought when, fully equipped, we all went out from the cabin with our skiing gears. And guess what; then and there one of us had the first fall, poor thing. I was so engrossed in keeping myself balanced and trying not to fall, looking very awkward and foolish, that some sweet guys took pity on me and showed me some tricks to maneuver those things. Thanks guys, but knowing is one thing, trying to make your body doing what you have learned is another thing.

But you know what the funny thing was, I really didn’t give two hoots about how ridiculous I looked or if others were laughing at me. In my mind there were only these things – get up safely without slipping, putting on my skis correctly, skiing down on my two feet and arrive safely at the foot of the slopes without any broken body parts. Well, no guesses as I managed to do it all except for the skiing down on my two feet part. Yup, I fell on my butt and/or my back countless times. Oh, but I did managed to ski down without falling once, at last, but that was after maybe the umpteenth times tumbling down. And then there was this one time that I actually continued to slide downwards on my back after I fall. Ouch! Yeah, embarrassing, I know, but not as embarrassing as being helped by a group of teenagers who can’t stop giggling at my antics. Yeah, it happened...

But then, after introducing ourselves and a brief how are you session, they turned out to be sweet young things and showed me how to ski. It was really nice of them and sweet too, but it really tickled me when they asked how old am I, if I’m there with my parents and which school I go to. Huh? School? Yeah, junior high school. Me. You should have seen the open mouthed astonished looks on their faces when I told them my age, priceless I tell you. I mean, people have been telling me that I look young, but a high school teenager?! Gosh, I haven’t been one in ages! Heheh…. At the end of the day we were sorry to leave the park, but I don’t think I would fancy a night skiing experience just yet. And as we parted our ways, the kids once again demonstrated their warmth and kindness by inviting me to celebrate Christmas (which was the day after the next) with them and their families. Aww, so sweet…but regretfully I had to decline as we had already bought our tickets for tomorrow.

All in all, this trip really was an experience that I would never forget. Not because of the bumps and bruises that thankfully have healed, but for the first time in my life I went skiing and also for the fun that I had on this trip with my buddies.

So, here’s to you guys….

- Asem: Thank you for early morning 100m dash with our bags!

- Dharma: Waaah…you ski like a pro lah, bro!

- Ganaga: Up for another round of the ‘Dinosaur adventure game’ anytime soon? I know I’m not! Gosh, it was really crazy, wasn’t it? But I really had fun lah, thanks for the very-much-needed laughter…

- Pandian: Thank you for persuading us to go when I nearly changed my mind and not go. I owe you one. Terima kasih, Mr. Tour Guide …

- Suzz & Loga: Next time if we go again we’ll make sure we borong the whole town ok! Oh, and I really like your bumble-bee boots!

- Ju: Glad you had fun skiing too. If you guys wanna know, this is one daring girl lah. Really lah ju, if it were me rolling down with my head over heels sumpah I won’t go skiing again. Hmmm, but I guess berbaloi kot main kat tempat tinggi-tinggi sbb “pemandangan” dia sungguh lah menarik nya, betul tak….

Thanks for the lovely time you guys! So, where are we going next? ;-)

And here are the photos :)